ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain has called for increase in budget for research and development saying as compared to developed world, our budget allocation for science and technology is mere 2.4 per cent. Addressing the 15th session of Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) General Assembly in Islamabad on Tuesday, the president said that science and technology is the best demonstration of human capabilities and scientists played important role in 16th century but now they are lagging behind. He said that peace and development can be promoted by gaining self-sufficiency in food, water and electricity through science and technology. The president stressed the need to produce highly qualified scientists in the country and appreciated ten years plan of COMSTECH for promoting science and technology among the member states. Moreover, the delegations from different countries are participating in the COMSTECH general assembly. On the appeal of the president, special prayers were offered for early recovery, good health and long life of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.