HOW TO BULID A RESEARCH CULTURE IN PAKISTAN?

BY AYESHA RAFIQ*

The trouble about man is twofold: he cannot learn the truth, which are too complicated: he forgets which are too simple.

Research means unbiased investigation of a problem, based in so far as possible, upon demonstrable facts and involving refined distinctions, interpretation, and usually some generalization.

No one can deny the importance of research in present circumstances because no nation can progress without having an urge to probe and find out the truth and is unable to move in the direction of human progress and development.

As far as the topic is concerned, first we see the present educational system in Pakistan. Currently two systems of education are operation in Pakistan, which are quite different from each other. These are known as the old classical system of education and other is modern system of education.

The old classical system which was designed to preserve and promote Islamic, social and cultural values, has metamorphosed into the form of "deeni madaris", which emphasizes on rote learning and traditional norms, and the other is the modern education system which is adopted by the Western World and it is also not playing proper role in national development in various fields of human development. As far as this education system is concerned, there is a need to shape a new system of education and this process will continue through research, because research can bring a change of purpose and a new understanding

Pakistan has a research culture but there are many hurdles in this process.

In Pakistan research is limited to certain level of groups or people.

As a matter of fact due to lack of motivation and incentives the research process has not been encouraged to flourish at various levels.

 Another fact, is illiteracy. Most of the uneducated and illiterate people are surrounded by poverty, hunger, high population growth rates and unemployment. For them, the first and foremost priority is that of day-to-day survival. Only after that they have overcome this problem will they strive to improve their quality of life and for this purpose, access to education is essential.

  Another fact is the rigid system of education. The old 'ruttafication' (memorization) system is part of our education system in which there is no adaptability and flexibility.

The main reason why research process has not developed in Pakistan is the lack of resources. Many people have left the field of research because of lack of resources though people have skills. Another fact is the society and the people, in which they are more concerned about their rights rather than their responsibilities and duties.

According to one report Pakistani people have two emotions: aggressions, and depression. Another fact this that many intellectual people are migrating to other countries because of betterment of their life, for higher education, to earn high amount of money or salary and to have luxurious life and so forth. According to one report,  'Pakistan is one of the top ten countries in the world where people are migrating in large number and the most favorite destination is North America.

Another hurdle in promoting the culture of research is the fragile political system of Pakistan. So these are the main hurdles in building a research culture in Pakistan. However, there are some suggestions that how could we build a research culture in Pakistan.

It is fact that a very limited work has been done as far as research is concerned or it is limited to certain level or group of people. To build a research culture in Pakistan there is need of reorganization of our educational system and reshape up a new system of education and enlightenment that is geared to better reflection of our spiritual, moral, social, and cultural values. It will certainly go a long way to build the character of the students, making them feel more secure and confident about the future of their families and country.

Another suggestion is that Pakistani government should formulate policies to discourage brain drain because excessive migration of qualified people is at the expense of the country's development. Another important point is that Pakistan should better its image in front of the world because of this bad image many students cannot get the visa for the purpose of education.

Another important suggestion is the ' restoration of democracy', The government will be able to concentrate on more important issues like improving the economy, our international image and credibility and the quality of life of the citizen through good governance and rule of rule if political process with checks and balances is restored.

 CONCLUSION

We can't wait for the miracle. We should do some efforts in every field of life. In the final analysis, research is justified on the basis of its contribution to better living. For building the research culture in Pakistan there is a need of advancement in knowledge, education, communication, and in other material and immaterial forms of culture.

Now is the time for elite to come forward and sacrifice by spending less and contributing more on educational development. The government of Pakistan should provide the basic facilities of life like clean water, electricity and safe roads and introduce laws like the consumer protection bill, patient's rights, judicial, police and educational reforms and other civic oriented laws, which will help achieve the objective of better society.

Source Material 

1.  Hussain, Abdullah Khadim, "Surviving Hunger" Dawn (Karachi) 18, March, 2001.

2.   Malik, Saeed, "Building Character" Dawn (Karachi) 1 April, 2001.   

* Student, M.A (Final) Department of International Relations, University of Karachi