Recently, a news article was published on the Facebook page of Karakoram International University (KIU), announcing that four former students—Anosha khan, Inara, Muhammad Uzair Ahmed and Basit Ali, all graduates of the university's English Department, had co-authored a research paper in collaboration with a renowned university in the United States ( Hawaii Pacific University ). The topic of their research was:
"Conservation of Endangered Medicinal Plants of Gilgit Baltistan."
Following the publication of this news, a debate emerged on social media. Many questioned whether students of English Literature could conduct research in environmental and botanical sciences. Others raised concerns about whether their work aligned with scientific research principles. To explore these questions, I reached out to experts from various fields to understand global perspectives on this trend.
Dr. Asif Khan, Cambridge University, explained that interdisciplinary research is a well-established practice worldwide. According to him, if a researcher possesses a deep understanding of another field, has a strong academic foundation, and applies appropriate research methodologies, they can conduct research on any topic.
Similarly, Dr. Shaukat, a Canada-based academic, stated that research is not confined to a single domain. Instead, its validity depends on how evidence-based and impactful the research is. He further emphasized that for any research to be credible, it must be objective and result-oriented.
Dr. Sher Muhammad, a Nepal-based glaciologist, also supported this view, arguing that research is not restricted to a specific discipline but requires subject expertise and access to academic resources. He noted that researchers venturing into unfamiliar fields must consult subject matter experts to ensure their work meets scientific and academic standards.
These insights highlight that interdisciplinary research is widely accepted globally, yet in Pakistan, it is still viewed with skepticism.
To understand their motivation and approach, I spoke to Anara and Anosha Khan, two of the researchers involved in the project. They explained that their journey began with an academic exchange program under the Access Scholarship Program, through which they traveled to the United States.
As part of a Teacher Exchange Program, they underwent a 15-day training on “Service Learning” at Hawaii Pacific University. At the end of the training, they were given three thematic options for their project:
1. Social Justice
2. Environmental Conservation
3. Cultural Heritage
They had to select one theme, develop a proposal, and implement it upon returning to Pakistan under the Access Scholarship Program, which primarily focuses on English language education for students aged 13 to 20.
According to Anosha and Inara, Service Learning is designed to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world application. They chose medicinal plants as their focus and worked with their target audience to promote plant cultivation. Their activities also included educational trips and other initiatives aimed at environmental awareness.
They clarified that English was the medium of communication throughout their project. Additionally, they had the freedom to choose any topic for their research. However, since they already had a pre-planned vision, they decided to submit a proposal that would benefit their local community.
Upon presenting their research model in the U.S., they not only received recognition and appreciation but also found support from local experts. Their work was well-received, allowing them to establish a strong academic identity while representing Gilgit-Baltistan on an international platform.
After reviewing their research, I gathered the following key points:
Gilgit-Baltistan’s indigenous medicinal plants are under threat due to climate change and excessive deforestation.
The research introduces a unique educational model that integrates language learning with practical environmental conservation efforts. This study benefits not only the academic community but also the general public, as it enables local communities to play a role in environmental conservation, understand the importance of traditional medicine, and provide practical language learning experiences for youth.The conservation of medicinal plants can economically benefit local farmers and businesses.
However, for this model to succeed, collaboration between local communities, educational institutions, and government bodies is essential.
This research is more than just an academic paper—it serves as a warning about the potential loss of local biodiversity while also offering a framework for preserving both cultural and environmental heritage.
In conclusion, Pakistan must embrace interdisciplinary research, as it has the potential to unlock new perspectives and solutions across various fields. Supporting such research will broaden academic horizons and allow emerging scholars to make meaningful contributions to both science and society.