VC PIDE termed RASTA Pakistan's largest social sciences research network

Islamabad :- 3 September 2024(Nasir abbas)Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque, Chairman of RASTA and Vice-Chancellor of PIDE, emphasized the essential role of research in policy development. He noted that the conference featured presentations of cutting-edge research, including studies on the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals, the potential of Pakistan’s IT industry for software export growth, and the impact of government policies on olive production. In addition to the technical sessions, the conference included showcase sessions highlighting significant projects, such as improvements in Pakistan's electricity billing system and findings from the 2024 round of the Pakistan Panel Household Survey (PPHS). Dr. Haque further elaborated on RASTA's mission, describing it as Pakistan's largest and most comprehensive social sciences research network, dedicated to bridging the gap between research and policy to enhance public policy and guide government decision-making. The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) hosted the 4th RASTA Conference, a two-day event that showcased pivotal research findings in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, exports, and investment. Attended by policymakers, academics, and industry leaders, the conference underscored the importance of research-driven strategies in shaping Pakistan's future. The event commenced with a detailed RASTA Progress Report presented by Dr. Faheem Jehangir, Project Director of RASTA. He highlighted that the conference would feature five technical sessions and two showcase sessions, covering topics such as food and agriculture, fiscal management, and more. These sessions brought together 17 research teams to present their findings, fostering an extensive knowledge network and promoting high-quality, evidence-based policy research. The first session of the conference, titled "Education and Healthcare," featured an array of critical insights into the challenges and opportunities within Pakistan’s pharmaceutical, mental health, and higher education sectors. Kazi Afaq Ahmed from the Institute of Business Management, Karachi, opened the session with a presentation on the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan. His study provided an in-depth analysis of the manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), emphasizing the country's heavy reliance on imports. Ahmed highlighted the necessity for strategic investments in local API production, which he argued would not only reduce import dependency but also stimulate growth within the sector. His research pointed towards a comprehensive industrial policy that could foster domestic capabilities and promote self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Following this, Mir Muhammad Shah from Sukkur IBA University presented a study focusing on the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals in Pakistan. Shah’s research underscored the severe impact of resource shortages, such as inadequate staffing and insufficient mental health support systems, which contribute to the high levels of stress and burnout among healthcare workers. He proposed several policy recommendations, including the implementation of a General Practitioner (GP) system that could alleviate pressure on specialists and a national initiative for enhanced training of healthcare providers to better manage stress and improve overall healthcare delivery. Aamer Raza from the University of Peshawar then provided a critical examination of the 18th Amendment's impact on Pakistan's higher education system. His analysis focused on the governance and funding challenges that have emerged since the devolution of powers to the provinces. Raza argued that the decentralization has led to inconsistencies in educational standards across regions and created significant hurdles in terms of funding allocation. He suggested a re-evaluation of the amendment's implementation, advocating for stronger federal oversight to ensure uniformity and quality in higher education. The session concluded with Rafiullah Kakar, Member of the Social Sector, Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, who provided closing remarks synthesizing the insights from the presentations and emphasizing the need for integrated policy approaches to address the multifaceted challenges in education and healthcare. The second session, focusing on "Pakistan's Export Potential," was a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges within the halal beef and IT industries. Shahzad Kouser from COMSATS University, Islamabad, began the session by analyzing the global demand for halal beef and Pakistan's potential to become a leading exporter. He identified key challenges, including adherence to international standards, logistical bottlenecks, and limited market access, which currently hinder Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global market. Kouser proposed a multi-faceted strategy to overcome these barriers.