Lahore, The Department of Political Science at the University of the Punjab will host the public defense and viva voce examination of Ph.D. candidate Ms. Iqra Younas Zafar on April 19, 2024. Ms. Zafar’s research, which assesses Pakistan’s healthcare system through the lens of the COVID-19 crisis, aims to re-evaluate its resilience and preparedness.

According to University of The Punjab, Ms. Zafar completed her thesis under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Rehana Saeed Hashmi. The thesis, titled “COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan in Pakistan: A Re-evaluation of Health Care System’s Resilience Perspective,” examines the effectiveness and rapid response capability of the national healthcare system amid the global pandemic. The defense, scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m., will provide an opportunity for Ms. Zafar to present her findings and respond to expert scrutiny.

The upcoming event is expected to attract attention from both academic and professional circles, given the relevance and timing of the research topic. It marks a significant milestone in Ms. Zafar’s academic journey and contributes to the ongoing discussion on public health management in crisis situations in Pakistan.