Intellectual strength

With the world embroiled in multiple crises it is vital for countries to hone their intellectual, academic capacities

Jean-Paul Sartre, an existentialist philosopher, once asserted that intellectuals are the moral conscience of their age. What Pakistan is yet to realise is that not only do intellectuals, scholars and scientists have academic and theoretical significance but they also play a vital role in the socio-political landscape and social development of the country. History is replete with instances that show the significance of such erudite people — whether it be Albert Einstein who revolutionised physics and whose theories were used to create the atomic bomb in WW2, or Alan Turing, a mathematical prodigy and logician known for decoding encrypted Nazi messages through the first-ever model of the computer that he created, which helped in ending the war.

Today, with the world embroiled in multiple crises, such as food insecurity, extreme inequality, growing intolerance and climate catastrophe, it is vital for countries to hone their intellectual and academic capacities. In Pakistan there is immense untapped intellectual potential that many are unaware of. Recently, 243 Pakistani teachers have made it to a list of the world’s top 2% scientists in multiple disciplines compiled by Stanford University, with Dr Mahmood of Punjab University the only professor in South Asia to have received an award in Information and Library Science. Furthermore, 81 Pakistani professors were recognised for their lifetime research. With such a diverse pool of academics, Pakistan should be at the forefront of development. Unfortunately, we haven’t put such genius minds to great use. Much like in other successful countries, these key figures should be leading the relevant sectors, with full support from the government, and spearheading the development of the country.

In Pakistan, there is a need for environmental and agricultural scientists, economists, and religious scholars who can help combat and curb the longstanding problems that plague the country. The authorities must focus on creating an environment where intellectuals and scientists can work and collaborate for the collective good of the country.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2020.

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