Chief Minister of Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif has called for developing knowledge-based economy through research. He was speaking at National Biotechnology Exhibition and Seminar 2010 organised by University Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC) here on Wednesday.
Earlier, the chief minister said that Pakistan was facing tremendous challenges particularly economy, which was not in good shape. Farmers were worst hit by floods and it was high time that they should be helped so that they start contributing to the national economy again. He said that the government was in process of providing seeds in flood affected areas. The government of Punjab was well aware of the importance of biotechnology and its use in the areas of health, agriculture and environment etc.
The chief minister said that Vice Chancellor of UVAS, Professor Dr Muhammad Nawaz was very practical man and leading the varsity of around 3500 students successfully. He said the government would extend all out support to expand research and development projects of the university. Vice Chancellor UVAS Professor Dr Mhammad Nawaz presented cheque of Rs 0.5 million to the chief minister for the relief of flood victims.
Later, Shahbaz inaugurated the ceremony of Lahore Biotechnology Park (LBP). He acknowledged the historic services of UVAS volunteers and Livestock and Dairy Development department' officials during flood relief activities. Pro Vice Chancellor LUMS, Syed Baber Ali urged the chief minister that the government should organise national horse and cattle show on its own under the aegis of UVAS.
UVAS Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Nawaz said, "UVAS has become the first University of the Muslim world which is playing a pivotal role for the development of research in the field of veterinary and animal sciences". He further said that their research output of international standard has made a quantum jump and they have been ranked at number 12 out of 82 research universities of Pakistan. They were on top amongst national universities who had won maximum number of competitive research grants from the international donor agencies".
Citing the importance of biotechnology presently in Pakistan, Dr Nawaz said, "Pakistan is importing preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic biological stuff for use in animals and man worth billions of dollars. Just mentioning import of poultry we are spending nearly Rs 6 billion per annum. We have the expertise to produce all poultry and animal vaccines and these vaccines are important for disease prevention and establishing disease free zones for export purposes".
CEO Pharmagen Limited, Pervaiz Sufi said Pakistan was way behind its neighbours India, China, Iran and other countries in terms of development in biotech sector. Professor Dr Muhammad Mukhtar said the government must enhance funding for higher education in the country.
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