PM AND CHAUDRY DISCUSS GRANDIOSE

PLANS, ADDRESS PRESSING ISSUES

Minister Fawaad Chaudry unveils his ministry’s plans for the sector.
Nawaz Sharif and coronavirus cases discussed.

FEB 24, 2020- Federal Minister of Science & Technology Fawaad

Chaudry, in a recent cabinet meeting apprised Prime Minister
Imran Khan about the increasing export of technology and
technological products, as well as steps taken to double their
production domestically.
Also present at the meeting were Advisor for Trade Abdul
Razzaq Daud, Minister for Narcotics Control Shahryar Afridi,
Chairman Investment Board Syed Zubair Gilani together with
concerned Federal Secretaries and senior officers.
Chaudry gave the Prime Minister a detailed briefing on
alternative imports (import substitution), production of
biotechnology-based products, and the necessity to increase
exports and promotion of high-tech products that would help
reduce imports.
For significant reduction of imports Chaudry briefed the PM
about comprehensive 3 to 10 year plans being developed by
the ministry, in which the country's capabilities and future
plans for high-tech industrial development would be addressed
and implemented.
He also stated that the Ministry of Science and Technology has
identified 252 products of chemicals, biotechnology,
machinery, textile, base metals and plastics. By improving their
production and quality, much foreign exchange can be earned.
The P.M was told that the first phase of the Ministry’s plans will
focus on the herbal, food and pharmaceutical sectors to
promote such exports.
“Export share of domestic based products could be increased
and it could be brought down to 3% by 2030.” remarked
Chaudry. He also briefed the Prime Minister on the progress on
Jhelum Industrial Biotechnology Park and related issues.
Also on the meeting’s agenda were the issues of coronavirus
and ex-prime minister, leader of PML-N party Nawaz Sharif’s
medical condition.
Commenting on Nawaz Sharif’s health issues and
complications, and the Punjab government’s request to the
Federal government not to extend the former PM’s bail,
Chaudry critically remarked,” Why not send Sharif's medical
reports to the UK? Apparently this is the reason why the tests
in the UK are different from the medical tests in Pakistan and
the British doctor is reluctant to declare Nawaz Sharif’s serious
illness. The Punjab government's decision not to extend Nawaz
Sharif's bail is a favorable step. Also it is important to determine
whether Nawaz Sharif's medical reports on which the bail was
granted were legitimate. This case needs an independent
commission.”
Sharif has served three terms as Prime Minister and twice
removed from office. Cases of corruption as well as facing court
trials have complicated the situation. However he was granted
bail to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Regarding the coronavirus problem which has reached endemic
levels of proportion globally, as well as the rising death toll in
its country of origin China, Chaudry stated that “scientists from
23 countries will come together to strategize war against
Corona Virus. The strategy meeting will be held in Karachi on
March 2, 2020. We need global cooperation to deal with this
great scare as it is a great challenge to humanity.”
Chaudry briefed the P.M about a particular case where the
Ministry retrieved 25 acres of land worth billions of rupees
belonging to Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial
Research (PCSIR) Institute based in Lahore from a relative of a
political figure. “The political personality had illegally
encroached upon the land by using his connections and power”
Chaudry stated. P.M Khan lauded the efforts of Chaudry and
other officials in connection to the retrieval of a precious
government property.
P.M Khan appreciated Chaudry’s proposals the Science for
enhancing the production and export of technological products
at the national and international levels. He assured him that the
government would provide all possible support to his ministry.
The cabinet members and the P.M also strategized their policy
with regards to cases of political detainees and the issue of
coronavirus.