Thu Sep 12 10:36:57 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Approves Funding for Major Development Projects, Including National Center for Manufacturing and Bayt-ul-Hikmah Initiative

**Islamabad, Pakistan –** The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved a substantial budget for several key development projects aimed at boosting Pakistan’s scientific and technological capabilities.

The most significant allocation is Rs 4,289.88 million for the establishment of the **National Center for Manufacturing**, with a foreign exchange component of Rs 2,901.25 million. The project, expected to be completed by June 30, 2027, will be crucial in advancing Pakistan’s manufacturing sector. Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, emphasized the project’s strategic importance, stating it will play a vital role in bolstering the country’s manufacturing capabilities.

The CDWP also approved Rs 485.998 million for the **Bayt-ul-Hikmah project** at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML). This initiative aims to establish Pakistan as a global knowledge hub by facilitating the translation of world-class books into local languages and vice versa. Minister Iqbal has instructed the formation of a steering committee to select key books for translation and identify suitable talent to undertake the task.

Progress on the **China-Pakistan Joint Research Centre (CPJR) on Earth Sciences** at Quaid-e-Azam University and the **Dr. A.Q. Khan Institute of Materials and Emerging Sciences** was also reviewed. Minister Iqbal highlighted the critical role of material sciences in shaping future production technologies, emphasizing the need for a leading expert in the field to guide the Dr. A.Q. Khan Institute project. He stressed the importance of aligning the project with global standards to ensure its success.

Furthermore, the CDWP discussed the **Quality Assurance Framework for Higher Education in Pakistan**, with Minister Iqbal calling for enhanced regulation of academic departments to improve the performance of higher education institutions. He directed the preparation of a performance audit roadmap for universities, focusing on areas such as academic quality, research, innovation, and graduate employability.

The meeting also inquired about the progress on establishing **nine Seerat Chairs** across Pakistani universities. Minister Iqbal emphasized that these positions should be filled with internationally recognized Islamic scholars and urged the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to expedite the process.

These approved projects demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to investing in scientific development, technological advancement, and knowledge-based economic growth. The government’s focus on establishing world-class research centers and strengthening its higher education system signals a concerted effort to position Pakistan as a leader in innovation and knowledge creation.

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