ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (WNP): Chairman of the Pakistan Development Foundation (PDF), Mohammad Bilal Sethi, successfully defended his MS thesis on the critical subject of Environmental Justice and Neoliberalism at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), earning praise from academia and securing his postgraduate degree.

His research, conducted under the supervision of Professor Dr. Mahmood-ul-Hassan, was presented before an expert panel comprising Professor Dr. Farrukh Nadeem of IIUI as the internal examiner and Professor Dr. Asim Kareem, Dean at Wah University, as the external examiner. The session was also attended by the Head of Department, Professor Dr. Muhammad Shiraz Dasti.

Bilal Sethi delivered a comprehensive presentation on his research findings and responded to examiners’ questions during the defense session. His work was lauded for its relevance to current environmental challenges and its critical examination of neoliberal policy impacts on climate justice in developing countries like Pakistan.

Dr. Shiraz Dasti and other faculty members congratulated Bilal Sethi on his achievement, commending his academic dedication and leadership in the development sector.

“Students like Bilal Sethi are true ambassadors of the university, and we take pride in their contributions to both academia and society,” remarked Dr. Dasti.

Bilal Sethi, who leads one of Pakistan’s emerging development platforms, said he intends to build on this research to advocate for more equitable and sustainable environmental policies at the national level.