A one-day seminar on “Nano technology and Stakeholders in Pakistan” commenced on Monday to emphasise the importance of developing nanotechnology manpower in the country.
Ministry of Science and Technology Secretary Akhlaq Tarar addressed the inaugural session organised by Preston Institute of Nano science and Technology (PINSAT) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada.
He said that by 2015, nanotechnology will have a market share of $3 billion. Tarar pointed out that following an initial investment for developing science and technology in the country, a resource constraint had set in and finances were being diverted to other projects. He said the government had spent a meagre 0.6 percent of the GDP on the development of science and technology, and he hoped that the ministry would be able to increase this share to two percent by 2020.
Tarar said that a Science and Technology Innovation Policy had been approved by the government. A task force had been formed to follow up on recommendations contained in this policy. The secretary requested the PINSAT to help revive the National Commission on Nano-science and Technology.
Preston University Chancellor Dr Abdul Basit highlighted the university’s achievements and said that Preston was the first ever private university of Pakistan and had campuses all over the country.
PINSAT Chairman Dr NM Butt highlighted the importance of nanotechnology. He also stressed the need for the revival of the National Commission on Nano-science and Technology. Chinese National Centre for Nano-science and Technology Director General Dr Chen Wang, Emeritus Professor Dr M Yahya from Malaysia, Iran Inter-Islamic Network of Nanotechnology CEO Dr Masoud Hafezi Ardakani, Assistant Professor Dr Ahmed Ayesha from UAE, Lahore PCSIR Director General Dr Shahzad Alam and Dr NM Butt spoke about various developments in the field of Nanotechnology in their respective countries.
