ISLAMABAD -UNS:A meeting of the Senate Standing Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas was convened today on Friday Parliament Lodges, under the chairmanship of Senator Danesh Kumar.
The committee reviewed various ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at addressing the challenges faced by underdeveloped regions of Pakistan, with particular focus on health, education, scientific research, and industrial development.
A detailed briefing was provided by the Ministry of Science & Technology on the role of the Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) in driving technological and industrial advancements in underdeveloped areas. The briefing covered key initiatives and strategies for the promotion of industrial development, scientific research, and technological innovations aimed at boosting local economies.
The committee was informed that since 2004, PCSIR has successfully trained over 19,992 individuals across various sectors such as food processing, minerals, marble, gemstone, precision technology, mold, and dyes in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Quetta, Daska, Swat, Mingora, Booni, and Chitral.
Developments such as Establishment of mobile training facilities at PCSIR Labs in Skardu. Development of value-added products like jam, squash, fruit candy, herbal teas (Apple, Cherry, Mulberry), and apple and pomegranate syrups and Setting up of a Gem Cutting and Polishing Center and a Comprehensive Mineral Analyses Facility in Skardu also A 1-ton capacity Solar Dryer developed at PCSIR Labs Skardu to prevent post-harvest losses. It was apprised that Beneficization of lead ore with a 62.7% efficiency in Uthal, Balochistan.
The establishment of PCSIR Laboratories in Multan, with a project cost of Rs. 1.64 billion, approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in June 2020.
A focus on value-added products from available fruits and vegetables, particularly in areas like Chitral and Southern Punjab.
Innovative initiatives such as the utilization of banana fibers for sustainable industrial applications in Hyderabad and the development of fiberglass boats in Gwadar.
Several new projects were outlined, which include:
Utilization of Banana Fiber for Industrial Innovation;
Proposed for PCSIR Labs in Hyderabad, aimed at sustainable and innovative industrial applications.
Date Palm Value Addition Project:
A project to develop date-based products in Southern Punjab, contributing to agricultural growth.
Marine Innovation and Boat Development.
A precision and composite boat manufacturing initiative in Gwadar aimed at promoting marine technology and sustainable fiberglass boats.
Clean Drinking Water Supply in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Through the introduction of ceramic water filters in flood-affected areas of Chitral, Swat, and Buner.
Cattle Feed Development:
A project to sustainably develop cattle feed from olive oil waste residues in Peshawar.
