ISLAMABAD: 86pc literacy in next 15 years: official
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Dec 2: Pakistan has taken a number of effective measures and initiatives for Education for All (EFA) planning, implementation, management and resource mobilization, said Education Secretary Shafqat Ezdi Shah here on Tuesday.
"We have launched Education Sector Reforms (ESR) focussing on EFA and technical and vocational education," he said while speaking at the opening of a two-day sub-regional experts meeting on planning of EFA at a local hotel.
The meeting will be followed by a ministerial meeting to be held on December 4 and 5. The education ministry and Unesco, Islamabad, are hosting the meetings, which will be attended by high-level representatives from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkmenistan and the host country, Pakistan.
The secretary said the ESR action plan had been integrated into interim-poverty reduction strategy paper (2001-04). He said a number of development projects and programmes had been launched both in public and private sector for promotion of the plan.
Pakistan was also providing incentives to deserving children in the form of stipends, free textbooks, free uniform, food and nutrition to enable them to continue their education, he said, adding that free and compulsory primary education act was being enforced in a phased manner.
He said literacy rate was targeted to be increased from 49 per cent to 86 per cent in the next 15 years. Around 81 million population of 10 plus age group would become literate during the plan period 2001-15. The inputs and programmes planned to be initiated, inter alia, include opening of literacy centres, opening of non-formal basic education schools, vocational and trade schools and community viewing centres.
The focus of adult literacy programme would be on imparting income-generating skills linking it to micro-credit.
Earlier, Unesco director Ingeborg Breines spoke about the objectives of the meeting and told the participants that the countries in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Turkmenistan were facing challenges in the implementation of the ESR and though progress had been made, still these countries had a long way to go.
======================================================
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, December 05, 2003
Pakistani academic warns of implications of proposed research restrictions
Pakistani academic warns of implications of proposed research restrictions
By Khalid Hasan
WASHINGTON: If a bill passed by the US House of Representatives on October 21 becomes law, it will discourage American universities from undertaking research and sponsoring studies that pro-Israeli interests disapprove of, according to Prof Fawzia Afzal Khan, a Pakistani-American academic from Montclair State University, New Jersey.
In an analysis published this week in the online journal Counterpunch, Prof Khan points out that if the bill passed unanimously becomes law, it could require international studies departments to show more support for American foreign policy or risk their federal funding. Its approval followed hearings this summer in which members of Congress listened to testimony about the pernicious influence of the late Edward Said in Middle Eastern studies departments, described as “enclaves of debased anti-Americanism.” Those who testified included known supporters of Israel and all its policies.
Prof Khan writes, “Clearly, if this bill passes into law, it will curtail federal grants to Middle Eastern studies departments and programs across US universities unless they can prove that their faculty are not inspiring ‘terrorist’ thinking in their students simply by teaching them to critically examine US foreign policy in the Middle East and elsewhere. The bill, sponsored by pro-Israel lawmakers and inspired by American-born Israeli citizen, Martin Kramer, wants to tie federal funding to an explicit mandate to heads of these programs to hire pro-Israeli professors in their programmes, on the grounds that these programmes are overstuffed with left-wing pro-Arab, pro-Islamic radicals, who constitute an intellectual fifth-column in the country. That such a “deranged fantasy”... could be taken seriously as a basis for a Congressional bill, is a scary thought.”
She finds it disturbing that the “fast-approaching obsolescence of academic freedom” is being promoted by Zionist academics who have tremendous power in this government and within academia, and who are determined to prevent any criticism of US foreign-policy regarding Israel and the Middle East from affecting the minds of the American people, who might then reconsider the “war on terror” from quite a different analytic angle, one in which Zionism, Islamophobia as well as fanatical Islamicism and capitalist oppression of “others” all conspire together to preserve a status quo that is “literally driving the world into the abyss of annihilation.”
Prof Khan then examines how certain Muslim groups are helping to further this “conservative, capitalist agenda which supports injustice and oppression in the world as a fundamental precondition of its own power.” The Muslim groups she picks out are the various chapters of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) across the country. Most of these, she points out, attract young immigrant or first-generation Muslims looking for an identity to hold on to in the midst of confusing times. “Unfortunately, it is the most regressive variety of Islam that holds sway in these organisations, and so, for instance, the students who are office bearers of the MSA ...are men who sport beards and name themselves in Saudi/Arab fashion (since Arab Islam, particularly of the Saudi variety is seen as the ‘authentic’ version by conservatives), even when they happen to be of different ethnicities and backgrounds.
The Pakistani-American academic who teaches English literature, notes that women similarly present themselves in the most conservative way possible, heads covered in Arab-style hijabs, often wearing long coat-like garments to conceal their body shapes. To these young men and women, Islam is essentially a conservative ideology of life which can help resolve the contradictions of life in a consumerist, inegalitarian, capitalist society where everything, including the female body, is a commodity in the marketplace - by ‘restoring’ the balance between men and women that has been disrupted by modernity, delinked from a class analysis. According to this logic, if women stay home and defer to their men, in a gesture mimicking subservience to God, all will be well, an important part of that subservience has to be in the form of dress, since to expose the body is tantamount to disruption - creating ‘fitna’ or chaos which is misogynistically linked to women’s bodies.
Prof Khan argues that it is import to deconstruct the links between Islam as a religion that has been hijacked to serve the ends of western imperialism and Muslim patriarchal control. She find Islam to be a political rallying cry for the oppressed and the disenfranchised of the world, who are fed up with being subjected to new forms of colonialism through the globalisation-from-above being forced down their throats. She writes that because of these attempts at “delinking,” she has become a persona-non-grata with the Zionists on her campus as well as with the religious Muslims. The unaffiliated ones are afraid to take sides. She concludes that there is a dangerous convergence, not just of right-wing forces representing all religious ideologies, but what is perhaps worse, of scared intellectuals in various disciplines that are supposed to be committed to speaking truth to power “Such a convergence contributing to a pervasive culture of fear must be challenged if we are to reclaim our integrity not just as academics and scholars, but as human beings committed to finding just solutions to the problems and inequities of the world we live in.,” she adds.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
By Khalid Hasan
WASHINGTON: If a bill passed by the US House of Representatives on October 21 becomes law, it will discourage American universities from undertaking research and sponsoring studies that pro-Israeli interests disapprove of, according to Prof Fawzia Afzal Khan, a Pakistani-American academic from Montclair State University, New Jersey.
In an analysis published this week in the online journal Counterpunch, Prof Khan points out that if the bill passed unanimously becomes law, it could require international studies departments to show more support for American foreign policy or risk their federal funding. Its approval followed hearings this summer in which members of Congress listened to testimony about the pernicious influence of the late Edward Said in Middle Eastern studies departments, described as “enclaves of debased anti-Americanism.” Those who testified included known supporters of Israel and all its policies.
Prof Khan writes, “Clearly, if this bill passes into law, it will curtail federal grants to Middle Eastern studies departments and programs across US universities unless they can prove that their faculty are not inspiring ‘terrorist’ thinking in their students simply by teaching them to critically examine US foreign policy in the Middle East and elsewhere. The bill, sponsored by pro-Israel lawmakers and inspired by American-born Israeli citizen, Martin Kramer, wants to tie federal funding to an explicit mandate to heads of these programs to hire pro-Israeli professors in their programmes, on the grounds that these programmes are overstuffed with left-wing pro-Arab, pro-Islamic radicals, who constitute an intellectual fifth-column in the country. That such a “deranged fantasy”... could be taken seriously as a basis for a Congressional bill, is a scary thought.”
She finds it disturbing that the “fast-approaching obsolescence of academic freedom” is being promoted by Zionist academics who have tremendous power in this government and within academia, and who are determined to prevent any criticism of US foreign-policy regarding Israel and the Middle East from affecting the minds of the American people, who might then reconsider the “war on terror” from quite a different analytic angle, one in which Zionism, Islamophobia as well as fanatical Islamicism and capitalist oppression of “others” all conspire together to preserve a status quo that is “literally driving the world into the abyss of annihilation.”
Prof Khan then examines how certain Muslim groups are helping to further this “conservative, capitalist agenda which supports injustice and oppression in the world as a fundamental precondition of its own power.” The Muslim groups she picks out are the various chapters of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) across the country. Most of these, she points out, attract young immigrant or first-generation Muslims looking for an identity to hold on to in the midst of confusing times. “Unfortunately, it is the most regressive variety of Islam that holds sway in these organisations, and so, for instance, the students who are office bearers of the MSA ...are men who sport beards and name themselves in Saudi/Arab fashion (since Arab Islam, particularly of the Saudi variety is seen as the ‘authentic’ version by conservatives), even when they happen to be of different ethnicities and backgrounds.
The Pakistani-American academic who teaches English literature, notes that women similarly present themselves in the most conservative way possible, heads covered in Arab-style hijabs, often wearing long coat-like garments to conceal their body shapes. To these young men and women, Islam is essentially a conservative ideology of life which can help resolve the contradictions of life in a consumerist, inegalitarian, capitalist society where everything, including the female body, is a commodity in the marketplace - by ‘restoring’ the balance between men and women that has been disrupted by modernity, delinked from a class analysis. According to this logic, if women stay home and defer to their men, in a gesture mimicking subservience to God, all will be well, an important part of that subservience has to be in the form of dress, since to expose the body is tantamount to disruption - creating ‘fitna’ or chaos which is misogynistically linked to women’s bodies.
Prof Khan argues that it is import to deconstruct the links between Islam as a religion that has been hijacked to serve the ends of western imperialism and Muslim patriarchal control. She find Islam to be a political rallying cry for the oppressed and the disenfranchised of the world, who are fed up with being subjected to new forms of colonialism through the globalisation-from-above being forced down their throats. She writes that because of these attempts at “delinking,” she has become a persona-non-grata with the Zionists on her campus as well as with the religious Muslims. The unaffiliated ones are afraid to take sides. She concludes that there is a dangerous convergence, not just of right-wing forces representing all religious ideologies, but what is perhaps worse, of scared intellectuals in various disciplines that are supposed to be committed to speaking truth to power “Such a convergence contributing to a pervasive culture of fear must be challenged if we are to reclaim our integrity not just as academics and scholars, but as human beings committed to finding just solutions to the problems and inequities of the world we live in.,” she adds.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Musharraf to open COMSTECH moot on December 25
Musharraf to open COMSTECH moot on December 25
By DailyTimes Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) general assembly’s eleventh session of the standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) meeting will be held from December 25 to 27 in Islamabad.
COMSTECH Chairman President Musharraf will be the chief guest at the inaugural and concluding sessions of the COMSTECH general assembly and representatives of 57 member states will attend.
In a ministerial meeting held on Thursday, the Ministry of Science and Technology reviewed and finalised arrangements for the conference. Senior officials of different ministries and other departments attended the meeting.
Invitations have been sent to all 57 members states and some international organisations to attend the seminar. The meeting will discuss steps to build the capability of OIC member states in science and technology.
Reports will be presented by the member states to bring science and technology into the political agenda. Activity reports of the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Islamic Academy of Sciences (IAS) and various inter-Islamic networks set up by COMSTECH would also be presented.
The role of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in the development of science and technology in the OIC region will also be placed before the conference. General Musharraf, as COMSTECH chairman, will announce a new executive committee for the next four years.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
By DailyTimes Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) general assembly’s eleventh session of the standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) meeting will be held from December 25 to 27 in Islamabad.
COMSTECH Chairman President Musharraf will be the chief guest at the inaugural and concluding sessions of the COMSTECH general assembly and representatives of 57 member states will attend.
In a ministerial meeting held on Thursday, the Ministry of Science and Technology reviewed and finalised arrangements for the conference. Senior officials of different ministries and other departments attended the meeting.
Invitations have been sent to all 57 members states and some international organisations to attend the seminar. The meeting will discuss steps to build the capability of OIC member states in science and technology.
Reports will be presented by the member states to bring science and technology into the political agenda. Activity reports of the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Islamic Academy of Sciences (IAS) and various inter-Islamic networks set up by COMSTECH would also be presented.
The role of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in the development of science and technology in the OIC region will also be placed before the conference. General Musharraf, as COMSTECH chairman, will announce a new executive committee for the next four years.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Safety standards for CNG stations yet to be prescribed
Safety standards for CNG stations yet to be prescribed
By Intikhab Ali
KARACHI: Though no exact figures are available, there are nearly 200 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in the city. There is, however, no government agency to prescribe and ensure safety measures at these stations.
The explosion that took place at a CNG-filling station here in Phase V of Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on Wednesday has underscored the need for an agency to prescribe precautionary measures to save human lives. Seventeen persons were injured in Wednesday’s explosion.
The city government’s master plan is to group offices to issue no-objection certificates (NCO) for the installation of CNG-filling stations, after the requirements of the building bylaws of the Karachi Building Control Authority are fulfilled. The DHA is not under the jurisdiction of the City District Government Karachi, so it did not issue the NOC for it.
Sources in the city government, however, said safety measures were a technical issue and there was no one capable of doing the job in the entire city.
The explosion in the DHA should be an eye-opener for the federal, provincial and city governments, so they should prescribe safety measures at CNG stations.
Sources in the master plan group of offices pointed out that the responsibility to check technicalities of CNG stations was of the ministry of petroleum and they had trained personnel, equipment and know-how.
“It is a tradition in our society that a matter is given attention only after a disaster strikes,” they said.
The sources said they had received reports from various parts of the city that unauthorized CNG stations were being established and nobody knew whether they had taken safety measures or not.
Compressed natural gas is highly inflammable, so special precautionary measures are needed to handle it.
According to experts, CNG stations/plants should be set up at a safe distance from residential areas. CNG stations should be built according to the specifications laid down in the building bylaws at petrol-filing stations. In Karachi, many CNG plants have been set up at petrol stations and the number is increasing rapidly. Experts also recommend safety measures in the electric room, which develops pressure for CNG filling.
There are complaints in Karachi that workshops that are fitting CNG kits to vehicles are using substandard cylinders and kits. This is high time to prescribe safety measures at CNG stations and also for those engaged in conversion of vehicles into CNG. NOCs of those failing to follow the safety rules should be cancelled.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
By Intikhab Ali
KARACHI: Though no exact figures are available, there are nearly 200 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in the city. There is, however, no government agency to prescribe and ensure safety measures at these stations.
The explosion that took place at a CNG-filling station here in Phase V of Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on Wednesday has underscored the need for an agency to prescribe precautionary measures to save human lives. Seventeen persons were injured in Wednesday’s explosion.
The city government’s master plan is to group offices to issue no-objection certificates (NCO) for the installation of CNG-filling stations, after the requirements of the building bylaws of the Karachi Building Control Authority are fulfilled. The DHA is not under the jurisdiction of the City District Government Karachi, so it did not issue the NOC for it.
Sources in the city government, however, said safety measures were a technical issue and there was no one capable of doing the job in the entire city.
The explosion in the DHA should be an eye-opener for the federal, provincial and city governments, so they should prescribe safety measures at CNG stations.
Sources in the master plan group of offices pointed out that the responsibility to check technicalities of CNG stations was of the ministry of petroleum and they had trained personnel, equipment and know-how.
“It is a tradition in our society that a matter is given attention only after a disaster strikes,” they said.
The sources said they had received reports from various parts of the city that unauthorized CNG stations were being established and nobody knew whether they had taken safety measures or not.
Compressed natural gas is highly inflammable, so special precautionary measures are needed to handle it.
According to experts, CNG stations/plants should be set up at a safe distance from residential areas. CNG stations should be built according to the specifications laid down in the building bylaws at petrol-filing stations. In Karachi, many CNG plants have been set up at petrol stations and the number is increasing rapidly. Experts also recommend safety measures in the electric room, which develops pressure for CNG filling.
There are complaints in Karachi that workshops that are fitting CNG kits to vehicles are using substandard cylinders and kits. This is high time to prescribe safety measures at CNG stations and also for those engaged in conversion of vehicles into CNG. NOCs of those failing to follow the safety rules should be cancelled.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Forests Dept finalises plantation drive
Forests Dept finalises plantation drive
Staff Report
LAHORE: The Punjab Forests Department has finalised a plan to increase the tree population from 43 to 71 trees per hectare.
Forests Secretary Sajid Hussain Chattha told Chief Secretary Hafeez Akhtar Randhawa at a briefing here on Thursday that the department would offer the private sector incentives to help the project, which is named Vision 2020. Under Vision 2020, 14,000 tree planters would be given 62 million cuttings and 6,000 pumps over five years, and those who plant the most trees would be given cash prizes of Rs 5,000 per acre.
Mr Chattha said a summary for granting industry status to forestry had been sent to the chief minister.
He said the department would sign tree plantation memorandums of understanding with private companies including the Southern Electric Company, ARY, Indus Motors and Husnain and Company.
He said joint ventures for forestation with schools would be launched and a memorandum of understanding would soon be signed with Lawrence College in Ghora Galli. He said the federal government would give farmers 85 million plants and the Forests Department would give them money to set up nurseries. He said Rs 240 million would be spent on planting trees along rivers and canals.
Chief Secretary Randhawa told him to ensure public participation in the tree plantation campaign and publish information on the number of trees planted and protected by the department each year
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Staff Report
LAHORE: The Punjab Forests Department has finalised a plan to increase the tree population from 43 to 71 trees per hectare.
Forests Secretary Sajid Hussain Chattha told Chief Secretary Hafeez Akhtar Randhawa at a briefing here on Thursday that the department would offer the private sector incentives to help the project, which is named Vision 2020. Under Vision 2020, 14,000 tree planters would be given 62 million cuttings and 6,000 pumps over five years, and those who plant the most trees would be given cash prizes of Rs 5,000 per acre.
Mr Chattha said a summary for granting industry status to forestry had been sent to the chief minister.
He said the department would sign tree plantation memorandums of understanding with private companies including the Southern Electric Company, ARY, Indus Motors and Husnain and Company.
He said joint ventures for forestation with schools would be launched and a memorandum of understanding would soon be signed with Lawrence College in Ghora Galli. He said the federal government would give farmers 85 million plants and the Forests Department would give them money to set up nurseries. He said Rs 240 million would be spent on planting trees along rivers and canals.
Chief Secretary Randhawa told him to ensure public participation in the tree plantation campaign and publish information on the number of trees planted and protected by the department each year
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
PIA to sign accord for buying eight E777s
PIA to sign accord for buying eight E777s
By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Dec 4: The Pakistan International Airlines will sign an agreement on Dec 15 to purchase eight E777 aircraft from Boeing at the cost of $1.2 billion, Pakistani and US officials said here on Thursday.
The signing-in ceremony will be held at the US Export-Import Bank in Washington. PIA chairman Ahmed Saeed will represent the national airlines at the ceremony.
Last year, the Ex-Imp Bank agreed to provide $125 million to Pakistan to help it buy passenger aircraft from the Boeing Co. This is the first time that the bank is underwriting a deal between Pakistan and a private US firm.
Also last year, the Pakistan government agreed to contribute $150 million over three years to help PIA finance the purchase of 10 new planes. Announcing the government contribution, finance minister Shaukat Aziz had said the money would help the airlines embark on an ambitious $2 billion fleet-overhaul programme that includes the scheduled purchase of 10 planes by 2011.
PIA has launched an ambitious plan to improve the airline's aging fleet with new aircraft. The average age of PIA's current fleet is 23 years. It has 40 planes and 22,000 employees.
The airlines had earlier made an arrangement to take delivery of three Boeing 777s and seven turboprop aircraft by 2003. The federal government had said that its decision to contribute 15 per cent of the total money needed to complete the purchase was largely due to the airline's improved financial performance.
The Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet had originally allowed PIA to buy four 777 Boeing and three A-340 Airbus but the airlines later changed its plan and decided to buy four more E777 aircraft from Being.
E777 aircraft have an extended range and PIA hopes that the purchase will enable it to reduce the flight duration by operating direct flights between Pakistan and the United States.
Sources in Washington say that PIA's decision to buy E777s instead of the A-340 airbus was also influenced by the Ex-Imp Bank's agreement to enhance its loan facilities. According to the sources, the bank has agreed to provide up to 60 per cent financing to help purchase Boeing aircraft that are manufactured in the US. But while announcing the original purchase plan, officials in Islamabad had said that the manufacturers of A-340 Airbus had offered to provide 75 per cent financing
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Dec 4: The Pakistan International Airlines will sign an agreement on Dec 15 to purchase eight E777 aircraft from Boeing at the cost of $1.2 billion, Pakistani and US officials said here on Thursday.
The signing-in ceremony will be held at the US Export-Import Bank in Washington. PIA chairman Ahmed Saeed will represent the national airlines at the ceremony.
Last year, the Ex-Imp Bank agreed to provide $125 million to Pakistan to help it buy passenger aircraft from the Boeing Co. This is the first time that the bank is underwriting a deal between Pakistan and a private US firm.
Also last year, the Pakistan government agreed to contribute $150 million over three years to help PIA finance the purchase of 10 new planes. Announcing the government contribution, finance minister Shaukat Aziz had said the money would help the airlines embark on an ambitious $2 billion fleet-overhaul programme that includes the scheduled purchase of 10 planes by 2011.
PIA has launched an ambitious plan to improve the airline's aging fleet with new aircraft. The average age of PIA's current fleet is 23 years. It has 40 planes and 22,000 employees.
The airlines had earlier made an arrangement to take delivery of three Boeing 777s and seven turboprop aircraft by 2003. The federal government had said that its decision to contribute 15 per cent of the total money needed to complete the purchase was largely due to the airline's improved financial performance.
The Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet had originally allowed PIA to buy four 777 Boeing and three A-340 Airbus but the airlines later changed its plan and decided to buy four more E777 aircraft from Being.
E777 aircraft have an extended range and PIA hopes that the purchase will enable it to reduce the flight duration by operating direct flights between Pakistan and the United States.
Sources in Washington say that PIA's decision to buy E777s instead of the A-340 airbus was also influenced by the Ex-Imp Bank's agreement to enhance its loan facilities. According to the sources, the bank has agreed to provide up to 60 per cent financing to help purchase Boeing aircraft that are manufactured in the US. But while announcing the original purchase plan, officials in Islamabad had said that the manufacturers of A-340 Airbus had offered to provide 75 per cent financing
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Foreign Faculty Hiring Program of Higher Education Commission
Program Overview and Goals
By Pakistan Higher Education Commission
Overview
The Government of Pakistan, under its national Higher Education Policy, has initiated a unique program to recruit highly qualified faculty from abroad for rendering services in graduate research programs in different public sector universities/institutions in Pakistan. Applicants are invited for positions of Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor in all fields, and particularly in academic disciplines related to science, technology and engineering. The duration of the contract will be at least 1-year, and may be extended.
Goal
The goal of this program is to hire 300 foreign faculty members each year for the next 5 years to fill the vast gap of qualified research academics and Ph.D. supervisors in the higher education sector in Pakistan. Foreign faculty members, who will bring tremendous wealth of knowledge and research experience, will be expected to impart a modern and progressive outlook to research-based academic programmes in Pakistani universities, and would set norms of international academic standards to be emulated by their local colleagues. Furthermore, the project will generate linkages between local and foreign institutions, encouraging long-term sustainable scientific collaborations. Foreign faculty members will be expected to supervise world-class graduate level research and deliver cutting-edge graduate level courses in their academic disciplines. HEC will ensure the provision of funds for supporting graduate students and associated research expenses. In the long-term, the goal is to uplift the graduate programs in Pakistani universities and bring them up to international standards.
Benefits
To attract foreign faculty members, a comprehensive package has been announced, in addition to the various mechanisms already available for procuring research grants, research infrastructure and other support from the HEC. The consolidated salary package for a foreign faculty hired under this program ranges from Pak Rs 150, 000 to Pak Rs. 250, 000 per month (average approximately US $3000 per month).
Professor: Rs 183,750 - 257250 per month (app. 3100 - 4300 US $ per month)
Associate Professor: Rs 120750 - 181125 per month (app. 2000 -3000 US $ per month)
Assistant Professor Rs 78750-136500 per month (app. 1300 -2275 US $ per month)
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
By Pakistan Higher Education Commission
Overview
The Government of Pakistan, under its national Higher Education Policy, has initiated a unique program to recruit highly qualified faculty from abroad for rendering services in graduate research programs in different public sector universities/institutions in Pakistan. Applicants are invited for positions of Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor in all fields, and particularly in academic disciplines related to science, technology and engineering. The duration of the contract will be at least 1-year, and may be extended.
Goal
The goal of this program is to hire 300 foreign faculty members each year for the next 5 years to fill the vast gap of qualified research academics and Ph.D. supervisors in the higher education sector in Pakistan. Foreign faculty members, who will bring tremendous wealth of knowledge and research experience, will be expected to impart a modern and progressive outlook to research-based academic programmes in Pakistani universities, and would set norms of international academic standards to be emulated by their local colleagues. Furthermore, the project will generate linkages between local and foreign institutions, encouraging long-term sustainable scientific collaborations. Foreign faculty members will be expected to supervise world-class graduate level research and deliver cutting-edge graduate level courses in their academic disciplines. HEC will ensure the provision of funds for supporting graduate students and associated research expenses. In the long-term, the goal is to uplift the graduate programs in Pakistani universities and bring them up to international standards.
Benefits
To attract foreign faculty members, a comprehensive package has been announced, in addition to the various mechanisms already available for procuring research grants, research infrastructure and other support from the HEC. The consolidated salary package for a foreign faculty hired under this program ranges from Pak Rs 150, 000 to Pak Rs. 250, 000 per month (average approximately US $3000 per month).
Professor: Rs 183,750 - 257250 per month (app. 3100 - 4300 US $ per month)
Associate Professor: Rs 120750 - 181125 per month (app. 2000 -3000 US $ per month)
Assistant Professor Rs 78750-136500 per month (app. 1300 -2275 US $ per month)
======================================================
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, December 03, 2003
Pakistan protests over EU move on Basmati
"By Masood Anwar
KARACHI: Pakistan has strongly protested against the exclusion of Super Basmati variety from the draft proposals prepared by the Cereal Experts Committee (CEC) of the European Union (EU) and warned it will approach the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Pakistan has also expressed disagreement over the time set for implementing the new policy from the beginning of new calendar year. Instead, Pakistan has proposed to the EU to implement the new measures from the start of new marketing year in EU, which is September.
"It is pointed out that Super Basmati accounts for more than 80 per cent of the Basmati exports from Pakistan to Europe, and by excluding it from this entitlement without any technical or economic justification, the Commission would be acting in an arbitrary and unjust manner to impose totally unwarranted restrictions on trade from Pakistan," Suleman Ghani, Pakistan’s Economic Minister in Brussels said in a letter to the CEC.
"Such a move, if it unfortunately goes through, would surely invite a reaction from Pakistan, including the possibility of recourse to the WTO and bilateral trade measures," the minister warned in his letter.
Pakistan has also aired concern over the new definition of Basmati rice derived by the CEC and urged to substitute the words "pure-line" or "true-line" by the words "historic land-based varieties".
Even the Grain and Feed Trade Association of the UK, which discussed the guidelines on Basmati, used the words "historic land-based varieties", the economic minister said.
Pakistan has also expressed displeasure over the use of DNA analysis as "control mechanism", saying "we are not clear about the accuracy of DNA testing benchmark in the UK".
"We have shown our willingness to agree to this testing provided Pakistan is first given the opportunity of checking if the DNA test is accurate and objective in its design," the letter said.
Any change in the policy should be applied after the consent of all trading partners and completion of due process, the letter added.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
KARACHI: Pakistan has strongly protested against the exclusion of Super Basmati variety from the draft proposals prepared by the Cereal Experts Committee (CEC) of the European Union (EU) and warned it will approach the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Pakistan has also expressed disagreement over the time set for implementing the new policy from the beginning of new calendar year. Instead, Pakistan has proposed to the EU to implement the new measures from the start of new marketing year in EU, which is September.
"It is pointed out that Super Basmati accounts for more than 80 per cent of the Basmati exports from Pakistan to Europe, and by excluding it from this entitlement without any technical or economic justification, the Commission would be acting in an arbitrary and unjust manner to impose totally unwarranted restrictions on trade from Pakistan," Suleman Ghani, Pakistan’s Economic Minister in Brussels said in a letter to the CEC.
"Such a move, if it unfortunately goes through, would surely invite a reaction from Pakistan, including the possibility of recourse to the WTO and bilateral trade measures," the minister warned in his letter.
Pakistan has also aired concern over the new definition of Basmati rice derived by the CEC and urged to substitute the words "pure-line" or "true-line" by the words "historic land-based varieties".
Even the Grain and Feed Trade Association of the UK, which discussed the guidelines on Basmati, used the words "historic land-based varieties", the economic minister said.
Pakistan has also expressed displeasure over the use of DNA analysis as "control mechanism", saying "we are not clear about the accuracy of DNA testing benchmark in the UK".
"We have shown our willingness to agree to this testing provided Pakistan is first given the opportunity of checking if the DNA test is accurate and objective in its design," the letter said.
Any change in the policy should be applied after the consent of all trading partners and completion of due process, the letter added.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
PM Jamali Wants Exploitation Of Energy Resources
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Dec 03 (PNS) - Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Tuesday stressed the importance of cheap electricity and said energy resources should be exploited to the maximum for the country’s rapid development.
Presiding over the 31st meeting of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Council (PAEC), Mr Jamali praised the council for its contribution to the defence sector. He directed the PAEC to prepare Vision 2025 for the development of nuclear power plants. He directed officials to continue negotiations with China to make sure that the Chasma power plant was completed in time and work on the project started next year.
He said agriculture was crucial to the growth of economy and directed the PAEC to expand its research to the agriculture sector. He said the Pakistan Atomic Energy Council should establish links with other research organisations to develop coordination in research activities.
Mr Jamali directed the PAEC to develop its educational institutions to cater to the country’s future requirements.
Meanwhile, talking to International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Director General Brunson McKinley on Tuesday, Mr Jamali welcomed the IOM’s offer for fiancial assistance to help Afghan refugees return and on the export of Pakistani manpower.
Mr Jamali informed Mr McKinley about the government’s policies to cope with the Afghan refugees. He said Pakistan had received a large number of refugees from its neighbouring countries, especially Afghanistan, and illegal migrants from several Asian countries had put enormous burden on Pakistan’s resources.
Mr Jamali said Pakistan had adopted strict measures against human trafficking and praised the IOM for its assistance in tackling the problem.
The End.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Presiding over the 31st meeting of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Council (PAEC), Mr Jamali praised the council for its contribution to the defence sector. He directed the PAEC to prepare Vision 2025 for the development of nuclear power plants. He directed officials to continue negotiations with China to make sure that the Chasma power plant was completed in time and work on the project started next year.
He said agriculture was crucial to the growth of economy and directed the PAEC to expand its research to the agriculture sector. He said the Pakistan Atomic Energy Council should establish links with other research organisations to develop coordination in research activities.
Mr Jamali directed the PAEC to develop its educational institutions to cater to the country’s future requirements.
Meanwhile, talking to International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Director General Brunson McKinley on Tuesday, Mr Jamali welcomed the IOM’s offer for fiancial assistance to help Afghan refugees return and on the export of Pakistani manpower.
Mr Jamali informed Mr McKinley about the government’s policies to cope with the Afghan refugees. He said Pakistan had received a large number of refugees from its neighbouring countries, especially Afghanistan, and illegal migrants from several Asian countries had put enormous burden on Pakistan’s resources.
Mr Jamali said Pakistan had adopted strict measures against human trafficking and praised the IOM for its assistance in tackling the problem.
The End.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
China to sell second nuclear power plant to Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) - China will sell Pakistan a second nuclear power plant next year to help solve its energy problems, government officials said Wednesday.
The power plant will be built in Chashma, 225 kilometers (135 miles) southwest of Islamabad, and will be able to generate 600 megawatts of power, two Pakistani officials said on condition of anonymity.
China, a longtime ally, sold Pakistan a nuclear power plant with the same capacity in the 1990s that also was built in Chashma.
Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali met with Pakistani nuclear scientists on Tuesday and asked them to speed work on the new project next year, the officials said.
They refused to provide details about the Chinese deal, including the price and when it was reached.
Pakistani officials often refuse to be quoted by name about nuclear matters.
During a visit to China last month by Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Chinese officials said the two countries had "reached consensus'' about a joint nuclear power plant project, but gave no other details.
Pakistan's very first nuclear power plant was built in the southern city of Karachi in the 1970s with Canadian help. It was shut down a few years ago, and Pakistani scientists have since been trying to replace it.
Pakistan became a nuclear-armed nation in 1998 when it detonated nuclear devices in response to nuclear tests by archrival India.
Pakistan has said its nuclear military program is to protect its security, and its nuclear power plants have been monitored closely by the international community. - AP
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
The power plant will be built in Chashma, 225 kilometers (135 miles) southwest of Islamabad, and will be able to generate 600 megawatts of power, two Pakistani officials said on condition of anonymity.
China, a longtime ally, sold Pakistan a nuclear power plant with the same capacity in the 1990s that also was built in Chashma.
Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali met with Pakistani nuclear scientists on Tuesday and asked them to speed work on the new project next year, the officials said.
They refused to provide details about the Chinese deal, including the price and when it was reached.
Pakistani officials often refuse to be quoted by name about nuclear matters.
During a visit to China last month by Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Chinese officials said the two countries had "reached consensus'' about a joint nuclear power plant project, but gave no other details.
Pakistan's very first nuclear power plant was built in the southern city of Karachi in the 1970s with Canadian help. It was shut down a few years ago, and Pakistani scientists have since been trying to replace it.
Pakistan became a nuclear-armed nation in 1998 when it detonated nuclear devices in response to nuclear tests by archrival India.
Pakistan has said its nuclear military program is to protect its security, and its nuclear power plants have been monitored closely by the international community. - AP
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Siemens Expands GSM Mobile Network for Ufone in Pakistan - Order Volume of 26 Million US Dollars
MUNICH, Germany, Dec 3, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Pakistan Telecom Mobile (Ufone), the mobile phone subsidiary of Pakistan Telecom (PTCL), has commissioned Siemens to expand its mobile network in Pakistan. The Siemens Group Information and Communication Mobile (Siemens mobile) (NYSE:SI)(FWB:SIE) is setting up a new GSM network infrastructure for Ufone in a total of 29 cities. The order is worth 26 million US dollars.
Siemens mobile is delivering and installing new mobile transmission and reception equipment (base stations), switching technology, plus hardware and software components for the Ufone GSM 900 network in 29 cities. In four other cities, Siemens mobile is replacing the existing radio technology with Siemens base stations.
'Our new partnership with Siemens mobile is based on their ability to deliver excellent solutions to the local market,'said Arshad Khan, CEO of Ufone. 'With an established presence in Pakistan, Siemens mobile has demonstrated its ability to combine a deep understanding of the local market with cutting edge, reliable technology, making them the ideal partner to help us expand our reach', he added.
'With the Ufone order, we have achieved a further success as mobile infrastructure supplier in the very interesting Pakistan market, which in our view offers great potential. Currently only about three percent of the 148 million inhabitants use mobile telephony,' said Christoph Caselitz, President of Networks within Siemens mobile. The rapidly growing demand for mobile services in Pakistan has induced Ufone to expand its GSM network rapidly, and we are proud that Ufone has selected us as sole supplier for the job.'
The mobile provider Pakistan Telekom Mobile (PTML) is a 100% subsidiary of the state-owned telecommunications enterprise Pakistan Telecom Corporation Ltd. Since January 2001 - under the name Ufone - it has been offering mobile telephony services in Pakistan. Ufone currently has about 500,000 customers and a market share of about 20 percent.
SOURCE: Siemens AG
Siemens AG, Munich Press Office Information and Communication Mobile Networks Christian Hoenicke Tel.: +49-89 722-53910; Fax: -44780 E-mail: christian.hoenicke@siemens.com
Customize your Business Wire news &multimedia to match your needs. Get breaking news from companies and organizations worldwide. Logon for FREE today at www.BusinessWire.com.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Pakistan Telecom Mobile (Ufone), the mobile phone subsidiary of Pakistan Telecom (PTCL), has commissioned Siemens to expand its mobile network in Pakistan. The Siemens Group Information and Communication Mobile (Siemens mobile) (NYSE:SI)(FWB:SIE) is setting up a new GSM network infrastructure for Ufone in a total of 29 cities. The order is worth 26 million US dollars.
Siemens mobile is delivering and installing new mobile transmission and reception equipment (base stations), switching technology, plus hardware and software components for the Ufone GSM 900 network in 29 cities. In four other cities, Siemens mobile is replacing the existing radio technology with Siemens base stations.
'Our new partnership with Siemens mobile is based on their ability to deliver excellent solutions to the local market,'said Arshad Khan, CEO of Ufone. 'With an established presence in Pakistan, Siemens mobile has demonstrated its ability to combine a deep understanding of the local market with cutting edge, reliable technology, making them the ideal partner to help us expand our reach', he added.
'With the Ufone order, we have achieved a further success as mobile infrastructure supplier in the very interesting Pakistan market, which in our view offers great potential. Currently only about three percent of the 148 million inhabitants use mobile telephony,' said Christoph Caselitz, President of Networks within Siemens mobile. The rapidly growing demand for mobile services in Pakistan has induced Ufone to expand its GSM network rapidly, and we are proud that Ufone has selected us as sole supplier for the job.'
The mobile provider Pakistan Telekom Mobile (PTML) is a 100% subsidiary of the state-owned telecommunications enterprise Pakistan Telecom Corporation Ltd. Since January 2001 - under the name Ufone - it has been offering mobile telephony services in Pakistan. Ufone currently has about 500,000 customers and a market share of about 20 percent.
SOURCE: Siemens AG
Siemens AG, Munich Press Office Information and Communication Mobile Networks Christian Hoenicke Tel.: +49-89 722-53910; Fax: -44780 E-mail: christian.hoenicke@siemens.com
Customize your Business Wire news &multimedia to match your needs. Get breaking news from companies and organizations worldwide. Logon for FREE today at www.BusinessWire.com.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
PAKISTAN: New HIV/AIDS cases in Sindh
ISLAMABAD, 3 Dec 2003 (IRIN) - Seven new HIV-positive cases have been diagnosed in the southern province of Sindh, bringing the total of identified cases to 31 since September, according to an official. "Almost all the cases are intravenous drug users, with only a few attributed to sexual contact," Dr Qamar Abbas of the Sindh AIDS Control Programme (SACP) official, told IRIN from Karachi on Wednesday.
The SACP scrambled to screen other jails in the province after seven HIV cases had been diagnosed in a jail in the town of Larkana in late August, and subsequently found three more in Karachi, and then another four in Hyderabad and Sukkur, Abbas said. "HIV-positive cases in intravenous drug users appears to be a new trend. Previously, all the cases we found were due to sexual contact," he added.
Between 70,000 and 80,000 people, or 0.1 percent of the adult population in Pakistan, are HIV-positive, according to a World Bank report released on World Aids Day. Social taboos deterred patients from reporting their illness with the result that many cases went unreported, the report said, adding that although the prevalence of HIV in Pakistan was still low, the country was highly vulnerable to an escalating epidemic due to a number of significant risk factors.
Dr Mohammed Imran, a National AIDS Control Programme official, told IRIN in November that the number of reported cases of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan had risen to 2,080 in 2003. "As far as the projections are concerned for unreported cases, we estimate that there are more than 80,000 such cases in Pakistan at present," he added.
A new report published by the World Health Organisation said that, in contrast to the relative success of measures targeted at limiting HIV transmission via commercial sex, HIV infection among injecting drug users was rising, with "explosive spreads" seen in most Asian countries, including Pakistan.
However, the SACP's surveillance programme had, for its part, successfully identified the affected convicts, as it had with other segments of the population, Dr Sharaf Ali Shah, who heads the SACP, told IRIN from Karachi. "Following the outbreak in Larkana, we tested more than 5,000 jail inmates across several cities in Sindh, and we were able to diagnose the new cases in Karachi, Sukkur and Hyderabad. Of these, four are due to intravenous drug use and the remaining three were non-drug users," he said.
Pakistan launched a new programme in October to combat the spread HIV/AIDS. The Enhanced HIV/AIDS Control Programme is budgeted at US $47 million with the primary assistance of the World Bank and is supported by the British government's Department for International Development and the Canadian International Development Agency.
[ENDS]
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
The SACP scrambled to screen other jails in the province after seven HIV cases had been diagnosed in a jail in the town of Larkana in late August, and subsequently found three more in Karachi, and then another four in Hyderabad and Sukkur, Abbas said. "HIV-positive cases in intravenous drug users appears to be a new trend. Previously, all the cases we found were due to sexual contact," he added.
Between 70,000 and 80,000 people, or 0.1 percent of the adult population in Pakistan, are HIV-positive, according to a World Bank report released on World Aids Day. Social taboos deterred patients from reporting their illness with the result that many cases went unreported, the report said, adding that although the prevalence of HIV in Pakistan was still low, the country was highly vulnerable to an escalating epidemic due to a number of significant risk factors.
Dr Mohammed Imran, a National AIDS Control Programme official, told IRIN in November that the number of reported cases of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan had risen to 2,080 in 2003. "As far as the projections are concerned for unreported cases, we estimate that there are more than 80,000 such cases in Pakistan at present," he added.
A new report published by the World Health Organisation said that, in contrast to the relative success of measures targeted at limiting HIV transmission via commercial sex, HIV infection among injecting drug users was rising, with "explosive spreads" seen in most Asian countries, including Pakistan.
However, the SACP's surveillance programme had, for its part, successfully identified the affected convicts, as it had with other segments of the population, Dr Sharaf Ali Shah, who heads the SACP, told IRIN from Karachi. "Following the outbreak in Larkana, we tested more than 5,000 jail inmates across several cities in Sindh, and we were able to diagnose the new cases in Karachi, Sukkur and Hyderabad. Of these, four are due to intravenous drug use and the remaining three were non-drug users," he said.
Pakistan launched a new programme in October to combat the spread HIV/AIDS. The Enhanced HIV/AIDS Control Programme is budgeted at US $47 million with the primary assistance of the World Bank and is supported by the British government's Department for International Development and the Canadian International Development Agency.
[ENDS]
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
EU may ban cheap basmati from Pakistan
Sangita Shah in Mumbai
Published : December 4, 2003
The European Union (EU) has decided in principle to ban the import of low-quality basmati rice from Pakistan, providing a huge opportunity to Indian basmati exporters. The decision, however, has to be ratified by the EU member states.
According to a draft proposal circulated, which will be put to vote shortly, the duty exemption of 250 euros per tonne will henceforth be available only to the traditional basmati varieties, as defined by India.
Most of these varieties are not grown in Pakistan commercially. So Pakistan’s share of the 100,000 tonnes of basmati rice exports to the EU, valued at around $50 million, is up for grabs.
“This will be a victory of sorts for India. Basmati is traditionally of Indian origin and is now being recognised as such,” says Anil Mittal, chairman of the country’s largest basmati rice exporter, KRBL Ltd.
The EU has decided to clamp down on the low-quality rice exported by Pakistan under the ‘higher value-lower duty’ rice exports scheme. Indian basmati rice exporters had been fighting tooth and nail to give the traditional basmati rice its rightful place in the international market.
Expecting the EU ban on Pakistan’s basmati exports, importers had signed purchase agreements for meeting 75 per cent of their requirements from India, exporters said.
The 15-nation bloc, in its draft, proposes to remove Super Basmati rice, which comprises over 80 per cent of Pakistani rice exports, from the duty exemption list.
The Cereals Experts Committee of the EU is scheduled to meet in Brussels tomorrow to approve its draft for the regulation of rice imports by the EU states.
According to the draft to be discussed by the committee, only two varieties of Pakistani rice—Kernel and Basmati 370—will be allowed to be imported by the EU. Both the varieties are not found in Pakistan. So Pakistan has lost the European market.
The EU annually buys around 130,000 tonnes of basmati rice from India, valued at $90-100 million (around Rs 450 crore), and exports of basmati rice from India and Pakistan have been going up significantly since 1995.
The basmati sales by the two countries in the EU has been mainly at the expense of the US’ long-grain rice, which attracts a higher duty.
The EU now produces around 22 lakh tonne of rice and imports 6-7 lakh tonnes, with the US (3.5 lakh tonnet), India (1.5 lakh tonne), Pakistan and Thailand (0.5 lakh tonne each) being the main suppliers.
Both India and Pakistan mainly supply basmati rice, while the US and Thailand export low-premium long-grain varieties.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Published : December 4, 2003
The European Union (EU) has decided in principle to ban the import of low-quality basmati rice from Pakistan, providing a huge opportunity to Indian basmati exporters. The decision, however, has to be ratified by the EU member states.
According to a draft proposal circulated, which will be put to vote shortly, the duty exemption of 250 euros per tonne will henceforth be available only to the traditional basmati varieties, as defined by India.
Most of these varieties are not grown in Pakistan commercially. So Pakistan’s share of the 100,000 tonnes of basmati rice exports to the EU, valued at around $50 million, is up for grabs.
“This will be a victory of sorts for India. Basmati is traditionally of Indian origin and is now being recognised as such,” says Anil Mittal, chairman of the country’s largest basmati rice exporter, KRBL Ltd.
The EU has decided to clamp down on the low-quality rice exported by Pakistan under the ‘higher value-lower duty’ rice exports scheme. Indian basmati rice exporters had been fighting tooth and nail to give the traditional basmati rice its rightful place in the international market.
Expecting the EU ban on Pakistan’s basmati exports, importers had signed purchase agreements for meeting 75 per cent of their requirements from India, exporters said.
The 15-nation bloc, in its draft, proposes to remove Super Basmati rice, which comprises over 80 per cent of Pakistani rice exports, from the duty exemption list.
The Cereals Experts Committee of the EU is scheduled to meet in Brussels tomorrow to approve its draft for the regulation of rice imports by the EU states.
According to the draft to be discussed by the committee, only two varieties of Pakistani rice—Kernel and Basmati 370—will be allowed to be imported by the EU. Both the varieties are not found in Pakistan. So Pakistan has lost the European market.
The EU annually buys around 130,000 tonnes of basmati rice from India, valued at $90-100 million (around Rs 450 crore), and exports of basmati rice from India and Pakistan have been going up significantly since 1995.
The basmati sales by the two countries in the EU has been mainly at the expense of the US’ long-grain rice, which attracts a higher duty.
The EU now produces around 22 lakh tonne of rice and imports 6-7 lakh tonnes, with the US (3.5 lakh tonnet), India (1.5 lakh tonne), Pakistan and Thailand (0.5 lakh tonne each) being the main suppliers.
Both India and Pakistan mainly supply basmati rice, while the US and Thailand export low-premium long-grain varieties.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Saturday, November 29, 2003
16th Annual Conference of Pakistan Society of Neurosurgeons
Pakistan Society of Neurosurgeons
December 5-6, 2003
Serena, Quetta
Pakistan Society of Neurosurgeons < http://www.pakneurosurgery.org/ > holds scientific meetings annually in which neurosurgeons from all over the country share their experience in the form of scientific papers. These meetings are held in different cities of the country and this year's meeting is being co-hosted by the Department of Neurosurgery, Bolan Medical College, Quetta.
Besides scientific and academic sessions, these meetings are also known for interesting and colorful regional cultural events and social programs. There is an associated Scientific Exhibition where the neurosurgical instrument makers, pharmaceutical companies and medical booksellers exhibit their merchandise.
Pakistan Society of Neurosurgeons holds vote for the election of it's Executive Commitee every two years. A halmark of this year's conference is the General Body Meeting of the society in which election for the next term are being held.
Young Neurosurgeons Forum, another progressive body of the new generation of Pakistani neurosurgeons is also holding its Executive Body Meeting at the occassion of the conference.
On top of it all, weather in Quetta at this time of the year is going to make this an unforgetable experience.
Further information about the conference can be retrieved from the office of the Chairman Organizing Committee, Dr. Hameedullah Buzdar at the following contact info.
Crrespondence Address: B-4, GOR Colony, Queta, Pakistan
Telephone: 92(81) 831 943, 92(81) 837 743
Fax: 92(81) 830 559
Email: buzdar@qta.paknet.com.pk
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Monthly Egnlish-Language Science E-Digest
=====================================================
December 5-6, 2003
Serena, Quetta
Pakistan Society of Neurosurgeons < http://www.pakneurosurgery.org/ > holds scientific meetings annually in which neurosurgeons from all over the country share their experience in the form of scientific papers. These meetings are held in different cities of the country and this year's meeting is being co-hosted by the Department of Neurosurgery, Bolan Medical College, Quetta.
Besides scientific and academic sessions, these meetings are also known for interesting and colorful regional cultural events and social programs. There is an associated Scientific Exhibition where the neurosurgical instrument makers, pharmaceutical companies and medical booksellers exhibit their merchandise.
Pakistan Society of Neurosurgeons holds vote for the election of it's Executive Commitee every two years. A halmark of this year's conference is the General Body Meeting of the society in which election for the next term are being held.
Young Neurosurgeons Forum, another progressive body of the new generation of Pakistani neurosurgeons is also holding its Executive Body Meeting at the occassion of the conference.
On top of it all, weather in Quetta at this time of the year is going to make this an unforgetable experience.
Further information about the conference can be retrieved from the office of the Chairman Organizing Committee, Dr. Hameedullah Buzdar at the following contact info.
Crrespondence Address: B-4, GOR Colony, Queta, Pakistan
Telephone: 92(81) 831 943, 92(81) 837 743
Fax: 92(81) 830 559
Email: buzdar@qta.paknet.com.pk
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Monthly Egnlish-Language Science E-Digest
=====================================================
Friday, November 28, 2003
Apsena's 9th Biennial Conference
In keeping with its tradition and successes, apsena will hold its 9th
Biennial Conference in Pakistan
DATES/PLACE
December 22-23 in Islamabad
December 27 in Karachi.
Joint Symposium with Enercon on Renewable Energy and Technologies, to
Be Held on December 15-16 in Islamabad.
During his recent trip to the U.S., the Pakistani Prime Minister, the
Honorable Zafarullah Khan Jamali was personally briefed by apsena
officials about the 9th Biennial Conference. The Prime Minister said that he
would welcome apsena in Pakistan and will make plans to attend as the
Chief guest as requested. In addition, the Pakistani Finance Minister,
the Honorable Shaukat Aziz expressed great interest in attending the
conference. The Pakistani Minister of Science & Technology, the
Honorable Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman plans to attend. Numerous prominent
Pakistani Americans have accepted invitation to the conference. These include
Rashid A. Chaudry, CEO, Raani Corporation; Shakil Kidwai,
Vice-President, Global Information Assurance Services, EDS Worldwide; Pervaiz
Lodhie, CEO, LEDtronics, Mohammed Jameel; Director, R&D, Lucent Technologies,
Imtiaz Qazilbash; Advisor to President of Pakistan on Hydroelectric
Projects, Ahmed Yar Mohammad; Energy Trading Consultant, British Petr
oleum, London, U.K. Many others including Safi Qureshey, CEO, Irvine
Ventures have been personably contacted and are expected to confirm
their attendance soon after reviewing their availability to attend. The
conference will feature several workshop/presentations by Pakistani
American scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. For a complete updated
list of presenters, visit our website at www.apsena.org
The objective of the upcoming Biennial Conference is for Pakistanis,
Pakistani Americans and Pakistan expatriates in other western countries
to benefit from the technology and opportunities in each others country
thru collaboration and network. It will offer a great forum for
Pakistani Americans and Pakistanis for networking between and among
themselves; exchanging info and ideas, finding opportunities for collaborating
and/or advancing your interest whether in industry & technology or
research and academia, establishing path forward strategies; catching up with
old friends; and a little bit of fun. There are testimonials of real
life successes thru apsena’s events.
Please make plans to attend. For more information, please visit
www.apsena.org
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Monthly Egnlish-Language Science E-Digest
=====================================================
Biennial Conference in Pakistan
DATES/PLACE
December 22-23 in Islamabad
December 27 in Karachi.
Joint Symposium with Enercon on Renewable Energy and Technologies, to
Be Held on December 15-16 in Islamabad.
During his recent trip to the U.S., the Pakistani Prime Minister, the
Honorable Zafarullah Khan Jamali was personally briefed by apsena
officials about the 9th Biennial Conference. The Prime Minister said that he
would welcome apsena in Pakistan and will make plans to attend as the
Chief guest as requested. In addition, the Pakistani Finance Minister,
the Honorable Shaukat Aziz expressed great interest in attending the
conference. The Pakistani Minister of Science & Technology, the
Honorable Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman plans to attend. Numerous prominent
Pakistani Americans have accepted invitation to the conference. These include
Rashid A. Chaudry, CEO, Raani Corporation; Shakil Kidwai,
Vice-President, Global Information Assurance Services, EDS Worldwide; Pervaiz
Lodhie, CEO, LEDtronics, Mohammed Jameel; Director, R&D, Lucent Technologies,
Imtiaz Qazilbash; Advisor to President of Pakistan on Hydroelectric
Projects, Ahmed Yar Mohammad; Energy Trading Consultant, British Petr
oleum, London, U.K. Many others including Safi Qureshey, CEO, Irvine
Ventures have been personably contacted and are expected to confirm
their attendance soon after reviewing their availability to attend. The
conference will feature several workshop/presentations by Pakistani
American scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. For a complete updated
list of presenters, visit our website at www.apsena.org
The objective of the upcoming Biennial Conference is for Pakistanis,
Pakistani Americans and Pakistan expatriates in other western countries
to benefit from the technology and opportunities in each others country
thru collaboration and network. It will offer a great forum for
Pakistani Americans and Pakistanis for networking between and among
themselves; exchanging info and ideas, finding opportunities for collaborating
and/or advancing your interest whether in industry & technology or
research and academia, establishing path forward strategies; catching up with
old friends; and a little bit of fun. There are testimonials of real
life successes thru apsena’s events.
Please make plans to attend. For more information, please visit
www.apsena.org
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Monthly Egnlish-Language Science E-Digest
=====================================================
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Ultra-modern avionics institute to be set up
KARACHI: The Ministry of Science and Technology has decided to set up a national institute of avionics in Islamabad, supposed to be the only institute of its kind in the region, sources said.
The modalities of the institute were discussed on Monday after a presentation about the institute was made to federal minister incharge of science and technology, Prof Atta-ur-Rahman.
The minister has already constituted a committee on October 22, 2003, to prepare the plan about the institute.
"The Committee comprises officers from KARF, NUST, SUPARCO, Air Weapons Complex etc.," an official communique said.
Setting up the centre is part of the ministry’s plan to develop a scientific and technological base in the country for advanced research in emerging technologies.
The institute of avionics is being set up to achieve self-sufficiency in the fields of avionics engineering, particularly sensors, navigational aids, electronic warfare systems, cockpit displays, secure aerial communication systems, and systems integration capability.
Explaining the need for setting up the institute, Prof Atta said the institute is required to meet the demands of industry, defence,and other important sectors of the economy.
"Avionics is one of the very vital fields, where paucity of trained manpower and absence of the facilities of research in the field is resulting in the form of heavy financial burden and technical dependence," the communique said.
The avionics facilities available at some organisations are antiquated. Therefore new and innovative technologies need to be introduced to achieve self-reliance.
"It will make the country attain total independence from foreign sources for avionics upgrades and integration and keep pace with the fast changing nature of electronics," it added.
Making the presentation, Group-Captain Dr Hafeez, DMD (Avionics) (Coordinator), KARF, said in a modern warfare concept, avionics predominantly determines the effectiveness of the aircraft.
The institute will also carry out research under MS and PhD programmes based on real practical problems in the field of avionics engineering.
"In order to keep pace, which has already been set, with the ever-changing nature of electronics, about two avionics upgrades are required during the structural life of an aircraft," the communique said.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Monthly Egnlish-Language Science E-Digest
=====================================================
The modalities of the institute were discussed on Monday after a presentation about the institute was made to federal minister incharge of science and technology, Prof Atta-ur-Rahman.
The minister has already constituted a committee on October 22, 2003, to prepare the plan about the institute.
"The Committee comprises officers from KARF, NUST, SUPARCO, Air Weapons Complex etc.," an official communique said.
Setting up the centre is part of the ministry’s plan to develop a scientific and technological base in the country for advanced research in emerging technologies.
The institute of avionics is being set up to achieve self-sufficiency in the fields of avionics engineering, particularly sensors, navigational aids, electronic warfare systems, cockpit displays, secure aerial communication systems, and systems integration capability.
Explaining the need for setting up the institute, Prof Atta said the institute is required to meet the demands of industry, defence,and other important sectors of the economy.
"Avionics is one of the very vital fields, where paucity of trained manpower and absence of the facilities of research in the field is resulting in the form of heavy financial burden and technical dependence," the communique said.
The avionics facilities available at some organisations are antiquated. Therefore new and innovative technologies need to be introduced to achieve self-reliance.
"It will make the country attain total independence from foreign sources for avionics upgrades and integration and keep pace with the fast changing nature of electronics," it added.
Making the presentation, Group-Captain Dr Hafeez, DMD (Avionics) (Coordinator), KARF, said in a modern warfare concept, avionics predominantly determines the effectiveness of the aircraft.
The institute will also carry out research under MS and PhD programmes based on real practical problems in the field of avionics engineering.
"In order to keep pace, which has already been set, with the ever-changing nature of electronics, about two avionics upgrades are required during the structural life of an aircraft," the communique said.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Monthly Egnlish-Language Science E-Digest
=====================================================
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Pakistan helps set up Asia Pacific space cooperation body
Daily Times
* Multi-purpose satellite expected to launch in 2005
BEIJING: Pakistan has enhanced its cooperation with the regional countries in the recent years to develop space technology.
Pakistan, China, Thailand, South Korea, Mongolia, Bangladesh and Iran launched a programme in 1994 to develop a multi-mission small satellite.
Chinese sources said the satellite, which is expected to be launched in 2005, will be used to observe the earth and for telecommunications.
Pakistan, China and Thailand began multilateral cooperation in 1992 in space technology and applications in the Asia-Pacific region, and a substantial breakthrough has been made in the past decade to set up the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organisation (APSCO).
Representatives from 14 nations and a United Nations organisation gathered in Beijing recently to discuss the formation of the APSCO. Among those who attended the second meeting of the Drafting Group on the APSCO Convention were representatives from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Korea, Iran, Malaysia, Mongolia, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine, Chile and the UN Economic and Social Council.
Brazil and some countries outside the Asia-Pacific Region came as observers, and it was agreed that the proposed APSCO would be based in Beijing. Addressing a ceremony, China National Space Administration Director Luan Enjie said the Chinese government would support APSO’s establishment.
“The Chinese government will continue strengthening its space exchange and cooperation with other countries under the principle of equality and mutual benefit,” Mr Enjie said. “We are willing to join hands with all nations to make due contribution to the peaceful exploration and uses of space resources for the progress and common development of mankind.” —APP
[----Kindling the flame of Science in Pakistan----]
* Multi-purpose satellite expected to launch in 2005
BEIJING: Pakistan has enhanced its cooperation with the regional countries in the recent years to develop space technology.
Pakistan, China, Thailand, South Korea, Mongolia, Bangladesh and Iran launched a programme in 1994 to develop a multi-mission small satellite.
Chinese sources said the satellite, which is expected to be launched in 2005, will be used to observe the earth and for telecommunications.
Pakistan, China and Thailand began multilateral cooperation in 1992 in space technology and applications in the Asia-Pacific region, and a substantial breakthrough has been made in the past decade to set up the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organisation (APSCO).
Representatives from 14 nations and a United Nations organisation gathered in Beijing recently to discuss the formation of the APSCO. Among those who attended the second meeting of the Drafting Group on the APSCO Convention were representatives from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Korea, Iran, Malaysia, Mongolia, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine, Chile and the UN Economic and Social Council.
Brazil and some countries outside the Asia-Pacific Region came as observers, and it was agreed that the proposed APSCO would be based in Beijing. Addressing a ceremony, China National Space Administration Director Luan Enjie said the Chinese government would support APSO’s establishment.
“The Chinese government will continue strengthening its space exchange and cooperation with other countries under the principle of equality and mutual benefit,” Mr Enjie said. “We are willing to join hands with all nations to make due contribution to the peaceful exploration and uses of space resources for the progress and common development of mankind.” —APP
[----Kindling the flame of Science in Pakistan----]
MoSt to set up space technology institute
ISLAMABAD, : Ministry of Science and Technology has decided to set up National Institute of Space Technology at Islamabad which will be the first of its kind in the Islamic World.
The Institute will offer courses at MS and Ph.D. level and provide advanced research facilities of education and research in Space Science. The Institute will provide sponsorship to upto 100 Pakistani students for Ph.D. studies in space and related disciplines at the World’s leading Universities. The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting presided over by Federal Minister Incharge, Ministry of Science and Technology, Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman at M/o Science and Technology. Addressing the meeting the Minister said until now, Pakistan has been reliant on foreign countries in terms of training manpower and manufacture of equipment related to Space technologies.
The problems increase manifold due to restrictions on Western training and technology in aerospace. The establishment of the Institute, with its own Research Centre, will ensure sovereignty in this sphere. “Due to the continuous advancements made in this discipline around the World, it has become critically important for Pakistan to have a national Institute in Space Technology having advanced facilities of education and research with highly qualified manpower” said the Minister. Earlier the Minister had constituted a Committee under Chairman SUPARCO Maj. Gen. Retd. Raza Hussain to prepare the plan for the establishment of the Institute. Other members of the committee includes Director IST MR. Ayaz Aziz, Dr. Bilal Mughal Senior Consultant SUPARCO and Col. Farouque Khokhar Registrar. The Committee gave a presentation highlighting the need for National Institute of Space Technology. The Minister was informed that the Institute will conduct advanced innovative research and development activities in various disciplines of Space Sciences and Technologies such as satellites, launch vehicles, remote sensing imagery, urban plang and climate/environmental change all of which are vital to the national self reliance and economic well being.
The Institute will offer education and R&D facilities at MS and PhD in the disciplines of Aerospace Engineering, Communications, Computational Mathematics and Earth & Space Sciences. Degree programmes will focus on School of engineering, School of Science, Aerospace engineering, Earth and Space Sciences, Communication systems engineering, Computational Mathematics and Humanities and Social Sciences.
[----Kindling the flame of Science in Pakistan----]
The Institute will offer courses at MS and Ph.D. level and provide advanced research facilities of education and research in Space Science. The Institute will provide sponsorship to upto 100 Pakistani students for Ph.D. studies in space and related disciplines at the World’s leading Universities. The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting presided over by Federal Minister Incharge, Ministry of Science and Technology, Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman at M/o Science and Technology. Addressing the meeting the Minister said until now, Pakistan has been reliant on foreign countries in terms of training manpower and manufacture of equipment related to Space technologies.
The problems increase manifold due to restrictions on Western training and technology in aerospace. The establishment of the Institute, with its own Research Centre, will ensure sovereignty in this sphere. “Due to the continuous advancements made in this discipline around the World, it has become critically important for Pakistan to have a national Institute in Space Technology having advanced facilities of education and research with highly qualified manpower” said the Minister. Earlier the Minister had constituted a Committee under Chairman SUPARCO Maj. Gen. Retd. Raza Hussain to prepare the plan for the establishment of the Institute. Other members of the committee includes Director IST MR. Ayaz Aziz, Dr. Bilal Mughal Senior Consultant SUPARCO and Col. Farouque Khokhar Registrar. The Committee gave a presentation highlighting the need for National Institute of Space Technology. The Minister was informed that the Institute will conduct advanced innovative research and development activities in various disciplines of Space Sciences and Technologies such as satellites, launch vehicles, remote sensing imagery, urban plang and climate/environmental change all of which are vital to the national self reliance and economic well being.
The Institute will offer education and R&D facilities at MS and PhD in the disciplines of Aerospace Engineering, Communications, Computational Mathematics and Earth & Space Sciences. Degree programmes will focus on School of engineering, School of Science, Aerospace engineering, Earth and Space Sciences, Communication systems engineering, Computational Mathematics and Humanities and Social Sciences.
[----Kindling the flame of Science in Pakistan----]
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Pakistan to build nuclear power plants
Dawn
ISLAMABAD, Nov 22: Pakistan has decided to end its dependence on foreign assistance for setting up nuclear power plants and will soon start fabricating its own units indigenously.
"We have the capability to build nuclear power plants locally and if France can manufacture and export such plants why not Pakistan, as there cannot be two yardsticks in this behalf," said Dr Attaur Rehman, minister in charge for science and technology.
Talking to Dawn he said that he has received a go-ahead signal from the federal cabinet to prepare a national development strategy particularly focusing on how science and technology could serve as a vehicle for growth.
"I and my team plan to finalize this strategy within the next three to four months and it would be a document covering sectors like water, energy, communication, power, transportation, information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemicals.
However, he called for increasing allocations for science and technology including for local fabrication of nuclear power plants from the public sector development programme (PSDP) funds. "We should stop begging foreign assistance for our development programmes," he proposed.
China had promised to provide a second nuclear power plant (300MW Chashma-II) at a cost of $700 million. However, no agreement was signed for the project during President Gen Pervez Musharraf's visit to China because Pakistan needed the resources for other pressing projects and in addition Islamabad had put at the top of its priority list closely other cheaper sources of power like hydel, coal and gasification of its thermal, which were capable of yielding returns much quicker than nuclear power plants.
Responding to a question he said that after having formulated recommendations in major sectors, he would be giving a briefing to the cabinet.
Asked about huge funding needed for implementing any development strategy including that for manufacturing nuclear power plants, he said that he would be seeking additional funds over and above the resources already allocated in the PSDP for science and technology.
Asked about plans to attract highly qualified people from abroad, Dr Attaur Rehman said that foreign PhD doctors would have to be brought in to help improve various important faculties. "But we will have to give them big salaries to work in Pakistan," he said and hoped that the government would make available additional funds for the purpose.
He said under foreign faculty hiring programme, the services of 300 foreign teachers would be hired during the next five years.
[----Kindling the flame of Science in Pakistan----]
ISLAMABAD, Nov 22: Pakistan has decided to end its dependence on foreign assistance for setting up nuclear power plants and will soon start fabricating its own units indigenously.
"We have the capability to build nuclear power plants locally and if France can manufacture and export such plants why not Pakistan, as there cannot be two yardsticks in this behalf," said Dr Attaur Rehman, minister in charge for science and technology.
Talking to Dawn he said that he has received a go-ahead signal from the federal cabinet to prepare a national development strategy particularly focusing on how science and technology could serve as a vehicle for growth.
"I and my team plan to finalize this strategy within the next three to four months and it would be a document covering sectors like water, energy, communication, power, transportation, information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemicals.
However, he called for increasing allocations for science and technology including for local fabrication of nuclear power plants from the public sector development programme (PSDP) funds. "We should stop begging foreign assistance for our development programmes," he proposed.
China had promised to provide a second nuclear power plant (300MW Chashma-II) at a cost of $700 million. However, no agreement was signed for the project during President Gen Pervez Musharraf's visit to China because Pakistan needed the resources for other pressing projects and in addition Islamabad had put at the top of its priority list closely other cheaper sources of power like hydel, coal and gasification of its thermal, which were capable of yielding returns much quicker than nuclear power plants.
Responding to a question he said that after having formulated recommendations in major sectors, he would be giving a briefing to the cabinet.
Asked about huge funding needed for implementing any development strategy including that for manufacturing nuclear power plants, he said that he would be seeking additional funds over and above the resources already allocated in the PSDP for science and technology.
Asked about plans to attract highly qualified people from abroad, Dr Attaur Rehman said that foreign PhD doctors would have to be brought in to help improve various important faculties. "But we will have to give them big salaries to work in Pakistan," he said and hoped that the government would make available additional funds for the purpose.
He said under foreign faculty hiring programme, the services of 300 foreign teachers would be hired during the next five years.
[----Kindling the flame of Science in Pakistan----]
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Bio-technology institutes vital for crop improvement
The Nation
ISLAMABAD (APP)- Government has decided to establish Bio-Technology institutes with modern facilities and sophisticated equipment to embark on enhancing agriculture production.
Bio-Technology technique is vital for crop improvement as it involves the plant tissues at a micro level for transfer of genes as well as producing virus free plants. According to official sources some significant achievements have already been made and work on other aspects is in progress. These institutes will be set up at different places keeping in view their vital requirements.
The technique of production of virus free seed potatoes has been perfected and commercialized with the result that import of seed potatoes has been successfully substituted with locally produced material. The banana crop was severely damaged by Bunchy top virus and with the help of this technique virus free plants have been produced and are being supplied to farmers to revive the crop. Improved varieties of rice and vegetables having higher yields and better quality have been evolved through the use of anther (embryo) culture.
The Bit genes have been used successfully to transfer the desired characters in gram and cotton. Besides, the genetic transformation in fruits and vegetables for inducing characters like dwarfness and seedlessness are being undertaken.
[----Kindling the flame of Science in Pakistan----]
ISLAMABAD (APP)- Government has decided to establish Bio-Technology institutes with modern facilities and sophisticated equipment to embark on enhancing agriculture production.
Bio-Technology technique is vital for crop improvement as it involves the plant tissues at a micro level for transfer of genes as well as producing virus free plants. According to official sources some significant achievements have already been made and work on other aspects is in progress. These institutes will be set up at different places keeping in view their vital requirements.
The technique of production of virus free seed potatoes has been perfected and commercialized with the result that import of seed potatoes has been successfully substituted with locally produced material. The banana crop was severely damaged by Bunchy top virus and with the help of this technique virus free plants have been produced and are being supplied to farmers to revive the crop. Improved varieties of rice and vegetables having higher yields and better quality have been evolved through the use of anther (embryo) culture.
The Bit genes have been used successfully to transfer the desired characters in gram and cotton. Besides, the genetic transformation in fruits and vegetables for inducing characters like dwarfness and seedlessness are being undertaken.
[----Kindling the flame of Science in Pakistan----]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
