The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan appointed a well-recognized biotechnologist and Molecular Virologist as Vice Chairman of the National Technology Council for four years. According to the said notification, seven members, one each from four provinces, Islamabad Capital Territory, AJ&K, and Gilgit Baltistan, will also serve as members of the council for four years. They include rector, NUTECH, Islamabad, Vice-Chancellors from UET, Taxila, University of Swat, BBSUTS, Khairpur Mirs-Sindh, Alhamd Islamic University, Karakorum International University, and a Professor from the Mirpur University of Science and Technology, Mirpur- AJ&K of Pakistan.
The newly appointed Vice Chairman of the National Technology Council, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, is also serving as Vice-Chancellor of the National Skills University Islamabad, the first public sector university in the federal set up to promote and elevate standards of vocational education in the country. According to Prof. Mukhtar, the ambit of Technology is beyond what is generally conceived. It encompasses scientific investigation almost in every discipline, engineering principles, and in the real term, is the practical usage of well-conceived knowledge into products and processes emerging, ultimately improving our quality of life. In commenting on the role of the National Technology Council and technology relevance to education, Prof. Mukhtar said there is a need to redefine technology education boundaries. Linking technology and engineering is limiting the broad scope of technology. Of importance, Engineering is a small component of Technology.
The PennState College of Engineering in the USA on its academic programs website demarcates an engineering technologist as a professional who uses a practical hands-on approach to problem-solving compared with engineers. Having just theoretical empowerment highlights the fine lines between these two disciplines. However, what is needed is broadening the horizon of technology and technology relevant education, said Prof. Mukhtar. According to him, HunarmandPakistan’ an initiative of Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan National Youth Development Program, will give a real impetus towards reaping the benefits of technology education at basic levels and will open the doors for its implications in higher education.