She acknowledged her team’s foundation by researchers from AT&T Labs (formerly Bell Labs) and their collaborations with leading institutions including MIT, the University of British Columbia (UBC), the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). **“This achievement reflects Pakistan’s growing tech capabilities and shows our youth can lead in sustainable development solutions,”** she added.

The competition featured twelve finalists chosen from over 200 entries spanning AI, new materials, and smart technologies. China’s unmanned airport project claimed the top prize. Notably, 35 percent of the shortlisted innovations involved cross-border teams, underscoring the SCO’s emphasis on international cooperation.

Wahid dedicated her award to aspiring Pakistani scientists, especially girls from Gwadar, declaring, **“This platform proves our ideas matter globally. I want Balochistan’s youth to see no boundaries in STEM.”** The event, part of the SCO Year of Sustainable Development, convened government officials, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders from Pakistan, China, Russia, Turkey, India, and Central Asian states.