Today's world is changing and developing at an unprecedented speed. The walls of tradition and economic barriers between counties are being torn down, boundaries are being extended, and the world is progressing towards a global consciousness and sense of community. Technological, cultural and business advances have done much to ensure that we are all part of an international community, and today employers are being encouraged to think global. Students wishing to prepare themselves for the challenges of the future are seeking an international perspective to their degree. Therefore, the universities must play the role of agents of change in their area of jurisdiction. This was stated by Prof. Dr. Syed Sakhawat Shah, Vice Chancellor Hazara University Mansehra on the inaugural ceremony of the workshop tilted "selection of dissertation topics", organised by Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar at its Baragali Campus. He further elaborated that universities have played and will continue to play a dynamic role in making the heterogeneous societies more tolerable, harmonious for a collective welfare and betterment of our societies. The durable relation of man with society based on respect, equality and humanity is promoting a global culture of human dignity on the basis of the individuals� productivity for the society, which is also why many universities of international repute offer plenty of scholarships to attract talented and capable minds to compete in the world of excellence. Let us keep the doors of our universities open to attract the best minds to enrich the world of visionary ideas for the improvements of our knowledge economy and society. Therefore, our research topics should have an international perspective. This workshop carries great significance dealing with �selection of dissertation topics.� The Universities across the world have assumed the productive role of generating useful knowledge to fight the menace of poverty, ignorance, diseases and economic deprivation. By the research directed against these specific targets we shall have to promote the demonstration of facts through impartial objective observation. Higher Education Commission has played a very leading role to sponsor scholarships for the development of faculty and contributing a lot toward their PhD studies in the prestigious universities of the world. The HEC has sponsored the researchers and PhD studies of hundreds of scholars who are now returning to Pakistan with remarkable knowledge of research and discoveries to create a culture of qualitative research in our universities. I appeal to these new comers to share their research techniques, selection of research topics, writing of dissertation and theses with their counterparts in Pakistan. There is no dearth of talent among our PhD scholars and faculty and I believe that their sincere involvement would bring a far reaching changes in our existing academic and research scenario. He continued that it is very encouraging to note that this workshop is going to enhance the capacity of researchers in �Selection of Research topics, research methods and writing MPhil/PhD proposals/dissertation. Directing the attention of participants towards these parameters would make the results very productive in solving our social economic problems. Creation of knowledge is one of the basic assignment or responsibility of a university professor, which is possible only research. Now, the emphasis is on applied researched based or community needs, social, economics & justice. In this regard the research achievements of Dr. Muhammad Younas are classical examples whose micro financing research was targeted to solve the financial problems of extremely deprived and poor population of rural areas. He established a network of Grammin banks advancing small loans to poor, boosting the cottage industries, handicrafts and small business generating income to support the family. A great change was thus brought in by alleviating the poverty. In recognition of his valuable research, he was awarded the noble peace prize. He stressed upon the participants that let us contribute more & more to the research pool of the world and become a part of this great treasure by adopting a planned methodical and investigative approach to decode the mysteries and secrets surrounding the apparent phenomenon. Knowledge is universal and all should share its benefits. The publishing of research papers in social sciences needed to be encouraged. These research papers be got reviewed by principle of peer review - that a paper must be assessed by independent experts as the benchmark through which claims are vetted for credibility. Dr. Shah added that social sciences have always played an important role to define the national character of a society. Multidisciplinary approach for research in this field is an urgent need. It will certainly address the contemporary social, economic, political, cultural and environmental problems faced by us. We need broader collaboration among the universities for dynamic role of research. It will pave way for comprehensive development of courses and will improve the capacity of research both of faculty and scholars. In this regard we shall have to adopt latest research tools, conceptual framework and scientific analysis of social problems. Thus, the meaningful direction of our research will resurrect the permanent values of life like humanitarian feelings, sharing and caring for the fellow beings, joining together the vast empire of human society, honesty, sacrifice. With meaningful and objective research methodology we can forge the broken links to revive our moral, social, ethical and humanitarian values by exploring the dustbin of bygone ages with reference to Archaeology, History and Literature etc. to give a sense of direction to achieve our destination. Earlier, the Director Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar Prof. Dr. Sarfraz Khan briefed the participants about the aims & objectives of the workshop. Eminent scholars and researchers from all over the universities of Pakistan also participated in the workshop. At the end of the workshop, on June 18, 2011 all the participants will visit Hazara University.
