Message AMB. DR. M. NAFEES ZAKARIA Executive Director COMSATS
TWENTY-THIRD March holds a special importance for Pakistan owing to its ideological significance to the country that predates even its independence in 1947. On the auspicious occasion of 84th Anniversary of Pakistan Day, celebrated every year with zeal and fervor by Pakistanis at home and abroad, I extend felicitations to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on behalf of COMSATS’ fraternity.
For a country that had very humble beginning and constraints in terms of infrastructure and resources, Pakistan's journey in science and technology has been remarkable with some major and pioneering strides in a variety of scientific fields. Establishment of institutional arrangements in nuclear paradigm came very early on with Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) that started leading advancements in nuclear technology in 1956, promoting peaceful use of nuclear technology for energy production and medicine, with potential to grow from currently 4% to increase steadily in the energy sector.
The country’s achievement of launching the first indigenously developed satellite in 1990, important technological capabilities in the field of defense with building of its own fighter jets and submarines, and a whole range of essential elements for self-defense, technological/technical assistance to other countries with trainings, capacity building and the spirit of sharing expertise and knowledge are some of the hallmarks.
Pakistan’s Science Diplomacy front is rich with remarkable associations with Science organizations, such as the European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN) with key role in the contribution to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). CERN Member since 2015, Pakistan has a notable participation in various projects and experiments in the field of high-energy physics. Pakistan's membership in CERN reflects its commitment to advancing scientific research and collaboration in the larger interest of the international community.
The country has produced one of the finest seasoned scientists with illustrious scientific achievements to their credit at home and abroad. Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam, the iconic Pakistani scientist and Nobel Laureate, was, thankfully, the founder of COMSATS. The idea of such an Inter-governmental organization and ideology behind it is surely a cherishable gift to his homeland. The organization he envisioned is now a pivot point of international cooperation for science, technology and innovation among 27 developing countries. I extend sincere gratitude for Pakistan’s generous hosting of the organization since 1994, and recognize with appreciation the coordination and support of COMSATS' Focal Point in the host country, the Ministry of Science and Technology.