MINGORA: The academicians and educationists have stressed the need for promoting social sciences in the country to strengthen social fabric of the society.

Addressing a two-day national conference on ‘Emerging trends and challenges in social sciences’ on Wednesday, they said that social scientists could play a vital role in building up community and boosting economy of the country.

The conference was organised by the Institute of Economics, Social and Development Studies (IESDS) of the University of Swat in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad at Bara Gali summer campus of University of Peshawar.

Researchers and faculty members of various universities attended the conference, which was aimed at promoting different disciplines of social sciences and suggesting recommendations for solution of the problems being faced by the students of social sciences.

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The conference, inaugurated by University of Peshawar Vice-chancellor Dr Rasool Jan, was attended by Kohat University of Science and Technology Vice-chancellor Dr Nasir Jamal, Islamia College University Vice-chancellor Dr Qibla Ayaz, University of Malakand Vice-chancellor Dr Johar Ali and University of Swat Vice-chancellor Dr Mohammad Jahanzeb Khan.

Educationists stress the need for promoting social sciences

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rasool Jan said that social sciences had a lot of importance in human life. “Unfortunately this area has been neglected over the years. Most of the parents are pushing their children to study natural sciences so that they can become doctors, engineers and scientists,” he added.

Dr Jan said that they should build up community and strengthen economy of the country. The role of social scientists was too important in that regard, he said, adding if there would be no prediction about some of the natural disasters like flood then it would be difficult to handle those without prior preparations.

“The government can make preparation on the basis of prediction, made by social scientists,” he added.

Dr Jan said that change had occurred as HEC was providing funds to the social sciences also. “Without giving proper attention to social sciences, a systematic society could not be established,” he added.

Earlier, Dr Jahanzeb in his welcome address said that like natural sciences, they were also focusing on social sciences. “After the establishment of the University of Swat, we had just 300 students in five departments but now over 2,000 students are studying in 15 different departments,” he added.

Dr Jahanzeb said that they were expecting that the number of students would cross the figure of 3,000 by this year. The university would have its own campus in next five years, he added.

On the first day of the conference Dr Qibla Ayaz was the key note speaker. He delivered his lecture on ‘Globalisation and new roles of educational institutions/instructors and learners with special focus on social sciences’. Besides him, 14 of the 35 participating scholars presented their research papers on different fields of social sciences.

TOURIST GALA: A large number of tourists are expected to attend Swat Tourists Gala, which will start on Thursday (today) in Kalam valley of the district.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner Mehmood Aslam said that tourists gala was aimed at promoting tourism industry as more than 200,000 residents of Swat were associated with tourism.

Flanked by Col Aqil Malak, he said that a large number of tourists from across the country were likely to participate in the event. He said that the event would revive tourism in the region.

The deputy commissioner said that government decided to hold the event despite unfavourable situation in the country. He said that security arrangements were finalised to check any eventuality.

Mr Aslam said that the event would continue for four days in Kalam and Maho Dhand simultaneously. He said that cycle race, motorcycle jumps, paragliding, bike riding and tent pigging would be part of the event.

Musical show, fireworks, lazar lights and comedy shows would be also held at night during the gala, the official said. He added that tent villages were arranged for tourists.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2014