What prevents Pakistan from making big advances in science and technology?

[Savak]

Not sure why Pakistan is being pinpointed. What has the Arab World done or achieved with all their oil wealth?

 

[Syed1]

Not sure why Pakistan is being pinpointed. What has the Arab World done or achieved with all their oil wealth?

Even richer and several times more advanced countries like Turkey, Japan and Korea haven't whole heartedly ventured in space.

 

[Varun]

Not sure why Pakistan is being pinpointed. What has the Arab World done or achieved with all their oil wealth?

Zero. But we have a consensus that they are a bundle of dullards. Pakistan is not / should not be one among them.

Even richer and several times more advanced countries like Turkey, Japan and Korea haven't whole heartedly ventured in space.

Not sure if serious. Japan has been developing rockets since the 1960s. They are part of the International Space Station team, have a network of civilian and military satellites in orbit and are also putting together a mission to the Moon and Mars.

 

[Syed1]

Zero. But we have a consensus that they are a bundle of dullards. Pakistan is not / should not be one among them.



Not sure if serious. Japan has been developing rockets since the 1960s. They are part of the International Space Station team, have a network of civilian and military satellites in orbit and are also putting together a mission to the Moon and Mars.

Read my full post, specially the whole heartedly ventured in space part. Even Pak has indigenously developed civilian and military satellites in space, I meant missions to moon and beyond. If Japan indeed have missions planned as you say, then its about time for such an advanced country.

 

[barah_admi]

Pakistan? What about 99% of the world ?

And is this really in response to India's ridiculous and hilarious , foreign funded and created space programme.

Some of you should read more, and I dont say this to be flippant or offensive but knee jerk reactions like this are, in all honesty, lacking in intellectual development.

In fact, Pakistani scientists have made several advancements in the world of surgery, physics etc.

 

[Mamoon]

Chowkidaar Shri Mamoon Ji.... since you have done the usual and stepped out of your auqaat and claimed to have knowledge of things which you know nothing off, I'll take this opportunity to school you a little. So sit down son, school is in session.


Before I start, let me give a pre-cursor that I have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and Masters in Computer Engineering from two different universities both of which are in the top 40 in the world (Masters one is in top 20). So unlike you, I know what I'm talking about.


A spacecraft is a complex device and it needs a multifaceted approach, there isn't one field that teaches a student the ins and outs of spacecraft development and deployment. Look up the qualifications of NASA scientists and their degrees will range from computer science, electrical/mechanical engineering, physics, maths heck some even have non-technical background. Since you singled out Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering as two useless qualifications for a space scientist, I'll give you a brief understanding off how each contributes to the design and development.


Mechanical Engineers are taught the very minute basics of 3D modelling, manufacturing of machines and equipment with tight tolerances, thermo and fluid dynamics, heat transfer and stress etc. A mechanical engineer at NASA would be responsible for modelling out the structure of a spacecraft such that it can take the stresses, trials and tribulations of space travel. The design will be such that the body is as compact as possible and as light as possible but still able to carry all essential on-board equipment. The actual layout of onboard equipment will also be carried out by mechanical engineers. Then the amount of thrust and propulsion needed, amount of heat the surface of the craft can bare etc all fall under the ambit of requirements of mechanical engineer at NASA. The actual manufacturing of the parts and assemblies of a spacecraft will be overseen by mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineering is a subset of mechanical engineering, bet you didn't know that Mr. Expert.


Now coming to Computer Science, this is an easy one and does not need a long explanation. A spacecraft has thousands, no millions of line of code on the dozens of onboard computers that are monitoring and controlling every single aspect of the spacecraft. Typically this programming is performed by people from a Computer Science background.

A space mission usually is split into multiple teams such as propulsion, structural, power, trajectory etc, each having a lead engineer/scientist and multiple people/teams under them. On top of these leads there is typically one person who might be a very senior engineer/scientist who acts as a project manager and does not necessarily need to know the nitty gritty of every tiny detail. He/she manages resources, timelines and mission goals/outcomes, and yes they can have mechanical engineering or computer science background.


So Shri Mamoon Ji, a medical doctor from Peshawar who chills on his easy government job, my advice to you is that do not talk about things you have very limited knowledge off.

Please don’t bore my pants off with your nerd talk. I am not interested in knowing more about the workings of aerospace.

A bachelor’s degree is nothing impressive. It’s the bare minimum qualification in a world where people go onto have master’s and doctorates in their respective fields.

It is the equivalent of an MBBS degree which is not enough, and certainly not adequate to land an “easy government job”. You need to have a specialization for it.

Obviously you can’t only employ doctorates in your space program, but when your consistently employ chairmen with bachelor’s degree and that too on military quota, it clearly exposes the credibility of your program.

SUPARCO is rubbish and it is not surprising why. If it continues to hire people with bachelor’s degree, that too from a military background, it will not go anywhere.

It is not surprising that SUPARCO’s most fruitful era was under the tutelage of a PhD from a non-military background.

 

[topspin]

Chowkidaar Shri Mamoon Ji.... since you have done the usual and stepped out of your auqaat and claimed to have knowledge of things which you know nothing off, I'll take this opportunity to school you a little. So sit down son, school is in session.


Before I start, let me give a pre-cursor that I have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and Masters in Computer Engineering from two different universities both of which are in the top 40 in the world (Masters one is in top 20). So unlike you, I know what I'm talking about.


A spacecraft is a complex device and it needs a multifaceted approach, there isn't one field that teaches a student the ins and outs of spacecraft development and deployment. Look up the qualifications of NASA scientists and their degrees will range from computer science, electrical/mechanical engineering, physics, maths heck some even have non-technical background. Since you singled out Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering as two useless qualifications for a space scientist, I'll give you a brief understanding off how each contributes to the design and development.


Mechanical Engineers are taught the very minute basics of 3D modelling, manufacturing of machines and equipment with tight tolerances, thermo and fluid dynamics, heat transfer and stress etc. A mechanical engineer at NASA would be responsible for modelling out the structure of a spacecraft such that it can take the stresses, trials and tribulations of space travel. The design will be such that the body is as compact as possible and as light as possible but still able to carry all essential on-board equipment. The actual layout of onboard equipment will also be carried out by mechanical engineers. Then the amount of thrust and propulsion needed, amount of heat the surface of the craft can bare etc all fall under the ambit of requirements of mechanical engineer at NASA. The actual manufacturing of the parts and assemblies of a spacecraft will be overseen by mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineering is a subset of mechanical engineering, bet you didn't know that Mr. Expert.


Now coming to Computer Science, this is an easy one and does not need a long explanation. A spacecraft has thousands, no millions of line of code on the dozens of onboard computers that are monitoring and controlling every single aspect of the spacecraft. Typically this programming is performed by people from a Computer Science background.

A space mission usually is split into multiple teams such as propulsion, structural, power, trajectory etc, each having a lead engineer/scientist and multiple people/teams under them. On top of these leads there is typically one person who might be a very senior engineer/scientist who acts as a project manager and does not necessarily need to know the nitty gritty of every tiny detail. He/she manages resources, timelines and mission goals/outcomes, and yes they can have mechanical engineering or computer science background.


So Shri Mamoon Ji, a medical doctor from Peshawar who chills on his easy government job, my advice to you is that do not talk about things you have very limited knowledge off.

POTW - my dad is a mechanical engineer and he goes Syed is right. [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] I'm sorry to say, but for now stick to your patients please.

 

[topspin]

The problem with the orthodox approach is that you are limited by the boundaries of Islam, and there is very little scope for scientific research and development if you confine yourself with religious boundaries. The reason why the Mutazilahs were successful was because they had no problem in rejecting the aspects of religion that they couldn’t reconcile with scientific discoveries.

Orthodox Muslims cannot do that because they perceive it as meddling with God’s business. They are enslaved to the beliefs that have been imposed on them because they do not want to accept something that defies religion. For example, in spite of the vast evidence of evolution, they still believe that it is not a fact because it is not backed by their religious believes.

You cannot be an orthodox Muslim if you trust science. You have to make a compromise at some point, and whether that compromise is science-oriented or religion-oriented determines whether you are orthodox or unorthodox.

I'm not interesting with how some so-called "orthodox Muslims" over the course of history incorrectly applied Islam.

I want to know from Islamic sources which prove your claims. I have already given you two from Prophet (SAW) that comprehensively debunks what you said.

As for evolution you do realise for e.g. in USA, there are many non-religious scientists/professors etc who disapprove it and have been awarded PhDs in respect of their findings on evolution. I believe in theory it is possible but whether it leads to speciation is far from conclusive.

 

[topspin]

To make your I think you should give context. You know how the Islamaphobes take everything out of context, so I wouldn’t want you to do the same.

The context would be what he meant by knowledge and the context of which he suggested you go as far as China.

You're clutching at straws because it's clear Prophet (SAW) is not referring to Islamic matters when he mentions the need to go China (if necessary).

 

[miandadrules]

You're clutching at straws because it's clear Prophet (SAW) is not referring to Islamic matters when he mentions the need to go China (if necessary).

I’m sorry? Asking for context is clutching at straws?

I’m sure you think asking for context is clutching at straws when verses in the Quran are used to highlight apparent justification for human rights abuses.

It’s ok, I’ll wait for you to provide context.

 

[topspin]

I’m sorry? Asking for context is clutching at straws?

I’m sure you think asking for context is clutching at straws when verses in the Quran are used to highlight apparent justification for human rights abuses.

It’s ok, I’ll wait for you to provide context.

I've made it clear what the context is. During the time of the Prophet, China was the centre of learning and knowledge, hence why he said go as far China if needed to acquire knowledge. If that's too hard to understand, I suggest booking an appointment for your learning difficulties.

You're just getting your knickers in a twist because what the Prophet (PBUH) preaches goes against your narrative i.e. "that Islam is an evil religion that justifies human rights abuses". But anyway nice attempt to derail this thread with your middle paragraph.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I've made it clear what the context is. During the time of the Prophet, China was the centre of learning and knowledge, hence why he said go as far China if needed to acquire knowledge. If that's too hard to understand, I suggest booking an appointment for your learning difficulties.

You're just getting your knickers in a twist because what the Prophet (PBUH) preaches goes against your narrative i.e. "that Islam is an evil religion that justifies human rights abuses". But anyway nice attempt to derail this thread with your middle paragraph.

Spot on and its simple to understand.

on topic. Pakistan should worry about security and welfare of it's people before spending masses of money on new technologies unless they improve the lives of the people.

 

[miandadrules]

I've made it clear what the context is. During the time of the Prophet, China was the centre of learning and knowledge, hence why he said go as far China if needed to acquire knowledge. If that's too hard to understand, I suggest booking an appointment for your learning difficulties.

You're just getting your knickers in a twist because what the Prophet (PBUH) preaches goes against your narrative i.e. "that Islam is an evil religion that justifies human rights abuses". But anyway nice attempt to derail this thread with your middle paragraph.

That’s no context.

Seek knowledge for what purpose?

What did he say about knowledge with contradicts the islamic narrative?

That’s context.

I’ll wait for your response.

P.s. you’ve already proved my point in your post to Mamoon.

 

[topspin]

That’s no context.

Seek knowledge for what purpose?

What did he say about knowledge with contradicts the islamic narrative?

That’s context.

I’ll wait for your response.

P.s. you’ve already proved my point in your post to Mamoon.

So please book your appointment as per my last post.

 

[topspin]

Spot on and its simple to understand.

on topic. Pakistan should worry about security and welfare of it's people before spending masses of money on new technologies unless they improve the lives of the people.

Yes indeed, even a 10 year old can understand it.

Also I agree with emphasis on security and welfare as the priority for Pakistan at present.

 

[miandadrules]

So please book your appointment as per my last post.

I will do.

Thank you for not providing the simplest of explanations.

You’re a credit to your belief system.

If you ever change your mind please comeback and post it for all to see.

Also, you should actual define what he meant by “knowledge”.

Look forward to reading your detailed response.

 

[RajBan]

Pakistan has no obsession with India whatsoever. Definitely not hatred as such. Once India give us Kashmiris our rights and freedom then Pakistan will in your words move on. Once India stops the hatred mob lynchings, abuse and torture of Muslims and Kashmiris then maybe Pakistan will give India and Indians more respect.


Kashmiri only belongs to the people of Kashmir and no other country. If India want peace sincerely then let Kashmiris decide their own future in a referendum and resolve this matter once and for all.

Oh another thing, India is only good at blaming Pakistan and using the terrorist card when it’s actually their own army, government and even media. Retaliation, fighting for freedom and fighting back and defending against brutality of armed Zinfian occupation is definitely not terrorism. As was not terrorism when Indians apart from Gandhi took up violence to fight for freedom from the British Empire all them years ago,

Yet Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims who have a different view are marginalized and have no space in Kashmir.

 

[Arsal_AK]

I'm not interesting with how some so-called "orthodox Muslims" over the course of history incorrectly applied Islam.

I want to know from Islamic sources which prove your claims. I have already given you two from Prophet (SAW) that comprehensively debunks what you said.

As for evolution you do realise for e.g. in USA, there are many non-religious scientists/professors etc who disapprove it and have been awarded PhDs in respect of their findings on evolution. I believe in theory it is possible but whether it leads to speciation is far from conclusive.

Share the links to these papers which have disproved evolution. I would love to see how they show that one of the most well tested theory we have ever produced is wrong. And how do they get around the mountain of evidence it has in it's support.

Lastly what alternative theory do they suggest which can come even remotely close to the sheer predictive power of the current theory we have.

Finally if someone can conclusively prove that a theory is wrong, then it is wrong. That is the wonderful thing about science, all you need is to find one counter example, one prediction that is wrong, one example that doesn't fit the data.

It safe to say that hasn't happened yet for evolution which again goes to show just how good a theory it is.

 

[pillionrider]

As for evolution you do realise for e.g. in USA, there are many non-religious scientists/professors etc who disapprove it and have been awarded PhDs in respect of their findings on evolution.

Share the links to these papers which have disproved evolution. I would love to see how they show that one of the most well tested theory we have ever produced is wrong. And how do they get around the mountain of evidence it has in it's support.

The problem is sensationalist titles like "Darwin was WRONG" in scientific journals. If you actually read these publications it's usually about how modern science and technology has been able to unearth things that go against the way evolution works as described by Darwin. For eg: some time back it came out that changes did not necessarily have to always happen in slow incremental ways as proposed by Darwin.

Religious folk grab these headlines and strut them. Their meek admirers take their teacher's words as truth (as they are used to doing so) and charge online feeling energized by the spirit of their Lord.

 

[Mamoon]

POTW - my dad is a mechanical engineer and he goes Syed is right. [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] I'm sorry to say, but for now stick to your patients please.

I am convinced that your father did not get into engineering on a military quota after getting C grades in school, and if he did, I don’t think he would be a good fit to work on a space program, where you need the most brilliant minds of the country and not average students who had to use the military as a springboard.

 

[Mamoon]

I'm not interesting with how some so-called "orthodox Muslims" over the course of history incorrectly applied Islam.

I want to know from Islamic sources which prove your claims. I have already given you two from Prophet (SAW) that comprehensively debunks what you said.

As for evolution you do realise for e.g. in USA, there are many non-religious scientists/professors etc who disapprove it and have been awarded PhDs in respect of their findings on evolution. I believe in theory it is possible but whether it leads to speciation is far from conclusive.

No one has “disproved” evolution because you cannot disprove a fact. Like many other Muslims, you are confusing disagreements over the various theories of evolution with disagreements over evolution itself.

You can believe in Darwinism, Lamarckism, Mutation theory or Neo-Darwinism, but at the end of the day, you have to believe in evolution. The problem with the orthodox approach is that it outright denies the existence of evolution and every theory that backs it up because it contradicts religion.

The problem with the go to China hadees is that it is very vague. Why go to China and for what? It can be interpreted in any way you like based on what you believe in. Islamic scriptures have not explicitly banned scientific research but they have also not supported it, and this lack of support is perhaps the biggest reason why orthodox Muslims have always contributed zilch to the scientific world.

 

[Slim]

I would say that theres not lack of financial resources when ISRO's space program has costed a lot less than KPK government's single BRT project.

 

[topspin]

I am convinced that your father did not get into engineering on a military quota after getting C grades in school, and if he did, I don’t think he would be a good fit to work on a space program, where you need the most brilliant minds of the country and not average students who had to use the military as a springboard.

My father has a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and PhD in Computer Science - he took exception to the fact that you disregarded the role of Non-Astrophysicist engineers and scientists for a space program.

Look I agree those chairmen are not sufficiently qualified but to for you to agree on Major that they have no academic background whatsoever is incorrect.

 

[Lonewarrior]

people who are blaming religion are fools . govts are accountable to not create environment for students.

 

[Ram Shekhar]

Pakistan's population should be better than India, ideally, as they were the ones who ruled over us for 10 centuries! Definitely they represent a superior race. But greedy politicians have set back Pakistan by 10 years at least. Pakistan has equally good if not better intellectual abilities. India's huge population means there are some exceptions like ISRO and others and they get highlighted by us like no tomorrow. Hence you get a feel like this. Otherwise, from whatever I've seen, India lags behind Pakistan in many aspects like HDI, etc. Economy should be the next target of Pakistan. With Imran, I'm sure Pakistan is stepping in the right direction now.

 

[JaDed]

Pakistan's population should be better than India, ideally, as they were the ones who ruled over us for 10 centuries! Definitely they represent a superior race. But greedy politicians have set back Pakistan by 10 years at least. Pakistan has equally good if not better intellectual abilities. India's huge population means there are some exceptions like ISRO and others and they get highlighted by us like no tomorrow. Hence you get a feel like this. Otherwise, from whatever I've seen, India lags behind Pakistan in many aspects like HDI, etc. Economy should be the next target of Pakistan. With Imran, I'm sure Pakistan is stepping in the right direction now.

Spoken like a true Indian.

 

[Manager101]

Spoken like a true Indian.

He needs lots of training by Mamoon to get better in disguise.

 

[Syed1]

Pakistan's population should be better than India, ideally, as they were the ones who ruled over us for 10 centuries! Definitely they represent a superior race. But greedy politicians have set back Pakistan by 10 years at least. Pakistan has equally good if not better intellectual abilities. India's huge population means there are some exceptions like ISRO and others and they get highlighted by us like no tomorrow. Hence you get a feel like this. Otherwise, from whatever I've seen, India lags behind Pakistan in many aspects like HDI, etc. Economy should be the next target of Pakistan. With Imran, I'm sure Pakistan is stepping in the right direction now.

Even I'm now getting skeptical of you being Indian. Don't be like Shri Mamoon Ji.

 

[Major]

people who are blaming religion are fools . govts are accountable to not create environment for students.

Because you think religion is just praying 5 times a day.

Religion is a social institution which shapes the societies thinking.
There was a thread made on this forum which discussed why jews were succesful, and [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] gave a very good indepth reply where told how rabbis promote seeking knowledge.

You see, in pakistan to create mujahideens even, never once has someone said to fight the war for a patriotic pakistan cause, but to fight a war in the name of Allah.

Religion ia more than having a belief in god. You influence thinking through religion

 

[Pakpak]

Even I'm now getting skeptical of you being Indian. Don't be like Shri Mamoon Ji.

Yup he's a poor troll.

 

[Pakpak]

The problem is sensationalist titles like "Darwin was WRONG" in scientific journals. If you actually read these publications it's usually about how modern science and technology has been able to unearth things that go against the way evolution works as described by Darwin. For eg: some time back it came out that changes did not necessarily have to always happen in slow incremental ways as proposed by Darwin.

Religious folk grab these headlines and strut them. Their meek admirers take their teacher's words as truth (as they are used to doing so) and charge online feeling energized by the spirit of their Lord.

Just to add. It doesn't matter what Darwin said or didn't say. What matters is since then, after a century, we have proved his claims. I don't know why certain people have to go back 2 centuries to disprove science while completely ignoring the evidence of today. The theory of evolution isn't dependent on Darwin anymore. It's tried and tested and stands firm on its own merits.

I hope topspin doesn't quote me. He's also on my ignore list. No point debating failed causes.

 

[Pakpak]

On topic. It's more to do with the fact that our focus on education and sciences have lagged due to poor development and planning. A lack of planning. Religion hasn't played that big a part in it.

 

[Major]

Just to add. It doesn't matter what Darwin said or didn't say. What matters is since then, after a century, we have proved his claims. I don't know why certain people have to go back 2 centuries to disprove science while completely ignoring the evidence of today. The theory of evolution isn't dependent on Darwin anymore. It's tried and tested and stands firm on its own merits.

I hope topspin doesn't quote me. He's also on my ignore list. No point debating failed causes.

One interesting thing that i read about darwins theory of evolution which i dont know was true or not was that till 18th century even muslims believed in evolution but it was the scholors in 19th century that made the muslims become anti.

I got interested in this topic after a lecturer at in uni started bashing darwin and said how his theory was flawed. About 90% of students also sided with him.

I think its such small examples that shows the thinking of our people.

I searched up a muslim female professor in jordan who backed the theory of evolution with islam, she emailed me a publication which im yet to read

 

[JaDed]

Majority of Pakistanis are Punjabi, we are not necessarily known to have a scientific culture.
War, Sports, dancing, singing ,fashion designing , philosophy, drugs are our forte..

Ofcourse there are exceptions but research on science and tech is culture oriented if not supported by govn.

 

[Syed1]

Majority of Pakistanis are Punjabi, we are not necessarily known to have a scientific culture.
War, Sports, dancing, singing ,fashion designing , philosophy, drugs are our forte..

Ofcourse there are exceptions but research on science and tech is culture oriented if not supported by govn.

There is no correlation between ethnicity and brain power. The only science Nobel laureate from Pakistan, Abdus Salam, was a Punjabi.

 

[AdamM97]

Majority of Pakistanis are Punjabi, we are not necessarily known to have a scientific culture.
War, Sports, dancing, singing ,fashion designing , philosophy, drugs are our forte..

Ofcourse there are exceptions but research on science and tech is culture oriented if not supported by govn.

Just like how Gujaratis and Sindhis are known for being "business savvy". I read somewhere that all of the 5 richest Indians are Gujaratis.

 

[JaDed]

There is no correlation between ethnicity and brain power. The only science Nobel laureate from Pakistan, Abdus Salam, was a Punjabi.

True, its not correlated but ethnicity(Punjabi) in its own home grown area doesn’t do well as a ‘whole’ for research and development , also Mr. Salam’s father was an education minister and Mr.Salam published papers much earlier in age which showed he had the talent but looks where his growth occurred he wasn’t enabled by the culture of research if anything he excelled despite it.

To setup R and D in science etc there needs to be a culture which nurtures and respects these people, Punjabis as such might be entrepreneurial but majority are not into science with few major exceptions.

A single person cannot create a laboratory but a culture of R and D can do wonders.

Look at Sweden for example, a collection of few people enabled Alfred Nobel in later years (including his father) allowing him to do wonders, if he was an Indian/Pakistani in 60s at best he would be an individual that achieved what Ramnujan or Salam did.

 

[JaDed]

Just like how Gujaratis and Sindhis are known for being "business savvy". I read somewhere that all of the 5 richest Indians are Gujaratis.

I think that atleast, in India parents that are from South or Bengal would be proud that their child is doing PHD, but Punjabi and Gujaratis would be like ‘puttar kab tak padte jaoge’.

 

[cric_man]

Bachelors..


Forget phd none of them had done masters

I manage a team of super smart PhDs with Stats/Engg/Machine Learning experience. In most cases they are making 2-3x more than me but they report under me. I do not have a PhD in stats or advance mathematics or economics. I have a ** Mechanical Engineering from NED in khi and MS in Information Systems from University of Minnesota. My job is not to code or build predictive models, rather to come up with a cohesive vision for my team (which I build after comprehensive discussing with all team members) that aligns with senior leadership's goals and vision for the company and then make sure that the said geniuses are not blocked by external conditions and are able to deliver on their projects.

Gist, if you have experience managing big organizations, you can deliver the goals set for your company. All the above gentlemen have engineering background, so will be able to understand what is required. If they had put a Maj Gen from Infantary or Armored Corp or AMC, I would have to have a pause.

 

[troodon]

Education and money.

 

[Kriketer]

Space exploration is a waste of space for countries where mass population is in dire need of basic necessities. Pakistan need to get rid of poverty and invest heavily in educations and infrastructure before getting into useless exploration which costs millions and where results heavily rely on ifs and buts and the unknown. Spend where it really helps a common man of your nation.

Give it what ever fancy terms, but a third world country which can't provide clean water to most its population and then talks about seeking water elsewhere is a joke. It's not hard for many first world countries to invest heavily in space, but they don't because they have their priorities right. It's funny a few Pakistani posters triggered that Pakistan doesn't have a space program as India. I would rather have Pakistan invest in what's needed at the moment, then useless explorations which other countries have already sort of achieved.

 

[MenInG]

Added a new option for the poll for Religion.

 

[Hitman]

Oh my God, should I publish my passport for everyone to see or what

Maybe I went overboard with my comment but the fact is we're all same people so there's no difference in the brains for sure. More to do with priorities of the politicians and collective economy.

Of course you can publish your green passport.

 

[miandadrules]

It’s unrealistic to try and pin down one causative factor for our intellectual decline.

It’s even more absurd to ignore factors that might make uncomfortable reading.

 

[JaDed]

Space exploration is a waste of space for countries where mass population is in dire need of basic necessities. Pakistan need to get rid of poverty and invest heavily in educations and infrastructure before getting into useless exploration which costs millions and where results heavily rely on ifs and buts and the unknown. Spend where it really helps a common man of your nation.

Give it what ever fancy terms, but a third world country which can't provide clean water to most its population and then talks about seeking water elsewhere is a joke. It's not hard for many first world countries to invest heavily in space, but they don't because they have their priorities right. It's funny a few Pakistani posters triggered that Pakistan doesn't have a space program as India. I would rather have Pakistan invest in what's needed at the moment, then useless explorations which other countries have already sort of achieved.

Don’t third world countries take loans for infrastructure development?

ISRO makes money unlike stupid statues etc it has a commercial arm and you should check out its revenue , google it.. tired of correcting posters on this and providing links.

This probably would is similar to argument made in 80s as to why India is investing in computers or automobile , and those are the two big job sectors now.

Your argument works only if India’s taxes are being utilized heavily to fund these projects but its not its a dual process, also look at what the future projects are in works for at ISRO and how they actually benefit India..

 

[Josh]

Lack of respect for local heroes like Abdus Salam and Hoodbhoy. They are kind of hounded by common public.

By the Iranian government is religious but in general Iranians (educated ones) are very much liberal. Much more than general public of South Asians.

 

[MenInG]

The only real reason in my view is that governments have never though farther than next 2 years - for space/tech you need a long term vision which sadly our leaders dont have.

I feel only Imran Khan has a vision for Pakistan and is motivated enough to make it happen or atleast put it on paper.

 

[Abdullah719]

Pakistan committed to send its first astronaut to space by 2022: Fawad

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Sunday said Pakistan was committed to send its first astronaut to space by 2022.

China would collaborate with Pakistan in its space mission, he said, adding the selection process for the astronaut would start in 2020, state-owned wire service quoted him as saying during an interview to a private news channel.

Initially, 50 persons would be selected and then the list would come down to 25 in 2022, out of them only one would be sent to space, he said.

The Pakistani Air Force, he said, would play an important role in the astronaut’s selection.

https://arynews.tv/en/pakistan-first-astronaut-space-2022-fawad/

 

[miandadrules]

The only real reason in my view is that governments have never though farther than next 2 years - for space/tech you need a long term vision which sadly our leaders dont have.

I feel only Imran Khan has a vision for Pakistan and is motivated enough to make it happen or atleast put it on paper.

We’ve certainly failed to cultivate a culture that encourages such endeavours.

We don’t need to explore space. We first need to develop the culture. The rest will follow suit.

You can’t implement an educational revolution if you’re changing governments or having military coups every other year.

 

[miandadrules]

The only real reason in my view is that governments have never though farther than next 2 years - for space/tech you need a long term vision which sadly our leaders dont have.

I feel only Imran Khan has a vision for Pakistan and is motivated enough to make it happen or atleast put it on paper.

The corrupting influence of feudal land lords and the extreme religious right are also very culpable.

 

[globalcitizen]

It’s the conflict of priority mainly.

At the moment even current generation seems to be obsessed with religion and non secular ways of living.

Secondly there is no inspirational figure in education or technology who can make the next generation to look at the world in a different perspective. When both these things happen, next generation of pakistan will be shining.

Thirdly it has to by firm leadership improve its global image and shed the terrorism stigma. Seems Pakistan is synonymous with word terrorism. Then only investments come in and can benefit the country. It feels sad as a neutral that no sporting or world events take place and people get frustrated and deprived of opportunities.

Unfortunately on the contrary it will take couple of generations to achieve this mindset and Pakistan get recognised.

 

[globalcitizen]

Pakistan committed to send its first astronaut to space by 2022: Fawad

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Sunday said Pakistan was committed to send its first astronaut to space by 2022.

China would collaborate with Pakistan in its space mission, he said, adding the selection process for the astronaut would start in 2020, state-owned wire service quoted him as saying during an interview to a private news channel.

Initially, 50 persons would be selected and then the list would come down to 25 in 2022, out of them only one would be sent to space, he said.

The Pakistani Air Force, he said, would play an important role in the astronaut’s selection.

https://arynews.tv/en/pakistan-first-astronaut-space-2022-fawad/

2 things are always common in everything Pakistan does. China and army!!!

 

[Napa]

Surely in the context of all of these ground ( yes pun intended) realities, exploring space, landing on the moon and Mars are luxuries these countries can ill afford and the same resources should be invested on addressing basic needs of people?

The US has also a serious poverty problem, for example there are a great number of homeless people in San Francisco. That doesn't prevent NASA from spending 10X times the money ISRO does.

The idea that poverty needs to be eliminated before money is spent on advanced technology research is wrong. Technology pays back multiple times whatever is spent on it. As [MENTION=137142]JaDed[/MENTION] points out, India already earns a lot of money from satellite launches.

If India doesn't develop technology, but keeps buying technology from Western countries, it will take much longer for it to eliminate poverty.

In fact why not set up a research lab to use the latest cutting edge science and technology to help clean up the waste on the streets of Karachi and modernise the sewage system?

Doing one doesn't stop the other from happening.

 

[ArendtFan]

These are some of the reasons why India has done well in science & technology - some of these may be applicable in comparison to Pakistan and some not.

- Pakistan probably did not have a good start in pursuing STEM like India did. Nehru was a technocrat at heart and India had the finest Education Minister in Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (his birth anniversary is celebrated as National Education Day). He believed that education was the birthright of every Indian child without which he / she would not be able to discharge duties as a citizen. This is now the RTE Act. He oversaw the start of the first IIT in 1951, set up the University Grants Commission and was the prime propagator of Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. The foundation of the Indian education system was laid during his time.

- The Parsi factor - the Tatas, Godrejs, Wadias were and are big philanthropists of education and have funded education trusts and built world class institutions. India and especially Mumbai & Jamshedpur owes a lot to the Parsi people.

- Industry support for education - it began with the Tatas who built schools for employees’ children and training institutes for employees’ continued education. Infosys Technologies built / donated IIM Bangalore’s first computer lab in the early 90s with about 400 PCs, high speed internet, a private-public drive - much before the internet was widely dispersed within India. Early on, IT biggies like Infosys, Wipro, TCS developed managers well-versed in computer technology by investing in tech infrastructure within educational institutions and then recruiting them in droves.

- Creamy layer from a huge population - the Indian Administrative Services, Public Sector units, industry positions are all manned by professionals who go through highly competitive exams and the ones who get through are the best among millions.

- South India and its obsession for engineering degrees - The South has always had a penchant for numbers and machines. It complemented well with their demure personalities that focused more on expertise than expression. Early NASA engineers and researchers at American universities were largely Tamil or Telugu and they left an impression of sincere, honest workers paving the way for the rest of India.

- Overarching examples of qualified leaders and bureaucrats like Abdul Kalam, PV Narsimha Rao, Manmohan Singh, Raghuram Rajan and the independence era Oxford / Cambridge educated lawyers - Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar, Motilal Nehru, Tilak, Lajpat Rai, Rajagopalachari, Bipin C Pal, C R Das, Saifuddin Kitchlew, Rajendra Prasad and many more - who collectively pushed through a strong, rational Constitution.

- The concept of deferred gratification - there is a saying in India that a family will sustain itself on one meal a day so that the children can be educated. Stories of children of rickshaw pullers, maids, peons etc. becoming rankers is a common occurrence. Education, thus becomes the main focus while indulgence is deferred, sometimes for a generation or two.

- Hinduism - its purest form encourages debate and rational thinking. The concept of Dharma (righteous living) strongly encourages pursuit of knowledge for self actualisation.

 

[Indiafan]

I think the answer is pretty clear from this thread. If you dont accept something as basic as evolution, something which is taught in middle school (class 5 onwards), how can there be any scientific curiosity or drive? You cannot pick and choose science or deny its basic tenets because it goes against your narrative

 

[Indiafan]

Space exploration is a waste of space for countries where mass population is in dire need of basic necessities. Pakistan need to get rid of poverty and invest heavily in educations and infrastructure before getting into useless exploration which costs millions and where results heavily rely on ifs and buts and the unknown. Spend where it really helps a common man of your nation.

Give it what ever fancy terms, but a third world country which can't provide clean water to most its population and then talks about seeking water elsewhere is a joke. It's not hard for many first world countries to invest heavily in space, but they don't because they have their priorities right. It's funny a few Pakistani posters triggered that Pakistan doesn't have a space program as India. I would rather have Pakistan invest in what's needed at the moment, then useless explorations which other countries have already sort of achieved.

I think this has been answered 100s of times and ignored each time because it goes against your narrative but...

India earns a 100 times more, 100s of millions through its space intiitave than it spends. Such ventures are an advertisement for our space agency which then takes money from other countries to launch their satellite etc. They then put some of the money back into these exploration and to pay scientists and put the major chunk back into the government funds

So India through its space programs earn 100 times more than they spend. Feel free to ignore again though

 

[kk1992]

people who are blaming religion are fools . govts are accountable to not create environment for students.

different kind of people in65 such threads.

1) Religion is the main cause because Pakistan is predominately a Muslim nation. simple answer is NO!.

2) Pakistani Army is the main problem, Pakistani army was a problem in 80's under Zia rule.

3) Past government did not invest in Human development but rather wasted money in optics politics, e.g Bridges, roads and etc while stealing millions and current government is also failing in human development due to lack of funds and the simple answer is, Yes!

One can get involve in debate but it is pointless and waste of time because people have already made up their mind to either blame Army of Pakistan and Islam (mostly Indians do that), or not blame the past government.

 

[imrankhannsu]

Brain Drain? Many guys leave and settle down in foreign countries

But apart from that I think its not enough money goes into scientific advancement and lack of real intent from the government.

 

[MenInG]

Interesting poll - time to ask quesion again.

 

[Junaids]

I would say three things.

Firstly, religious faith is the precise opposite of science. Any country which respects religion disrespects progress and makes itself backward. I’m in the USA right now, and the abortion nonsense in the Supreme Court is a perfect illustration of a country making itself backward by its religious fervour.

Secondly, Pakistan is an impoverished banana republic. When East Pakistan seceded in 1971, the rump nation we now call Pakistan had three times the wealth of Bangladesh.

Now Pakistan’s 225 million people have a GDP of $348 billion compared with Bangladesh’s 165 million people generating $397 billion.

That shows us two things. Pakistan maintained a degree of parity with India from 1947-1971 basically by freeloading off Bangladesh. As soon as they lost the goose that lay the golden eggs, Pakistan basically became Afghanistan.

Put differently, 225 million Pakistanis have 25% less money than 6 million Singaporeans. How can Pakistan imagine that they can be a global power in anything except a sport than only eight countries play properly?

Thirdly, apart from being too religious and too poor to progress, Pakistanis allow a ridiculous amount of power to be wielding by an army which the rest of the world laughs at as a war-losing machine which specialises in rape and murder. When you allow people like that to run the country, how can you possibly expect any other outcome rather than a prolonged slide down the global rankings?

Pakistan had one chance after 1947. It needed to be run along a Lee Kuan Yew model which prioritised education and stigmatised and repressed religion. But from the time that Zia-ul-Haq took power the only way is down.

 

[basitmian]

The answer is simple, the corruption and nepotism which is embedded in our culture and DNA prevents us from growth.

I believe having a strong faith and religion actually accelerates growth in a society.

Pakistan is unfortunately on a self deprecating path. Every person or sect or political party is out for themselves only and can’t look beyond themselves only. Until the society comes together to decide to do things that are done for common good and proper merit with justice for all, a country can’t grow in any field be it tech or manufacturing or agriculture.

 

[dildilpak]

I would say three things.

Firstly, religious faith is the precise opposite of science. Any country which respects religion disrespects progress and makes itself backward. I’m in the USA right now, and the abortion nonsense in the Supreme Court is a perfect illustration of a country making itself backward by its religious fervour.

Secondly, Pakistan is an impoverished banana republic. When East Pakistan seceded in 1971, the rump nation we now call Pakistan had three times the wealth of Bangladesh.

Now Pakistan’s 225 million people have a GDP of $348 billion compared with Bangladesh’s 165 million people generating $397 billion.

That shows us two things. Pakistan maintained a degree of parity with India from 1947-1971 basically by freeloading off Bangladesh. As soon as they lost the goose that lay the golden eggs, Pakistan basically became Afghanistan.

Put differently, 225 million Pakistanis have 25% less money than 6 million Singaporeans. How can Pakistan imagine that they can be a global power in anything except a sport than only eight countries play properly?

Thirdly, apart from being too religious and too poor to progress, Pakistanis allow a ridiculous amount of power to be wielding by an army which the rest of the world laughs at as a war-losing machine which specialises in rape and murder. When you allow people like that to run the country, how can you possibly expect any other outcome rather than a prolonged slide down the global rankings?

Pakistan had one chance after 1947. It needed to be run along a Lee Kuan Yew model which prioritised education and stigmatised and repressed religion. But from the time that Zia-ul-Haq took power the only way is down.

I agree with your points except one - Pakistan who came into existence on religious grounds could have never ever repressed its primary religion. Its best bet was to make itself somewhat secular (like it was under Jinnah), but then it went the other way.

But yeah giving religion & military too much importance is why Pakistan is where it is now.

 

[Clueless]

The answer is simple, the corruption and nepotism which is embedded in our culture and DNA prevents us from growth.

I believe having a strong faith and religion actually accelerates growth in a society.

Pakistan is unfortunately on a self deprecating path. Every person or sect or political party is out for themselves only and can’t look beyond themselves only. Until the society comes together to decide to do things that are done for common good and proper merit with justice for all, a country can’t grow in any field be it tech or manufacturing or agriculture.

Can you justify that with some good examples from modern times??
Religion is the very anti- thesis of scientific spirit of enquiry. Religions all over supposedly claim to have already discovered the "Ultimate answer" while science and technology strive for continuous improvement and gaining knowledge.

 

[Clueless]

Religion should remain a deeply personal experience only. When Religious dogmas permeate daily lives of society, general decay ensues.

 

[NishanKonar]

Its not religion. The issue is culture

In India its drilled into our heads from childhood that we must focus on maths and science , so that we can get admitted to a good engineering or medical school. That's the passport for a successful career and a upper class life style and income. Of course this has negative consequences like excessive academic pressure on students , peer pressure , less focus on sports and rote learning but the good thing is it allows India to produce a large pool of highly talent motivated STEM professionals. This has led to the IT and pharma boom in the last 20 years as well a successful space program. I doubt religion has any impact. Most Indians are deeply religious ( although not as much as Pakistanis )

I doubt Pakistan has that student culture in schools and colleges

 

[Romali_rotti]

One of the main culprits why Pakistan is going nowhere and will stay the same is because they have their head stuck in religion.

I keep saying the seeds have been sown decades ago and it will keep bearing its fruit, Pakistan in my opinion is a lost cause, they will just go the way they are with the odd/rare high and mostly negatives...

No one take Pakistan seriously in the international arena, will most probably live on bail outs till the end of time.. It is quite sad actually because from a genetic standpoint I believe both Indians/Pakistanis have the same potential...

It is too late for Pakistan...

 

[NishanKonar]

One of the main culprits why Pakistan is going nowhere and will stay the same is because they have their head stuck in religion.

I keep saying the seeds have been sown decades ago and it will keep bearing its fruit, Pakistan in my opinion is a lost cause, they will just go the way they are with the odd/rare high and mostly negatives...

No one take Pakistan seriously in the international arena, will most probably live on bail outs till the end of time.. It is quite sad actually because from a genetic standpoint I believe both Indians/Pakistanis have the same potential...

It is too late for Pakistan...

Its never too late for anything. But in Pakistan's case heavy debt and loan repayments mean little money available for building world class science institutes and laboratories to foster research and development

SO unless Pakistan get its economy sorted , there is little scope for scientific progress

One way out may be industrialists and landowners to fund construction of research institutes - something which many top business houses in India like Tatas and Birlas have done. Tatas built the IISc and TIFR ( 2 premiere research institutes ) while Birlas built BITS Pilani - a top tier tech university

 

[sjahmed23]

I think Pakistani universities like NUST, FAST, LUMS, GIK, Aga Khan, Dow, IBA produce the same type if not better talent when compared to indian IITs and equivalent. Albeit at a smaller scale so the talent and vision is there. I think what is missing is building institutions that deliver value and bring outside investments. India being a bigger market attracts all the fdi in South Asia so Pakistan needs to figure out how to carve out their own niche in a competitive market.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

I would say three things.

Firstly, religious faith is the precise opposite of science. Any country which respects religion disrespects progress and makes itself backward. I’m in the USA right now, and the abortion nonsense in the Supreme Court is a perfect illustration of a country making itself backward by its religious fervour.

European/White countries were way ahead of everyone else when their countries were religious. They colonized the entire world, had the industrial revolution when religion was still a huge part of their society. If tomorrow they become religious again they will still be ahead.

Unreligious countries in Latin/South America, Africa, etc are still way behind. What does that show us? Its not about religion, its about culture. This idea that if tomorrow Pakistan everyone becomes atheist then they will be prosperous is ludicrous. And is a result of a poor understanding of how western countries became so successful.

. I’m in the USA right now, and the abortion nonsense in the Supreme Court is a perfect illustration of a country making itself backward by its religious fervour.

The SC ruling simply wants the elected representatives to make a decision on abortion, and not the judiciary. Their is nothing stopping Congress from legalizing it. If Congress cant legalize it, then that means they don't have the votes. If they don't have the votes it means a substantial amount of people don't support it. That's how democracy works. Also nothing stopping individual states from legalizing it at the state level.

The job of the court is to interpret the law, not make the law. You trashed army dictatorship, why do you think a judicial dictatorships is better?

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Can you justify that with some good examples from modern times??
Religion is the very anti- thesis of scientific spirit of enquiry. Religions all over supposedly claim to have already discovered the "Ultimate answer" while science and technology strive for continuous improvement and gaining knowledge.

Europeans colonized the entire world when they were religious. They made so many advancements. They pretty much made the modern world. You want to take a shortcut. They are not religious right now, so ureka, just get rid of religion and we will be as advanced as them. Or maybe even ahead of them.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

I think Pakistani universities like NUST, FAST, LUMS, GIK, Aga Khan, Dow, IBA produce the same type if not better talent when compared to indian IITs and equivalent. Albeit at a smaller scale so the talent and vision is there. I think what is missing is building institutions that deliver value and bring outside investments. India being a bigger market attracts all the fdi in South Asia so Pakistan needs to figure out how to carve out their own niche in a competitive market.

You need capitalism for that. India was a basket case when they had socialist governments. They started prospering once they got rid of that.

Ultimately its not the government job to create jobs. The governments job is to create an environment where the private sector can thrive. You need low taxes, less regulations, a free market system. Instead in Pakistan you have governments wanting to run airlines, and steel mills. People make investments to make money.

Socialism is a disease. Pakistan under Bhutto's nationalization had its economy destroyed.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Its never too late for anything. But in Pakistan's case heavy debt and loan repayments mean little money available for building world class science institutes and laboratories to foster research and development

SO unless Pakistan get its economy sorted , there is little scope for scientific progress

One way out may be industrialists and landowners to fund construction of research institutes - something which many top business houses in India like Tatas and Birlas have done. Tatas built the IISc and TIFR ( 2 premiere research institutes ) while Birlas built BITS Pilani - a top tier tech university

Its not like Pakistan does not have decent universities. QS rakings for Pakistani universities are not bad for a developing country.

 

[NishanKonar]

Its not like Pakistan does not have decent universities. QS rakings for Pakistani universities are not bad for a developing country.

Pakistan has very few world class education institutes for a population of 230 million. Even India has less compared to Western standards but far better than say Pakistan or Bangladesh. In the USA I have noticed that institutes like IIT, IIM, TIFR, IISc , BARC , AIIMS are well known in academic circles. The only Pakistani collegesI am aware of is LUMS & NUST

India graduates 1 million engineering and science grads per year.. Pakistan graduates 20,000. That's very small for a country of 230 million. So Pakistan needs to build several new colleges and research institutes and produce more Ph Ds and engineers. But for that u need tons of money - which Pakistan do not have right now bcoz of debt obligations and economic slowdown. One way out will be to reduce defence expenditure to 2% of GDP ( general norm for developng nations ) but that's never going to happen as long as the Army dominates Pakistan politics

 

[Energy]

Pakistan has very few world class education institutes for a population of 230 million. Even India has less compared to Western standards but far better than say Pakistan or Bangladesh. In the USA I have noticed that institutes like IIT, IIM, TIFR, IISc , BARC , AIIMS are well known in academic circles. The only Pakistani collegesI am aware of is LUMS & NUST

India graduates 1 million engineering and science grads per year.. Pakistan graduates 20,000. That's very small for a country of 230 million. So Pakistan needs to build several new colleges and research institutes and produce more Ph Ds and engineers. But for that u need tons of money - which Pakistan do not have right now bcoz of debt obligations and economic slowdown. One way out will be to reduce defence expenditure to 2% of GDP ( general norm for developng nations ) but that's never going to happen as long as the Army dominates Pakistan politics

Aga Khan University for medical studies and COMSATS for IT also carry good reputation. Then there's GIK for engineering.

I agree with you though that the amount of stem graduates are too low, and that's not always due to economic crisis. The truth is that youth of the country aren't that interested in education as one would like to think. And therefore you have blame games all round on other factors and how they are preventing opportunities etc.

Yes, the institutions are politicized and the environment needs to improve in general, but that's only half the story. The other half is that people are not ambitious enough, are lazy, desperate to get married and reproduce, and are content with little things in life.

 

[NishanKonar]

Aga Khan University for medical studies and COMSATS for IT also carry good reputation. Then there's GIK for engineering.

I agree with you though that the amount of stem graduates are too low, and that's not always due to economic crisis. The truth is that youth of the country aren't that interested in education as one would like to think. And therefore you have blame games all round on other factors and how they are preventing opportunities etc.

Yes, the institutions are politicized and the environment needs to improve in general, but that's only half the story. The other half is that people are not ambitious enough, are lazy, desperate to get married and reproduce, and are content with little things in life.

This is actually true. Same in India. While South Indians are more into education and STEM careers, North Indians are laggards. There is lack in ambition and drive among North Indians and more focus on religion / caste based politics. Which is why North India is so far behind South India. In Punjab youth gets education only to clear IELTS and get Canada PR. That's why u don't have big IT hubs in North India

 

[MenInG]

Two students of the Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges have won a top award at an international science event in the US.

Talia Kulsoom and Umm-e-Kulsoom, 12th-grade students at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Girls’ Campus in Karachi, took the first position in the Physical Science category at the 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held in Atlanta, the US, the school announced in a statement.

Their project, completed under the supervision of their teacher Hira Bashir, focused on the extraction of “vegan leather” from Cedrus deodara, a cedar tree species native to the Himalayas, according to the statement.

“Our intelligent students believe in the green world and in the conservation of resources, which encouraged them to come up with this unique idea,” the school said.

The ISEF is an annual event organised by the Society for Science and Engineering, a non-profit group headquartered in the US.

The organisation describes the event as “the world’s largest international science competition,” bringing together approximately 1,800 high school students from more than 63 countries each year.

The Maarif Foundation has 28 schools and colleges across Pakistan that provide quality education to thousands of students in several cities, including Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2356595/pakistani-students-win-top-award-at-us-science-fair

 

[MenInG]

Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta of the Aga Khan University (AKU) has been ranked among the top 100 medicine scientists in the first edition of the top scientists ranking for medicine published by Research.com, one of the major knowledge centres for research.

According to a statement, the ranking is based on criteria that considers h-index, which indicates how productive and influential a researcher is, publications and citations.

The ranking team examined 166,880 scientists on Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic Graph, and over 65,743 profiles for the discipline of medicine.

Professor Bhutta is the only scientist from Pakistan and the low- and middle-income countries who made it to the top 100.

“As is the case for other recent recognitions, though a personal recognition, this ranking reflects the achievements of scores of young researchers and faculty members across the world who have worked with me on problems of the most marginalised and impoverished women and children in poor communities,” commented Professor Bhutta, who is the founding director of the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health and the Institute for Global Health and Development at AKU; and Co-Director of the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, Robert Harding Chair in Global Child Health and Policy, and a Senior Scientist in the Child Health Evaluative Sciences programme at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.

“Congratulations to Professor Bhutta and his team for this great achievement. Their relevant research at AKU has changed lives not only in the countries where we seek to serve but also globally,” said AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin.

Professor Bhutta is one of the original members of AKU’s faculty since the establishment of the University. Having begun his career at AKU in 1986, the University provided a foundation for the development of an illustrious career in which he built research programmes on maternal and child health and nutrition with national and global impact, despite the challenges of political turmoil and economic insecurity in Pakistan.

Between 1996 and 2002, Professor Bhutta and his team at the University undertook extensive community outreach and research programme in an urban slum of Karachi and several rural areas of Pakistan, which then expanded to many regions and provinces of Pakistan as well as other low- and middle-income countries.

Over the last two decades, he has closely collaborated with the government of Pakistan to assess effectiveness of health care approaches and innovations in real-world settings through partnering with public sector community health workers.

Many of these large community-based cluster randomised trials led by Professor Bhutta have generated findings that changed global policy, most notably the finding that using chlorhexidine for cord care among home births was associated with significant reduction in the risk of neonatal sepsis and death, and that public sector community health workers could successfully work with communities to reach those at greatest risk and reduce prenatal mortality as well as maternal morbidities.

His work has been the foundation of multiple international guidelines, including changing World Health Organisation policy on the treatment of persistent diarrhoea and malnutrition along with establishing lady health workers (LHW) as foundational members of community-based interventions in Pakistan, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

His team in Pakistan and Canada has extensively worked on strategies to improve maternal and child health and nutrition in conflict settings and emergencies. Notably, his team works with community volunteers and health workers in tribal areas of Pakistan to improve polio and routine immunisation coverage.

At AKU, Professor Bhutta holds the title of Distinguished University Professor – the highest faculty rank the University can confer – as well as an Award of Distinction and Award of Excellence in Research. He has received several international awards and recognition.

Recently, he received the Roux Prize for turning evidence into health impact and the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award for outstanding achievements in global health research.

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