Impact-based research stressed for getting rid of terrorism, extremism

Islamabad

Speakers stressed impact-based social science research for resolution of the prevailing problems like terrorism and extremism in the country.

The issue was highlighted at the inauguration ceremony of a two-day 4th International Social Sciences Conference organised by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan in collaboration with Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

The theme of conference was “Regional and International Cooperation: Problems and Prospects 2016”and it was attended by vice chancellors, academicians, social scientists, scholars, students and delegates from all over Pakistan as well as Indian-Occupied Kashmir and Malaysia.

HEC Executive Director Dr. Arshad Ali, was chief guest in the opening ceremony, while Vice Chancellor, MUST Prof. Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman, Rector, Lahore School of Economics, Lahore Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry, Chairperson, HEC Committee for Social Science and Humanities Dr. Nilofer Shaikh and Director General, Academic Division, HEC Muhammad Raza Chohan were also present on the occasion.

In his address, Dr. Arshad Ali reiterated HEC’s commitment to promotion of Social Sciences in the country and assured full support to higher education institutions for this objective. “No society can make progress in a real sense unless Social Sciences knowledge is integrated in it,” he emphasised.

He underlined that where science and technology play vital role in growth of a country’s economy, the social sciences ensure integration of a society. He said HEC pays special attention to promote social sciences and facilitate social scientists in providing viable solutions to prevailing problems and challenges. He further highlighted that HEC is considerably increasing Thematic Research Grants meant for the purpose every year, he informed.

Apart from its other initiatives, he said, HEC extends a large number of scholarships in social sciences under its Fulbright Scholarship Programme with the USAID, adding that a substantial number of scholarships were extended to social sciences students in 2015.

Stressing the need for impact-based research for resolution of the prevailing problems like terrorism, the Executive Director said that 27 segments have been pointed out during the process of finalizing the next Thematic Research Grant which encompasses national, regional and international issues. He maintained that it is necessary to actively engage social scientists with the society to get the required impact.

Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry, who was keynote speaker of the session, highlighted the significance of conference and shed light on the prevailing situation of Pakistan. He said the Constitution of Pakistan ensures protection of life and property of masses as well as human rights, provides a huge degree of autonomy to provinces, and stresses supremacy of law in the country. He revealed the economic issues of the country and emphasised provision of fundamental rights to education, employment and social security.

Dr. Nilofer hoped that the conference will play a key role in presenting possible solutions to national challenges. She admired the role of HEC in promotion of Social Sciences and its support to universities. She also underscored the role of HEC Committee for Social Sciences and Humanities.

Earlier, Muhammad Raza Chohan, in his welcome address thanked all the participants for attending the conference and requested them to come up with concrete proposals for development of social sciences in the country. 

The conference comprises different sessions. The first session titled ‘Education, Languages and Peace Prospects in Pakistan’ was chaired by Dr. Zahoor ul Hassan from LUMS while second session on ‘Social Values and Empowerment of Women in Pakistan’ was chaired by Dr. Ali Sajid from University of Lahore. Sessions for second day include ‘Business Challenges and International Relation’, ‘Education Challenges and Economic Prosperity’ and discussions on regional and international cooperation.