I WANT to draw the attention of the Higher Education Commission to the uncertain future of biotechnologists. Biotechnology is a field of scientific miracles and is generating revenue by its application mainly in agriculture and pharmaceutical industries throughout the world. But facts tell a different story in the case of our country.

Keeping in view the promises biotechnology offers, degree courses have been taught in universities for a decade and thousands of graduates have been produced. But some highly educated biotechnologists remain jobless for lack of a recognised job structure in government and private sectors.

They are also ineligible for applying for a post of subject specialist, as the public service commission does not consider the degree equivalent to other disciplines of biology.

There is hardly any light at the end of the tunnel for biotechnologists. Please save their future by creating space for them.

Adnan Zahir

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2015

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