China and Pakistan Work Together on Smart City Development Using AI

Pakistan-China Delegation Visits Beijing Urban Construction for Smart City Development

China and Pakistan work together to make cities smarter and safer using artificial intelligence (AI). This project is part of bigger plans called the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These plans aim to improve cities and how they are run.

In 2022, the CPInS Lab was started at the Pakistan National University of Science and Technology (NUST). NUST and the Guangzhou Institute of Software Application Technology created this lab. It’s a big step in using AI for research.

The lab is doing a lot of research now. Dr. Wu Jun, who runs the CPInS Lab, said they have made big improvements in things like controlling drones and recognizing things with AI. “We are starting to use smart city technology in Pakistan,” he said. This means they are starting to use AI in everyday life in Pakistan.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will also talk to Pakistan’s new government about lending them money. This shows that other countries are interested in Pakistan’s growth.

The project will use research to help local projects. It aims to bring in technology like bright street lights and cameras to improve city management.

Seemab Latif, in charge of the Pakistani side of the lab, said working together on science and technology is very important for Pakistan’s growth. “Working more with China can help Pakistan make big steps in science and technology,” Latif said. He thinks Pakistan can be a leader in AI in South Asia.

The lab is using Chinese technology to start innovative city projects in Pakistan. This includes better traffic management and checking on infrastructure. They have already begun testing technology that recognizes license plates and provides security, making life safer and more convenient for people in Pakistan.

Dr. Wu discussed a project: a drone-supported system for managing disasters in real-time. This could help Pakistan deal with floods better.

The project is not just about bringing technology from China to Pakistan. It also includes training people. Four Pakistani researchers are already working in Guangzhou, and there are plans to get more students in the future.

Sahar Ershad, a researcher at the lab, is excited about the different projects they are working on. This includes detecting activities, recognizing how people walk, checking license plates, and managing waste. This shows the wide range of AI applications.

As Pakistan builds more infrastructure, there’s a big chance to use AI. The CPInS Lab is leading the way in this new area, hoping to make Pakistan a center for AI development in South Asia and beyond. This effort by China and Pakistan is not just about making cities smarter. It’s also about how working together can use technology to make life better for everyone.