ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development Dr Ahsan Iqbal termed political stability and continuity of policies as essential for achieving economic development in country. “If you want to continue playing in political theatre you cannot bring positive reforms in economic theatre”, he said.

Speaking at China-Pakistan Space Science and Technology cooperation on eve of return of Pakistani Seeds from Chinese Space at COMSTECH auditorium Ahsan Iqbal said that strong efforts were needed to overcome challenge of economic crisis inherited by ineffective policies of previous government.

Space technology is one of those technologies which are most critical for human development and security. All sectors including health, education, agriculture, forestry, climate change etc. are interlinked with space technology for advancement. “We need to build capacity of our researchers and scientists to utilise space technology for managing all these sectors otherwise we will not be able to manage human resources efficiently and defend our country in future”, he added.

About “Seeds in Space” project, he said this project is milestone in collaborations between scientists of both countries. Project provides platform for researchers to share knowledge and resources, leading to economic growth.  Charge d’Affaires of Chinese Embassy Pang Chunxue praised scientists of both countries for their joint efforts in successful scientific experiment. She said that experiment represents landmark in China-Pakistan Science and Technology cooperation and will be recorded in history of their friendship. 

Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary Coordinator General COMSTECH/Director ICCBS said that ICCBS is proud to announce major milestone in cooperation of space science and technology between Pakistan and China with successful sending of seeds into space. Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation Prof. Dr. Shahid Baig said that PSF boosts coordination among Science and technology institutions. PSF serves as key tool for socio-economic development. It is first time that Pakistani seeds including Trigonella foenum-graecum (Methi), Lawsonia inermis (Mehndi), Moringa Olefera (Sohanjna), Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Tribulus Terrestris (Gokhroo), Gossypium arboretum (Mughal punta dana) and Caesalpinia bonducella (Kuranjwa) travel to space and sojourned there for six months in special environment consisting of microgravity and cosmic radiations.

Scientists contributed to project included Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Prof. Dr. Atia tul Wahab, Dr. Yan Wang, Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, Prof. Dr. Ahsana Dar Tariq and Prof. Dr. Ghazala. H. Rizwani. Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology, political leadership, diplomats, scientists and senior officers of ministry and its attached organisations attended.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 09 2023

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