Social scientists from all over the country at the two-day conference adopted a number of recommendations for social reformation of society through innovative and applied research.
The recommendations were formally adopted at the concluding session held here on Thursday
The first-ever conference on social sciences was arranged by the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) to strengthen the role of academia in solution of multiple socio-economic problems faced by the country.
The concluding session was addressed by the Vice Chancellor AIOU Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, Vice Chancellor Quaid-i-Azam University Dr. Javed Ashraf, and Vice Chancellor Bhauddin Zakaria University, Multan, besides consultant of HEC Dr. Mahmood Butt and Chairman of council of social sciences Dr. Zareena Salmat.
The participants underlined the need of theoretical development in the field of social sciences. They called for laying greater focus on reviewing theories. Interpretative methodologies should also be considered along with the statistical models and that Social Scientists need awareness of global trends. All disciplines in social sciences are equally important and should be recognized at par with other disciplines, they added.
Dr. Shahid Siddiqui in his concluding remarks called for linking research with the humanity and the society as a whole. He also underlined the need of qualitative paradigm of research in development of social sciences. Socio-sector development is most important area for the overall progress of the society, which could be well achieved through freedom of expression, thoughts and choice, he added.
The AIOU, he said has the pride of working vigorously for qualitative improvement in term of skill, knowledge and behavior in its educational pursuits.
Dr. Shahid Siddiqui called for exploring new avenues and alternatives for addressing social problems through relevant research-based activities. The research, he said should be indigenous and local in nature for development of healthy society at grass-root level. He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the AIOU during the last year for promoting research-based study relevant to the society in academic programs.
The recommendations presented by the conference’s coordinator Dr. Amir Shah further said that the social sciences must focus on disseminating inter-regional, cultural, economic and social information for the learners to promote national integration.
Without understanding the human-mind, it is not possible to comprehend the present challenges. The beauty of social science development is that it turns human-beings into a community.
Dean department of Social Sciences Dr. Syed Abdul Siraj said more than 70 research papers were presented during the two-day deliberations of the conference. The participants deliberated upon emerging trends in social sciences and developing institutional capacity for promoting Social sciences.