Pakistan 2005

World Space Week 2005 Report

World Space Week 2005 in was celebrated in December due to Ramadan. Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) organized a large number of events and activities for celebration of World Space Week 2005 in Pakistan. During the week students were the main targets for the awareness of space.

Inauguration Ceremony

The week started with an Inauguration Ceremony on 19 Nov 05 at University of Karachi to which intellectuals, scientists/teachers and students particularly school students were invited. Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim, Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi (KU) was the Chief Guest.

Space Talk/Panel Discussion

A panel discussion was held on the same day in the afternoon at KU. The panel of experts comprised: Mr Raza Hussain, Chairman SUPARCO; Mr Arshad Hussain Siraj, Director General, Space Applications and Research, SUPARCO; Mr Usman Bajwa, CEO, PAKSAT International (Pvt) Ltd; Mr Shahid Qureshi, Incharge, Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics (ISPA) KU and Mr Arif Abbasi, ex-secretary, PIA planetarium. A large number of participants including students of all ages attended the talk and participated in the question-answer session. The topic of the panel discussion was "Space Technology and Future of Pakistan".

Science Caravan

A science caravan also departed on the same day from Karachi for the rural areas of Sindh for the entire week. The purpose of the caravan was to create awareness about space technology and its benefits among the students of under-privileged schools. An overwhelming response was received. About 2000-2500 students and teachers from various schools benefited from space related lectures and documentaries.

Space Week Walk

A walk was organized in Karachi on 20 Nov in which nearly 2000 persons of all ages took part reflecting their interest and curiosity in space science. Space related questions were asked from the school students before starting of the walk.

Space Seminar

On 21 Nov, Institute of Space Planetary and Astrophysics (ISPA) in collaboration with SUPARCO organized a seminar at KU. The theme of the Seminar was "Space Sciences and the World Challenges of 21^st Century". Chairman SUPARCO was the Chief Guest. Seven scientific/technical papers were presented by scientists/professors from SUPARCO and the KU.

Sky Simulation Shows

From 21-25 Nov, Sky simulation shows, Space movies and Planetarium show was arranged at PIA Planetarium for students and public. Also, Sun and Planets observations and awareness lectures were organized at ISPA Observatory, KU during this period.

Quiz Competition

On 22 Nov 05; quiz competition was held for school students. Fifty students from 24 participating schools took part in the competition

Declamation Contest

On 23 Nov 05, declamation contest was held at SUPARCO HQs for students. Topic for the declamation contest was "Space Technology and Future of Pakistan". 35 school students took part from various schools.

Poster Painting and Model Making Competitions

Schools were asked to participate in Space Oriented Poster Painting and model making competitions. Discovery and imagination was the theme for both poster painting and model making competitions. A large number of school students participated in both the competitions.

Space Fair

Additionally, a two-day space fair from 26-27 Nov 05 was arranged at Pakistan Maritime Museum for general masses. Dr Hamida Khoro, Minister for Education and Literacy, Government of Sindh was invited to grace the occasion and distribute prizes among the winners of declamation contest, quiz, painting, and model-making competitions. Different stalls were arranged to attract general masses specially students to create the awareness of space. Special features of the Space fair were the Mobile Planetarium established by Pakistan Science Foundation, schools stalls of Painting Posters and Model making, stalls of scientific models established by SUPARCO.