Govt prioritising promotion of science, technology

Promotion of science and technology is among the top priorities of the government, said Federal Minister for Science and Technology Syed Shibli Faraz.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he directed the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) to focus on market-based applied research for sustainable economic growth, industrial development and socio-economic benefit of people.

“Pakistan is blessed with abundant natural resources and it has the potential to achieve high economic growth and industrial development by promoting applied research in line with the demand of local markets and people,” he pointed out.

Market-based research would help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small industries in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa besides benefiting a large number of youth through the Kamyab Jawan Programme, he said.

“Export-oriented approach and innovation in technology will help save about 60-70% of minerals and marbles that were wasted during excavation in K-P and the merged tribal districts.”

He stressed that market-oriented research was the need of the hour to compete with international companies and added that it would directly benefit people and steer socio-economic improvement in their lives.

He was of the view that Pakistan’s scientific approach should be focused on commercial exports.

“An inclusive plan has been prepared to enhance linkages between the PCSIR and service-providing industries for optimum utilisation of the institute’s research for the benefit of people and giving a boost to the economy,” he said.

“We will provide training to the common man in reputable, national and international educational and vocational institutions, who will later train students and mine workers to save mines, marble and raw material from wastage during excavation,” he said.

It will also help improve the value addition of local products and enhance the country’s exports.

Faraz called for a comprehensive mechanism to be put in place for the monitoring of research and performance of the PCSIR staff.

In this regard, the inclusive database is being upgraded at the PCSIR to enhance staff efficiency and provide quick service delivery, which will enable the institute to prepare strategies and plans for future decisions.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2021.