Sindh University organizes 2-day International Workshop on Thar’s ecology, economy and community

• The workshop aimed to analytically re-frame the Thar and explore the shared natural, economic, and social ecologies of the subcontinent’s Great Desert

By Afsar Jatoi

A two-day international research workshop titled “Beyond the Border: Ecology, Economy, and Community in Thar” was held at the Benazir Research Centre, University of Sindh, Jamshoro. The workshop was funded by the American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AIPS), and organized by AIPS, Pakistan Study Centre and Department of History, University of Sindh.

The workshop aims to analytically re-frame the Thar and explore the shared natural, economic, and social ecologies of the subcontinent’s Great Desert. It brings together scholars of the region who might otherwise generally be isolated by geography and/or discipline, to showcase and inspire new, collaborative directions in studies of the Thar. Principal organizer and a scholar from University of Pennsylvania, USA, Dr. Brian T. Cannon, in opening remarks shared his perspective on the interconnectedness of environmental and cultural systems in desert regions and how Thar has been unwittingly seen within the frame of national cultures, economies, and historiographies, rather than as a cohesive whole.

The inaugural session was chaired by the acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Khoumbhati, who in his address emphasized the significance of Thar’s ecology and economy in the broader regional context. He highlighted the need for interdisciplinary research to address environmental challenges and improve community livelihoods while underscoring the role of academic institutions in shaping policies that promote ecological balance and economic growth.

In his keynote address, Former Vice-Chancellor Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam Dr. Fateh Muhammad Mari shed light on the historical and socio-economic dynamics of Thar and discussed the impact of climate change on Thar’s fragile ecosystem, underscoring the urgent need for adaptive strategies. SU Registrar Professor Dr. Mushtaque Ali Jariko in stressed for academia-industry linkages to create employment opportunities for the youth of the region.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Shuja Ahmed Mahesar, Director of the Pakistan Study Center, emphasized the critical need for collaboration across academic institutions and disciplines to tackle the urgent challenges of our time. He underscored that in an era defined by Anthropocene-induced climate change and large-scale ecological destruction, collective intellectual efforts are not just beneficial but essential. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and partnerships, he highlighted the pivotal role of academia in shaping sustainable solutions and influencing policy frameworks.

The session was moderated by Dr. Abdul Razaq Channa who highlighted the role of collaborations among institutional bodies in enabling high quality research and the achievements of University of Sindh, Jamshoro in collaboration with international research councils, such as American Institute of Pakistan Studies. Dr. Channa also noted that workshops like this aligns with a broader vision to establish the rigorous research foundations within Sindh University and encourage scholarly work on Thar and Sindh overall by bringing together scholars from across the world. Dr. Irfan Shaikh delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of speakers, organizers and participants.

Notable Scholars of Thar region like Professor Noor Ahmed Jhanjhi are participating in the workshop. Various methodological challenges and their impacts on researcher’s ability to adequately structure fieldwork were extensively explored throughout the day. Following the research presentations, junior researchers received mentorship from senior PhD scholars, who provided guidance and detailed, constructive feedback on their papers.

Read – Tharparkar: The Land of Hope and Transformation

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Afsar Jatoi is BS final year student of Anthropology and one of the research contributors of this international workshop.