In order to transition to a strong technology-driven knowledge economy, Pakistan must focus on the manufacture and export of high-tech (high value-added) products for export.

This requires us to acquire the highest level of expertise in new and emerging technologies to be able to leapfrog into the future. We must also establish a clear roadmap for our development after carrying out a proper well-designed ‘foresight’ exercise, as per international norms.

This process must be repeated, and our strategies adjusted at regular intervals, so that we keep abreast of the changing dynamics and new challenges.

Economic prosperity now depends almost entirely on high-quality education, science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The world of discovery is a vast and ever-expanding domain encompassing various sectors, each contributing to the advancement of human knowledge and technology.

From new materials to space engineering – from biotechnology to autonomous vehicles – recent developments across these emerging sectors have been nothing short of astounding.

In the case of materials science, let us consider the example of graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Graphene exhibits extraordinary strength, flexibility, and conductivity, making it ideal for applications in electronics, energy storage and medical devices.

Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, has revolutionized various industries with its ability to engineer materials and devices at the atomic and molecular levels. Recent advancements in nanotechnology include the development of targeted drug delivery systems for cancer treatment, ultra-sensitive sensors for detecting environmental pollutants, and high-efficiency solar cells for renewable energy generation.

Nanomaterials such as quantum dots and carbon nanotubes hold promise for applications in electronics, photonics and........

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