Self-sufficiency in food, water and electricity to ensure peace and development: President

ISLAMABAD, May 31: President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday stressed the need to focus on research in science and technology for the benefit of the country. The President stated this while addressing the 15th session of Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) General Assembly in Islamabad.
He said science and technology is the best demonstration of human capabilities. The President said Muslim scientists played important role in 16th century but now they are lagging behind.
The President said peace and development can be promoted by gaining self-sufficiency in food, water and electricity through science and technology. He said as compared to developed world, our budget allocation for science and technology is mere 2.4 per cent.
He said now is the time that the budget of research and development be increased. Mamnoon Hussain stressed the need of producing highly qualified scientists. The President appreciated ten years plan of COMSTECH for promoting science and technology among the member states.
Delegates from different countries are participating in the COMSTECH general assembly. On the appeal of the President, special prayers were offered for early recovery, good health and long life of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.-DNA