'Sci-tech progress key to post-pandemic response'

Scientists call for funding key interventions

ISLAMABAD: With the country about to cross the 70,000 mark for novel coronavirus (Covid-19) cases, a senior scientist and head of a government task force on science and technology have stressed progress in the fields of science as critical to effectively tackling the pandemic.

Addressing a meeting at the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) Secretariat on Sunday to discuss the prospects of science and technology in Pakistan, Dr Attaur Rahman said that the pandemic has seriously affected national and global development.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has seriously affected development, upsetting progress of all sectors in the short and long-run,” he said, adding, “Progress in science and technology is the key to mitigate the aftermath of this crisis.”

Dr Rehman, who heads the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Science and Technology, agreed with other members of the meeting that human capacity and technological resources of scientific bodies working in Pakistan should be aligned with the global trends in the field to achieve true progress and development in the country.

COMSATS Executive Director Dr Junaid Zaidi highlighted the need for investing in emerging technologies and centring upon contemporary sciences. He urged the adoption of creative and innovation-led mechanisms to overcome barriers to economic growth and national development.

He further emphasized the need for capitalising and building on existing capacities, potential, and infrastructures to strengthen the scientific culture in the country.

The meeting termed the pandemic as a grave blow to national and global development affecting progress in all sectors while highlighting the need for evolving scientific solutions.

The participants also discussed key performing indicators (KPIs) and the routine evaluation of science and technology institutions; mainstreaming the use of technology in government departments, funding issues for key scientific and technological interventions and research and development.

It was recommended that the structure of science and technology institutes in the country should be realigned given the emerging needs and development-related challenges of the region. Industrial growth aided by science, technological solutions along with research are important for aiding the country achieve economic and financial stability.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 1^st, 2020.