Pakistan has taken a major step into the future of mobility as engineers at NED University of Engineering and Technology successfully conducted the first real-world test of what is being hailed as the Pakistan first driverless car. The autonomous vehicle completed multiple test runs on internal roads of the NED University campus in Karachi without any human driver, drawing widespread attention from students, faculty, and technology observers.
The sight of the vehicle navigating the campus independently marked a rare and historic moment for the country’s technology sector, reinforcing Pakistan’s growing presence in artificial intelligence research and applied engineering.
AI Research at the Core of Pakistan First Driverless Car
The Pakistan first driverless car has been developed at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence, operating under NED University’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences. The project began nearly a year ago, with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and researchers working to convert a China-imported electric vehicle into a fully autonomous system.
Using artificial intelligence software, robotics integration, digital mapping, and sensor-based vision systems, the team gradually enabled the vehicle to interpret its surroundings and make driving decisions independently. The project represents one of the most advanced university-led AI initiatives ever undertaken in Pakistan.
Real-World Testing Marks a Critical Milestone
Dr Muhammad Khurram, Director of the National Centre for artifical intelligence and project lead, stated that the successful campus trials indicate the Pakistan first driverless car has reached a stage where controlled real-world testing is feasible. He explained that steering and navigation are currently managed through radar technology and computer vision, while additional development is underway to improve recognition of lanes, traffic signals, speed limits, and dynamic obstacles.
According to Dr Khurram, the primary focus at this stage is safety validation and performance assessment under real road conditions, ensuring the system reacts reliably to unpredictable scenarios.
Related: NED University Engineers Test Pakistan’s First AI-Based Driverless Car
Controlled Speed but Independent Decision-Making
During testing, the Pakistan first driverless car was operated at a controlled speed of 15 to 20 kilometers per hour. Despite the low speed, engineers confirmed that the vehicle demonstrated independent decision-making capabilities, including turning, assessing oncoming traffic, and responding to obstacles without any human intervention.
This level of autonomy, even at reduced speeds, highlights the sophistication of the underlying AI systems and their ability to function beyond laboratory environments.
Engineering for Pakistan’s Challenging Road Conditions
One of the most complex challenges in developing the Pakistan first driverless car has been adapting autonomous driving technology to local road conditions. Team member Inzamam Khan noted that unlike developed countries, many roads in Pakistan lack proper markings, consistent traffic rules, and smooth surfaces.
He explained that the vehicle’s sensors are designed to detect potholes, uneven roads, and sudden obstacles, allowing the system enough reaction time to make safe decisions. High-resolution sensing and real-time data processing have been critical in addressing these challenges.
Visionary Leadership Behind the Project
The concept for the Pakistan first driverless car was initially proposed during the tenure of former NED Vice Chancellor Dr Saroosh Hashmat Lodhi, who emphasized the importance of applied AI research. The project has now reached this milestone under the leadership of current Vice Chancellor Dr Tufail Ahmed, reflecting sustained institutional support for advanced technology development.
A Major Signal for Pakistan’s AI Future
Technology experts view the successful testing of the Pakistan first driverless car as a transformative achievement for the country. It demonstrates that Pakistani universities possess the expertise and capability to develop complex AI-driven systems locally, rather than relying entirely on imported solutions.
The achievement also underscores the growing role of artificial intelligence research in Pakistan’s academic and engineering landscape, signaling a future where locally developed innovation plays a central role in national technological progress.
