LAHORE: (Monday, September 28, 2026): A two-day international academic conference titled "History Writing: Modern Trends and New Perspectives" kicked off on Monday at Punjab University Al Raazi Hall. The conference was organized to explore evolving historiographical trends and new methodological approaches in Pakistan, the inaugural session gathered prominent national and international historians, academicians, scholars, and students. On this occasion, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge, UK’s Professor Sujit Sivasundaram, PU Dean Faculty of Arts & Humanities Prof Dr Mehboob Hussain, Dean of Liberal Arts at BNU Prof Dr Tahir Kamran, Professor Emeritus at Bath Spa University, UK Prof Dr Iftikhar H. Malik, Conference Secretary / Chairperson Department of History & Pakistan Studies Prof Dr Rukhsana Iftikhar, faculty members and a large number of students were present.
In his address, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that history writing is not merely the recording of past events but an ongoing scholarly process that requires careful examination of sources, evidence, interpretations, and changing intellectual perspectives. He highlighted the significance of historical research, critical inquiry, and academic freedom in shaping national discourse. He stressed that academic freedom and open inquiry are essential for fostering meaningful debate and advancing knowledge. Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar as conference secretary and Chairperson of the Department of History & Pakistan Studies delivered the welcome address, setting the stage for the two-day academic discourse. Distinguished international keynote speaker Prof. Sujit Sivasundaram, Prof. Dr. Tahir Kamran, Prof. Dr. Iftikhar H. Malik delivered an insightful address, shedding light on global perspectives and modern methodologies in history writing. The inaugural session concluded with a formal note of thanks delivered by Prof. Dr. Mahboob Hussain, The event proceeded to an interactive discussion session, giving students an opportunity to directly engage with the visiting scholars and keynote speakers. The conference will continue till September 29, 2026, featuring specialized thematic panels and paper presentations by research scholars.