Islamabad, (Parliament Times) : A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology was held on Wednesday at Parliament Lodges, Islamabad. Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen chaired the meeting; that was attended by Senator Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi, Senator Khalida Sikander Mandhro, Senator Fawzia Arshad, Senator Sana Jamali, Senator Muhammad Humayun Mohmand, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Senator Afnan Ullah Khan and senior officers of the Ministry Science and Technology, Council for Works and Housing Research, Comsats were also present.
The Committee deliberated over the working, achievements and challenges of the Council for Works and Housing Research. The Committee also reviewed the allocated budgets and details of employees working in it. Vacant positions at the Ministry of Science and Technology, action taken against defaulters of scholarships given by COMSATS alongwith the status of COMSATS Balochistan was discussed as well.
Reviewing the performance of Council for Works and Housing Research, the Committee showed concern regarding slow progress asserting that the achievements stated for half a decade were not enough. On the innovative front, the Committee lauded the creation of Eco-Light Building materials that was made up of Shale Stone; 50 percent lighter substitute for Limestone. The Committee stressed the need for rigorous awareness campaigns to ensure that innovations made at the Council for Works and Housing Research are known far and wide. It was asserted that a system must be formulated that provinces benefit from the expertise of the Organization as well. Discussing the fate of the Council for Works and Housing Research, the Committee stressed the need for the Organization to be supported as the issue of its survival is to be taken up by the Cabinet. However, the need to ensure productivity by setting goals and plans within stipulated timelines was stressed. The Committee decided to write a letter to the Cabinet regarding this issue.
Regarding action taken against defaulters of scholarships given by COMSATS, the Committee stressed the need for strict action to be taken at the earliest.
Deliberating over the status of COMSATS Balochistan, the Committee stressed the need for expediting the matter and recommended that until the actual campus is built a building should be rented to start classes. It was stressed that this University would be step to move Balochistan in the direction of progress. It was asserted the gap of progress between Balochistan and the rest of Pakistan must be bridged.