University of the Punjab.

Dr. Muhammad Rizwan Safdar is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS), University of the Punjab, Lahore. His scholarship spans diverse yet interconnected areas, including the sociology of religion, religion and health, digital cultures, trust and safety, social media governance, youth and political socialization, community resilience, migration, gender, and criminology. His research combines rigorous qualitative inquiry with interdisciplinary perspectives to examine contemporary social issues, ranging from religious coping and lived experiences of health and illness to algorithmic polarization, online misinformation, and the ethical implications of digital technologies. He has authored more than 40 scholarly publications and serves as a reviewer for several international journals. Dr. Rizwan has presented his research at prestigious international forums, including the Oxford Symposium on Religious Studies at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and the Trust and Safety Research Conference (TSRC) at Stanford University, United States, where he presented research on digital platforms, algorithms, and youth. Beyond academia, he actively contributes to public engagement through television and media discussions, where he translates sociological research into accessible conversations on contemporary social, cultural, and policy issues. He believes that meaningful scholarship should not only advance academic knowledge but also inform public understanding and evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Rizwan is committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers and scholars. One of the most rewarding aspects of his academic career is serving as a Student Advisor at the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS), a role that enables him to work closely with students, support their academic and personal development, and foster meaningful relationships that inspire critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and professional growth. Before joining academia, Dr. Rizwan worked with several national and international media outlets as Investigative Writer, Multimedia Producer and Desk Editor. Furthermore, he has gained hands-on experience in strategic communication, advocacy, capacity building, research and governance monitoring by working in international development projects funded by DFID, UN, UNDEF, The Asia Foundation, The Embassy of Netherlands and British Council.