Muslim countries still deficient in space science technology

‘Muslim countries still deficient in space science technology’

"By our correspondent

KARACHI: Expertise available in Muslim countries in the field of environmental management, remote sensing, space sciences and technology has yet to be fully explored and utilised, Pakistan’s space agency’s chief said.

Chairman of Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Maj Gen (Retd) Raza Hussain was speaking to the participants of a training course on ‘Environmental Studies Using Satellites, Balloons and Ground Based Data’ at IBS auditorium on Monday.

In order to share the knowledge in one of the vital areas of space technology applications, the Inter-Islamic Network on Space Science and Technology (ISNET) in collaboration with SUPARCO is organising the short training courses from 12-23 January 2004.

Extending a warm welcome to the trainees from the OIC member countries, Raza Hussain, who is also the ISNET president, informed that the SUPARCO has been making valuable contributions to all these vital fields including the studies of environment and its impact assessment.

He said that the ISNET was endeavouring to bridge the technological disparity among the Muslim nations through exchange of information, sharing experiences, maintaining and developing databanks, collaborating in the areas of common interest to build national capabilities.

Raza Hussain said that the OIC countries would have to go a long way to achieve their desired objectives in the technological era. He hoped the course would enhance the capacity building in Islamic countries in applications of space sciences and technology.

Speaking earlier on the occasion, Nasim Shah, secretary SUPARCO and executive director ISNET, said that the ISNET would share the research and development work undertaken by SUPARCO scientists and engineers in environment besides promoting the environmental and pollution monitoring studies in OIC member countries.

"Space technology and its applications are playing a very significant role in a wide spectrum of our daily life," Shah said. "By applying space technology for sustainable development, a developing nation will be contributing to its economic growth."

Dignitaries and senior management officers from different departments including from SUPARCO attended the inaugural ceremony. Trainees from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Sudan and Syria are participating in the course.



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