SCIENCE, technology and innovation (STI) are pivotal for socio-economic progress. The Pakistan Council for Science and Technology, established in 1961, has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s STI landscape. Amid the government’s consideration to close PCST, it’s crucial to assess its legacy and the implications of this decision on the nation’s scientific progress.
PCST’s Legacy and Contributions: Originally the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST) acquired its current name in 1984 and became the National Commission for Science and Technology’s Secretariat in 1997. Gaining autonomy under the PCST Act of 2017, it has guided the government on STI policies, fostering innovation. Led by pioneers like Prof. Dr. Salim-uz-Zaman Siddiqui, PCST attracted contributions from eminent scientists, including Nobel Laureate Dr Abdus Salam, securing its status as a premier STI think tank.
Key achievements:(i) STI Infrastructure Development: PCST played a vital role in establishing institutions like the HEC, PSF, and PCRWR, which form Pakistan’s research backbone. (ii) Policy Formulation: PCST spearheaded major STI policies, including the Science, Technology & Innovation Policy (1984, 2012, 2022) and STI Strategy 2014-2018, addressing national and global challenges. (iii) Human Resource Development: Advocating improved higher education, PCST helped increase annual PhD graduates from 175 in 2000 to 1,300 in 2019, strengthening research capabilities. (iv) ICT and Telecom Advancements: Its initiatives led to projects like PAKSAT and broadband expansion, raising internet penetration from 1.32% in 2000 to 35% in 2019 and increasing mobile phone users to 151 million. (v) Research Recognition: PCST’s Research Productivity Award and numerical rating of scientists have incentivized innovation, improving research quality. (iv) Strategic Foresight: Foresight studies in ICT, energy, and biotechnology helped policymakers anticipate emerging technological trends.
Challenges Facing PCST: Despite its accomplishments, PCST struggles with: (i) Leadership Instability: Prolonged vacancies in leadership roles disrupt strategic direction. (ii) Resource Shortages: With only four technical officers out of 21 sanctioned positions, PCST lags far behind counterparts like STEPI in South Korea, which has 150 technical staff. (iii) Limited Autonomy: Being under the Ministry of Science and Technology limits its ability to coordinate STI programmes. (iv) Funding gaps: Without dedicated funds for implementing STI policies, PCST faces difficulties in achieving objectives.(v) Brain Drain: A lack of competitive salaries and service structures has led to talent loss.
Proposed Future Role: To maximize PCST’s potential: • Strengthen Think Tank Role: Advise on integrating STI into economic and social development. • Improve Research Evaluation: Enhance mechanisms to assess federal and provincial R&D programs. • Foster Collaboration: Build stronger academia-industry-government partnerships for practical research applications. • Expand Provincial Reach: Establish provincial offices to address regional STI needs.
The implications of closure: Closing PCST would weaken Pakistan’s STI ecosystem, undermining its ability to develop and implement cohesive policies. Without a central body to guide research priorities, evaluate progress and foster collaboration, the country risks stagnation in innovation, economic growth and societal development.
Conclusion: The Pakistan Council for Science and Technology has been a cornerstone of the nation’s scientific and technological progress, shaping policies and fostering innovation to build the country’s STI capacity. Closing PCST would be a monumental loss. Rather than dismantling it, efforts should focus on strengthening the institution to fulfill its mandate, enabling Pakistan to achieve sustainable development and secure a competitive position in the global knowledge economy.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
