KARACHI: A Pakistani student's innovative project to turn banana waste into eco-friendly fiber has won a prestigious international award, highlighting the potential of research and startups to boost the economy. Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of research and entrepreneurship to drive economic growth.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Mohammad Sarfraz, a researcher at the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), received the Discover Natural Fiber Initiative (DNFI) Award at the Heimtextil International Exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany. The global competition saw participation from over 100 research institutions and companies. Sarfraz's project, which converts banana waste into high-quality, sustainable fiber, impressed judges and underscored Pakistan's potential in green innovation.

The project's industrial partner, Mohammad Fawwad Supriya, reported strong international interest, with European companies expressing willingness to collaborate. A German firm has already signed a partnership agreement to manufacture and market products made from the banana fiber developed in Pakistan.

The initiative is expected to create jobs and alleviate poverty in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, with fiber production already underway in Sukkur and Lasbela. The next phase aims to involve 4,000 households in the production process.

Experts estimate that Pakistan could produce nearly 500 million kilograms of natural fiber annually from banana waste, potentially generating up to USD1 billion in global market value.

Altaf Shakoor called for increased government and industry support for research and startups to strengthen the economy. He noted that while Pakistan has no shortage of talent, it requires proper nurturing. Shakoor also criticized the country's low investment in education and research, pointing out that universities and colleges often teach outdated curricula, leaving graduates with degrees that have little practical value in the job market. He advocated for technical training and lifelong education in modular formats to allow students to learn according to their own schedules.