PESHAWAR - Speakers at a workshop on Sunday observed that M. Phil. and Ph.D scholars of faculties of Arts, Humanities and Social Science enrolled in various research institutions of Pakistan find it difficult to select a research topic and writing research proposal/dissertations.

To know how much should be focused on conceptual innovation, methodological rigor, and rich, substantive content, becomes a gigantic question for them. The ability to think critically is essential. New things are being discovered and explored almost each day, the speakers said.
They said this at the six-day workshop held at Bara Gali summer campus University of Peshawar titled “Selection of Research Topic, Research Methods and Writing M.Phil/Ph.D Proposals/Dissertations” the Area Study Centre (Russia, China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar, organized the workshop in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission.
The objective of the workshop was to hold orientation sessions particularly for scholars pursuing their higher studies. Prof. Dr. M. Farooq Swati, Dean, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, inaugurated the workshop.
He said, this activity is essential for research oriented society. He suggested that such workshops should be organized with short intervals at the Peshawar University campus as well. 
Prof. Dr. Sarfraz Khan, Director, Director, Area Study Centre (Russia, China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar, presented his comprehensive discourse on “Introduction to Research”.
He explained meaning, scope and significance of research methodology in social sciences and other allied subjects. 
He emphasized that in this world of information technology, focus on research is the only way to rank as a civilized nation.  Dr. Syed M. Asim presented a comprehensive talk on “Significance of Application of Statistical Methods of Social Research”.
He discussed methods of data collection and analyses thereof. He conducted a survey-based activity during his presentation. Question answer session was held at the end.
Prof. Dr. Mujib Rahman, Chairman, Department of English and Applied Linguistics, University of Peshawar in his presentation on “Writing your Research Report/Thesis/Paper” spoke on the IMRD model, including abstract. Prof. Dr. Sarfraz Khan has given solemn pledge that workshop will become a regular feature. Next year we will hold another such event with the help of HEC for the remaining research students.
On the concluding day on the workshop, Prof. Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Vice Chancellor, University of Peshawar as a chief guest also spoke on the occasion.