An exclusive book launch event of the book “Law and Development: An Alternative Approach to Measuring Human Development” authored by Sharafat Ali Chaudhry, Legal Expert on Law & Development was organized. The event was planned on June 20th, 2023 at NICAT.
Mr. Sharafat A. Chaudhry, as keynote speaker, contextualized the interacted relationship between Law and Development and explained how law to be considered as alternative indicator for the measurement of human development. He argued how historically economists have dominated the development discourse; hence the existing Human Development Index measures the level of development of a society, by and large through economic indicators, including education, health, housing, water & sanitation and poverty. Moreover, he suggested that the measurement of human development in a society may also be possible from the perspective of law; by developing indicators like Rule of Law, Access to Justice, Tolerance in Society and Type of Litigation or disputes prevalent in a society.
Moreover, he narrated his experience how the theory advanced in the book was recognized, as some of the leading universities in Pakistan including Iqra University and Bahria University, are offering degrees in Development Studies included “Law and Development” as part of the curriculum.
The launching event was followed by a penal discussion fostering around ‘Policy and Law Fosters Development’. The penal discussion was graced by esteemed panelists: Mr. Ahad Nazir – Head of Center for Private Sector Engagement, SDPI, Mr. Sharafat Ali – Legal expert on law and development, Ms. Farzana Yaqoob – CEO Mantaq, Ms. Valerie Khan – Consultant Child protection, Ms. Fajer Rabia Pasha – Pakistan alliance for girls’ education. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Salman Saeed – Corporate law expert. The penalists shared their invaluable insights on Policy and Law fosters development.
After penal discussion, there was an official launch of the book ‘Law and Development’. The participants, expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the author’s work. The author took the time to individually sign copies of the book. People from academia, civil society, legal fraternity, students, and young professionals participated the event and expressed their appreciation for the author.
Towards the end, group photos were taken.
