Centre for Policy Studies CPS January June 2018 Report

Transcription

1 Centre for Policy Studies CPS January June 2018 Report COMSATS University Islamabad

2 Message from CPS The Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) aims at bridging the gap between academic research and public policy making, implementation and analysis. To achieve its goals CPS conducts seminars, lectures, workshops, trainings, roundtables, and consultations. CPS also publishes policy briefs and conducts and disseminates policy relevant research. The Centre s team is a blend of academicians, researchers and policy practitioners with diverse and relevant expertise. In addition to the research team at CPS, which includes six PhDs, CPS is also able to access over 1000 PhDs working as faculty across the campuses of COMSATS University Islamabad. In progressing the achievement of its objectives CPS also partners with different universities and international organizations such as UNHCR, Hanns Siedel Foundation, Quaid-i-Azam University, etc. This report covers some of the main activities of CPS in the first six months of 2018, to see the full range of CPS activities please visit the CPS website at I am very thankful to the Rector of CUI, Professor Dr. Raheel Qamar, T.I., for supporting and encouraging CPS. The CPS team has done a remarkable job in making these six months very productive. Dr. Imran Syed Head CPS

3 CPS Seminar on Uncommon Qualitative Research Methods: Phenomenology, Narrative Inquiry and Conversation Analysis Center for Policy Studies (CPS), COMSATS University Islamabad organized a seminar on Uncommon Qualitative Research Methods: Phenomenology, Narrative Inquiry, and Conversation Analysis" on May 14, 2018 from 3: 00 pm to 5:30 pm. The seminar was held at Junaid Zaidi Library Video Conference Hall, CUI, Islamabad, and more than 50 students, staff and faculty members attended the seminar. The aim of the seminar was to add to the research strength of CUI, Islamabad by introducing students and interested staff and faculty to some uncommon qualitative research methods. The uncommon qualitative research methods that were planned for the seminar were Phenomenology, Narrative Inquiry, and Conversation Analysis. The experts who presented at the seminar included Dr. Rao Nadeem Alam, Assistant Professor, Anthropology Department, Quaid -e-azam University, Dr. Imran Syed, Head, CPS and Dr. Aliya Moin Zafar, Department of Humanities, CUI, Islamabad.

4 CPS Seminar on Xenophobia at CIIT Islamabad campus The Centre for Policy Studies organized an important seminar on the topic: Xenophobia: A Study of Impacts on Policy and International Relations" on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, from 2:30 to 5:00 pm at the Video Conference Room, of the Junaid Zaidi Library, COMSATS University (CUI), Islamabad. More than 60 students and faculty members attended the seminar. Xenophobia can briefly be described as the fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign and the rise in xenophobia has implications for both domestic policy (especially policy related to migration) and foreign policy. The seminar provided a well-balanced view of the subject and included presentations on the social psychological perspective, the international legal regime and refugees, the international views on migration, the US and xenophobia, and international relations and xenophobia. The seminar included the participation of well known practitioners from UN agencies and respected academics from Quaid-i-Azam University and CUI. Dr. Imran Syed, Head CPS, provided the Welcome Address and the seminar included a presentation by Dr. Noman Sattar of Quaid-i-Azam University on the topic: Xenophobia and Recent US Policies: Causes for Concern?; a presentation by Ms. Inna Gladkova of UN- HCR on Applying the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework for Predictable Responses for Refugees ; a presentation by Dr. Ayesha Inam of CUI on Understanding Xenophobia from a Social Psychological Perspective ; a presentation by Mr. M. Shehryar Ghazi from IOM on Contemporary International Views on Migration ; and a presentation by Dr. Imran Syed from CUI on Xenophobia and the International System.

5 CPS Roundtable Discussion on Electoral Processes and Public Policy Issues in Pakistan Keeping in view the significance of coming elections 2018, Center for Policy Studies (CPS) CUI, Islamabad organized a Roundtable Discussion on Electoral Processes and Public Policy Issues in Pakistan on May 3, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at BIC 1st floor CUI Islamabad. The aim of the session was to raise awareness amongst CUI students and faculty members about Election procedures and processes, public policy issues and creating a research agenda in the field of electoral studies and public policy. Dr. Imran Syed, Head CPS, CUI Islamabad opened the session with the welcome remarks. In the beginning of the session, Dr. Shakeel Ahmad from CPS talked about Electoral Studies: theoretical understanding Mr. Kanwar M. Dilshad Ex-Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan and Chairman National Democratic Foundation talked about Electoral Management and Choices followed by a lecture of Mr. Zafar Ullah Khan, CEO Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services on Would Electoral Act 2017 Strengthen Electoral Integrity? Pakistan s Debate in Comparative Perspective. Professor Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gillani, Chairman, Gallup, Pakistan talked about Electoral Systems and Processes in Pakistan. Dr. Faqir Hussain Ex- Registrar, Supreme Court of Pakistan talked about Legal framework of Election, Mr. Muhammad Khizer Aziz, DG (IT) ECP briefed about Use of I.T in Electoral Management and Governance for coming election The Session were moderated by Dr. Kalsoom Sumra and Dr. Shakeel Ahmad from CPS. The session was well attended by CUI student, faculty members and dignitaries from civil society.

6 CPS Seminar on Multiculturalism Policies and the Promotion of Diversity & Inclusion at CUI Islamabad campus The Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) organized a seminar on "Multiculturalism Policies and the Promotion of Diversity & Inclusion" on 25th April 2018 at the Video Conference Hall, Junaid Zaidi Library, COMSATS University Islamabad. The keynote speaker was Mr. Perry J. Calderwood, High Commissioner of Canada, who gave a presentation on Building a Diverse and Inclusive Society: The Canadian Experience. He was followed by Dr. Imran Syed, Head CPS, who gave a presentation on Multiculturalism and Inter-culturalism: The Problem with Defining the Problem. The two presentations were followed by a question-answer session. The seminar attracted a lot of students and faculty members and the Conference Hall was fully packed with many students sitting on the carpet in the aisles. The seminar focused on the Canadian model, regarded by many as the most successful set of multiculturalism policies in the world. Even though the Canadian model has been more effective than others, in addressing cultural difference and promoting inclusion, still, it has faced challenges. The presenters looked at some of the challenges the Canadian model faced as it evolved and the challenges it continues to face. The question-answer session was lively as the students explored how the Canadian experience could be of relevance to Pakistan. It was interesting how culture and politics intersected with students asking several questions about Canadian foreign policy. The seminar was very interactive with the students applauding during the presentation and in support of question and answers they liked.

7 CPS Seminar on Back to Libraries at CUI Islamabad campus The Centre for Policy Studies, CUI Islamabad in collaboration with the Junaid Zaidi Library organized a seminar with the theme of Back to Libraries. The seminar was held at Library Video Conference Hall, Junaid Zaidi Library on April 23, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. The aim of the seminar was to raise public awareness about libraries usage and explore how our libraries can contribute to the ecosystem of learning & sharing. Ms. Hira Azmat, from the British Council Library and Mr. Syed Ghayur Hassain, Director, National Library of Pakistan along with Dr. Aneel Salman, Head, Management Sciences, Mr. Umar Sheraz, Senior Research Officer, CPS & Mr. Hafiz Abdur Rehman, Incharge, Junaid Zaidi Library presented their expert opinion about the topic. The event was well attended & there was a healthy exchange of ideas & queries during the seminar. A very optimistic outlook about the future of libraries emerged from this seminar.

8 CPS visits Malaysia for USIM-COMSATS International Workshop CPS delegates participated in USIM-COMSATS International Workshop in Malaysia. COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan and University Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Malaysia in co-sponsorship with the Islamic Development Bank, Saudi Arabia organized a one-week training course on Foresight and Innovation Policy at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia from May 10 to 14, The workshop was attended by 24 participants from 10 countries. The interactive lectures at the workshop were delivered by Dr. Sohail Inayatullah (world renowned futurist), Tan Sri Omar Abdul Rahman (Former Science Advisor of Prime Minister Mahatir Muhammad), Dr. Hammad Akbar (Senior Lecturer in Management, University of Liverpool), Dr. Wan Fariza Alyati Wan Zakaria (Senior Lecturer, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) and Mr. Umar Sheraz (Senior Research Officer, COMSATS University Islamabad). As part of the learning process, the participants paid a visit to the premises of MAGIC (Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre) to study their startup incubation process. COMSATS University Islamabad was represented by Mr. Umar Sheraz, (Senior Research Officer, Centre for Policy Studies), Mr. Malik Zeeshan Ahmad, (Assistant Manager, Centre for Policy Studies), and Dr. Faheem Aslam, (Assistant Professor, Management Sciences Department). Mr. Umar Sheraz also gave a detailed presentation on the COMSATS University and its achievements in his welcome speech. A book on workshop proceedings and selected academic work by workshop participants will be published by USIM, later this year.

9 CPS Delivers Lectures at National Defense University on the International Relations of Great Powers & US Foreign Policy and Great Power Politics: The Case of Pakistan Dr. Imran Syed, Head CPS, delivered a two part lecture on Great Power Politics at the IR Department, Faculty of Contemporary Studies, National Defense University, Islamabad. The first lecture was on the The International Relations of Great Powers and was delivered on 11 April 2018 and the 2 nd lecture was on US Foreign Policy and Great Power Politics: The Case of Pakistan and was delivered on 2 May CPS Delivers a Talk at Quaid-i-Azam University on Canadian Foreign Policy As part of two-part lecture on Great Power Politics, Dr. Imran Syed, Head, Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), gave a talk on "Canadian Foreign Policy: Some Important Debates" at the Area Studies Center (ASC), Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, on 3 May The talk was attended by the faculty, Ph.D. students and M.Phil. students of the ASC. The talk was followed by a question and answer session.

10 CPS Briefing Session at Election Commission of Pakistan Centre for Policy Studies in collaboration with Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) organized a briefing session on Youth electoral education and awareness at ECP Secretariat Islamabad on April 26, The purpose of briefing session was to educate, aware and provide motivation to youth for participation in electoral process in 2018 general elections. Students, faculty members and officials from ECP have participated in a briefing session. The Briefing session was well attended by more than 40 students and faculty members of CUI Islamabad. Officials from ECP Secretariat well briefed CUI students and faculty members and they were able to know about ECP Act, Election Reforms, ECP role and electoral changes, GIS polling station system, result management system, overseas voting system etc. A question answer session was also conducted at the end of the session and the briefing session was very interactive and students asked many questions about ECP role and responsibility in making sure free and fair election in Pakistan. Dr. Akhtar Nazir, Additional Secretary Administration and Elections gave a detailed briefing on electoral procedures, processes and preparation made by ECP for ensuring transparent, fair and free elections. He elaborated salient features of Election Act 2017 and shared the statistics of preliminary Electoral rools During Questions/Answers session, Mr. Muhammad Khizer Aziz, Director Information Technology (IT) briefed the participants regarding the use of IT particularly Geographic Information System (GIS), Result transmission System and use of Cameras for security reasons. He also explained the basic features of ECP online application/portal and suggested to download it on cell phones for latest updates from ECP. He urged to verify vote before 30 th April (last date of voter registration/verification) by sending NIC number on Brig (R) Muhammad Naeem Akhtar Qazi, Director General Administration focused on effective participation of youth in electoral process and urged youth to come forward to cast vote on election day. While responding to a question, Mr. Zaffar Iqbal Hussain, Additional Secretary Training, Research and Evaluation, highlighted a voting criteria i.e 18 years of age and NIC, irrespective of its validity. Dr. Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad, Assistant Professor from Centre of Policy Studies (CPS) thanked ECP for collaboration in the field of electoral education and awareness. Mr. Abaid Ullah, Manager CPS highlighted the upcoming scheduled events related to electoral education and awareness in the future.

11 CPS Seminar on Electoral Governance and Management in Pakistan Centre for Policy Studies, COMSATS University Islamabad organized a one-day national seminar on Electoral Governance and Management in Pakistan at Junaid Zaidi Library video Conferencing Hall on May 11, 2018 Friday from 02:30 pm to 05:00 pm. The purpose of the seminar was to share ideas, insights and reflections on electoral governance, electoral integrity, political accountability and public policy formulation processes in Pakistan. Members of academia, civil society and government officials have attended this seminar and shared their insights on different theoretical and methodological aspects of electoral governance. Dr. Imran Syed, Head CPS gave the welcome address to the speakers and participants Mr. Zafar Iqbal, Additional Secretary, (Training, Research and Evaluation) from Election Commission of Pakistan, Professor Ijaz Shafi Gillani, Chairman- Gallup Pakistan, Mr. Sarwar Bari, General Secretary Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) and National Coordinator PATTAN Development Organization and Dr. Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad-Election Studies Coordinator Centre for Policy Studies shared their intellectual insights on electoral governance with the audience. Speaking to the participants of seminar Dr. Shakeel has highlighted theoretical underpinnings of electoral governance while explaining three major dimensions of electoral governance i. e rules making, rules execution and rules adjudication. Mr. Sarwar Bari shared the patterns of electoral monitoring and transparency and explained theoretical and practical aspects of elections and inherent contradictions prevailing in it. He also highlighted the role of civil society in electoral awareness and shared his thought on other alternative electoral systems particularly launching of Proportional Representation (PR) campaign in Pakistan. Mr. Zafar Iqbal Hussain shared arrangements of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the smooth conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in Pakistan including effective use of digital technology, result transmission system and geographic information system (GIS) for locating a polling station. He said that ECP has made full proof arrangements to ensure transparency in upcoming general elections He also explained constitutional mandate of ECP and highlighted salient features of Election Act In an informal discussion with researchers and students of elections studies, Professor Ijaz Shafi Gillani shared his reflections on making elections free, fair and transparent and relationship of electoral governance with people oriented public policy in Pakistan. Seminar was ended with lively dialogue between participants and speakers.

12 Media and Policy Positions on Conflict Resolution Dr. Kalsoom Sumra, Assistant Professor, Center for Policy Studies participated in the Pakistan Television program 45 Minutes on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 09:00 pm as an educationist. The other panelists included Dr. Habib Ur Rehman Asim, Religious Scholar, Raja Nazir, Advocate and Waheed Murad, Journalist. Ms. Farkhunda Chaudhary was the host of the program. The topic of the program was Ordinary Disputes Solutions out of Courts. The policy posi-tion taken by Dr. Kalsoom Sumra was to establish small units for dispute resolution at local government level. Dr. Kalsoom Sumra, Assistant Professor, Center for Policy Studies successfully participated in Pakistan Television program Seedhi Baat on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 11:00 pm. The Other panelists include: Mr. Abdullah Gillani (Huriat Leader), Dr. Mr. Hassan Khan (Expert in Afghan matters). Mr Yasir Rehman was the host of the program and program topic was Strategic solution for Kashmir and Afghanistan Relations: Dr. Kalsoom Sumra actively par-ticipated in the discussion and gave her intellectual view to resolve the issue through table talks. CPS Researcher Presented a Research Paper at BZU Dr. Ghulam Shabbir, Assistant Professor, Center for Policy Studies CUI Islamabad participated in International conference on titled The Tradition of Adoption and Innovation in Islamic Culture and Civilization and presented his paper entitled Civilizational Conflict Between Islam and West: Preferred Choices of Mutual Accommodation. The Conference was held on March 28, 29, 2018 at Bahauddin Zakria University Multan. CPS Researcher Presented a Research Paper at LUMS Dr Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad, a researcher at Centre for Policy Studies, CUI Islamabad has presented his research paper on the Connections of Judiciary and Elections in Pakistan at LUMS Annual Conference on Courts and Politics on March 14-15, This conference was jointly organised by the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS) and the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL). The focus of the conference was on the role of higher courts in dealing with cases concerning the Constitution, making and breaking of governments and relations among institutions. The Conference explored the operational dynamics of courts vis-a-vis the state structure, the society at large, Islamisation and relations with the legal profession. There were multiple themes of the conference including courts and the parliament, courts and constitution, military, state, society and Laws.

13 CPS Quarterly Volume 5 Number 1 March 2018 Note From CPS...1 Dr. Imran Syed Editorial Note...1 Dr. Zahara Bukhari Migration, Fear and Hatred: Addressing Xenophobia Through Domestic Policy...2 Dr. Imran Syed Devolution of Higher Education in Pakistan: Post 18 th Amendment scenario in Education 4 Dr. Saeed Anwar Qualitative Research and its impact on Policy making...8 Abaid Ullah Challenges for Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals in Pakistan...11 Dr. Kalsoom Sumra The Need for a Climate of Safety at Science Laboratories in Pakistani Universities.15 Umar Sheraz A Comparative Analysis of World Bank and Asian Development Bank Strategies in the Socio-economic Development of Pakistan...19 Dr. Zahara Bukhari A publication of the Centre for Policy Studies COMSATS University Islamabad

14 Storytelling for a Better World: Alternate Futures and Policy Change The Lincoln Corner Islamabad in collaboration with Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), COMSATS University Islamabad, held a 2- hour workshop on "Storytelling for a Better World: Alternate Futures and Policy Change" on 6th June 2018, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm., at the National library of Pakistan, Islamabad. Mr. Ali Owais Sethi, Coordinator, Lincoln Corner Islamabad, gave a brief introduction to the topic and to storytelling. Mr. Umer Sheraz, Senior Reserch Officer, CPS conducted the workshop session on the emergence of alternative, progressive and socially inclusive futures, though storytelling. This interactive session included some hands-on story writing by the participants. The workshop session was followed by a presentation by Dr. Imran Syed, Head, CPS, on "Storytelling Inspiring Policy Change". In his presentation Dr. Syed looked at a historic instance from the USA where storytelling contributed to policy change. The participants of the workshop were diverse and included students and professionals.

15 CPS Team Dr. Imran Syed, Head CPS Dr. M. Shakeel Ahmad, Assistant Professor Dr. Ghulam Shabbir, Assistant Professor Dr. Zahara Bukhari, Assistant Professor Mr. Umar Sheraz, Senior Research Officer Malik Zeeshan Ahmad, Assistant Manager Dr. Kalsoom Sumra, Assistant Professor Dr. Saeed Anwar, Assistant Professor Mr. Laeeq Hassan Jaswal, Assistant Professor Mr. Abaid Ullah, Manager Mr. Muhammad Tahir Aslam, Office Assistant

16 CPS News E D I T O R A B A I D U L L A H D E S I G N E D BY M. T A H I R A S L A M For more information about CPS News please visit

17 About CPS CPS Second Floor, IRM Complex, # 7, Sunrise Avenue, Park Road, Chak Shahzad,Near Obsession Marquee, Islamabad, Pakistan Phone: Ext: 117 Fax: The Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) aims at bridging the gap between academia, research and the public policy making processes. To achieve its goals the Centre s team is a blend of academicians, scholarly researchers and policy practitioners who have had extensive experience in public policy formulation and implementations process at senior levels. Through its collaboration and partnership with well-known policy centers and think tanks around the world, the Centre also examines Pakistan s policy alternatives on the basis of best international practices in various fields. Apart from the small number of team members at CPS, the Centre is also able to access over 1000 PhD scholars working as faculty across the campuses of COMSATS in the country. Address Centre for Policy Studies COMSATS University Islamabad. W E AR E ON W EB WW3.COMSAT S. EDU. PK/ CPS WWW. FACEBO OK.COM/ CPS. CIIT Second Floor, IRM Complex, # 7, Sunrise Avenue, Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Near Obsession Marquee, Islamabad, Pakistan For more information about CPS please visit eboo k.com/c ps.c iit Report prepared by Abaid Ullah Designed by Muhammad Tahir Aslam

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