In the next financial year (2006-07), an amount of Rs 5498.8 million has been allocated for Science & Technology Sector, which includes Rs 4431.2 million for Ministry of Science & Technology, Rs 646.1 million for Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Rs 375 million for Suparco, Rs 38 million for Nescom and Rs 8.5 million for Pakistan Met Department.
According to official sources, during the financial year 2005-06, an amount of Rs 3892.00 million was allocated for Science & Technology Sector. Out of this, Rs 3071.000 million was earmarked for Ministry of Science & Technology, Rs 596 million for Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Rs 111 million for Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), Rs75 million for National Engineering Science Commission (Nescom), Rs 55 million for Pakistan Metrological Department and Rs 11 million for Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA). The allocation for Ministry of Science & Technology was reduced to Rs 2264.183 million in the third quarter review. It is expected that 90 percent of the allocation would be utilised by June 30, 2006.
During 2005-06, the Ministry of Science & Technology had assembled a portfolio of 120 projects with an outlay of Rs16.00 billion. The overview of important projects of the Ministry showed that under TROSS programme 93 scholars were placed in various centres of excellence abroad; another 08 had been selected and would leave soon. At least 4 scholars are expected to come back by the end of December 2006. Under Water Quality Monitoring Projects, executed during 2005-06, some 33,000 field tests were undertaken by the PCRWR. Pakistan's water standards have been revised by the PSQCA, in consultation with all the stakeholders. In Cholistan desert, some 100,000 population with 2.0 million cattle head have been stabilised by providing drinking water round the year.
In Balochistan, concept of 'Leaky Dams' has been successfully tested to improve water supply during lean season.
The wind power project executed through Meteorology Department established a potential to generate 1,100 MW electricity in a 10,000 sq km area in coastal belt of Sindh. The AEDB was provided the data and inputs to attract private investment. The PCRET also remained active in the field, to demonstrate the technology and its viability.
A village in Sindh has been electrified by it where wind power turbines provide free electricity. Additionally, scores of micro hydro-power stations have been installed in remote-areas of the NWFP and Northern Areas where Wapda network does not exist.
To respond to the WTO inspection & certification requirements for exports, the Quality Testing Laboratories infrastructure has been, and is being, upgraded in a phased programme.
Commenting over the physical activities in 2005-06, official sources stated that PCSIR laboratories, out of 7 in the country, have attained the prestigious ISO 17025 certification, and another is due to graduate soon. The NPSL Laboratories at Islamabad have been awarded the 'Newton Tree' through the EU after obtaining ISO 17025.
Services were rendered to some 6,600 business/industrial units. The CAMB at Lahore has upgraded its R&D Infrastructure. Besides DNA assistance in high profile cases, the Centre imparted training to investigation units of Lahore police to enable them to work on scientific lines.
Under STED Programme, laser land-levellers have been successfully developed through PAEC and are being marketed with extreme success.
A strategic study for 12 leading sectors of the economy was undertaken in consultation with principal stakeholders in public-private sector for HEC, and for eventual incorporation in the MTDF.
The construction of Head Offices of PCSIR and PSF at Constitution Avenue, and the PCRWR laboratories in H-8 sector, has been completed. Official sources said that the progress in S&T sector was mainly dependent on quality technical manpower, modern equipment, requisite infrastructure and institutional facilities in existence. Advancement in scientific knowledge and development of a technological base are essentially required for rapid industrial growth. This emphasises availability of information about the latest technical developments world-wide. It has, therefore, been planned to establish a Technology Information and Dissemination Unit at PCST to facilitate the industrial sector.
Establishments of accredited laboratories and trained manpower are required to provide testing, certification services for maintaining quality standards. PNAC is planning to help in lab accreditation. The issue of intellectual property rights (IPR) is of great importance for R&D with regard to industrial technology development. A strong IPR regime encourages R&D and foreign investments on international level. The IPR system is being administered by the TRIPs Agreement of WTO. This agreement is, however, not favourable to economies with low knowledge base. Awareness about the various aspects of IPR, especially the patents and industrial design, the fundamental outputs of R&D efforts is required.
The Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) undertakes R&D for the development of technologies, processes and products, which can be used for the technological upgradation of the industry and improving product quality. The Council also offers technical services eg testing, calibration, certification and patenting etc for the industrial products and processes. It has now established its industrial linkage programme for technology transfer to the local industry.
Applications of human DNA typing offer a benign method of crime investigation.
CAMB has been helping the crime investigation agencies through DNA typing facility in cases of paternity, forensic identification murder besides some high profile and important cases received form Federal Government. Training is also provided to crime investigation officials in the identification, collection and preservation of biological evidence collected from the crime scene. There is, however, need for expanding applications of previously established DNA typing procedures and generate and preserve DNA profiles of selected convicts.
Pakistan Council for Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET), is expanding its silicon PV activities, which will supplement the activities of the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB). The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has established water quality testing and monitoring labs network to support.
National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Karachi would be revamped and reinvigorated to undertake the next phase of demarcation of our EEZ. Participation in the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) meetings and Antarctic Research Programme are continuing.