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THE OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, or Comstech, of which Pakistan is the chairman, has come up with a 10-year plan for reforming science education in member countries. As one of the first steps under the plan, and coming as a bit of a surprise, Islamabad, that has so far been the recipient of grants and other sundry favours, has broken with tradition and offered 100 scholarships to candidates from OIC countries in fields such as medicine, agriculture and engineering. The plan was approved at a Comstech meeting in Islamabad earlier this week. Going by the details that have emerged in the media it is yet another attempt at somehow finding the lost bridge between research and the Muslim world. This country has been among those that have been held hostage by theorists who forbid scientific learning in the name of faith. Those who understand the merits of studying modern subjects with diligence and commitment would want Pakistan to live up to the words of President Mamnoon Hussain and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, spoken during the Comstech sessions, about the country’s desire to lead the initiative.
There could be little disagreement with the minister when he emphasised the need to “have a fresh look” at “the legal frameworks and institutional structures … responsible for promotion of science … and innovation in our respective countries”. These institutions, though vital, will be difficult to sustain without hard work. To turn the latest Comstech meeting from a ritual into an earnest endeavour will require a lot of resolve. The president raised a question the answer to which will determine the extent to which the OIC components are committed to pursuing the path and objectives of the plan. He talked about the need for OIC countries to contribute financially to Comstech’s 10-year push that has been prepared by more than 150 experts. The response to his call will define just how much of an interest the members have in the plan’s successful execution.
Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2016
Comments (9) Closed
OIC in the past was not being efficient and showed no concern regarding education but kudos to them for taking this initiative
OIC in the past was not being efficient and showed no concern regarding education but kudos to them for taking this initiative
This country has been held hostage only by incompetent Science Policy makers. In this regards, there are three disciplines simultaneous perusal of which is a must for making real progress: Science, Technology and Innovation. In simple terms, science concerns with pushing frontiers of scientific knowledge, technology is enabler to put scientific knowledge to practical use by developing necessary processes and tools. and innovation exploits most efficiently/least expensively to solve a new problem exploiting science and technology in 'new clever' package. Policy makers in Muslim countries have miserably failed to appreciate that without concomitant availability of these three disciplines, real progress is not possible. Ever wondered why our scientists perform wonders in Western countries? It needs competent teams of scientists, technologists, engineers, technician, adequately equipped facilities along with resources, focus, persistence and commitment, i.e., a genuine change of mind set.
Good but we have to realise that science is a culture, a method, a way of life that is highly dependant on curiosity, questioning things, innovation/creativity and evidence based factual analysis. Sadly, all these things are stunted in a child from the very beginning by our society and teachers. We mould children and brainwash them, stop them from asking questions and being innovative.
This relates to comments on role of clergy in downplaying the scientific learning. I will contradict that our learning of science is held hostage by the religious components but it was and is held hostage to unwillingness of our Political and Educational system to reform the very structure of scientific learning. The politically hired third graders ,who never undertook any experiment in lab, can teach the science.Science is about action and not just about the theoretical learning. It has become a norm to put all the blame on Clergy and don't make sense at all.We never had that much retrogressive clergy since the inception of our country.
Nothing will come about untill the OIC starts visa free travel between member countries as this is the first basic pillar of trust between so called 'Brothers'.
Education is the key to development as a nation.
What has scientific knowledge, education, research and technology have anything to do with clergy? It is only an excuse for not assigning proper priorities. Better late than never, good initiative.
gin science is the true science. OIC should focus on reviving the lost science of gin and we will be way ahead of the current world.