ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Science and Technology has proposed an allocation of Rs10 billion to fund 38 development projects aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s research and innovation landscape, official sources said on Tuesday.
The proposed funding, submitted for consideration in the upcoming federal budget, targets initiatives spanning emerging technologies, industrial research, digital transformation, and capacity building in scientific institutions.
According to officials, the move is part of a broader strategy to enhance technological self-reliance, improve industrial competitiveness, and accelerate knowledge-based economic growth. The projects are expected to support research infrastructure, promote public-private partnerships, and foster innovation in priority sectors.
The ministry has emphasised the need for sustained investment in science and technology to address structural economic challenges and reduce dependence on imports. “Strategic investment in research and innovation is critical for long-term economic stability and sustainable development,” a senior official said.
Budgetary approval, however, will depend on overall fiscal space and competing development priorities as the government navigates economic pressures. If cleared, the Rs10 billion package could mark a significant step towards revitalising Pakistan’s scientific ecosystem and advancing its digital transformation agenda.
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