The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) has established a company to foster advancements in Science and Technology, according to officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) who briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology on Wednesday.
The company, set up under the Science and Technology Division, will serve as a corporate body and will collaborate with international experts to fulfill its objectives. A serving general from the Armed Forces has been appointed to lead the company, which will be based at NUST. The Secretary of Science and Technology explained that the company will operate as a research and development agency focused on driving scientific progress.
During the meeting, the committee also discussed the ongoing digitalization of the Pakistan Standards Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), highlighting delays in fully implementing its online fine payment system. Members expressed frustration and warned that further delays in completing the process within two months could lead to additional complications.
Other issues raised included concerns over misleading advertisements for milk substitutes and unsafe food products, such as contaminated pickles.
The session concluded with a discussion on the potential merging of the Ministry of Science’s staff with other divisions based on recommendations from the Rightsizing Committee. However, the ministry argued that its technical staff would be better utilized if transferred to science-related fields. Officials further informed the committee that the company had been registered about a month ago, with its board set to be formed soon. The committee members urged authorities to prioritize the establishment of the company’s board and its legislative framework.
