ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to put Pakistan on the map of nations exploring space, said President General Pervez Musharraf at the graduation ceremony of the Institute of Space Technology’s (IST) first batch of BSc in aeronautical, aeronautical engineering and communication systems engineering on Friday.
“We must explore space and bring its benefits to the people of Pakistan,” he said at the ceremony attended by federal ministers, services chiefs, senior government officials and the institute’s faculty. He vowed to launch a manned flight to space and even the moon in the coming years. Musharraf said the country’s space programme had been neglected in the past, and adequate funds had not been provided for its development. He said the government was providing funds to all research and strategic organisations to achieve the desired results.
The government had brought Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission under the National Command Authority’s control to bring the commission at par with strategic organisations, he said, adding that the government had realised the potential of space in terms of socio-economic development and security.
Recalling his visit to SUPARCO last year, the president said he was pleased to see the progress made by a team of young engineers and technicians. Giving his vision of Pakistan’s space programme, he asked SUPARCO to develop the country’s capacity to make and launch various types of satellites, especially communication, remote sensing and metrological satellites. “We expect SUPARCO to deliver as PAEC, NESCOM and KRL delivered in the nuclear and missile fields,” he said, asking graduating students to dedicate themselves to the vision’s fulfilment…
2-3 decades ago, Pakistan decided to become a nuclear power. Against all odds, wars, sanctions, and god knows what else, today Pakistan belongs to the elite group of 7 nuclear powers.
A space program will give rise to the technology industry in Pakistan. And, technology sells.
It’s time somebody thinks big. Go Musharraf go! :k:
Pehlay ek Satellite ko to pohoncha lo phir usay control karo.... don't jump when you are not walking. Exploring moon is a useless task, better focus on supplying good drinkable water to the population, there is a lot that we need to do on planet earth before jumping on moon, explore energy options/techniques etc.
captain, today you have prompted me to share some wisdom with you so lemme break sommadat out..
dont let short term needs impact your long term goals and strategy
and dont let your focus on long term vision and strategy take your eye off immediate priorities and mid term goals and needs.
and you my son..would be a winner.
^ the problem with short term needs is that they have been ignored for so long that now they have become a project like landing on moon, there is no project in site to improve that condition. There is other need to acquire advance technology for defense but sadly we only acquire the output of technology and buy the stuff from outside which in turn is already 2nd grade high-tech.
There are projects not only in sight but those that have done studies and have solutions designed..it is always an issue of whats needed balanced with the costs.
You would be surprised at what all is there. its not covered by our media..studies ranging from beach development to, water loggiing issues, to water preservation etc etc
and as I said, a first step without some direction or destiation in minnd may become aimless wandering its always good to have a goal in sight..
and first steps towards the goal are very important
its always good to have a goal in sight..