‘Non-expertise in modern education main hurdle development’
Bushra Makhdoom

ISLAMABAD—Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Dr. Muhammad Akram Sheikh has held responsible the lack of knowledge in the Science and Technology and failure to get quality education in the way of development of 1.3 billion Muslims of the world.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of workshop organised by OIC Ministerial Committee of Science and Technology (COMSTECH), the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission said that the Islamic Countries have to make development in the latest technology aiming to bring peace in the world. The workshop, which was held here regarding the preparation of DNA Vaccine, also addressed by Chairman Higher Education Commission, Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman, Ambassador of Cuba, Gastao Machine and Advisors Science Dr. Anwar Naseem.
Dr. Muhammad Akram Sheikh on the occasion said that there is need to run the country in the right direction, adding that we are big support of peace in the world and for this, the Islamic countries have to make development in the field of Science and Technology. He said that in Pakistan some people are living in 21st century and some are in 22nd century while some are still living in 10th century.
Congratulating Higher Education Commission (HEC) for promoting of higher education in the country, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission has extended full cooperation of the Planning Commission in this regard. Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman said the majority of Muslim Countries not paying attention to Science and Technology and we are also facing shortage of funds but despite that we are producing 3,000 scientists every year. He said that overall 120 projects are underway in COMSTECH and 31 Islamic Countries are rendering their cooperation in this regard.
The ambassador of Cuba, Gustavo Machin while praising the cooperation between Cuba and the Islamic countries for the preparation of DNA Vaccine said that the preparation of DNA Vaccine is vital to improve the living standard of masses. Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Anwar Naseem said that so far 79 participants from 51 Islamic Countries while 92 from the different areas of the country participated such workshops, adding that we are also working for the preparation of Human Vaccine. Two more such workshops would also be held, he added. He said with due focus, Pakistan can not only become vaccines producing but also exporting country. He said a task force is being established which will advise the planning commission for making right interventions and allocations in the emerging technologies. He urged the O.I.C member countries to enhance their cooperation in the field of science and technology for their socio-economic development.
Earlier, Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr. Atta ur Rehman informed that a project has been prepared to achieve the target of indigenous vaccines production capacity. He said many countries are being consulted for their technical and financial assistance. The Chairman higher commission also referred to the developments in the higher education and Science technology sectors during the last five years and said these will be visible in the next few years. Scientists from Indonesia, Egypt, Iran, Bosnia , Uzbekistan and the host Pakistan are attending the workshop. The objective of the workshop is to bring the forefront and cutting edge in molecular medicine to scientists from the OIC countries.