PESHAWAR: Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), through its Research for Social Transformation and Advancement (RASTA) program, successfully concluded its 3rd RASTA conference.
According to a press release issued here on Friday, the conference, was held at the Gun & Country Club in Islamabad encompassed a wide array of research themes, including Urban Development and Industry, Law and Judiciary, Human Capital and Opportunities, Sludge and Dead Capital, Education and Technology, and Public Finance Management and Financial Inclusion.
These sessions provided an extensive and multifaceted examination of their respective topics, thereby contributing significantly to a deeper comprehension of the pertinent issues.
The conference witnessed enthusiastic participants presenting their studies within these overarching themes, offering localized solutions to pressing challenges. Distinguished contributors represented various esteemed institutions such as the University of Illinois Chicago USA, Government College University Faisalabad, NUML Islamabad, Government College University Lahore, Jamal and Jamal Advocates and Legal Consultants Islamabad, University of Peshawar, BUITEMS Quetta, University of Punjab, and Lahore College for Women University, Lahore. This gathering of diverse minds underscores RASTA’s steadfast commitment to nurturing collaborative research aimed at positively influencing Pakistan’s policy landscape.
Dr. Nadeem ul Haque, Vice-Chancellor of PIDE and Chairman of the RASTA Research Advisory Committee (RAC), emphasized that RASTA represents an evolving process. He stressed the importance of conducting local research and finding tailored solutions to local issues while acknowledging the value of global research that aligns with local needs and requirements.
The 3rd RASTA Conference continued its intellectual journey on its second day, featuring a compelling lineup of presentations that explored various facets of Pakistan’s economic and legal landscape. Esteemed speakers from academia and research circles engaged in thought-provoking discussions on pressing issues.
In the first session, Saad S. Khan examined the “Critical Appraisal of Legal Institutional Structure of Revenue Courts in Pakistan: Minimizing Sludge in Agricultural Property Cases,” shedding light on the complexities within the legal system.
In the second half, Muhammad Ahmad Barula explored “Taming the Leviathan towards Public Sector Resources Efficiency: Fiscal Federalism or Fiscal Decentralization in Pakistan,” addressing governance and resource allocation.
The second day of the RASTA Conference was characterized by rich discussions, robust debates, and the exchange of ideas among experts and attendees alike. The conference continues to serve as a pivotal platform for intellectual exploration and the exchange of knowledge.
