LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that use of modern technology is of paramount importance for speedy development and socio-economic stability of the country.
The chief minister expressed these views during a briefing meeting on the occasion of his visit to Satellite Research and Development Center, Suparco, here on Thursday.
Shahbaz expressed keen interest in the use of space technology in agriculture, urban planning, forestry and other sectors.
He said satellite remote sensing and GIS applications can help improve various sectors. The chief minister also lauded Suparco for the tremendous progress it made in satellite engineering and space technology applications during the last few years and application of space technology for the improvement of different sectors. He said Punjab government is fully benefiting from modern technology in different sectors and cooperation with Suparco will be further promoted.
The chief minister was given a detailed briefing regarding use of space technology for socio-economic development. He said Punjab government is fully benefitting from modern technology for the capacity-building of government departments. He said whether it is war against dengue, monitoring of Ramazan bazaars, public health programme or educational reforms, the government is taking full benefit of modern technology. He said use of modern technology in land record computerisation programme is a good example in this regard.
The chief minister commended the efforts of Suparco towards utilisation of space technology in economic development of the country. He said Punjab government is also interested in applying space technology in agriculture, hydrology, urban development, forestry and environmental management and cooperation with Suparco will be further promoted for this purpose. The chief minister also appreciated the efforts of Suparco regarding satellite remote sensing and GIS applications in geology, mining, urban & rural development, education, health and different sectors and said that this technology is directly linked with economic development of the country.
Shahbaz said E-governance has been promoted in the province and Punjab Information Technology Board and Suparco can collaborate for benefiting fully from this initiative of the Punjab government so that the pace of economic and social uplift can be accelerated in the province.
The chief minister also visited Satellite Research and Development Center and witnessed the use of space technology. He also recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book.