Tuesday, April 27, 2004

Technological breakthrough in country soon: Atta

ISLAMABAD: Minister Incharge for Science and Technology Dr Atta-ur-Rahman on Monday said efforts of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and Higher Education Commission (HEC) would usher in a technological breakthrough in the country soon.

Inaugurating a five-day international seminar on "Urea Breath Test (UBT)," a convenient test for detection of peptic ulcer, jointly organised by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), PAEC and HEC, the minister said key to prosperity lies in ideas and technologies generated by an educated and trained human resource of a country. In this regard, he cited level of investment made by developed economies in the education programmes for their citizens.

Dr Atta paid tributes to the PAEC for its multidisciplinary research and development efforts towards economic development of the country and remarked PAEC’s contribution should be emulated.

The minister regretted the quality of university education in the country where only 190 PhDs. are being produced by all the institutions of the country put together as against 5,000 by India.

He was especially critical of higher training in engineering subjects, which are so vital for the industrial development and where only 5 to 6 PhDs are being produced.

Dr Atta said to give boost to the engineering discipline, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has arranged major endowments for engineering universities.

The government aims at producing 1,000 to 1,200 PhDs every year, he added.

Dr Atta, who is also Chairman HEC, said the local PhD programme is being strengthened for a competitive quality at par with their counterparts abroad, adding that attractive working environment/packages are being offered to lure back the Pakistani scientists working in other countries.

There are about 300 projects launched by the HEC for lifting the higher education qualitatively and quantitatively, he said.

The minister said as against a total outlay of Rs 800 million for Science and Technology some years before, an allocation of Rs 5,000 million exists at present and this is proposed to be raised to Rs 9,500 million in the coming budget.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman PAEC, Parvez Butt appreciated the IAEA for its contribution towards development of the S&T sector in Pakistan. He said Pakistan is the second largest recipient of technical assistance from the IAEA, adding Pakistan is a regular participant in all IAEA’s activities and, therefore, a good receiver of IAEA aid.

Parvez said the PAEC is involved in minerals development, improvement of crops, nuclear energy, lasers, hydrology, human resource development and health-related projects.

The PAEC is operating 13 nuclear medical centres for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer-related diseases and five more cancer treatment centres are coming up, he said, adding more than 350,000 patients benefit from our cancer care facilities annually.

The chairman said the PAEC is also offering industrial support services in quality control, welding, design, and manufacturing for industrial growth and quality competitiveness.

He said in the wake of rising menace of Hepatitis, not enough is being done in the country to combat the disease and added that the PAEC would play its role in this regard.

Parvez said the Pinstech, a premier research institute of PAEC, has been recently awarded additional funds by the government to enhance its research output yet further.

To combat overuse of irrigation water and bring about economy in water use, the PAEC has developed a laser land leveller, which is in great demand by the farmers and fruit fly traps, which help avoid the use of insecticides.

Dr Rakhshanda Bilal, Coordinator of Urea Breath Test (UBT) project, explained the aims and objects of the seminar. She said the technical input of the project has brought down the cost of test for detection of peptic ulcer. The test facilities are available to public at NORI Hospital, Islamabad.

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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
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KARACHI: Dow varsity to have computer library

KARACHI, April 26: The Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) will soon have a digital library having 120 computers, said its vice-chancellor on Monday.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the renovated portions of Surgical Unit No IV, Civil Hospital Karachi, Prof Masood Hameed Khan said the library will be provided computers in phases.

One hundred of the computers will be meant for the undergraduate students of the university and the other 20 for the postgraduate ones. The library will help students and faculty undertake research in various areas of interest, said the professor.

He said the Higher Education Commission had agreed in principle to provide Rs50,000 each to the 38 departments of the DUHS and Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK). "This money will be utilized in improving the facilities available in them," said Prof Khan.

He revealed that under the continuing medical education initiative of his university, 20 lectures will be organized in the five teaching hospitals of the city which were affiliated with it.

The names of the five teaching hospitals are: Lyari General Hospital, Qatar Sindh Government Hospital, Sindh Government Hospital Liaquatabad, Sindh Government Hospital Saudabad and Sindh Government Hospital Korangi.

Dr Mirza Raza Ali, medical superintendent of the CHK, said that 200-odd vacancies of security guards and sweepers lay vacant in his hospital. "This is a serious problem and we have already made a representation to the authorities in this regard."

Chief of the Surgical Unit No IV, Prof Noshad A. Shaikh, said that after renovation, a two-bed intensive care facility, a seminar room, a nurses' station and a small operation theatre had been added to the already existing facilities of his unit.

The cost of renovation, he said, was Rs1.6 million. "All the money has been provided on a self-help basis." The professor was of the opinion that the philanthropists were ready to come forward in helping improving the standards obtaining in the hospitals.
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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
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Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Satellite Remote Sensing Technology and Geographic Information System

Training Course on “Satellite Remote Sensing Technology and Geographic Information System”

(Karachi, Pakistan: 19-30 April 2004)





The Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET), is organizing, in collaboration with Pakistan Space Agency: SUPARCO, a Training Course on Applications of Satellite Remote Sensing Technology and Geographic Information System at Karachi from 19-30 April 2004. The trainees belonging to scientific and engineering cadres from Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sudan, and Syria are participating in the Course. The Course is being organized with a view to sharing the benefits of the research and development work undertaken by SUPARCO in the field of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) with the OIC member countries.


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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
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Pakistan must spend 5pc of GDP on education: Unesco

UN body director says govt not doing enough in this vital sector

ISLAMABAD: Unesco Director Ingeborg Breines on Tuesday said the government has to spend at least 5 per cent of GDP on education to improve the literacy rate and provide primary schooling free to all.

Talking to PPI during a walk organized to mark the "Education For All Week 2004", she said the Constitution of Pakistan gives right of free education to every child and the government is responsible for provision of free primary education to all the children.

She said the government and individuals have to make collective efforts to bring about an educational revolution in the country.

Breines said nobody, including the government, was doing enough in this vital sector.

"Education should not be a privilege for few; rather, it should be equal and for all," she said.

She said for achieving the goal of free education for all, collective and substantial efforts were required from all quarters.

As far as the government and parliamentarians were concerned, she said, they have to make laws and ensure their implementation effectively to improve literacy rate in the country.

Important steps have to be taken on an emergency basis to achieve the desired goals, she said.

The government as well as donor agencies have to invest more in the education sector, as it was core to the development of the country and elimination of poverty, she said.

"If you look at the poverty map, you will find that it was as wide as illiteracy, which was enough to prove that improvement of education would reduce poverty."

Breines said Unesco even suggested more than 6.7 per cent of country’s GDP to be spent on education to improve the quality of education.

The Unesco representative said they wanted to support the government by helping the education ministry, but also wanted from it to spend more than 5 per cent of GDP on education.

She regretted that the education in the country was never given priority by any government and remained low on agenda due to which Pakistan was lagging behind in development.

Breines said steps have to be taken from the top to remove the obstacles, hindering the girls’ education and also to create a congenial environment for schooling those who were out of the institutes so that they could play their part in the development of the country.

She said women’s population consisted half of the country and their education was important for the socio-economic prosperity of the society.

Meanwhile, speaking at a walk in Islamabad in connection with ‘Education for All’ week, Minister for Education Zobaida Jalal said the government will bear expenses of poor school going children in the Islamabad region and provide them monthly scholarships to run their homes.

The minister said the government has started the Educational Reforms Programme to improve the literacy rate.

New schools, recruitment of teachers and free primary education will be ensured under this programme, she added.

"Every Pakistani child would be enrolled in school by 2015," she asserted. The minister said that plans of billions of rupees have been started in Fata, Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas for the education of children, especially girls.

Zobaida said the government has accorded equal status and recognition to the Deeni Madaris so that they should also be included in the mainstream of education.

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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Students urged to acquire computer education

SUKKUR: District Nazim Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Tuesday asked students to get computer education to face future challenges.

"The education of computer is the need of hour. We must prepare our youth to meet challenges of the present era," Nasir Hussain Shah stated this while inaugurating a computer lab at Government Atta Hussain Shah Degree College, Rohri.

He advised the students to focus their attention on acquisition of modern technology and avoid using unfair means in examinations. He asked teachers to come forward to play their positive role in this regard.

Later, the Nazim attended annual prize distribution ceremony at MK High School. Speaking on the occasion, he said the district government is attaching top priority to the education and health sectors and a huge amount is being spent for their improvement.

Nasir Hussain said that the district government had allocated an amount of Rs 2.2 million for the development of MK High School. He announced a water cooler for the school. The Nazim also distributed prizes among students of the school.


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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

22 Universities Of The Country Linked With Fibre

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : April 21 (PNS) - Fifty two universities of the country have been linked with fibre, Says Federal Minister incharge of Science and Technology and Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman while chairing the Higher Education Commission’s meeting.

The activities and Programes of HEC were highlighted in the meeting, Prof. Dr. Atta expressed that keeping in view the increasing access to scientific literature for increasing the research productivity of Pakistani institutions, National Digital Library Programme has been launched. The Primary objective of this digital library project is to provide researchers within public and private universities in Pakistan and non-profit research and development organizations with access to international scholarly literature based on electronic (online) delivery, with access to high quality, peer reviewed, journal, databases and articles across a wide range of disciplines.

To achieve the objective, HEC has secured inclusion in progress of Enhancement of Research Information (PERI) of the International Network for Scientific Publications. This programme aims to support capacity building in the research sector in developing and transitional countries by strengthening the production access and dissemination of information and knowledge. Through the inclusion of Pakistan in this programe, public sector universities, colleges, research institutes and organizations would be able to gain access to over 11,000 peer-reviewed full text online international academic journals from some of the world’s top publishing houses, he added.

The End.


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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Tuesday, April 20, 2004

Development Budget Be Enhanced Upto 9.7b

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : April 20 (PNS) - The development budget will be enhanced upto 9.7 billion rupees in the coming year, which is 5 billion rupees presently.

This was revealed by the Federal Minister incharge for Science and Technology and Chairman Higher Education commission Prof. Dr. Atta ur Rehman while inaugurating the 16th Cultural Week of International Islamic University, Islamabad here on Monday. We are living in a fascinating biotechnological era where natural resources have lost their importance and knowledge has become the key driver, he added.

He also expressed that under the guidance and leadership of President Musharraf, remarkable changes are beginning to take place. Pakistan has now become the first country having three tiers including: Linkages of universities with fiber, Launching Digital library, where journals would be freely accessible by the students and researchers, and Communication Satellites whereby new TV satellite channels will be started for spreading education.

Moreover, he also said that under the “programme of faculty enhancement”, faculty members will be sent abroad for doing their Ph.Ds. In the next five years, the ratio of PhD scholars will be increased upto 1500. Under 10 years track system, teachers salaries will be increased keeping in view their performance. On this occasion, he said that in order to reach Pakistan to the Pinnacle of glory, we should have a clear vision, strategy and plan of action.

The End.

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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Government surrenders meekly to curriculum controversy

THE government appears to have completely failed to tackle the curriculum revision controversy and the propaganda surrounding it. The federal government has tried to avoid it rather than address it, fuelling unnecessary unrest amongst religious and academic quarters.

Even at a recent meeting headed by President General Pervez Musharraf, responsibility for the changes were not fixed and nor was the problem properly evaluated. At the meeting, held at Governor’s House in Lahore, the president agreed to continue with two committees, one at provincial level and the other at federal level. The meeting also decided to review the syllabus regularly and transparently so the issue could not be politicised in future.

Academicians are worried that the revision of the curriculum, which took two years, is going to be reversed. They are concerned that unless the controversy around the changes is not tackled head on, the vision of a syllabus with an enlightened Islam would not come true.

However, the concerned quarters are still trying to shift responsibility for the issue. With no one willing to stand up for the changes, voices of discontent calling for sackings are intensifying.

The majority of Pakistanis are Muslim, though from various sects. To include or exclude some Quranic verses from textbooks, with the consensus of all segments of society and after due process, should not be taken as a victory or defeat for Islam. Educationists say all the changes made in the textbooks were approved by the interim federal government, but the new government has failed to face the attacks on the changes so it doesn’t annoy its ‘friendly opposition’, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA).

The “objectionable material” in the curriculum was approved by the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Wing in various textbooks of the Sindh and Punjab boards, from class I to XII, in Islamabad in 2000-01 when Zubaida Jalal was education minister during President Musharraf’s interim government. The curriculum for science subjects was revised in 2000 and the curriculum for arts subject in 2002. This was the first revision since 1986.

There were some illustrative and typographical mistakes, but that was not a surprise. No formal training is imparted to the authors or the revision committee members. The exclusion of Quranic verses from the first chapter of Biology for class XI by the Sindh Textbook Board was approved by the Education Ministry under a notification dated June 24,2003. The publication approval was given by the National Review Committee, which also gave a no objection certificate (NOC) to the syllabi for various grade books of the Punjab Textbook Board.

The federal government approved the inclusion of the chapter ‘Model millionaire’ and ‘How to live on less income’. The controversial story in the Class X (Bahare Urdu) book, relating to Hazrat Umar’s listening to music and poetry, was not objected to at that time. The chapter was derived from a book by renowned historian and scholar Shibli Nomani.

Nobody pointed out that the included part of that book was controversial, so it was approved with consensus. The replacement of Surah Tobah with three short Surahs of the Holy Quran was also recommended with consensus.

The then committee members of the subject included Mualana Ataur Rehamn, now with the MMA, Wafaqul Madaris representatives and a member from the Islamic International University, Islamabad.

In Punjab, the number of Quranic verses in class IX and X Biology was decreased from around 10 to four.

The majority of Muslims consider Shibli Nomani an authority on Islamic history. That Hazrat Umar liked music and poetry came from him. Nobody has objected to the author, but many are angry with the government.

The time has come to make the curriculum review process more transparent and fair to ensure a balanced syllabus that portrays an enlightened Islam.

* * * * *

A 26-member Indian delegation headed by Dr Haresh Suksena, last week visited Lahore Government College University (GCU), the oldest institution in South Asia. GCU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Aftab and others received the delegation at a reception in the Old Hall. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Aftab said the exchange of such delegations would harmonise relations between the two countries and help people understand each other.

The delegation has arrived under a youth exchange programme organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and International Youth Foundation. The delegation members were drawn from each Indian state and it was their first visit under the programme. The delegation will also visit the National College of Arts, the Lahore College for Women University and Lahore’s historical sites.

* * * * *

The GCU vice chancellor last week opened the Centre of Plant Products Research at the chemistry department. Speaking at the occasion, Dr Aftab urged the researchers to commercialise herbal medicines. He also unveiled a portrait of distinguished old Ravian and Nobel laureate Dr Har Gobind Khorana.

Faculty of Science Dean Dr Muhammad Akram Kashmiri said people around the globe were cutting down on the use of antibiotics and other medicines and focusing on herbal medicines. “The diversity of plants available in the subcontinent will give a boost to the indigenous products which can make us some foreign exchange,” he added.

* * * * *

KINNARID College (KC) last week held its 70th convocation. At the occasion, graduate and post-graduate students read special messages. Fakhra Shahid, representing the postgraduates of 2003, said they had a very supportive network at KC, which would enable them to adjust to new surroundings. She said the KC facilitated their academic growth and allowed them to gain invaluable research skills.

“Our intellectual curiosity was nourished by a faculty that is dynamic, diverse and innovatively led by Dr Mira Phailbus, the KC principal,” she said.

Kinnaird also awarded special prizes to Pakistani professionals. The awards were conferred upon Muneeza Hashmi, Nasim Zehra, Kamila Hayat, Ayesha Haroon, Mrs Dr Akhtar Riazuddin, Neelam Hussain and others.

Most importantly, Dr Phailbus called it a day at the KC after 32 years as principal. Ira Hassan is to replace Dr Phailbus in June.

* * * * *

PUNJAB University’s Child Welfare Centre (CWC) arranged a two-day children’s welfare fair at the university guesthouse last week. Entry was restricted to families only. Various handicrafts, embroidered clothes and food stalls were set up to raise funds for special children of the CWC.

The Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC) of the university also arranged a Graduate Record Exam preparatory course for faculty members who intend to go abroad for higher studies.

The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics of the university and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council will organise a workshop on ‘Honey and Honeybee Queen Production’ from April 27 to 30. The participants will be given technical knowledge on honey and honeybee queen production and beekeeping management. Matriculates can attend the conference.

* * * * *

THE National University of Sciences and Technology’s Dr Ashraf Masood and Dr Mohammad Hassan Zaidi were conferred awards in the field of ‘IT Research and Development’ and ‘IT Educationalist’ at a prestigious ceremony held by NCR Corporation at Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. Dr Aamir Mateen, managing director of the Pakistan Software Export Board, distributed the awards. Dr Ashraf was given the 5th NCR National IT Excellence award in the category of IT Research and Development.

Dr Zaidi also won the 2001 NCR excellence award in the category of IT Research and Development.

The university has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to explore the possibility of carrying out EPRI funded research projects.

* * * * *

APTECH Computer Centre Defence branch last week arranged an information technology seminar at its campus on IT, its need and scope. APTECH Executive Director Shahid Nabi Malik and others addressed the seminar. Waqar Gillani


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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

First “On-Line” Book Of Prof. Atta Published

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : April 18 (PNS) - Federal Minster In-charge for Ministry of Science & Technology and Chairman Higher Education Commission Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Reham along with three other Pakistani and US scientists have edited the first “On-Line” book in medicinal chemistry.

The other scientists are Prof. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Director Acting, HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, Dr. Allen Reitz and Dr. Cheryl P. Kordik, Johnson and Johson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Pennsylvania, USA. This is the first book from Asia, published exclusively “online” and therefore can be accessed only through the internet. M/s Bentham Science publishers, Netherlands, have published the book.

Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry – Online” is a new book series that is devoted to the reviews of area of important topical interest to medicinal chemists and others in allied disciplines. The subject book covers all areas of medicinal chemistry including: developments in rational drug design, bioorganic chemistry, high throughput screening, combinatorial chemistry, compound diversity measurements, drug absorption, drug distribution, metabolism, new and emerging drug targets, natural products, pharmacogenomics, chemoimomatics, and structure-activity relationship.

The subject book aims to contribute in a major way to the growth of scientific knowledge and insight, and to facilitate the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents to treat debilitating human disorders. It is pertinent to mention over here that Medicinal chemistry as a discipline is rapidly maturing. The study of how structure and function are related is absolutely essential to understand the molecular basis of life.

The book contains 29 chapters contributed by top scientists who are working in the field of medicinal chemistry, rational drug design, bioorganic chemistry, high throughput screening, drug absorption, metabolism, etc. Dr. Atta ur Rehman’s contributions to the advancement of Science and Technology education and research in Pakistan have been truly monumental.

Presently, Prof. Atta ur Rehman is the Editor in Chief or Executive Editor of eleven international journals: Natural Product Research (UK), Current Medicinal Chemistry (USA), Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry (Netherlands), Current organic Synthesis (Netherlands), Letters in Organic Chemistry (Netherlands) Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry, (Netherlands), Letters in Drug Design and Discovery (Netherlands), Medicinal Chemistry Reviews-Online (Netherlands) and Drug Design Reviews-Online (Netherlands). He is also the Editor of the series of books entitled: “Studies in Natural Product Chemistry”, 29 volumes of which have been published under his editorship by Elsevier Science Publishers, Netherlands.

The End.


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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

President Affirms Commitment To Education For All Children

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan : April 20 (PNS) - Pakistan launched a countrywide campaign to sensitize the nation on achieving the goal of primary education for all children with President General Pervez Musharraf pledging a firm commitment to realizing the Education for All Plan.

Addressing a function that marked the start of a weeklong campaign (April 19 to 25), the President said the Government attaches a top priority to improving the quality of education for the younger generation. "We are striving to ensure education for all Pakistani children as it is the younger generation that would take Pakistan forward on the path of development-we are defining a direction for them and showing the light-but it is the younger lot who will take country forward".

The campaign focuses on creating mass awareness about the importance of Education for All (EFA) by involving highest policy makers, provincial chief ministers and district nazims in the process. Out of 20 million Pakistani children aged less than 10 years, about five million are not attending schools. The remaining 15 million are receiving education in public and private institutions.

Children from rural areas, who are not attending formal institutions and students from urban public and private schools as well as students from Madrassas attended the function. Federal Education Minister Zobaida Jalal, secretary Education,planners of Education for All national plan of action attended the function. As a follow-up to Dakar World Education Forum held in April 2000, Pakistan evolved a National Plan of Action on Education for All (2001-2015).

The plan, inter alia, envisages to reach the disadvantaged in rural and urban areas with emphasis on out-of-school and illiterate girls. It also encourages community participation and ownership of basic education programmes at the grassroots level. The President informed the students that Government wants to raise the standard of education across the country by introducing a common curriculum.

"We want to ensure uniform quality of education for all students as well believe that the future of the country is linked with the performance of younger generation-and higher the quality of human resource, greater the power of our country". He said the Government is also making efforts to bring madrassas into the mainstream education system by introducing formal education. Continuing, the President said,t he students of Madrassas would have access to more economic opportunities when they study science and other modern subjects in addition to religious education.

In this respect, the President also referred to the programme being pursued by the Punjab Government in motivating Madrassas to introduce science subjects and said the students of religious institutions, doing so, would be provided books free of cost To the students he advised that they should concentrate on developing all-round personality. "You should adhere to the moral values of honesty, truthfulness and observance of merit in all spheres of life at the same time you should not lose sight of staying physically fit".

On the occasion, students representatives of public, private and religious institutions, also spoke on the importance of ensuring education for all Pakistani children, specially the under-privileged. The students candidly exchanged views with the President on various educational issues including provision of sports facilities, training of teachers etc. On suggestion from a student that the country's leadership including the President should visit schools to have first hand information about the state of education being imparted, President Musharraf agreed to the idea.

Amid rousing welcome, the President said he would certainly visit some schools. The President also promised to look into increasing job opportunities for special persons. He was informed that the Federal Public Service Commission has recently allowed visually impaired students to take FPSC examination for getting jobs. Appreciating both the content and quality of speeches by the students, the President announced cash awards for speakers, and students who recited verses of the Holy Qur'an and Allama Iqbal's famous prayer for children.

The End.


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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Sunday, April 18, 2004

Five IT projects approved for Balochistan, NWFP

KARACHI: Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for IT and Telecom has approved five projects for Balochistan and NWFP to expand the country’s IT base and use it as a tool to ensure quick and efficient delivery of public services.

The approval was given at a ministerial review meeting chaired by the minister on Saturday, said a ministry statement.

Four out the five projects approved are meant for the province of Balochistan while one project would be executed in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

Final approval for these projects would be granted by the Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) of the ministry to be chaired by the IT Secretary, Khalid Saeed.

During the meeting, the minister recommended setting up of two computer laboratories at the Staff Training Institute (STI) of the Establishment Department of NWFP.

The meeting was told that the STI of NWFP is the only institute in the province allowed to train in-service government employees - particularly, the ministerial staff and low level officers - in office procedures and management skills.

The STI - since its establishment in 1996-97 - has trained 4,549 public servants, including 806 officials who have been imparted basic computer training.

"Government servants should make full use of IT in their day-to-day activities," the statement quoted Leghari as saying.

"For this reason, it is imperative that the training academies include a component of IT so that the government servants can be proficient in the use of computer and use IT in their core functions," he added.

The minister also cleared in concept a project for strengthening the IT department of the Balochistan government. Under the project, the IT ministry would provide state-of-the-art IT equipment to the department to enable it to carry out its functions efficiently.

The meeting recommended setting up of the Balochistan e-government network to link up government offices in the Civil Secretariat. The meeting stressed the need for setting up a data centre for the provincial government so that maximum benefit can be derived from networking.


======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

D.Sc Degree Awarded To Prof. Atta Ur Rehman

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : April 18 (PNS) - The In charge Minister for Science and Technology and Chairman Higher Education Commission Prof. Dr. Atta ur Rehman was awarded with the degree of “Doctor of Sciences” by Gomal University, D.I. Khan in the convocation ceremony held on 15th April, 2004 . A rich tribute was paid to Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman for being a leader of Science and Technology in Pakistan.

It is pertinent to mention over here that, he is the sole Pakistani Scientist to have been honoured by the prestigious degree of Doctor of Science (Sc.D) by Cambridge university. His contributions have been internationally recognized by numerous awards. He is also the first scientist from the Muslim world to have won the prestigious UNESCO Prize. He has contributed 63 books, the majority of which have been published by major publishers in USA and Europe and many of which are used in the course in Western Universities especially in the field of spectroscopy and natural product chemistry. He has also published over 450 research papers in the leading scientific journals of the world. So far 53 students have completed Ph.D degrees under his supervision.

While speaking on this occasion, the speakers applauded Dr. Atta’s role as a global intellectual who transcend from national boundaries and work for the common good of the entire humanity. Among other contributions, Dr. Atta ur Rehman has edited the first On-line Book named ‘Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry Online” aiming to contribute in a major way to the growth of scientific knowledge and insight, and facilitating the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents to treat debilitating human disorders.

On this occasion Dr. Att embarked upon the Higher Education Commission’s ambitious activities. He emphasized upon the receipt of knowledge that is the sole engine for socio economic development. We can stand in the comity of Nations only by investing in Education, he added. He mentioned that Pakistan is the first country having 3 tiers including linkages of Universities with fiber, Library, digitalization and Communication satellite. He assured that the government will increase the budget for Education in the coming year.

The End.

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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

6.3m Students Are Being Provided Free Text Books

LAHORE, Pakistan : April 18 (PNS) - 6.3 million boys and girl students of class one to five are being provided free text books. This information was given to the President General Pervez Musharraf at a briefing on Punjab education sector’s reforms programme in Lahore.

The Punjab chief minister Chaudry Pervez Elahi said at the briefing that 420 million rupees have been spent on the provision of the books during the first year. The president was informed that as a result of free education up to metric level, provision of free text books and grant of 200 rupees monthly stipend to girls students, the rate of admission in schools has increased upto fifteen percent.
The chief minister said the provincial government has evolved special programme for training of english and mathematics teachers. The Punjab governor retired Lt. General Khalid Maqbool said at the briefing that various steps have been taken to improve the standard of education in different universities of the province.

The End.

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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Friday, April 16, 2004

Textbooks issue still a nightmare for parents

Textbooks issue still a nightmare for parents

By our correspondent

KARACHI: Parents and students who are visiting the Urdu Bazar time and again for purchasing textbooks are confused about which textbook to buy and which to leave in the wake of the extreme controversy over the revision of curricula of certain subjects.

Certain quarters especially those among students had been raising incessant clamour over amendments in the textbooks, which they deemed against the spirit of Islam and the ideological basis of the country.

The federal government had decided to include Qur’aanic verses in the Class-XI Biology textbook whose deletion in the last edition had attracted a very strong criticism from concerned education circles.

Other textbooks at the school-level especially those of Social Studies and Urdu were reportedly under review by the Ministry of Education to do away with objectionable amendments made in them.

They said it was sheer negligence and slackness on the government’s part for failing to completely resolve the controversy surrounding the revised curricula.

They said that newspapers and electronic media were abounded with varying statements of the government on the issue, which was only adding to the confusion of parents and students.

They held that the ultimate losers would be students whose academic session had started from April 1.


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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Wednesday, April 14, 2004

Sufficient Funds Would Be Provided For Education And Health Sectors In The Coming Budget

Sufficient Funds Would Be Provided For Education And Health Sectors In The Coming Budget






ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : April 14 (PNS) - The Prime Minister has said health and education are the two priorities of the government and in the coming budget sufficient funds would be provided for these sectors.

He was addressing the first convocation of the institute of management and computer sciences at the Bahria University in Islamabad on Tuesday. The prime minister urged the graduating batches to keep up pace with the contemporary scientific developments. The prime minister also gave away medals and merit certificates to outstanding students. A hundred and eleven degrees were awarded to masters in business administration and the same number of degrees was awarded to the masters in computer science.

He also announced a grant of forty million rupees for the Bahria University and another forty million rupees for the proposed institute of marine sciences at Gwadar.

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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Monday, April 12, 2004

Indians Abuse Oracle Resources for Anti-Pakistan Campaign

Indians Abuse Oracle Resources for Anti-Pakistan Campaign






SAN FRANCISCO, April 7, 2004 (PNS) - Indian employees of Oracle Corporation, a Redwood Shores based database technology company, have mounted a fierce political attack to back stab Pakistan. Oracle Corporation, from its world headquarters in Redwood Shores California, in a telephone call to Pakistan News Service, disassociated itself from this hate campaign and termed the abuse of its e-mail resources as a 'violation.'

Such a hate campaign is coming as a shock to many Pakistanis given the much publicized 'peace process' between Pakistan and India. "It is the first time, India has positively responded to Pakistan's attempts at engaging India in dialogue for peace. It is sad to see the deep down hatred towards Pakistan in the hearts of the Indians," said Naubahar Ali, an American-Pakistani woman.

The following are the excerpts from an anti-Pakistan e-mail message distributed by Indian employee using Oracle Corporation's internet resources. This anti-Pakistan message contains fabrications regarding U.S.-Pakistan relations apparently to undermine Pakistan's efforts in U.S. led war against terrorism.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: FYIA - PETITION TO STOP PAKISTAN FROM BEING DESIGNATED A "MAJOR NON- NATO U.S. ALLY"
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2004 10:04:56 -0800
From: Ajay Popat

FYIA.............

PETITION TO STOP PAKISTAN FROM BEING DESIGNATED A "MAJOR NON- NATO U.S. ALLY"

Thanks..........

Ajay..............

PETITION TO STOP PAKISTAN FROM BEING DESIGNATED A "MAJOR NON-NATO U.S. ALLY"

The United States Congress will soon receive notification from the State Department to designate Pakistan a "major non-NATO ally". This decision is intended to pave the way for easy access to US weaponry by Pakistan military dictatorship, a move that will not only destabilize the region, but also seriously jeopardize the security of the United States itself by putting lethal arms into an unstable country - arms that if captured by terrorists could be turned against US or allied interests anywhere in the world.

-------------------------------------------------

Indian employees at Oracle are circulating anti-Pakistan campaign initiated by USINPAC (Indian American Political Group).


"This email does not reflect the views or opinions of Oracle Corporation. If it is the case that Oracle resources were used for this purpose, then it is a clear violation of Oracle's policy," said Jennifer Glass, Oracle's Vice President for Global External Affairs, in a written statement to Pakistan News Service.

Oracle is expected to take disciplinary and corrective actions to ensure its resources are not used for politically motivated hate campaigns.






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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Wednesday, April 07, 2004

IGATEX

KARACHI: The 3rd International Garment, Textile and Leather Machinery, Accessories and Fabrics Exhibition (IGATEX Pakistan-2004) will begin on April 21, at the Karachi Expo Centre and is said to be the largest exhibition of its kind to be held in this region, a press release said.

It said that more than 300 local and international leading textile and garment machinery manufacturers from almost 30 countries are participating in this show and more than 40,000 textile manufacturing industry related trade visitors are expected to visit the exhibition.

The show is aimed at providing a marketplace to the textile manufacturers in Pakistan as well as in the Asian region, with an opportunity to easily access the latest technology and machinery at their doorstep and make investment decisions, it added.

The Ministry of Commerce and Export Promotion Bureau as well as major textile industry associations in Pakistan are holding IGATEX under full support.

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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Technobuild fair from 30th

KARACHI: The Technobuild Exhibition would be held at the Karachi Expo Centre from April 30 to May 2. State-of-the art products and technologies relating to the housing and construction industries would be put on display on the occasion.

Chief organiser, Athar Zuberi, announced here on Tuesday the event is being supported by the major professional organisations including Ministry of Science and Technology, Pakistan Engineering Council, Council for Works and Housing Research, Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners, Association of Consulting Engineers Pakistan and Pakistan Engineers Association etc.

A number of banks including National Bank, Habib Bank, Union Bank, Standard Chartered, Al-Falah Bank and House Building Finance Corporation are also likely to come up with special packages for housing finance and domestic appliances.

Zuberi further stated that the event has attracted an increased number of exhibitors this year as compared to that of the previous occasions.


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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Need stressed for research in agri sector

LARKANA: Vice-Chancellor of the Agricultural University Tando Jam, Dr Bashir Ahmed Shaikh has underlined the need for research in agriculture sector to provide the growers with quality seed, which would increase per acre yield and subsequently stabilise country’s economy.

Speaking at the local Circuit House after paying a visit to ZA Bhutto Agricultural College, Dokri, on Tuesday, Dr Shaikh said that in this regard a task force has been formed to cater to the needs of different areas.

He said that keeping in view the scarcity of irrigation water, it was necessary to switch over to the crops that needed comparatively less water. Thousands of watercourses were being cemented with the financial assistance of the Asian Development Bank to avoid the wastage of irrigation water, he said.

"We are focusing on various fields and areas especially to provide skilled manpower and advanced technology to the growers and, if needed, required technology would be imported," he said.

Dr Shaikh said research was being carried out in various fields, keeping in view the requirements of various areas, while, short courses would be initiated in the ZA Bhutto Agricultural College to benefit the growers.

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Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Zobaida lauds AIOU efforts for promoting education

QUETTA: Federal Minister for Education Zobaida Jalal has said the efforts of the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in teaching are not only a matter of pride for the university but also for the government.

Zobaida stated this in her message read out at the inaugural ceremony of the Quetta Regional Campus of the AIOU here on Tuesday.

She said printing of 1.5 million books and 11.7 million copies of allied material by its own print production unit, preparation of 2,695 radio and 530 TV programmes is an extraordinary effort.

The message said the university is known for its educational and extra-curricular activities and other programmes. It added that the manner in which the AIOU observed the years of Quaid-e-Azam, Allama Iqbal and Madar-e-Millat with great respect, had not been observed by any other university in the country.

She congratulated the vice-chancellor and others on the inauguration of the Quetta Regional Campus. She also hoped that they would also continue their efforts for promoting education.


======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================

Tuesday, April 06, 2004

Importance of health research in South Asia

A well researched essay relating to the above title can be found at the following link:
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/328/7443/826

Summary:
South Asia has a quarter of the world's population, and a staggering disease burden. Research is essential to guide much-needed improvements in health systems and develop new initiatives in South Asian countries.

In this article, Ritu Sadana of the World Health Organisation and colleagues argue that, despite diversity in their geographical, linguistic and political structures, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka face common health challenges.

More regional research collaboration is needed, they say. And strategies to increase research must develop alongside steps to stimulate policymakers and practitioners to demand and use research evidence.

======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================