Investment in technology is lacking

It must be understood that technology is the application of scientific principles to produce goods and services. While science consumes, technology produces. Investment in this vital sector of growth is seriously lacking, not just in Pakistan but in the entire Islamic world. While the North continues to advance, South-to-South cooperative efforts have not produced the desired results. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan emerged as the technology leader of the Ummah after the 1998 nuclear detonations. Fresh from the euphoria, institutions like COMSTECH (Commission for Science and Technology) and COMSATS (Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South) were created with headquarters in Islamabad in the earlier part of the 21st century. Funds poured in. Buildings were erected. While COMSTECH focused on research, COMSATS operates seven physical university campuses with one virtual campus across the country to produce educated scientific manpower. HEC (Higher Education Commission) decided to play its role by launching ORIC (Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization) in all the major universities.
As Chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), I had the chance of hosting one of the annual moots of the member countries of COMSTECH in the year 2005. With my focus on commercialization of indigenous technical know-how, I proposed that a committee be formed to identify research projects that could be transferred to industry, and also look into the possibility of collaboration between the member states. The resolution was passed on the conference floor. In the concluding session, the recommendations were distributed. I had a hunch that my recommendation for technology transfer would be excluded by the management of COMSTECH, so I decided to get an advance copy from the conference secretariat. Indeed, it was missing; on my loud protest, an addendum was issued to include it. But it did not end here. When the newsletter was issued a few weeks later, it was missing again. I again had to send a written reminder to include the agreed clause.
Technology plays a key role in socio-economic development. Most Asian Tigers have advanced due to advancements in technology, the most vital resource of our times. It is not only Pakistan; most Islamic countries face this dilemma. The technology value chain is not fully understood. Two Turkish scientists developed the anti-corona vaccine in Germany. Pfizer, the pharma giant, picked it up and marketed it around the world; their native country did not have the required framework to link research with the marketplace. When it comes to marketing, there has to be a business plan. It is a journey from romance (research) to finance (marketing).
As a nation, we started off well. The Quaid wanted to create a modern, prosperous state. He invited Dr Rafi Chaudhry, a renowned physicist, to lead the research effort at Government College Lahore. Dr Chaudhry established the first High Tension Physics Lab in Asia in the decade of the sixties. Most of his students then joined the Atomic Energy Commission to contribute to the nuclear program. Finally, Pakistan was able to produce its own nuclear device. Dr Mufti Qazi was the first to produce silicon in Asia using our own sand, in the decade of the seventies. Unfortunately, we were unable to produce our own solar cells. Syed Engineers, under the leadership of the brilliant engineer Ajmal Hussain, was the first to produce ball point pens in Asia. The company continues to advance the technology, as it was a private sector initiative. The tanks produced by HIT (Heavy Industries Taxila) and the fighter jets produced by PAC (Pakistan Aeronautical Complex) Kamra are now in demand. Orders have started to come in. A major reorientation will be required to meet international demands. Modern manufacturing practices will have to be adopted.
Pakistan urgently needs a technology development road map to cover its self-reliance needs. Iran, after the revolution in 1979, has formulated an effective strategy to develop technology while keeping its national interests in focus. Nations can be strengthened through the development of indigenous know-how. Both India and China have emerged as technology leaders. Through the Belt and Road (B&R) initiative, China plans to reach world markets. Pakistan can catch up by leapfrogging technology to enter the ranks of the Asian Tigers. It is time to look ahead and not lament lost opportunities. Yes, once we were the first in Asia in several fields; the vantage position can be regained through the application of our technological know-how, which has been missing.