Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, held a detailed session today at Parliament House to scrutinize the operational challenges and strategic initiatives within various research and development organizations under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST).
According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting began with an overview of the ministry’s performance, highlighting concerns about the inefficiency of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and the slow implementation of policies by the Institute for Research, Advocacy, and Development (IRADA). Senator Shibli Faraz criticized the sluggish progress and urged the ministry to be more transparent with its policy frameworks.
The session also addressed critical issues facing the Pakistan Council for Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET), which is at risk of closure due to staffing and productivity challenges. Senator Shibli Faraz advocated for bolstering human resources rather than discontinuing operations, a sentiment echoed by Chairman Agha, who stressed the importance of renewable energy and the necessity of skilled staffing to avoid setting back progress by a decade.
The Secretary of MoST provided insights into the five key R and D organizations under its purview, including the looming leadership crises at PCRET and the Council for Works and Housing Research (CWHR). The absence of effective leadership was identified as a significant barrier to performance, prompting the ministry to prioritize filling these roles. The committee was informed that recruitment for department heads is actively underway.
Additionally, the committee discussed the fiscal allocations for the fiscal year 2024-2025, noting that PCSIR received the highest funding, underscoring its pivotal role in the country’s scientific research landscape. Budget discussions also covered allocations for other major organizations such as the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) and the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST).
The meeting also included nominations for senators to various boards and advisory councils within the sector, with Senators Faisal Ali Subzwari, Dost Muhammad Khan, Saeed Ahmed Hashmi, and Mir Dostain Khan Domki confirmed for roles in pivotal science and technology organizations.
In conclusion, the committee underscored the need for robust commercialization of R and D through entities like the Science and Technology Development Corporation (STEDEC) and stressed the importance of international cooperation through bodies such as COMSTECH, COMSATS, and ECOSF to enhance Pakistan’s scientific standing globally.
The ongoing challenges and strategic measures discussed during the meeting reflect a concerted effort to address the systemic issues within Pakistan’s science and technology sector and to ensure sustainable development through science and innovation.