ISLAMABAD: Social scientists and parliamentarians in an online seminar on Saturday resolved to undertake collaborative efforts to raise awareness and adopt measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus as well as develop a research agenda and promote values of peace, tolerance and harmony to turn the pandemic into an opportunity.

They were speaking during a webinar titled ‘Role of Social Scientists during the Pandemic’, which was organised by the Inter-University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences Pakistan in collaboration with the Government College University Lahore and University of Lahore.

According to a statement released on Saturday, the speakers also emphasised continued close interactions among social scientists and decision-makers to develop an effective mechanism, learn from best practices and take advantage from one another’s experiences and expertise.

They emphasised that social scientists, thought leaders and opinion leaders have a key role as they have broader perspectives on society and the pulse of the people.

The speakers included Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, University Lahore Pro Rector Superior Dr Mohammad Nizamuddin, Pakistan Academy of Letters Chairman Dr Yousuf Khushk, former Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services executive director Zafarullah Khan and others.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2020