Just as the space and nuclear races defined the geopolitical order of the twentieth century, the order of this century will be shaped by the rise of quantum computing. Countries are competing for supremacy in this technology that have the potential to deliver extraordinary scientific breakthroughs as well as new forms of economic, strategic, and military power. For Pakistan, participation in the quantum competition has become essential for both survival and progress rather than remaining at the crossroads of vulnerability. Quantum computing is driven by qubits and entanglement which can perform tasks at speeds much more than the classical systems. This revolution has the capacity to redefine security, economics, and geopolitics with intensity similar to that of the space and nuclear races of the past.
Countries are also investing in quantum computing after recognizing the strategic importance of this technology. The United States is actively participating in quantum research by supporting private companies such as Google, IBM and Microsoft through the National Quantum Initiative Act.. China has also made breakthroughs with the Jiuzhang photonic quantum computer. It has emerged as one of the leading competitor to the United States by pioneering secure communications through the Micius Satellite. Europe is also participating in this race with a €1 billion Quantum Flagship program. Meanwhile, India, identifying the strategic nature of this technology, has dedicated noteworthy resources for its defence system and artificial intelligence. Quantum computing competition is not only about scientific research but also a new kind of strategic asset to control the next era of military supremacy, cybersecurity, technology, and artificial intelligence.
For Pakistan, the consequences of this global competition are concerning as well as motivating. However, cybersecurity could be the most immediate concern. Once fully developed, quantum machines will be capable of breaking encryption systems such as RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman), eroding the digital structure that supports banking systems, national databases, and defence communications.
Pakistan is especially vulnerable, as it often faces persistent cyber threats. Therefore, the development of quantum-safe cryptography and building quantum key distribution are essential steps for the Pakistan to protect its strategic resources as well as its nuclear command-and-control systems. For this purpose, Pakistan can collaborate with China, which is already advancing in quantum infrastructures and can support Pakistan in this emerging field of warfare.
Even though the quantum computing proposes applications in nearly all fields important to the national development, its importance for Pakistan extends far beyond defence. For a country which is struggling with chronic health problems, the potential for quantum system emulations to speed up drug and therapy development might revolutionize the healthcare sector.
Quantum models have the potential to completely change the drug discovery by reproducing the structures of molecules with unprecedented accuracy. These developments can transform the healthcare sector of Pakistan, as there is still a lack of affordable medication, overcome long-standing health concerns.
Pakistan is among the most vulnerable states where climate change has become a serious concern. The advancements in quantum computing can provide modeling for the management of water resources, agricultural planning, as well as flood prediction. These applications are incredibly significant, as agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.
Quantum algorithms can also bring change in the energy sector by optimizing distribution networks as well as improving renewable energy system design. This is especially important for Pakistan as it has been facing structural inefficiencies and energy shortages. Quantum computing can also enhance trade by improving transportation routes, supply chain logistics, andproductivity in developments such as China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
The progress in Pakistan is still limited, despite these potentials. Quantum research needs highly advanced computer infrastructure, massive funding, and special laboratories.
In these areas, Pakistan still needs to work a lot. Moreover, there is also a need for a coherent national quantum strategy which would provide direction in this field. While global powers are investing billions in quantum computing, Pakistan is experiencing brain drain as scientists and scholars move abroad for better opportunities.
The government should take urgent measures to prevent marginalization in the field of technology. Pakistan should also establish a national quantum initiative at the policy level. This initiative should be established under the Ministry of Science and Technology, which must coordinate between the defence institutions, private industry, universities, to ensure resource efficiency and ensuring alignment.
Education can play a decisive role in building a quantum program for the country. There should be establish specialized programs for mathematics, physics, and computer sciences by the government to create national research centres focusing on quantum science. For the development of quantum infrastructure, international cooperation is also important. For this purpose, partnership with China is crucial. But there should also be collaboration with Western universities as well as technology firms to maximize opportunities for knowledge transfer and training.
The importance of quantum computing has also increased because of the evolution of AI, as it can assess massive datasets which are important for government purposes, public health, counterterrorism, as well as urban planning. The IT sector of Pakistan is growing rapidly. If positioned strategically, it can become the regional hub for AI–quantum research and attract foreign investment and talent. Globalcompanies such as Google and IBM are offers cloud-based platforms for quantum research. These platforms can enable Pakistani institutions to begin with quantum algorithms without massive funding and set-up. Pakistan should safeguard national quantum infrastructure before it mature internationally by transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography.
The importance of quantum computing for Pakistan can be divided into three interconnected realms. First, national security: as in the future, defence systems and cybersecurity will be defined by a country’s quantum capabilities. Second, economic competition: in which energy, healthcare, agriculture, and planning can be transformed. And third, scientific advancement: Pakistan must decide if to remain dependent on international systems or make its own indigenous quantum research system.
As nuclear technology has reshaped Pakistan’s strategic position in the 20th century, quantum computing has the same potential to redefine the course of the 21st century. It would exhibit national vulnerabilities if Pakistan remained a bystander in the global race of quantum computing.
While heavy investments may not be needed initially, targeted and focused small initiatives could allow Pakistan to play a meaningful role in this transformative technological shift.
Author: Aroona Khan is a researcher with an MPhil in American Studies. Her work focuses on International Relations, geopolitics, and emerging technologies, with particular emphasis on the strategic and developmental implications of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and digital security in South Asia. She has written on issues of technology, security, and global power competition, examining how innovation intersects with national development and strategic policy.
