Science, Technology, Education and Training Federal Minister Dr. Sania Nishtar said on Saturday at the inauguration ceremony of the National Seminar on Future of Research in Pakistan that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) was a success story and we should be proud of its capable leadership and tremendous contribution to higher studies and research in the country.
The seminar was organised to showcase the higher education sector’s research contributions to the economy and the community.
The minister said that due to the HEC’s coordination efforts with the universities, the quality and quantity of research in the country had improved and Pakistan was being acknowledged as a rising star by the international higher education community in a number of research disciplines.
She emphasized the paradigm shift to innovation, entrepreneurship, market based research, and linkages between the university, community and industry.
The event demonstrated the social and economic impact of creativity and research and the professionals’ vision of research in Pakistan.
The seminar also provided stakeholders an opportunity to define the future direction of research the role of higher education institutions in the country.
The event was attended by Education and Training Federal Secretary Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, and vice chancellors, industry representatives, academia and international organizations.
Speaking on the occasion, HEC Chairperson Dr. Javaid R. Laghari said that since the HEC’s inception Pakistani universities have responded vociferously to its initiatives for promoting research and development.
He appreciated the universities for initiating different research projects related to agriculture, business and industrial needs which are being shared with stakeholders and other sections of the society.
The Lancet Editor-in-Chief Richard Horton appreciated the HEC’s efforts and acknowledged the contributions of Pakistani scientists.
He also emphasized over translation of knowledge into action and its application for the development of country.
Experts held that adequate funding must be ensured to promote research in Pakistan.
The federal minister also appreciated the exhibition where various research projects were displayed by leading Pakistani universities.
