Arooj Zulfiqar

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Dr Ahsan Iqbal has said that the "Seeds in Space" project is a milestone in the cooperation between scientists of Pakistan and China. The project provides a platform for researchers to share knowledge and resources, which will also boost economic development, he said speaking at a ceremony held to celebrate China-Pakistan Space Technology Cooperation in collaboration with Ministry of Science and Technology.

"This project aims to grow and improve crops by sending Pakistani seeds to space," he said and added: "This project is an important contribution to the advancement of space science, herbal medicine, and research." The ceremony was organised by the Chinese Embassy, COMSTECH, and International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences. The return of research seeds was celebrated by political leaders, diplomats of different countries, scientists, senior officers of the Ministry of Science and Technology, related institutions and delegates from China.

Speaking on the occasion, Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, Pang Chunxue, praised the scientists of both countries for their joint efforts in a successful scientific experiment. She said that the experiment represents a landmark in China-Pakistan science and technology cooperation and will be recorded in the history of their friendship.

According to her, both countries are dedicated to building a close community with a common future through open and comprehensive cooperation for the benefit of their people. Ms. Pang said that she believes that deepening cooperation will bring greater benefits.

Speaking on the occasion, Pakistani scientist and Coordinator General COMSTECH/ Director ICCBS Prof Dr M Iqbal Choudhary said, "ICCBS is proud to announce a major milestone in the cooperation of space science and technology between Pakistan and China with the successful sending of seeds into space."

He said, "This ground-breaking step marks an important step in the continued development and partnership between the two countries that will drive future cooperation in the field of space science." Addressing the audience, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology Ghulam Muhammad Memon said, "The Ministry of Science and Technology proudly announces the successful return of seeds sent to space by Pakistani and Chinese scientists in collaboration with the China Manned Space Agency."

He said he appreciated their efforts and looked forward to continued partnerships in the field of science, technology, and innovation. The ministry is committed to supporting the growth and development of the scientists, he added. Speaking at the event, Chairman of Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) Prof Dr Shahid Baig said that PSF promotes coordination among science and technology institutions. Support from Chinese institutions is leading to stronger strategic and academic infrastructure in Pakistan, he added. "The PSF serves as a key tool for socio-economic development."

It was the first time that Pakistani medicinal seeds were sent to space. Pakistani seeds travelled through space and spent at least six months in a special environment under microgravity and kinetic waves. To get a better outcrop, this space change is a unique research work. It will not only pave the way to do immense research work on other planets but will make plant cultivation easy in extreme weather conditions, such as droughts and floods due to global warming, etc.

The cultivation of medicinal plants is at the initial stage. This project will act as a milestone in the growth, exploration, and clinical trials of medicinal plants in Pakistan. Co-scientists in this project were Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chaudhary, Prof Dr Attia Abdul-Wahab, Dr. Yan Wang, Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, Prof. Dr. Ahsan Dar Tariq, and Prof. Dr. Ghazala Rizwan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk