KARACHI: Pakistan needs to develop top quality research and academic institutions for progress in science and technology, said Prof Dr M. Iqbal Choudhary, director of International Centre for Chemical and Biological Science (ICCBS), University of Karachi, on Saturday night.

Dr Choudhary expressed these views while delivering an inaugural speech at the ICCBS science festival where more than a thousand people were in attendance. He was of the view that nations are now recognised through the progress that they make in the field of science and research. The time has passed when the accumulation of wealth was believed to be a landmark for a nation’s development.

In the present era knowledge and research are judged as new markers for development and growth of nations.

ICCBS Science Festival was held in connection with the 50 years celebrations of HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry - ICCBS, University of Karachi.

The festival’s programme included innovative and inspiring performances, screenings, special events and exhibitions.

International students, especially from Egypt, Nigeria, Nepal, Tajikistan, Iran etc. have shown great interest in the festival where scientists of ICCBS explained their research in a simple and friendly manner to the public belonging to every segment of life.

Leading scientists, educationists, teachers, students, high government officials and their families attended the festival.

Dr Choudhary, who inaugurated the festival, said that the US is known worldwide for its progress in science and technology; similarly the UK is famous for its prestigious academic institutions. He said that those nations which are ready to face the challenges of the future will definitely benefit from the speedy growth of science and technology.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2016