KARACHI: In a significant move to bolster Pakistan’s scientific endeavors, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, undertook a visit to the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex in Karachi on March 25, 2024.
During his insightful visit, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui engaged in a comprehensive briefing, acquainting himself with the spectrum of ongoing activities, cutting-edge facilities, and ambitious projects being pursued at the PCSIR-KLC. The visit underscored the government’s commitment to promoting scientific research and industrial innovation across the nation.
The minister’s presence served as a catalyst for fostering collaboration and synergy between policymakers and the scientific community, with discussions likely centered around advancing technological prowess, enhancing research infrastructure, and fostering innovation-driven growth.
The PCSIR-KLC, renowned for its pivotal role in driving scientific advancements and industrial development, stands as a beacon of excellence in Pakistan’s scientific landscape.
Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui’s visit to the PCSIR Laboratories Complex in Karachi marks a significant stride towards fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, innovation, and collaboration, paving the way for a brighter, technologically empowered future for Pakistan.
The was welcomed by Director General PCSIR Labs Complex Karachi Dr. Hafiz Rab Nawaz, Director P&D Dr. Razia Sultana, HOCs, OICs and other senior scientists. Dr. Razia Sultana (Director P&D) presented the overview of PCSIR Laboratories Complex Karachi and its achievements during recent years.
There are numerous agricultural solutions provided by the lab whether it is tissue culture variety of stress tolerant sugar cane or banana or foliar fertilizers for cash crops.
The scientists also developed certain cost effective technologies for water treatment. A state-of-the-art ultra-filtration unit was designed, fabricated and installed at Sind Governor House, which can purify tap water to crystal clear clean water with almost zero bacterial load. A water treatment plant was also designed, fabricated and installed at Khinser Village Chachro district Tharparkar, which removes fluoride, arsenic and nitrate from groundwater, making it safe for human consumption.
Similarly the lab has also developed an Air purifier which is a solution for clean indoor air in computer rooms/data centers in highly polluted areas of the city, lab pure water deionization unit, which provides laboratory grade water directly from tap water and is energy and water efficient.
The other technologies discussed during presentation were low cost laboratory equipment, baby warmers, infant incubators, training aid systems, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, and user friendly testing kit for adulteration of milk etc. He praised the efforts made by the institution. He was also briefed about the planning for way forward and road map of PCSIR for progress of the country, he said that he will ask planning commission to prioritize funding of PSDP projects of national interest.
He took keen interest in the progress of PSDP Project “Cultivation and Processing of Medicinal and Industrial Cannabis on Experimental Fields and Establishment of Testing and Product Development Facilities”. He visited the lab working on the project and saw the products developed from cannabis fiber, seed, seed meal and CBD Oil.
Dr. Khalid Maqbool assured his support for PCSIR. He said that it is high time for the nation to unite and focus on its self-reliance. He emphasized the need to identify our weaknesses and shortcomings, so as to understand why our nation is not progressing at the same pace as others in the region. He said that development of the country can be achieved through revolution in the field of science and technology and PCSIR has great responsibility to achieve this goal.
