A GIS & Space Applications in Geosciences (G-SAG) Lab involving areas of geohazards, geological applications, water resource dynamics, and forest resource assessment has been established at Peshawar University at a cost of more than Rs 95 million. Dr. Liaqat Ali, Director of the National Center of Excellence in Geology (NCEG) at the University of Peshawar, said that in addition to publishing a study magazine of Himalayan Earth Sciences since 1964, the NCEG has established 17 cutting-edge laboratories, offering the greatest possible chances for research and development.

Amer Latif, from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Minerals Development aid that initiatives are being made to promote the province's mining sector to give locals both direct and indirect job possibilities. Chairman of National Centre of GIS & Space Applications (NCGSA) Dr Najam Abbas Naqvi said real progress resides in the improvement of the country's human resources. He said that his organisation is prepared to work with academic institutions and businesses across the country to use the information gathered through satellite, GIS, and space applications for societal good.

Chairman of Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation and Geological Survey of Pakistan, Dr Sajjad Ahmed urged to focus on applied research in minerals to achieve a significant increase in the gross domestic product. Additional Director of Pakistan Science Foundation Dr. Ghazala Yasmeen emphasised the need of using applied research to find the best answer to the problems facing the country.

Talking about the conference, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Peshawar University Prof. Dr. Zahid Anwar said it will assist academia in examining workable ways for bringing sustainability to the use of natural resources. He believed that it would also give academic institutions and other stakeholders a platform to establish long-lasting ties in order to address challenges with natural resource waste.

According to NCEG's Assistant Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali, a unique exhibition has been planned for this occasion, at which NCEG and the business sector have put up stalls of gems and gemology. The NCEG, together with the NCGSA and the Institute of Space Technology in Islamabad, is hosting the conference. Keynote speakers from China, Japan, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Oman will share their findings.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk