05 February 2005	Saturday	25 Zilhaj 1425

KARACHI, Feb 4: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz declared on Friday that the government is pursuing the goal of a growth rate of seven to eight per cent for the next several years.

He was speaking as chief guest after performing the inauguration of the new laboratory complex of International Centre of Chemical Sciences (ICCS) at the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry at Karachi University campus on Friday.

The Premier said because of higher growth rate, the per capita income in Pakistan will touch the mark of dollars 700 this year and rise even more in the years ahead.

"Step by step we will get that. I believe that we all are going to be a part of building a rising Pakistan, a successful Pakistan, a modern Pakistan, a moderate Pakistan and an exciting Pakistan", he remarked.

Referring to increase in budget allocation for higher education and education in general as well as for science and technology, he informed that this is the manifestation of belief that the government is dedicated to promotion of education because illiterate nations cannot progress.

The Premier assured that the government will keep providing more resources for this very sector so that the country could move ahead at a much faster pace. Lauding the role and contributions of HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, the Prime Minister said what Pakistan needs the most are the islands of excellence which gradually change into excellence across the board.

The Premier also recalled the role of the initiator of HEJ, late Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui, for his immense contributions and said he was one of the icons we will always remember.

He also praised the role of late Latif Ebrahim Jamal for the development of HEJ and his desire to build a stronger, better and more vibrant Pakistan. He said he was pleased to learn that HEJ was producing the largest number of PhDs than any other institution in the country.

Shaukat Aziz pointed out that one of the key attributes of any centre of excellence is its linkage to the world. The Chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Director of HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, Prof Dr Atta ur Rehman, Vice Chancellor of Karachi, Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Co-Director of HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhry, and Aziz Ebrahim Jamal of HEJ Foundation also expressed their views on the occasion.

Earlier, Prime Minister performed the inauguration of the new laboratory complex which was established at a cost of Rs 30 million. This was described as the biggest academic research laboratory in the country.

CPSP CONVOCATION: Speaking at the 39th Convocation of College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSP) for the award of FCPS Diplomas to successful candidates here on Friday morning, the prime minister said the government was coming up with a comprehensive plan to address the problem of water-borne diseases which are most fatal.

He asked the Federal Health Minister Dr Mohammed Naseer Khan to devise the plan and submit the same within a week. "We have already declared war against Hepatitis, a most fatal disease", he said.

He pointed out that majority of people are not getting potable water and government is focussing on this important issue. Shaukat Aziz said the government is keen to take medical facilities to remotest areas of the country.

In this regard, the government is appointing 20,000 new Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) while 80,000 are already serving this cause to carry basic medical facilities to all areas of the country.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the country has about 100,000 registered doctors, 17,000 specialists, 100,000 para medics and 80,000 nurses. He urged the doctors to maintain a balance in the provision of medical facilities in the rural and urban areas. He told them to also serve a few years in rural areas to meet this objective.

Earlier, Federal Health Minister Dr Mohammed Naseer Khan, while addressing the convocation said that Pakistani doctors have tremendous potential. They can do miracles while there is no dearth of ability in Pakistan.

He said the Government is trying hard to provide maximum facilities in the field of health care in all corners of the country. He exhorted the doctors to dedicate themselves to serve the cause of humanity. President of the College, Dr Sultan Farooqi presented the welcome address. - APP