President Mamnoon Hussain has said that there is a need for expanding research in space and cyber technologies to meet present day's challenges on a number of fronts. He expressed these views while addressing the 5th International Conference on Aerospace Science and Engineering here at Institute of Space Technology on Tuesday.
The President said that the Pakistan's industry and trade is entering an important phase and there is a need of capable scientists to register successes in these sectors. He said that the research is not only an educational field but a way of life and urged sincere and determined scientists of the country to take up the challenges of new industrial era.
He expressed confidence that new generation of scientists will live up to the expectations and earn repute for the nation. He said that the scientists have taken the mankind to space from the Stone and Bronze Ages due to hard work. These people have stepped into the virtual life through cyber technology.
Pakistan with the cooperation of other countries and institutions will continue to register successes in the ongoing space related projects, he added. Despite limited resources the government accorded high priority to the study of science and technology and space sector, he pointed out.
The President said that the launch of the country's first satellite 'Badr-1' for space exploration in 1990 to 'CubeSat' in 2013, was part of the same process. He said that the country's educational and research institutions have been demonstrating remarkable performance in this regard.
President Mamnoon expressed confidence that the projects being initiated with the cooperation of other countries and institutions would be successful, adding the country's hardworking and intelligent scientists would succeed in these ventures. President Mamnoon said over the last two decades, the field of space research has been witnessing unique development and not only a few particular developed countries of the world but also some of Pakistan's neighbours made great strides in this regard.
With the beginning of age of cyber technology, rapid progress is also occurring not only in routine life but also in business practices and modes of communication, he said. He emphasized that institutions including IST and SUPARCO should broaden the scope of their research projects and should find answers to new questions arising in the various sectors.
Lieutenant General Sarfraz Sattar, Director General Strategic Plans Division, Major General Qaiser Anis Khurram, Chairman SUPARCO, and Engineer Imran Rehman, Vice Chancellor Institute of Space Technology, were also present on the occasion. Engineer Imran Rehman said that the development in science and technology and a nation's progress are closely linked with each other, adding Pakistani scientists are working hard to meet the challenges, particularly in the area of space technology. In connection with this, he mentioned the successful launch of a satellite by the students of the Institute of Space Technology and said that the work is underway regarding several new projects.
Technical Chair and Dean of the IST, Dr Iqbal Masood said that the scientists, academicians and researchers from 16 countries will be attending the conference to discuss 10 sub-themes in 65 different events in next three days. The President later visited an exhibition of indigenously produced equipment and parts used in the various projects of space research and development and appreciated their quality.