ISLAMABAD, Dec 1: The National Commission for Science and Technology on Friday approved major projects to boost technological advancement in the country.

The projects were approved at commission’s third meeting, which was held here to consider different projects for the next 10 years. President Gen Pervez Musharraf took the chair.

During the meeting, several important decisions were taken for the country’s technological advancement. The commission decided to give top priority to bio-technology in the future scheme of things.

Minister for Science and Technology Dr Atta-ur-Rehman briefed the meeting about the developments made in the field of science and technology in the past one year.

He also informed the meeting about the development made in other fields, including bio-technology and pharmaceuticals.

It was decided that additional funding would be made available for 10 years so that science and technology could continue to serve as a major engine for economic development.

The meeting decided that the telecommunication infrastructure would be expanded through various programmes that the ministry of science and technology had launched.

The commission approved launching of Pakistan Satellite (PAKSAT) in 2003 and also a proposal for the acquisition of a vessel for multi-disciplinary oceanographic research.

President Musharraf applauded the achievements of the ministry of science and technology and approved the target set by the ministry.

He said it was a well-established fact that investment in science and technology drove economic growth, generated new knowledge, created jobs, built new industries, ensured sustained national security and improved quality of life.

“It is due to the neglect of education and S&T in the last 54 years that Pakistan has not been able to liberate its people from the clutches of ignorance and poverty.”

Advances in science and technology, the president said, had transformed people’s lives in multitude of ways, particularly in health, energy, transportation, communication and defence sectors, during the last century.

“I have full confidence in the minister (Atta-ur-Rehman) and in our scientists who despite the meagre resources and difficult working conditions have provided this country with not only security in defence field, but are also working dedicatedly to make technology as an engine of economic prosperity”, he added.—APP