By Qamar Bashir
As I perused today’s newspapers, a glimmer of hope and inspiration sparked within me upon discovering the proactive stance taken by certain institutions in Muslim countries, particularly Pakistan, towards recognizing the significance of Cybersecurity, 5G technology, and Artificial Intelligence. The news that caught my
attention was the signing of a partnership agreement between Huawei and COMSTECH. COMSTECH, established in 1981, represents the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation within the OIC
(Organization of Islamic Cooperation) and is based in Pakistan. While this agreement represents a forward-looking step, it also prompts several inquiries.
The query arises: why did the agreement specifically involve Huawei, rather than a
company from the US or Europe? The rationale behind this decision is
straightforward. China has established its dominance in both cyber defense and
cyber power, holding the top position according to the SecureWorld Index.
Furthermore, the Cyber Security Index (CSI) by e-Governance Academy
highlights China's ranking at second place, attributed in part to Huawei's
substantial contributions to government cybersecurity initiatives.
Now, why Huawei? Huawei's trajectory is nothing short of remarkable. Originating
as a distributor of imported telecommunications equipment in 1987, the company
rapidly evolved into a global cybersecurity leader. Its journey began with a shift
towards innovation in the 1990s, securing its footing in the Chinese market and
introducing its inaugural GSM switch and mobile phone. Throughout the early
2000s, Huawei intensified its focus on research and development, emerging as a
significant player in mobile networks and acquiring network businesses from
Compaq and 3Com. By 2010, it had established the Global Cyber Security and
User Privacy Protection Committee (GSPC). In the subsequent decade, Huawei
dominated in 4G network equipment, although facing scrutiny regarding its
affiliations with the Chinese government, and notably launched Cyber Security
Transparency Centers.
The underlying reason for signing an agreement on 5G technology with Huawei
can be found in the diverse international rankings pertaining to both China and
Huawei's standing. China has secured the top spot in various reports, such as
GSMA Intelligence's December 2023 report on the deployment of 5G base
stations. Additionally, it leads in the number of declared standard-essential 5G
patents, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) 2022
report. European 5G Observatory's 2023 assessment showcases China's rank at the
forefront in terms of the percentage of time users spend on 5G networks, while the
Global Internet Development Report 2023 positions it as second in a
comprehensive evaluation encompassing internet infrastructure, access, and usage.
Huawei stands as a leading global provider of 5G network equipment, highlighted
by its top position in various metrics. GlobalData's 2023 report ranks Huawei first
in the market share of 5G network equipment vendors, while Clarivate's 2022
findings position Huawei at the forefront in the number of 5G standard-essential
patents (SEPs). Furthermore, Huawei leads in evaluating key 5G Radio Access
Network (RAN) capabilities such as baseband capacity, RF product portfolio, ease
of deployment, and technology evolution, securing the top position in overall
contributions to 5G development among numerous other accolades.
The rationale behind signing an Agreement on Artificial Intelligence (AI) with
Huawei can be elucidated through various international rankings of China and
Huawei's AI prowess. China's global standing in AI is noteworthy, ranking 2nd in
the Nature Index 2023 concerning the number of AI-related research publications
and citations. Moreover, according to the Brookings Institution Report on Global
AI Governance 2023, China secures the top spot in government investment in AI
research and development, policy frameworks, and talent acquisition. The World
Economic Forum's 2023 AI Talent Report also positions China at the pinnacle in
terms of the number of AI researchers, engineers, and developers, among other
accolades.
Huawei maintains a robust position in the global AI landscape, ranking 3rd in
patent ownership and offering a diverse AI product portfolio with a notable 5th
global market share. Additionally, Huawei has gained industry recognition through
various awards and partnerships, showcasing its commitment to research,
innovation, and collaboration despite facing competition and geopolitical
uncertainties. This dedication cements Huawei's stature as a key player in the
continuously evolving realm of AI.
In today's digital-centric world, Pakistan's investment in Cyber Security, 5G, and
AI isn't just a choice; it's a fundamental necessity for its future. Picture a scenario
where critical infrastructure falls prey to cyberattacks, financial systems are
hijacked by ransomware, and national security faces breaches. These aren't fanciful
tales; they are harsh realities faced by nations ill-equipped for the digital
battleground. For Pakistan, Cyber Security isn't an option; it's a critical national
interest. It's the safeguarding of its digital economy's core, the protection of its
citizens' well-being, and the defense of its data sovereignty in a world where
boundaries are porous and threats lurk in the shadows of cyberspace. Investing in
Cyber Security goes beyond firewalls and encryption; it's about fortifying a
stronghold of awareness, resilience, and global collaboration. It's empowering
citizens, nurturing a culture of cyber hygiene, and cultivating a skilled workforce
to fend off the constantly evolving digital threats. In an era where every online
action leaves a trace, Cyber Security in Pakistan isn't just a need; it's a national
imperative. It's the distinction between vulnerability and invincibility, between
trailing behind and leading the charge towards a secure, prosperous digital future.
For Pakistan, 5G signifies more than just a technological upgrade; it marks a
monumental stride forward. It's the vital link connecting vibrant urban hubs to
remote villages, fostering economic expansion, and unlocking a future brimming
with innovation. Envision lightning-speed internet empowering farmers with AI-
driven precision in agriculture and enabling remote diagnostics for doctors in rural
clinics. Picture a Pakistan where smart grids efficiently manage energy,
autonomous vehicles navigate bustling streets, and education transcends
boundaries via immersive virtual classrooms. 5G isn't merely about speed; it's
about unleashing a nation's potential, propelling Pakistan to shift from a follower to
a leader in the digital era. It's about bridging the digital gap, connecting those
untouched by technology, and ushering in an era of innovation that will reshape
lives and redefine possibilities. This isn't just technological advancement; it's a
national necessity, an opportunity for Pakistan to surge ahead and rightfully claim
its place as a technology-driven leader on the global stage.
In a world where algorithms steer the course, Pakistan's adoption of AI isn't merely
a fleeting trend; it's a seismic transformation in its trajectory. Picture AI not as a
remote sci-fi concept but as a potent tool shaping the nation's destiny. Envision
farmers using AI-powered drones to optimize yields, doctors employing AI-driven
diagnostics to reach remote areas, and engineers leveraging AI-driven robots to
build a smarter, sustainable Pakistan. This isn't just a futuristic vision; it's the
tangible promise of AI. For Pakistan, AI isn't solely about automation; it's about
enhancement. It's about amplifying human capacity, empowering citizens to
surmount limitations, and propelling them toward a future where innovation knows
no bounds. AI isn't just a marvel of technology; it's an equalizer, a catalyst for
leveling the playing field, and a key to unlocking the untapped genius within every
Pakistani. Investing in AI isn't just about algorithms and programming; it's about
nurturing an environment of creativity, fostering collaboration between academia
and industry, and cultivating a talent pool fluent in the language of the future. In a
world where data holds immense value, Pakistan's journey with AI isn't just a
technical pursuit; it's a strategic necessity. It marks the difference between trailing
on the fringes of the digital revolution and assuming a global leadership role in its
transformative potential. This isn't solely a technological shift; it's a national
awakening, a clarion call for a future where AI empowers, elevates, and propels
Pakistan toward a brighter, more intelligent tomorrow.
In the dawn of Pakistan's embarkation on the journey towards high-speed progress
in Cybersecurity, 5G technology, and Artificial Intelligence, lies a transformative
potential that transcends mere technological advancement. This moment is not just
about upgrading systems; it's a pivotal juncture where the nation chooses the path
to secure its digital sovereignty, harness the power of connectivity, and unleash the
untapped potential of innovation. As Pakistan embraces the digital tide, fortified by
cybersecurity, propelled by 5G, and guided by AI, it's not merely adopting
technologies; it's forging a destiny where resilience, connectivity, and ingenuity
converge to shape a brighter, smarter, and more prosperous tomorrow.
