ISLAMABAD, March 24: The Nescon-2007 event would go a long way in helping young scientists and engineers to keep themselves abreast with the latest advancements in the field of software development, said Minister of State for Information Technology, Ishaq Khan Khakwani.

“It is my considered opinion there is no dearth of talent in the field of science and technology in the country, only if we exhibit a strong will to execute them,” he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a mega IT event, NASCON-07, here Saturday.

The two-day event, organised by the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST), Islamabad Campus includes software and engineering project, quiz competitions at all- Pakistan level.

Mr Khakwani said Pakistani scientists have proved they are second to none in the world and have knowledge, expertise and experience to do what scientists of the most-advanced countries can execute.

He said the more heartening aspect of the event is that the professionals from the industry are invited to judge, evaluate and advise on the projects developed by the university students. This, he hoped, would help strengthen the bonds of interaction between the university and the industry for a more relevant, useful and updated interaction.

He said such events and competitions among the young brains of the country are especially important and vital in peculiar economic setting in the wake of our desire to act as a more responsible, respectable, scientific minded and self-reliant people in the 21st century.

The minister congratulated FAST University for its efforts towards national development specially in the computer sciences, management sciences and the telecommunications, which is no doubt our national obligation.

He expressed the hope “If the effort continues with the same zeal and enthusiasm, we, as a nation would soon be on the path of a potent human resource development.”—APP