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Institute of Social and Cultural Studies - University of the Punjab Lahore, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore (2026)

Q: What is the address?

Institute Of Social And Cultural Studies, Quaid-i-Azam Campus

26/08/2026

وہ دانائے سُبُل، ختمِ رُسُل، مولائے کُل جس نے
غُبارِ راہ کو بخشا فروغِ وادیِ سینا

نگاہِ عشق و مستی میں وہی اوّل، وہی آخر
وہی قرآن، وہی فُرقان، وہی یٰسیں، وہی طٰہٰ

24/08/2026

University of Home Economics International Conference on SDGs: Retrospective | Dr. Rahla Rahat Highlights Academia’s Role in Achieving SDGs in Pakistan

On April 29, 2026, Dr. Rahla Rahat participated in a panel discussion titled “Academia’s Role in Achieving SDGs in Pakistan” as part of the 3rd International Conference on Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Policy Pathways, organized by the Department of Sociology and Gender Studies, University of Home Economics, Lahore, and held from April 28–30, 2026.

The panel brought together distinguished academics, practitioners, and opinion leaders, including Dr. Amjad Abbas Khan, University of the Punjab, Lahore; Mr. Salman Abid, Senior Journalist and Analyst; Dr. Uzair Amjad, University of Management and Technology, Lahore; and Ms. Sehr Raza Jafri, Education Specialist and Gender Focal Point, UNICEF. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Tayyaba Sohail, University of Home Economics.

The panel critically examined the role of academia in advancing the SDGs in Pakistan, with particular attention to how universities can translate research into meaningful policy and practice, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, engage communities, and address persistent structural inequalities. The discussion also explored institutional barriers, knowledge–policy gaps, academic innovation, and ways of making higher education more responsive to Pakistan’s complex and evolving development challenges.

Bringing a sociological perspective to the discussion, Dr. Rahla Rahat highlighted how social structures, inequalities, power relations, institutions, and cultural practices shape Pakistan’s progress toward the SDGs. Moving beyond purely economic or technical understandings of development, she drew attention to questions of who benefits, who remains excluded, how inequalities are reproduced, and how universities can contribute to more inclusive and socially just forms of transformation.

The session attracted a large and engaged audience, including Dr. Iram Rubab, In-charge, Department of Sociology and Gender Studies; faculty members of the University of Home Economics; scholars; students; and other conference participants. The discussion provided an intellectually stimulating platform for reflecting on the contribution of academia to sustainable development in Pakistan and the importance of interdisciplinary and socially grounded approaches to achieving the SDGs.

At the conclusion of the session, souvenirs were presented to the panelists in recognition of their scholarly contributions to the conference.

The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS) appreciates the Department of Sociology and Gender Studies, University of Home Economics, Lahore, for organizing this important academic forum and for providing a valuable platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, critical reflection, and knowledge exchange on the role of academia in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Pakistan.

23/08/2026

ISCS International Conference Retrospective: Indonesian Delegation’s Excursion to Old Lahore

Following the International Conference on “Lifestyle Challenges and Strategies for Health, Gender, and Climate Sustainability,” held on May 7, 2026, the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS), alongside a series of technical and institutional exposure visits for the Indonesian delegates, organized a conference excursion to Old Lahore to experience the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural heritage. The conference was jointly organized by ISCS in collaboration with Universitas Airlangga, Universitas Sumatera Utara, and the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), Indonesia.

On May 10, 2026, the day began with a visit to the iconic Lahore Fort, where, in the presence of an experienced tour guide, the delegates explored the fascinating history of the Mughal Empire and learned about the architectural grandeur and historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The delegation also enjoyed captivating cultural performances, including traditional dances and reenactments depicting the lives and ceremonies of Mughal soldiers, bringing history to life in an engaging and memorable way.

A special highlight of the visit was the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal, renowned for its intricate mirror work and exquisite craftsmanship. The delegates admired the artistic brilliance and elegance of this magnificent palace, which stands as a testament to the rich cultural legacy of the Mughal era.

The journey continued to the majestic Badshahi Masjid, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. The delegates were captivated by its grand architecture, serene atmosphere, and historical significance, while appreciating the harmony of faith, art, and heritage that it represents.

No visit to Old Lahore is complete without exploring its bustling bazaars. The delegation immersed themselves in the lively local markets, where they purchased souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, cultural attire, and other keepsakes to cherish their memories of Pakistan. The vibrant streets, colorful shops, and warm hospitality offered an authentic glimpse into the spirit of Lahore.

The day concluded with a delightful dinner at Haveli Restaurant, where the delegation enjoyed traditional cuisine accompanied by a spectacular panoramic view of the illuminated Badshahi Masjid. Surrounded by history, culture, and friendship, the evening became a fitting celebration of the enduring ties between Pakistan and Indonesia.

This cultural excursion was more than a sightseeing tour; it was an opportunity to build connections, share experiences, and celebrate the rich heritage that unites people across borders.

21/08/2026

Day Two of Advanced Training at ISCS for Faculty & Postgraduate Scholars: From Reflection to Evidence — Reconstructing the Foundations of Sociology

A two-day capacity-building workshop on Advanced Social Research, Sociological Theory and Social Thought, held on August 19–20, 2026, at the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS), successfully concluded. The workshop was led by Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani, Founder and Chairman of Gallup Pakistan, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a leading authority on public opinion research, and an eminent scholar of social and political thought.

Designed specifically for ISCS faculty members and PhD and MPhil scholars in Sociology, the workshop focused on advanced debates in social research, classical non-Western social thought, and the methodological and conceptual complexities of opinion surveys and social datasets.

The second day of the workshop, held on August 20, 2026, began with an in-depth discussion of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s 1930 Allahabad Address, drawing on a document extracted from the archives of Columbia University. Under the guidance of Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani, the Address was examined not merely as a political statement but as an important contribution to social thought. Particular attention was given to Iqbal’s reflections on the relationship between the individual, community, religion, collective identity, and political organization. The discussion subsequently opened broader sociological reflections on nationalism, identity, social cohesion, and modernity.

During the first half of the session, the discussion also turned to key conceptual categories in classical non-Western social thought, with reference to influential works such as Ḥujjat Allāh al-Bālighah, Al-Muqaddimah, and Kīmiyā-yi Saʿādat, among others from the medieval intellectual tradition. The exchange revisited foundational questions concerning society, knowledge, morality, history, spirituality, social order, and social change, while critically examining the intellectual continuities, ruptures, and epistemic differences between classical non-Western traditions and contemporary social theory.

The second half of the session focused on the extensive social datasets generated through Gallup Pakistan’s opinion surveys. Participants were introduced to a wide range of data concerning the historical geographies of nations and civilizations, as well as the Gallup and Gilani Barometer of Facts and Opinions, with particular attention to global and national perspectives and the broader civilizational context.

The session then moved to an extensive discussion of the World Values Survey, during which Dr. Gilani introduced participants to its large body of survey material, comprising more than 900 questions across seven waves of social data. Participants were also familiarized with the survey’s question catalogue and dashboard, providing them with an important resource for exploring and utilizing large-scale comparative social datasets in academic research.

The session concluded with a discussion of global indices of happiness and despair, encouraging participants to consider how large-scale social data can be used to understand contemporary societies, their changing values, and patterns of collective wellbeing and distress.

Faculty members, PhD scholars, and MPhil scholars currently enrolled at ISCS participated enthusiastically throughout the session. The workshop provided an important platform for engaging with major academic debates in social research, sociological theory, and classical social thought, while demonstrating how intellectual traditions developed in medieval societies can be meaningfully revisited and brought into dialogue with contemporary social science.

The intellectually rigorous and enriching two-day workshop made a significant contribution to strengthening the academic and research capacities of ISCS faculty and scholars, while further expanding the Institute’s engagement with major classical and contemporary debates in the social sciences.

As a direct outcome of the workshop, ISCS has decided to give greater and more systematic attention to non-Western social thought in its postgraduate coursework from the current academic year. Faculty members will incorporate relevant material into courses on Sociological Theory and Social Thought to address an important gap in the existing curriculum and provide students with a more inclusive and intellectually diverse understanding of the development of social thought.

Similarly, in Advanced Social Research courses, students will be encouraged to work with datasets from Gallup Pakistan to develop high-quality academic research papers. This initiative will provide postgraduate scholars with valuable hands-on experience in working with large-scale social datasets, formulating research questions, interpreting survey findings, and producing academically rigorous research.

ISCS is also pleased to share that Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani will continue to mentor the Institute’s faculty and postgraduate scholars as part of its ongoing capacity-building efforts. His continued engagement will be an integral part of the Institute’s future academic initiatives aimed at strengthening research, teaching, and scholarly inquiry, particularly at the postgraduate level.

The workshop marks an important step in ISCS’s continuing efforts to enhance academic quality, broaden the intellectual foundations of sociological education, and equip its scholars with the conceptual and methodological tools required for high-quality social research.

20/08/2026

Dr. Muhammad Faisal Majeed, ISCS PhD Graduate, Appointed Controller of Examinations at University of Okara

We are pleased to share the achievement of Dr. Muhammad Faisal Majeed, an alumnus of the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS), who has been appointed Controller of Examinations (BS-20) at the University of Okara for a three-year term.

In this important role, Dr. Faisal will oversee the university’s examination system and provide leadership in the administration, coordination, and management of examination-related affairs.

Dr. Muhammad Faisal Majeed is a proud PhD graduate of ISCS, having completed his PhD in Sociology in 2023 under the supervision of Dr. Farhan Navid Yousaf, Director, ISCS. Throughout his doctoral journey at the Institute, he demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and sociological inquiry.

Prior to his appointment at the University of Okara, Dr. Faisal was serving as Associate Professor of Sociology at Lahore Leads University, where he made significant contributions to teaching and research while also undertaking various academic and administrative responsibilities.

His appointment as Controller of Examinations is a significant milestone in his professional journey and reflects the growing academic and leadership contributions of ISCS graduates in higher education.

The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Muhammad Faisal Majeed on this appointment and wishes him continued success and excellence in his new role.

19/08/2026

Advanced Training Session at ISCS for Faculty & Postgraduate Scholars — Day One: From Classical Thought to Social Data: Rethinking How We Understand Society

The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS) is currently hosting a two-day capacity-building workshop on Advanced Social Research, Sociological Theory and Social Thought, being held on August 19–20, 2026. The workshop has been specifically designed for ISCS faculty members and PhD scholars/graduates in Sociology, with a focus on advanced discussions of classical non-Western social thought and the methodological complexities of opinion surveys.

We are honored to have Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani, Founder and Chairman of Gallup Pakistan, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a leading authority on public opinion research, and an eminent scholar of social and political thought, leading this advanced training workshop as the resource person.

On August 19, 2026, the first day of the workshop commenced with Dr. Gilani introducing participants to the work of Gallup Pakistan in the field of opinion surveys. He engaged the participants in a detailed discussion of the key methodological complexities involved in conducting and interpreting opinion polls, highlighting issues that require particular attention in the production and analysis of survey data.

The second half of the session was devoted to a highly engaging and intellectually enriching discussion of five major works in classical social thought, with particular emphasis on non-Western intellectual traditions. The works discussed included:
• A History of Western Philosophy — Bertrand Russell (1945)
• Ḥujjat Allāh al-Bālighah — Shāh Walī Allāh (18th century)
• Al-Muqaddimah — Ibn Khaldūn (1377)
• Kīmiyā-yi Saʿādat — Al-Ghazālī (c. 1102–1106)
• Kashf al-Maḥjūb — Al-Hujwīrī (c. 1058)

The discussion provided participants with an opportunity to revisit foundational questions concerning human society, knowledge, morality, history, spirituality, social order, and the nature of social change, while exploring the intellectual continuities and differences between classical non-Western traditions and contemporary social thought.

At the conclusion of the first day of training, Dr. Gilani introduced the participants to Gallup Pakistan’s extensive social datasets, highlighting the breadth and richness of social data generated through its opinion surveys and research. The session concluded with an engaging discussion of the possibilities and challenges involved in working with large-scale social data, setting the stage for the second day of the training, which will continue this exploration of social data and its applications in social research.

In addition to the ISCS Director and faculty members, PhD and MPhil scholars currently enrolled at the Institute participated enthusiastically in the session. The workshop offered an important platform for engaging with key academic debates in social research and classical social thought that continue to shape the social sciences, while also examining how ideas developed in medieval intellectual traditions can be meaningfully revisited and brought into dialogue with the contemporary academic world.

We are confident that this intellectually rigorous and enriching two-day workshop will make a significant contribution to strengthening the academic and research capacities of our faculty and scholars, while further expanding ISCS's engagement with major classical and contemporary debates in the social sciences.

We look forward to an equally stimulating and intellectually enriching second day of the workshop tomorrow.

17/08/2026

A Celebration of Belonging: Pakistan Day and Minorities Day at Punjab University

On August 16, 2026, Dr. Ahmed Usman participated in a memorable celebration of Pakistan Day and Minorities Day held at the University of the Punjab, Lahore. Organized by Henry K. Church, the event brought together dozens of Christian families who participated with great enthusiasm, warmth, and patriotic spirit.

The event was graced by Dr. Saeed Elahi, former Chairman of the Pakistan Red Crescent, a distinguished social worker known for his longstanding commitment to the welfare of minorities and his advocacy for their rights. Dr. Zahid Pervaiz, former Director General of Health Services, was also among the distinguished guests.

The University of the Punjab provided a welcoming platform for this important celebration. The event was further honored by the presence of the Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Dr. Muhammad Ali, who attended as the Chief Guest. In his address to the Christian community, Dr. Muhammad Ali highlighted the historical role and invaluable contributions of Christians and other minority communities to the development and progress of Pakistan.

Dr. Aman Ullah, Principal, Punjab University Law College, and Dr. Ahmad Islam, Registrar, University of the Punjab, were also present on the occasion.

The speakers paid tribute to the sacrifices made during the creation of Pakistan, remembered and honored those who laid down their lives for the country, and acknowledged the courage and services of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. Particular emphasis was placed on the invaluable contributions of Christians and other minority communities to the social, educational, economic, and national development of Pakistan.

The celebration was enriched by patriotic songs, captivating performances, and colourful tableaus presented by children, creating an atmosphere of unity, affection, and national pride. The event concluded with a collective prayer for the peace, prosperity, security, and continued progress of Pakistan.

The efforts of the organizers, particularly Henry K. Church, and the University of the Punjab are highly commendable for providing a meaningful space to celebrate Pakistan's diverse communities and to recognize the important role of minorities in the country's journey of progress and nation-building.

16/08/2026

University of Home Economics International Conference on SDGs: Retrospective | Dr. Rizwan Safdar Speaks on Political Economy and Smart Governance

On April 30, 2026, Dr. Muhammad Rizwan Safdar participated in a panel discussion titled “Political Economy and Smart Governance: A Way Forward to a Sustainable Future” during the 3rd International Conference on Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Policy Pathways, organized by the Department of Sociology and Gender Studies, University of Home Economics, Lahore, and held from April 28–30, 2026.

The panel brought together distinguished academics from leading public and private sector universities, including Dr. Uzma Naz, Minhaj University, Lahore; Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Pervez, University of Management and Technology, Lahore; Dr. Sobia Nasir, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore; and Dr. Qudsiyya Akram, Kinnaird College for Women University, Lahore. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Tayyaba Sohail, University of Home Economics.

The panelists critically examined the intersection of political economy and smart governance and their implications for sustainable development. The discussion explored how economic policies, political institutions, technological innovation, transparency, accountability, and citizen participation can contribute to more effective and responsive governance, promote inclusive development, reduce inequalities, and build resilient and sustainable societies.

Bringing a sociological perspective to the discussion, Dr. Rizwan Safdar examined the ways in which media, technology, and digital platforms shape public opinion, political participation, social inequalities, and the relationship between citizens and institutions. He further highlighted the potential of media and digital platforms to foster transparency, strengthen accountability, facilitate informed citizenship, and advance more inclusive forms of governance in an increasingly digital society.

The session was attended by a large and engaged audience, including Dr. Iram Rubab, In-charge, Department of Sociology and Gender Studies; faculty members of the University of Home Economics; scholars; students; and other conference participants. The discussion provided an intellectually stimulating platform for examining the opportunities and challenges emerging at the intersection of governance, technology, society, and sustainable development.

At the conclusion of the session, souvenirs were presented to the panelists by the Chief Guest, Dr. Ali Madeeh Hashmi, Professor of Psychiatry, King Edward Medical University, in recognition of their scholarly contributions to the conference.

The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS) appreciates the Department of Sociology and Gender Studies, University of Home Economics, for organizing this important academic forum and for providing a platform for meaningful interdisciplinary dialogue on political economy, smart governance, and their role in shaping a more inclusive, accountable, and sustainable future.

15/08/2026

Feminist Thought at ISCS This Weekend: Voices That Have Shaped Gender Theory

Hey, ISCS! Let’s choose, from among these influential women featured in the pictures, those who have made substantial contributions to feminist theory and whose scholarship has inspired us most. We can also use the comment section to add other scholars, classical or contemporary, whose intellectual contributions have profoundly shaped gender and feminist thought.

Among the scholars we suggest adding to the list are Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Chandra Talpade Mohanty, Patricia Hill Collins, Germaine Greer, Andrea Dworkin, Catharine A. MacKinnon, Julie Bindel, Mary Wollstonecraft, Nancy Fraser, Donna Haraway, Sandra Harding, Angela Davis, Luce Irigaray, Valerie Solanas, Hannah Arendt, bell hooks, Naomi Wolf, Virginia Woolf, Marguerite Duras, and Marguerite Yourcenar.

Importantly, let us also bring into the conversation some formidable Muslim feminist scholars and thinkers whose work has profoundly challenged conventional understandings of gender, patriarchy, religion, agency, and the political construction of the category of the “Muslim woman.” These include, but are not limited to, Saba Mahmood, Lila Abu-Lughod, Leila Ahmed, Riffat Hassan, Fatima Mernissi, Amina Wadud, Asma Barlas, Ziba Mir-Hosseini, and Deniz Kandiyoti.

A few signature ideas from feminist scholars of the Muslim world and South Asian intellectual tradition are as follows:

Saba Mahmood: Complicated conventional feminist understandings of agency, demonstrating that agency does not necessarily take the form of resistance to religious or patriarchal norms.
Lila Abu-Lughod: Challenged the politics of “saving Muslim women,” urging us to examine the colonial, cultural, and political assumptions underlying representations of Muslim women.
Leila Ahmed: Demonstrated how understandings of Muslim women’s status have been shaped through the historical intersections of religion, patriarchy, colonialism, nationalism, and modernity.
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak: “Can the subaltern speak?” A foundational question concerning representation, voice, power, and the politics of speaking for marginalized women.
Chandra Talpade Mohanty: Critiqued the construction of the “Third World woman” as a singular and homogeneous victim within dominant Western feminist discourse.

These are only a few of the intellectual interventions that have transformed how we think about gender, power, patriarchy, agency, representation, knowledge, religion, and women’s emancipation.

Who inspired you the most? Choose your scholar from the list, or use the comment section to add another thinker whose work has shaped your understanding of feminism and gender theory.

May our weekend invite us to think beyond the categories we inherited; to question who defines knowledge, whose experiences become theory, and whose voices are rendered invisible. Feminist thought, at its deepest, asks us not only to question the structures that govern women, but also to question the very categories through which we have learned to imagine freedom, agency, selfhood, and empowerment.

Institute of Social and Cultural Studies - University of the Punjab Lahore

26/08/2026

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Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00