QAU Inaugurates Its School of Politics and IR

Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) has inaugurated its new School of Politics and International Relations (SPIR) here on Tuesday .Director General Strategic Plans Division, (SPD) Lieutenant General Khalid Ahmed Kidwai (Retd) formerly inaugurated the new building of SPIR.

Established in 1973, Department of International Relations (QAU) has gained a well-earned reputation in the discipline of IR. After 38 years of its inception this Department branched out into School of Politics and International Relations.

While addressing the inauguration ceremony QAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai praised the SPD for its contribution and assistance in fully furnishing and equipping the building of SPIR and bringing the School to its present shape.

He said the significance of occasion extends beyond the establishment and opening of the School. Its importance lies in the aspirations of Quaid-i-Azam University, the expansion plan of our faculty of Social Sciences. He said the introduction of the Master’s and Ph.d degree program in the parent discipline of Political Science is yet another milestone. It will attract more students into its programmes in the parent discipline of Political Science and sub-fields like International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Media, Public Policy and Governance.

"I have the vision that this school will serve as a hub point for Quaid-i-Azam University future endeavors to promote the development of education and research work in addition to playing an active role in building the society, providing unique opportunities to various segments of society" he added.

Vice Chancellor said that Pakistan presently is facing a huge challenge regionally and globally in the context of its image. The focus of the School is to promote Pakistan’s perspective on crucial issues facing the country in foreign policy domain as well as at the National and Regional Level. This new expansion will facilitate sophisticated and advanced research in National and International Politics.

Dr. Yasinzai said that QAU has also established the prestigious Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Chair at SPIR. This chair is created with the objective to promote research in democracy, human rights, fundamental freedom, interfaith harmony, economic and political stability, peace and prosperity. Indeed the school will promote scientific research for the resolution of crucial issues facing Pakistan like those involved in composite dialogue between India and Pakistan, peace in the neighboring Afghanistan, energy cooperation in the region.