Promotion of social sciences at institutions of higher education is vital for good governance, active citizenship, rule of law, peace and tolerance, said Prof. Dr Sohail H. Naqvi, executive director, Higher Education Commission (HEC). Speaking at a reception organised by Centre for Civic Education Pakistan in honour of Dr Nasser Ali Khan, Member Operations and Planning HEC and Prof. Dr Muhammad Nizamuddin, Chairperson National Committee for Development of Social Sciences upon assuming their new tasks, Dr Naqvi said the HEC is committed to development of social sciences in Pakistan and a number of practical steps have been taken in this regard. “The subjects related to social sciences have been included as an integral part of BS-4 year’s program” he added and emphasized the importance of close linkages between the campuses and communities.
Dr Nasser Ali Khan, Member Operations and Planning HEC said that all possible efforts would be made for provision of equitable, accessible and high quality higher education in Pakistan. He urged the civil society representatives to work closely with HEC in this regard. Prof. Dr Muhammad Nizamuddin, Chairperson National Committee for Development of Social Sciences and vice chancellor, University of Gujrat said that a countrywide consultation process with stakeholders has been launched to improve the state of social sciences in Pakistan.
He also informed that every year thematic conferences in the fields of social sciences, arts and humanities will be arranged throughout the country. Zafarullah Khan executive director Centre for Civic Education appreciated the HEC efforts for promotion of social sciences and establishment of country s’ first ever Inter University Consortium in this regard. Prominent academicians and heads of civil society organizations attended the reception.
