Prof. Dr. Nasreen Aslam Shah
Director (Acting)
SMBB Chair, University of Karachi
Director's Message
It is a delightful feeling in having the honor to serve Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Chair. The SMBB Chair, in capacity of an academic and research Centre, avows to pay scholarly tributes to the great leader by initiating a comprehensive academic and operational research program, in harmony with the vision, mission and objectives of the late leader, and her numerous services that she contributed to the socio-political development of the country, region and the world.
The Chair believes in continuity of democracy in Pakistan, which remained the mission of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Democracy in Pakistan (as Mohtarma envisioned) has unquestionably spread its foundations to some extent. But it is still in the nascent state and the country has yet to be transformed from a pro forma democracy to a practical one. When it comes to delivering services, making governance pro-people and transparent, improving the quality of life of poor people, and protecting people’s lives, property and honor; democracy has still a long and difficult journey ahead of it. Unless democratic institutions are not strengthened, administrative transparency and good governance are not established, and participation of citizens in decision-making is not ensured, actual fruits of democracy cannot be realized.
SMBB Chair also believes that two significantly pertinent factors in making democracy functional in any country are rule of law and protection of human rights. The SMBB Chair strongly believes that the marginalized sections of society, such as, peasants, labors, women, transgendered citizens, homeless and jobless people, should be given preference in the making of social policies and sharing of resources.
SMBB Chair is documenting all the important events in the life of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and encourages scholars, intellectuals and researchers to undertake research on different aspects of her life. She was a leader of international repute and wanted to contribute time, energies and ideas for peace and prosperity here or elsewhere in the world.
Prof. Dr. Nasreen Aslam Shah
Director (Acting)
SMBB Chair, University of Karachi
