“The Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST) Bill, 2016” was unanimously passed in National Assembly (NA) on November 21, 2016.
The 25 clause bill was then moved to the House by Zahid Hamid, Minister for Law and Justice. He said:
“This organization will provide a forum for coordination of science and technology with national and international agencies and identification of priority subjects with reference to their bearing on socio-economic development and national security.
Pakistan Council for Science and Technology is involved in policy making, planning, and implementation and carrying out policy studies”
What are the objectives of PCST?
PCST acts as an independent forum of senior and eminent scientists and technologists of the country and to act as a “Think Tank” to the Federal Government on policies and problems of national importance in respect of science and technology. It carries out strategic planning of R&D, evaluation of scientific research and encourage consultancy services for scientists and technologists.
The Council is an autonomous organization working under the umbrella of the Ministry of Science and Technology Minister for Science and Technology acts as President of the Council. The members of the Council are heads of major research organizations, representatives of all four provinces, Chief Scientist nominated by the Ministry of Defence, President, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industries and five leading scientists and technologists appointed by the Government. Total membership of the Council, including its Chairperson, is 27.
Zahid Hamid further told the House that PCST was established through resolution and that it is mandatory for it to advise government on science and technology related issues on national level.
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Think tanks are all very well, but they are no substitute for Act Tanks. The latter are what are needed most in Pakistan.