WASHINGTON, July 18: The first meeting of the Pakistan-US joint committee on science and technology begins here on Wednesday. Dr Attaur Rahman, chairman Higher Education Commission who has the rank of a federal minister, is leading the Pakistani delegation to the talks. Other members include, Dr Pervez Butt, secretary science and technology, and Shahid Kamal, an additional secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Dr Arden Bement, director US National Science Foundation, leads the American delegation. The two scholars are also co-chair of the committee.

The decision to form a committee for promoting science and technology in Pakistan was taken during President George Bush visit to Islamabad on March 4.

In a joint statement issued during the visit, the two sides agreed to build capacity in Pakistan for increased cooperation in science and technology and to improve the quality, relevance and capacity of education and research in the country.

They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of environment.

The July 19-20 talks will be followed by meetings with representatives of the USAID, State Department, Department of Agriculture and also with Dr John H. Marburger, science adviser to the US president.