20000112

Dr Qadeer

laments rampant

negligence

towards S&T

KARACHI: Renowned nuclear scientist, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, has lamented rampant negligence towards science and technology in the country.

"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that unless our leadership significantly changes their approach in the future, the consequences will be disastrous," he said in a speech read out by his representative here on Tuesday, at a ceremony organised by Majlis Taleem-i-Milli Pakistan.

The event was to felicitate noted Pakistani scientist Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman on the conferment of Unesco award for promotion of science and technology.

In his speech, Dr. Qadeer further remarked, "as a scientist myself, it is a personal source of pride for me that a fellow Pakistani scientist and a very dear and close friend has won the prestigious Unesco science prize."

He said that the prize has obviously been given to Prof. Atta for his outstanding contribution to scientific research. But in Pakistan his achievements far exceed the research area.

Dr. Qadeer termed Prof. Atta as a vocal spokesman for promotion of the neglected cause of science and technology in Pakistan and that he has fought this cause with full dedication on every front in his capacity as the chairman of the task force on science and technology, for the ninth five-year plan.

He said Prof. Atta along with many other colleagues produced a comprehensive plan in this regard.

Dr. Qadeer was of the view that the plan, if it had been implemented, would have gone a long way in serving a major national cause.

Dr. Qadeer was of the view that the conferment of Unesco science prize to Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman is also a matter of great pride for the whole nation. "We all, thus, jointly congratulate Dr. Rehman for winning this international acclaim for our country," he added.

Dr. Qadeer said that Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman took over as coordinator general of Comstech Ñ the science and technology body of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in July 1996 and in a short span he has been successful in developing the forum into a vibrant international organisation of OIC member countries.

He was of the view that in the current dismal and pathetic scenario of science and technology in the Muslim world, Comstech is beginning to look like our first silver lining which gives us some hope and reason to look at the future with some optimism.

Dr. Qadeer said that it is indeed remarkable that Prof. Atta is able to do full justice to his position as Director of HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, and coordinator general of Comstech which is indicative of his enormous amount of energy, dynamism and commitment.ÑAPP