Economics and environment
The major issue with theories of social sciences is their rather broad generalisations. They have been developed by looking at the general behaviour rather than how individuals behave. These theories…
Banning books – Part II
Of the 100 books recently banned by the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board, 65 are from the discipline of social studies. A majority of these books are banned on issues…
Barriers in education
An excessive focus on specialization in the various disciplines within science and engineering has purportedly hindered scientific progress in Pakistan. In this op-ed we are not even scratching the surface…
The myth of civil service
These days many people seem to be hurling unnecessary taunts at government servants, asking them to be thankful that they are still getting paid while more competent and better educated…
Revamping undergraduate education
THE undergraduate degree is the flagship of any higher education system. However, in Pakistan very little attention was given in the past to the substance and quality of undergraduate education.…
Adopting e-learning in a day
The measures the Saudi government has taken as a quick response to the spread of Covid-19 include the closure of schools and universities since March 9, for an as of…
Some thoughts on improving global financial governance
Globalization has recently come under attack for having given rise to excessive nationalism and protectionism. Excessive nationalism and protectionism carry the potential to hamper global economic recovery. For this reason,…
China’s peaceful rise
China's 'peaceful rise' can be viewed through the lens of a neo-liberal theory of Constructivism. Although IR theory in Mao Zedong's days bore an ideological flavor, it was the end…
IR discipline needs revamping
International Relations (IR), as a separate discipline, is almost 100 years old but in Pakistan its academic life is nearly 50 years. Mostly promoted by US and Britain as major…
HEC introduces aptitude test for MS/MPhil classes
ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced that its Higher Education Aptitude Test, conducted through its Education Testing Council, will now be required for the HEC scholarships and for…
