Pakistan and India should iron out their differences and cooperate in various fields especially science and technology in order to learn from each other's experiences, said President Indian National Science Academy, Dr Krishan Lal.

Addressing a gathering of Deans and Directors of University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) at New Senate Hall, he said that the West after World War II had joined hands for cooperation in the fields of science and technology. He asked governments of both the countries to cooperate with each other as they also share same culture and language.

Dr Lal said that India had 800 million literate people, which is more than literate population of European countries in numbers. More than 350 multinational companies were operating around the world being run by Indians. Talking about illiteracy, he said his country was striving hard to educate the rest of population consisting 300 million people. He said that Pakistan was also facing the issue of illiteracy that must be resolved.

He seconded the idea floated by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan that both the countries should set up a centre at border on 100 acre for showcasing the latest agricultural technologies to benefit each other.

Dr Lal said that he would talk to his government about the proposal in order to get it materialised. He said that no visa would be required to witness the progress at proposed border centre as only passport would work. He said that his organisation used to organise international workshops and provide scholarships to the talented students for promoting science in the country.

He said under Inspire Programme, his country was picking up students from 8th and 9th classes from each board in a bid to polish their skills in science, which would help them become a good scientist. Dr Khan said that in his visit to India last month, he had talked about an opportunity to setup border technology transfer centre at border on 100 acre of land for witnessing the technologies of both countries. He was optimistic about the establishment of the centre. UAF and Ludhiana University, India were enjoying close ties. The collaborative programme between both the institutions should be kicked off, he added. Dr Lal said that the university was committed to produce quality manpower in agriculture sector.