RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday said that “some previous court decisions” hindered the technological progress in the country, which was unfortunate.

There is a need to change syllabus of media sciences to cope with the needs of the modern era, said the minister, while addressing a two-day International Media Conference at the Fatima Jinnah Women University in Rawalpindi.

The minister said Pakistan’s relations with digital companies had deteriorated due to some bad decisions in the past. He said we have to prepare ourselves for the coming challenging times. He said the country should welcome and invite technology companies to educate and improve the students. Chaudhry advised students to choose the career they desire.

“Those who want to study should study, but others who want to play video games should do that as well,” he said. Gone are the days when a person excelled in life only if they studied hard, he said. “Nowadays, you find even a 20-year-old billionaire,” the minister noted.

The minister said women’s participation in Media and Technology is imperative for the betterment of the country.

He said some previous court decisions had hindered the technological progress in the country.

“Technological progress received a big blow in our country due to some previous court decisions,” he said, holding these decisions liable for the deterioration of relations with digital companies.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)’s decision to ban TikTok earlier also caused damage to these relations, he added. “Ban culture in the country has affected every sector.”

“I plead judges not to hear cases relating to digital media,” he said.

Referring to some universities imposing strict dressing codes, Fawad advised against enforcing strict measures.

“Those who want to wear jeans should be allowed to wear jeans. Others, who want to take an abaya should be allowed to do so,” he said.

The minister pointed out that Pakistan would not be able to attract foreign investment if it did not alter its state policies. “Unemployment will end, when foreign investment will come to Pakistan,” he added.