Pakistan Council for Science and Technology Act, 2017

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THE PAKISTAN COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 
ACT, 2017 
 
  
 
 
 
 
       CONTENTS 
 
1. Short title, extent and commencement. 
2. Definitions. 
3. Establishment of the Council. 
4. Functions of the Council. 
5. Management. 
6. Board of Governors. 
7. Composition of the Board of Governors. 
8. Functions and powers of the Board. 
9. Term of office of members. 
10. Meetings of the Board. 
11. Executive Committee of the Board. 
12. Chairperson of the Council. 
13. Powers and functions of the Chairperson. 
14. Expert committees. 
15. Fund of the Council. 
16. Budget and accounts. 
17. Appointment of officers, staff, etc. 
18. Submission of reports. etc. 
19. Directives from the Federal Government. 
 

 
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20. Declaration of fidelity and secrecy. 
21. Continuance of certain rules, etc. 
22. Repeal and Savings. 
23. Exemption from taxes. 
24. Power to make regulations. 
25. Removal of difficulties. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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THE PAKISTAN COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 
ACT, 2017 
 
ACT No. XIV or 2017 
[26th April, 2017] 
An Act to provide for establishment of the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology 
 
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the establishment of Pakistan Council for Science 
and Technology to advise the Government on national policies on science, technology and 
innovation for building up a strong and self-reliant science and technology system and its effective 
working directed towards achievement of national goals and in particular the welfare of the people, 
economic growth and security of Pakistan; 
 
It is hereby enacted as follows: 
 
1. Short t itle, extent and commencement. ― (1) This Act may be called the Pakistan 
Council for Science and Technology Act, 2017. 
 
(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan.  
(3) It shall come into force at once. 
2.  Definitions.— In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context, 
 
(a)  “Board” means the Board of Governors of the Council;  
(b)  “Chairperson” means head of the Council; 
(c)  “Council” means Pakistan Council for Science and Technology; 
(d)  “Executive Committee” means Executive Committee of the Board constituted 
under section 11; 
(e)  “expert committee” means an expert committee of the Council constituted 
under section 14; 
(f)  “member” means a member of the Board; 
(g)  “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made under this Act;  
(h)  “President” means President of the Board; 
(i) “regulations” means regulations made under this Act; 
(j)  “Resolution” means the Resolution notified vide Notification No. 3(5)/ 
82-NSC, dated the I6th June, 1987 for constitution of the devised council 
dissolved under section 22; and 
(k)  “Vice-President” means Vice-President of the Board. 
 
 
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3. Establishment of the Council .― (1) On commencement of this Act, there shall stand 
established a Council to be called as Pakistan Council for Science and Technology in accordance 
with the provisions of the Act. 
 
(2) The Council shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal, 
with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, sell and hold property, and shall by the 
said name sue and be sued through Chairperson. 
 
(3) The headquarters of the Council shall be at Islamabad and the Council may establish 
regional or sub-offices as required. 
4.  Functions of the Council.— The Council shall― 
(a)  advise the Federal Government on all matters relating to the development of 
science and technology in Pakistan; 
(b)  undertake policy research, organize study groups or task forces, formulate 
policy proposals; monitoring and evaluation of science, technology and 
innovation policy for achieving targets for the overall development of science 
and technology in the country; 
 
(c)  identify priority areas for research and development keeping in view futuristic 
developments of science and technology; 
 
 
(d)  constitute expert committees in various disciplines for preparation of reports 
on policies and issues of national importance in respect of science and 
technology; 
(e)  collect, update statistics and maintain database on science and technology 
potentials of the country; 
(f)  take measures for effective collaboration among academia, research and 
development organizations and industry for development of indigenous 
products or technologies; 
(g)  evaluation of national research and development activities including output of 
individuals and institutions and to grant research productivity awards or 
incentives thereof; · 
(h)  promote collaboration among national and international organizations for 
capacity-building and other policy initiatives in the field of science and 
technology and to enter into memoranda of understanding, contracts etc., in 
accordance with the Rules of Business, 1973; 
(i)  participate in national science and technology planning and development 
activities and providing advice on selection of projects;   
(j) act as Secretariat of the National Commission for Science and Technology 
(NCST); and  
 
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(k) perform any other functions as may be assigned to it by the 
FederalGovernment. 
5. Management.—The management of the Council shall comprise― 
(a)  Board of Governors; 
(b) Executive Committee; and 
(c) Chairperson, 
6. Board of Governors. —The general control and superintendence of  the affairs of the 
Council shall vest in the Board. 
7. Composition of the Board of Governors.—(1) The Board of Governors shall consist of 
the following, namely: 
 
(a) Minister for Science and Technology President 
(b) Secretary, Science and Technology Division Vice-President 
(c) Secretary, Planning and Development Division  
or his nominee not below the rank of Addition al 
Secretary 
 
Member 
(d) Secretary, Finance Division or his nominee not below the 
rank of Additional Secretary 
 
Member 
(e) Executive Director, Higher Education Commission 
 
Member 
(f) Secretary of the Division controlling subject 
matter of education and training or his nominee not 
below the rank of Additional Secretary 
 
Member 
(g) President, Pakistan Academy of Sciences or his nominee 
 
Member 
(h) Chairman, Pakistan Engineering Council 
 
Member 
(i) Chairman, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial 
Research 
 
Member 
 
(j) Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation Member 
 
(k) Representatives of Provincial Governments not below the 
rank of Provincial Secretary 
 
Members 
 
(l) Five eminent Scientists from academia, one each from 
four provinces and federal ca pital to be nominated by the 
Board 
 
Members 
(m) Two eminent industrialists to be nominated by the 
Federal Government 
 
Members 
(n) President, Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce 
and Industries, Islamabad 
 
Members 
(o) dealing officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary of 
the Division controlling the subject matter of science and 
Member 
 
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technology 
 
(p) Two Parliamentarians, one each from Senate and 
National Assembly, preferably with  scientific knowledge 
and background 
 
Members 
(q) Chairperson, Pakistan Council for Science and  
Technology 
Member 
 
(2) The Chairperson shall act as Secretary of the Board. 
(3) The Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette,  increase or decrease 
the number of members of the Board. 
(4) The Board may co-opt any other professional or expert. 
8. Functions and powers of the Board.—(1) The Board shall—  
 
(a) review and approve annual, long-term plans, policies and programmes 
of the Council; 
(b) approve the annual development and non-development budget of the 
Council; 
(c) create or abolish posts of such officers and staff and engage such consultants 
or experts as it may consider necessary for efficient performance of the 
functions of the Council, on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed; 
 
(d) make regulations for the efficient conduct of the affairs of the Council; 
and 
(e) recommend to the Government to terminate the tenure of the  Chairperson 
before its expiry in case of unsatisfactory performance. 
(2) The Board may, by general or special order in writing, direct that such of its powers shall, 
in such circumstances and under such conditions, if any, as may  be specified in the order, be 
exercised, by the Executive Committee, Chairperson or an officer of the Council. 
 
9. Term of office of members .—(1) Save as hereinafter provided, a member, other than an 
ex officio member, shall hold office for a period of three years from the date of his nomination and 
shall be eligible for re-nomination for a further period not exceeding another term. 
(2) A person who becomes, or is nominated to be, a member by virtue of his holding an office 
or appointment shall cease to be a member when he ceases to hold that office or appointment. 
(3) A member, other than an ex officio member, may at any time resign his membershi p by 
writing under his hand addressed to the Federal Government. 
(4) A vacancy caused by resignation or any other reason shall be filled by nomination of a 
person qualified to fill such vacancy. 
(5) No act or proceeding of the Board shall be invalid merely  on the ground of existence of a 
vacancy in constitution of the Board. 
 
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10. Meetings of the Board .—(1) Save as hereinafter provided, the Board  shall regulate the 
procedure for its meetings. 
(2) Meetings of the Board shall be called and presided by its Presi dent or in his absence by 
the Vice-President on such date, time and place as deemed fit  provided that at least two meetings 
shall be held in a year. 
(3) At least ten members shall constitute the quorum for a meeting of the Board. 
11. Executive Committee of  the Board. —(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in this 
Act, the Executive Committee shall take decisions on behalf of the Board subject to ratification by 
the Board at its meeting immediately following the meeting of the Executive Committee unless 
otherwise authorized by the Board. 
(2) The Executive Committee shall comprise the following members, namely:— 
 
(a) Chairperson of the Council Chairperson 
(b) one member to be nominated by 
the Board 
 
Member 
(c) dealing officer not below the 
rank of Joint  Secretary of the 
Division controlling subject  
matter of science and 
technology 
 
Member 
(d) Secretary of the Council Member 
(3) The Secretary of the Council shall act as the Secretary of the Executive Committee. 
(4) Subject to the provisions of this Act and re gulations made in this behalf  and such general 
or special directions as may, from time to time, be given by the  Board, the Executive Committee 
shall deal with any matter as authorized by the Board. 
12. Chairperson of the Council.—The Chairperson shall be an eminent scientist or engineer 
holding a Ph.D degree with sufficient relevant experience to be appointed by the Prime Minister on 
recommendations of the Federal Government for a term of three years extendable for another term 
on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed. 
 
13. Powers and functions of the Chairperson. —The Chairperson, who shall be the Chief 
Executive Officer of the Council, shall work under the general policy guidelines of the Board and 
have such powers, functions and duties as may be conferred or vested in him by or under this Act, 
including— 
(a) formulation of research policies, plans and their submission to the Board  for 
approval; 
(b) protection of all assets of the Council including intellectual property assets; 
 
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(c) preparation o f annual report of the Council for submission to the Federal    
Government;   
(d) for the purpose of ensuring efficient functioning of the Council and to facilitate its 
day-to-day functions, delegation to the Secretary or other  officers of the Council, 
such of his powers or duties as he may consider necessary from time to time; and 
(e)  appointment of such officers and employees subject to the provisions  of relevant 
regulations, as may be necessary for efficient performance  of functions of the 
Council on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed. 
14. Expert committees .—(1) The Council may constitute expert  committees, in important 
scientific, technological and engineering disciplines to review  current status and suggest policy 
measures for their future development. 
(2) The expert committees shall have such powers and perform such  functions as may be 
assigned by the Council. 
15.  Fund of the Council—There shall be a Fund of the Council to be  called the PCST Fund 
to which shall be credited— 
(a) funds of th e devised council being dissolved under section 22, which shall 
stand transferred to the Council; 
(b) grants from the Governments; 
(c) donations and endowments; 
(d) funds generated through its own resources; and 
(e) research grants. 
16. Budget and accounts .—(1) The Chairperson shall, in respect of  each financial year, 
submit for the approval of the Board, a statement showing all  the expenditures incurred during the 
year alongwith estimated receipts and expenditures for the next financial year. 
(2) The Counc il shall, by such date and in such form as may be prescribed, submit to the 
Federal Government for approval of its budget for each financial year showing the estimated receipts 
and expenditures and the sums which are likely to be required from the Federal Government during 
the financial year. 
(3) The accounts of the Council shall be maintained in such form and manner as determined 
by the Federal Government. 
(4) The accounts of the Council shall be audited by the Auditor-General of Pakistan. 
17.  Appointment of officers, staff, etc .—(1) The Council may, from time to time, appoint 
such officers and staff as it may consider necessary for the efficient performance of its functions, on 
such terms and conditions as may be prescribed. 
(2) The Council may engage exp erts or consultants on such terms and conditions as may be 
prescribed. 
 
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18. Submission of reports. etc .—The Council shall submit to the Federal Government at 
such time and at such intervals, as the Federal Government may specify,— 
(a) annual report on working of the Council; 
(b) such periodical reports and summaries as may be required by the  Federal 
Government; 
(c) such periodical returns, accounts, statements and statistics as may be  required 
by the Federal Government; 
(d) information and comments asked fo r by the Federal Government on any 
specific point; 
(e) copies of the documents required by the Federal Government; and 
(f) original documents required by the Federal Government for examination 
or any other purpose. 
 
19. Directives from the Federal Governme nt.—The Federal Government may, from time 
to time, issue to the Council such directives and orders in writing, as it may consider necessary for 
carrying out the purpose of this Act and the Council shall be bound to follow and carry out such 
directives and orders. 
20. Declaration of fidelity and secrecy. —Every member, expert, officer or other employee 
of the Council shall make such declaration of fidelity and secrecy as may be prescribed. 
21. Continuance of certain rules, etc. —All rules, regulations and byel aws related to the 
Council and in force immediately before the commencement of this Act shall, mutatis mutandis and 
so far as they are not inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act, apply and continue in force 
until repealed or amended or altered. 
22. Repeal and Savings.—(1) The Ministry of Science and Technology's Resolution notified 
vide No. 3(5)/82 -NSC, dated the 16th June, 1987 is hereby repealed and the Pakistan Council of 
Science and Technology, hereinafter referred to as the devised council , reconstituted there under 
shall stand dissolved. 
(2) Upon dissolution of the devised council under sub-section (1),— 
(a)  all assets, rights, powers, authorities, privileges and property, movable  and 
immovable, cash and bank balance, reserve funds, inves tments and all other 
interests and rights in, liabilities and obligations of whatever  kind of t he 
devised council subsisting immediately before its dissolution  shall stand 
transferred to and vest in the Council; 
(b)  all officers and other employees of the  devised council shall, notwithstanding 
anything contained in any law, agreement, deed, document or other 
instrument, stand transferred to the Council on the  exercise of one -time 
irrevocable option to either remain a civil servant under the Civil Servants 
Act, 1973 (LXX1 of 1973) and shall be entitled to all the privileges and 
 
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facilities of the Federal Government such as pension, gratuity, housing, health, 
etc. or to become an employee of ,the Council, in accordance with their 
existing terms and condition o f the service applicable to them and no officer 
or other employee whose  services are so transferred shall be entitled to any 
compensation because of such transfer; 
(c) all debts and obligations incurred or contracts entered into or rights acquired 
and all matters and things engaged to be done by, with or for the devised 
council before its dissolution shall be deemed to have been  incurred, entered 
into, acquired or engaged to be done by, with or for the Council; 
(d)  all suits and other legal proceedings ins tituted by or against the devised 
council, before its dissolution, shall be deemed to be suits and proceedings by 
or against the Council and may be proceeded or otherwise dealt with 
accordingly; and 
(e) all actions done by the devised council before the commencement of 
this Act shall be deemed to be done under this Act. 
23. Exemption from taxes.—Notwithstanding anything contained in the Income Tax 
Ordinance, 2001 (XLIX of 2001) or any other law for the time being in force relating to income tax, 
the Council shall not be liable to pay any such tax on its income, capital, profit, wealth, gifts or gains 
and any movable and immovable property. 
 
24. Power to make regulations. —The Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, 
make regulations, not inco nsistent with the provisions of this Act, for carrying out the purposes of 
this Act. 
 
25. Removal of difficulties.—If any difficulty arises in giving effect to  any provision of this 
Act, the Federal Government may make such order, not  inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, 
as may appear to it to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of removal of such difficulty: 
 
Provided that such power shall not be exercised after expiry of two years  from the 
commencement of this Act. 
 
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