In order to keep pace with international scientific developments, Pakistan has to allocate at least one per cent of its total GDP for progress of science and technology in the country up to 2015. This was stated by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Mir Changez Khan Jamali while chairing a meeting along with a delegation of Planning Commission led Dr Nadeemul Haq. During the meeting, the minister expressed his dissatisfaction over the slow release of funds for the on-going development projects. The minister appraised the delegation that due to insufficient funds, the projects of the ministry were facing enormous difficulties.
Earlier, Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar briefed the delegation about the progress of projects. The delegation was informed that out of 51 approved developmental projects, 46 were in progress. The secretary said the projects that were planned to be completed within 24 months were still under progress for the last seven years.
At present nearly 80 per cent projects of the ministry of science and technology are facing inflation and price-hike giving rise to liabilities and litigation, he added.
The ministry urged the planning commission for approval of additional allocation of Rs 200 million in the current financial year for the clearance of the accrued liabilities. For the next financial year, indicative budget ceiling may be enhanced from Rs 1,200 million to Rs 2,000 million. Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Dr Nadeem-ul-Haq expressed satisfaction on the progress of on-going development projects of the ministry. However, he reiterated that the PCSIR and other organisations of the ministry may be revitalised through structure reforms.
It was also highlighted in the meeting that the prime minister directive for the special pay scale required to be implemented as it is pending with the finance division. In the delegation, Dr Samar Mubarak Mand and Secretary of Planning Commission Mr Asif Bajwa were also present.