PM Gilani Pledges: Action-oriented Plan on Science & Technology
By Aziz Malik ‘Pakistan Times’ Federal Bureau Chief

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Wednesday said the new government would strive for the development of science and technology in the country and would introduce research-oriented strategy in every field of knowledge.

“To achieve the objective of a sustainable economic growth, advancement in the fields of science and technology is the pre-requisite,” the Prime Minister said while addressing graduates and faculty at the 16th Convocation of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology at Convention Centre.

The Prime Minister said structural changes would be made in the policies of education with focus on improving advanced knowledge to compete with international community.

“Pakistan has to make strategic decisions to ensure sustainable growth in the manufacturing sector to cater for the highly competitive international environment. This requires structural changes in our policy to achieve the level of production in manufacturing sector based on advanced technological knowledge,” he said.

Gilani urged the need for improving standard of education in the country at all levels, making it’s quality at par with developed countries.

“Only through competitive edge, we can expand our access to the world market and reduce the trade deficit to support our national economy,” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister said knowledge-based scientific innovations provide a springboard for all significant economic activities and development in the world, therefore the government intends to review the entire science and technology, and research and development activities in the country.

“The objective is to improve the overall economic and social environment for the betterment of masses.”

He said the government would involve all stakeholders in its efforts to make an integrated policy on education.

He stressed the need for strengthening educational institutes in both government and private sectors, so as to ensure provision of knowledge to the students at grass roots level.

Gilani said the government would also focus on the capacity building of manpower to contribute towards qualitative research in collaboration with international reputed agencies.

He highlighted the importance of research-based knowledge and said its domain would be expanded to make policies on energy efficiency.

“We have to plan result-oriented development project to augment energy resources and enhance agricultural production to provide timely relief to the people,” Gilani said.

The Prime Minister favoured for the proposal of establishing separate institutes for the promotion of science and technology at federal and provincial levels.
He said emphasis would be laid on quality research with required strategic and financial support together with overall improvement in the environment for research and development activities.

He said the development of indigenous technologies will be given priority and said bilateral and multilateral agreements with foreign countries would also be effected for technology commensurate with national economic requirements.
He supported the idea of establishing COMSATS campuses at Vehari, Larkana and Quetta for the dissemination of quality education in remote areas.

The Prime Minister congratulated the students who had been conferred degrees, and said it was their responsibility to use their knowledge for the betterment of mankind and economic prosperity of community at every level.

Ms Tehmina Daultana, Minister for Science and Technology and also Chancellor of the university urged the students to use their knowledge in building the country, adding with higher education the country could be strengthen economically.

She said total enrolment of students at the institute stands at 11,500 with efficient staff of 1,200, offering education in 35 academic courses.

She asked the outgoing graduates to utilize their capabilities in filling gaps of illiteracy.

Rector of COMSATS Dr Junaid Zaidi presented annual report of the institution and highlighted its achievements in various educational areas.

Later, the Prime Minister awarded Chancellor’s medals to the distinguished students.●