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Pakistan

Fawad Chaudhry trolled for saying SUPARCO sent Hubble telescope to space

Dunya News

The minister was subject to satire and ridicule for his blunder during an interview

(Web Desk) - Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry stirred up yet again another controversy on the issue of moon sighting and his proposal for the use of science and technology for a lunar calendar instead of Ulemas. He proposed that a committee be formed which will use modern science and technology for moon sighting.

However, the minister was trolled by netizens for his faux pas, was subject to satire and ridicule for his blunder during an interview with a local news channel, stating SUPARCO instead of NASA was responsible for sending the Hubble Telescope to space.

‘One of the ways to sight the moon is by the Hubble Telescope, which is the world’s biggest telescope and was sent [into space] by SUPARCO, then there are other satellites, and there are other types of technologies,’ he added.

Regarding Pakistan space programme, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) was established in 1961 and is responsible for research and development for its space science, space technology, and its peaceful applications.

SUPARCO s science and research is focused on better understanding of the solar system, space weather, astrophysics (Big Bang Theory and Physical cosmology), astronomical observation, climatic studies, space and telemedicine, remote sensing and the earth observation.

It regularly provides monthly predictions for the visibility of new moon for various cities to relevant agencies in Pakistan and is continuously working towards developing indigenous capabilities in satellite development.

Fawad Chaudhry, following his remarks about the govt expenditure of around Rs 3.6 to 4M, every Ramadan and Eid for moon sighting was also of the view that once a ten year moon calendar is created the hassle around the moon sighting will diminish, also the Ulema should also not charge such an amount for this ordeal.

Though people did appreciate his efforts but he got mocked by Twitteratis, who didn’t spare him for his slip of tongue and ridiculed him for being unaware of who launched the Hubble Telescope.

One netizen mocked him stating.

‘Kindly remember this is a slip of the tongue. We should proud that we have a minister who has extraordinary knowledge.’

Another asked

‘So NASA never launched the Hubble’

Some were appreciative of his statement regarding moon sighting.

‘As for technology, there is no rocket science. You can go on this link and find a month before that the Eid in Pakistan will be on June 5 (Wednesday)’

 

By

Saadia Ali