Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Senator Syed Shibli Faraz on Wednesday said around 3,900 Electoral Voting Machines (EVMs)
would be provided to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) before the upcoming local government (LG) elections in Islamabad, likely
in the month of April.
“The machines will be developed by a company named Rapidev based in National Science and Technology Park of National University of Science and Technology (NUST)”, the minister said during an interactive session with the media persons.
“A total of 3,100 EVMs were required for the LG elections in Islamabad however additional 800 EVMs to be provided will be for the backup purpose”, he said.
The minister observed
that the use of EVM technology in LG elections in Islamabad
would be an opportunity of ground testing of this technology for the general elections.
He said use of EVM
in the elections
would make it undisputed, non-controversial and acceptable for all. “EVM will change the electoral history of the country through ensuring fair and transparent elections”, he added.
About the appointments of heads of the departments working under the ministry, Shibli Faraz informed
that the head of National Institute of Electronics (NIE) had been finalized while some names had been shortlisted for the appointment of head of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). The appointment process of the heads of these two institutions
would be completed within 10 days, he mentioned.
Shibli Faraz said National Electronics Technology Park had been inaugurated at the NIE which
would change the dynamics of electronics industry
in the country.
He said
that his ministry had started work on revising the outdated acts of its various departments including Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), NIE and others, in accordance with the latest trends and developments.
About the project of Hemp production, the federal minister said the project
would create around 35,000 jobs for the people
in the country.
He said proper non-transferable license
would be provided for the hemp production to the people for the period of two years. “If the license holder will not come up with any production; his license will be cancelled”, he said.
The minister also mentioned
that a new project of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)
would be introduced
in the new Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) budget for the primary school children. “Inculcating science knowledge among children from early stages is necessary”, he emphasized.
The minister also pointed out
that a You Tube channel had been created with th
e support of Pakistan Science Foundation to educate the students about scientific knowledge and interventions. About the recently approved Science, Technolo
gy and Innovation Policy by the cabinet, the minister said the policy was a roadmap for the progress of Pakistan. The previous such policies were failed due to lacking proper implementation strate
gy and tools, he said.
The minister also highlighted
that the two-day National Science and Technology Expo
would be arranged by the ministry from January 28-29 at Pak-China Friendship Center which
would showcase the innovative scientific products by different departments, individuals and companies.