Workshop on Research Methods in Social Sciences” held at Lincoln Corner, Karachi on 15th August 2024

The Department of International Relations at Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST) with the collaboration with Office and Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) organized a comprehensive workshop titled "Research Methods in Social Sciences" at Lincoln Corner, Liaquat Memorial Library, Karachi. This event was tailored for MPhil and Ph.D. students in International Relations and aimed to enhance their research capabilities and methodologies.
The workshop commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Muhammad Arif Khan, the Workshop Convener, who highlighted the importance of rigorous research and scholarly excellence in the social sciences. His address underscored the workshop’s goal of equipping students with essential tools for effective academic writing and research.
A key session titled "Enhancing Research Writing: Strategies for Effective Communication" was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Khalifa, Visiting Professor at Almaktoum College for Higher Education in the UK. Prof. Khalifa provided valuable insights into the art of research writing, focusing on strategies for clear and impactful communication of research findings.
The session titled "Building Blocks of Scholarly Excellence: Research Techniques and Article Composition" by Prof. Dr. Syed Hasant Shah from the School of Economics, Jilin University, explored both qualitative and quantitative research techniques, offering a solid foundation for the students’ research endeavors.
Following this, Dr. Rune Steenberg presented on “Qualitative Research Methods in Social Sciences,” giving participants practical guidance on conducting qualitative research. Dr. Saira Bano, Assistant Professor of Political Studies at Thompson Rivers University, Canada, further enriched the discussion with her insights on qualitative method in social science research.
Participants engaged in hands-on tasks such as research proposal development and data analysis exercises, allowing them to apply the concepts discussed in real-time. This interactive format ensured that students gained both theoretical understanding and practical skills essential for their academic and research careers.
The workshop concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Faisal Javaid, who expressed his gratitude to the distinguished speakers and participants for their contributions and enthusiasm, which made the event a significant success.

Workshop on Research Methods in Social Sciences

Department of International Relations, FUUAST Hosts Successful Simulation on Politics of the Sea Karachi, August 8, 2024:

The Department of International Relations at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science, and Technology (FUUAST) recently hosted a dynamic and interactive simulation exercise titled “Politics at Sea” at Lincoln Corner, Liaquat Library, Karachi. The event provided MPhil students with an in-depth exploration of critical issues surrounding maritime politics, offering them the opportunity to engage with complex international scenarios in a practical setting.
The event began with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran. Dr. Faisal Javaid delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for a day of rigorous academic engagement. The session commenced with a comprehensive lecture on key geopolitical theories by Dr. Maliha Zeba Khan from NUML Islamabad. Dr. Khan's lecture covered crucial concepts such as Organic Theory, Sea Power Theory, Heartland Theory, Rimland Theory, and Geo-economics, providing the students with a strong theoretical foundation. This was followed by a lively Q&A session where students had the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Following the lecture, MPhil scholar M. Faisal Sadiq led a discussion on contemporary maritime issues, including territorial disputes, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), maritime choke points, and global trade routes. This session further enriched the students' understanding of the current challenges in sea politics.
The simulation exercise brief, presented by the Control Team, marked the transition to the interactive portion of the event. Students were divided into four groups, each representing different maritime powers, and were tasked with responding to simulated real-world scenarios. This exercise tested their strategic thinking, negotiation, and crisis management skills in a controlled, yet challenging environment.
The groups presented their responses, demonstrating their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations. The exercise concluded with a debrief by the Control Team, where key takeaways were highlighted, followed by closing remarks from Dr. Muhammad Arif Khan.
This event was organized by the Department of International Relations, FUUAST, in collaboration with the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC). Special acknowledgment goes to Dr. Faisal Javaid, who served as the Simulation In charge, Dr. Muhammad Arif Khan, the Coordinator, and Mariam Ilyas, the Team Leader, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the success of the event. Certificates of participation were awarded to all students, recognizing their active engagement and contributions to the simulation exercise.
The “Politics at Sea” simulation exercise was a significant success, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with maritime politics in a hands-on, interactive manner. This event underscores the Department of International Relations at FUUAST's commitment to providing innovative and practical learning experiences, equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy and governance.