BAHAWALPUR: The two-day International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities organised by the Department of Pakistan Studies, Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), concluded here on Wednesday.

The delegates from the USA, Germany, the UK, Italy, Malaysia and Pakistan participated in the conference. The concluding session was chaired by former Government Emerson College, Multan principal Prof Hameed Raza Siddiqui.

Punjab University’s Department of History chairman Prof Dr Mehboob Hussain presented the recommendations of the conference. The recommendations say that social scientists, historians and relevant stakeholders should be consulted for policy making on social development, especially in the field of education. Various advisory groups should be formed for the development of social sciences in the country.

Social experts must be consulted to resolve important national issues such as water scarcity and energy crisis. Effectively highlight our great cultural heritage and social traditions globally. Relevant experts should be included in the relevant think tank. The federal and provincial higher education commissions should take special measures for the development of social sciences and related research projects and scholarships. Sociologists renewed their commitment to play their full role in tackling various issues and challenges in society.

Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Islamia University of Bahawalpur and the Florida International University, United States, for sharing teaching and research activities. The MoU was signed by Registrar Prof Dr Moazzam Jameel and Prof Dr Iqbal Akhtar on behalf of the Florida International University.

Under the agreement, the two universities will review cooperation for teaching and research in social sciences and arts subjects, online international learning resources will be provided, workshops will be held for the faculty’s vocational training and faculty and researchers and teachers will be exchanged.

HARASSMENT CASE: The Baghdadul Jadid police are investigating the harassment complaint of an employee of a private college.

According to the complainant, her college principal harassed her and threatened her with dire consequences for spurning her advances. She said she sent her plaints to the higher authorities and police.

The Satellite Town police post in-charge said the principal had also submitted a complaint and alleged that the woman was an accountant and was involved in embezzlement. He said the woman submitted an application against him in the police station when he inquired about the issue.

The police official said the principal was out of the city and both parties would be summoned on his return and a decision would be made on merit.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2021