Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani Monday said that all those political parties which want early poll would be disappointed, as the general election would be held on its scheduled time.
Addressing to media on the occasion of COMSAT commission’s second meeting, he rejected the demand of early poll.
He said that all those who demanded early election must contact him, saying that early election demand came from PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif.
He welcomed the move of Bangladesh cricket team to visit Pakistan.
He appreciated the services rendered by the COMSAT in the field of science and technology. He said that we could achieve our goals, elimination of poverty and economic growth by progressing in the field of science only.
On the occasion, PM also announced Rs one million grant for the commission.
He said that  Ex Prime Minster of Pakistan Benazir Bhatto participated in COMSAT commission’s first meeting, saying that vision to set-up the commission was given by Benazir Bhutto aiming at to enhance science study in its member countries to face world’s challenges.
“It is very clear that we cannot make significant progress in science and technology unless we cooperate with one another, pool our available intellectual and economic resources for collective benefits and above all give a central place to science and technology in our policy decisions backed with strong political and financial support.
This is why South-South cooperation is indispensable for the sustainable progress of the developing world in the present century”, said the Prime Minister, who is also the Chairperson of COMSATS, addressing the country delegates, dignitaries from Pakistan and representatives from international organizations", PM said.
The Prime Minister lauded COMSATS’ role as the proponent of science and technology for socio-economic development and showed confidence that all member countries of COMSATS will stand by the Government of Pakistan in extending their full support to the future efforts of COMSATS aiming to bring peace, prosperity and socio-economic well-being to the poor segments of the society.
In his introductory remarks earlier, Dr. Qureshi stressed the need for allocating sufficient resources for enhancing the scientific capacity of the developing countries and working out technology-based solutions to solve the enormous problems faced by the large populations inhabiting these countries. Thanking the foreign and local dignitaries, he hoped for the Commission Meeting to effectively “deliberate upon the common issues confronting developing countries, and to steer COMSATS for playing a strong role in addressing these issues”.
Representing COMSATS Coordinating Council on the occasion, Dr. Posada also delivered his remarks. Alluding to the correlation between important scientific institutions around the world, like ICTP, CIF and COMSATS, Dr. Posada advocated the need for substantial increase in the financial allocation for S&T to ensure social and economic development. “The lack of scientific and technical capacity”, said Dr. Posada “leads to wastage of natural resources, economic stagnation, social instability, political unrest and foreign interference.” He further stated, “This meeting is a wonderful opportunity to address together the challenge of constructing roads to progress, by strengthening the bonds between our institutions for the benefit of our scientists, our countries and finally, of the planet.”
In his welcome address, Federal Minister Jamali pointed out the commonality of the development challenges faced by the member countries of COMSATS and declared the “judicious use of science and simple technologies” is a panacea to the common problems of these countries. “It is in our collective interest to share our experiences, pool our resources – human as well as material – and actively collaborate in research to address our common problems”, he said. In the presence of senior Government officials of Pakistan, the Minister assured COMSATS of his Government’s full support for pursuit of its objectives and commitment to the member countries’ science-led socio-economic development.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by foreign delegates, including Ministers nominated by the Heads of COMSATS’ Member States/Governments, high officials from Government of Pakistan, and Heads/representatives of international organizations, as well as officials from the Pakistani Ministry of Science and Technology and its affiliated scientific institutions, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology and COMSATS Secretariat.
The inauguration was followed by the first plenary session of the meeting presided over by Mr. Jamali, and two more plenary sessions would be held on the second day of the meeting, in which member countries will present their S&T development plans and renew their support to COMSATS. The Resolutions and Recommendations of the Meeting will be formulated to set the course of future direction of COMSATS as an internationally acclaimed body dedicated to helping the countries of the South in their quest to build scientific capacity.