THREE Days National Conference on Higher Education in Pakistan: Current Scenario, Emerging Trends, & Future Prospects

INTRODUCTION

Higher education has passed through numerous phases in Pakistan. After the 18th amendment, higher education became responsibility of the provinces. Forgoing in view, many provinces established new universities, which has severely impacted the ‘older’ universities. Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, which aims “to Facilitate Institutions of Higher Learning to serve as an Engine of Socio-Economic Development of Pakistan” in itself seems under pressure owing to many budgetary cuts and questions raised on its performance to meet its objective.

University of Peshawar, one of the earliest established universities in Pakistan and the first university in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is facing many crises since 18th amendment. From intervention in university affairs, breach of university’s autonomy, to severe financial crisis and its inability to pay full salaries and pensions to its employees, the University of Peshawar seems to be fighting for its survival in the current system.

Since its establishment in 1962, Peshawar University Teachers’ Association (PUTA) is striving hard to uplift the academic and research profile of University of Peshawar in particular and of the province in general. It is the only representative body of the professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and lecturers of the University of Peshawar. PUTA is mandated by teaching community of the oldest university of Khyber Pakhtunkwha to act as a representative body of teachers’ interests and also to promote higher education beyond the limits of the campus. The current financial and other crises also put severe pressure on PUTA to think out of the box and to take action to address the issues facing higher education in Pakistan.

The scheduled conference is aimed to address the major hurdles the varsities are facing including severe financial crises after 18th amendment, management and political.

PUTA expects faculty members across the country to contribute to this conference on the following themes:

CONFERENCE THEME

• Higher Education in Crisis

SUB-THEMES:

• History of Higher Education in Pakistan
• Regional Comparison of Higher Education System (South Asia)
• Global Comparison of Higher Education System
• Universities and Financial Management
• Comparative Study of Universities before and after 18th Amendment
• HEC: A Regulatory or Funding Body?
• Research Crises in Higher Education
• Research Journals, Universities, and HEC
• Book Writing Culture in Universities
• Universities and the Law
• Leadership in HEIs
• Governance and Management of Universities
• Community-Academia Linkages
• Industry-Academia Linkages

CALL FOR PAPER

You may send us your abstracts in any of the following categories:

• Plenary Session (For senior fellows and practitioners) 
  • Plenary Session is meant for senior fellows or practitioners (not exclusively though). The talk duration varies between 30-45 minutes for each speaker. Number of speakers is highly limited and selective. We encourage senior fellows and practitioners to apply under this category.
• Panel Discussions (For senior practitioners and insiders)
  • Panel Discussion is meant for experienced practitioners and insiders of HEIs (not exclusively though). There is no talk but discussion. The session is moderated by a moderator while panelist discuss the issues and their experiences while the audience are given maximum time for questions and answers. Number of panelists are limited and selective. We encourage experienced practitioners and insiders to apply under this category.

• Paper Presentation Session (for young researchers)
  • Paper presentation sessions are meant for young emerging researchers and practitioners (not exclusively though). Each speaker is given 10-15 minutes for presenting his/her findings. We encourage young researchers to contribute under this category.

IMPORTANT DATES

*For registration and abstract submission, please email at putaconference2021@uop.edu.pk

CONFERENCE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

• Prof. Fazli Nasir, President PUTA
• Dr. Zakir Ullah Jan, GS PUTA
• Dr. Uzair Jan, VP PUTA
• Dr. Rasool Khan
• Prof. Farzana, Executive Member, PUTA
• Dr. Imran Ahmad Sajid, Literary Secretary PUTA

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Guest of Honour

Shafqat Mehmood, Federal Minister for Education

Conference Chair

Chairman, HEC, Pakistan

Guest Speaker

Professor Rasool Jan, Ex-VC, University of Peshawar
Prof. Muhammad Jahanzab Khan, VC FATA University
Prof. Johar Ali, VC, Karak University

SIDE EVENTS

• The conference organizers have also planned a visit to different landmarks in Galyat including Nathiagali, Dungagali, Ayubia National Park, Pipeline Track, and other events including cultural nights and networking meetings.

CONTACT

Kindly direct your quarries to 

Dr. Imran A. Sajid
Literary Secretary PUTA

Email: putaconference2021@uop.edu.pk

Phone: +92 91 9216896

Web: shorturl.at/zjZ26