Lahore, The Punjab University Pakistan Study Centre organized an international symposium of Young Scholars to honour the memories of the 1947 migration and subsequent refugee rehabilitation. In attendance were PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Former Dean Prof Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chawla, Director of the Pakistan Study Centre Prof Dr. Naumana Kiran, among other distinguished guests and researchers.

According to a news release by University of the Punjab, in his address, Dr. Khalid Mahmood underscored the gravity of the migration, noting the challenges the nascent country faced in rehabilitating migrants. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chawla, in his keynote, delved into the historical literature surrounding Partition Studies. He emphasized the evolving narratives, from the initial concentration on the roles of the British administration, Muslim League, and Congress, to more recent focuses on gender and local level developments. The partition in 1947, he added, seeded lasting enmity between India and Pakistan, marking a massive cross-border migration, violence, and upheaval for millions.

Prof Dr. Naumana Kiran spotlighted the symposium’s intent and its significance. Sunjay Mathuria discussed memory narration in cities marred by trauma, whereas Masooma Zafar brought up recent trends in partition historiography. Dr. Tahir Khan illuminated refugee settlement policies, emphasizing the emergency-based approaches of the Ayub Khan Regime.