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Development in information Technology during 2002
The last five years have seen
explosive advances in the field of information technology. From a few
hundred thousand pages, which were on the internet in 1994, there are about
2.5 billion publicly accessible web pages on the internet and 7.3 million
new ones are being added every day. Information and communication
technologies are transforming our lives in a multitude ways.
-- Professor Ata-ur- Rehman Following are some achievements in the field of Information technology during the year 2002.
Internet access expanded to 724 cities May 24, 2002 166 new cities/towns have been added in Universal Internet Access Coverage during the last two months and now this facility is available in 724 cities/towns through out Pakistan. In August 2000 when Universal Internet Access programme was launched by PTCL only 29 cities of the country had internet access. PTCL, by expanding internet to more cities in a short period has achieved a milestone, which is remarkable and rare for a public sector corporation. PTCL is also working on a plan to improve the service quality of internet which will be completed by the end of current month. It is planned that by June 2002 the number of cities having internet access will be extended to 800 cities/towns of the country. Project approved for setting up of Balochistan University of IT May 30, 2002 IT and Telecom Division will set up a University of Information Technology & Management Sciences at Quetta. An amount of Rs. 39 million has been allocated by the Ministry for the first phase of the project. The President of Pakistan during his visit to Quetta in March 2001 announced the establishment of an IT University for Balochistan. In April, 2001 the Provincial Cabinet approved the building of Directorate of Primary Education for establishment of IT University. A team from COMSATS visited Quetta and inspected the building. They described it as an “excellent” choice for the IT University. The ordinance of the University has been vetted by the Law Department Government of Balochistan and has been sent to the University Grants Commission Islamabad for NOC. In the first phase of the project classes will be started only at the Bachelor level in three faculties i.e. Computer Sciences, Information Technology and Management. In the second phase bachelors and masters programmes will be started in all the faculties. After the completion of first phase the university will be extended and other phases will follow. The University will run Bachelor and Masters level degree programmes in the five departments i.e. Department of Computer Sciences, Department of Information Technology, Department of Computer Engineering, Department of Management Sciences and Department of Electronics. The main aim of the project is to harness the IT potential in Balochistan by producing high quality manpower in fields related to Information Technology & Computer Sciences. The quality human resource in IT will help the province in economic and social development. Once fully operational the university will annually produce more than 1000 professionals in Computer Sciences, Information Technology and related disciplines. The existing S&T educational facilities in Balochistan both in public and private sectors are not sufficient to meet the increasing requirement of computer scientists, engineers, hardware specialists and related professionals. This university is being established to help fulfill this requirement, as it will be an educational institution dedicated for Computer Sciences and related discipline. The university will engage highly qualified experienced faculty/teaching staff on full time basis. The University will have Vice Chancellor having a PhD degree in Computer Science/ related field and related administrative experience. The Vice Chancellor will be the Chief Executive Officer of the University.
PakNet Launches High Speed Wireless Internet Service
July 30, 2002 PakNet, a subsidiary of PTCL has launched another innovative product and new service in the field of Networking by the introduction of high speed broadband Internet on wireless. The service has been made available from today.
As no telephone line will be required for the use of this technology it gives mobility to users to access the broadband internet from anywhere in their premises without being confined to their desks.
Previously the broadband access in Pakistan was mostly used through Wireless Radius, digital cross connect and DSL, but this solution of Wireless Internet Virtually extends the user LAN through IP based solutions to the international backbone of Internet. All the functionalities like wireless printing will also be possible with this technology.
This technology has a number of advantages over existing technologies. The first and foremost is the higher speed it can offer to the user. Individual customer can be provided upto 10 MBs at their premises. Secondly, it extends the coverage. The basic system can go upto 15 km and higher systems can extend the range to 40 km.
Wireless Internet Service is also cost effective and it is expected to become even more economical with the passage of time.
Wireless Internet Service will have speeds ranging from 64K to 10Mb and no telephone line required, no disconnections and no busy tones, 24/7 connectivity. It will be used for Audio/Video conferencing and Video and Audio streaming directly from the net. Bulk data transfer for companies involved in Research, Medical Transcription, etc., Multiplayer games, e.g., Quake, Red Alert, etc. and Secure connections will be available for Institutes and Universities. Initially the technology is being introduced in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi
MoST Completes Selection Process for 100 PhD Scholarships Govt. to Spend Rs. 826 Million on the Project August 27, 2002 Ministry of Science & Technology has completed its process and finalized a list of 100 candidates to proceed abroad for PhD at various universities of international repute. The selection for the award of scholarships has been made under the Teachers and Researchers Overseas Scholarship Scheme (TROSS). To bear all the expenses of the selected candidates government will spend an amount of Rs. 826 million. The programme was launched by Ministry of Science & Technology in 2000. The first advertisement asking for applications appeared in July 2000. The scholars were to proceed abroad in two batches in 2001 and 2002. Fifty-three scholars have so far proceeded to USA, 19 UK, 27 Australia 1 Canada 5 for PhD studies. Other selected candidates are in the process of completing pre departure formalities. Many selected scholars who have got admissions in the universities of US are being delayed due to US visa formalities. The scholarships have been awarded in the fields of Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics & Mechatronics, Information Technology, Material Sciences, Control System, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Laser and Fiber Optics, Biology, Technology Management, Water Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology and Agriculture Science. The selection of candidates has been made by the National Management Committee headed by Federal Minister for Science & Technology Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman. The members of the Committee included Federal Secretaries Education, S&T and Planning Division, some Chairmen of R&D Organizations, VCs of several universities etc. The educational record of the applicant plus GRE score were made criteria for award of scholarship. Egypt – Pakistan Sign Agreement to Enhance Cooperation in S&IT August 29, 2002 Pakistan and Egypt have agreed to promote cooperation in priority areas of Science and Technology including biotechnology, information technology, engineering sciences, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, material resources, material sciences, ocean resources, desertification control and renewable energy resources. An agreement to this effect was signed yesterday in Cairo between Pakistan and Egypt. Federal Minister for Science & Technology Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman whi is also the Coordinator General of COMSTECH and Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Atef Muhammad Muhammad Ebeid signed the agreement on behalf of their two governments. Necessary steps will be taken for the creation of a Joint Revolving Fund equivalent to US $ one million with each side contributing an amount equal to US $ 0.5 million in its own currency. The funds will be used for implementation of Joint Research and Development Projects agreed by both sides. A Joint Committee on Scientific and Technical Cooperation will be appointed for implementation of the Protocol signed between the two countries. The signing of agreement is in line with the discussions held during 10th COMSTECH General Assembly held in Islamabad during 16 – 18 February, 2002. It was pointed out by Prof. Atta that socio - economic under development of OIC countries is mainly the outcome of lack of investment in Research & Development activities in various fields of Science & Technology. The delegates agrees that to get out of vicious circle of poverty and under development Muslim countries need to pool their resources and enhance cooperation in important fields of S&T. CIIT Completes Java Training of 1049 Professionals October 2, 2002 The project to impart Java training to 1000 professionals has been successfully completed. The project which was launched by Ministry of Science & Technology has been executed by COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT). 1049 professionals received the training against the target of 1000. The training was provided at Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta. The project was launched to overcome the shortage of trained manpower in different fields and at different level of skills in Information Technology. Pakistan Software Houses were in continuous search of quality IT persons. It had been observed that the Pakistan-based IT Companies were not being able to get sizeable share of overseas projects. The reasons being that all the IT projects were time specific and demand driven. The Pakistani companies were not able to meet the dead lines, mostly due to the non-availability of trained manpower. Therefore, the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division, Ministry of Science and Technology decided to take the initiative and launched a pilot project of training of 1000 youth in today’s trained manpower. The aim of the project is to provide new development tools and IT skills in Java technology to youth, who are at least graduates. It was envisaged that after the training they will be employed in the software development companies. The project was approved in January 2001. COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) devised a well defined and transparent system of implementation. It was decided that the candidates and the institutions interested in conducting the training would be selected through an open and fair system of competition. There would be an effective system of monitoring, reporting and assessment. The project was advertised in the leading national newspapers in March 2001 at Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for inviting applications from young graduates. Final selection was based on entry test conducted by CIIT. The three levels of training were introduced depending upon the skill and knowledge of the applicant over the subject. The levels were beginner level, intermediate level and advance level. The allocation of participants to the three levels was done on the basis of their performance in the entry test. The training institutions were selected through an open system of evaluation. Application / expression of interest was called through advertisement in leading newspapers. The criteria and detail methodology for the selection of the institutions was developed. The institution should have adequate space and equipment with at least 20 computers beside good environment. A team of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology visited all institutions for physical verification. An efficient system of monitoring, reporting and evaluation was prepared for the successful implementation of the project. For this purpose, services of coordinators were hired on short term and long-term contract. Three levels were introduced for the Java training project 1) Beginners Level for the period of 16 weeks, 2) Intermediate level for the period of 12 weeks and 3) Advance level for the period of 8 weeks. The implementation of the project has resulted in producing a pool of professionals in Java technology. CIIT Completes Computer Training of 5000 Federal Govt. Employees COMSATS Institute of Information Technology successfully completed the project to train 5000 Federal Government employees (BPS 5-15). Rather 5973 employees have been trained against a target of 5000. The project to train 5000 federal government employees was initiated by the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division. COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) took it as a challenge and implemented the project in a record period of one year. The objective of the project was to provide IT skills to Federal Government employees working in BPS 5 to 15 involved in day-to-day secretarial procedures to enable them to use computer technology to increase their efficiency and enhance productivity of their department. The project was approved by the IT & Telecom Division in January 2001. After the approval of the project, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) devised a well defined and transparent system of implementation including selection of candidates and the institutions interested in conducting the training. An effective system of monitoring, reporting and assessment was also devised. Nominations for the training course were invited from every Secretary of the Division/Ministry under the Federal Government. Later on the project was also advertised in the leading newspapers for inviting applications from government employees through their respective departments. The training institutions were selected through an open system of evaluation. Applications/expression of interest were called through advertisement in leading newspapers. A team consisting of professionals physically visited each pre-qualified institution for verification of services and infrastructure available in each institution. The training was conducted in three phases. Each phase was of eight-weeks duration. In all 5873 participants successfully completed the training, which was conducted in 132 institutions. The services of professional experts were engaged for developing course out line, methodology for implementation, schedules, paper conduction and over all supervision and monitoring of the project. The employees of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) actively participated in the activity. The completion of project has enhanced the skill level of employees of Federal Government. As a result of the initiative, computer-trained and computer literate manpower is currently managing their office and secretarial affairs of their respective Ministry/Division efficiently. There is a significant improvement in the overall culture which will certainly help the government in achieving the project goals set for projects initiated under E-Government programme. The project has been managed professionally. The utility, results and benefits of this project have convinced provincial governments to launch similar projects on the same pattern. The project will have a long ranging catalytic impact and will help in launching new initiatives/projects for efficient implementation of E-Governance, E-Government and Human Resource Development in the country. MoST to establish a Multimedia Platform Rs. 132 million allocated for the project Ministry of Science & Technology, IT & Telecom Division has launched a project for the establishment of Multimedia Platform. The project will be completed by Virtual University in a period of twelve months with an amount of Rs. 132 million. The project will set up a Multimedia Asset Management system capable of storing, compiling and disseminating content over digital satellite broadcast television, internet and cable television channels. The system will be capable of providing content on demand. The project will also set up an Earth Station for up linking of material for broadcast over satellite TV channels. The project will set up digital studio facilities at Lahore while studios of A.I.O.U. will be used for Islamabad based productions. Karachi studios will be set up in subsequent years. The purpose of the project is to create an enabling environment of spread IT education in the country via TV broadcast by satellite and existing cable TV distribution at affordable cost and to generate sufficient quality human resource as envisaged in the IT Action Plan. Furthermore it will provide a comprehensive infrastructure to facilitate the government HR & social sector development initiatives programmes and other IT related projects by establishment of content production, management and distribution facilities that includes TV studios and Media Asset Management System. The multimedia project will not only facilitate the ongoing “Virtual University” programme but also will provide a comprehensive mechanism and interface for other IT related programmes/projects of the country. Furthermore, this infrastructure can also be used by private and public sector organizations on rental basis for educational purpose only, for the long-term sustainability of the project. The project will be located at rented premises in Lahore. The Lahore site will house the Central Multimedia Platform, which will consist of a Media Asset Management System (MAM), video content production studios, and content delivery facility, which will consist of a satellite uplink and broadcast station. The project will serve the whole country as envisaged in the IT policy, it is important that the educational content is penetrated into every nook and corner of the country. Thus, satellite broadcasting becomes the obvious choice as it transport the educational content to 100% area of Pakistan. In addition to this an interface mechanism with MAM has been provided that will also serve as a content distribution via the Internet and Radio. Thus the penetration of the project will go beyond even physical boundaries and conventional systems and cover all platforms. This will enhance the very purpose of the IT HR Development and the GoP in facilitating other social sector educational programmes especially in the field of Information Technology. The interactive environment provided by the multimedia platform will compete closely with the conventional classroom experience. Further to this, the success of the proposed multimedia platform will ultimately result in providing quality IT education globally – thanks to the effective use of MAM coupled with the inherent advantage of satellite broadcast technology. Kuwait support Pan Islamic R&D Fund September 14, 2002 Federal Minister for Science & Technology and Coordinator General of COMSTECH Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman called on Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah the Acting Foreign Minister of Kuwait and delivered a letter of the President General Pervez Musharraf about setting up of Pan Islamic Fund for Research and Development. The Minister who is visiting Kuwait as a special emissary of the President stayed with Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah for sometimes and explained need and rationale behind setting up of the fund. The modalities of setting up of the fund also came under discussion.. Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah heartily appreciated the initiative taken by Pakistan for the welfare of Muslim Umman. He expressed his government’s support for the idea of Pan Islamic R&D Fund and said the proposal will be given serious consideration by the government of Kuwait. Talking to Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah Prof. Atta explained that at the 10th COMSTECH General Assembly held in Islamabad in February this year 220 delegates including 22 Ministers from OIC member states intensively discussed the current state of economy and level of development in the Islamic World. The conclusion was that the dismal state of scientific and technological development in the Muslim world was one of the main reasons of underdevelopment of Muslim countries. It was felt that OIC countries need to pool up their resources for collective benefit. President General Pervez Musharraf called upon member states to contribute to set up a multi billion-dollar Pan Islamic R&D Fund for the rapid development of S&T in OIC member states. The delegates agreed to the proposal. During the meeting Prof. Atta explained that each member state is being asked to contribute at least 0.1% of its GDP towards this fund. At least 80% of the donated amount would be used within the contributory country. The remaining amount will be used for building collective strength in scientific programmes and management skills. This will help to have a uniformed approach for development. Sultan of Brunei supports setting up of Pan Islamic Fund Atta meets the Sultan of Brunei Sultan of Brunei His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddanish has expressed his government’s support for the initiative taken by Pakistan to pool up the resources of the OIC countries in the field of S&T for common benefit. He also appreciated the idea of setting up of Pan Islamic Fund for R&D under the umbrella of COMSTECH. The assurance to this effect was given to Federal Minister for Science & Technology Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman and Coordinator General of COMSTECH who met the Sultan of Brunei H.E Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddanish at Bandar Seri Begawan. Prof. Atta delivered a letter of President General Pervez Musharraf about the proposal to set up a Pan Islamic Research and Development Fund with the contributions of OIC countries. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Brunei Mr. Badr-ud-Deen, Brunei’s Minister for Development and other senior officers also attended the meeting. The Minister stayed with the Sultan for quite sometime and discussed the need and modalities of setting up of the Fund for promotion of research and development activities in the Muslim world under the umbrella of COMSTECH. Talking to the Sultan of Brunei Prof. Atta said Muslim Ummah’s backwardness in science and technology, he said, was the principal reason for their political and economic weaknesses. Stressing the need of enhancing such R&D activities in the Muslim world which may lead to industrial and technological advancement and substantial increase in the GDP of Muslim countries. The Minister proposed that Muslim countries should contribute at least 0.1% of their GDP annually to Pan Islamic R&D Fund. Prof. Atta informed the Sultan of Brunei that the Research & Development Fund will be utilized to build Centres of Excellence in Muslim countries in fields such as Information Technology, Biotechnology, Engineering Sciences, Petrochemical industry including indigenous production of polymers, New materials (nano-technology, etc.), Optronics, Pharmaceuticals, Water Resources, Renewable Energy, Agricultural Sciences, Basic Sciences (physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics), Others, as may be decided. Brunei, being an affluent country could play a leading role in this project. Receiving the Minister for Science & Technology the Sultan of Brunei expressed his government’s great appreciation for the concerns Pakistan had for the Muslim Ummah. He said his country greatly valued its friendship with Pakistan. Prof. Atta informed His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddanish that the principal amount of Fund will be held by an established institution like the Islamic Development Bank Jeddah (IDB). It will be administered by a Council of Ministers of Science and Technology of the contributing member states or his/her representative. Earlier Prof. Atta in meetings with the Minister for Development and Minister for Communications of Brunei Darussalam held in depth discussions to enhance cooperation in the field of Information Technology between Pakistan and Brunei Darussalam. Prof. Atta also delivered a very informative talk on the topic of Achievements of Pakistan in the Information Technology. The lecture was attended by Brunei IT professionals and a large number of expatriate Pakistanis in Brunei Darussalam. In addition to Brunei Prof. Atta has so far visited Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Syria, Malaysia, Iran, Egypt and Tunisia to discuss modalities of increasing scientific and technological cooperation in OIC countries and setting up of Pan Islamic R&D Fund.
Pak – Russia agree to expand cooperation, relations December 19, 2002
Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunications Mr. Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari today stressed on the need of expanding trade relations between Pakistan and Russia in various fields particularly in IT & Telecom..
The Minister was talking to Russian Ambassador in Pakistan H.E. Mr. Shevchen Ko Eduarg who called on him in his office here today.
“There is a great scope of expanding ties and trade relations between Pakistan and Russia. Pakistan will like to benefit from Russian expertise in many fields including telecom sector. Let us make a new beginning today”, said the Minister.
The Minister said Pakistan is open to all sorts of technologies and will like to benefit from the experience of countries pioneers in any technology. However, while making decisions in specific projects all available options will be studied thoroughly and in depth. “The final decision will be made in the best interest of the country after consulting concerned government departments” said Mr. Awais Leghari..
Russian Ambassador in Pakistan H.E. Mr. Shevchen Ko Eduarg expressing dissatisfaction over the level of cooperation between the two countries stressed on the need of exploring avenues to enhance the cooperation between the two countries. He offered Russian assistance to Pakistan in high end technologies, in sharing technological know how, training of Pakistani professionals and engineers in various technologies etc.
Mr. Awais Leghari requested for Russian assistance for Pakistani IT companies to tap international IT market. He said many Russian companies have access to international IT market. Their guidance and joint collaboration between Pakistani and Russian companies can be of great help, said the Minister. “Russian government may like to facilitate collaboration between private sector IT companies of the two countries to help Pakistan IT companies capture the international IT market” said Mr. Leghari.
It has been agreed that the experts of the two countries will explore possibilities of enhanced cooperation between the two countries.
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Links Ministry of Science & Technology www.most.gov.pk IT Commission of Pakistan www.itcommission.gov.pk IT Commerce Network Asia 2001 (ITCN) www.itcnasia.com |
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