PESHAWAR: The first consultative session on formulating the “Science and Technology Strategy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” was held here on Tuesday.
The ORIC UET Peshawar, in collaboration with the Directorate of Science and Technology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hosted the session.KP Minister for Science and Technology Dr Shafqat Ayaz spoke to academic representatives of various KP public sector universities.
He said the provincial government was focused on funding large-scale projects with practical applications that directly benefits KP’s economy and have a market demand.The minister emphasized applied research and academia collaboration to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
Sajid Shah, Director General of Science and Technology (DoST) said: “The directorate is dedicated to promoting and developing science and technology across various sectors to drive the province’s economic growth”.
He said: “We are bringing a comprehensive Science and Technology Policy through consultative sessions which will take all the stakeholders on board, including Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the KP government”. Dr Nasru Minallah, Director of ORIC at UET Peshawar, gave a presentation on identifying key areas where universities could enhance their contribution including curriculum development, entrepreneurship skills and promote professors having direct liaison with local industry.
The session highlighted critical areas and frameworks where S&T policy would focus
on solutions for critical challenges the province was facing in terms of governance and economic development.
The participants gave input for the frameworks including climate change and environment, law and order, energy, mines and minerals, agriculture, corruption prevention, agriculture livestock and fisheries and water management.
The participants highlighted the need for including cutting-edge technologies including nanotechnology, biotechnology, blockchain technology, IoT, Robotics quantum computing, big data and data mining in which the government could extend funding and support to the universities.
The speakers not only stressed the need for creating awareness among the academia to suggest solutions but also unanimously called for proper enforcement of S&T policy. Prof Dr Laiq Hassan, Chairman, Department of Computer System Engineering, UET Peshawar, presented a souvenir to the chief guest Minister for Science and Technology KP Dr Shafqat Ayaz.