Realising dream: Advancement in S&T termed a must for development

Fifteen awarded PhD degrees at Comsats annual convocation.

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan is lagging behind developed countries in advancement of science and technology.  However, some important advancements have been made in the arena during the past few years, claimed Federal Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanvir Hussain.

He was addressing the 73th convocation of the institute at the Jinnah Convention Centre on Tuesday.

The minister said that Pakistan would fail to realise the dream of development without advancement in the field of science and technology.

The minister asked the management of Comsats Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) to set up the institute’s campus in Sialkot as it is one of the fast growing industrial cities. He urged linking industry and academia.

Hussain appreciated the role played by the institute towards development of science and technology in the country. He said that the institute had produced some very fine scholars and scientists.

The minister conferred degrees to 637 graduate and postgraduate students including 15 PhD scholars.

Outstanding graduates in various disciplines were awarded medals at the event.

CIIT Rector Dr Junaid Zaidi in his speech highlighted the achievements of the university’s faculty and students.

He said that during the year 2014 the faculty members published a record 992 research articles. This is the highest in the history of the country at any university, the rector added.

He noted that since its inception 15 years ago with 250 students, 37,000 students were now enrolled at the university. The rector urged the graduating students to play their role in development of the country, contribute towards society and help their alma mater.

Dr Zaidi, who has been bestowed upon Hilal-i-Imtiaz for his services, advised the graduates to focus on entrepreneurship and innovation instead of adding to the already long list of job-seekers in the country.

He also asked the students to respect their parents who sacrificed for their better future. “Give them time not money”, he advised the students.

The rector urged the parents in the audience to avoid seeking favour from politicians and others in power to secure jobs for the graduating students. He said that seeking such help in the long-term would be a disservice to the students as it would make them dependent and crippled.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th, 2015.