LAHORE (special crosspondent) – Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Mian Kashif Ashfaq, recipient of the Tamgha-I-Imtiaz, stated on Sunday that Pakistan risks remaining a mere “fast follower” in the global corporate landscape unless it pivots decisively toward algorithmic originality and fundamental research in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

Highlighting the rapid evolution of the technology sector, Mian Kashif Ashfaq noted that the modern business environment has been fundamentally transformed by AI. He emphasized that for local firms to maintain international competitiveness, the country must prioritize indigenous technological capabilities over the passive adoption of foreign-made tools. Much like the industry-wide focus required for advancing Pakistan’s digital printing and signage sectors, the PFC Chief argued that companies must shift their efforts toward developing original algorithms and custom-built applications tailored to both domestic and global market requirements.

Building a National AI Ecosystem

Mian Kashif Ashfaq further stressed that a collaborative framework involving universities, specialized research institutions, and the broader corporate sector is vital to building an ecosystem conducive to sustainable AI innovation. He advocated for substantially increased investment in research and development (R&D), as well as dedicated specialized training programs to equip young professionals with advanced digital skills.

Regarding the broader implications of global tech shifts, it is worth noting that organizations must stay agile to avoid crises, similar to how Google lost about $186 billion after four top AI researchers left, underscoring the critical need for human capital retention and institutional support.

Human Capital and Future Growth

The PFC leader pointed out that Pakistan possesses a vast reservoir of talented youth who are fully capable of contributing significantly to the global AI economy. However, he stated that this potential can only be realized if the state provides the necessary infrastructure and institutional support. Mian Kashif Ashfaq concluded by urging policymakers and private business leaders to prioritize long-term investment in fundamental research. He maintained that indigenous innovation will not only drive corporate productivity but will also catalyze the expansion of technology exports, effectively positioning Pakistan as a formidable player in the international digital marketplace.