Times Report
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Science & Information Technology, Shafi Jan, visited the Directorate General of Science and Technology in Peshawar. During the visit, Director General Sajid Hussain Shah provided a detailed briefing on various projects and initiatives related to science, technology, research, innovation, and digital connectivity.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister Shafi Jan stated that, in line with the vision of founding chairman Imran Khan, the government is committed to achieving self-reliance and economic stability through emerging technologies. He instructed that research and local development in drone technology and aerial robotics be actively promoted.
Shafi Jan further emphasized taking effective measures to expand free Wi-Fi coverage across all of Peshawar so that maximum citizens can benefit. He directed officials to ensure practical progress on establishing the province’s first Science & Technology Museum in Peshawar, as well as the E-Rickshaw and E-Basta (digital school bag) projects for students.
The minister was briefed on artificial skin developed locally for the first time in Pakistan, as well as locally produced PCR kits for diagnosing various diseases. He was informed that multiple projects are underway to boost indigenous manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported products, while three major international technologies are currently being adapted for local use.
Among these, a successful trial was conducted on Liquid Oxygen (LOX)-based mining technology as a cleaner alternative to traditional explosives, with further development actively progressing. Similarly, work is ongoing on the SIT project to eradicate dengue mosquitoes.
Regarding the Open Wi-Fi initiative, the briefing noted that free internet access is currently being provided to citizens at major government hospitals and public spaces.
The minister was also informed that a central Data Exchange Hub and Management Information System (MIS) have been established for digital archiving of science and technology research and policies. Under the E-Basta project, 2,500 tablets containing digital educational content aligned with the Textbook Board syllabus will be distributed to students in grades 9 through 12. Additionally, a Technology Incubation Center is being set up at FATA University.
Furthermore, 210 research grants have been awarded to science and technology students and researchers, alongside foreign research grantsqqqq provided to 18 students and scholars. Work is also underway on developing more than 10 products across the health, agriculture, and energy sectors.
Concluding his remarks, Shafi Jan stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, delivering the benefits of historic strides in science and technology to the public remains the government’s top priority. He stressed utilizing modern technology to enhance public services and create new employment opportunities for the youth.
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