Innovations have been transforming economies because natural resources have continuously been diminishing in the world. This was stated by noted scientist and former federal minister Professor Dr Ata ur Rehman while speaking at a gathering organized by English Speaking Union of Pakistan at a local hotel Friday. Dr Rehman said natural resources are diminishing and knowledge is now the main driving force. He said Singapore has been rated 11th largest economy of the world having no natural resources.
"It is the visionary leadership that develops a strong economy," he said, adding that per capita income in Singapore is USD 50,000 ahead of US and the UK. He said Research and Development (R&D) is the key to private sector growth. "Samsung has become a leading smartphone brand by investing USD 14 billion annually in R&D while IPhone invests only USD 8 billion," he maintained.
He said Pakistan lacks vision that is needed to bring the country on the path of development. "Universities are not about beautiful buildings but about beautiful minds," he said. Islamic world is living in 'ignorance' and believing in 'superstitions' as no remarkable innovative work is being carried out in the Muslim world. Highlighting the wonders of science, he said scientists have developed GM rice named 'golden rice' with pro vitamin A to cure the deficiency of vitamin A in children. He said genetically modified cows are producing milk identical to human milk.
He said scientists have also developed artificial sweeteners. With fresh methods and techniques ageing process in human beings could be reversed. He said that cancer can be treated with polio virus. He said 3D printing of kidneys, liver, ears and jawbone is also the new innovation in science He said wearable kidney machine could free people from dialysis. He said airplanes can fly without internal fuel. He said electronic lollipop allows blind to see. President ESUP Aziz Memon and others also spoke on the occasion.