ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), National University of Technology (NUTECH) and NED University of Engineering and Technology (NED UET), Karachi have signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of Pakistan's first-ever Centre for Industrial Innovation and AI (CIINAI). The initiative is being implemented by PIDC under the leadership of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan and is aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to transform Pakistan into a modern, technology-driven industrial economy. Addressing the ceremony, Haroon Akhtar Khan said the establishment of CIINAI marks a historic milestone in Pakistan's industrial development. He emphasized that under the National Industrial Policy, strengthening collaboration between industry, academia and research institutions remains one of the government's foremost priorities. CBD Punjab makes history with Pakistan's first LEED for Communities Gold Precertification He stated that the Center for Industrial Innovation and AI will play a transformative role in accelerating industrial modernization by integrating advanced manufacturing technologies, artificial intelligence and applied research under one platform. He added that the initiative will enhance industrial productivity, improve product quality, optimize manufacturing processes and strengthen Pakistan's competitiveness in international markets. Haroon Akhtar Khan said the government is committed to aligning Pakistan's industrial sector with global technological advancements and promoting the adoption of Artificial Intelligence across manufacturing industries. He remarked that strong partnerships between industry and universities form the foundation of a modern and knowledge-based economy. Soneri Bank empowers future leaders through financial literacy at TDF Junior Internship Programme He further highlighted that the Center will create new opportunities for engineers, researchers, innovators and industrialists while fostering innovation, technical excellence and workforce development. Equipped with advanced manufacturing machinery and AI-driven technologies, CIINAI will help integrate Pakistan into the global industrial AI and 3D manufacturing value chain. The Center will be established by PIDC at its Korangi Creek Industrial Park (KCIP), Karachi, where it will function as a Common Facility and Training Centre. It will provide industrial AI solutions, advanced manufacturing support services, applied research and development, technical training and capacity-building programmes under a sustainable operational model. Umeed-e-Sehar expresses concern over recent discussions in Senate on tobacco policy The MoU was signed by Chief Executive Officer, PIDC, Rizwan Ahmed Bhatti, Registrar, NUTECH, Brig (r) Salman Zafar, and Vice Chancellor, NED UET, Prof Dr Muhammad Tufail. Under the collaborative framework, PIDC will establish and manage the Center while NUTECH and NED UET will provide research, innovation and technical expertise, creating a robust ecosystem linking academia, research and industry. Haroon Akhtar Khan reaffirmed that the government will continue to extend every possible support for the promotion of advanced technologies, innovation and industrial research. He expressed confidence that CIINAI would become a national model for future collaboration and remain open to partnerships with leading national and international universities and research institutions. K-Electric's industrial segment consumption hits record high in FY26 He concluded that the establishment of the Center for Industrial Innovation and AI represents a new chapter in Pakistan's industrial transformation and will contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth, increased exports and the creation of high-quality employment opportunities for the country's youth.