Peshawar (Khyber Mail): The first consultative session on formulating the “Science and Technology Strategy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” commenced at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar on February 18. The session was organized by the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) UET Peshawar in collaboration with the Directorate of Science and Technology (DoST), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing the gathering, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Shafqat Ayaz, highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to funding large-scale projects with practical applications that directly benefit the region’s economy. He stressed the need for applied research and collaboration between academia and industry to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world solutions.
Director General of Science and Technology, Mr. Sajid Shah, reiterated the Directorate’s dedication to promoting and advancing science and technology across various sectors to drive economic growth. He announced that a comprehensive Science and Technology Policy is being developed through consultative sessions, ensuring the inclusion of stakeholders such as the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and the provincial government.
During the session, Dr. Nasru Minallah, Director ORIC UET Peshawar, delivered a presentation identifying key areas where universities could play a pivotal role. He emphasized curriculum development, fostering entrepreneurship skills, and encouraging direct collaboration between professors and local industries.
Participants discussed critical areas for the forthcoming policy, including climate change, energy, agriculture, law and order, and water management. They also urged the government to invest in cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, blockchain, IoT, robotics, quantum computing, big data, and data mining to strengthen research capabilities in the province.
Speakers emphasized the importance of raising awareness among academia and stressed the need for the proper implementation of the Science and Technology Policy to address governance and economic challenges effectively.
The session concluded with the presentation of souvenirs. Prof. Dr. Laiq Hassan, Chairman of the Department of Computer Systems Engineering at UET Peshawar, presented a shield to the chief guest, Minister Dr. Shafqat Ayaz, while Secretary BOASAR UET Peshawar, Prof. Dr. Farid Ullah Khan, honored Mr. Sajid Shah with a shield.
A large number of faculty members and ORIC representatives from public sector universities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attended the event, marking a significant step toward shaping the province’s future science and technology landscape.