In an impressive ceremony chaired by the Federal Minister for Science and Technology Mir Changez Khan Jamali, an MoU was signed between Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST) and National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) to establish a much-needed National Analytical Lab for Substances of Abuse at Atta-ur-Rehman School of Applied Bio-Sciences (ASAB), NUST.

Earlier, at the meeting, Dr Mudassar Asrar, Chairperson, PCST highlighted the importance of this venture and explained how it would enhance our national capability. He pointed out alarmingly that annually 100,000 new drug users were being added to the society, which called for attention at national level.

Engr. Muhammad Asghar, Rector NUST highlighted how Atta-ur-Rehman School of Applied Bio-Sciences (ASAB) had grown into a centre of excellence where highly qualified and experienced researchers were working on numerous research projects of national importance and where the proposed lab would be established by the end of 2012..

Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar, Secretary MoST appreciated this initiative and hoped that it would render useful service to the nation in particular and to mankind in general.

Mir Changez Khan Jamali commended the two institutions and hoped the project would save the nation’s huge foreign exchange and time by developing indigenous research capabilities in the important field of drug abuse. He particularly praised growing increase of female participation in and contribution to the fields of higher education and research. The ceremony concluded after the MoU signing between PCST and NUST.