DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar hosted an open house dialogue on the role of universities in promoting education under the patronage of think tank, Forum for Inuit, Knowledge and Review (FIKR), a flagship project of Pakistan Development Foundation (PDF).
The event featured prominent speakers, including Member Shariah Appellate Bench Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Vice Chancellor SBBWU, Prof. Dr. Safia Ahmed, Chairman PDF, Muhammad Bilal Sethi, and Director Students Affairs SBBWU, Prof. Dr. Farhat Humayun, faculty and students of the varsity.
The dialogue highlighted the crucial role universities play in Pakistan’s development, despite facing limited resources. The discussion emphasized the need for universities to showcase their contributions and for faculty members to emerge as public scholars, undertaking productive research and engaging in public forums to promote their institutions.
The event aimed to provide a platform for students, faculty, and stakeholders to discuss the significance of universities in promoting education and development in Pakistan.
The dialogue emphasized the overlooking of the role of Pakistani universities. Participants regretted that powerful circles and those at the helm of affairs claim that universities are not playing any role, while Pakistani universities, despite their lack of resources, are serving the nation in an unparalleled way.
The universities are being blamed harms caused as a result of wrong political decisions, which is an injustice to universities. Dr. Qibla said that if universities and faculty want to prove their worth and convince people about their role, they must emerge as public scholars.
Faculty should increase the trend of productive research and gain public opinion through their expertise. When faculty have public opinion, they will be heard. They should participate in public forums and present the case for universities.
VC Safia Ahmed said that the lack of resources is a major problem for universities, but despite this, they are continuing to serve the people. She said that the most important people for a university are its students, faculty, and staff.
Chairman PDF, Muhammad Bilal Sethi said that universities and faculty have not been able to present their case with strength, which is why their services are not being acknowledged. The purpose of the think tank, FIKR, is to provide a platform to the people to highlight their services and goods.
