Memorial reference: Dr Inayatullah Chair to be set up in QAU

The minent social scientist and intellectual was remembered at a reference organised by scholars.

ISLAMABAD: Eminent social scientist and intellectual, the late Dr Inayatullah was remembered here at a reference organised by scholars from all over the country.

Rich tributes were paid for his services in the promotion of social sciences in the country and the cause of human rights.

The reference was held at the Quaid-i-Azam University  (QAU) with the collaboration of the Council of Social Sciences, the School of International Relations and National Politics, the Higher Education Commission, the Quaid-i-Azam University Alumni Association, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Centre for Civic Education as well as some other civil society organisations.

Addressing the reference, QAU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Muhammad Masoom Yasinzai highlighted Dr Inayatullah’s contribution to the promotion of social sciences and upholding the cause of human rights in Pakistan.

“His university will set up a chair in his name at the School of International Relations and National Politics,” the VC said. Dr Inayatullah was founder chairperson of this department. This would be the second chair in the school after one in the name of Benazir Bhutto.

Scholars and intellectuals in their brief speeches recounted their memories of the late scholar and social activist. They vowed to keep the late professor’s legacy for the cause of freedom alive by striving for the establishment of true democracy in the country.

Others who expressed their views were Prof Dr Nizamuddin, Vice-Chancellor University of Gujrat, Dr Jaffar Ahmed, Director Pakistan Studies Centre University of Karachi, Dr Pervaiz Tahir and Dr Naveed-i-Rahat, among others. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minster Yousaf Raza Gilani, Sartaj Aziz, Asma Jehangir  and  President International Islamic University, Dr Anwar Hussain Siddiqui, sent messages on the occasion.

Dr Inayatullah was not just a social scientist but had many other interests. He was a poet and a committed activist in progressive causes. His contribution at intellectual gatherings was noted for raising contrary opinions against the commonly held position of participants that always enlivened the discussion.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2010.