ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (TNS): Advancement of social sciences, literature and book-reading are important for promoting peace and tolerance in society. Universities, being the center of learning, knowledge and training, should encourage a culture of dialogue and academic freedom to instill values of responsible citizenship, accord, co-existence and respect for other ideologies among Pakistani youth.
This was stated by Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik, renowned academician/writer, columnist, who shared his experiences during a dialogue organized by Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) Alumni Association at Preston University Islamabad on Sunday.
The event was attended by senior members of QAU Alumni Association, QAU faculty and a great number of students. Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik served as chairman National Language Authority, the rector International Islamic University Islamabad and the director Pakistan Institute of Pakistan Studies QAU Islamabad.
Sharing the objectives of the dialogue, QAU Alumni Association Secretary General Murtaza Noor said that the association had started interactions with senior QAU faculty members in connection with 50 year celebrations of Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad and the 70th Independence Day. “In this regard, this is our first interaction/exclusive evening,” he said.
QAU Alumni Association president Sikandar Ahmed Rai lauded Fateh Muhammad Malik’s contribution for promotion of higher education, literature and especially critical thinking among university students.
Prof Fateh Malik narrated various incidents from his childhood and his professional life. He was of the view that teachers’ care, guidance and training played a pivotal role in grooming of a student. “An ideal teacher always considers his students a part of his family. The government should take care of the requirements of universities and should fulfill their growing needs through provision of funding because spending on higher education is not a mere expenditure, but a real investment in future,” he said.
He emphasized the role of literature and religious studies in university students. “Well-equipped libraries need to be established even at university hostels to promote the book-reading culture among students. The university libraries should be open to students around the clock,” he said.
While narrating his teaching experience at QAU Islamabad, he said that many social sciences departments were established during the ZA Bhutto government due to the importance of social sciences for the society and country. “The graduates from these departments belonging to all regions of country served at various important positions at national, regional and international levels,” he said.
He said that differences should not lead to violence. He thanked the QAU Alumni Association for organizing the dialogue.
