Planning Minister urges HEC for timely release of Rs500m funds

March 14, 2024 (MLN): The Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday urged the HEC to expedite the release of the long-delayed promised funds of Rs500 million and the overdue revision of salaries for HR in FY 2023-2024.

According to a press release issued on the said day, the minister stated this during a review meeting at the National Center of Artificial Intelligence of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).

He demanded prompt submission of the revised PC-1s of the national centers in accordance with CDWP decisions.

Director General P&D HEC assured the Minister of fast progress and submission of the pending documents within one week.

The Minister specifically urged Chief S&T MoPD&SI to diligently follow up and swiftly resolve this pressing issue.

Earlier, NCAI also shared updates on its Memorandum of Agreement with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), an international-level collaboration agreement approved by the federal cabinet and in the process of signing.

Other collaborative initiatives/projects with government and non-government bodies, hospitals, malls, and startups were discussed.

The Minister was briefed about NCAI’s latest training modules for leaders and professionals, launched on the suggestion of Prof Ahsan Iqbal during his maiden visit to NCAI during his last tenure right after the oath-taking ceremony.

During the briefing, presentation was also given on the National Center of Robotics and Automation (NCRA) and showcased its achievements in agriculture, healthcare collaborations, and advanced robotics for industries.

The National Center of Cyber Security (NCCS) highlighted the launch of over 50 products, international partnerships with Saudi Arabia, and its role in improving Pakistan's global ranking.

The center's initiatives include cyber audits for 30+ national bodies, launching degree programs, and contributing to the security evaluation of cyber and non-cyber products under the Common Criteria Lab framework.

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