ISLAMABAD:A lecture titled “Society, State, and Nationhood in the 21st Century” was organized by the Students Advisor Office at the male Campus of the International Islamic University (IIUI) here on Wednesday.
The event featured a thought-provoking presentation delivered by Brig (Retd) Tahir Mehmood, a distinguished figure renowned for his contributions as an author, former editor, and freelance contributor to the national print media, said a news release.
The lecture was graced by Prof. Dr N.B. Jumani, Acting President as chief guest. Dr Hafiz Ghufran Ahmed Students Advisor (male), former students’ advisors Dr. Rizwan Aftab, Dr. Tauqeer Sargana, Deputy Students Advisor Dr. Masood ur Rehman Khattak, senior faculty members and students also attended the lecture.
During his captivating discourse, Tahir Mehmood shed light on the relationship between society, the state, and the concept of nationhood within the context of the country. He underlined the paramount importance of nurturing a harmonious relationship among these elements to ensure the nation’s progress and stability throughout the 21st century.
In addition to delving into the historical foundations of Pakistani nationhood, he expounded upon the Two-Nation Theory and its historical dimensions.
Brigadier (Retired) Mehmood underscored the imperative need for social cohesion as the cornerstone of nation-building. He emphasized the significance of inclusivity, diversity, and shared values in fortifying the societal framework.
Furthermore, the speaker elucidated the pivotal role of the state in maintaining law and order, upholding justice, and advancing welfare, thus emphasizing the state’s duty in safeguarding the rights of its citizens.
He also addressed the evolving challenges of the 21st century, encompassing globalization, technological advancements and the evolving dynamics of international relations and their profound impact on the concept of nationhood.
He explored the challenges confronting society, including the proliferation of fake content, tailored disinformation, and misconceptions disseminated by a few disruptive elements. Drawing from his experiences, he discussed how academia, youth engagement, and the active involvement of women in society can contribute to uniting the nation under the umbrella of unity.
On the occasion, Prof Dr. N.B. Juamni thanked the speaker for his precious time and prudent thoughts. He shed light on the vision of IIUI and opined that youth is the ultimate solution to the prevailing challenges.
Dr. Jumani called for role of educational institutions in nation building and also apprised of the vision of IIUI President and new reforms.
Dr. Hafiz Ghufran Ahmed thanked the speaker, IIUI leadership and students for participation in the event.
The event, thoughtfully hosted by IIUI, provided a platform for scholars, academicians and students to partake in meaningful dialogue on this pertinent topic.