HYDERABAD, May 4 Energy scarcity has become more serious for the energy-deficient growing economies having insufficient resources to combat the environmental pollution, said former HEC chairman Dr Attaur Rehman in his inaugural speech as chief guest at a three-day international conference.

Energy scarcity had become an issue in the world in addition to the environmental concerns, he said at the conference on 'Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development for Growing Economies'

Dr Rehman appreciated the organisers for inviting researchers to help find an answer to those global issues.

Speaking on the occasion, Mehran University Vice- Chancellor Dr A. Q. K. Rajput said he felt a sense of fulfilment for organising the first international conference on the two important issues haunting the world.

He said the university had signed MoUs with high-ranking universities of the USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Thailand and many other countries to collaborate in higher education and research.

Earlier, Professor Dr Mohammad Rafique Abro, pro-vice chancellor of the university, welcomed the participants.

Professor Dr Mohammad Aslam Uqaili, Dean Quality Enhancement Cell of the university, and the member Steering Committee of the conference presented an overview of the conference, and aims and objectives.

Professor Dr Nie Yongfeng of Tsinghua University Beijing China and Prof Dr B.K.Bala of Bangladesh Agriculture University Mymensingh presented their keynote addresses.

Professor Dr Khan Mohammad Brohi, convener of the conference, and Prof Sohail Ahmed Soomro, secretary of the organizing committee thanked the participants. The event was organised by Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro in collaboration with Higher Education Commission and British Council Pakistan.