The 2nd meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee for Development Project, Science Talent Farming Scheme (STFS) for 1800 Young Students Phase-I (Component-I) was held in the Committee Room of Ministry of Science and Technology on July 4, 2017.

The meeting chaired by Minister for Science & Technology (S&T), was attended by Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development & Reforms, Mr. Baligh-ur-Rahman, Minister for Federal Education & Professional Training, Mr. Fazal Abbas Maken, Secretary Ministry of Science & Technology, Secretary Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms, Secretary Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, Secretary Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) and STFS Project Director Mr. Jamil Qureshi.

The meeting discussed progress of the project so far and expressed satisfaction over it. The establishment of National Science School under Government’s Vision 2025 was main agenda item of the meeting which also discussed issues observed during execution of the project.

It is pertinent to mention that the scheme was envisioned to be implemented through the collaborative efforts of relevant existing institutions and science enthusiasts in the public and private sectors. Main goals of STFS are attracting youth towards science in early years of education, developing a competitive knowledge economy through value addition and improving the quality of science and technology education particularly in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

PSF will manage the STFS up to higher secondary level whereas the HEC will be responsible for university level/higher education under the scheme.

Federal Minister for S&T Rana Tanveer Hussain chairs 2nd Meeting of Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee of STFS at Ministry of Science and Technology on July 4, 2017.

A view of the 2nd Meeting of Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee of STFS at Ministry of Science and Technology on July 4, 2017.

PSF Chairman Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf gives a briefing on STFS progress during the 2nd Meeting of Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee of STFS at Ministry of Science and Technology on July 4, 2017.

Federal Minister for S&T Rana Tanveer Hussain chairs 2nd Meeting of Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee of STFS at Ministry of Science and Technology on July 4, 2017.