I would like to sincerely thank the Fellows of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences for reposing confidence in me by elected me as President of the Academy.  I hope that the newly elected Council and I would meet the trust and expectations of the Fellows in fulfilling the demands of the challenging task ahead of us.

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) have become critically important for socio- economic development of society in a rapidly changing global scenario. The prosperity of the developed nations has changed from resource base to knowledge base. Unfortunately, there is a big gap between scientists and policy makers, and between research and production sectors in most developing countries, including Pakistan. I think the Academy can play a vital role in this regard and we would like to connect closely with policy- and decision-makers in our Government. We would try to make our Government realize that: 1) investment in STI, Education and human resource development is the only option that can steer Pakistan successfully in the 21st Century, and 2) the Academy can provide sound policy advice and prepare scholarly documents for strategizing future development in Science and Technology.

The Academy has signed bilateral agreements with many foreign academies and science organizations. We would pursue these agreements actively for enhanced international collaborations, better understanding, and mutual benefits.

Therefore, in the coming three years, we shall be focusing on building closer links with our decision makers for the promotion of STI, and sustainability of the initiatives and programs of the Academy. It is gratifying that the Academy has accomplished and influential Fellows and I would need the advice and benign support of all for the successful pursuit of these endeavors.