CPEC Is A Fate Changer In Pakistan: Ahsan Iqbal

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2016 ) : Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Prof. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, has said that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a fate changer in Pakistan.

`Political volatility and cessation of policies in the previous governments played havoc with national progress. This government will take Pakistan to the group of the world's top 25 economically giant countries in 2025, he added.

The minister further pointed out that The 800 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer facility at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi will contribute in the progress of the country.

The government is making all-out efforts to uplift the higher education sector, he remarked further said a Karachi University statement on Friday. It said that the Minister was speaking at the launching ceremony of the 800 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer held at the Prof.

Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi on Friday. Vice Chancellor Karachi University Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, former Federal Minister for Science & Technology and ex Chairman Higher Education Commission Pakistan, Prof.

Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, Director ICCBS Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Prof. Dr. Daniel C. Hoessli from Switzerland, Chairman H.E.J. Foundation Aziz Latif Jamal and Chairperson Dr. Panjwani Memorial Trust Ms.

Nadira Panjwani also spoke at the occasion. After the ceremony, the Minister inaugurated the 800 MHz NMR facility at the ICCBS, University of Karachi. Applications of NMR facility range from drug discovery and development, food and nutritional analysis, forensic sciences, halal testing, perfumery, herbal medicines, oil industry, petroleum, environmental sciences, etc.

The minister also launched the new international book entitled `Solving Problems with NMR Spectroscopy, Second Edition', which is written by Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, former Federal Minister for Science & Technology and ex Chairman Higher Education Commission Pakistan, Director ICCSB University of Karachi Prof.

Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary and Dr. Atia-tul-Wahab from ICCBS-KU. The minister said that government has increased the higher education budget from 100 billion rupees to 250 billion rupees that showed the government priorities.

He said government has launched various initiatives in higher education sector, while Pak-US Knowledge Corridor is one of the most significant initiatives, and promised that the government will facilitate talented Pakistani scholars for enrolment in the top US universities in next 10 years.

He said that Pakistani universities must produce quality research otherwise they will not be considered more than a college. Giving an example of the USA, he said that the real power of the US lies in the strength of its universities.

A national conference is going to be held to discuss about reforms in the higher education sector. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser appreciated the efforts of the ICCBS for bringing such a sophisticated research facility in Pakistan, and said that now Pakistani scientists will be able to use most modern facility in their home country.

In the beginning, Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman delivered a comprehensive lecture on `The Wondrous World of Science'. He said that science, technology and innovation are transforming the economies. Muslim world needs to perform extraordinary in higher education and science & technology.

The only Cambridge University has produced around 90 noble laureates so far. But in Muslim world there is no noble laureate, he said. The former HEC chief advised the federal minister to further take some more concrete step for the development of higher education sector in the country.

He added that this is noticeable that the government increased the higher education budget, but significant increase in the development budget of higher education is required on priority basis.

He maintained that TTS system should also be restored for the sake of this sector. Dr. Iqbal Choudhary said that the NMR facility at the international center serves mostly undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral researchers in the Chemistry and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Departments all over the country.

The Facility also serves corporate and industrial clients. Aziz Latif Jamal appreciated the efforts of the ICCBS leadership for making the international center as internationally renowned research establishment in Pakistan, and said that H.E.J.

Foundation and his family will continue their support for the progress of ICCBS. Ms. Nadira Panjwani said she felt pride over the existence of Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) in the research establishment of ICCBS.

She said international center is one of the finest research institutions in the world. Talking about education system in Pakistan, she showed her disappointment over the degradation of education sector, which needs to be improved for the betterment of the country. Prof. Dr. Daniel C. Hoessli from Switzerland also spoke on the occasion. APP/rak/msk/rn