ISLAMABAD, Oct 4: The US ambassador to Pakistan, Nancy Powell, on Friday told the minister for science, technology, and education, Prof Attaur Rahman, that cases of 700 Pakistani students had been finalized and the procedure had been simplified.

During a meeting with the ambassador, the minister raised the issue of difficulties faced by the Pakistani students in obtaining visa to pursue their education in US universities.

The minister also stressed the need for enhancing Pak-US cooperation in various fields of science, technology and IT.

Issues related to enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and US IT companies, cooperation between the chambers of commerce for software development and IT enabled services, facilities of training for Pakistani professionals, possibilities of interaction and support for policy making and implementation in E-Commerce, E-Governance, and cyber crime also came under discussion.

Meanwhile, in his capacity as the federal minister for science and technology and chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Prof Attaur Rahman, waved off the condition of obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the University Grants Commission and Ministry of Education for teachers who desire to visit abroad to attend seminars, training courses, etc.

Only the educationists desiring to visit India will have to obtain a NOC from the Ministry of Interior.

This fulfils a longstanding demand of teachers and removes a major irritant for scholars trying to update their knowledge.

As per previous procedure they had to obtain a NOC from the University Grants Commission and Ministry of Education for proceeding abroad on educational pursuits like scholarships, trainings, seminars, etc.

This resulted in un-necessary delays, too many bureaucratic procedures and many a times the facility could not be availed.

Under the new procedure the relevant chancellor of the university or the respective head of the institution will have the power to grant the NOC.