Islamabad: (Parliament Times) Research associations in scientific institutions have been playing an important role in promoting scientific research and development activities to help bring social and economic prosperity in a society.
Agri scientists to prepare a work plan based on long-, medium- and short-term strategies to move forward for the agricultural development in the country,” said by Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan, Federal Minister for M/o National Food Security & Research, Islamabad. while addressing the oath-taking and Science Award Distribution Ceremony of Pakistan Agriculture Research Scientists Association (PARSA) here at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) on Thursday, 18th April, 2019. He stressed the need for ensuring collection of quality information for conducting research and influencing polices to promote livestock and agri sector in the country.
Talking to the participants of the PARSA oath taking and Science Award Distribution Ceremony, Dr. Munir Ahmed, Chairman, PARC said that Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) is the apex national agricultural research organization of highly qualified scientific manpower has played a key role for ensuring the national food security. Owing to the hard-work of these scientists Pakistan is now self -sufficient in its major food items like wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize etc. Chairman PARC also thanked both dignitaries for sparing their valuable time for the ceremony. He assured the worthy Federal Minister and Secretary that scientists are always ready to take any challenge faced by the agricultural sector in Pakistan. He reminded the respectable guests about the current budget deficit of PARC.
The newly elected President of PARSA, Dr Tariq Sultan assured that the association will continue its efforts to promote the scientific research and disseminate knowledge at the doorstep of farmers. Dr. Tariq described that currently PARC is facing financial liabilities of 1352 Million rupees and PARC scientists are still deprived of 10% increase in basic salaries, 50 % increase in house hiring announced by Government in 2018. More than 150 employee are waiting for their pension and commutation arears. He requested minister to take immediate steps to end this financial crunch and unrest amongst scientist, so that they can work with the peace of mind for the betterment of this country. Newly elected PARSA executive committee took oath at this occasion. The elected members include Dr Tariq Sultan, President, Mr. Muhammad Ramzan, Vice President, Mr. Roshan Zada, General Secretary, Mr, Amir Mumtaz, Information Secretary, Dr. Zahida Fatima, Joint Secretary and Mr. Tahir Chohan, Finance Secretary along with representatives Dr. Sajda Taj, Aitizaz Ahsan, Khalid Jamil Jehanzeb and Abdullah Balochof all four divisions and outstations. On this occasion, scientific awards were also distributed among scientists in different categories. In the end, DG NARC Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, thanked all the participants for gracing the occasion.