The workshop on innovative aspects of Biotechnology and its better awareness and dissemination' got underway with a declaration made by Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani, that starting today, the PTV would devote one to three minutes chunk for science and technology in the Khabarnama.
The minister made the announcement while opening the three days interactive workshop at the Comstech Science Palace. The Minister Durrani also inaugurated a web site devoted to Pakistan biotechnology information centre (PABIC), which would be updated every day by the Latif Ebrahim Jamal National Science Information Centre of Karachi University on Monday. At the same time, he observed that science was essential for country's development and the PTV would also start an exclusive science channel very soon 'to create excitement for science in the youths.'
The Minister spoke of the government's political will for technology development in the country which he said was the need of the time and the requirement of the nation. 'The government would make proper investment for scientific progress, no matter the cost.'
Professor Ataur Rahman, Chairman Higher Education Commission, who is also the co-ordinator for Commission on Science and Technology, highly appreciated the Minister's declaration about science news and the future science channel on the PTV. He also underlined the need for development of science and technology. 'The government had invested Rs 15 billion, in higher studies scholarship grant, and in providing internet research and search material for students, with beneficial results.
He added that in the last seven years the contribution of Pakistan students in research quality had increased to about 1500 per year, up from previous 300 research papers. Another aspect of government's policy for uplift to science was reflected in the decision to free scientific imports from the levy of duties, Professor Rahman said.
The Islamabad workshop on Biotechnology is the joint effort of four organisations, namely, Comstech, the Pakistan National Biotechnology Commission, ISESCO based in Tehran, as well as ISAAA.