Noted scholar Dr. Khurshid Ahmed Nadeem issued a stark warning about the risk of academia becoming isolated from societal realities, asserting that knowledge without civic engagement is powerless to bring about meaningful social progress, during the inaugural session of a new dialogue series at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).
The Critical Thinking Forum (CTF) of IIUI, in partnership with the university”s Working Group for Social Sciences and Humanities, launched its “CTF Talks” series with an event focused on “The Role of Academia in Social Reforms.”
Dr. Nadeem, who serves as the Chairman of the Rehmat-ul-Lil-Alameen Authority, was the keynote speaker. He initiated the discussion by questioning whether higher education remains confined within its institutional boundaries or genuinely influences the wider community.
He emphasized that for research and education to catalyze societal reform, they must connect directly with real-life concerns. Dr. Nadeem called for the scholarly community to act as a transformative force, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application.
The author and intellectual contended that scholars have a duty to think critically, uphold academic integrity, and actively engage with social issues to become creators, rather than mere imitators, of knowledge. He added that through rigorous theorization and open debate, academia could challenge rigid social norms and foster both intellectual and societal development.
The event featured an interactive discussion where attendees deliberated on the challenges confronting the academic sector in Pakistan. Participants also explored its potential contribution to reinterpreting traditional ideas through innovative and critical discourse.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Munazza expressed gratitude to Dr. Nadeem for his thought-provoking insights and for stimulating a critical dialogue among the participants.