Seminar on: State of International Relations in Pakistan

PROGRAM

CONFERENCE

STATE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN PAKISTAN

MARCH 26-27, 2008
ARTS AUDITORIUM
FACULTY OF ARTS
UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI

ORGABNIZED BY
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI
IN COLLABORATION WITH
THE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION AND
THE HANNS SEIDEL FOUNDATION, ISLAMABAD

CONCEPT PAPER

FIRST INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CONFERENCE
THE STATE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN PAKISTAN
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI
ARTS AUDITORIUM, UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI
MARCH 26-27, 2008

BACKGROUND

The concept to organize the First International Relations (IR) Conference at the University of Karachi originated in one of the faculty meetings of International Relations Department of Karachi University held last year in which it was suggested that in order to commemorate 50 years of IR Department of Karachi University, a two-day conference entitled, “State of International Relations in Pakistan” should be organized in the first quarter of 2008. That the IR Department of Karachi University, being the oldest in Pakistan and the third oldest in South Asia, should take the lead in discussing and analyzing the discipline of International Relations and come up with specific recommendations for improving the teaching and research methods of IR and also establishing networking of IR community in Pakistan.
The idea to organize the First IR conference was later on supported by the sub-committee on International Relations of Higher Education Commission (HEC) with a suggestion that such an event should be explored for better interaction among the teachers and researchers of International Relations. Given the fact that a lot of changes have taken place in the field of International Relations in the last 63 years or so, the IR conference aims to fill the gaps in terms of teaching and research of IR in Pakistan.
More so, the organizers of the conference also want to utilize this opportunity for coming up with path breaking ideas on further consolidating the discipline of IR in Pakistan, particularly by introducing the subject in all the Universities and Colleges of the country.

MISSION STATMENT

The two-day first International Relations Conference entitled, The State of International Relations in Pakistan at the University of Karachi aims to discuss in depth teaching and research methods in International Relations in Pakistan and to suggest measures for introducing new concepts, approaches and theories as far as the discipline of International Relations is concerned. The conference also aims to examine in depth the state of International Relations in Pakistan with a focus on theoretical, conceptual, area studies, teaching and research methods and possible networking of International Relations Departments and Research Institutes based in Pakistan with a purpose to influence state policies and societal trends.

OBJECTIVES

The conference aims to achieve the following objectives:-

To share perceptions and exchange ideas among the teachers and researchers of International Relations in different Universities of Pakistan on improving the syllabi f International Relations.
To suggest new teaching and research techniques in the field of International Relations.
To suggest ways to produce indigenous literature on International Relations.
To examine the scope of International Relations in Pakistan with particular reference to suggest ways to establish linkages between International Relations Departments, Research Centers and Area Study Centers and the corporate sector.
To discuss the launching of first International Relations Association of Pakistan.
To discuss the launching of first research journal entitled Pakistan Journal of International Relations.
To publish the proceedings of conference in the form of a book.

RATIONALE

The conference coincides with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of International Relations Department of Karachi University. It will be the first International Relations conference involving to a large extent the teachers and researchers of International Relations from all those Universities of Pakistan where there exists Department of International Relations, Defense and Strategic Studies and the Area Study Centers. In a meeting of sub-committee of Higher Education Commission (HEC) held in the office of Dean of Social Sciences, Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad in June and October 2007, the members strongly supported the holding of first International Relations Conference at the University of Karachi and also recommended the launching Pakistan Journal of International Relations and Association of International Relations of Pakistan. In view of the importance of the field of International Relations and its growing scope, there is a need to hold periodic conferences so that teachers and researchers of International Relations can share their experiences and expertise in the field and also come up with new ideas for the advancement of the discipline.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI

The Department of International Relations at the University of Karachi is the oldest and biggest Department in the field of International Relations in Pakistan. It was established in 1958 and has the honor of offering Bachelor of Studies (BS), Master of Studies (MS), M.Phil and Ph.D. programs. Prior to its formation, the Department was under General History Department and Professor Dr. Mahmud Hussain was its founding Chairman. Dr. Muhammed Ahsen Chaudhry succeeded Dr. Mahmud Hussain as the Chairman of the Department. He was followed by Dr. Ahmed Abdul Kadeer, Dr. Mujtaba Razvi, Professor Shameem Akhtar, Professor Talat A. Wizarat, Professor Syed Sikander Mehdi and Dr. Khalida Ghous. Currently, Prof. Dr. Moonis Ahmar is the Chairman of the Department. The Department has a faculty of 11 full-time, three co-operative and one part-time teacher and 350 students are studying at the undergraduate, graduate, M. Phil and Ph.D. level.
Since its inception, the Department of International Relations has been active in organizing seminars, conferences and workshops. A number of books have also been published under the Department and several research projects funded by foreign and national foundations have been completed. The syllabus of the Department was revised in 2007 and new courses focusing on the conceptual and regional studies have been offered in the newly introduced four year BS program.

Following Research Projects funded by the International grant making organizations have been given to the Department:-

Peace by Process: Lessons for India and Pakistan from the Middle East by the Ford Foundation in August 1997.
The Role and Relevance of CBMs in the post-nuclear South Asia by the U.S. Institute of Peace in March 2000.
Database on Violence and Terrorism in South Asia: 1971-2004. Project funded by the Ford Foundation and in collaboration with the Regional Center for Strategic Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2003.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

The Department of International Relations offers a four-year BS program and a two-year MS program leading to M.Phil. In addition, the Department offers a PhD program without course work but will soon launch PhD program with course work. Interested students can contact the Office of the Department. Evening program at the B.S and Masters’ level is also offered at the Department.

RESEARCH PROGRAMS

There are three active and functioning research programs running under the auspices of the Department. The research programs include: Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (PPSCR) www.ppscr.org, Program on Refugee and Migration Studies and Program on Water, Energy and Resources (POWER).
The primary purpose of these programs is to involve students in the process of research and training. Various workshops and seminars have been held under the above-mentioned programs in which students have actively participated and presented their papers.

GRADUATE STUDIES DISCUSSION GROUP

In August 1996, the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi launched Graduate Studies' Discussion Group (GSDG). The idea for launching that program was to provide an informal forum where Graduate Students of the Department, Faculty Members and Visiting Speakers could discuss topics of critical nature and form opinion on various international, regional and national issues. Since then, scholars, experts in different fields, teachers/researchers of Karachi University and students have given their presentations on topics related to national and international politics, security, economic, social and literary affairs. This program, now in its 11th year, has helped a lot in promoting mature and objective thinking among students and has enabled them to come up with new ideas. For further information on GSDG, kindly visit the Department’s website at: www.kuird.org

CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS ORGANIZED

Contemporary Central Asia in collaboration with the Hanns Seidal Foundation in October 1994.
United Nations at Fifty in collaboration with the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, Karachi in September 1995.
Conflicts and Conflict Resolution in South Asia in collaboration with the Hanns Seidal Foundation in December 1996.
Internal and External Dynamics of South Asia Security in collaboration with the Frederick Ebert Stifftung in December 1996.
Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and Stateless People: The Humanitarian Challenge in collaboration with Hanns Seidal Foundation in September 1997.
Peace by Process: Lessons for India and Pakistan from the Middle East in collaboration with Ford Foundation in February 1998.
Peace by Process: Lessons for India and Pakistan from the Middle East in collaboration with Ford Foundation in September 1998.
Peace by Process: Lessons for India and Pakistan from the Middle East in collaboration with Ford Foundation in Port Said, Egypt in February 1999.
Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and Stateless People: The Humanitarian Challenge in collaboration with Hanns Seidal Foundation in April 1999.
Arab-Israeli Peace Process: Lessons debated for South Asia in collaboration with Ford Foundation in April 2000.
The CTBT Controversy: Different Perceptions in collaboration with the Regional Center for Strategic Studies in April 2000.
The Challenge of Confidence Building Measures in 21st century: Problems and prospects for South Asia, February 23 - 25, 2001.
Paradigms of Conflict Resolution and Peace Process In South Asia
December 22-23, 2001.
One-day seminar on The World After the U.S.-Iraq War held under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, International Relations Department, University of Karachi on April 27, 2003.
A two-day conference on the Middle East held in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad in August 2003.
Workshop on Teaching and Research Methods in Conflict Resolution held under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC) on October 9-10, 2004.
Two-day International Workshop on The Challenge of Rebuilding Afghanistan held under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad held on March 02-03, 2005.
Seminar on The Challenge of Peace and Stability in the Middle East in post-9/11 Scenario under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution on March 26, 2006.
Two-day workshop on, Culture of Peace in South Asia in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad in April 2006.
Conflict Resolution: Challenges and Realities held under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution on November 30, 2006.
Conflict Management Mechanisms and the Challenge of Peace held under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi and the Hanns Seidel Foundation on November 26-27, 2007.

PROGRAMS FOR 2008

The First International Relations Conference to celebrate fifty years of International Relations Department, University of Karachi.
A two-day workshop on Foreign Policy Making Process.
SAARC Simulation workshop to be held at the University of Karachi and to be participated by the selected students of International Relations Department of Pakistani universities.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT

Chaudhri Mohammad Ahsen, Pakistan and Regional Security, Faculty of Arts in cooperation with the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi.
Ahmar, Moonis, Contemporary Central Asia (ed.), (Karachi: Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 1995).
Ahmar, Moonis, Internal and External Dynamics of South Asia Security (ed.), (Karachi: Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 1998).
Wizarat, Talat A. Conflict Resolution in South Asia (ed.), (Karachi: Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 1999).
Ahmar, Moonis, The CTBT Controversy: Different Perceptions In South Asia (ed.), (Karachi: Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 2000).
Ahmar, Moonis & Farhan H. Siddiqi, The Challenges of Conflict Resolution and Security in 21st Century: Problems and Prospects (eds.), (Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Dept. Of International Relations, University of Karachi).
Ahmar, Moonis, The Arab-Israeli Peace Process Lessons for India and Pakistan (ed.), (Karachi: Oxford University Press, 2001).
Ahmar, Moonis, The Challenge of Confidence Building in South Asia (ed.), (New Delhi: Har Anand, 2001).
Ahmar, Moonis, Chronology of Conflict and Cooperation in South Asia 1947-2001 (ed.), (Karachi: Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 2001).
Ahmar, Moonis, Paradigms of Conflict Resolution in South Asia (ed.), (Dhaka: University Press Limited, 2003).
Ahmar, Moonis, The World after September 11: Challenges and Opportunities (ed.), (Karachi: Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 2003).
Ahmar, Moonis, Different Perceptions on Conflict Resolution: Need for an Alternate Approach (ed.), (Karachi: Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 2005).
Ahmar, Moonis, The Challenge of Rebuilding Afghanistan (ed.), (Karachi: Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad, 2005).

TEACHING FACULTY

Prof. Dr. Khalida Ghous (On Ex-Pakistan Leave)
Prof. Dr. Moonis Ahmar (Chairman)
Dr. Shaista Tabassum (Professor)
Dr. Sheikh Mutahir Ahmed (Professor)
Dr. Huma Baqai, Assistant Professor (On Ex-Pakistan Leave)
Mr. Aamir Hameed, Assistant Professor (On Study Leave)
Dr. Naeem Ahmed, Assistant Professor
Ms. Sheila Zulfiqar Ahmed, Lecturer (On physical posting at the Area Study
Center for Europe)
Mr. Farhan H. Siddiqi (Lecturer)
Ms. Nausheen Wasi (Lecturer)
Mr. Fahimuddin (Lecturer)
Mr. M. Haroon (Cooperative Lecturer)
Mr. Owais Ahmed (Cooperative Lecturer)
Ms. Nabiha Gul (Cooperative Lecturer)
Prof. Dr. Altaf Khan, Visiting Professor

SEMINAR LIBRARY AND STUDENT’S COMPUTER LAB

The Department has a seminar library which is equipped with text books on International Relations, newspaper clipping files, journals, magazines and newspapers. The Department also has a student’s computer lab which is on-line and has 14 computers and printers.

Prof. Dr. Moonis Ahmar
Chairman
Department of International Relations
University of Karachi
March 12, 2008

PROGRAM

TWO-DAY CONFERENCE ON, THE STATE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN PAKISTAN, MARCH 26-27, 2008 AT THE ARTS AUDITORIUM, UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI.

March 26

Session One

Inaugural
9.15-11.00 A.M.

Recitation from the Holy Quran
Address by the Conference Secretary
Address by the Chairman of International Relations Department
Address by the Dean Faculty of Arts
Address by the Pro Vice-Chancellor
Address by the Vice-Chancellor
Key-note address by Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tea/Coffee break
11.00.11.30 A.M.

Session Two

11.30 A.M.-1.30 P.M.
Chair: Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed
Theme: Theoretical, Conceptual and Strategic dimensions of International Relations

Prof. Dr. Tahir Amin, Chairman, Department of International Relations, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.
Mr. Farhan H. Siddiqi, lecturer, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi.
Mr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.

Lunch
1.30 P.M.-2.30 P.M.

Session Three

2.30-5.30 P.M.
Chair: Prof. Dr. Tahir Amin
Theme: Teaching Methods of International Relations in Pakistan

Prof. Dr. Rasul Bux Rais, Department of Political Science, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore
Prof. Dr. Khawja Alqama, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Bahauddin Zakariyya University, Multan
Prof. Dr. Mehtab Ali Shah, Department of International Relations, University of Sindh, Jamshoro

Tea/Coffee
5.30 P.M.

March 27

Session Four

9.30- 11.00 A.M.
Chair: Dr. Rukhsana Qamber
Theme: International Relations and Research Methodology

Dr. Maqsood Nuri, Senior Research Fellow, Islamabad Policy Research Institute
Prof. Dr. Moonis Ahmar

Tea/Coffee
5.30 P.M.

Session Five

Chair: Prof. Shameem Akhtar, former Chairman, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi
11.30 A.M.-1.30 P.M.
Theme: Importance of Area Studies and International Relations

Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Qamber, Director, Area Study Center for America, North & South America, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad
Prof. Dr. Naveed A. Tahir, Director, Area Study Center for Europe, University of Karachi.
Prof. Dr. Azmat Hayat Khan, Director, Area Study Center for Central Asia, University of Peshawar
Dr. Shaheen Akhtar, Senior Research Analyst, The Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad
Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Khoso, Lecturer, Area Study Center for South East Asia and Far East

Lunch
1.30-2.30 P.M.

Session Six

2.30-4.30 P.M.
Chair: Prof. Dr. Talat A. Wizarat, Faculty Member, Institute of Business Administration and former Chairperson, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi

Theme: Panel discussion on Institutionalizing International Relations Network

Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed
Prof. Dr. Tahir Amin
Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Qamber
Prof. Dr. Moonis Ahmar
Dr. Zulfiqar Chughtai, Chairman, Department of International Relations, University of Balochistan, Quetta
Mr. Sarfaraz Korejo, Lecturer, Department of International Relations, University of Sindh, Shah Latif Campus, Khairpur

Session Six

4.30-5.30 P.M.
Concluding session

Tea/Coffee
5.30 P.M.

LIST OF WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS

Prof. Dr. Akhlaq Ahmed
Pro-Vice-Chancellor
University of Karachi
Telephone: (9221) 9261396

Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed
Department of International Relations
University of Dhaka
Bangladesh
E. Mail: imtiaz@bangla.net

Dr. Moonis Ahmar
Professor & Chairman
Department of International Relations
University of Karachi and Director
Program on Peace Studies and
Conflict Resolution
Telephones: 9261394 (W) 9243965 (H)
0333-2177150 (Cell)
E. Mail: amoonis@hotmail.com
moonisahmar@hotmail.com
ahmar_moonis@yahoo.com

Prof. Shameem Akhtar
Former Chairman
Department of International Relations
University of Karachi
Telephone: (9221) 4901895

Dr. Shaheen Akhtar
Senior Research Analyst
The Institute of Regional Studies
Islamabad
E. Mail: shaheen_a50@yahoo.com

Prof. Dr. Khawja Alqama
Chairman
Department of International Relations
Bahauddin Zakarriya University
Multan, Cell: 03216350047

Prof Dr. Tahir Amin
Chairman
Department of International Relations
Quaid-e-Azam University
Islamabad
E. Mail: tamin59@hotmail.com

Mr. Richard Asbeck
Resident Representative
Hanns Seidel Foundation
2 Margalla Road
Sector F-6/3, Islamabad
E. Mail: Asbeck@hss.de; islamabad@hss.de

Mr. Tasawar ul Rahim Baig
Lecturer
Department of International Relations
Korakorum International University
Gilgit, Northern Areas.
E. Mail: tasawar.baig@kiu.edu.pk

Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar A. Chughtai
Chairman
Department of International Relations
University of Balochistan
Quetta

Mr. Zafar N. Jaspal
Assistant Professor,
Department of International Relations
Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad
E. Mail: jaspal_99@hotmail.com

Mr. Sarfarez Korejo
Lecturer, Department of International Relations
University of Singh
Shah Latif Campus, Khairpur

Prof. Dr. Azmat Hayat Khan
Director
Area Study Center for Central Asia
University of Peshawar
Peshawar
E. Mail: ascrca@psh.paknet.com.pk

Dr. Maqsoodul Hasan Nuri
Senior Research Analyst
Islamabad Policy Research Institute
Islamabad

Dr. Rukhsana Qamber
Director
Area Study Center for North & South America
Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad
E. Mail: ascau@yahoo.com

Prof. Dr. M. Shamsuddin
Dean Faculty of Arts
University of Karachi
Telephone: 9261362

Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim R. Siddiqui
Vice-Chancellor
University of Karachi
Karachi
Telephone: 9261336, 9261337
E. Mail: vcku@cyber.net.pk

Mr. Farhan H. Siddiqi
Lecturer
Department of International Relations
University of Karachi
E. Mail: Farhan_74@hotmail.com

Prof. Dr. Mehtab Ali Shah
Department of International Relations
University of Sindh
Jamshoro
E. Mail: mehtab110@hotmail.com

Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed Tahir
Director
Area Study Center for Europe
University of Karachi
E. Mail: asce@hotmail.com; naveed_asce@yahoo.com