Says tech industry to overcome CAD unemployment

LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday visited Lahore to review preparations regarding upcoming local government elections in the Punjab province. The prime minister chaired a meeting of PTI senior leaders to discuss the party’s preparations for local government elections in Punjab. The meeting was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood and SAPM Shahbaz Gill.

CM Usman Buzdar briefed the prime minister regarding local bodies elections in Punjab and preparation of the PTI in this regard. The prime minister was also briefed on the law and order situation in the province. During the meeting, the premier directed PTI leaders to start homework and prepare strategy for local bodies polls in Punjab. “I will personally monitor party’s preparations for upcoming local government elections in Punjab province,” he told the meeting.

He pointed out that candidates for LG elections in Punjab would be finalized after taking party workers and local leaders into confidence. The prime minister said that all reservations of party workers related to local body elections would be addressed. After PTI’s dismal performance in KP polls, Prime Minister Imran Khan had said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) paid the price for mistakes it made in Sunday’s first phase of local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Prime Minister Khan said that if incentivized and facilitated, the technology industry could help overcome the current account deficit of the country by boosting exports as well as addressing the issue of unemployment. The prime minister, addressing the inauguration ceremony of Lahore Technopolis, a special technology zone, said the project would help provide incentives to the tech industry and bring ease for the businessmen, in accordance with the government’s vision.

Special Technology Zones being developed all across the country would be home to Science & Technology Parks, manufacturing units, research and development centers of global tech companies and software houses. It will also feature, universities, incubators, accelerators and other ecosystem players. Prime Minister Khan inaugurated the Sheikh Abul Hassan Al-Shadhili Research Center on Sufism, Science and Technology here at Government College University.

He also laid foundation stone of the research center building, to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 140 million, which would be utilized for research on bringing about improvement in practical life in the light of Sufism. The institution was aimed at promoting societal reform; mutual harmony; respect of diversity; research on Sufism, science and technology; providing one platform to local and international researchers; and disbursing educational scholarships to students for research in this faculty. Besides, the center will also promote research and education about Sufism in existing faculties like history, Islamic teachings, political science, literature etc.

The Research Center, which is providing education courses on Sufism at BS and M. Phil levels, will also offer Postdoctoral and Research Fellowship. Besides, the Center will also provide scholarships for PhD to promote research on Sufism.