Lahore Conference

Details

Central and South Asia have a long history of economic and cultural connections. Both geographical regions that share a history of mutual relations dating back to ancient times. Starting from ancient Scythians and Parthians, to medieval Ghaznavids, Ghorids, Ghulamans, Khaljis, Tughluqs, and lastly the Mughals, most of the ruling dynasties of South Asia had their origin in Central Asia. During this period, hundreds of poets, writers, Sufis, ulama, artists and common people migrated from Central Asia to South Asia, thereby contributing significantly to the literature, culture, history, science, art and architecture of South Asia. This common cultural heritage needs to be explored and Socio-Economics and academic exchange and collaboration is the need of the hour once again.

The conference aims to explore this common cultural heritage, as well as the current political, economic, societal and environmental challenges in a dynamic growth region in times of geopolitical changes. The conference also aims to provide a platform for debate and discussion for South and Central Asian studies. Historians, political scientists, professionals, academia, policymakers, media persons, and students from national and international universities are invited to the conference.

Call for Paper

Scholars, researchers and academics were encouraged to submit an abstract of maximum 200 to 400 words.

Panel discussions, keynote talks, and presentations of research papers focused on the following themes:

• Cultural Heritage of Central and South Asia
• South & Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Relations in Shifting Geopolitics
• Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation
• Tourism,  Archaeology and Common Spiritual/Sufi Heritage
• Regional Organisations and Institutions
• Regional Security and Asymmetric Threats: Jihadism, Drugs & Arms Trafficking, Migration, Climate Change
• Education, economy and demography of South Asia and Central Asia
• Geopolitical Shifts in the world and their Impact on the South and Central Asian Region
• National security and relations with neighbouring countries
• Regional importance of Pakistan in South Asia and the global world

The Department of History and Pakistan Study is one of the oldest departments of the University of the Punjab Lahore. J.F. Bruce was the first Professor when the department opened in 1932. It quickly rose to prominence as a result of its high standards and knowledge in a variety of historical fields. Since then, the Department has grown to become one of Pakistan's most active and largest history departments. In the field of history, it has remained a centre of excellence in every respect. Furthermore, it is playing a leading role in the intellectual life of the country. Many renowned scholars, politicians and bureaucrats have been the part of this department and contributed not just in the subject of history but in other fields as well.

International and nationally acclaimed scholars from Pakistan, Central Asia and Europe participated. The following Pakistani Universities were represented:

Punjab University, Quaid-i-Azam University, International Islamic University, Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, Bahauddin Zikriya University Multan, Karachi University, Islamia University Bahawalpur, University of Peshawar, Sindh University, Khairpur, Baluchistan University, GC University Faisalabad, GC University Lahore, Lahore College for Women University, University of Gujarat, University of Sargodha, FC College University and Lahore University of Management Sciences.