The repeated achievements of young and budding Pakistani brains at renowned international contests in the field of environment-friendly technology speaks volumes about the rich potential and talent existing in the country. The recent history is witness to the fact that outstanding Pakistani students have participated in the world competitions like science and technology, environment, robots, fuel-efficient car race, mathematics, information technology, etc. and brought laurels for their homeland. But despite this remarkable achievement, a big question rises – what is the reason that brain-drain from Pakistan still goes on unabated? Why the relevant authorities are unable to convince the students, through its practical steps, to utilize their talent and potential for the betterment of their homeland? The answer is quite clear which is the official disinterest or lack of government patronage of especially science and technology research activities in the country. The Shell Eco-marathon is one such example which challenges students from across the world including Pakistan to design, build and drive the most energy-efficient cars. How the students of other states manage their visits to United States, the venue of this world marathon, is of no concern but the selected students from Pakistan have to manage their participation in this world contest at their own. Sometimes there are able to show excellent performance with their prototypes at the marathon defeating other contestants. However, their indigenously developed prototypes fail to get any response from the official quarters. The government is reiterating its commitment to promote and introduce technology and innovations culture especially among the young skilled manpower. However, no initiative has ever been taken to put their world prize-winning fuel efficient cars into commercial production, thus provoking the ongoing brain-drain from the country. What should be the point of major concern is that if these fuel efficient and environment-friendly cars are patronized and students are encouraged to refine their prototypes, it would significantly lead to minimizing environment change impacts on human health, biodiversity, diminishing forests and wildlife. According to a World Bank report, environment degradation is costing the Pakistans economy 6 per cent of the GDP or 365 billion rupees per annum – with greater likelihoods the figure has increased since then. Pathetically, a number of organizations like Pakistan Engineering Council, Pakistan Science Council, PakEPA, etc. regularly claim to be the harbingers of science and technology promotion and environment protection, however, their response regarding patronizing the young talent is too much little. The government can do a lot in this connection, but only when if it wants to.

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