KARACHI: Science is such a tool that could be used for the welfare of mankind as well as for destruction of mankind; so it is up to society how to use it, Karachi University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan has said.

He was expressing his view­s at a programme organised by the Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilis­ation, KU, on World Day for Peace and Deve­lop­ment celebrated globally on Nov 10.

The purpose of celebrating the day is to create awareness of science and the role of science for prosperity of people and mankind.

“This day focuses on the use of science for welfare of mankind and not for negative purposes,” the vice chancellor said.

“The major focus of science is inventions and discoveries; there shall be progressive and creative minds too with modern machines.

“Positive research is necessary for progress and the world can only progress if science is used for development and progress of mankind. Science poses questions and people learn from their mistakes,” he added.

Dr Benno Boer from Unesco in his message read out on the occasion said that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 according to which, “Everyone has the right to share in scientific advancement and its benefits and everyone has the right to the protection of interests resulting from any scientific production of which he is the author”.

Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay in her message said Unesco urged everyone to exercise their human right to participate in and benefit from science.

“The astonishing progress made by science in recent decades has changed our lives. The resulting innovations are an opportunity for the development of our societies. They are improving our well-being, facilitating daily life and pushing back borders that seemed immutable in the fields of medicine, transportation, and communication and knowledge-sharing. They are an engine of gro­w­th and wealth.

“However, because science today is the beneficiary of the human intellect which has been seeking, exploring and inventing for centuries and millennia, it belongs to all humankind, it is a common good whose fruits must be of benefit to all,” her message stated.

Poster sessions, plantation and other activities were also organised for students on this occasion.

Prof Dr Bilquees Gul, director of the ISHU, than­ked the participants and briefed them about the theme of the programme and activities of ISHU in this regard.

“We need to use science for peace and prosperity of mankind, those who use science for destruction are not well-wishers of mankind,” she added.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2018