Islamabad: Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), through its Research for Social Transformation and Advancement (RASTA) programme concluded its 3rd RASTA conference at Gun and Country Club here. Conference encompassed 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 deeper comprehension of pertinent issues.

Dr. Nadeem ul Haque Vice-Chancellor of PIDE and Chairman of RASTA Research Advisory Committee said, "We have only buildings without professors. We cannot call them universities that don't have professors."

Dr Haque stressed significance of innovative and creative thinking as cornerstone of national prosperity.

Dr. Haque emphasised need to focus on progress and move forward with ideas presented to policymakers, advocating for distinctive local flavour in research.

Saad S. Khan examined "Critical Appraisal of Legal Institutional Structure of Revenue Courts in Pakistan: Minimising Sludge in Agricultural Property Cases," shedding light on complexities within legal system.

Moazzam Ali presented case study 'Alternate Use of Public Assets: A Case Study of Allama Iqbal Open University,' exploring efficient public resource utilization.

Anwar Muhammad Aslam addressed "Unlocking Pakistan Railways Dead Capital," discussing strategies to optimise potential of Pakistan Railway infrastructure. Alvina Sabah Idress analysed 'Factors Associated with School Dropout in Pakistan: An Assessment Using Survival Analysis,' offering valuable insights into education sector.

Ghazanfar Iqbal advocated for solution to K-12 education problems with his presentation on 'Framework for Mainstreaming Career Education.' Verda Salman highlighted 'Technology Adoption in Islamabad Police,' showcasing innovative approaches in law enforcement.

Abedullah Anjum Chief of Research at PIDE contributed to discussion on self-sufficiency in edible oil production with his comprehensive report titled 'Investigation of Value Chain of Edible Oil to Identify Possible Policy Interventions to Achieve Self-sufficiency.' Muhammad Ahmad Barula, Ameen Shakeel and Fareena Armugan also spoke.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 18 2023

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