Around six scientists and technologists were awarded President’s Medal for technology for the year 2009 for their outstanding performance in the field of Chemistry, Genetic Engineering, Bio technology and Nano technology.
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Mir Changez Khan Jamali was the chief guest of the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister said it is only through science and technology that a nation can find a respectable and dignified place in the modern world. He said government was making concerted and dedicated efforts to transform Pakistani society into a modern and prosperous one. The minister lauded the role of science and technology in the economic development of a country and said, “Science, technology and innovation are essential ingredients in the industrialization and sustainable development of a nation. The importance of these ingredients, as crucial factors in the economic growth and competitiveness of countries, has become all the more obvious in the face of globalization, trade liberalization and the emergence of knowledge-based industries”.
The minister also mentioned about the Science Technology and Innovation policy which had been drafted by Ministry of Science and Technology and has recently been approved by the Prime Minister as well as by the Committee of Common Interests (CCI) and is now ready for implementation.
“This policy focuses to enhance transformation of knowledge into products, processes, services or solutions that add values across every industry for maximum socio economic benefits. Through this policy, it is aimed to enable Ministry of Science and Technology and its organizations to perform to their optimum and in coordination with other implementing Ministries and Organizations support the relevant private sector in standing on their own feet, which is vital for rapid economic development of Pakistan”, the minister Explained. While highlighting the role of Ministry of Science and technology, the minister said, Ministry has also initiated some important projects in different fields of science and technology. Through these endeavors, there is plan to achieve certain targets including that of commercialization of research outcome, transfer of technology to local industry, entrepreneurship development, provision of services to various industrial establishments, human resource development and capacity building of the S and T organizations.
The on-going Commercialization Programme of Ministry of Science and Technology has given excellent results which is evident from increase both in need-based R&D projects as well as transfer of technologies, products & processes and services to the industry.
Modern times Commercialization is the most efficient way to encourage and promote development of science, technology and innovation in any nation, the minister said.
On this occasion State Minister for Science and Technology MS Raheela Shahadat Baloch and Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Mr Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar were also present.
