HEC approves 100 million for research lab in Punjab University

The University of Punjab will develop a state-of-the-art "National Remote Sensing, GIS, and Climatic Research Laboratory" to find the reason for climate change in Pakistan and introduce its affordable solutions. In this regard, the HEC has approved initial funding of Rs100 million.

Dr. Ziaul Haq of Department of Space Science is the director and lead researcher of the laboratory, while other co-principal researchers include Dr. Syeda Adila Batool, Shahid Parvez, Asim Daud Rana, Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Dr. Salman Tariq, and other departmental faculty members.

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Dr. Haq said Pakistan was among the most affected groups facing climate change threats with insufficient technological, financial, and professional capacity to adjust, counter, and prevent its harmful effects.

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He said climate change increased social inequalities and intensified social factors leading to displacement, conflicts, uncertainty, and migration trend changes through severe weather events with varying patterns, flooding, temperature rise, yield droughts, infectious disease spread, water scarcity, and deforestation.

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He also said a limited budget, lack of technological support, and human resources were also significant issues for developing sustainable solutions not only for Pakistan but also for other developing countries.

He said the lab would promote and encourage education, research activities, and partnerships with the latest equipment and qualified group of specialists to study and improve GIS and Space Applications with a specific focus on sustainable development in Pakistan.