THE process of discoveries and inventions continues. Science and technology have, however, brought a tremendous revolution in unfolding mysteries and myths.

Scholars of science in the past could only reveal the secrets of different phenomena, but could not progress further in the right direction because there were no facilities for research and preservation and propagation of their theories.

These discoveries and works of the past famous luminaries are a beacon of light for the researchers of today who benefit them with the help of technology.

Recently, the Higher Education Commission gave a new trend and impetus to the pursuit of PhD degrees.

Since it was a unique incentive for the aspiring seekers of knowledge, incidents of plagiarism were brought to light, that is, verbatim reproduction of the extracts from the already approved research papers that brought dishonor to scholars. Such shortcuts were, however, exposed soon and sealed.

There is a need to ponder over the trials and tribulations that an aspirant PhD has to undergo. At the outset, to get admission to PhD is no child’s play. PhD students have to undergo different phases of academic and subject-specified plus qualifying of certain courses before they embark on research work.

Admittedly, a researcher will have to read and consult a large number of books for the reinforcement of their research work. A scholar will seldom dare copy word for word without acknowledgement.

The researcher steers the garnished ideas and thoughts for supplementing one’s research topic. Goethe said that there would be little left of him if he were to discard what he owed to others. It is known that Art is ‘I’, Science is ‘we’. In fact, science is organised knowledge; therefore, researchers have to follow some basic parameters.

Educationists, especially those pursuing PhDs, must counter insinuations of plagiarism. In the beginning there was a great hue and cry and concrete instances were shown as proof. However, now the researchers have become thoughtful.

It is an extremely worrying situation when we see the trend of cut and paste in bachelors’ classes. This is vitiating the next generation’s career. Computer and the Internet should act as a facilitator and not tempt as an imitator.

The HEC is required to constantly review the performance of each PhD researcher so as to avoid the stigma of plagiarism.

MSA Karachi