The Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) held the 4th International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approach in Social Sciences alongside the 2nd Women’s Economic Empowerment Expo. The two-day event brought together academics, policymakers, economists, and social scientists, aiming to foster collaboration and explore solutions to pressing social and economic challenges, especially those impacting women.
The inaugural session saw attendance from notable dignitaries, including Prof Dr Muhammad Kamran, Vice Chancellor of both MNS University of Engineering and Technology (MNSUET) Multan and IUB; Nadir Chatha, Commissioner Bahawalpur Division; Prof Dr Muhammad Ramzan, Vice Chancellor of Emerson University Multan (EUM); Prof Dr Rubina Bhatti, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; and Dr Sofia Farrukh, Principal of Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur. Renowned economist and former Finance Minister Dr Hafeez Pasha, alongside Ras Masood, Senior Deputy Manager of the State Bank of Pakistan in Bahawalpur, also addressed the gathering.
In his keynote address, Prof Dr Muhammad Kamran emphasized the role of women in society, highlighting that Islamic principles offer a comprehensive model for women’s empowerment. He pointed to the active roles that women played in early Islamic society, which he described as a “beacon for the whole world.” He praised the conference for gathering academia, researchers, policymakers, and business leaders to collaboratively discuss solutions to social issues and empower women in their personal and professional lives.
Commissioner Nadir Chatha acknowledged the vital contributions of women across all sectors and highlighted the government’s ongoing support for their professional development. Prof Dr Muhammad Ramzan praised the event’s organization and recognized the critical role of women in trade, industry, and crafts, all of which are integral to Pakistan’s economic development.
Dr Sofia Farrukh emphasized the importance of such events for women’s self-employment and professional development. She applauded the active involvement of skilled women and entrepreneurs, noting that such participation inspires others. Prof Dr Rubina Bhatti also highlighted the global importance of sustainable development, stressing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve a society rooted in sustainable practices.
Ras Masood, representing the State Bank of Pakistan, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and pledged continued assistance in facilitating the Women’s Expo at IUB. The event’s Conference Chair, Dr Abid Rashid Gill, underscored the urgency for interdisciplinary efforts to tackle global challenges like economic instability, climate change, and resource scarcity.
The conference’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Expo was officially inaugurated by Vice Chancellors Prof Dr Muhammad Kamran and Prof Dr Muhammad Ramzan. The expo showcased stalls by women entrepreneurs, artisans, and craftsmen from South Punjab, displaying a variety of locally produced goods. Prof Dr Kamran commended the efforts of Prof Dr Rubina Bhatti and the organizing team for their dedication to promoting women’s economic involvement on such a large scale.
Following the inaugural session, technical sessions commenced, with presentations from economists and social scientists on diverse topics related to social science, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.