Young scholars urged to study issues of the Muslim world empirically, through a broader lens
The issues of Pakistan and the Muslim world must be researched through a broad lens and logical process to encompass all underlying factors and complexities and arrive at empirical conclusions. Young academics and scholars, with the help of research organizations, can contribute to this effort by conducting comprehensive and evidence-based research built upon facts and not narratives.
This was discussed during a session held with a delegation of 30 students of Jamia Al Kauthar – headed by Dr Muntazir Mehdi, faculty member of the Department of English – which visited IPS on December 1, 2022. The session was addressed by Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, Dr Ghulam Hussain, IPS research fellow and assistant professor, Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad, and Naufil Shahrukh, GM Operations at IPS.
Responding to different questions raised by the young scholars, Khalid Rahman highlighted that Muslim scholars must question the complexities underlying contemporary developments in the religion as well as the nation. He underlined that the Muslim world is facing a problem of religious identity despite Islam being a fast-growing religion and researchers should explore these issues through logical research to unite Muslims under one identity and disseminate the message of Islam.
Similarly, in order to address issues confronting Pakistan such as governance crisis, there is a need to devise solutions that are derived from empirical and solution-oriented research. He further stressed that people need to adopt a balanced point of view and a positive outlook concerning Pakistan. This means that besides being critical of the country, researchers and the people in general should also highlight good things being done in society.
While sharing his field research experience, Dr Ghulam Hussain emphasized the significance of field investigations and evidence-based research in uncovering narratives spread through disinformation. He stressed that in this age of misinformation and disinformation where there is a continuous bombardment of information, research scholars must remain meticulous and heedful of factual data and evidence to build new narratives and challenge false narratives and lobbying.
He further highlighted the role of research organizations in fulfilling this requirement by facilitating and training young researchers in conducting fundamental research and action-based inquiry. This is important on part of the research organization because it enables researchers to contribute to the national cause.
Earlier, Naufil Shahrukh introduced IPS to the students and gave a presentation on its mandate, background, areas of research, and work in conducting policy-oriented research. He also highlighted the IPS programs aimed at collaborating with educational institutes and universities and assisting young scholars in their research works in numerous policy-oriented areas.
At the end, Dr Muntazir Mehdi thanked IPS and underscored the prospects of future collaboration between IPS and Jamiatu Al Kauthar. He also presented different collaboration ideas for holding events, international dialogues, conferences, and discussions on various issues of national interest.
