ISLAMABAD: The two-day conference organized by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) under its Research for Social Transformation and Advancement (RASTA) program concluded in Islamabad.
The conference covered a wide range of research themes, including urban development, industry, law, judiciary, human capital, opportunities, education, technology, and public finance management.
During the conference, participants from various institutions presented their research, offering localized solutions to pressing challenges. Distinguished contributors represented institutions such as the University of Illinois Chicago, Government College University Faisalabad, NUML Islamabad, and others, highlighting RASTA’s commitment to collaborative research.
Dr. Nadeem ul Haque, Vice-Chancellor of PIDE and Chairman of the RASTA Research Advisory Committee, emphasized the importance of conducting local research and finding tailored solutions to local issues. He stressed the need to focus on progress and implement ideas presented to policymakers, advocating for a distinctive local flavor in research.
The conference featured presentations exploring different aspects of Pakistan’s economic and legal landscape. Topics included the legal institutional structure of revenue courts, public asset utilization, optimizing Pakistan’s railway infrastructure, factors associated with school dropout rates, career education, technology adoption in law enforcement, and achieving self-sufficiency in edible oil production.
The discussions also covered subjects like fiscal federalism, the taxation system’s impact, and financial inclusion in the manufacturing sector.
The conference provided a platform for rigorous academic and policy discussions, contributing to a deeper understanding of critical issues facing Pakistan. It highlighted the importance of research in addressing local challenges and promoting economic and social development.
