Fully Funded Research Opening at National Institute of Information Technology
Sent to VTTP Research-Network By Mr Ashiq Anjum
National University of Science and Technology (NUST)
Nationial Insitute of Information Technology (NIIT(
Pakistan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUST Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) is a premier institution
offering education in various disciplines of Computer science and
Information technology. Being a constituent college of NUST, It has shown
tremendous growth in all aspects of good education in the concerned
disciplines. Being a forerunner in cutting edge technologies like Grid
computing , Embedded Systems, Multiagent Systems and Wireless
applications, it has established active research collaborations with
prestigious organizations and universities like European Organization for
Nuclear Research(CERN) Switzerland, California Institute of
Technology(Caltech ) USA ,University of West of England UK, Kyung Hee
University south Korea , Comtec and Tokyo Institute of Technology Japan,
University of Portsmouth UK and this list goes on increasing. Apart
successful collaboration with these top notch institutes, many more such
international collaborations are in pipeline and NIIT management under the
dynamic supervision of Prof.Dr.Arshad Ali (Dean and DG, NIIT) is striving
to create a pool of highly skilled and talented research force to boost
this on going collaboration process except marinating and enriching the
existing linkages.
Just to mention that CERN is a prestigious international laboratory where
Tim Berners-Lee brought a revolution by inventing World Wide Web(WWW) in
1989 and Caltech is the top Notch USA university where 29 faculty members
have the honor to be Nobel laureates. Researchers and Students are
provided opportunities to carry out their research as apart of their
graduate (Master and PhD) programs with these international organizations
either at NIIT or by mutually arranged visits of faculty and researchers.
A number of graduates from this research group have been able to visit
abroad to get exposure of the facilities offered by our collaborator
organizations and equally good strength has been able to win scholarships
for higher degrees. A good percentage of these researchers and graduates
have been internationally placed for higher education and in Multinational
companies as well. Recently NIIT got a European Union funding for boosting
research work with UWE UK, BIT China and with a French University. Some of
students will get PhD in collaboration with Motorola as well under this
funding. Similarly some PhD students have been supported and financed by
Kyung Hee University and will be placed at Samsung after graduation. Some
students were supported for PhD by University of Portsmouth and Comtec
Japan as well .Similarly many short and long research visits have been
sponsored by Caltech USA, CERN, UWE,HEC and by other special funds which
NIIT manages from time to time from various international and local
resources. The research culture and efforts can be perceived by the fact
that in the last four or five days, two international workshops were held
on cutting edge topics at NIIT.Campus has a state of the art Video
Conferencing facility which has reduced the knowledge barriers and
researchers can share virtually their knowledge and can exchange the
ideas with international scientists.NIIT researchers and faculty has
successful track record of publications and participation in international
conferences.
Recently NIIT has been awarded a Mega research grant by Higher Education
Commission to carry out research in the applied aspects of the Grid
computing and related areas. To broaden our research base and enhance the
manpower, NIIT requires talent graduates from very good universities which
must be competent, highly skilled(Experience will be a definitely plus
),willing to work hard and serious enough to complete their PhD's under
the demanding circumstances of international collaborations. Selection
will be based on merit. Aspiring candidates must have very good
communication and interpersonal skills, confidence, intellectual
capability and can work independently .He/she must be self learner and a
good team player as well.
For details please contact,
Prof Dr Arshad Ali
Dean
NUST Institute of Information Technology
166A Street 9, Chaklala Scheme III
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email:arshad.ali@niit.edu.pk
Tel Off: 92 - 51 - 9280443, 92 - 51 - 9280658 Ext 101,
Mobile: 0320 - 4918064
======================================================
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 31, 2003
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Government of Pakistan Initiates Program to Recruit Qualified Faculty from Abroad
Government of Pakistan Initiates Program to Recruit Qualified Faculty from Abroad
Sent by the Deputy Chief of Mission Mr Muhammad Sadiq,
Embassy of Pakistan
Washington D.C.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 lease 1 year, and may be extended.
Over the past years, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology have generated a tremendous capacity in the public sector universities in Pakistan to support quality graduate research and teaching. The current program hopes to build upon previous efforts by inducting the intellectual capital of foreign-based Pakistani academics and researchers into the system. 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 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 $ 3000.00 per month).
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 programs 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.
For further information, please also log onto www.hec.gov.pk/hec2/htmls/faculty.htm.. The point of contact for the program is:
Mr. Jalil Ahmad
Director General (Strategic Vision and Planning)
High Education Commission
Sector H-9, Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone 051-925-7492
Fax 051-925-8744
E-mail fthp@hec.gov.pk
Website http:// www.hec.gov.pk
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Sent by the Deputy Chief of Mission Mr Muhammad Sadiq,
Embassy of Pakistan
Washington D.C.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 lease 1 year, and may be extended.
Over the past years, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology have generated a tremendous capacity in the public sector universities in Pakistan to support quality graduate research and teaching. The current program hopes to build upon previous efforts by inducting the intellectual capital of foreign-based Pakistani academics and researchers into the system. 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 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 $ 3000.00 per month).
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 programs 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.
For further information, please also log onto www.hec.gov.pk/hec2/htmls/faculty.htm.. The point of contact for the program is:
Mr. Jalil Ahmad
Director General (Strategic Vision and Planning)
High Education Commission
Sector H-9, Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone 051-925-7492
Fax 051-925-8744
E-mail fthp@hec.gov.pk
Website http:// www.hec.gov.pk
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Upcomming COMSTECH Workshops
Bioassays in Drug Discovery (January 14-18, 2004)
Dr. Iqbal Chaudhary
HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry International Center for Chemical Sciences, University of Karachi
Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Water Resources (March 22-27, 2004)
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Latif
Director Center of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Intellectual Property Rights
Dr. S.T.K. Naim
Chairperson Pakistan Council for Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shahrah-e- Jamhuriat, Sector G-5/2, Islamabad
Information Technology
Dr. Naveed Malik
Rector Virtual University, Lahore
Bioethics
Dr. Tasleem Akhtar
Executive Director Pakistan Medical Research Council
Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat, Off. Constitution Avenue, Sector G-5/2, Islamabad
Form information please contact:
Address: COMSTECH Secretariat, 3-Constitution Avenue,
G-5/2, Islamabad
Telephone: 92 51 9220681-3
Fax: 92 51 9211115, 9220265, 9205264
E-Mail COMSTECH Secretariat
comstech@isb.comsats.net.pk
Literature Search-Service
comstech@isb.apollo.net.pk
Executive Secretary
execsecretary@comstech.org.pk
Adviser Science
advisersc@comstech.org.pk
Director Administration
directoradmin@comstech.org.pk
Director Accounts
directoraccts@comstech.org.pk
Director Public Relation
directorpr@comstech.org.pk
Disclaimer: PakSEF has no affiliation to the above mentioned organization, PakSEF is an independent non-profit, non-political, non-religious Scientific and Engineering Professional Organization. For information pertaining to the above mentioned event please contact the organizers directly. Information regarding PakSEF's mission can be obtained from our website at www.paksef.org .
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Dr. Iqbal Chaudhary
HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry International Center for Chemical Sciences, University of Karachi
Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Water Resources (March 22-27, 2004)
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Latif
Director Center of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Intellectual Property Rights
Dr. S.T.K. Naim
Chairperson Pakistan Council for Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shahrah-e- Jamhuriat, Sector G-5/2, Islamabad
Information Technology
Dr. Naveed Malik
Rector Virtual University, Lahore
Bioethics
Dr. Tasleem Akhtar
Executive Director Pakistan Medical Research Council
Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat, Off. Constitution Avenue, Sector G-5/2, Islamabad
Form information please contact:
Address: COMSTECH Secretariat, 3-Constitution Avenue,
G-5/2, Islamabad
Telephone: 92 51 9220681-3
Fax: 92 51 9211115, 9220265, 9205264
E-Mail COMSTECH Secretariat
comstech@isb.comsats.net.pk
Literature Search-Service
comstech@isb.apollo.net.pk
Executive Secretary
execsecretary@comstech.org.pk
Adviser Science
advisersc@comstech.org.pk
Director Administration
directoradmin@comstech.org.pk
Director Accounts
directoraccts@comstech.org.pk
Director Public Relation
directorpr@comstech.org.pk
Disclaimer: PakSEF has no affiliation to the above mentioned organization, PakSEF is an independent non-profit, non-political, non-religious Scientific and Engineering Professional Organization. For information pertaining to the above mentioned event please contact the organizers directly. Information regarding PakSEF's mission can be obtained from our website at www.paksef.org .
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
2nd National Confrence on Condition and Monitoring Diagnostics
2nd National Confrence on Condition and Monitoring Diagnostics
http://www.cmdpak.com/index.htm
When: 16th to 18th March 2004
Where: Hotel Best Western
6-Islamabad Club Road
P. O. Box 2319, Islamabad
Pakistan
Tel: 92-51-2277460-8
Fax: 92-51-2271538, 92-51-2271539
Website: http://www.bestwestern-islamabad.com
Organizer: Dr. A. Q. Khan Research Laboratories, Kahuta
Fee: General Public Rs 5000/=
Graduate Students Rs 1000/=
Deadline for Submitting Papers: Abstracts: August 31, 2003
Manuscripts for review: November 30, 2003
Final manuscripts: January 31, 2004
Registration: January 31, 2004
For more information please visit the Confrence website shown above.
Disclaimer: PakSEF has no affiliation to the Khan Research Labs, PakSEF is an independent non-profit, non-political, non-religious Scientific and Engineering Professional Organization. For information pertaining to the above mentioned confrence please contact the organizers directly. Information regarding PakSEF's mission can be obtained from our website at www.paksef.org .
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.cmdpak.com/index.htm
When: 16th to 18th March 2004
Where: Hotel Best Western
6-Islamabad Club Road
P. O. Box 2319, Islamabad
Pakistan
Tel: 92-51-2277460-8
Fax: 92-51-2271538, 92-51-2271539
Website: http://www.bestwestern-islamabad.com
Organizer: Dr. A. Q. Khan Research Laboratories, Kahuta
Fee: General Public Rs 5000/=
Graduate Students Rs 1000/=
Deadline for Submitting Papers: Abstracts: August 31, 2003
Manuscripts for review: November 30, 2003
Final manuscripts: January 31, 2004
Registration: January 31, 2004
For more information please visit the Confrence website shown above.
Disclaimer: PakSEF has no affiliation to the Khan Research Labs, PakSEF is an independent non-profit, non-political, non-religious Scientific and Engineering Professional Organization. For information pertaining to the above mentioned confrence please contact the organizers directly. Information regarding PakSEF's mission can be obtained from our website at www.paksef.org .
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Doctors demand stipend
Doctors demand stipend
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local44.htm
Bureau Report
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HYDERABAD, Dec 29: A large number of house officers of the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences deputed at the Civil Hospital, Karachi , staged a protest demonstration in the premises of university hospital on Monday against the non- payment of their four months salaries.
They told newsmen that they had started their house job at the Civil Hospital, Karachi, from Sept 1, 2003 but had not been paid their salaries which had to be paid by the medical superintendent of Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad.
They said the health department and the finance department due to traditional lethargy were delaying the payment of their stipends. They regretted the lukewarm attitude of the provincial health adviser.
They said they belonged to different areas of Sindh and were facing hardships without the payment of stipend which was their legal right. They appealed to the Sindh government, health and finance departments to clear their four months dues without any further loss of time.
CONFERENCE: The Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences vice-chancellor inaugurated the three-day 27th annual national conference of Pakistan Association of Pathologists at the LUMHS Jamshoro campus on Sunday.
The conference is jointly organized by the association and the pathology department of the LUMHS.
Speaking on the occasion, VC Professor Jan Mohammad Memon said it was the third major scientific moot the university was holding during the current month and informed that the national plastic surgery conference was also scheduled to be held in Jan 2004.
Dr Memon said such medical conferences would not only help enhance an academic and research culture in the university but would also provide opportunities to the doctors to share knowledge and experiences in various disciplines.
He said improving the standard of medical education, promotion of research and patients care remained on the top priority list of the university. He said the objectives could not be achieved without strengthening laboratories.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local44.htm
Bureau Report
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HYDERABAD, Dec 29: A large number of house officers of the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences deputed at the Civil Hospital, Karachi , staged a protest demonstration in the premises of university hospital on Monday against the non- payment of their four months salaries.
They told newsmen that they had started their house job at the Civil Hospital, Karachi, from Sept 1, 2003 but had not been paid their salaries which had to be paid by the medical superintendent of Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad.
They said the health department and the finance department due to traditional lethargy were delaying the payment of their stipends. They regretted the lukewarm attitude of the provincial health adviser.
They said they belonged to different areas of Sindh and were facing hardships without the payment of stipend which was their legal right. They appealed to the Sindh government, health and finance departments to clear their four months dues without any further loss of time.
CONFERENCE: The Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences vice-chancellor inaugurated the three-day 27th annual national conference of Pakistan Association of Pathologists at the LUMHS Jamshoro campus on Sunday.
The conference is jointly organized by the association and the pathology department of the LUMHS.
Speaking on the occasion, VC Professor Jan Mohammad Memon said it was the third major scientific moot the university was holding during the current month and informed that the national plastic surgery conference was also scheduled to be held in Jan 2004.
Dr Memon said such medical conferences would not only help enhance an academic and research culture in the university but would also provide opportunities to the doctors to share knowledge and experiences in various disciplines.
He said improving the standard of medical education, promotion of research and patients care remained on the top priority list of the university. He said the objectives could not be achieved without strengthening laboratories.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Free treatment for cleft lips
Free treatment for cleft lips
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local39.htm
By Our Correspondent
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PESHAWAR, Dec 29: Smile Train, an international NGO, has started offering free treatment to poor children with cleft lip, a press release said here on Monday.
The NGO has been helping children born with cleft lip and palate through a panel of plastic surgeons. As Pakistan ranked the fourth country globally with the number of patients with the deformity that causes difficulty in feeding, speaking and even hearing problems.
Its treatment involves other specialties, such as speech therapy, ENT, faciomaxillary surgery, dental surgery, clinical psychology and anaesthesia which make the treatment more expensive. Even after the operation, the patients are required subsequent follow-up visits.
Peshawar has lately been included after Faisalabad in the regions where SmileTrain, is providing treatment to patients free of cost. Local plastic surgeon Dr Obaidullah of the SmileTrain said that parents should register their wards with the NGO at the Rehman Medical Institute (morning time) and Aman Hospital (evening time).
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local39.htm
By Our Correspondent
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PESHAWAR, Dec 29: Smile Train, an international NGO, has started offering free treatment to poor children with cleft lip, a press release said here on Monday.
The NGO has been helping children born with cleft lip and palate through a panel of plastic surgeons. As Pakistan ranked the fourth country globally with the number of patients with the deformity that causes difficulty in feeding, speaking and even hearing problems.
Its treatment involves other specialties, such as speech therapy, ENT, faciomaxillary surgery, dental surgery, clinical psychology and anaesthesia which make the treatment more expensive. Even after the operation, the patients are required subsequent follow-up visits.
Peshawar has lately been included after Faisalabad in the regions where SmileTrain, is providing treatment to patients free of cost. Local plastic surgeon Dr Obaidullah of the SmileTrain said that parents should register their wards with the NGO at the Rehman Medical Institute (morning time) and Aman Hospital (evening time).
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Cases against 6 units filed for polluting environment
Cases against 6 units filed for polluting environment
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local33.htm
By Sadia Qasim Shah
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PESHAWAR, Dec 29: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an attempt to implement the National Environment Quality Standards (NEQS) has registered cases against six units of the Hayatabad industrial estate, official sources said.
The units lacked treatment facility for the hazardous waste, which caused serious threat to the environment and were discharging untreated effluents into River Kabul, the sources said.
The industries which were found violating the NEQS included four match factories, one paper mill and one packaging mill. Notices under Section 16(2) of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, were issued to the owners of the industries to appear before the EPA director general and clarify their position, the official said.
"These cases were prepared against them after the owners of the industries failed to install plants for treatment of the effluents. They were given 60 days to take measures to control the pollution created," an official said.
For the commercial units in the Hayatabad industrial estate, a treatment plant for effluents was set up nearly a decade ago. "This plant is not working properly and has added to environmental degradation," the official said.
Another waste treatment plant was established at Warsak Road a few years ago with the financial assistance of the Asian Development Bank. The plant also presented a bad example of planning, the official added.
Mohammad Hafiz, a resident of the Hayatabad township, said that the waste water discharged from the industrial units passes through the main residential area and Hayatabad Medical Complex.
The toxic water also passes near the Kucha Ghari refugee camp where it was causing health hazards, another resident said and added: "The EPA is a toothless agency and the numerous requests of the residents of the affected areas to take measures to stop environmental degradation has fallen on deaf ears."
EPA officials confirmed that not a single unit out of 80 in the Hayatabad industrial estate had installed a waste water treatment plant and the toxic water was ultimately discharged into the channels opening into River Kabul.
According to a survey report by the PCSIR laboratories, no waste water treatment facilities had been provided for the industrial units in the NWFP."The EPA can only refer cases of those violating the NEQS to the environmental tribunal. The EPA has no funds to set up treatment plants," an official claimed.
According to the PEPA, 1997, if the EPA confirms that a violation has occurred "which is likely to cause or is causing or has caused an adverse environmental effect" the agency can direct the responsible persons to take measures in a specific time or face cases in the environmental tribunal.
"In case of non-compliance, whoever contravenes the laws can be fined with one million rupees and additional fines up to Rs100,000 for everyday during which failure to pay fine continues," according to the PEPA, 1997.
"A combined environmental tribunal for Punjab and the NWFP was established in May 2003 to effectively deal with the violators of the NEQS and the PEPA, 1997, as the EPA was not able to take legal action before introduction of the new law," the official observed.
"The EPA has prepared PC-1 for setting up a combined waste water treatment plant for the effluents of the Hayatabad industrial estate," the official said, adding that initially they faced problems, but the Town-III administration assured them of cooperation.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local33.htm
By Sadia Qasim Shah
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PESHAWAR, Dec 29: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an attempt to implement the National Environment Quality Standards (NEQS) has registered cases against six units of the Hayatabad industrial estate, official sources said.
The units lacked treatment facility for the hazardous waste, which caused serious threat to the environment and were discharging untreated effluents into River Kabul, the sources said.
The industries which were found violating the NEQS included four match factories, one paper mill and one packaging mill. Notices under Section 16(2) of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, were issued to the owners of the industries to appear before the EPA director general and clarify their position, the official said.
"These cases were prepared against them after the owners of the industries failed to install plants for treatment of the effluents. They were given 60 days to take measures to control the pollution created," an official said.
For the commercial units in the Hayatabad industrial estate, a treatment plant for effluents was set up nearly a decade ago. "This plant is not working properly and has added to environmental degradation," the official said.
Another waste treatment plant was established at Warsak Road a few years ago with the financial assistance of the Asian Development Bank. The plant also presented a bad example of planning, the official added.
Mohammad Hafiz, a resident of the Hayatabad township, said that the waste water discharged from the industrial units passes through the main residential area and Hayatabad Medical Complex.
The toxic water also passes near the Kucha Ghari refugee camp where it was causing health hazards, another resident said and added: "The EPA is a toothless agency and the numerous requests of the residents of the affected areas to take measures to stop environmental degradation has fallen on deaf ears."
EPA officials confirmed that not a single unit out of 80 in the Hayatabad industrial estate had installed a waste water treatment plant and the toxic water was ultimately discharged into the channels opening into River Kabul.
According to a survey report by the PCSIR laboratories, no waste water treatment facilities had been provided for the industrial units in the NWFP."The EPA can only refer cases of those violating the NEQS to the environmental tribunal. The EPA has no funds to set up treatment plants," an official claimed.
According to the PEPA, 1997, if the EPA confirms that a violation has occurred "which is likely to cause or is causing or has caused an adverse environmental effect" the agency can direct the responsible persons to take measures in a specific time or face cases in the environmental tribunal.
"In case of non-compliance, whoever contravenes the laws can be fined with one million rupees and additional fines up to Rs100,000 for everyday during which failure to pay fine continues," according to the PEPA, 1997.
"A combined environmental tribunal for Punjab and the NWFP was established in May 2003 to effectively deal with the violators of the NEQS and the PEPA, 1997, as the EPA was not able to take legal action before introduction of the new law," the official observed.
"The EPA has prepared PC-1 for setting up a combined waste water treatment plant for the effluents of the Hayatabad industrial estate," the official said, adding that initially they faced problems, but the Town-III administration assured them of cooperation.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Dera Ghazi Khan Child Born with an exposed heart
Dera Ghazi Khan Child Born with an exposed heart
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local26.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Nadeem Saeed
MULTAN, Dec 29: Aleena, aged 3, is a lively little girl from Dera Ghazi Khan, who is as joyful as any child of her age can be. But, she is living with the rare congenital anomaly of cleft sternum that has left her little heart and great vessels exposed to external trauma.
Pulsation of the heart and the great vessels can easily be seen through the gap, which is covered only by a thin layer of skin.
Her father, Farooq Laskani told Dawn that initially they thought that the gap at the middle of the rib cage would close with the passage of time. "But our worries increased with her age as the bulge of the heart became so conspicuous that I and her mother simply couldn't bear the sight of her bare chest."
They decided to consult the specialists at the Nishter Medical College and Hospital. They got Aleena examined by a thoracic surgeon of the NMC&H at a private hospital reportedly run by an official of the same institute.
After a complete round of tests, ultrasound, X-rays and echocardiography, she was diagnosed with cleft sternum (or fissure sterni). But, they were advised to get opinion of some consultants in Lahore also.
The paediatric cardiologists and thoracic surgeons of the provincial capital also confirmed the absence of sternum and advised immediate repair of the cleft. The NMC&H thoracic surgeon however told her parents that he would only do the job at the private hospital.
"We had exhausted our resources in diagnosis of the problem, and her treatment at a private hospital was out of our reach," Farooq said, adding: "Moreover, we learned that the NMC&H surgeon had no previous experience of handling such a rare congenital anomaly."
Recently, a couple of children from Dera with some heart ailments went to India for treatment. Their parents told Aleena's family that her treatment in the neighbouring country including the travel expenses would cost much less than the expenses to be incurred on the operation at a private hospital of Multan by an official doctor. "We are now exploring this avenue," Farooq said.
Cleft sternum is a rare congenital defect of the anterior chest wall and is the result of midline fusion failure. Prenatal diagnosis by ultra-sonography is possible.
Surgical correction should be performed during the neonatal period when direct suturing of the sternal halves is possible. At an older age, surgical repair is feasible, but due to the increased rigidity of the chest wall and physiologic accommodation of the thoracic organs to the accustomed circumference of the chest, it may require additional measures, such as sliding chondrotomies of the adjacent costal cartilage and notching of the sternal bars to facilitate approximation.
A number of methods for repair of cleft sternum have been reported, including primary approximation, sliding or rotating chondrotomies, and use of prosthetic grafts or flaps of bone, cartilage, autogenous tissue or Pectoralis Major muscle.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local26.htm
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By Nadeem Saeed
MULTAN, Dec 29: Aleena, aged 3, is a lively little girl from Dera Ghazi Khan, who is as joyful as any child of her age can be. But, she is living with the rare congenital anomaly of cleft sternum that has left her little heart and great vessels exposed to external trauma.
Pulsation of the heart and the great vessels can easily be seen through the gap, which is covered only by a thin layer of skin.
Her father, Farooq Laskani told Dawn that initially they thought that the gap at the middle of the rib cage would close with the passage of time. "But our worries increased with her age as the bulge of the heart became so conspicuous that I and her mother simply couldn't bear the sight of her bare chest."
They decided to consult the specialists at the Nishter Medical College and Hospital. They got Aleena examined by a thoracic surgeon of the NMC&H at a private hospital reportedly run by an official of the same institute.
After a complete round of tests, ultrasound, X-rays and echocardiography, she was diagnosed with cleft sternum (or fissure sterni). But, they were advised to get opinion of some consultants in Lahore also.
The paediatric cardiologists and thoracic surgeons of the provincial capital also confirmed the absence of sternum and advised immediate repair of the cleft. The NMC&H thoracic surgeon however told her parents that he would only do the job at the private hospital.
"We had exhausted our resources in diagnosis of the problem, and her treatment at a private hospital was out of our reach," Farooq said, adding: "Moreover, we learned that the NMC&H surgeon had no previous experience of handling such a rare congenital anomaly."
Recently, a couple of children from Dera with some heart ailments went to India for treatment. Their parents told Aleena's family that her treatment in the neighbouring country including the travel expenses would cost much less than the expenses to be incurred on the operation at a private hospital of Multan by an official doctor. "We are now exploring this avenue," Farooq said.
Cleft sternum is a rare congenital defect of the anterior chest wall and is the result of midline fusion failure. Prenatal diagnosis by ultra-sonography is possible.
Surgical correction should be performed during the neonatal period when direct suturing of the sternal halves is possible. At an older age, surgical repair is feasible, but due to the increased rigidity of the chest wall and physiologic accommodation of the thoracic organs to the accustomed circumference of the chest, it may require additional measures, such as sliding chondrotomies of the adjacent costal cartilage and notching of the sternal bars to facilitate approximation.
A number of methods for repair of cleft sternum have been reported, including primary approximation, sliding or rotating chondrotomies, and use of prosthetic grafts or flaps of bone, cartilage, autogenous tissue or Pectoralis Major muscle.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Uniform lab operations on environment urged
Uniform lab operations on environment urged
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local16.htm
By Our Staff Reporter
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KARACHI, Dec 29: Experts on environmental issues have emphasized on adoption of uniform laboratory operations by various environmental planning and regulatory agencies of the government.
They were speaking at a two-day workshop on "Sampling/ Environmental Monitoring", on Monday, which was organized by the Institute of Environmental Studies, the University of Karachi, in collaboration with the Programme for Environmental Research and Training (PERT), Islamabad. The vice-chancellor of Karachi University, Dr Zafar Saied Saify, presided over the workshop.
The experts highlighted the importance of sample collections, analysis and compilation of related data in the field of environment. They noted that lack of coordination among various agencies and absence of any approved methodology were major hindrances in the production of any defensible and quality data.
Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session of the workshop, Sindh Secretary Environment Shujaat Ali Qarni stressed the need for developing research linkage among government agencies, industrial organizations and research institutions.
He expressed hope that the PERT workshop would contribute towards generation of mechanism and guidelines for implementation. He said that postgraduate research activities should be increased in the environment sector.
The director of KU's Institute of Environmental Studies, Dr Nayyar Alam Zaigham, said that the workshop was aimed at providing specialized training to the participants coming from academic and research organizations in the public sector.
He said that the methodology and guidelines discussed at the workshop would provide a base for unified approaches needed for accuracy in results while ascertaining the impact of environment degradation activities.
Dr Moazzam Ali Khan urged the national institutions to evolve and observe quality control programmes within them. He also deliberated on water quality parameters. He said quality assurance was a definite plan for laboratory operation that specified standard procedures to help producing data with defensible quality and reported results with a high level of confidence.
Dr Omm-e-Hani informed the participants about the methodology and equipment used at environmental microbiology laboratory. PERT Coordinator Dr Hashmi and Himad Naqi Khan of the World Wide Fund for Nature also spoke on the occasion.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local16.htm
By Our Staff Reporter
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Dec 29: Experts on environmental issues have emphasized on adoption of uniform laboratory operations by various environmental planning and regulatory agencies of the government.
They were speaking at a two-day workshop on "Sampling/ Environmental Monitoring", on Monday, which was organized by the Institute of Environmental Studies, the University of Karachi, in collaboration with the Programme for Environmental Research and Training (PERT), Islamabad. The vice-chancellor of Karachi University, Dr Zafar Saied Saify, presided over the workshop.
The experts highlighted the importance of sample collections, analysis and compilation of related data in the field of environment. They noted that lack of coordination among various agencies and absence of any approved methodology were major hindrances in the production of any defensible and quality data.
Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session of the workshop, Sindh Secretary Environment Shujaat Ali Qarni stressed the need for developing research linkage among government agencies, industrial organizations and research institutions.
He expressed hope that the PERT workshop would contribute towards generation of mechanism and guidelines for implementation. He said that postgraduate research activities should be increased in the environment sector.
The director of KU's Institute of Environmental Studies, Dr Nayyar Alam Zaigham, said that the workshop was aimed at providing specialized training to the participants coming from academic and research organizations in the public sector.
He said that the methodology and guidelines discussed at the workshop would provide a base for unified approaches needed for accuracy in results while ascertaining the impact of environment degradation activities.
Dr Moazzam Ali Khan urged the national institutions to evolve and observe quality control programmes within them. He also deliberated on water quality parameters. He said quality assurance was a definite plan for laboratory operation that specified standard procedures to help producing data with defensible quality and reported results with a high level of confidence.
Dr Omm-e-Hani informed the participants about the methodology and equipment used at environmental microbiology laboratory. PERT Coordinator Dr Hashmi and Himad Naqi Khan of the World Wide Fund for Nature also spoke on the occasion.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
IT firms and experts offered assistance
IT firms and experts offered assistance
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local7.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec 29: Federal Information Technology Minister Awais Khan Leghari on Saturday offered to provide government help and resources to companies and individuals seeking to use IT, says a press release.
It quoted the minister as telling the audience at the 12th Undergraduate Convocation of the Military College of Signals, the National University of Science and Technology, "We are willing to finance any such project but with only one condition that the end product should involve applications produced entirely by the local software industry and it should be an open source based software, accessible to any other company and any individual in the country."
He said the IT ministry had set up a research and development fund with Rs1 billion in the Pakistan Telecommunication Company and the funding could be available to any company or individuals seeking to develop software, utilizing indigenous skills and resources.
He also invited the faculty of MCS and NUST to submit their research proposals to this fund and promised "if they meet the selection criteria, we will fund them to the fullest possible extent."
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local7.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec 29: Federal Information Technology Minister Awais Khan Leghari on Saturday offered to provide government help and resources to companies and individuals seeking to use IT, says a press release.
It quoted the minister as telling the audience at the 12th Undergraduate Convocation of the Military College of Signals, the National University of Science and Technology, "We are willing to finance any such project but with only one condition that the end product should involve applications produced entirely by the local software industry and it should be an open source based software, accessible to any other company and any individual in the country."
He said the IT ministry had set up a research and development fund with Rs1 billion in the Pakistan Telecommunication Company and the funding could be available to any company or individuals seeking to develop software, utilizing indigenous skills and resources.
He also invited the faculty of MCS and NUST to submit their research proposals to this fund and promised "if they meet the selection criteria, we will fund them to the fullest possible extent."
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Sindh EPA Plans to Carry out studies to determine water quality of Karachi
Sindh EPA Plans to Carry out studies to determine water quality of Karachi
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local8.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Dec 29: The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency has planned to carry out studies for ascertaining the quality of water being consumed in Karachi and the interior of the province.
The SEPA has almost finalized five such plans, which are either at the stage of approval by the competent authority or waiting for the financing by government.
The proposed studies include monitoring of potable water quality in Karachi, water quality in the Indus and the water being supplied through K.B. Feeder Canal; ascertaining arsenic contamination in ground-water in the province and improving the industrial waste in Karachi.
SEPA officials said that the agency was approaching provincial government for financing the monitoring of drinking water quality in Karachi. The project has been proposed, as about eight people had died after consuming contaminated water in Muslimabad, Landhi and Memon Goth of Karachi.
To determine the pollution levels in drinking water, the SEPA has prepared PC-II. This study includes collection and analysis of water samples from treatment plant, filter plants, pumping stations and distribution network of water and sewerage board.
Another important project is proposed to monitor the quality of water being supplied to Karachi through K.B. Feeder Canal. It is pertinent to note that the industrial and domestic untreated waste-water of Hyderabad, Kotri and Nooriabad is being disposed into K.B. Feeder and the Keenjhar Lake, which are the main source of water supply for Karachi. This project would cost Rs0.65 million.
The officials said that the SEPA had completed the first phase of monitoring water quality of the Indus river while the second phase costing Rs11.6 million had been approved by the provincial development working party (PDWP).
However, the administrative approval is awaited for the proposed project, which would determine the pollutant substance in the river water to estimate the pollution load.
The project of improving industrial waste-water quality in Karachi is under consideration of the PDWP. The project would be sponsored by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under which a master plan would be designed by the Japanese consultants for improving the quality of waste-water in industrial areas of Karachi. After the detailed survey, a pilot treatment plant would be installed at Korangi Industrial Area.
The SEPA has prepared PC-II in consultation with the UNICEF to monitor ground-water in the province ascertaining the concentration of arsenic. The SEPA had approached the provincial government for funding the scheme, they added. -PPI
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local8.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Dec 29: The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency has planned to carry out studies for ascertaining the quality of water being consumed in Karachi and the interior of the province.
The SEPA has almost finalized five such plans, which are either at the stage of approval by the competent authority or waiting for the financing by government.
The proposed studies include monitoring of potable water quality in Karachi, water quality in the Indus and the water being supplied through K.B. Feeder Canal; ascertaining arsenic contamination in ground-water in the province and improving the industrial waste in Karachi.
SEPA officials said that the agency was approaching provincial government for financing the monitoring of drinking water quality in Karachi. The project has been proposed, as about eight people had died after consuming contaminated water in Muslimabad, Landhi and Memon Goth of Karachi.
To determine the pollution levels in drinking water, the SEPA has prepared PC-II. This study includes collection and analysis of water samples from treatment plant, filter plants, pumping stations and distribution network of water and sewerage board.
Another important project is proposed to monitor the quality of water being supplied to Karachi through K.B. Feeder Canal. It is pertinent to note that the industrial and domestic untreated waste-water of Hyderabad, Kotri and Nooriabad is being disposed into K.B. Feeder and the Keenjhar Lake, which are the main source of water supply for Karachi. This project would cost Rs0.65 million.
The officials said that the SEPA had completed the first phase of monitoring water quality of the Indus river while the second phase costing Rs11.6 million had been approved by the provincial development working party (PDWP).
However, the administrative approval is awaited for the proposed project, which would determine the pollutant substance in the river water to estimate the pollution load.
The project of improving industrial waste-water quality in Karachi is under consideration of the PDWP. The project would be sponsored by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under which a master plan would be designed by the Japanese consultants for improving the quality of waste-water in industrial areas of Karachi. After the detailed survey, a pilot treatment plant would be installed at Korangi Industrial Area.
The SEPA has prepared PC-II in consultation with the UNICEF to monitor ground-water in the province ascertaining the concentration of arsenic. The SEPA had approached the provincial government for funding the scheme, they added. -PPI
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
JPMC to get Rs160m more for its projects
KARACHI: JPMC to get Rs160m more for its projects
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local1.htm
By Our Staff Reporter
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KARACHI, Dec 29: In the budget for 2003-04, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) was awarded Rs200 million as developmental grant, making it one of the luckiest healthcare institutions.
Next year the hospital could repeat this feat provided its administration managed to formulate PC-Is, which could be approved, said the federal health minister on Monday.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 41st annual symposium of the JPMC, Ejaz Rahim said about Rs40 million had already been provided to the hospital for the up-gradation of its wards and departments. He said the approved schemes of the JPMC would be implemented as soon as possible.
Mr Rahim said the authorities had planned to increase the number of stipends reserved for postgraduate students. He was of the opinion that the institutions should constitute awards for good teachers and researchers.
The government planned to establish upgraded Tehsil-level healthcare centres, which would be specializing in trauma, women and child health, and mental health, said Mr Rahim. He expressed dismay that Jinnah hospital's Basic Sciences Medical Institute had several positions of assistant professors, which were vacant since long.
He reiterated his commitment to ensure basic health security needs of people across the country. He also underscored the need for proper understanding of individual and collective responsibilities on part of all country-men without any distinction.
"We need not only to realize our due rights, but also to make optimum advantage of opportunities provided and resources at our disposal," he said while referring to the varied projects initiated by the government, some of them quite unique and introduced only in Pakistan, during the last few years.
According to him, successful attempts had been made to make public health programme largely accessible to people and referred to house-to-house approach to intensify oral polio virus immunization campaign, Vitamin A supplementation schemes, inclusion of Hepatitis B in the Expanded Programme on Immunization, vaccination of more than 13 million women in child-bearing age, against Neonatal-Maternal Tetanus during the last three years, DOTS approach to tuberculosis, programme to contain HIV-AIDS besides ensuring safety of blood transfusion services.
Prof Musarrat Hussain said up to 12 per cent of the population suffered from mild to medium mental ailments. And one per cent of the population suffered from severe mental problems.
He was of the opinion that a national mental health institute should be established at the JPMC in collaboration with the ministry of health. He described at length how the psychiatrists and NGOs etc had joined hands in the formulation of the ordinance on mental health.
Justice (Retd) Dr Ghous Mohammad said the Lunacy Act of 1912 had a number of flaws and defects. The act was misused by the police and relatives of the vulnerable people, he said. However, he said, the chances of misuse of laws had been reduced after the promulgation of a new ordinance on mental health. But, there was still room for improvements in the new ordinance.
Prof Manzoor Ahmed proposed a study to determine the prevalence of mental diseases. He was of the opinion that healthcare centres should be given under the charge of the community and families.
"This is something, which has been tried out successfully in many parts of the world," he added. Prof Azhar Masood Farooqui of the National Institute of Cardio-Vascular Diseases, Prof Abdul Shakoor and Dr Anis Bhatti of the JPMC also spoke.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local1.htm
By Our Staff Reporter
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Dec 29: In the budget for 2003-04, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) was awarded Rs200 million as developmental grant, making it one of the luckiest healthcare institutions.
Next year the hospital could repeat this feat provided its administration managed to formulate PC-Is, which could be approved, said the federal health minister on Monday.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 41st annual symposium of the JPMC, Ejaz Rahim said about Rs40 million had already been provided to the hospital for the up-gradation of its wards and departments. He said the approved schemes of the JPMC would be implemented as soon as possible.
Mr Rahim said the authorities had planned to increase the number of stipends reserved for postgraduate students. He was of the opinion that the institutions should constitute awards for good teachers and researchers.
The government planned to establish upgraded Tehsil-level healthcare centres, which would be specializing in trauma, women and child health, and mental health, said Mr Rahim. He expressed dismay that Jinnah hospital's Basic Sciences Medical Institute had several positions of assistant professors, which were vacant since long.
He reiterated his commitment to ensure basic health security needs of people across the country. He also underscored the need for proper understanding of individual and collective responsibilities on part of all country-men without any distinction.
"We need not only to realize our due rights, but also to make optimum advantage of opportunities provided and resources at our disposal," he said while referring to the varied projects initiated by the government, some of them quite unique and introduced only in Pakistan, during the last few years.
According to him, successful attempts had been made to make public health programme largely accessible to people and referred to house-to-house approach to intensify oral polio virus immunization campaign, Vitamin A supplementation schemes, inclusion of Hepatitis B in the Expanded Programme on Immunization, vaccination of more than 13 million women in child-bearing age, against Neonatal-Maternal Tetanus during the last three years, DOTS approach to tuberculosis, programme to contain HIV-AIDS besides ensuring safety of blood transfusion services.
Prof Musarrat Hussain said up to 12 per cent of the population suffered from mild to medium mental ailments. And one per cent of the population suffered from severe mental problems.
He was of the opinion that a national mental health institute should be established at the JPMC in collaboration with the ministry of health. He described at length how the psychiatrists and NGOs etc had joined hands in the formulation of the ordinance on mental health.
Justice (Retd) Dr Ghous Mohammad said the Lunacy Act of 1912 had a number of flaws and defects. The act was misused by the police and relatives of the vulnerable people, he said. However, he said, the chances of misuse of laws had been reduced after the promulgation of a new ordinance on mental health. But, there was still room for improvements in the new ordinance.
Prof Manzoor Ahmed proposed a study to determine the prevalence of mental diseases. He was of the opinion that healthcare centres should be given under the charge of the community and families.
"This is something, which has been tried out successfully in many parts of the world," he added. Prof Azhar Masood Farooqui of the National Institute of Cardio-Vascular Diseases, Prof Abdul Shakoor and Dr Anis Bhatti of the JPMC also spoke.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
People urged to consume food rich in Vitamin A
People urged to consume food rich in Vitamin A
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local5.htm
By Our Staff Reporter
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Dec 29: Two surveys carried out about five years ago in the North West Frontier Province and Karachi suggested that up to 35 per cent of the Pakistani children suffered from Vitamin A deficiency.
The National Nutrition Survey carried out last year, on the other hand, indicated that the percentage of children suffering from Vitamin A deficiency was now 11 per cent.
This means that the only intervention vis-a-vis Vitamin A supplementation is paying dividends. However, there is a catch here. The government's Vitamin A supplementation initiative, in which doses of the vitamin are administered to the children as part of the National Immunization Drives (NIDs), is likely to be discontinued once polio is eradicated.
There is, therefore, a need for the people to change their dietary habits and use as much as possible foods rich in Vitamin A. These included vegetables having green leaves as well as fruits and vegetables that are either yellow or red in colour.
This was stated by some experts at a Vitamin A Advocacy meeting, organized by an NGO called Hope, in collaboration with the Unicef. They said deficiency of Vitamin could lead to night blindness, besides enhancement in vulnerability to all kinds of ailments.
Dr Mubina Agboatwalla, on the occasion, said between 100 and 140 million children were Vitamin A deficient. An estimated 250,000 to 500,000 children become blind due to this problem.
And 260 million children worldwide have some degree of Vitamin A deficiency. The impact of this single supplementation on childhood mortality was as great if not more than that of any one vaccine, and it cost only a couple of cents a dose, she said.
Dr Aisha Mehnaz of the Pakistan Paediatric Association said the deficiency led to decrease of a person's immunity. As a result, the children's vulnerability to diarrhoea, pneumonia and measles increases.
She spoke at length about the long-term and short-term strategies for combating Vitamin A deficiency. Prof D.S. Akram said the government was considering at least two options under which Vitamin A supplementation could continue after the discontinuation of the NIDs. She also dilated on the issue of breast feeding.
Ali Nawaz Sheikh said the health department was ready to hold mass awareness campaign on Vitamin A supplementation. Well-known sports and showbiz personalities - Samiullah, Anwar Maqsood and Shafi Mohammad Shah also spoke.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local5.htm
By Our Staff Reporter
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Dec 29: Two surveys carried out about five years ago in the North West Frontier Province and Karachi suggested that up to 35 per cent of the Pakistani children suffered from Vitamin A deficiency.
The National Nutrition Survey carried out last year, on the other hand, indicated that the percentage of children suffering from Vitamin A deficiency was now 11 per cent.
This means that the only intervention vis-a-vis Vitamin A supplementation is paying dividends. However, there is a catch here. The government's Vitamin A supplementation initiative, in which doses of the vitamin are administered to the children as part of the National Immunization Drives (NIDs), is likely to be discontinued once polio is eradicated.
There is, therefore, a need for the people to change their dietary habits and use as much as possible foods rich in Vitamin A. These included vegetables having green leaves as well as fruits and vegetables that are either yellow or red in colour.
This was stated by some experts at a Vitamin A Advocacy meeting, organized by an NGO called Hope, in collaboration with the Unicef. They said deficiency of Vitamin could lead to night blindness, besides enhancement in vulnerability to all kinds of ailments.
Dr Mubina Agboatwalla, on the occasion, said between 100 and 140 million children were Vitamin A deficient. An estimated 250,000 to 500,000 children become blind due to this problem.
And 260 million children worldwide have some degree of Vitamin A deficiency. The impact of this single supplementation on childhood mortality was as great if not more than that of any one vaccine, and it cost only a couple of cents a dose, she said.
Dr Aisha Mehnaz of the Pakistan Paediatric Association said the deficiency led to decrease of a person's immunity. As a result, the children's vulnerability to diarrhoea, pneumonia and measles increases.
She spoke at length about the long-term and short-term strategies for combating Vitamin A deficiency. Prof D.S. Akram said the government was considering at least two options under which Vitamin A supplementation could continue after the discontinuation of the NIDs. She also dilated on the issue of breast feeding.
Ali Nawaz Sheikh said the health department was ready to hold mass awareness campaign on Vitamin A supplementation. Well-known sports and showbiz personalities - Samiullah, Anwar Maqsood and Shafi Mohammad Shah also spoke.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Sindh Govt to exploit IT talent, says Ibad
KARACHI: Govt to exploit IT talent, says Ibad
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local6.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Dec 29: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has said that Pakistan, particularly Karachi, is rich in human resource and the government is paying full attention to its development to benefit out of the same.
He was speaking at a conference on "opportunities of investment in the IT sector," held by the Association of Pakistani Scientists and Engineers, North America, on Monday. Provincial IT Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Irshad Ahmed Jilani, Khurshid Shah and others also spoke at the moot.
The governor said that government was concentrating on research for development of human resources and teaching centres were being established in varsities, with the cooperation of private sector.
He said that out put of private investment in the field of science and technology was encouraging, adding that besides foreign investment, the government was also laying emphasis on absorption of local experts within the country.
Dr Ibad said it had been decided to acquire the services of 300 such experts who would be paid a monthly emoluments of Rs200,000. He observed that though the amount might look small to the experts working in developed countries, yet, hopefully, they would accept this offer to contribute in national development.
He pointed out that in Sindh a well-equipped department was working for IT promotion and to link the government departments through modern technology. He informed that work was in progress to bring transparency in the revenue records and other related matters through IT.
Dr Ibad said that steps like improvement in law and order, availability of infrastructure, simplification of rules and regulations and to make them investment friendly were producing encouraging results. He told the conference that Karachi was emerging as an economic hub in the region. -APP
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/local6.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Dec 29: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has said that Pakistan, particularly Karachi, is rich in human resource and the government is paying full attention to its development to benefit out of the same.
He was speaking at a conference on "opportunities of investment in the IT sector," held by the Association of Pakistani Scientists and Engineers, North America, on Monday. Provincial IT Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Irshad Ahmed Jilani, Khurshid Shah and others also spoke at the moot.
The governor said that government was concentrating on research for development of human resources and teaching centres were being established in varsities, with the cooperation of private sector.
He said that out put of private investment in the field of science and technology was encouraging, adding that besides foreign investment, the government was also laying emphasis on absorption of local experts within the country.
Dr Ibad said it had been decided to acquire the services of 300 such experts who would be paid a monthly emoluments of Rs200,000. He observed that though the amount might look small to the experts working in developed countries, yet, hopefully, they would accept this offer to contribute in national development.
He pointed out that in Sindh a well-equipped department was working for IT promotion and to link the government departments through modern technology. He informed that work was in progress to bring transparency in the revenue records and other related matters through IT.
Dr Ibad said that steps like improvement in law and order, availability of infrastructure, simplification of rules and regulations and to make them investment friendly were producing encouraging results. He told the conference that Karachi was emerging as an economic hub in the region. -APP
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
TTS-teachers body to evolve joint strategy
TTS - teachers body to evolve joint strategy
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/nat29.htm
By Our Reporter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations will meet in Peshawar on January 2 and 3 to evolve a joint strategy on Tenure Track System (TTS) and Model University Ordinance (MUO).
This was stated by an office-bearer of Quaid-i-Azam University's Academic Staff Association while talking to Dawn. He said the meeting had been called in the backdrop of the Higher Education Commission's recent active pursuance of public sector universities for the implementation of TTS and MUO.
The only thing the federation wants is a certain level of uniformity with special reference to the running of public sector universities, he said. Keeping in view the HEC's stand that it will invite every university administration separately to make these two documents acceptable, the federation has been forced to call a meeting to counter this move, he said.
So far, only the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, has introduced TTS, whereby teachers will be hired on contract basis with regular evaluation of their services.
Whereas, rest of the public-sector universities throughout the country have rejected the new service structure as well as the ordinance, asking the commission to review the documents with active consultation of the faculty concerned.
It's worth mentioning here that with the promulgation of the MUO, which envisaged administrative and financial autonomy for public sector universities, the federation launched a protest campaign against the law.
The federation took a joint stand against the new law, terming it as an ill-conceived document, aimed at privatizing public-sector universities in the country.
Responding to a question, the academic staff association office-bearer said it was irrational on the part of the HEC that instead of looking for some viable solution acceptable to all, it was pressurizing vice-chancellors.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/nat29.htm
By Our Reporter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations will meet in Peshawar on January 2 and 3 to evolve a joint strategy on Tenure Track System (TTS) and Model University Ordinance (MUO).
This was stated by an office-bearer of Quaid-i-Azam University's Academic Staff Association while talking to Dawn. He said the meeting had been called in the backdrop of the Higher Education Commission's recent active pursuance of public sector universities for the implementation of TTS and MUO.
The only thing the federation wants is a certain level of uniformity with special reference to the running of public sector universities, he said. Keeping in view the HEC's stand that it will invite every university administration separately to make these two documents acceptable, the federation has been forced to call a meeting to counter this move, he said.
So far, only the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, has introduced TTS, whereby teachers will be hired on contract basis with regular evaluation of their services.
Whereas, rest of the public-sector universities throughout the country have rejected the new service structure as well as the ordinance, asking the commission to review the documents with active consultation of the faculty concerned.
It's worth mentioning here that with the promulgation of the MUO, which envisaged administrative and financial autonomy for public sector universities, the federation launched a protest campaign against the law.
The federation took a joint stand against the new law, terming it as an ill-conceived document, aimed at privatizing public-sector universities in the country.
Responding to a question, the academic staff association office-bearer said it was irrational on the part of the HEC that instead of looking for some viable solution acceptable to all, it was pressurizing vice-chancellors.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Geology Center's Lab to be Upgraded
Geology centre's labs to be upgraded
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/nat28.htm
By Our Reporter
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will upgrade the laboratories of the National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, an official statement said.
The project aims at modernizing laboratories of the NCE, an institution of higher education in the field of Earth Sciences. It will help improve the research facilities at the institution in line with the demand of modern-day science and technology.
The main objectives of the project include provision of analytical and field facilities to the faculty and students of NCE in geology and Earth and Environmental Sciences.
The project will also facilitate scientists/geologists, professors, professionals and technocrats as well various institutions, organizations and agencies both in public and private sectors of the country. It will also benefit scientists of Islamic and friendly countries.
It will fully exploit the potential of the faculties and experts who lack access to modern analytical facilities. The upgradation of the laboratories will not only enhance the quality of education and research in this particular field, but also help improve the socio-economic condition of the country, the statement said.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
http://www.dawn.com/2003/12/30/nat28.htm
By Our Reporter
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will upgrade the laboratories of the National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, an official statement said.
The project aims at modernizing laboratories of the NCE, an institution of higher education in the field of Earth Sciences. It will help improve the research facilities at the institution in line with the demand of modern-day science and technology.
The main objectives of the project include provision of analytical and field facilities to the faculty and students of NCE in geology and Earth and Environmental Sciences.
The project will also facilitate scientists/geologists, professors, professionals and technocrats as well various institutions, organizations and agencies both in public and private sectors of the country. It will also benefit scientists of Islamic and friendly countries.
It will fully exploit the potential of the faculties and experts who lack access to modern analytical facilities. The upgradation of the laboratories will not only enhance the quality of education and research in this particular field, but also help improve the socio-economic condition of the country, the statement said.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Monday, December 29, 2003
KRL detects 23 genes causing eye diseases
LAHORE: The Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) has detected 23 genes among a total of 121 which have been known to cause eye diseases, KRL Chairman Dr Javed Ashraf Mirza declared on Friday at the 24th annual congress of the Ophthalmological Society of Pakistan (OSP) titled the Lahore Opthalmo 2003.
Dr Javed said the KRL did research on eye diseases and made wonderful progress. “We invite all those involved with this vital subject to avail the facilities of gene linkage analysis at the KRL. We must join hands to build a safe and secure future for our coming generations,” said the KRL chairman.
He said that with the help of a leading eye specialist, KRL experts carried out gene detection in families of congenital eye disorders like Retinitis, Pigmentose, Micro-ophthalmia and Keratoconus. “23 new genes, associated with these diseases, have been detected and confirmed in laboratories. The 23 genes are among the 121 genes detected throughout the worldwide,” he added.
He said the Biomedical and Genetic Engineering Division (BGED) of the KRL was one of five leading research centres in the world. Dr Mirza said the success had led the doctors and scientists at the KRL to carryout tests on the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) for numerous diseases. “As a result, many of Uveitis patients had been tested positive for HLA B-27. The patients with glaucoma are also being studied to find the association of the disease with any particular gene, he added. —Staff Report
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Dr Javed said the KRL did research on eye diseases and made wonderful progress. “We invite all those involved with this vital subject to avail the facilities of gene linkage analysis at the KRL. We must join hands to build a safe and secure future for our coming generations,” said the KRL chairman.
He said that with the help of a leading eye specialist, KRL experts carried out gene detection in families of congenital eye disorders like Retinitis, Pigmentose, Micro-ophthalmia and Keratoconus. “23 new genes, associated with these diseases, have been detected and confirmed in laboratories. The 23 genes are among the 121 genes detected throughout the worldwide,” he added.
He said the Biomedical and Genetic Engineering Division (BGED) of the KRL was one of five leading research centres in the world. Dr Mirza said the success had led the doctors and scientists at the KRL to carryout tests on the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) for numerous diseases. “As a result, many of Uveitis patients had been tested positive for HLA B-27. The patients with glaucoma are also being studied to find the association of the disease with any particular gene, he added. —Staff Report
======================================================
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 26, 2003
Exciting Sky Gazing Experiences, by Adnan Yazdani at LAST Astronomy Society
Courtesy Adnan Yazdani, member of LAST Astronomy Society:
AoA Everybody
Hope all of you are fine and having exciting time with astronomy in late December.
I wanted to share some exciting sky gazing experiences. Planets rule, they are high up. One can easily see four of them (Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter) in a span of 4 to 5 hours between 7 PM to 12 AM (yes, giant planet is high in east at 12).
Late December presents wonderful crescent moon and dazzling Venus conjunction (6 PM to 7 PM). Distance between them increasing with each passing night. Other worthwhile sight the lovely winter hexagon of bright stars Rigel-Aldebaran-Capella-Pullox-Procyon and Sirius, each star belonging to a different constellation. Amazingly early, at 8 PM this vast hexagon is visible in eastern skies.
Its hard to be out in biting chilly nights, so mother nature does care, good things are showing up early... :)
Regards & Clear Skies
Adnan
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
AoA Everybody
Hope all of you are fine and having exciting time with astronomy in late December.
I wanted to share some exciting sky gazing experiences. Planets rule, they are high up. One can easily see four of them (Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter) in a span of 4 to 5 hours between 7 PM to 12 AM (yes, giant planet is high in east at 12).
Late December presents wonderful crescent moon and dazzling Venus conjunction (6 PM to 7 PM). Distance between them increasing with each passing night. Other worthwhile sight the lovely winter hexagon of bright stars Rigel-Aldebaran-Capella-Pullox-Procyon and Sirius, each star belonging to a different constellation. Amazingly early, at 8 PM this vast hexagon is visible in eastern skies.
Its hard to be out in biting chilly nights, so mother nature does care, good things are showing up early... :)
Regards & Clear Skies
Adnan
======================================================
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 25, 2003
Leghari vows action against low standard IT institutions
Leghari vows action against low standard IT institutions
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Initially published in The Daily Times
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_25-12-2003_pg7_15
Staff Report
LAHORE: Some private information technology institutions are not giving absorbing stuff and the Ministry of Information Technology has written to the Higher Education Commission to form an accreditation council to put a check on such institutions, said Federal Communication and Information Technology Minister (C&IT) Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Wednesday.
The minister was speaking at the launching ceremony of a two-and-a-half years Urdu Localisation Project at the centre for research in Urdu language processing in the National University of Computer and Engineering Sciences (NUCES).
Mr Leghari said such projects would encourage people to use computer technology. “This will help bring IT revolution in Pakistan,” said the minister.
Mr Leghari said he was ready to provide private IT institutions and industries with financial support which begin such projects.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction on the performance of some private IT institutions. “According to reports, the number of such institutions is around 17 and they would be dealt with an iron hand,” he said and added the government was keen on promoting IT research.
To a question, he informed that the federal government would make a law on the problem hacking the IT field.
NUCES Dean Dr Ayub Alvi told reports that the project would especially help those who were not English literate. “The program will translate links from English into Urdu,” he said. A 50-member team including NUCES students, headed by Dr Sarmad Hussain, will complete the project with Rs 34 million by 2006. This is a government-sponsored project.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initially published in The Daily Times
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_25-12-2003_pg7_15
Staff Report
LAHORE: Some private information technology institutions are not giving absorbing stuff and the Ministry of Information Technology has written to the Higher Education Commission to form an accreditation council to put a check on such institutions, said Federal Communication and Information Technology Minister (C&IT) Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Wednesday.
The minister was speaking at the launching ceremony of a two-and-a-half years Urdu Localisation Project at the centre for research in Urdu language processing in the National University of Computer and Engineering Sciences (NUCES).
Mr Leghari said such projects would encourage people to use computer technology. “This will help bring IT revolution in Pakistan,” said the minister.
Mr Leghari said he was ready to provide private IT institutions and industries with financial support which begin such projects.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction on the performance of some private IT institutions. “According to reports, the number of such institutions is around 17 and they would be dealt with an iron hand,” he said and added the government was keen on promoting IT research.
To a question, he informed that the federal government would make a law on the problem hacking the IT field.
NUCES Dean Dr Ayub Alvi told reports that the project would especially help those who were not English literate. “The program will translate links from English into Urdu,” he said. A 50-member team including NUCES students, headed by Dr Sarmad Hussain, will complete the project with Rs 34 million by 2006. This is a government-sponsored project.
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
Russians invited to explore engineering sector
Russians invited to explore engineering sector
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initially Published in The Daily Times
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_25-12-2003_pg5_19
KARACHI: Liaquat Ali Jatoi, the minister for industries and production, has invited the Russian private sector to explore possibilities for revamping, modification of Pakistan’s heavy mechanical sector under joint ventures. He was talking to a Russian delegation of heavy mechanical industries led by Sergei V Vasiljev here Wednesday. Chairman Pakistan Steel Mills Col (Retd) Muhammad Afzal Khan, and chairman of the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) Syed Zahid Husain were also present on the occasion. The minister also invited the delegation to undertake study in this regard and visit heavy mechanical complex at Taxila, Pakistan Machine Tool Factory Karachi and Spinning Machine Company, Lahore. Mr Jatoi also invited Russian automobile manufacturers to start assembling of Russian-made cars in Pakistan as the country needs cheaper cars. —APP
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initially Published in The Daily Times
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_25-12-2003_pg5_19
KARACHI: Liaquat Ali Jatoi, the minister for industries and production, has invited the Russian private sector to explore possibilities for revamping, modification of Pakistan’s heavy mechanical sector under joint ventures. He was talking to a Russian delegation of heavy mechanical industries led by Sergei V Vasiljev here Wednesday. Chairman Pakistan Steel Mills Col (Retd) Muhammad Afzal Khan, and chairman of the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) Syed Zahid Husain were also present on the occasion. The minister also invited the delegation to undertake study in this regard and visit heavy mechanical complex at Taxila, Pakistan Machine Tool Factory Karachi and Spinning Machine Company, Lahore. Mr Jatoi also invited Russian automobile manufacturers to start assembling of Russian-made cars in Pakistan as the country needs cheaper cars. —APP
======================================================
Copyright C. 2002 - 2004
Pakistan Science and Engineering Forum (R)
"Kindling the Flame of Science in Pakistan (TM)"
PakSEF (TM) Daily Science News Update
=====================================================
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