keynote address that, even amid apparent security quagmire, the higher education sector in the country had flourished unprecedentedly. “Expanding international collaborations with universities and academics in all disciples of humanities, social and natural sciences is our priority at HEC,” he said.
The first two panels debated democratic transition and prospects, with speakers offering a variety of contending perspectives. Dr Rais argued that the process of democratisation seemed irreversible in the wake of new social forces such as rapid urbanisation, middle class expansion, and proactive role of civil society.
Prof Talbot was of the view that “full democratic consolidation will be the work of several parliaments. It will also have to be accompanied by structural economic reforms, improvements in governance and a resulting reduction in social inequalities.” Bennett-Jones termed the “new normal” political dispensation “a significant positive development, which should result in the political system becoming more responsive to people’s needs.”
Imtiaz Gull stated that the judicial activism had helped shift the balance of power in support of the rule of law.
Although Pakistan is yet to go a long way in establishing a people-focused political dispensation, he argued, the judicial intervention was putting new checks on the traditional power structures and creating greater resonance for the rule of law in the country.
Prof Amjad argued that given the groundswell of support the present government had garnered amongst private and foreign investors and the inherent dynamism of the economy, Pakistan could break out of its current economic downturn and move to a higher and inclusive growth path. “It has done so earlier and there is no reason why it cannot do so again.”
Prof Abbas, while talking about the future of Taliban in Afghanistan, foresaw greater tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid the exit of Nato forces from the war-torn nation, and possibly greater nexus between Afghan Taliban and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its sectarian allies.
Hamayun Khan’s presentation covered the rapidly expanding strategic partnership between China and Pakistan.
In the last session on the role of education and media, Mosharraf Zaidi, Huma Yusuf and other speakers underlined the crucial role of these two factors in sustaining the process of democratisation.
Mosharraf Zaidi also talked about the blame culture in Pakistan and how conspiracy theories are woven to discredit NGOs and individuals. He was of the view that such conference were of huge importance as they encouraged critical debate on Pakistan.
Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed said that “this largest-ever scholarly gathering” at Oxford was intended to develop a mature understanding of Pakistan’s intricate ground realities.
He added: “In the critical debates that took place on the occasion, both the scholars and delegates seem to recognise the gravity of our multiple crises, but simultaneously are not ready to overlook the enormity of opportunity they entail. For the greater the crisis is, the bigger the opportunity.”