ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Science and Technology has sought an allocation of Rs 10 billion for 38 projects under the Public Sector Development Program for the fiscal year 2026 to 2027, aiming to strengthen research, innovation and technological advancement in the country. The proposed portfolio includes 19 ongoing initiatives and 19 new projects, reflecting a balanced approach between completing existing schemes and launching fresh interventions to expand scientific capacity.
The funding request was presented during a meeting of the National Assembly of Pakistan Standing Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Sadiq Iftikhar. Senior ministry officials informed the committee that Rs 7.7 billion has been earmarked for ongoing projects, while Rs 2.7 billion is required to initiate new schemes. They emphasized that sustained financial support is essential to maintain momentum in research driven initiatives and to ensure timely completion of projects that contribute to industrial competitiveness and technological self reliance.
Among the major ongoing initiatives, National University of Sciences and Technology is currently in the third year of its Chip Design Centre project, aimed at enhancing indigenous capabilities in semiconductor design and related technologies. The university is also developing a Surface Engineering Centre to support advanced materials research, a field considered critical for manufacturing and industrial innovation. Meanwhile, Pakistan Science Foundation has sought funding for three continuing research projects and outlined plans to expand its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education programme to all districts across the country in order to cultivate scientific talent at the grassroots level. Officials further informed the committee that the expansion of the Pakistan Museum of Natural History is progressing and is expected to be completed by June 2026.
During the meeting, the Federal Secretary for Science and Technology noted that the ministry’s development budget had been reduced by Rs 700 million in the current fiscal year, raising concerns about potential delays and capacity constraints. Committee members observed that curtailing allocations at a time when research and development are widely recognised as drivers of economic growth could hamper national progress. Chairperson Sadiq Iftikhar stressed that investment in research and development forms the backbone of sustainable growth and assured that the committee would advocate for enhanced budgetary support in the upcoming fiscal plan to safeguard the country’s scientific and technological advancement.
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