Event Title: Senator Danesh Kumar, presiding over a meeting of the Senate Functional Committee On Problems Of Less Developed Areas at Parliament Lodges Islamabad.

Event Date: 2025-09-18

A meeting of the Senate Standing Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas was convened today at the Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, under the chairmanship of Senator Danesh Kumar. The committee reviewed various ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at addressing the challenges faced by underdeveloped regions of Pakistan, with particular focus on health, education, scientific research, and industrial development.

A detailed briefing was provided by the Ministry of Science & Technology on the role of the Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) in driving technological and industrial advancements in underdeveloped areas. The briefing covered key initiatives and strategies for the promotion of industrial development, scientific research, and technological innovations aimed at boosting local economies.

The committee was informed that since 2004, PCSIR has successfully trained over 19,992 individuals across various sectors such as food processing, minerals, marble, gemstone, precision technology, mold, and dyes in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Quetta, Daska, Swat, Mingora, Booni, and Chitral. The training has empowered local youth, providing them with the necessary skills to contribute to local industries.

Developments such as  Establishment of mobile training facilities at PCSIR Labs in Skardu. Development of value-added products like jam, squash, fruit candy, herbal teas (Apple, Cherry, Mulberry), and apple and pomegranate syrups and Setting up of a Gem Cutting and Polishing Center and a Comprehensive Mineral Analyses Facility in Skardu also A 1-ton capacity Solar Dryer developed at PCSIR Labs Skardu to prevent post-harvest losses. It was apprised  that Beneficiation of lead ore with a 62.7% efficiency in Uthal, Balochistan. Similarly Installation of a defluoridation water treatment plant in Chachro, Tharparker as well as Establishment of a greenhouse for hemp cultivation in Quetta.

The committee was also briefed on several major projects that are aimed at furthering development in underdeveloped areas. These include: 

* The establishment of PCSIR Laboratories in Multan, with a project cost of Rs. 1.64 billion, approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in June 2020.

* A focus on value-added products from available fruits and vegetables, particularly in areas like Chitral and Southern Punjab.

* Innovative initiatives such as the utilization of banana fibers for sustainable industrial applications in Hyderabad and the development of fiberglass boats in Gwadar.

Several new projects were outlined, which include: 

1. *Utilization of Banana Fiber for Industrial Innovation*

   Proposed for PCSIR Labs in Hyderabad, aimed at sustainable and innovative industrial applications.

2. *Date Palm Value Addition Project*

   A project to develop date-based products in Southern Punjab, contributing to agricultural growth.

3. *Marine Innovation and Boat Development*

   A precision and composite boat manufacturing initiative in Gwadar aimed at promoting marine technology and sustainable fiberglass boats.

4. *Clean Drinking Water Supply in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa*

   Through the introduction of ceramic water filters in flood-affected areas of Chitral, Swat, and Buner.

5. *Cattle Feed Development*

   A project to sustainably develop cattle feed from olive oil waste residues in Peshawar.

Senator Danesh Kumar, Chairman of the Committee, emphasized the importance of equipping the youth with skills that can drive economic growth in less developed areas. “Our organization has successfully trained over 20,000 youth, with 40% securing jobs,” he said, highlighting the positive impact of skill development initiatives.

The committee also discussed the educational challenges faced by underdeveloped areas, particularly in Balochistan. It was revealed that PCSIR’s educational institution in Sariab, Balochistan, had seen only 18 students enroll in the Diploma of Associate Engineering (DAE) program over the past five years. Senator Jan Muhammad raised concerns about the low enrollment rates, attributing them to socio-economic challenges, urging the government to take urgent steps to address these challenges.

Earlier, the committee expressed its concerns over the non-participation of the Secretary Health in this meeting, leading the Chairman to defer the discussion on health-related issues until the next meeting. The Secretary Health, along with other relevant officials, has been summoned to provide a detailed briefing at the upcoming session.

The committee's next meeting will focus on receiving a detailed briefing from the Ministry of Health, as well as addressing any outstanding issues related to the development of less developed areas across Pakistan.