Islamabad: The Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) recently convened its inaugural Research Advisory Group (RAG) meeting, marking a significant step in shaping the nation’s educational research agenda.
Comprised of leading educationists, researchers, and stakeholders, the RAG aims to steer PIE towards becoming the country’s foremost public sector think tank, offering strategic guidance in education policy formulation and positioning itself as a key influencer in the field.
Senior Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Sohil Akhtar, emphasized the importance of the consultative session, which focused on identifying priority research areas using PIE’s foundational reports, such as the Pakistan Education Statistics (PES) Report and the National Assessment Test (NAT) Report.
Dr. Muhammad Shahid Soroya provided an overview of PIE’s role as a premier “Think Tank,” highlighting its commitment to evidence-based research for informing policy decisions and enhancing educational quality in Pakistan.
The establishment of the RAG underscores PIE’s dedication to enhancing the impact of educational research in the country. Leveraging the expertise of its members, PIE aims to drive meaningful change in Pakistan’s educational landscape through informed policy interventions.
The RAG, comprising experts with diverse backgrounds in research, policy-making, and academia, serves as a vital advisory body, guiding PIE’s research endeavors and fostering collaboration with universities and research institutions.
Key presentations during the meeting included insights into PIE’s organizational structure, ongoing projects, and the RAG’s mandate. Collaborative discussions centered on identifying research topics and themes, as well as enhancing partnerships between PIE and academic institutions.
The event saw the participation of distinguished guests, including Senior Joint Secretary Sohil Akhtar, Director General Dr. Muhammad Shahid Soroya, Dr. Nizamuddin, Dr. Farid Pinjwani, Dr. Shahid Munir, Chairman Punjab HEC, Dr. Faisal Bari from LUMS, and Dr. Jamila Razzaq, Research Lead of DARE-RC.
