A three day international conference on the emerging issues of the social sciences in Pakistan, organized by Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) and Higher Education Commission is underway at the varsity. On the second day, eight sessions were conducted, covering broad spectrum of social issues pertaining to Pakistani society.
Senator Afraseab Khattak, Dr Donia Aziz, MNA, Dr Farzana Bari, Dr Zarina Salamat, D. Mehtab S Karim Chaired different sessions on the second day of the conference. Highlighting the issues relevant to the country, scholars urged the need to understand the problems in societal context before going for remedies. Discussing the issue of sustainable development in the country, the scholars highlighted the significance of health care, education and trade. They urged the need to introduce liberal idea in trade policy. Interest free economic transactions can also play their effective role in the economic uplift of the country.
Discussing the gender issues, scholars said women are equally capable organizational leaders as compared to males in the society. Dr Jahangir Achackzai, presented a comparative study of women from Muslim Bagh and Baloch women. Amira Hassan presented a comparative study of Malawi Study of Pakistan and shared her data on on-form and off-form economic activities of Pakistani women. Dr. Azam Chaudhary, presented his paper based on extensive field work among Punjabi and Pushtoon cultures and tried to interpret honor crimes in Pakistan.
Discussing the issues of socio-psychological determinants of health, Dr Grace Clark and Dr Samina Jalal and others emphasized to improve the psychological health of females to improve the socialization standards in the country. They discussed the importance of technology in the lives of adolescents and its impacts on social relations. Technological gadgetry is causing social and emotional aloofness in the country. The discussants urged the government to review its reproductive policies as they are affecting the local folk in the rural settings.
In the session on Internal Challenges in National Integration, Dr. jamal Malik (Germany), Dr. Lubna Abid Ali, QAU, and other scholars, highlighted the issues related to national integration. The discussants highlighted the structural problems effecting the democratic set ups in the country. Pushtoon national problems, crisis in Baluchistan, Human rights and religion were discussed. Senator Afarsiyab Khattack chaired the sessions on Ethno National Issues, while Dr. Aslam Syed (Germany) participated as discussant. Prof. Tahir Amin presented his research on militancy in Fata: domestic and international factors. Among others topics discussed are the ethnic politics in Karachi, resurgence of Baluch nationalism in the current times, language policies in Pakistan: a dilemma in linguistic choices.
The Conference would continue tomorrow for the third day. The conference is focused to highlight the social, economic, psychological and political issues facing Pakistan and their possible solutions.