The world is changing rapidly, and technology is transforming every single day: SACM
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Science & Technology and Information Technology, Dr. Shafqat Ayaz, has said that in today’s world, the only path to success and development is through embracing innovation; otherwise, nations and institutions fall behind. He emphasized that “Innovate or Die” is not just a slogan but a practical reality that is shaping the developed world.
Dr. Shafqat Ayaz stated that the world is changing rapidly, and technology is transforming every single day. Fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cybersecurity, Robotics, and Biotechnology are the domains in which only those countries that embrace innovation will dominate the future. He warned that if we fail to incorporate innovation in our educational, industrial, and governmental systems in time, we will remain mere consumers rather than creators and leaders.
He cited the example of the world-famous mobile company Nokia, which was once the largest and most successful company in the world. However, when the world was moving toward smartphones and advanced technology, Nokia neglected innovation. So much so that in his final address, Nokia’s CEO remarked: “We didn’t do anything wrong, but somehow, we lost.” The reality was that Nokia did not make mistakes—they simply failed to innovate. That, he said, was the biggest reason for their downfall.
Dr. Shafqat Ayaz said that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched various projects, including the Digital Skills Initiative, to provide world-class training to its youth. The objective of these projects is not only to provide employment but also to instill a culture of innovation, enabling young people to create new ideas and offer modern solutions to society.
He stressed that old thinking and outdated systems are no longer sufficient. Research, development, startup culture, and technology incubation must be promoted within institutions.
Dr. Ayaz further added that Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, fully supports this vision and has assured all possible cooperation to ensure that the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are not left behind in today’s competitive global environment.
Finally, Dr. Shafqat Ayaz urged young people not to remain job-seekers only but to become job-creators through innovation and creative ideas. He concluded that this is the mindset that will transform KP into a prosperous and developed region.
