Utilization of modern technology vital to overcome challenges like economic: Kaira

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Thursday that utilization of modern technology was vital to overcome the challenges being faced by the society especially economic and security issues.

While addressing as chief guest at the launching ceremony of "15th International Multitopic Conference" hosted by Riphah International University at a local hotel he said that the challenges being faced by Pakistan were global in nature and greater collaboration and sharing of technological advancements was needed to overcome these challenges.

He said that lack of research was one of the reasons behind less development in Pakistan and there was a need to find innovative solutions to the problems being faced by the nation.

Kaira said that in Pakistan, there a special Ministry for Information Technology which has been striving for promotion of the IT sector.

He said that in Pakistan a Universal Services Fund has been created to provide latest IT network in the far-flung areas and now optic fibre has been laid in all districts of Pakistan.

Ministry of Information Technology has been also providing scholarships to youth to equip them with latest technological knowledge so that they can compete in corporate culture.

Referring to Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) the minister said that the present government has introduced this flagship programme to support the poorest sections of the society by giving them direct cash subsidy. For making this programme more effective information technology has been introduced and they have been issued smart cards.

The minister appreciated the role of Riphah University in promotion of higher education in Pakistan in short span of 10 years time period.