The missing faculty

In an era dominated by scientific advancement and technological innovation, it may seem counterintuitive to argue for the centrality of language, literature and linguistics in a public university. But as a senior faculty member in the sciences, I can say with full confidence that no research, idea or discovery truly reaches its full impact unless it is clearly communicated, rigorously argued and well understood.

This is why I strongly support the establishment of a Faculty of Languages, Literature and Linguistics at the University of Karachi, a step that is not only overdue but vital to the intellectual health of the institution.

The University of Karachi already possesses a strong and diverse foundation in language education, with well-established departments such as Urdu, English, Arabic, Persian, Bengali and Sindhi, as well as functioning language centres for Chinese and Turkish. Additionally, the Area Study Centre for Europe offers courses in various European languages, adding further linguistic breadth to the university's offerings.

Despite this impressive array of programmes, these departments and centres currently operate in isolation, lacking a unified academic structure. This fragmentation limits collaboration, prevents interdisciplinary growth and inhibits the university from harnessing the full intellectual potential of its language studies.

In contrast, the formation of a Faculty of Languages, Literature and Linguistics would create a unified academic space for collaboration, interdisciplinary learning and resource sharing. Most importantly, it would affirm the essential role of language disciplines — not just as tools of communication, but as critical vehicles for cultural understanding, scholarly engagement and national identity.

Equally important and commendable is the recent initiative by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to introduce undergraduate courses focused on communication, academic writing and presentation skills. These courses are a much-needed addition to the curriculum and deserve institutional support. As a science faculty member, I have observed many brilliant students struggle to present their ideas — not because of a lack of talent, but due to weak communication skills.

Whether it is writing a thesis, applying for a research grant or presenting findings at a conference, the inability to express complex ideas clearly often undermines scientific merit. The HEC's move is not just a curriculum update; it is a recognition that academic excellence is inseparable from articulate expression.

The importance of this becomes even more pronounced in a city like Karachi — Pakistan's most linguistically diverse urban centre. The proposed faculty could become a national hub for the documentation and study of regional and marginalised languages (such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Shina, etc) This would not only serve the cause of cultural preservation but also enhance research in linguistics, sociolinguistics and language policy.

Furthermore, the faculty should house a modern Department of Linguistics with a phonetics lab and a Department of Academic Writing and Translation. These would provide cross-disciplinary support to students and faculty alike, helping them write research papers, translate academic texts and communicate effectively in global academic forums. These services are especially crucial for early-career researchers and postgraduate students aiming to publish in international journals.

Concerns about financial constraints, while valid, should not become roadblocks to academic progress. Much of the infrastructure already exists; what is needed is administrative will. Support for such an initiative can also be expected from the cultural and consulate offices of various countries, many of which already collaborate on language and cultural programmes. Compared to the long-term academic and cultural gains, the required investment is relatively modest.

The establishment of a Faculty of Languages, Literature and Linguistics is not merely a structural adjustment but a transformative step toward academic integration and cultural relevance. As someone who has taught and mentored in the sciences for decades, I can affirm that the best research needs the best language to carry it forward.