The speakers at a seminar emphasize the need to provide robust research facilities for PhD scholars within colleges and highlighted contemporary prerequisites for education.
Karachi, Sindh
A seminar organized by the Pakistan Association of Research Scholars in Sindh (PARSA) under the banner “All Sindh Seminar 2025: Education System and Contemporary Prerequisites” was successfully held at the Government College of Physical Education, F.B. Area, Karachi. The event featured distinguished educationists, faculty members, and administrators who gathered to discuss academic development, institutional management, and student engagement initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Navid Rab Siddiqui, Director Colleges, led the proceedings as the Chief Guest, accompanied by the Regional Director Colleges and other eminent educationists.
The seminar showcased six research articles presented by scholars from various colleges, focusing on reform, quality enhancement, and the role of teachers in fostering academic excellence.
The event received positive feedback for its informative sessions, interactive discussions, and robust exchange of ideas.
The seminar featured six research articles selected for presentation:
Green Pedagogies from Policy to Practice: A Critical Review of Sindh’s Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Curriculum Integration Framework
Presenter: Prof. Atta Hussain Lakho, Associate Professor / Independent Education Consultant
Impacts of the PhD Scholars’ Responsibilities in Different BS Programs at College Level in Karachi
Presenter: Dr. Arshad Mahmood Siddiqui, Assistant Professor of Education, Osmania Government Degree Girls College Nazimabad, Karachi
Economic Growth, Trade Deficit and the Role of FTA: A Case Study of Pakistan with Malaysia
Presenter: Prof. Kishwer Sultana Lodhi, Assistant Professor of Economics, GDGC Buffer zone
An Induction into the Four-Year BS Program: Academic and Financial Challenges to Colleges
Presenter: Dr. Sara, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, DJ Science College, Karachi
Empowering the Next Generation: Advancing Pakistan’s Intermediate Education Through Cost-Effective Smart Learning and Practical Pedagogical Innovation
Presenter: Dr. Erum Hasan, Lecturer Chemistry, Govt. Degree Girls College, Qasba Colony, Karachi
Incorporating Interdisciplinary Methodologies into Our Education System: Resolving Global Changes like Climate Change
Presenter: Prof. Kehkashan Najam, Assistant Professor of Botany, GDGC Buffer zone
Key Points and Deliberations
The speakers emphasized the need to provide robust research facilities for PhD scholars within colleges and highlighted contemporary prerequisites for education.
Contemporary prerequisites identified include 21st-century skills (critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration), integration of technology in learning, student-centered and personalized approaches, and holistic development through practical experience and social-emotional learning.
Dr. Sara: Emphasized the importance of initiating the four-year BS program in all Sindh colleges in line with High Court orders. Her presentation detailed the induction of the BS program, its objectives, structure, and expected academic benefits, while addressing challenges such as curriculum alignment, faculty development, infrastructure needs, and financial constraints.
Prof. Kehkashan Najam highlighted the need for an interdisciplinary approach in the education system, linking academic work to real-world challenges such as climate change and sustainability. Attendees praised the discussion for its balance of science, ethics, and innovation, recognizing interdisciplinary education as a driver of creativity and problem-solving.
Dr. Erum Hasan advocated for implementing virtual labs as a cost-effective, application-based enhancement to the curriculum. She noted plans to commence this year, with extensions to include practical components across Mathematics, Commerce, and Social Sciences, as well as computational skills across subjects, aiming to reduce academic dishonesty and broaden hands-on learning.
Demands and Resolution
The seminar culminated in seven demands proposed by Research Scholars of Colleges Education Department, presented by caretaker PRSA President Dr. Zafar Farooqui. The seven demands were unanimously accepted and passed as a formal resolution by the attending scholars:
Distribute the 20% promotion cut among PhD and MPhil teachers.
Align PhD allowances (10,000) with university-level standards (25,000) and raise MPhil allowances accordingly.
Ensure allowances are not deducted from pensions upon retirement; continue orderly allowances post-retirement.
Ensure appointments in grades 17 and above require MA/MS-level qualifications; those holding higher degrees (MPhil/PhD) should be accommodated accordingly.
Create separate seniority lists for PhD and MPhil teachers, mirroring existing practices for DPs and librarians.
Transfer responsibility for BS programs started in colleges to PhD/MPhil teachers in relevant subjects, with reasonable compensation.
Prioritize promotion for MPhil and PhD teachers across all grades.
Dr. Navid Rab Siddiqui, Director General Colleges Sindh, expressed strong support for organizing more seminars and emphasized the importance of teacher skill enhancement. He acknowledged the significance of the current seminar as a pioneering initiative by a college-level organization of research scholars and pledged consideration of the seven demands in policy deliberations.
Certificates were distributed to the speakers by the DG Colleges Sindh.
A shield was presented to the DG Colleges Sindh by PRSA’s caretaker President, Dr. Zafar Farooqui, in recognition of the collaboration and support.
Read: KU suspends admissions to PhD program due to lack of qualified teachers
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