Muslim world urged to cooperate with each other in space technology
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—Development in fields of economic and defence could be achieved by promoting space technology while Muslim countries should cooperate with each others to narrow the wide gap that exists in the filed of space and sciences.
This was stated by speakers while addressing to four-day international seminar on "Space Technology and its Applications" here in Institute of Space Technology on Monday.
Large numbers of scientists and educationalists from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Russia, China, France, Indonesia, Iran, Greece, Oman, Sudan, Egypt, Syria, Jordan and United Kingdom are participating in the 4-day seminar.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest and Chairman Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) Raza Hussain highlighted the importance of space technology.
There is no denying the fact that space technology has over the past few decades grown exponentially and has matured to a stage where its benefit are now available to all, he added.
Raza Hussain noted that the spin off benefits of the technology have affected human lives in many ways and satellite television, satellite telephony, internet, Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite imagery, weather forecasting, land and water management, environmental protection are some example in this regard.
He further said natural calamity could be monitored through space technology, which can be used in saving lives of millions of people.
"Satellite communication have made a much greater impact on human resources adding that it has transferred the entire world in global village".
He lamented the lack of realization of the importance of Space in the Muslim world and urged Muslim countries to cooperate with each other in the field of space science.
Commenting on role of SUPARCO, he said not only Pakistan but also 25 others countries of the region are taking benefits from different programmes of SUPARCO.
Executive Director of Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET) Arshad Siraj urged the Muslim Ummah to appreciate the importance of science for their survival and well being, asked them to devote adequate resources to develop a strong scientific infrastructure.
Assistant Coordinator General COMSTECH in his keynote address said the development and utilization of space technology and its applications in developing countries especially the Muslim World is either not existent or insufficient.