Aim/Mission
The Institute of Regional Studies was established in March 1982 and released the inaugural issue of Regional Studies the same year. Regional Studies is a peer-reviewed bi-annual academic journal devoted to research and analysis on South Asia. The defining objective of Regional Studies is to explore the contemporary and evolving dynamics of international relations with a keen focus on regional conflicts in order to emerge with pragmatic perspectives and policy recommendations with regional peace and stability at its core. Aiming to provide research-based knowledge through the scholarly papers written by national and international authors, Regional Studies is committed to publishing original and timely research from around the world. Regional Studies as a platform for academic discussion and debate over a wide range of issues and topics, encourages contributions from multi-disciplinary backgrounds and welcomes submissions throughout the year.
Scope
In a world of shrinking distances in which countries can no longer afford to live in ignorance of others, there is a need to broaden the horizon of knowledge about neighbours and the region. Such awareness is essential not only for a better understanding of the people who live beyond the borders, but also to help in greater interaction among states that are bound within the limits of a region by reason of geography. Pakistan is situated in — South Asia and Southwest Asia. With the tectonic changes that marked the onset of the 1990s, ‘region’ for the Institute of Regional Studies has redefined itself, extending and including Central Asia and China to the confines its research areas as well. The countries that fall within the purview of the study area at IRS are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka in South Asia, Afghanistan, Iran and the Gulf States in Southwest Asia and the five republics of Central Asia, besides China. The research covers a wide spectrum, including foreign and internal affairs, economy and industry, science and technology, socio-cultural aspects and security related issues.