PU holds workshop on future of Pakistan Studies

LAHORE, May 12 (APP): Punjab University (PU) Pakistan Study Centre, in collaboration with the American Institute of Pakistan Studies, organised an academic workshop titled “Pakistan Studies in the 21st Century: Teaching, Narratives, and Perspectives” to discuss emerging trends, contemporary challenges and interdisciplinary approaches in the field of Pakistan Studies, here on Tuesday.

The workshop was attended by Director Pakistan Study Centre Prof Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi, Country Director of the American Institute of Pakistan Studies Dr Aalia Sohail Khan, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences at Forman Christian College University Prof Dr Sikandar Hayat, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Punjab University Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi, along with faculty members, research scholars and students.

Addressing the participants, Prof Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi said the workshop had brought together leading scholars, researchers and academicians to deliberate upon evolving academic trends and contemporary issues relating to Pakistan Studies. He said the event aimed at promoting critical engagement with questions of national identity, historical narratives, cultural perspectives, pedagogy and Pakistan’s changing global position. He stressed the need to revisit Pakistan Studies through innovative academic methodologies and interdisciplinary dialogue to make the discipline more relevant to present-day realities.

Dr Aalia Sohail Khan appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Pakistan Study Centre and highlighted the importance of academic partnerships, research engagement and scholarly exchange in strengthening Pakistan Studies at both national and international levels.

Prof Dr Sikandar Hayat spoke on the “Origins and Development of Pakistan Studies in Pakistan” and presented a historical overview of the discipline and its institutional evolution. He called for a policy-oriented research approach focusing on contemporary issues including urbanisation, internal migration, changing demographics, youth development, mental health, social media and digital transformation. He also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary academic collaboration at national and international levels.

Prof Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi delivered a comprehensive lecture on contemporary issues in Pakistan Studies and discussed emerging political, social, governance and international challenges confronting Pakistan in the 21st century. He encouraged thematic analytical research, regional histories and studies on citizenship, adding that the curriculum of Pakistan Studies should place greater emphasis on post-independence and contemporary Pakistan. He also highlighted the need to develop a research support system to attract foreign researchers.