ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):The Science and Technological Research Division has been allocated Rs. 4,792 million in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025-26 to fund 24 ongoing initiatives with an aim to strengthen country’s scientific infrastructure and promote technological innovation across key sectors.
The highest allocation of Rs. 850 million has been made for the Research, Development and Innovation Program at PCSIR, reflecting the government’s focus on boosting indigenous industrial research and innovation. This flagship program is designed to support product development, commercialization, and applied research in various scientific domains.
Rs. 380 million has been earmarked for Cultivation and processing of Medicinal and Industrial Cannabis on Experimental Fields and Establishment of testing and product development facilities (PCSIR and Arid Agriculture University).
A significant allocation of Rs. 350 million has been reserved for the upgradation of the Pakistan Museum of Natural History which includes modernizing exhibits and strengthening research infrastructure.
An amount of Rs. 338 million has been allocation for the Gene Editing of Biological Agents for Nutritional Biochemical and Therapeutical purpose.
Following this, Rs. 250 million has been allocated to the revised “Quality Seed Production and Supply for Food Security” project which focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring long-term food security while Rs. 245 million has been reserved for Digital transformation, Strengthening and Automation of PCSIR.
A total of Rs. 217 million will go for the Establishment of National Center of Failure Analysis in Institute of Space Technology.
In the biotechnology sector, Rs. 200.194 million has been allocated for the Medical Cannabis Greenhouses and National Analytical Laboratory, supporting medicinal research and controlled cultivation.
The three projects of Establishment of NUST Chip Design Center, Development of Computer Controlled Fermenters and Production of Biochemicals and Bioproducts and Research, Development and Technology Transfer of Selected for Import Substitution Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients received Rs. 200 million each.
These allocations reflect the government’s commitment to advancing research in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, materials science, and electronics. The initiatives are expected to reduce Pakistan’s import dependence, foster innovation and elevate the country’s technological capabilities.
