It’s not right to talk about Pakistan or the Metaverse at the same time. This is because the Metaverse is an upcoming the pinnacle of human technology and the first is still a developing nation that is caught in what appears to be a constant cycle of geopolitical as well as economic tension. It appears Pakistan is the final nation to be a part of in the Metaverse in any way or shape or.
But, the problems facing Pakistan are already well-known. This article aims to create a better path for the future, and not rant over the present or even the current situation.
What is the Metaverse?
The Metaverse is the next step to the present-day Internet. Consider it as the Metaverse as a world of interconnected virtual words. Just as smartphones users switch between apps in mobile gadgets, Metaverse users will jump from one place to the next without having to go back to the real world.
Who is the person who is creating this Metaverse?
Many companies. The state of technology is rapidly moving in a way it’s as if the Metaverse is forming as a matter of fact. This is similar to how the Internet was born in the 90s through the interaction of growing expectations of consumers, and the fusion of numerous technological developments in the decades prior. These same demand and supply forces are working now. While we’re beginning to recognize the signs of the Metaverse and our children will be able to see it fully blooming.
Do not view the Metaverse simply as an imaginary twin of your present life. Instead, think of it as an array of alternate reality with a myriad of possibilities and psychological consequences. The Metaverse is going to alter the way humans are interacting with technologies, each other as well as with the rest of the world. It could even change the definition of what a universe is.
What is the significance of the Metaverse?
It’s important due to the value of economics that is to be redeemed. I’ll show this by comparing.
The introduction of the Internet led to the transformation of many industries “digital”. In the past, 30 years later, approximately 15% of the world’s economy is completely digital, while the other 85 per cent is enhanced by digital technology. The Internet’s footprint is all over the world.
We can expect the Metaverse to overtake the world economy at a similar rate and in the same timeframe.
In addition, if the move to digital was a significant change then this one will be more significant due to the growing importance of technology to the economy. Some believe that the Metaverse to generate greater than 10 trillion dollars of value, as well as tens of million of jobs.
The financial pie that is available for grabs is huge that the Metaverse is likely to shake up the world order between the governments and the corporate world. In this new order will come the opportunity to a growing nation like Pakistan.
In Pakistan’s metaverse, Pakistan’s entrance Metaverse
When something has a high demand, the companies that are positioned to fulfill it will be the most lucrative rewards. It is therefore important to position yourself for the future that is near. This principle has turned around the fortunes of a number of nations during the digital revolution, with India and China as two examples from Pakistan’s neighboring countries.
A few years ago I made a list of innovative tech-related ideas to Pakistani decision makers. My proposal was however too large, requiring lots of resources and bandwidth. Pakistan was not prepared to accept the idea (nor is it even ready). Therefore, taking note of this I’ve rethought my doctrine. I’m now of the opinion that Pakistan should be able to consciously reduce its focus and concentrate on the technology that will define the future. In the absence of this, it is expanding itself too thin. It is essential to be light and focused will be the requirement today.
In light of this, here are some recommendations for Pakistani state:
- Create an Think tank State officials must be aware of the metaverse before it can come up with decisions that are effective. First an official think tank is required. It can allow the government to speak with the experts of their choice without a lot of paperwork. The research of the think tank and its suggestions will assist the state to create a well-thought-out policy.
- Create the Metaverse Policy: Why is this policy required? First, to make the most of the new Metaverse economy. Second, to control virtual experiences that may cause harm to the psychosomatic system (for example, pornography within virtual reality). In addition, it is important to consider the collection of data, its usage, rights and penalties. The Metaverse will record more information about users as compared to social networks. Cameras, microphones and sensors will be able to record almost every move and every word, expression, and more within the metaverse. Pakistan requires a Metaverse-related policy immediately before tech giants move into Pakistan and pressure government officials to sign contracts that make Pakistan’s future a slave on the justification of globalization.
- Encourage service providers to offer incentives: Pakistan has a rapidly growing network of service suppliers in the field of IT. Their primary business is developing websites and apps to serve foreign customers. By using sweeteners, the government can encourage the developer community to build the portfolio consisting of Metaverse projects. This will ensure that a large majority of Pakistani service providers will eventually adapt to the Metaverse technology stack, assisting Pakistan gain a competitive advantage in the future.
- Align with academia: Huge advances in computational resources including blockchains, bandwidths as well as AI-driven optimisations are required to enable the Metaverse feasible. Additionally, the ability to master 3D and VR animations, modelling and APIs used in order to build immersive 3D experiences are also increasing in demand. Pakistani university research and curriculum should foster these talents for researchers. In this way, universities with technology could be required to offer relevant courses, or at the very least one course titled ‘Metaverse 101. If there’s the absence of knowledgeable instructors, a suitable online course or seminar could be made mandatory (for instance, Stanford’s). An insignificant start could eventually lead to an important curriculum overhaul as the Metaverse grows in the coming years.
I’ve kept these suggestions basic and low-fidelity. It is not realistic to expect massive overhauls in light of the current economic situation in Pakistan. Therefore, let’s start with small steps first , and put off major steps until the future.
Also Read: Software development house planned
Metaverse use instances for Pakistan
What sectors in Pakistan could benefit the most from Metaverse-related technologies? One obvious choice is the game development startup in Pakistan’s tech industry. What about something that isn’t obvious? Let’s explore:
- Education In Covid-19, we imposed “Zoom School all over the world however we quickly realized that it wasn’t able to replace the presence of the classroom. This is where the Metaverse shines. Immersive virtual realities surpass video calls by making your predominant senses feel as if you’re in the virtual world. I’ve seen jaws drop as people have this experience at first. To make use of this phenomenon, top-quality Pakistani universities could introduce one or two courses that are taught in VR directly. It could be a course that features guest lecturers from all over the world, offering unforgettable immersive interactive lectures to students. Be aware that the cheapest VR devices are priced twice as much as mid-priced smartphones. Therefore, it’s not out of the question to expect top-of-the-line Pakistani universities or schools to buy twelve VR devices to aid in learning. In the short term this will distinguish the institutions from those of their competitors. However, in the long term it will create the foundation for them to utilize the Metaverse in unimaginable ways.
- Real estate The most effective method to demonstrate this is to use an illustration. In July, the UAE’s biggest real estate firm Damac announced the making of a 100 million dollar investment in the Metaverse technology. Damac’s GM explained the reason for the investment “we are able to sell AED 100 million per month via Zoom calls without the use of any immersive technology. With the Metaverse we could offer AED 700-800 million per month to clients in California, New York, or Miami”. This logic also applies to Pakistan due to the fact that it is awash with the real estate market in Pakistan is for foreign investment.
- Fashion and clothing As the Metaverse begins to take off, it will also take off the virtual fashion. Already, we’re witnessing virtual fashion brands such as “dressx” creating a buzz as well as virtual influencers such as “lilmiquela'” acting as muses to designers on Instagram. Pakistan is a growing industry of fashion, and designers are earning international recognition over the past few time. Growing into influencers and virtual fashion could create new avenues of revenue for designers, and help them build an image of innovation for their international clients.
- Security and defence: Pakistan has an established combat aircraft program with a an expanding export market which virtual reality simulators are expected to increase. Additionally, engineers from organizations like The Institute of Optronics should consider incorporating the augmented reality (AR) capabilities into thermal and night vision equipment they’re working on. There’s also a lot of potential for AR-enhanced training systemsthat range from traditional combat training to anti-terrorism activities. The technology developed could eventually be exported in addition to spilling onto economic activity in the region. I know that military research is classified. Maybe the Pakistani defense sector is developing these ideas.
- Tourism Think of 3D movies and VR that show flying like a bird through valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan and even climbing Himalayan mountains, or exploring the most picturesque camping sites in Pakistan. This technology lets anyone around the globe experience the country’s natural beauty from their own home. This kind of marketing will naturally draw a lot of attention and arouse interest in Pakistan’s tourism. Be aware the fact that promotion of tourism is typically tax-funded, therefore the government should play the lead and involve companies from the private sector in the kind of Metaverse initiatives.
- Assistance for crisis: Pakistan has no shortage of natural catastrophes, as well as human crises. Donations are essential in such situations, but the amount of donors who are exhausted is growing every day. The Metaverse could help in this. It lets potential donors feel the horrors of catastrophe as if they were there. Get the VR headset and live in the Syrian refugee camp using Clouds over Sidra to see what I’m talking about. There is an ever-growing body of research and psychological tests that confirm the empathy-inducing results of this type of technology. Pakistani disaster relief workers must be aware.
- Training for skills: Be it professional medical personnel, sportsmen and machine operators, or safety and health experts, quality training is essential for efficiency and performance. The Metaverse allows for this type of training efficiently while delivering huge savings in time and costs. Imagine, for instance, the benefits of virtual training to handle difficult and costly scenarios in factories or battling thousands of virtual bouncers from the fastest bowler in the world to improve that hook. Through this kind of immersive learning, PSL franchises, manufacturing factories, hospitals and retail companies can all get better. This technology is readily available. It’s not science fiction.
This isn’t a complete list of ideas; it’s more designed to stimulate minds and start the ball rolling.
Making a consensus
The article is meaningless when it isn’t able to spur actions. However, the pessimism of our times has taken over the zeitgeist that the Metaverse is an unattainable dream for people living in affluent times.
We must also realize that the world is always prone to move towards chaos. It’s a natural law. There is never an “perfect time”. However, Pakistan will need to be conscious and determined to change the tide each step at a time. The tide isn’t going to turn automatically.
“We can’t even make bicycles”. It is a resemblance to something from a Pakistani quotation however, it was actually said by a well-known Israeli politician in the year 1951, who made use of the waning bicycle industry to slam an idea to create an innovative Israeli aerospace firm. Though it was dismissed as unrealistic, the idea was approved.
In the end, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) was founded. Nowadays, IAI is one of Israel’s top employers. It has assisted the country grow from a place which could not produce bicycles, and has become one of the top exporters of technology around the globe. The biggest things start small.
Pakistan itself is not a stranger to humble beginnings. The growth of its nuclear program is a testimony to Pakistanis making progress when they are confronted with the wall.
The Pakistani nuclear programme was generally popular that cut through egos, divisions between parties, as well as military-civil conflict. The key players wanted it accomplished by hook or by crook regardless of the route it required. Why? Because the real threats they were facing brought clarity. This clarity helped them be in sync. In turn, this resulted in results that were that were greater that the total of their components. It’s like the principle of resonance in physics however it is applied to the realm for human decisions.
At present, the most innovative technological advancement (such such as Metaverse) has been a political neutral topic in Pakistan. This means that it is likely to receive wide support from all sides as does the country’s nuclear program.
But, we must also be sensible. Pakistan remains a patronage-based economy where it’s all about the people is in your network, and not about what you are aware of. Cronyism is the norm. The problem with cronyism lies in the fact that even the most well-meaning cronies get involved in turf battles. It’s a result of the same as progress, not politics.
Although the country’s technology is generally unaffected in the present, the adoption of new technology in Pakistan could be hampered through factors such as the ones listed in the previous paragraphs. If this occurs, Pakistan’s technology ambitions will be in a stagnation for years, and another generation or two of them wasted as cannon food. If we fall down the dark side of partisanship it is then that common sense disappears and nightmares become reality. In this case, Covid-19 became a political issue in the US which led to Americans adopting their anti-vaccine stance up a notch even though they suffer the largest number of Covid deaths. It would be funny but it’s not so tragic.
Shortly, Pakistan should adopt safeguards to ensure that new technologies such as the Metaverse remain free of unnecessary political cronyism and politicking. Also, it must actively drive an internal consensus in order to spot the global trend before it becomes. As I mentioned, big things start with small steps. This kind of consensus will yield massive, huge dividends in the coming years. It is time to act now.
More reading
Stop reading right now. If you’re interested in the technical details of Metaverse, I’ll delve further.
Matthew Ball, a prominent Metaverse thought leader as well as venture capitalist has come up with possibly the most accurate concept of the Metaverse. The Metaverse definition is as follows: “the Metaverse is a collection of 3D virtual worlds that are interoperable and massively scaled, have high concurrency, are synchronous and persistent, and render in real-time”.
Let me go over some of these ideas.
- interoperable In the metaverse, virtual universes can talk to each other. This means that items, progressions as well as the rules that are a part of the worlds will be recognized in other universes. Without this interoperability, Metaverse would be reduced to a walls without synergies. While opinions differ on the subject, I believe that blockchains will play an important function in enabling interoperability.
- Massively scaled The virtual worlds that comprise the Metaverse will be able to exist on the scale of a large scale, capable of tracking millions of entities, or more.
- High concurrency These new worlds will be able to allow tens of thousands of users interact with each other simultaneously.
- The Synchronous Version: The worlds of these will constantly exchange information, just as living, breathing and reacting organisms.
- Persistence The actions people take in the world today can leave a lasting impression. For instance, if you lost connection while building a house it won’t be possible to begin again from scratch when you return. If you’ve left an oblique mark in one corner of the globe the ding would remain for the rest of time.
- real-time The worlds they inhabit and their inhabitants react to inputs and events without any discernible delay.
Our civilization has progressed to the point that above-mentioned specifications aren’t considered to be outlandish science fiction. We are already seeing glimpses of these capabilities in a lot of our current technology. The top technologists of our time are able to see the coming of the Metaverse.
In light of the overhyped hype the term “Metaverse” is getting on the news, it’s not difficult to overlook it as a strategy to get the attention of consumers. Maybe the term “Metaverse” will be rebranded in the next few years. However, its fundamental premise will not alter. Take a look at the underside; there’s plenty of substance.
Believe in the hype, prepare yourself and wait your time. The question is “when” and not “if’. The world that our children will see will be different from the world we live in and Pakistan is well-positioned to play a significant role in of it.