ISLAMABAD: December 7, 2017. (PCP) Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman has announced that Pakistan will able to send astronauts into space with the collaboration of China within two years. He was addressing as chief guest to the inauguration session of AirTech’17 conference, hosted by Air University, Islamabad. AirTech’17 is Pakistan’s largest technical and scientific Olympiad, Airtech’17 being held at the Main Campus of Air University from 7th to 10th December. On the occasion, Vice Chancellor of Air University AVM (r) Faaiz Amir and other speakers were also present. Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, in his keynote address on Leadership, Education & Society Development, said that the purpose of education system must be to introduce latest technologies and contribute something positive for the betterment of society as a whole. He also urged the importance of industry-academia cooperation. In this regard, he asked industry professionals to guide universities what kind of skills are needed. No doubt, Pakistani students are talented, intelligent and hard-working but to achieve success in life goals, unconditional faith, firm commitment and tireless struggle are essential. He said. The Air Chief emphasized that most important segment of an education system must be character building of students. He said that every fellow human-being deserves respect equally. “Without practicing good values, there is no purpose of any kind of success,” he said, while adding that a role model leader must have courage to take tough decisions at the time of crisis. The Air Chief, answering a question, disclosed that Pakistan is currently working to manufacture next generation aircraft with the support of Chinese experts. In addition, China is also providing technical support to Pakistan for launching satellite program. He further said that Pakistan is annually manufacturing 16 to 20 JF-17 aircraft which are much better than F-16 planes in performance. Talking about importance of national defence, he said that currently Pakistan is on right track to curb terrorism. The Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman emphasized that security, stability and prosperity are interlinked in the today’s world. On the occasion, Vice Chancellor of Air University AVM (r) Faaiz Amir highlighted the key aspects of the AirTech’17 conference. He said that AirTech’17 is designed to serve as a platform where a fair and competitive environment will be provided to young students to design, build & present technical solutions and perform innovative tasks in respective fields by utilizing their creative skills blended with the scientific academic knowledge and technical capabilities. Various topics related to robotics, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies also came under-discussion. A large number of students, academia and industry professionals attended the AirTech’17 conference.