China, Pakistan determined to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest: Ahsan Iqbal

Dr. Ahsan Iqbal said that the “seeds in Space” project is a milestone in collaborations between scientists of both countries

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer:Ministry of Science and Technology, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan, COMSTECH and International Center for Chemical and Biological Center University of Karachi jointly held a ceremony to celebrate the landmark of China-Pakistan Space Science and Technology cooperation on the eve of the return of Pakistani Seeds from Chinese Space, at COMSTECH auditorium Islamabad on Wednesday.

Deepening bilateral cooperation will bring greater benefits:Pang Chunxue

This space mutagenesis for crop improvement project was jointly collaborated by the People’s Republic of China, the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) under the ministry, and the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi.

Return of Pakistani Seeds from Chinese Space:Landmark China-Pakistan Space Science and Technology cooperation

The ceremony was attended by the political leadership, diplomats, scientists, and senior officers of the ministry and its attached organizations.

Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Prof. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal said that the “seeds in Space” project is a milestone in collaborations between scientists of both countries.

ICCBS is one of most decorated institutions of Pakistan which will continue its efforts for cooperation in the field of S&T

The project provides a platform for researchers to share knowledge and resources, leading to economic growth. This project is a cornerstone in advancing space science, herbal medicine, and research.

He said that Pakistan and China celebrate their longstanding friendship with the launch of a joint project between MOST, the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Embassy of China in Pakistan, ICCBS Karachi, the Pakistan Science Foundation, and COMSTECH. The two countries have maintained a strong relationship since establishing diplomatic ties in 1951 and are dedicated to furthering cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. This new project solidifies their commitment to strengthening the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” between the two nations.”

Support from Chinese institutions leads to stronger strategic and academic infrastructure in Pakistan

In her address H. E. Madam, Pang Chunxue, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, praised the scientists of both countries for their joint efforts in a successful scientific experiment. She said that experiment represents a landmark in China-Pakistan S&T cooperation and will be recorded in the history of their friendship.

She also said that both countries are committed to building a closer community with a shared future, through open and inclusive cooperation, for the benefit of their peoples and the prosperity of the nations. Ms. Pang said that she believes that deepening cooperation will bring greater benefits.

Speaking at the occasion, Pakistani scientists project and group lead Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH/ Director ICCBS said that ICCBS is proud to announce a major milestone in the cooperation of space science and technology between Pakistan and China with the successful sending of seeds into space. This foundational step marks an important point in the continued growth and partnership between the two countries and will drive future cooperation in the field of space science. ICCBS is one of most decorated institutions of Pakistan which will continue its efforts for cooperation in the field of S&T.

Speaking to the audience. Mr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology added that “The Ministry of Science and Technology proudly announces the successful return of seeds sent to space by Pakistani and Chinese scientists in collaboration with the China Manned Space Agency. We appreciate their efforts and look forward to continued partnerships in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The Ministry remains committed to supporting the growth and development of our scientists.”

Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation Prof. Dr. Shahid Baig said that PSF boosts coordination among S&T institutions. Support from Chinese institutions leads to stronger strategic and academic infrastructure in Pakistan. PSF serves as a key tool for socio-economic development.”

It is the first time that Pakistani seeds including Trigonella foenum-graecum ( Methi), Lawsonia inermis ( Mehndi), Moringa Olefera ( Sohanjna), Withania somnifera ( ashwagandha), Tribulus Terrestris ( Gokhroo), Gossypium arboretum (Mughal punta dana) and Caesalpinia bonducella ( Kuranjwa) travel to space and sojourned there for six months in a special environment consisting of microgravity and cosmic radiations. This space mutagenesis for crop improvement project is a mind-blowing research work that will not only provide enormous opportunities for further research on other planets but also make plant cultivation easier in harsh weather conditions e.g drought, and floods caused by global warming. Cultivation of medicinal plants is still at the initial stage in Pakistan so this project is a milestone in the development of Pakistani medicinal plants, drug discovery, and clinical trials. The scientists who contributed to the project included Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Prof. Dr. Atia tul Wahab, Dr. Yan Wang, Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, Prof. Dr. Ahsana Dar Tariq, and Prof. Dr. Ghazala. H. Rizwani.