Need for a networking amongst the NGIs (Non-government Individuals

Dr. Anwar Nasim a molecular genetics- the science which involves studying mechanisms which control hereditary, is a world renowned scientist.  An extremely humble and kind hearted individual with tremendous contributions to literature apart from his field of specialization, he is a multifacted personality. Currently he is Chairman of National Commission of Biotechnology.  He feels that scientific research must lead to economic development and society must benefit from it.

I have had the pleasure of meeting him quite a few times during the National Bioethics Commitee meetings but more recently I had a rare opportunity to talk to him at Islamabad in detail and benefit from his thoughts.  Dr. Anwar Nasim believes that there is no dearth of good individuals in Pakistan who can made a difference.  However, currently there is no proper networking among these individuals.  He has come up with the idea of such a network which he names "Non-Government Individuals" (NGIs).  Depending on Government for everything Dr. Anwar Nasim feels in an unrealistic approach towards problem solving.  We have shining examples of such NGIs.  We must learn to believe in our people.  On individual decides to do something and it turns out to be a success story.  It is people like Imran Khan who once decided, established the state of the art cancer care facility in this part of the world.  A. Sattar Edhi is running one of the best known charity doing a commendable job and there are many others like them.  Each one of us must try to do whatever is humanly possible and we must constantly ask ourselves "Have we done everything which was within our power"  Dr. Anwar Naseem remarked.  Time has come that we must develop effective strategies that ensure that benefits of science and technology not only reaches but also benefits the population at large.  We must see how the poor can benefit from information Technology, computers and the Internet.  A campaign has to be initiated so that the emerging technologies can bring economic prosperity for the wellbeing of the common man.

The idea and concept of NGIs is fascinating.  What we need is that such people should be identified and then they should get together through some networking.  They can do wonders.  Is it not tragic that almost eighteen Muslim countries are amongst the least developed countries in the world?  This is despite the fact that Muslim world is blessed with rich human, mineral resources and the Black Gold i.e. oil.  But even then we are dependent on the west for almost everything because we have not given due importance to development of science and technology and human resource development.  It is the educated, professionals, skilled people of any country which is its real wealth - an area where the Muslim World has lagged behind.  Governments have their own priorities, hence let these NGIs come forward and contribute their bit.

(Source: OFF THE RECORD BY SHAUKAT ALI JAWAID, Fortnightly PULSE International, November 01, 2005)