NATHIAGALI, July 10: Science and technology should be used to promote peace and harmony in the world, said the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) chairman, Pervaiz Butt , while speaking at the concluding session of 29th International Nathiagali Summer College on Physics and Contemporary Needs on Saturday.

He said the increasing trend of scientists and professionals going abroad and then coming back after years to share experiences with their fellow scientists was significant in the sense that it helped both in enhancing their knowledge.

He said the summer college, initiated by the Nobel laureate, Dr Abdul Salam, in 1976, had survived adverse international and national situations, especially after 9/11. The college programme is being held since 1976 without any break, he added.

The PAEC chief observed that technological advancement had become a tool for progress and prosperity in the developing world. The commission has made endeavours to strengthen the institutions of higher learning and research by setting up four agricultural and 13 nuclear medical centres all over the country.

Earlier, the PAEC (member) physical sciences, Dr Masood Ahmed, said the summer college had always been an important forum for discussion on contemporary needs of both the developed and underdeveloped nations.

He said the prime objective of the summer college was to provide for the union of scientists from advanced industrial countries with those from the Third World.

Dr Heman Winick of Stanford Institute, US, appreciated the determination of the Pakistani scientists. They have the talent and can face challenges in a highly competitive world, he added.

Paying tributes to Dr Abdul Salam, he said he was a man of determination and great visionary.

The college participants included scientists and experts of physics from the US, Italy, Brazil, China, Bangladesh, India, Kirgyzistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.