Lahore, The University of Punjab is set to host the public defenses and viva voce examinations for two of its Ph.D. scholars, Ms. Sheeba Irfan and Mr. Imran Rafique, showcasing research in pivotal areas of South Asian Studies. The respective defenses are scheduled for March 11, 2024, at the Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), highlighting the university’s dedication to academic excellence and scholarly research.

According to University of The Punjab, Ms. Sheeba Irfan will defend her thesis titled “China India Rivalry in the Indian Ocean: Implications for Pakistan (2013-2021),” under the supervision of Dr. Naheed S. Goraya. Mr. Imran Rafique will present his research on “The Relationship between Governance and Various forms of Government: A Case Study of Local governance in South Punjab-Pakistan,” also supervised by Dr. Naheed S. Goraya. These events are significant for the scholars as they represent the culmination of their rigorous academic work and offer a platform for scholarly discussion and evaluation.

The public defense is a critical part of the Ph.D. journey, providing an opportunity for the scholars to present their findings to both the academic community and the public. The viva voce examination that follows is an essential academic ritual where the scholars defend their research findings and methodologies before an examining committee.

The University of Punjab has a long-standing tradition of fostering research that contributes to the understanding of complex regional dynamics. These defenses are expected to offer insightful perspectives on South Asian affairs, particularly affecting Pakistan, and highlight the contributions of the university’s scholars to the broader field of study.