STAFF REPORT IBD – The two-day National Conference on “Technology Foresight and Critical Issues” has recently been held at the NUST marking the launch of Technology Foresight (TF). Purpose of the event was to assist the government in developing policy for science and technology (SandT) and to address wider concerns that involve economic and social aspirations. In the first session of the conference, Dr. I. E. Qureshi, Executive Director COMSATS, made a keynote presentation on the “Salient Features of STandI Policy (STIP)-2012″, elaborating the holistic approach adopted in the preparation of STIP-2012. Addressing on the occasion, chief guest Secretary Science and Technology Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar said, RandD organisations of the ministry are in active pursuit of research pertaining to important areas of science and technology.” Dr. Qureshi further considered the Action lists recommended in the policy to be effective guidelines for planning the policy implementation. However, he cautioned that the present government will have to own this policy and provide necessary financial backing for achieving the desired results for socio-economic development, which is the main objective of the policy. Speaking on the occa- sion, Quaid-e-Azam University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Masoom Yasinzai said that Pakistan has vast potential to excel in the field of science and technology. While addressing, PCST Chairperson Dr Muddasar Israr said Technology Incubation centre will be established soon in the federal capital, in collaboration with the QAU.