Punjab University's Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran has said that education plays important role in nation building however our rulers since the inception of Pakistan did not pay the tune of attention to the education sector which it deserved. He was addressing the inaugural session of three-day 4th International Conference on Research in Education being organized by Institute of Education and Research at Faisal Auditorium here on Wednesday.
Dr Muhammad Bin Mishal Al Ghamidi from Makkah University, Saudi Arabia was guest of honour on the occasion. Renowned educationists including Dr Muhammad Ahsan and Dr Naureen Durrani from UK, Dean Faculty of Education Prof Dr Mumtaz Akhtar, Conference Secretary Prof Dr Abid Hussain Chaudhry, researchers from various parts of world and country and a large number of students were present on the occasion.
The theme of the conference was combating contemporary challenges through education.
Addressing the conference, Dr Mujahid Kamran said the developed nations spent 1.5 to three percent of their GDP on research and development. He said America's GDP was around 18 trillion and it spent 360 to 540 billion dollars on research and development per year while Pakistan had a GDP of around 250 billion dollars only and was spending only upto 0.2 percent on research and development per year. "While Pakistan spends around 1.7 percent of its GDP on education," he added. "Money is always there. It is a question of priority," the VC said, adding "we should generate pressure and keep saying increase money for education."
Dr Muhammad Bin Mishal Al Ghamidi from Makkah University, Saudi Arabia said nations and societies reached the top through education. He said "we must be fond of seeking knowledge and we must utilise all resources of modern world in this regard."
Talking on E-learning role in the Muslim World Development, Dr Muhammad Ahsan said it was unfortunate that according to IINA Report, around 40 percent of Muslims were unable to read and write.
Dr Naureen Durrani presented a research paper on "Official knowledge, citizenship identities and social cohesion in Pakistan".
In her inaugural address, Dr Mumtaz Akhtar said the conference had been organised to share latest research and trends in education at international level. She said students of the institute would benefit from the experience and research of international researchers. The conference will continue till Friday.