Haroon Akhtar Khan Highlights Pakistan’s Path to Digital Manufacturing and Global Competitiveness
Islamabad : Special assistant to Haroon Akhtar Khan underscored that the very future of manufacturing is being redefined through digital transformation. He emphasized that the theme “From Concept to Product” is not merely a slogan, but a transformative model that will help Pakistan accelerate time-to-market, reduce costs, and build global credibility to expand exports.
Highlighting international examples, he said countries such as the UK, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore have successfully transformed their economies through industrialization. China’s rapid rise, driven by bold policy shifts in the late 20th century, stands as the most recent and dramatic case of lifting millions out of poverty through manufacturing-led growth. Pakistan, he added, stands today at a similar crossroads, with abundant human capital, strategic location, and natural resources.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan has launched its first-ever comprehensive industrial policy, designed to create a robust and competitive industrial ecosystem. This policy, Khan noted, reflects Pakistan’s ambition to integrate into the Fourth Industrial Revolution by moving from traditional assembly-line production to design-led, connected, and technology-driven manufacturing.
The summit showcased advanced technologies including 3D scanning, additive manufacturing, and zero-defect production—which will allow Pakistani manufacturers to achieve millimeter-level precision, reduce prototyping time from weeks to days, and deliver export-ready products at scale.
“Every partnership formed here today is a step toward ensuring Pakistan’s industries do not just survive the next decade of global competition, but lead it,” Khan remarked. He added that Pakistan’s SMEs will be empowered through shared digital platforms and accredited labs, enabling them to meet international standards and become certified suppliers in global value chains.
He further emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to aligning diplomacy with industrial delivery. Following the Prime Minister’s recent visit to China, the government is actively pursuing industrial relocation, co-development, and technology transfer, moving swiftly from MoUs to operational clusters with production-ready outputs in record time.
Addressing various stakeholders, Mr. Khan said:
To international partners: “Bring your platforms, standards, and products—let Pakistan qualify for the world.”
To domestic manufacturers: “Embrace the digital workflow—scan, design, build, certify, and scale with confidence.”
To universities and training institutes: “Align curricula with industry needs and introduce micro-credentials that translate directly into jobs.”
The Chief Guest concluded with a call to action: “The world is moving ahead exponentially—we cannot afford to be left behind. The time for transformation is now.”
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
