Pakistan Antarctic Programme

The Pakistan Antarctic Programme (PAP) is a scientific administrative division of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) of Pakistan Government which represent its presence in the continent of Antarctica. The program coordinates the research and the operational scientific research in the region. The program is funded by Pakistan Science Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Technology, supports the research that can be done exclusively in the Antarctic region^[1].

Currently, the PAP maintains and control 2 polar stations in the region. The first station being the Jinnah Antarctic Station (JNS) and the other station is known as Polar Research Cell (PRC) which was established within the National Institute of Oceanography in Karachi to co-ordinate all Antarctic related activities^[2].

The Antarctic Programme was launched by the National Institute of Oceanography, with the full support of Pakistan Navy's Naval Weapons Engineering Division (NWED). In 1991, Prime minister Nawaz Sharif established the programme under control of Navy. On June 15, 1992, Pakistan became an Associate Member of Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research but did not accede to the Antarctic Treaty due to economic reasons^[3].

In January 1991, Pakistan dispatched its first expedition to Greater Antarctica under the auspices of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)^[4]. As the programme was led the Navy, the PN dispatched a small battalion of Pakistan Marines along with the team of scientists boarded on PNS Tariq, the destroyer, and the PNS Behr Paima, the research vessel. The facilities were quickly expanded in the region, and Jinnah Antarctic Station (JNS) was commissioned. The station houses an unmanned automatic Weather Station in which the weather data are transmitted to Pakistan via Argos Satellite System^[5]. In 2001, the Badr-B was connected to the Weather Station after it was launched by SUPARCO. In 2006, Pakistan established another station, known as Polar Research Cell (PRC) which was established within the National Institute of Oceanography.

A number of national organisations are also involved in Antarctic activities and are active participants in the Pakistan Antarctic Programme.^[6]

Both stations' data are transmitted to Pakistan via the Badr-B Satellite. However, the new Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite System was launched in late 2011 to replace the Badr satellite system program.

Objectives

Nations of the world that have stations on the continent of Antarctica as of October 2006.

The main objectives of Pakistan Antarctic programme are to undertake multidisciplinary research and survey the Antarctic region particularly in the field of geology and geophysics. Studies also include environmental research and oceanography.

Pakistan's interest in Antarctica is purely scientific. Pakistan is keenly interested in Antarctic research and its research activities that is in conformity with the SCAR programme. Pakistan has acquired the associate membership of the SCAR programme and is pursuing and active Antarctic research programme and successful accomplishment has been observed in recent expeditions. Pakistan has gained experience, capability and basic logistics by launching two major expeditions. The achievements have strengthened Pakistan's capabilities for conducting research in the harsh Antarctic environment. Apart from this, useful environmental and oceanographic data has been collected from the Antarctic region. The programme is also designed to provide relevant technical information to the Government of Pakistan on Antarctic affairs.^[7]

Stations

Pakistan is maintaining two summer research stations and one weather observatory in the vicinity of Sør Rondane Mountains, Queen Maud Land in Eastern Antarctica. The (Jinnah Antarctic Station) is the centre of most operations and travel to and from Antarctica are done through the airport at the JAS.^[8]

Pakistan is also developing a full fledged permanent base in Antarctica which will enable the programme to start other extensive operations in Antarctica throughout the year.^[9]

References

External links

• Antarctic Research National Institute of Oceanography, Karachi