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Friday March 29, 2024

HEC steps up efforts for research in social sciences

Islamabad The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is stepping up efforts for advancement of social sciences research with special focus on impact on society. This was discussed in detail during a meeting of HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed with members of the Inter-University Consortium on Social Sciences. Heads of universities from

By our correspondents
January 16, 2015
Islamabad
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is stepping up efforts for advancement of social sciences research with special focus on impact on society. This was discussed in detail during a meeting of HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed with members of the Inter-University Consortium on Social Sciences.
Heads of universities from members of the consortium who attended the meeting included Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, Vice Chancellor Government College University (Faisalabad) Dr. Mohammad Ali, Vice Chancellor Islamia University (Bahahwalpur) Dr. Qaiser Mushtaq, Vice Chancellor University of Balochistan Dr. Javed Iqbal, Vice Chancellor University of Gujrat Dr. Zia Qayyum, Director Institute of Management Sciences (Peshawar) Dr. Mohsin Khan and Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Quaid-i-Azam University Dr. Aliya Khan.
It was agreed that the consortium would share resources, exchange students and scholars, conduct joint research projects and develop and enhance faculty strength through exchange as adjunct faculty. It will also help develop linkages with national and international organisations and host joint seminars and conferences. There was consensus on the dire need to revitalise social sciences research and end duplication of work that was visible in working of various committees. A national conference on social sciences is planned for May by University of Peshawar in a link to revive waning interest in the sector.
The HEC chairman revealed that Pakistan had gained membership of the Asian Social Sciences Association (ASSA) in November 2014 and Pakistan would host the association’s first meeting in October this year. A social sciences conference will also be held at the same time. He further shared with the participants the plan to establish Social Sciences Research Council, Pakistan, and preparations were afoot to promote and achieve excellence by encouraging scholarly cooperation and collaboration in the social sciences sector. The aim would include to identify indigenous needs and priorities to address issues of national importance, enhance interdisciplinary research and link social sciences for providing solutions to issues that face us. Its ultimate aim would be to advice the government on National Social Policy for more concerted work in the field.
The member vice chancellors expressed their resolve to work for the renaissance of the social science discipline and agreed to apply students in community work for the uplift of the adjoining as suggested by the HEC chairman. The next meeting will be held at Allama Iqbal Open University at the end of the month.