The federal government has allocated Rs. 4.792 billion in the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2025-26 to support 24 ongoing science and technology projects across the country. This funding reflects continued commitment to building Pakistan’s scientific infrastructure, promoting research, and driving innovation in strategic sectors including agriculture, biotechnology, industrial research, and digital transformation.
A significant portion of the budget, Rs. 850 million, is directed towards PCSIR’s Research, Development, and Innovation Program. This initiative is aimed at advancing applied research, fostering product development, and supporting commercialization across multiple scientific domains. The program seeks to provide a strong foundation for industrial innovation and to bridge the gap between research and market-ready technologies.
An allocation of Rs. 380 million has been made for the development of facilities focused on the cultivation, processing, and product development of medicinal and industrial cannabis. This project is being carried out in collaboration with PCSIR and Arid Agriculture University, aiming to harness cannabis’ potential for pharmaceutical, industrial, and economic applications. Another Rs. 350 million is dedicated to upgrading the Pakistan Museum of Natural History. The funding will support the modernization of exhibits and enhance the museum’s research capabilities to promote science education and awareness.
The budget also includes Rs. 350 million for gene editing of biological agents, targeting nutritional, biochemical, and therapeutic applications. These efforts are expected to contribute to advancements in medical sciences and biotechnology by enabling research in precision biology and genetics. In the agriculture sector, Rs. 250 million has been approved for the revised Quality Seed Production and Supply for Food Security project. This program is focused on improving seed quality and availability to enhance crop yield and support long-term food security efforts.
PCSIR’s digital transformation and automation initiatives will receive Rs. 245 million to modernize internal systems and improve service delivery. Additionally, more than Rs. 200 million is allocated for establishing the National Centre of Failure Analysis at the Institute of Space Technology. The center will provide technical expertise in diagnosing and preventing mechanical failures in aerospace and industrial systems.
The biotech sector is also receiving targeted support. Rs. 200 million has been allocated for establishing medical cannabis greenhouses and national analytical labs. These facilities will bolster research capacity in pharmaceutical sciences and regulated crop production, opening new avenues for domestic and international research collaboration.
These allocations are aligned with the government’s broader objective to promote a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in science and technology. The projects span a diverse range of sectors, reflecting a multidimensional approach to innovation and development under the national budget for 2025-26.
