Gilani urges space scientists to use technology for national development
ISLAMABAD, Oct 4 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday urged the space scientists and technologists to promote and extensively employ space technology applications for socio-economic development of Pakistan. Addressing the 6th Commencement of Institute of Space Technology (IST) the Prime Minister said his government would continue supporting the progress of science and technology in the country and pointed to the recent approval of “Pakistan’s Space Program---2040”, that sets clear milestones in the national quest for space technology.  “Launching of PAKSAT - IR is, indeed, only the beginning of a long journey,” the prime minister said.
He assured government’s complete support towards the attainment of the laid down objectives of Pakistan’s Space Programme and said the youth involved in technology development must realize that the field of space technology has varied dimensions.
 He said space science plays a major role in sustainable socio-economic development and security of the country.
He said space technology applications in the country were being increasingly used in the fields of communication, environmental studies, agriculture, water and disaster management and mitigation; and national security.
 The Prime Minister lauded the recent launch of Pakistan’s national space agency - SUPARCO’s - satellite PAK SAT 1R, with the help of Chinese friends and said such collaboration would provide a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience in communication satellite manufacturing technology.
 Gilani who visited the Chinese space manufacturing organisation during his recent visit said he met a large number of Pakistani engineers who were working closely with their Chinese counterparts during all stages of design, manufacture and development of satellites.
 The event - the convocation of the sixth batch of the institute was attended by Director General Strategic Plans Division Lt. Gen ® Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Chairman SUPARCO and parents of the students.
 Prime Minister Gilani also announced Rs.100 million for the Endowment Fund for the welfare of the students of Institute of Space Technology, and building of Information Technology Block for the Institute.
 He said half of the amount would be paid to the institution in two installments; one in the current financial year and the second during the next financial year.
 Prime Minister Gilani awarded baccalaureate degrees amongst 40 graduates of Aerospace and Communication Systems Engineering.
 He gave away President of Pakistan’s gold medal to Tanzeel ur Rehman of Aerospace Engineering and Ubaid Basir Awan of Communication Systems Engineering.
 Gilani felicitated the Chairman SUPARCO and his team and urged the IST graduates to work diligently in their professional endeavours to promote and extensively employ space technology applications for socio-economic development of our country.
“I am sure that IST will continue to prepare our youth for harnessing space technologies to meet the national requirements,” the prime minister added.
 He said research leads to new and efficient ways of finding innovative solutions to the problems. He also asked the graduating students to inculcate the culture of research and a spirit of critical inquiry for promotion of science and technology in Pakistan.
 “Development of science and technology is the way forward for development of Pakistan. This is how we can bring about a positive change in the lives of our people,” Gilani said.
 He also appreciated the high employment rate of the graduates of IST and said it was the result of high standards of education imparted and liaison with industry and premier research and development organizations of the country.
He hoped the new graduates will do their best in their endeavors and contribute to national development.
 Prime Minister Gilani reminded the young students that they owe a great deal to the Pakistan.
“You can repay for what the country has provided you by serving it honestly and with complete dedication.”
 He said the education the students have received has broadened their perspective and vision of life.
“You should think in terms of your responsibilities before you demand your rights. My Government will continue supporting the progress of science and technology in the universities of Pakistan.
 The Prime Minister also quoted the Founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah; “Without education, it is complete darkness and with education it is light. Education is a matter of life and death to our nation. The world is moving so fast that if you do not educate yourselves you will be not only completely left behind, but will be finished up.”
 Prime Minister Gilani said Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had enjoined His followers to go even to China in the pursuit of knowledge.
“If that was the commandment in those days when communications were difficult, then, truly, Muslims as the true followers of the glorious heritage of Islam, should surely utilize all available opportunities.”
 “No sacrifice of time or personal comfort should be regarded too great for the advancement of the cause of education,” he added.
 Prime Minister Gilani also awarded Vice Chancellor’s Medal for Tanzeel ur Rehman and Hamdan Ajmal Khan from Aerospace Engineering and Syed Akhlaq Hussain Shah and Ali Ahmed from Communication Systems Engineering Department.
 Vice Chancellor Engineer Imran Rahman highlighted the contributions of IST and specifically mentioned the design and development of IST’s PICO satellite, known as the Icube.
 He said the work undertaken by IST students would be the first academic project by any Pakistani university and would open new vistas of opportunities in R&D and training. He said a fully equipped ground station has already been setup and would help the students in their understanding about new technologies.
 The Prime Minister gave away Aerospace Engineering Degree to Faizan Habib Vance, Ahsan Mansoor Khan, Hamdan Ajmal Khan, Saad Masood, Waqas Bin Faateh, Ammad ud Din, Mudasar Anwer, Ahmad Shah, Hamza Ahmad Mir, Muhammad Junaid, Ahad Shahbaz Khan, Talha Khalid, Majid Saeed, Ms. Aisha Zahid, M. Irfan Zafar, Muhammad Uzair Rasool, Muwar Hussain Jeelani and Hamid Khan.
 Communication Systems Engineering Degree was awarded by the Prime Minister to Muhammad Waqar Arshad Cheema, Syed Kamal Mustafa, Ali Ahmad, Muhammad Majid Zeshan, Zaddad Ahmad, Hassan Ali, Muhammad Umer Draz, Mohammad Usama Kabbir, Bilal Ahmad Mushtaq, Muhammad Affan Bashir, M. Ubaid Bashir Awan, Saif Ali, Talha Shafiq, Atif Ullah, Wasim Hassan, Humza Jamil Pasha, Ms. Hareem Iftikhar, Syed Faizan Abbas and Syed Akhlaq Hussain Shah.
 The students also showcased various projects for the prime minister.