The School of Politics and International Relations (SPIR) was inaugurated at the Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) here on Tuesday. Strategic Plans Division (SPD) DG Lt Gen (retd) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai inaugurated the new building of the SPIR.
Established in 1973, the QAU Department of International Relations has gained a well-earned reputation in the discipline of the International Relations. After 38 years of its inception the department has now finally branched out into the School of Politics and International Relations, said a press statement issued here on Tuesday.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, QAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Masoom Yasinzai praised the SPD for its contribution and assistance in equipping the building of the SPIR and bringing the school to its present shape.
He said the significance of the occasion extended beyond the establishment and opening of the school.
“Its importance lies in the aspirations of the Quaid-i-Azam University, the expansion plan of our faculty of Social Sciences. He said the introduction of the Master’s and Phd degree program in the parent discipline of Political Science is yet another milestone. It will attract more students into its programmes in the parent discipline of Political Science and sub-fields like International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Media, Public Policy and Governance”, the VD observed.
He hoped that the school would serve as a hub point for Quaid-i-Azam University’s future endeavors to promote the development of education and research work in addition to playing an active role in building the society and providing unique opportunities to various segments of the society.
The vice chancellor said that Pakistan was facing challenges regionally and globally because of its image. “So the focus of the school is to promote Pakistan’s perspective on crucial issues facing the country in the foreign policy domain as well as at the national and regional level. This new expansion will facilitate sophisticated and advanced research in the national and international politics.
Dr Yasinzai said that QAU had also established the prestigious Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Chair at the SPIR. He said the chair was created with the objective to promote research in democracy, human rights, fundamental freedom, interfaith harmony, economic and political stability, peace and prosperity.
“Indeed the school will promote scientific research for the resolution of crucial issues facing Pakistan like those involving composite dialogue between India and Pakistan, peace in the neighboring Afghanistan and energy cooperation in the region,” he added.
