PU PSC organises academic workshop

By Muhammad Shahzad, Lahore Pakistan
LAHORE: The Punjab University 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”.
The event brought together leading scholars, researchers, faculty members, and students to discuss emerging trends, contemporary challenges, and interdisciplinary approaches in the field of Pakistan Studies.
The workshop was attended by Director Pakistan Study Centre Amjad Abbas Magsi, Country Director AIPS Islamabad Aalia Sohail Khan, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences FCCU Sikandar Hayat, Prof. Emeritus of Political Science PU Hasan Askari Rizvi, along with research scholars, faculty members, and students.
In his address, Prof. Dr. Amjad Abbas Magsi said the workshop aimed to bring together leading academics to deliberate on emerging trends, contemporary challenges, and interdisciplinary approaches in Pakistan Studies. He said the event focused on critical engagement with national identity, historical narratives, cultural perspectives, pedagogy, and Pakistan’s evolving global role.
Dr. Aalia Sohail Khan appreciated the collaboration between institutions and highlighted the importance of academic partnerships, research engagement, and scholarly exchange in strengthening Pakistan Studies at national and international levels.
Prof. Sikandar Hayat presented an overview of the origins and development of Pakistan Studies, highlighting its institutional evolution. He stressed the need for a policy-oriented approach to research on contemporary issues such as urbanization, internal migration, demographic change, youth development, mental health, social media influence, and digital transformation. He also called for stronger interdisciplinary academic collaboration and improved curriculum and faculty development.
Prof. Dr. Hasan Askari Rizvi delivered a detailed talk on contemporary issues in Pakistan Studies, analysing political, social, governance, and international challenges facing Pakistan in the 21st century. He encouraged quality research through thematic analytical studies and regional histories, and suggested that Pakistan Studies curricula should focus more on post-independence and contemporary Pakistan. He also emphasized the need to develop research systems to attract international scholars.