Experts warn neglect of scientific research holding back Pakistan’s progress
This was the major takeaway from the launch ceremony of author and medical doctor Sikandar Mughal’s two books in Sindhi language held at the Pakistan Arts Council on Saturday. Dawn reported that the event was chaired by Lok Virso Committee chairman Ayub Sheikh.
The books Zahanat Ji Irtiqa (Evolution of Intelligence) and Irtiqa: Zindagi ain Science Jo Safar (Evolution: Journey of Life and Science) aim to present complex scientific ideas in simple and accessible Sindhi language.
Speaking at the event, Sikandar Mughal said that developed countries are progressing because they focus on science and research, while nations that neglect scientific knowledge are left behind.
He said he has written these books in simple Sindhi so that students in the state can understand these ideas and use them to build a better future.
“A country can only progress through scientific knowledge,” he said. Riaz Sheikh, Dean of Social Sciences at Szabist University, said that “an anti-science mentality has long been encouraged in Pakistani society, mostly with the support of the state.” He recalled that he once included Darwin’s theories in the Sindh Textbook Board syllabus when he was part of the syllabus designing committee, but they were later removed after they were made public. protests.
Dawn said scientific thinking and research was “deliberately discouraged” and in this context Mughal’s books were a valuable contribution.
Shireen Narejo emphasized the importance of inquiry in science and the need to create an environment that encourages research and open discussion, even on controversial topics.
Medical expert Saif Zulfiqar Junejo said that the book Zahanat Ji Irtiqa was adapted from Australian neuroscientist Max Bennett’s book A Brief History of Intelligence.
He said the book outlines five major breakthroughs in the evolution of human intelligence, including the ability to interact with the environment, learn from experience, imagine outcomes, understand the thoughts and feelings of others, and develop language for communication and sharing information.
He also talked about the idea of Super AI, a theoretical form of artificial intelligence that could surpass human intelligence in every aspect, including problem solving, creativity and emotional understanding.
He cited warnings by British computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, known as the “godfather of artificial intelligence”, who expressed concerns that artificial intelligence could become “uncontrollable” without proper regulations.
Medical expert Zulfiqar Rahojo said Babur chose the challenging subject of evolution and intelligence because he wanted to promote scientific thought among Sindhi-speaking people.
Mughal dedicated his life to educating people and continues to do so through his writings, said Dawn, Majid Iqbal of Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology.
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