Contribution of PAEC towards indigenization of high technology commendable

Development of human resource and S& T essential for national uplift

"We cannot achieve peace, prosperity and safeguard our sovereignty without mastering in science and technology" This was stated by General Pervez Musharraf, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, while addressing the Convocation of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Science (PlEAS), held on 29 March, 2003. The President, who is also the Chancellor of the Institution, praised the efforts of PlEAS in producing high quality manpower at a time when the country was denied transfer of technology and training programmes by the developed world.

This was the first convocation of PlEAS -an educational institution of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission -after acquiring the degree awarding status. Degrees were awarded to 39 graduates of 32nd M.Sc. (Nuclear Engg.), 11th M.Sc. (Systems Engg.) and 7th M.Sc. Nuclear Medicine classes. They will join more than 1100 graduates of the earlier classes who now form the backbone of many important projects of PAEC, where some of them are serving in leadership positions.

Underlining the need of human resource development and achieving high standards in science and technology for ensuring national development and safeguarding sovereignty, the President warned that an attitude of apathy and neglect is the surest way to perpetuate dependence on others. The government, during the last three years, has increased the budget of Science and Technology by 3000 percent. "We need to develop our own talent and overcome limitations being put in our path to technological growth", he said.

"The contribution of PAEC in indigenization of high technology was highly commendable. The endeavours of PAEC for indigenization, despite resources constraints, will remain among the high priority of the government". He also stressed the need of harmonization of efforts among strategic organizations for achieving common goal of national development and security.

Besides the use of nuclear technology for security purposes, its application in power production, industry, agriculture and medicine was no less vital. Emphasising the need of raising the share of nuclear In the energy- mix, the President observed that existing two power plants in the country were inadequate and more reliance on producing electricity through nuclear energy be resorted to for its cost-effectiveness and for self-reliance.

Chairman PAEC, Mr. Pervez Butt, in his welcome address, said that the infrastructure that has already been developed by PAEC will help in increasing share of indigenous contribution not only to nuclear power plant manufacturing but to other industrial projects as well. Increased nuclear power in Pakistan would also result in energy security, freedom from the effect of fluctuations in river flows, indigenized fuel and equipment manufacturing capability, access to high technology and marked increase in employment generation with its positive impact on economic activity. PAEC plans to build two more nuclear power plants in the near future. C-2 is planned to be located near CHASNUPP and its PC-1 has already been submitted to the government. The other plant, K-2 will be set up in Karachi subsequently.

Keeping in view the importance of extraordinary safety considerations, PAEC was attaching overriding priority to safety. "We believe in the principle of 'safety first', and consequently the record of safety in our nuclear plants has been impeccable", he said

Right from its inception, PAEC has laid stress on indigenization in the high-tech fields. We are involved in design, manufacture, testing and operation of state-of-the-art equipment of vital national significance. Stress has been on self reliance, indigenisation, and innovation. Realizing the importance of innovation we have instituted an organization-wide Innovation Award, he said.

"We in PAEC have always believed that for a nation to develop economically, it must use to its own advantage, what is below the ground, on the ground and what it builds above the ground. In the field of nuclear energy, PAEC has historically addressed itself to these three levels. Below the ground, we have mastered the techniques for the search and extraction of uranium and other related minerals. On the ground, our agriculture research centers are evolving new varieties with qualities of higher yield, greater resistance to pests, and many other economic advantages, developing biological means to destroy pests and assisting our farmers in assimilating techniques that help conserve the precious water resources Our medical centers utilize nuclear technology for the betterment of humanity. Above the ground, we have built many projects in which thousands of workers are involved in nation building and economic development

"We in PAEC deeply appreciate the praise that has been showered on our organization No material compensation can substitute the appreciation of our efforts at the highest levels of the government. With a very extensive program to contribute to the growth and betterment of the nation, we will continue to play this role with greater vigor, following a simple rule: 'Today should be better than yesterday and tomorrow even better', he said

The security and prosperity of Pakistan lies in extensive industrial development in parallel with increase in agricultural output and improvement in the health sector. This calls for the exploitation of our tremendous resources, the prime resource being human The Commission could not have progressed in various disciplines of engineering and science, in general, and in the areas of defense, nuclear power production, medicine, agriculture, and industry, in particular, had it not been for the availability of high quality manpower, selected on merit, and trained to a high degree of competence. PAEC's many training centers are increasing the 'Net Worth' of manpower, trained to master different technologies to increase efficiency and enhancing productivity, not only in our own organization, but also in the national industrial set-up. "We are implementing plans to further expand the role of PlEAS, and bring back our engineers and scientists to PlEAS, at different stages of their professional development, to be trained and evaluated in essential areas like communication skills, management and leadership. He appreciated the efforts of the faculty and staff of PlEAS, for their professionalism, strict adherence to merit, hard work and dedication.

He thanked the President for gracing the occasion and sharing his vision for a prosperous and developed Pakistan.

Dr Abdullah Sadiq, Rector. PIEAS, in his introductory remarks, said that as amply demonstrated by PAEC, an investment in human resource and technological development is guaranteed to pay dividends in the future, particularly so in view of the diminishing opportunities for technology transfer and higher education in specialized areas of science and technology. Higher education is a key economic and strategic asset and with the continued support of the Commission, PIEAS aspires to become a center of excellence for the education of new leaders and for the development and testing of new ideas, who can face the challenges of today's complicated world.

The breadth of our academic programs reflects the diverse nature of the R&D programs of PAEC. Besides providing trained manpower to PAEC, the parent organization of PIEAS, other strategic organizations such as NESCOM, KRL and PNRA are also now sponsoring students at PIEAS.

During the last few years, PIEAS has more than doubled its academic programs. In addition to the three masters level programs in which degrees are being awarded, we now offer M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in Medical Physics, Materials Engineering, Process Engineering and IT and a bachelor's program in Computer and Information Sciences. We are confident that the experience we have acquired in impar1ing quality education at advanced levels will enable us to have a positive impact upon the overall standards of education in the country.

PIEAS has many unique features as an academic institution. From its very modest beginnings as Reactor School to its present sprawling campus with diverse but highly focused programmes, it strives to deliver quality education relevant to national needs by integrating applications with research and knowledge into its inter- and multi-disciplinary academic programs in engineering, physical and medical sciences. Here merit is the sole criterion and the underlying theme of all of our activities.

PIEAS is amongst the very few engineering institutions in the country where the indigenous Ph.D. program is being conducted under the sponsorship of Ministry of Science and Technology. Four students have already completed their Ph.D. degrees and another 35 students are enrolled.

He thanked the President for the Rs. 10 million Endowment Fund for the institutionalization of the National Physics Talent Contest. This kind gesture will encourage more talented young students to opt for careers in science and technology. It is a matter of great satisfaction that the students of the Pakistani Olympiad Team won laurels for Pakistan in the 33rd International Physics Olympiad held in July 2002 in Bali, Indonesia. We look for- ward to even better performance in the 34th Olympiad. It is worth mentioning that most of the alumni groomed through this activity are now studying in prestigious institutions at home and abroad.

PIEAS will also need significant inputs from the Government for some infrastructure development at the Nilore Campus and the proposed city campus. During the year 2002, PIEAS received a generous endowment fund of Rs. 100 million from MoST. It also approved another 44 million rupees for IT education and R&D and for the upgradation of existing laboratory and library facilities.

PIEAS has had an exemplary association with the Quaid-i-Azam University dating back to its very inception 35 years ago After having degree awarding status, we look forward to even closer academic collaboration between these two sister institutions.

Addressing the graduates, he advised them to strive even harder to become a creative scientist, an inventive engineer and a compassionate doctor.

  lOB Science & Technology Award celebrations at PINSTECH graced by the President of Pakistan

Endeavours of PAEC towards indigenisation to remain among the high priority of the government

Pakistan wants to harness nuclear technology to bring prosperity and socio-economic development in the country. The endeavours of PAEC for indigenization, despite resources constraints, will remain among the high priority of the government. This was stated by the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, while unveiling the commemoration shield awarded by the Islamic Development Bank, recognizing Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) as the best scientific research institute in the Islamic world.

PINSTECH is the premier research centre of PAEC with a long tradition of basic and applied research in nuclear science and technology. It has the unique distinction of being simultaneously a source of trained manpower, a proving ground for emerging technologies, a producer of new knowledge, a resource centre for implementing IAEA projects, a repository of scientific literature, and, a supplier of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceutical kits

In his welcome address, Mr. Parvez Butt, Chairman PAEC said, "We, in the PAEC, believe that for the overall development of science and technology, basic science and basic research must not be sacrificed in our quest for setting up new projects PAEC has established and is in the process of establishing many new projects to meet specific needs. The "culture" of establishments involved in scientific research is different from the culture of "projects". Here progress can- not be measured in "numbers" or "kilograms" or "megawatts" as we do in our projects. Research work takes time to mature. While other science and technology organizations saw many hundred fold increase in their budgets, PINSTECH was left in the cold, and unfortunately for the last many years, the budget of PINSTECH, in real terms, has remained more or less constant. Recalling that during the Presidents last visit to PINSTECH two years ago, he had indicated the hope that PINSTECH would bring more laurels to Pakistan. "It has now brought this laurel. We assure you that we will strive to bring many more laurels in the future under your patronage and guidance", he said.

Giving the details and background of the Prize, Dr Masud Ahmad, Member (Physical Sciences), PAEC, said that Islamic Development Bank Awards for Science & Technology, designed to highlight the important role of science and technology in promoting economic and social development of the country and to encourage scientific and educational institutes in the Muslim World, have three categories: (i) the most outstanding scientific contribution in the development of a country, (ii) the best achievement in one of the selected scientific specialties and (iii) the best scientific record in research in anyone of the least developed states

The Selection Committee received a large number of applications and PINSTECH was placed in the Category II where 13 candidates were short listed. The international selection committee which included from Pakistan Dr. A. Q Khan, Advisor to the Prime Minister, declared PINSTECH the winner because of its enormous contribution towards research which is reflected by more than 1100 research publications in international journals and also its R&D in applied fields of nuclear science and technology. The award consists of a cash prize of $ 100,000 and a commemoration plate.

"We are really proud of all this and your personal presence, Mr. President, at this ceremony has tremendously increased our pride and zeal. PINSTECH has attained this level of excellence because all the eleven directors who headed this institute were scientists of caliber. 

It is matter of great pride for us that the most illustrious amongst them, and present Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad is amongst us today at this ceremony", 01. Masud said.

President was given a demonstration of the indigenously manufactured Laser Land Leveller. He appreciated the achievement, saying it will go a long way in saving country's precious water resources. Laser Land Leveller uses a laser transmitter to gauge the level of the field to be flattened and a control unit which adjusts the height of the scrapper which is attached to the tractor Due to high precision, the field can be levelled to a very high accuracy. With its use the water requirements for irrigation can be reduced by 30% and the crop yield can be increased by 20%. The usage of the leveller also guards against water logging, improve the efficiency of farm machinery and reduce labour requirements for irrigating by 30%. It was previously imported at a considerably high cost.

PINSTECH is now manufacturing this equipment at a much lower cost with comparable efficiency to the imported unit. The use of locally fabricated land leveller will save quite a good amount of foreign exchange, it can also bring a major improvement in agricultural output and save water.  

  Joint PAEC/IAEA/RCA Regional Training Course

Internal Auditing for Quality Control of Nuclear Analytical Techniques

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission has an excellent safety track record and has developed various state-of -the-art techniques for quality testing in both nuclear and non-nuclear fields. PAEC has been entrusted with the development of multidisciplinary applications of atomic energy in areas like defence, nuclear power, industry, medicine and agriculture. Adherence to quality and safety is our prime objective. This was stated by Dr. Masud Ahmad, Member (Physical Sciences), PAEC while inaugurating a joint PAEC/IAEA International Regional Training Workshop on Internal Auditing for Quality Control of Nuclear Analytical Techniques, held at Islamabad from 17-20 March, 2003

Held under the IAEA/RCA TC Project on "Quality Assurance and Quality Control of Nuclear Analytical Techniques", the course was attended by 24 participants -six from Pakistan and eighteen from China, Indonesia, R.O. Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philip- pines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

Keeping in view the importance of ISO certification, observers from Pakistan National Accreditation Council, EPA and Ministry of Industries were also invited to attend.

Dilating on the realisation of quality, Dr Masud said, quality management and spread of quality culture are possible only due to the presence of a certain process of social mobility. A society that does not allow the promotion of this virtue, is invariably destined to a culture of randomness and slipshod performance, where the fickle hand of chance is left to determine the outcome of events, and which have usually disastrous consequences far removed from any notions of quality or excellence.

Dr. Masud said International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is forthcoming in assistance to Regional Cooperation Agreement (RCA) countries in establishing the quality systems required to obtain national and international accreditation for our laboratories.

Dr Paul Doherty from IAEA put on record the efforts of PAEC for spread of, awareness and know-how in area of quality control techniques. He said IAEA aims at ensuring a sense of commitment for quality assurance by supporting workshops and this particular training course envisages to impart to the participants, know-how on internal audit for quality control.

Dr. Abdul Ghaffar, Director General, PINSTECH, in his welcome address, apprised the audience about PINSTECH. It has been designated as Regional Resource Unit by RCA and in this capacity, it is providing supporting services to the other member states.

PINSTECH, as premier research institute of PAEC, is utilising nuclear energy in its developmental programmes aimed at socio-economic uplift of the country.

PINSTECH has to its credit 1100 research papers, which have been published in scientific journals of international repute and based upon its contribution to science and technology, it was awarded a winner's Shield carrying a cash prize of US$ one hundred thousand, by Islamic Development Bank (IDB) last year

The objective of the workshop was to introduce auditing techniques and practices to enable the participating laboratories to develop and maintain a self-sufficient quality system by which they might be able to obtain national and international accreditation.

At the conclusion of the course, Dr. Khalil Qureshi, Member (Fuel Cycle), PAEC, distributed certificates among the participants. He commended the IAEA for assistance provided for improving QA & QC practices in analytical laboratories, in line with international standards.

    NIFA's developed technologies transferred to agricultural extension sector

Farmers participation must for the success of PAEC's Biosaline Agriculture Project

PAEC has taken the task of improving socio economic conditions of the masses that are living below poverty line in areas where soils are saline and waterlogged. This was stated by Dr. Kauser A. Malik, Member (Bios- ciences/Administration) while addressing the representatives of the farmers community at Kot Kashmir in Lakki Marwat (NWFP) site of Farmers Participatory Saline Agriculture Project on April 4, 2003.

 He said that 6.8 mha of land in the country is salt affected, of which half is lying as wastelands whereas the rest is cultivated to crops with severe reduction in yields at national level. Underground water in these lands is also highly brackish which not only further deteriorates the soils but also contributes significantly to environmental pollution as well as degradation of natural resources To raise socio-economic status of the community of these areas, PAEC has launched a project 'Farmers Participatory Saline Agriculture Project' through which salt affected lands with the use of brackish water will be made productive by cultivation of salt tolerant crops, forages and trees. He said that this project would help the community in improving their living and health standard and improving their literacy rate. He urged the community to actively participate in the project since their cooperation was vital for achieving its goals

Giving details, Dr Malik said that during the last twenty five years, extensive research had been pursued by NIAB to apply biological approach to deal with the salinity problem As a result, technologies were developed to economically utilize the saline and waterlogged lands and brackish groundwater During that period, salt tolerant plant species/varieties were screened and selected which could be successfully grown on these soils. Although the results were tested on limited scale in the farmers fields with productive results, their application on large scale had never been practiced. Hence, need was felt to apply the research results of NIAB on salt affected lands of farmers of different ecological zones, and this project was executed through participatory approach in all the four provinces of Pakistan. In NWFP, the project involves 5500 acres of salt affected lands in Lakki Marwat District (NWFP) with the project office at Kot Kashmir.

Dr. Malik further disclosed that seeds of improved varieties of crops, evolved at NIFA, would be multiplied on comparatively better lands of the project site through farmers participatory approach which would not only benefit owners of the lands but also help to meet the seed requirements of the NWFP province. Dr. Malik also visited the fields of the project and was briefed by Mr. Haq Nawaz Khan, the site coordinator, on the activities and progress of work being carried out at the site. Dr Malik showed his entire satisfaction over the magnitude of work and progress made in just three months of time.

  Training Courses on Integrated Management of Fruit Flies and Termite

A four day training course on "Integrated Management of Fruit Flies and Termite" was jointly organized by Department of Agriculture Extension NWFP in collaboration with NIFA, on February 24 -27, 2003 at NIFA, Peshawar. The main objective of the course was to impart the advanced technologies developed by NIFA on control of fruit flies and termite to the Agricultural Officers for onward transmission to the end users i.e. farming community. NIFA provided technical expertise in terms of lectures and practical demonstration.

The course was inaugurated by Mr. Mohammad Iqbal, Director General, Agriculture Extension, NWFP. Underlining various objectives and future prospects related to pest management, he greatly appreciated the role of NIFA's scientists in conducting applied and strategic research in integrated pest management in order to reduce pest losses and promote environment-friendly technologies. During the past decade, technical expertise was provided to Agriculture Research Institutes, Agriculture University and Agriculture Extension on fruit fly eradication programme.

Dr M. Jamil Qureshi Director NIFA high- lighted the achievements made by NIFA scientist in the field of agriculture and the efforts made in human resource development for sustainable agricultural productivity NIFA entomologists developed a safe, economical and effective method known as Male Annihilation Technique for the control of fruit flies. Dr. Jamil said that NIFA is actively involved in promoting biological control. Efficient techniques were developed for the detection of termites using radiotracers and dyes and de- signed NIFA Termap and other culture control methods. He also appreciated the cooperation of provincial agriculture re- search system and educational experts of Agriculture University.

The organizers of the course, Dr. Sana Ullah Khan Khattak, CSO/Head Entomology Division, NIFA, and Mr. Mohammad Hanif, Plant Protection Officer, Agriculture Extension NWFP, explained the role of training man- power for boosting the agricultural productivity in the country. The twenty five participants included supervisory and agricultural officers from districts of Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Bannu and Malankand Agency.

The second phase training course was held from 8-11 April, 2003 for participants relating to technical staff (District Officers Agriculture, Plant Protection Officers and other supervisory officers) of Haripur, Kohat, Swat, Nowshera, Swabi and 0.1. Khan. Such training courses are highly desirable to meet the future challenges in agriculture sector as well as indicate the firm commitment of the PAEC to transfer the technologies to the end users

Annual Farmer’s Day at Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tando Jam

  Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tando Jam, organized its traditional Farmers Day on 27th February, 2003. The function was attended by  a large number of progressive growers, representatives of Sindh Abadgar Board, Chamber of Agriculture, Sindh Agriculture Forum, public and private seed corporations and Depar1ment of Agriculture,

Appreciating the contribution made by the NIA scientists in the improvement of agriculture sector, Mr. Parvez Butt, Chairman PAEC said that PAEC is well aware of the present day problems of this sector, and research priorities are fixed according to the national and international requirements, He said that the socio-economic condition of our farmer can be improved by application of agriculture and engineering together in the system. PAEC has accepted this challenge and has star1ed making inputs in this regard. The development of laser land leveler is an example. He appreciated the strong and productive integration of the farming community with the scientists of NIA.

Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, Member (Biosciences cum Administration), PAEC, gave a brief account of the role of PAEC in agriculture, having made tremendous contribution to improve agriculture in the country. Stressing the need to reduce cost of production by applying newer techniques like biological control, preservation through modem techniques and establishment of agro-based industries, he urged the growers to develop active participation with scientists.

NIA has played a pivotal role in the enhancement of productivity of agricultural crops in the province of Sindh by evolving 14 high yielding varieties of crops, six of wheat (Jauhar- 78, Sind-81 , Sarsabz, Soghat 90, Kiran 95 and Marvi 2000), four of rice (Shadab, Shua-92, Khushboo 95 and Sarshar), two of Cotton (Chandi 95 and Sohni) and one each of sugarcane (NIA-98) and mung bean (AEM-96) The increase in the production due to these varieties has significantly contributed in the enhancement of the socio-economic status of the farmers. A number of promising varieties are passing through national and zonal trials for release.

The Institute is also involved in developing economical, effective eco-friendly insect pest management techniques The farmers have greatly benefited by new technologies, avoiding expensive spraying chemical insecticides. For the control of sugarcane borers, biocontrol technology has been transferred to the farmers Four parasitoid rearing laboratories in sugar mills have been established. A full package for the control of cotton pests is ready to be transferred to the cotton growers. Male annihilation technique has also been introduced to the fruit growers and this technique costs 74% less than the insecticidal control of fruit flies.

Water logging and salinity is a global problem and millions of acres suffer from it. NIA has introduced such trees, which serve as bio- logical pumps for lowering down the water table. A new project on saline agriculture has been initiated to utilize saline area for agricultural cropsltrees. The rising prices of fertilizers require their efficient and effective utilization NIA has introduced two techniques namely Foliar Fertilization Technique and Fertigation Technology.

Dr Mazhar Naqvi, Director NIA, highlighted the achievements of the Institute. The representatives of Sindh Abadgar Board, Sindh Chamber of Agriculture, Sindh Agriculture Forum, and progressive growers gave their views and highlighted their problems. The speakers appreciated the scientific achievements of NIA in enhancing their agricultural productivity by introducing different productive and protective technologies

A demonstration of laser land leveler was made in the field. A scientific exhibition was also launched. The participants witnessed the achievements of N IA scientists by visiting the experimental wheat fields and seed multiplication areas at the campus.

NIA/PARC Workshop on Integrated Management of Fruit Flies

Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tando- jam, organized a One Day Workshop on Integrated Management of Fruit Flies in Pakistan in collaboration with PARC at Sindh Horticultural Research Institute, Mirpurkhas on 20th March, 2003 A large number of progressive fruit growers, and representatives of different government and pri- vate agriculture farms participated.

Dr. Atta Hussain Soomro, Director, Sindh Horticultural Research Institute, in his welcome address, outlined the objectives of the workshop. Dr Mazhar Naqvi, Director, NIA, highlighted the achievements of the Institute NIA has developed effective friendly insect pest management techniques for important crops, fruits and vegetables. The farmers have benefited by these technologies by avoiding expensive spraying chemical insecticides. For the control of fruit flies in fruits and vegetables, the Male Annihilation Technique (MAT) has been perfected and transferred to the orchard growers/contractors. This technique costs 74% less than insecticidal spray The traps are available at NIA for the control of flies of all fleshy fruits. Similarly, for the control of sugarcane borers, biocontrol technology has been transferred to the farmers and a total area of 200,000 acres of sugar- cane has been treated by parasitoids in four districts of Sindh He also highlighted the work pertaining to water logging and drought tolerance.

Mr. Qamar-ul-Hassan Siddiqui, CSO/Head, Entomology Division, explained the Male Annihilation Technique, describing the ecology, biology and behaviour of the fruit flies with the help of experimental data. MAT is specific, non-polluting, non-hazardous, easy to apply, leaves no toxic/harmful residues, does not disturb the natural fauna of parasites and predators. The species (Bactrocera zonata) has alone caused 25-50% damage to guava fruit, and the farmers have abandoned to harvest Kharif guava crop in Southern Pakistan.

The Chief Guest, Syed Pir Shafquat Hussain Shah Jilani, appreciated the research work and techniques developed at NIA and advised the farmers to adopt the new technologies to increase their productivity of crops On this occasion a small exhibition was also set up regarding MAT and biocontrol.

Seminars/Workshops held at various establishments of PAEC.  

2nd PAEC Clinical UltrasoundWorkshop 

Multan Institute for Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy (MINAR) arranged the 2nd PAEC Workshop on Ultrasound from 3-8 February, 2003, which covered all topics of ultrasound starting from basic concepts to the clinical studies

The workshop comprised presentations by four invited speakers. Professor Dr Nawaz Anjum , Professor of Radiology, King Edward Medical College Lahore, spoke on targetted fetal ultrasound. Professor Safdar Malik dis- cussed various topics related to Gynecology and Obstetrics Dr Farhan Latif from Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, talked about basic Echocardiography and evaluation of cardiac functions. Dr. Fazeel uz Zaman from Abbotabad delivered a lecture on state-of- the-art applications of ultrasound.

The workshop concluded on 8th Feb 2003. Dr. Kausar Abdullah MaJik, Member Biosciences and Administration, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Islamabad was the chief guest. The ceremony was also attended by Professor Dr M. Hayat Zafar, Chairman, Board of Governors, Nishtar Medical College and Institutes

Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik in the concluding session distributed certificates and shields to the participants and sponsors of workshop as well as to the officials, who actively contributed towards holding the Workshop.

 Seminar on Blood Cancer at MINAR

A one day seminar on blood cancer was arranged at Multan Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Radiotherapy (MINAR) on 27th of March, 2003. Dr Tahir S. Shamsi (Consultant Hematologist at Bismillah Taqi Center for Blood Diseases, Karachi) made a presenta tion on "A Journey through 50 stem cells transplant in Pakistan". He mentioned that for patients with aplastic anemia and thallasemia, Bone Marrow Transplant can be the ultimate choice of treatment. Moreover, patients with blood cancers resistant to conventional chemotherapy may also be good candidate for bone marrow transplant He also shared his experience of Bone Marrow Transplantation in Pakistan.

Dr Amjad Aziz Khan, Director MINAR, in his welcome address, said that MINAR is not only providing diagnostic facilities to the people of south Punjab but is also providing invaluable services in the management of cancer patients both on out-patient and indoor basis.

Dr Nadeem Zia Abbasi (Nuclear Physician & Consultant Clinical Oncologist), MINAR, said that the most important issues in the management of blood cancer patients are control of bleeding and infection. He emphasized the availability of blood products for the control of bleeding in such patients. He de- scribed the necessity of Blood Cell Separator for this purpose and proposed establishment of such a facility at MINAR The concerns related to the control of infection in these patients is Barrier nursing. He said that a proposal to establish isolation rooms for these patients at MINAR is under consideration. He hoped that with the establishment of these isolation rooms, we will be able to manage our leukemia patients more effectively.

Seminar on "Food and Micronutrient Aspects of Red Palm Oil" at NIFA

A seminar on "Food and Micro-Nutritional Aspects of Red Palm Oil" was held on 6 March, 2003 at Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Peshawar. The objective of this seminar was to provide introduction to red palm oil (RPO) and beneficial health effects of its micro-nutritional properties in order to combat the vitamin-A deficiency and as an enriched natural source of B-carotene (Pro-vitamin-A) and Vitamin-E. Experts and specialists presented their findings and re-viewed the important issues of red palm oil and options for potential food uses of RPO. Health and nutritional aspects of red palm oil findings of the research studies in Pakistan were presented by Mr Taufiq Ahmad and Prof. Dr. Masood Sadiq Butt from NIFA and Agriculture University, Faisalabad respectively.

Inaugurating the seminar, Prof Dr. S Iqbal Shah, Vice Chancellor, NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar said that vitamin-A deficiency is an established phenomenon in the developing countries The key role of dietary fat in health and nutrition has been the subject of active interest. He appreciated the role of NIFA in this battle for the betterment of ailing humanity. He stressed a strong bond between R&D organizations and universities to uplift quality of education and research.

Dr. M. Jamil Qureshi, Director NIFA explained the role of trained manpower for boosting the agricultural productivity in the country. He highlighted the achievements made by NIFA's scientists particularly in the field of Food and Nutrition

Red palm oil retains 70 and 90% of the original levels of B-carotene and Vitamin-E re- spectively as well as other natural anti-oxidants. It is now possible to fortify venaspati ghee with carotenoids, which are pre- cursors of vitamin-A from the RPO as natural source

In the panel discussion, various recommendations were made. More than 70 participants from different research organizations, universities, industries and policy makers attended the seminar.

VISITORS BOOK

Maj. Gen Asghar Ali, Commandant, Brig. M Naseem Ejaz, Director Studies, and thirty postgraduate fellows of Medical Administration course at Armed Forces Postgraduate Medical Institute (AFPGM I) visited INMOL on 26 February, 2003.

The visitors were briefed on the most modern medical concepts, practices and managerial techniques in health care delivery in general and cancer diagnosis and treatment Dr Saeeda Asghar, Director INMOL highlighted the activities of medical centres of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. She described the working, management and maintenance of most modern and sophisticated equipment and keeping pace with rapidly developing medical field and the contribution of INMOL in diagnosis, treatment and research in oncology and nuclear medicine. She also gave details of the significant role of INMOL in delivering postgraduate and specialised training to doctors from all over the country and overseas.

Maj. Gen. Asghar Ali highly appreciated the team spirit of all doctors and scientists for their vital role in alleviation and rehabilitation of afflicted community.

IAEA Expert Mission on Invivo Bioavailablilty StudIes

Dr. David Carl Hilmers, Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA, visited Pakistan from 24 February to 7 March, 2003, to help with Invivo Bioavailability studies at PINSTECH under IAEA Project: Measuring the effectiveness of Multinutrient Supplementation

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is a major global public health problem that affects all age groups in a population. One of the intervention strategies to control and prevent this extensive problem is the fortification of food with iron and other micronutrients. All developed countries are fortifying cereal flour with iron and other nutrients. Despite the implementation of iron fortification programs in the developing world, the desired reduction in the incidence of IDA is not observed. Among the many possible causes of this lack of impact. bioavailability of fortificant iron is identified as important one

Incidence of IDA in Pakistan is high and a national fact-finding project is being executed with support from Micronutrient Initiative (MI) and IAEA. The national project "Iron fortification of wheat flour (Atta)" has four compo- nents: (i) Fortification, (ii) Stability and acceptability, (iii) Bioavailability, and (iv)Effectiveness. Life Science Group, RIAD, PIN- STECH is working alongwith other  collaborators on the component of Bioavailability. The results of this study and data will form the basis of recommendation for the government regarding a nationwide fortification program in the country.

Bioavailability studies are traditionally done using conventional methods. However, under the IAEA Project, the nuclear methods are being used to determine Invivo Bioavailability. The methods, though very expensive, are capable of providing highly accurate information

In this context, Dr. David Carl Hilmers has initiated the in vivo field work. Upon completion of the field study, the blood samples collected will be sent to Dr. Steven Abrams Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry lab. at Baylor College of Medicine, for analysis. It is hoped that with this collaboration, PAEC will be able to develop the expertise in future to analyze the samples locally.

Starting his career as an electrical engineer, Dr Hilmers was selected as NASA Astronaut in 1980 and participated in four missions during 1985 to 1993. Later, he joined Baylor College of Medicine and since 1995, he is an Assistant Professor. He is involved in a number of projects with the USDA Children Nutrition Research Center on micronutrient deficiencies in the developing world. Apart from the Invivo filed work, he conducted out-patients clinic at a residential school.

He also gave a series of lectures at the Pakistan Pediatric Association local chapter meeting at Shifa, PlEAS colloquia and NORI. The lectures generated great interest among listeners, because of his very varied and unique experiences. Dr Hilmers also met Chairman PAEC, Member Biosciences/Administration and others and shared his experience.

Welfare Activities of PAEC Foundation

During the period July to December 2002, the PAEC Foundation spent Rs. 3.58 million exclusively on the welfare of PAEC employees under various Central Financial Pool (CFP) schemes. The major portion of this expenditure amounting to Rs. 1.49 million pertains to grant extended for daughters' marriage of the employees in BPS 1- 16 & SPS 1- 7. Other larger activities include merit scholarships and other educational activities, sponsorship of Hajj and pension/grants extended to the widows, etc.

PAEC Foundation has also been donating bicycles and sewing machines to employees working in BPS-1- 7 and SPS 1-3. For the year 2003, the balloting was held on 21st March, 2003 at PAEC HQ. Chairman, and Members of the Commission drew the lots Arrangements are underway to distribute the items to the successful applicants. The Foundation has also announced donation of fans to the employees working in BPS 1-7 and SPS 1-3.

Membership of World Nuclear Association

PAEC has become a member of World Nuclear Association, (WNA), London, U.K. With the slogan, "Energy for Sustainable Development", WNA is primarily a platform that supports nuclear energy and holds meetings and conferences of manufacturers and operators of nuclear equipment covering the whole spectrum of exploration, mining, fuel fabrication, power plants and waste management. Chairman PAEC is also now on the Council of Advisors of this prestigious Inter- national Association.