The Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) and Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) Islamabad signed an MoU of mutual cooperation and collaboration on the reforms agenda for long-term economic development at Baghdad-ul-Jadeed Campus.
The seminar was presided over by Vice-Chancellor, IUB Prof Dr Athar Mahboob and the chief guest was Vice-Chancellor PIDE Prof Dr Nadeem ul Haq. Commissioner Bahawalpur Raja Jahangir Anwar participated as the guest of honor in the concluding session. President Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Chaudhry Zulfikar Ali Mann, Pro Vice Chancellor PIDE Dr Durr-e-Nayab, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr Rubina Bhatti and Chairman of the Department of Economics Dr Abid Rasheed Gill and faculty members were present on this occasion.
The participants said that universities provide the blueprint and framework for social and economic development. Research in universities can play a key role in social and economic development, policy-making institutions should consult the experts in universities to deal with existing social, especially economic problems. Pakistan is a country rich in natural resources. Pakistan needs the best economic road map in which universities can play a pivotal role. Pakistan needs long-term and short-term planning for sustainable development.
The participants were of the view that all the social and political circles of the country should agree on the charter of the economy for the economic development of Pakistan. The economic reform agenda can be formulated with the help of experts and researchers in universities, by following which, Pakistan can get rid of the economic crisis. Pakistan is rich in manpower and natural resources. What is required is proper planning and execution.
