PAEC chief for world cooperation in science, technology.

ISLAMABAD -- Chairman of the PakisAtan Atomic Energy CommAission (PAEC) Dr Raja Ali Raza has emphasised the need for maximising international cooperation in all spheres of science and technology, saying building bridges to the world's scientific community will help transform the country into a developed society.

Speaking at the annual 'International Nathiagali Summer College on Physics and Contemporary Needs', which started on Monday, the PAEC chairman said the increasing level of interaction with foreign research and development institutions will lead to acceleration in the process of transforming Pakistan into a dynamic hub for science and technology.

In this regard, he mentioned the ongoing cooperation with the European OrganisaAtion for Nuclear Research (CERN), Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (AS-ICTP), the International AtoAmic Energy Agency (IAEA), Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), and the SyncAhArotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME).

The PAEC chairman expressed the hope that collaboration with these institutes would continue to grow for the nation's benefit and foster the growth of science and technology. Dr Raza urged the youth to pursue scientific knowledge to become useful, productive and rational citizens of a modern Pakistan.

'It is our duty to introduce young people to the challenges of the modern world, besides providing an ample opportunity to grow so they can serve the nation to the best of their capabilities.'

The PAEC, he added, is engaged in multi-disciplinary programmes. About electricity generation, Dr Raza said four nuclear power plants at Chashma were contributing 1330MW and two power plants in Karachi were providing 2200MW to the national grid.

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