Scientific organizations contributing in country’s Defense: Musharraf
By Aziz Malik ‘Pakistan Times’ Federal Bureau Chief

ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf on Monday commending the role of Pakistani scientific organisations said these were making a significant contribution in the peaceful uses of science and technology and defence of the country.

Inaugurating the fifth International Bhurban Conference on Applied Sciences and Technologies here at the Centre of Excellence in Science and Applied Technologies (CESAT), the President said Pakistan was pursuing a well planned strategy to catch up with the advancements in science and technology.

The four-day event is country's largest scientific conference, being attended by 35 international scientists from 15 countries.

Acknowledging the role of various scientific and research and development organistions in the country the President said "other than contribution to the defence of Pakistan, these are involved actively in the use of science and technology for the benefit of people for sustaining economic growth of the country."

The President referred to the plan of setting up of nine universities with the cooperation of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, South Korea, China and Japan.

The President said it was his belief that no nation can move on fast track economic growth, unless it enters the field of science and technology.

He said it was in this regard that the government 0was bringing synergy by focussing on its industrial requirements and its engineers and technicians.

President Musharraf said two of the nine universities were already operational while seven are likely to start working by 2008.

He said these universities will bridge the existing gap in a matter of 5-6 years and help the country catch up with the developed world.

"All government policies were aimed at acquisition of knowledge as the economic prosperity of a nation hinges on engineering and science and technology," he said.

The President said these universities will teach subjects that were of interest to Pakistan, save foreign exchange and award degrees acceptable both at home and abroad. He hoped it will also encourage the local universities to improve their standards.

The President said the government has substantially increased the funds for education and was not only improving primary and secondary, but also higher education.

Rate of Literacy

He was optimistic that in respect of the literacy rate the country will be able to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) much before the target date.

President General Pervez Musharraf said by sticking to this strategy, a paradigm shift can be achieved in the socio-economic development of Pakistan and termed it a move towards the "knowledge-based society."

The President also appreciated the efforts of National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) in the peaceful uses of science and technology.

He particularly mentioned the research facility for tissue culture for growth of human skin and for production of stents for angioplasty at one-fourth of its commercial cost.

"These are great achievements for the people of Pakistan...the scientific organisations of the country should contribute towards the socio-economic development of Pakistan," he added.

The President also mentioned the locally developed laser leveller for the farming community that was aimed at saving precious irrigation water at a fraction of cost as compared to the foreign models.

The President said provision of safe drinking water was a priority area for the government and said the Ministry of Science and Technology was helping produce filtration systems that will be installed in every village with a population of 1000 people.

"Use of scientific knowledge to facilitate the common man should be the goal of every such organisation," the President added.

The President commended the efforts of Chairman NESCOM Dr Samar Mubarakmand said such conferences were helping the country bridge the gap between the north and the south. He also announced Rs 10 million for the Nescom complex.

He said the platform can be used by the participants to acquire maximum benefits by sharing knowledge and experiences in latest technologies.

President Musharraf addressing the foreign participants hoped that their visit will help remove the negative misperceptions they have about Pakistan.

"The reality and facts are different...whatever is happening is in one part of one tribal agency," the President said and pointed that nothing untoward was happening in the rest of the country. He urged them tovisit the scenic countryside and to see "what Pakistan really stands for."

Chairman NESCOM Dr Samar Mubarakmand said the conference focuses on scientific activities on Control and Simulation, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Microwaves, latest developments in advanced materials, underwater acoustics and medical sciences.

He said the conference will also focus on applications of this research technology, with particular emphasis on development of Pakistan.

Dr Mubarakmand mentioned the setting up of modern burn centre and a research facility for tissue culture.

“Our endeavour in developing the technology in stem cell research and tissue culture for the growth of human skin are benefitting burn patients,” he said.

He said the NESCOM hospital saved the life of a patient who had over 70 per cent burns on his body.

“This is unprecedented not only in Pakistan, but also in several advanced countries of the world,” he added.

He also apprised of the facility for production of stents for angioplasty to provide cardiac stents at Rs 15,000, against a cost of Rs 80,000 to Rs 100,000 for imported ones.

He said research in Control and Simulation, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Advanced Materials was benefitting the industries of Pakistan and was also transferring the technology.

Dr Murbarakmand hoped that the conference will contribute towards enhancing scientific and technological image of Pakistan.

Scientific Secretary of the Bhurban Conference Syed Iqbal Hussain said in the last four years 1600 participants have attended the conferences and presented over 500 papers.

He said the event provides an opportunity for mutual interaction and exchange of ideas and discussions on scientific and technological issues and their application for developing countries.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Ehsan ul Haq and Minister for Education Lt Gen (Retd) Javed Ashraf also attended the event.●