ISLAMABAD, Feb 24: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has decided to establish a capital-based Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Pakistan to promote all disciplines that come under the social sciences regime, an official statement said.

According to the statement, HEC chairman Prof Attaur Rahman stated that there had been accelerated developments in the social sciences and humanities sector, but there was no permanent forum so far to ensure sustainable progress in the sector.

The establishment of the council under government umbrella will boost up the dormant academic development and research in the sector and also remove other administrative hurdles in the way of research and development, he said.

The council will not only develop networking of research database available in institutions within the country and abroad, but also be responsible for dissemination of information through conferences and seminars. It will also assist researchers to explore and develop expertise in a wide range of disciplines, and target research to specific social needs.

In addition to this, the council will establish 200 research chairs at public sector universities and postgraduate colleges. It will also be responsible for developing and funding strategic research programmes with various government, business and non- profit organizations.

Meanwhile, the HEC has also decided to strengthen the Industrial Analytical Centre worth Rs25 million for the 'Support of Export-Based Industries' at HEJ Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi.

The first phase of the project, which was approved by the HEC, aimed at establishment of a large industrial analytical centre to help various industries in Pakistan.