Pakistan can be like Turkey, Malaysia within five years: Dr AQ Khan

KU hosts 14th Biennial Conference on science and technology

KARACHI: Pakistan has a lot of natural resources and with commitment and determination, it could be like Turkey and Malaysia, if not better, within a span of five years, according to noted nuclear scientist, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan. He expressed these views while speaking at the inaugural session of the four-day 14th Biennial Conference where he was invited as the chief guest.

The conference was organised at University of Karachi (KU) by the Pakistan Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB) and Dr AQ Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE).

Dr Khan observed that Pakistan has tremendous talent but unfortunately, the expertise of competent individuals and groups is not utilised, and talents are ignored as merit is not valued. "In Pakistan, we can get the best people who are experts in their respective fields; we just need to utilise their abilities properly," he said.

He said that the country does need new dams but the government must also look into other alternatives.



"As we have learnt from history, mega construction projects were never completed on time due to which their costs increase," said Dr Khan. "As a nation we have to carefully use water at homes, industries and agricultural lands to overcome the water shortage."

Speaking on the occasion, KU Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan, said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to make science and technology a priority.

The VC added that if the government implements this decision, Pakistan will soon be counted as a developed nation.

"KU will play the role of flag bearer to bring the country to new heights of success and development," he said, adding that this conference has been organised to engage, young scholars and researchers from all across Pakistan in the fields of science and technology.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2018.