HEC to establish social sciences research council

By Our Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD - The Higher Education Commission is making efforts for the advancement of Social Sciences Research with special focus on impact on society. This was discussed in detail during a meeting of  members of the Inter-University Consortium on Social Sciences with Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Higher Education Commission.

The meeting was attended by heads of universities who are members of the Consortium including, Dr Shahid Siddiqui, Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University, Dr Mohammad Ali, Vice Chancellor Government College University Faisalabad, Dr QaiserMushtaq, Vice Chancellor, Islamia University, Bahahwalpur, DrJaved Iqbal, Vice Chancellor, University of Balochistan, Dr Zia Qayyum, Vice Chancellor, University of Gujrat, DrMohsin Khan, Director, Institute of Management Sciences Peshawar and Dr Aliya Khan, Dean, faculty of social sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University.

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 organizations and host joint seminars and conferences. There was consensus on the need to revitalize 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.

Chairman HEC 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 said that Social Sciences Research Council will be established in Pakistan and preparations were afoot to promote and achieve excellence by encouraging scholarly cooperation and collaboration in the Social Sciences sector.

Its ultimate aim would be to advice the government on National Social Policy for more concerted work in the field. The vice chancellors expressed their resolve to work for the renaissance of the Social Science discipline and agreed to apply involving students in community work for the uplift of the adjoining as suggested by Chairman HEC. The next meeting will be held at Allama Iqbal Open University at the end of the month.