Anthropologyqau

15/10/2026

Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Hosts Legal Literacy Session on Gender Equality and Workplace Harassment

On October 14, 2026, The Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, in collaboration with the Society for Human Rights and Prisoners’ Aid (SHARP-Pakistan), hosted a Legal Literacy Session on Gender Equality, Prevention of Gender-Based Violence and Workplace Harassment, and Access to Justice under the SHARP-Women Programme, with the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Islamabad. Students and faculty members of the Department attended the session. The session provided students and faculty members with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of gender equality, legal rights, workplace harassment and available avenues for seeking justice.
The Chairperson Dr. Saadia Abid, welcomed and appreciated the initiative, emphasizing the importance of creating awareness about gender equality, legal rights and mechanisms for addressing harassment. She acknowledged SHARP-Pakistan for its efforts to promote human rights and legal literacy. Mr. Muhammad Mudassar Javed, CEO of SHARP-Pakistan, highlighted the importance of Pakistan's legal framework for the protection of women, girls and children, acknowledged the German Embassy's continued support for human rights and gender justice.
Dr. Huma Haque, from the Department of Anthropology, offered an anthropological perspective on gender, harassment and access to justice. Ms. Sonia, Project Coordinator of the SHARP-Women Programme, provided an overview of gender-based violence (GBV), workplace harassment and gender discrimination. She explained how to identify inappropriate conduct and report complaints through university harassment committees, the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection against Harassment FOSPAH, and relevant law enforcement authorities. Mr. Waqar Malik, Certified Trainer on Anti-Harassment Laws at FOSPAH, Islamabad, explained complaint and inquiry procedures. The session was hosted by Ms. Maryam Riasat, while Dr. Sajjad Haider coordinated the event.
The Department of Anthropology appreciates SHARP-Pakistan’s efforts and the German Embassy’s support in promoting human rights, gender equality and legal awareness, and looks forward to continued collaboration

15/10/2026

Dr. Sajjad Haider Reflects on Art, Society, and Technology at NusratJi’s Exhibition

The Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, is pleased to share that Dr. Sajjad Haider, Fieldwork Supervisor, delivered a speech at the invitation of eminent artist NusratJi during the inauguration of her solo exhibition, What Remains to Be Seen, at the National Art Gallery, Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad. Drawing on his keen interest in visual and digital anthropology and regular engagement with art galleries, Dr. Haider reflected on the social significance of art and the innovative use of multimedia, projected imagery, light, and sound to create an immersive exhibition experience.
Dr. Haider also reflected on the convergence of art and emerging technologies and the ways these developments are transforming our sociocultural lives, including how people experience, interpret, and engage with artistic expressions. His reflections connect with his participation in the international exhibition Multimedia Anthropology Now at University College London (UCL) in February 2019.
https://www.uclmal.com/multimediaanthropologynow
The exhibition presents NusratJi’s artistic journey spanning more than four decades, bringing together original paintings and drawing studies that explore memory, perception, cultural heritage, and the relationship between the seen and unseen.
Exhibition Details
Venue: National Art Gallery, PNCA, Islamabad
On view until: 27 October 2026
Closed on: Saturdays
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HS92BYCEe/

13/10/2026

📢 Registration Open | Legal Literacy Session

The Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University, invites students to register for a Legal Literacy Session organized by SHARP on 14 October 2026.

📌 Topic: Gender Equality, Prevention of GBV and Workplace Harassment, and Access to Justice in Pakistan.

📍 Venue: Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University.

Interested students are encouraged to register. Please see the attached posters for registration details.

13/10/2026

📚 MPhil Research Proposal Presentations

On 12 October 2026, MPhil Anthropology students of the second semester presented their research proposals as part of their academic and research training at the Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

The presentations were attended by the Chairperson, Dr. Saadia Abid, along with faculty members Dr. Inam Leghari, Dr. Aneela Sultana, Dr. Ikram Badshah, and Dr. Baha-ul-Haq. The activity was moderated by the Fieldwork Supervisor, Dr. Sajjad Haider. Other MPhil students of the Department also attended the seminar.

The scholars received critical feedback, constructive suggestions, and academic guidance from the faculty to strengthen their research questions, theoretical frameworks, and methodological approaches.

Such academic activities provide students with valuable opportunities to refine their research ideas, engage in scholarly discussions, and enhance the quality of their MPhil research.

The Department of Anthropology remains committed to promoting academic excellence and continuously improving the quality of teaching, research, and scholarly engagement.

13/10/2026

🎉 Alumni Achievement

The Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, proudly congratulates its alumnus, Dr. Tafakhar Ali Asadi, Deputy Auditor General of Pakistan, on his appointment as the External Auditor of the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) for a three year term.

Dr. Asadi completed both his MPhil and PhD in Anthropology, from the Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University. His professional achievement reflects the diverse career pathways and contributions of our graduates across national and international institutions.

His appointment, approved by the IACA Board of Governors, highlights the importance of independent auditing, transparency, and accountability at the international level.

The Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Asadi on this significant accomplishment and wishes him continued success in his professional endeavours.

https://www.app.com.pk/national/deputy-agp-dr-tafakhar-appointed-external-auditor-of-international-anti-corruption-academy/

13/10/2026

📢 Anthropology Students Attend Research Tools Training Programme at PASTIC

Students of the Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Quaid-i-Azam University,Islamabad, attended a three-day training programme on research tools, organized by the PASTIC National Centre on 12, 13, and 20 October 2026. The programme aims to enhance students’ practical skills in research methodology, data analysis, and interpretation.

The first session, held on 12 October 2026, focused on MAXQDA and was facilitated by Ms. Rabia Zafar from Bahria University. Students explored key techniques in qualitative data analysis, thematic coding, and importing and managing datasets for systematic research.

The second session, scheduled for 13 October 2026, focuses on data analysis using SPSS, while the final session will take place on 20 October 2026.

Such training initiatives provide valuable opportunities for students to strengthen their research competencies and gain hands-on experience with essential analytical tools. The Department of Anthropology appreciates PASTIC’s efforts in promoting research capacity-building and equipping students with the skills necessary for evidence-based research and scientific inquiry.

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09/10/2026

On October 5, 2026, Visiting Faculty Member Ms. Kashaf Imran organized a guest lecture for the course Community and Civic Engagement, in collaboration with the Anthropology of Media course taught by Dr. Sajjad Haider. The lecture was delivered by Mr. Hassan Dajana on grassroots activism and the role of media.

Mr. Hassan Dajana is the Industry Liaison at Renewables First, with diverse experience in community engagement through action-oriented projects. He served as Curator of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community for the Rawalpindi Hub. Under his leadership, climate-related ideas were translated into community action, including the restoration of degraded urban spaces and the plantation of over 5,600 native trees. His activism also includes the development of a climate action toolkit.

Following the lecture, Mr. Hassan Dajana and the course instructors met with Chairperson Dr. Saadia Abid, who thanked him for his valuable time and for sharing his experience and mentoring the students.

05/10/2026

Alumni Accomplishments | Rahim Bakhsh Khaitran

Rahim Bakhsh Khaitran, an alumnus of the Department of Anthropology, has recently showcased his artistic photography internationally, representing Pakistani culture through his work as a Visual Anthropologist and photographer.

His cultural photography and portraiture have received appreciation for their artistic quality and distinctive visual representation of Pakistani culture. He has also showcased his artwork overseas, contributing to the representation of Pakistan's diverse cultural heritage on an international platform.

Khaitran is also a recipient of the prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship. His journey as a Visual Anthropologist and artistic photographer has recently been featured by Dawn, highlighting his work and contribution to visual anthropology and photography.

The Department of Anthropology, QAU, takes pride in the accomplishments of its alumni and their contributions to anthropology, art, and the wider cultural landscape.

Rahim Khetran is a visual anthropologist, artistic photographer and development practitioner from Balochistan. A Fulbright Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow in Public Policy and Administration, he has nearly two decades of experience in research, education, governance and community development. His photogra...

01/10/2026

Alumni Accomplishment | Maryam Riasat

Maryam Riasat, an MPhil alumna of the Department of Anthropology, has recently completed the GCED Online Campus programme, “From Awareness to Action: Your Role in Ending Discrimination & Violence Against Women.” The programme focused on gender-based discrimination and violence against women, women’s rights, advocacy, and the role individuals can play in moving from awareness to action.

As part of the programme, participants contributed to a magazine, and Maryam’s poem “Grey” was selected for publication. The poem explores gender-based double standards and the different expectations placed on women and men.

The Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University, appreciates Maryam’s achievement and wishes her continued success in her academic and creative pursuits.

Magazine links :

https://www.gcedonlinecampus.org/pluginfile.php/123347/mod_resource/content/1/2026%20HER%20Magazine.pdf

https://www.gcedonlinecampus.org/course/view.php?id=204 -5

29/09/2026

Alumni Accomplishment and Testimonial

The Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, is pleased to share the accomplishment and testimonial of Dr. Taskeen Mansoor, who recently completed her PhD in Anthropology from QAU and is currently serving with the United Nations.

In her testimonial, Dr. Taskeen reflects on her experience of pursuing her MPhil and PhD studies at the Department of Anthropology, QAU, and how her academic journey contributed to her professional development and career in academia and the development sector.

Her experience highlights the value of rigorous anthropological training, research, fieldwork, and critical engagement with social issues in preparing students for diverse professional pathways.

The Department of Anthropology takes pride in the achievements of its alumni and remains committed to providing students with quality education, research opportunities, and a strong foundation for meaningful careers in academia, research, development, and other professional fields.

Department of Anthropology ( Anthropologyqau )
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad