The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has asked for Rs 10 billion to fund 38 projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for 2026-27. This includes 19 ongoing projects and 19 new ones to boost research, innovation, and technology in the country.
During a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology on Tuesday, chaired by Sadiq Iftikhar, senior officials presented the ministry’s PSDP proposals. They highlighted that Rs 7.7 billion would be allocated to ongoing projects, while Rs 2.7 billion is required for new initiatives.
Among its ongoing projects, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) is now in the third year of its Chip Design Centre project and is also building a Surface Engineering Centre to support research in advanced materials. The Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) has asked for funding for three current research projects and plans to expand its STEM education program to all districts, aiming to nurture young talent.
Officials also said that the Pakistan Museum of Natural History is being expanded and should be finished by June 2026. However, the Federal Secretary for Science and Technology pointed out that the ministry’s development budget was cut by Rs 700 million this year. The committee warned that reducing funds at a time when research is so important could slow the country’s progress.
Sadiq Iftikhar emphasized that research and development forms the backbone of national growth and assured that the committee would advocate for higher budget allocations in the upcoming fiscal plan.
