ISLAMABAD, AUG 12 (DNA) Highlighting the importance of research and knowledge creation for national progress, State Minister Shehryar Afridi encouraged young scholars to carry out meaningful, policy-oriented research to solve the issues and challenges Pakistan and the world today is faced with.

He was speaking at the concluding ceremony of Maritime Summer School 2019 (MSS19) – a five-day workshop organized for young scholars, researchers, practitioners as well as legislators hailing from different areas of the country in conducting research studies in the maritime domain of Pakistan – by Maritime Study Forum (MSF).

Afridi, in his keynote speech, lauded the efforts of MSF – a network of institutional and individual researchers and practitioners dedicated to promoting maritime related research and policy discourse in the country – emphasizing on utilizing such forums to help promote evidence-based good governance.

The federal minister was all praise for the effort to motivate young researchers to develop interest in maritime affairs, that, in his opinion, will not only build confidence and resolve among young scholars and emerging researchers but will also set them on the path that will contribute towards making Pakistan a prosperous nation.

President MSF Dr Syed Mohammed Anwer said that the efforts of MSF are focused on eliminating national “sea-blindness” through an awareness movement in the academia, intelligentsia and policy circles.

Director MSS19 Dr Aneel Salman also threw light on the objectives and importance of Maritime Summer School, especially terming the participation of women legislators Wajiha Qamar and Uzma Jadoon among a number of young researchers in it as a very healthy sign. In the end, the duo congratulated the participants on successfully completing the course before awarding them with accomplishment certificates.