KARACHI, Sept 6: Sindh Education and Literacy Minister Dr Hamida Khuhro has said that the quality of education lends credibility to educational institutions, which ultimately lead a nation to the heights of glory.

She was speaking as chief guest at the All Pakistan Science Quiz Competition-2004, arranged by the Pakistan Naval Academy at Manhora Island, on Monday. The Pakistan Air Force Academy's two-member team won this prestigious competition, while the team of Sindh University Jamshoro secured the runner-up trophy.

Dr Khuhro said that it was the need of the hour that the profession of teaching should be taken up by men and women with deep commitment. She appreciated the Pakistan Navy for holding an educational event, and said that the PN was a symbol of the sovereignty of country's maritime frontiers, which ensured safety of line of communication that ultimately kept the wheel of our economy moving.

The task of securing maritime frontiers was very demanding and the acquisition of sophisticated weapons and sensors, besides indigenous development of modern ships, submarines and aircraft was only possible by remaining alive to the latest trends in the fields of science and technology, she added.

She said that the scientists and engineers in the civil sector of the country also needed to play their role in this regard, and work hand in hand with their fellow professionals in uniform for strengthening the country both militarily and economically.

She expressed the hope that the initiative by the Pakistan Naval Academy to organize such an informative event would contribute positively towards creating an awareness regarding science among the youth besides encouraging them.

Dr Khuhro said that in a transformed world, where distances had drastically shrunk, and which was flooded by information, mastering science and technology had become a prerequisite for a nation to survive with dignity and honour in the comity of nations.

The Muslim Ummah had already seen the zenith of glory only a few centuries back, which was not a mere chance but an outcome of the Muslims' generous patronage of pure, applied and physical sciences and arts, she added.

The minister further said that the Islamic world had one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, and its contribution to international journals, conferences, seminars, and the number of PhDs being produced annually were far from encouraging.

Comparing the state of learning in the Muslim world to that of other countries, she said that there were about 430 universities in the entire Islamic world, while Japan alone had 1,000 universities. The Muslim world produces around 500 PhDs in science every year, while Britain alone produced 3,000 PhDs in science annually, she added.

She further said that despite some individual examples of great scientific achievements, there was a general lack of interest in the Ummah to boost up the pace of development and cooperation in the fields of science and technology.

Dr Khuhro stressed the need to inculcate among younger generation the habit of analytical thinking. She also highlighted the present government's efforts for improving education and scientific knowledge in the country.

She said that the progress in science and technology was the key to country's success and the younger generation was our hope. Earlier, she gave away the awards to the position holders.

Cadet Saman Ahmed of the PAF Academy secured the first position, Ms Fatima Nisar Soomro of the Sindh University secured the second position, while Mr Hassan Ali of the Air University secured third position in the contest. -PPI