Chairperson of Pakistan Science and Technology Task Force Prof Dr Atta ur Rehman, Member Science and Technology Dr Hussain Abidi and Senior Officials from HEC participated in the meeting. Prof Dr Atta ur Rehman briefed the participants about the latest developments in the establishment of the University at the PM House. The Ministers were informed that the planned University will have 3 centres of excellence and 8 departments with a special focus on innovation and technology development. The University will accommodate more than 1000 PhDs and PostDoc Fellows and 200 faculty members. He also elaborated that a budget of Rs. 200 million is required to conduct an initial feasibility study. The Minister for Planning noted that the manufacturing sector in Pakistan needs to be supported through cutting edge and latest technologies in order to make them competitive. He directed the Ministry of Science & Technology that a special committee should be made to ensure that the University focuses on relevant technologies that can support the manufacturing industry in Pakistan. He said that there should be no delay in the establishment of the University as it is a high priority project. The Minister for planning was also briefed about the scholarships that will be offered at the University.
