Advisory panel for science, technology reforms set up

ISLAMABAD: The federal science and technology minister has established a 10-member advisory committee to provide ideas and recommendations to the ministry on matters related to science and technology.

Terms of Reference (TORs) for the committee have also been issued.

According to a notification, Dr. Aurangzeb Khan will serve as the committee convener. Other members are; Dr. Qazi Waseem, Liaqat Ali, Dr. Haroon Rasheed, Ashraf Hayat, Qazi Abdul Muqtadir, Dr. Amjad Hussain, Professor Dr. Niaz Akhtar, and Professor Dr. Ehsanullah. Additionally, a representative from the ministry will be part of the committee.

The TORs/functions of the advisory committee on science, technology, and innovation are as follows: Promoting the advancement of science and technology within the country, enhancing funding for research and development in the Ministry of Science and Technology, with a focus on mobilising resources from non-governmental sources, providing recommendations to increase exports and develop alternatives to imports, ensuring effective coordination among science, technology, industry/production sectors, and development projects, promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, particularly among youth, women/girls, and marginalised groups, proposing projects and programs in the field of science and technology, offering recommendations to strengthen collaborations with international organisations and countries, providing the ministry with actionable and practical ideas for implementation and highlighting the achievements of the Ministry of Science and Technology.