Punjab government will promote cooperation with SUPARCO : Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that use of space technology is of utmost importance for socio-economic development of the country. He said that satellite remote sensing and GIS applications can help improve various sectors. He said that SUPARCO has made tremendous progress in satellite engineering and space technology applications during the last few years and application of space technology for the improvement of different sectors is highly beneficial and commendable. He said that Punjab government is fully benefiting from modern technology in different sectors and cooperation with SUPARCO will be further promoted.

He expressed these views during a briefing meeting on the occasion of his visit to Satellite Research and Development Center, SUPARCO, here today. Provincial Ministers Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Col.(R) Shuja Khanzada, Chief Secretary, Inspector General Police and Secretary Home were also present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister was given a detailed briefing regarding the use of space technology for socio-economic development. He expressed keen interest in the use of space technology in agriculture, urban planning, forestry and other sectors.

Shahbaz Sharif said that use of modern technology is of paramount importance for speedy development and socio-economic stability of the country.He said that Punjab government is fully benefitting from modern technology for the capacity-building of government departments. He said that whether it is war against dengue, monitoring of Ramazan bazaars, public health programme or educational reforms, the government is taking full benefit of modern technology. He said that use of modern technology in land record computerization programme is a good example in this regard.

The Chief Minister commended the efforts of SUPARCO towards utilization of space technology in economic development of the country. He said that Punjab government is also interested in applying space technology in agriculture, hydrology, urban development, forestry and environmental management and cooperation with SUPARCO will be further promoted for this purpose.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the efforts of SUPARCO regarding satellite remote sensing and GIS applications in geology, mining, urban & rural development, education, health and different sectors and said that this technology is directly linked with economic development of the country. He said that mutual cooperation between Punjab government and SUPARCO will be further promoted for accelerating the pace of socio-economic development. He said that though Punjab Information Technology Board and SUPARCO are already cooperating in different sectors, however, there is a need for further cooperation between SUPARCO and different institutions of Punjab for socio-economic development of the province.

Shahbaz Sharif said E-governance has been promoted in the province and Punjab Information Technology Board and SUPARCO can collaborate for fully benefiting from this initiative of the Punjab government so that the pace of economic and social uplift could be accelerated in the province.

The Chief Minister also visited Satellite Research and Development Center and integrated assembled hall and witnessed the use of space technology. He also recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book.