KARACHI, Feb 16 An institute of vacuum science and technology is being set up in Islamabad by Dr A.Q. Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), Kahuta.

This was stated by chairman KRL, Dr Javed Arshad Mirza, while talking to APP here on Saturday.

He said that the cost of the project was expected to be between Rs50 to Rs60 million over a period of time. He said that a piece of land measuring some two acres had already been allotted and the construction would start in a year. He stated that the institute would start functioning in two or three years.

Chairman KRL further pointed out that the institute would be built in phases depending on the acquisition of the funds. He said that the main objective for creating such a facility was to be able to interact with the industry directly.

He said that the people could come to the institute to discuss their problems and get them resolved. At a later stage some more commercial facilities might also be added there in order to help the industry.

He said that at present the industry people wrote to the KRL about their problems and experts had to be sent there, but with the setting up of this institute every one could have an easy access. Seminar, discussions could be organized there.

“This will help make the interaction easier for the industry and for us also”, he said.

About the significance of vibration technology, Dr Mirza was of the view that it was of immense importance to the industry.

He pointed out that the KRL had already held two international and two national symposia on vibration technology in islamabad and the response had been very good not only from within Pakistan but also from all over the world.

Dr Mirza hoped that the industry would also take more interest in that field.

He also pointed out that the KRL was already providing a lot of service to the industry in the field of vibration and diagnostics and also in vacuum science and technology.— APP