The Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi, visited the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex in Lahore, where he was briefed on the Council’s wide-ranging research and development efforts and its growing role in industrial innovation and technology commercialization.
Established in 1953, PCSIR is Pakistan’s premier public-sector R&D institution under the Ministry of Science and Technology. With ten specialized centers nationwide, it focuses on applied research in areas such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food science, renewable energy, chemicals, and materials science—bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and industrial application.
During his visit, Magsi was received by Director General Dr. Quratulain Syed, who presented a comprehensive overview of PCSIR’s ongoing projects and achievements across its ten core R&D centers. The Minister toured the Display Hall, where he viewed a wide range of indigenously developed technologies and products, including advances in pharmaceuticals, food safety, chemicals, lab equipment, biotechnology, and energy-efficient appliances.
He also visited the Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC), where he was introduced to the “Patent Wall”—a visual representation of PCSIR’s contributions to intellectual property development and technology transfer in Pakistan. The Center plays a critical role in supporting innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs through patent advisory and commercialization support.
One of the most notable highlights of the visit was the Federal Minister’s keen interest in PCSIR’s pioneering work on hemp-based products. PCSIR has developed a diverse portfolio of applications using industrial hemp—including food items, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biodegradable materials, and eco-friendly construction components. The Minister praised the initiative as a promising intersection of economic opportunity and environmental sustainability.
Magsi emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting research-driven innovation, particularly in non-traditional and high-impact sectors like industrial hemp. He noted that the upcoming issuance of licenses for hemp-based product manufacturing would open new avenues for investment, job creation, and sustainable industry in Pakistan.
“PCSIR’s work in industrial hemp represents a game-changing opportunity for Pakistan,” said the Minister. “With proper regulatory backing and investment, this sector can deliver both economic value and environmental benefits. The government stands fully behind such forward-looking research initiatives.”
The visit concluded with renewed affirmation of PCSIR’s role as a national catalyst for science, technology, and innovation, with the Minister encouraging greater collaboration between PCSIR, industry, academia, and international partners to enhance Pakistan’s scientific capabilities and industrial self-reliance. – ERMD
