ISLAMABAD, June 10: Quality control systems in the country have been set aside only because of corruption, Minister In charge Science and Technology Dr Attaur Rehman said.

He was speaking at the inauguration of a workshop on "Geological materials/aggregates of Pakistan", organized by the National Geological Society and the Pakistan Museum of Natural History here on Thursday.

Dr Ata said geological materials were widely used in civil engineering projects but the history of civil structures was replete with examples of widespread deterioration due to poor quality of materials used.

"It is pitiable to say that roads, highways, water reservoirs, airstrips, housing and commercial projects in the country have undergone premature deterioration due to poor quality of geological materials. This has resulted in aggregate losses of billions of dollars," he said.

He hoped that the workshop would provide a forum to both researchers and entrepreneurs to share their views and discuss their outcome as well as problems being faced by the industry.

He ordered establishment of a committee to prepare an action plan/policy document and submit a PC-1 within four weeks to the ministry of science and technology.

He was of the view that this area had been neglected since long and, therefore, new initiatives were required in which the government could play a critical role. To execute meaningful programmes, the country needs efficient and enthusiastic scientists and researchers, he added.