
KARACHI:
Research is the process in which an individual reviews past data analyses and tries to address the identified gap. It is the bedrock of tertiary education i.e., bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Pakistani universities are regularly accused of being unable to produce quality research that can compete with international research.
One reason why Pakistan is lagging in research is that supervisors do not consider research conducted by bachelor’s students as quality or standard research. It is assumed to be a plagiarised activity because students lack proper training and support to conduct research. In addition, there is no guidance on research publication and the majority of the manuscripts end up in store rooms. Despite having journals, the universities do not provide graduates with space or opportunities to publish their research. This discourages students from carrying out authentic and investigative research. They instead resort to plagiarism or combining multiple sources to finish their courses and get their degrees.
Research is not only important for academic progress, but it also supports the overall growth and development of nations. It helps identify gaps in different areas and sectors and provides potential solutions. Therefore, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education Commission, and Universities should work to improve research training and support for all students, particularly for bachelor’s students. Bachelor’s students should be facilitated through specific journals as it will motivate them to carry out their own research and express their inquisitiveness and creativity.
Anas Tariq
Sadda Kurram
Published in The Express Tribune, March 19th, 2023.
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