ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Monday the government was determined to turn Pakistan into a knowledge-based economy and innovation by utilising the energies of youth at proper platforms.
Speaking at the inauguration of the country’s first Science and Technology Park at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) here, the Prime Minister said increased allocation in budget for innovative knowledge would be his prime priority despite financial constraints to put the country on track of development.
The NUST Science and Technology Park aims to harbour companies and start-ups in diverse areas particularly agriculture, health, automobiles and smart technologies and will act as a link between academia and industries.
“Pakistan is the second youngest population in the world, which can do marvels if provided with right opportunities to excel,” Khan said, adding the government would replicate more technology parks in the country to involve youth in the domain of innovation.
He empashised meritocracy and accountability as vital ingredients of democracy, which he said flourished talent for the benefit of the country. “The societies that discourage merit ultimately get ruined,” he said while mentioning the hierarchy of major political parties in the country where leaders were chosen on the basis of hereditary set-up rather than merit.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan used to be a shining nation in sixties in view of its performance indicators but the country faced downfall in later decades due to inefficiency of system and institutions. “Caring for others is a quality that makes a human being great,” he said while stressing the need for using knowledge as a tool to bring improvement in the lives of others.
He expressed satisfaction that NUST was progressing as an institution that encouraged research in modern sciences and urged upon the students to fully exploit their potential in the field of education. He asked them to realise the “cycle of struggle” and never get disappointed by setbacks in life and always get back to their feet with more courage to deal with challenges.
The Prime Minister also advised the students to study the life of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as a great role model who established the State of Medina on the principles of righteousness. He mentioned that Muslims once had a glorious past for having scholars equally capable of having knowledge in religion and science.
Speaking on the occasion, Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the government was focusing on the sector of innovation, particularly expanding biotechnology in next 10 years in areas of medicine, herbal and food security.
He said the largest biotechnology zone of South Asia would be set up in Jhelum with an objective to contribute 20-30 per cent of exports. He called for a civil-military interface in science and technology for collaboration, where, for instance, the drone technology being used for military purpose could also be shared for agricultural surveillance.
Rector NUST Lt Gen (retd) Naveed Zaman said the historic event of launch of the Science and Technology Park was a moment to celebrate the collaboration among government, industries, scientists and leaders of tomorrow for their common goal of achieving innovation.
Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood, State Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal, Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and senior officials attended the event.