By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: A two-day international workshop titled “Beyond the Border: Ecology, Economy, and Community in the Thar” commenced on Thursday at the Benazir Research Center, University of Sindh, Jamshoro. Organized by the American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AIPS), the Pakistan Study Center, and the Department of History at the university, the workshop seeks to explore the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of the Thar region through interdisciplinary research and policy discussions.
The inaugural session was chaired by Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Khoumbhati, who highlighted the strategic importance of Thar’s ecology and economy within a broader regional framework. Stressing the desert’s untapped potential for sustainable development, he called for interdisciplinary research to address environmental challenges and enhance local livelihoods. He emphasized the need for academic institutions to play an active role in shaping policies that promote ecological balance alongside economic growth.
Director of the Pakistan Study Center, Professor Dr. Shuja Ahmed Mahesar, reinforced the importance of addressing Thar’s social, cultural, and economic complexities through collaborative efforts. Meanwhile, Dr. Brian Cannon from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, provided an international perspective on the interconnectedness of environmental and economic systems in desert regions.
The session was moderated by Dr. Abdul Razaq Channa, while Dr. Irfan Shaikh delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of speakers, organizers, and participants. Following the inaugural session, scholars including Dr. Noor Ahmed Janjhi, Dr. Syed Minhaj-ul-Hassan, Akash Kumar, Hasba Tufail, Amjad Ali, and Dr. Erum Shaikh presented their research papers, aligning with the workshop’s core themes.
