Dr. Iqbal Ahmad Khan Jatoi currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad, Pakistan. He earned his PhD degree in Chemistry from Quaid-I-Azam University and Postdoc from China. He is the winner of International Exchange Fellowship which is prestigious and highly competent award from Chinese government. With over 10 years of dedicated teaching and research experience, Dr. Ahmad specializes in materials chemistry, particularly focusing on energy and involvementental materials. His academic contributions include supervising two Ph.D. candidate and guiding 15 M.Phil. level theses. Dr. Ahmad’s research has led to the publication of 70 articles in highly regarded ISI indexed journals. His scholarly impact is notable, boasting an impressive cumulative impact factor exceeding 350, along with more than 1500 citations and a commendable H-index of 26. He is president of Academic Staff Association Allama Iqbal Open University and President of Federation of all Pakistan Universities Academic staff Associations (FAPUASA) Federal Chapter.
Dr. Iqbal Ahmad Khan Jatoi in a special interview with The Public Purview insights highlight both the potential and challenges facing higher education and research in Pakistan. His emphasis on funding, structural reforms, and attracting talent underscores the pivotal role of policy in shaping the country’s academic landscape.
Q: Could you please share what inspired you to pursue a career in chemistry and research, especially in Pakistan where interest in the field isn’t as widespread?
A: “The choice to delve into chemistry stemmed from its profound relevance to our existence. Chemistry surrounds us, from atoms to chemical reactions, shaping our world. This fascination with understanding our nature and the practical applications, whether in medicine or energy, drove my career choice.”
Q: What do you consider the essential qualities for a successful researcher, particularly in the field of chemistry?
A: “Integrity is paramount, coupled with curiosity and the ability to interpret data. Resilience stands out as crucial—chemistry often demands repeated experiments, confronting failure numerous times. Learning from setbacks is key to growth in research.”
Q: You mentioned challenges in Pakistan’s higher education, particularly regarding funding and structural issues. Could you elaborate on these challenges and their impact on research and faculty retention?
A: “Funding remains a critical issue. Despite an increase in universities, the budget stagnates, affecting salaries and research capabilities. Structural reforms are needed to support faculty development and retention, crucial for retaining talent and preventing brain drain.”
Q: How do you see the role of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in Pakistan’s higher education landscape, especially in terms of research and innovation?
A: “AIOU plays a significant role, particularly in research-based degrees under regular programs. It stands competitively in research, as evidenced by its rankings in the Times Higher Education. Initiatives like face-to-face programs and robust faculties contribute to its academic prowess.”
Q: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly impacting research. How do you view AI’s role in advancing scientific discoveries, especially in your field of chemistry?
A: “AI is revolutionary, streamlining research by enhancing data analysis and speeding up processes. It aids in generating insights and optimizing experiments, significantly boosting efficiency in chemical research.”
Q: Considering environmental challenges, what steps do you recommend for Pakistan to promote sustainable energy solutions through research and education?
A: “We need concerted efforts to promote environmental awareness and sustainable energy solutions. Media campaigns on carbon emissions and promoting alternative fuels like hydrogen are crucial. Investing in research on eco-friendly technologies will be pivotal.”
Q: What reforms would you propose for HEC (Higher Education Commission) to address the current issues faced by universities and researchers in Pakistan?
A: “HEC reforms should prioritize structural support, including standardized promotion policies and adequate funding allocations. Clear criteria for faculty appointments and promotions are essential to enhance academic standards and retain talent.”
Q: In your view, how can Pakistan attract and retain talented researchers and faculty members amid global competition?
A: “Pakistan can attract talent through competitive incentives, such as exchange fellowships and attractive research programs. Improving working conditions and ensuring timely career progression will bolster retention efforts amidst global competition.”
Q: What message would you like to convey to policymakers regarding the future of higher education and research in Pakistan?
A: “Investing in education is investing in our future. Policymakers must prioritize funding and structural reforms to ensure Pakistan’s universities thrive globally. Our future competitiveness hinges on nurturing a robust academic environment.”
Q: What reforms do you believe are necessary for HEC (Higher Education Commission) to address the current challenges in faculty appointments, promotions, and standards across Pakistani universities?
A: “The reforms needed for HEC are critical and multifaceted. Firstly, there should be a clear and standardized promotion policy that applies uniformly across all universities. Currently, discrepancies exist, particularly between the Tenure Track System (TTS) and Basic Pay Scale (BPS) faculty. The implementation of clear criteria, as mandated by the 2002 ordinance, must be enforced without compromise to maintain academic standards.”
“For TTS faculty, the process should ensure that eligibility criteria for promotion from Assistant Professors to Associate Professors are transparently outlined. This includes automatic placement on selection boards upon meeting qualifications, facilitating a smooth progression to higher academic ranks.”
“Moreover, addressing issues such as lump sum payments and pension concerns for TTS faculty is crucial. Ensuring competitive salaries and benefits will not only retain talent but also motivate faculty towards higher performance and dedication to education.”
“Ultimately, resolving these structural issues within HEC will pave the way for enhanced educational outcomes and academic excellence across Pakistani universities.”
Q: Can you elaborate on your research in water splitting and its potential impact on environmental sustainability and energy production?
A: “Certainly, my research focuses on water splitting, a process where we separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen, derived from this process, holds promise as a clean and sustainable alternative fuel. Unlike conventional fossil fuels such as coal, gas, or oil, which are depleting and contribute significantly to environmental issues like carbon dioxide emissions, hydrogen offers a renewable solution.”
“Our aim is to address these environmental challenges by harnessing hydrogen as a base source for energy generation. This approach not only mitigates environmental impact but also ensures that the process is environmentally friendly, producing only water as a byproduct, without any harmful emissions.”
“In 2019, our team achieved significant milestones in this area, achieving top rankings for our research efforts. We developed efficient methods and technologies that are now implemented in over 70 stations globally, providing sustainable energy solutions. Moving forward, our focus is on scaling up these innovations through pilot projects and commercialization, aiming to make a substantial impact on global energy sustainability.”
Q: How do you envision addressing environmental and energy-related challenges in Pakistan through your research and initiatives?
A: “In Pakistan, addressing environmental challenges is crucial for sustainable development. Our focus is on leveraging innovative projects, such as water splitting for hydrogen production, to contribute positively to environmental sustainability. These projects not only aim to provide cleaner energy alternatives but also promote awareness and education about environmental issues like carbon dioxide emissions.”
“We believe that initiating media campaigns and public awareness programs can significantly impact societal behavior towards adopting environmentally friendly practices. By showcasing successful models and technologies, such as our water splitting innovations, we aim to inspire broader adoption and support for green initiatives across the country.”
“Our ongoing efforts are geared towards demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of these technologies on a larger scale, ensuring they contribute effectively to making Pakistan’s environment cleaner and more sustainable for future generations.”
Q: How do you manage and coordinate the rotational leadership structure within your organization, especially with regard to the federal sector’s presidency and its impact on university-level associations?
A: “Managing the rotational leadership structure within our organization, particularly the federal sector’s presidency, involves a strategic approach to ensure equitable representation and effective governance. Each election cycle at the university level brings forth new leadership for roles like president, vice president, and general secretary, distributed across chapters and centers.”
“Our goal is to maintain fairness and inclusivity through this rotational system. For instance, the presidency, vice presidency, and general secretary roles rotate among different regions or chapters, ensuring that each entity gets an opportunity to lead and contribute to our executive council.”
“Engaging government bodies and stakeholders is crucial in this process. We actively collaborate with governmental figures and policymakers to advocate for our initiatives, such as reinstating tax rebates and securing funding for educational projects. This collaborative effort strengthens our organizational impact and ensures sustainable support for our university-level associations.”
Q: How can Pakistan’s government attract and retain talented academics and researchers, both from within Pakistan and abroad, to strengthen the higher education sector and prevent brain drain?
A: “Attracting and retaining talented academics and researchers is crucial for Pakistan’s higher education sector to thrive. One effective strategy is to implement initiatives similar to China’s Exchange Fellowship program, which targets Pakistanis abroad with attractive incentives to return home. Such programs could include funding for research projects, competitive salaries, and supportive infrastructure.”
“Moreover, establishing talent programs like those in Saudi Arabia, which offer nationality and significant benefits to skilled professionals, could incentivize both local and foreign experts to contribute to Pakistan’s academic landscape. These initiatives not only attract talent but also foster a conducive environment for research and innovation.”
“To retain existing faculty and prevent brain drain, it’s essential to address issues like salary discrepancies, delayed promotions, and inadequate funding for universities. Government policies should prioritize higher education funding, ensuring sustainable support for research and academic development.”
“Ultimately, investing in education is an investment in Pakistan’s future. By providing competitive incentives and improving working conditions for academics, we can strengthen our higher education institutions and mitigate the risk of talent leaving for better opportunities abroad.”
