ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Thursday stressed the need for e-governance during these testing times, saying his ministry is all set to provide every support to the Ministry of Information and Technology for an enhanced provision of broadband and internet services to reach people across the country.
He was speaking at an exclusive online talk titled ‘Role of Ministry of Science and Technology amid COVID-19’, organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).
The minister emphasised on e-governance in these testing times when a worst case scenario is likely to upset the whole country amid the COVID-19 spread.
Responding to a question, he said the prime minister would very soon announce the inclusion of doctors and paramedical staff in the government’s Shuhada (martyrs) package in case if someone lose his or her life while treating COVID-19 patients.
Fawad said his ministry could help produce testing kits, ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPEs) and sanitisers in its own capacity.
He called upon the private sector to come forward to join hands with the public sector in this regard.
“The Ministry’s doors are open for public policy think tanks like SDPI to come forward and enhance the scope of research and development in policy responses,” the minister added.
In wake of harvesting season in the country, the federal minister said the ministry is working to provide technology to prepare affordable sanitisers at a large scale to be used for safe agricultural operations and construction workers and industry.
Speaking on the occasion, SDPI Executive Director Abid Qaiyum Suleri said the war against coronavirus needs to be fought on many fronts, and one of the important fronts is science and technology.
From the production of testing kits to ventilators, and from testing the quality of available sanitisers in the market to their production at affordable prices, the role of the science ministry is very crucial.
Appreciating the proactive role of the minister in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Suleri offered the government the SDPI’s all-out support and cooperation in connection with policy research and outreach.
