President calls for R&D activities

Islamabad : Only research and development (R&D) activities can enable Pakistan to join the ranks of technologically advanced countries, said President Dr Arif Alvi.

He was speaking during a presentation by Rector of International Islamic University Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr here on Thursday.

The president said universities had a crucial role in human resource development and economic growth of the country.

He said new technologies of 4th Industrial Revolution were powerful agents of change.

However, new ideas and initiatives from educational institutions are required to meet the requirements of technological advancements, he added.

He emphasized that only Research & Development activities can enable Pakistan to join the ranks of technologically advanced countries.

In this context, he said that work needs to be done on commercial use of emerging technologies. He also underlined the importance of creating linkages between academic research and public policy formulation process.

He stated that open distant learning programmes can be immensely helpful in expanding people’s access to education.

He stressed that in addition to academic achievements, universities must also focus on the character-building of the students. In the end, he assured every possible support to the academia.