Pakistan needs true democracy for progress, says Prof Attaur Rahman

Science Day observed at Karachi University's ICCBS

KARACHI: The International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi (KU) organised several events to observe 'Science Day' at the varsity on Friday.

The day was held in connection with the 75th birthday of Prof Dr Attaur Rahman, former federal minister for science and technology and Higher Education Commission chairperson. Science Day included a speech by Dr Rahman, lectures, an interactive scientific exhibition and screening of videos explaining the concepts of chemistry and biology.

During the lecture at the Prof Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, Dr Rahman said a true democracy has never existed in the country owing to the low level of literacy, feudal stranglehold and corruption in the election process. It is a sad reality that military regimes in Pakistan have fared better in terms of economic growth than the democracies we have witnessed, he remarked.



The scientist asked students to feel real a thirst for knowledge and try to live for others. There is a dire need to create a spirit among the students that forces them to take a stand if they see any wrongdoing, he said.

He also delivered a lecture, titled 'The Wondrous World of Science', in the lawns of the Prof Attaur Rahman Laboratories, ICCBS.

Earlier, ICCBS Director Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary paid tribute to the services of Dr Rahman."Prof Rahman is a great son of Pakistan who is a glimpse of hope to many more who have been trying to change the fate of Pakistan by bringing about an educational, scientific and technological revolution," he said.

Dr Choudhary added that Dr Rahman's scientific contribution is internationally recognised and widely appreciated. He eulogised Dr Rahman's efforts in the development of new medicinal agents, isolation and synthesis of several natural products. As a minister he made great efforts for the development of major sectors, including information technology and telecommunication, ICCBS director said.



With over 1,000 research publications in top international science journals and 250 published books, Dr Rahman is globally well known in his field for his prolific and excellent research publications, Dr Choudhary maintained. "Some 100 scholars have completed their PhD studies under his dynamic supervision," he said.

Hundreds of students, teachers and researchers attended the event. Dr Foreign students, especially from Cameroon, Nigeria, Nepal, Iran, Turkey and Sri Lanka, showed great interest in the 'Science Day', which included science lectures, an interactive scientific exhibition, a visit to the science labs, a videos screening and stalls.