Introduction

Initiatives in Social Sciences

Quality education in Social Sciences & Humanities plays a major role in the socio-economic development of any country. In Pakistan there has been sporadic development in this sector over the past years but no substantial effort has been undertaken until recently. The Higher Education Commission since its inception in year 2003 has taken a number of initiatives ranging from human resource development to providing research grants, and developing linkages at both National and International level in order to revive quality education in Social sciences and Humanities. 

A committee on development of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities in Pakistan comprising of eminent social scientists has been constituted by Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman Chairman, Higher Education Commission.  This committee has been given the task to deliberate upon, identify the problems and to recommend immediate, short term as well as long term measures to make social sciences education, vibrant, dynamic and attuned to the present and future needs of Pakistan. The committee is currently being chaired by Dr. Ishrat Husain. 

At a cost of Rs 24 Million the Higher Education Commission has also established the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Pakistan.  It provides funding for Research Grants, helps in establishing National/International linkages between universities and provides funds for organizing Seminars and Conferences. A well equipped library along with database of faculty and their related research is also being established for the researchers through the research council. 

At present the total amount allocated for all ongoing projects related to the promotion Social Sciences; Arts & Humanities by HEC is Rs.4.744 billion. This amount is being spent through initiatives taken by HEC focusing over three main dimensions: