I worked as a computer science lecturer at a Pakistani University in 2018. There are several problems with being an academic in Pakistan, but one of the most significant is that it can be difficult to grow as a person and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field. Some of the challenges faced by Pakistani academics include:
Lack of funding for research: Universities in Pakistan often do not have enough funding to support research, which limits academics' ability to travel to conferences, collaborate with other researchers, and conduct cutting-edge research.
Bureaucracy: The Pakistani bureaucracy can be slow and inefficient, which can make it difficult for academics to get things done. This can be a major obstacle to research and innovation.
Political interference: The Pakistani government often interferes in the affairs of universities, which can stifle academic freedom and make it difficult to conduct independent research.
Culture of seniority: In Pakistan, there is a strong culture of seniority, which means that younger academics are often not allowed to take on leadership roles or conduct research. This can make it difficult for them to grow and develop as professionals.
I've been feeling frustrated and conflicted about going back to academia. On the one hand, I love teaching, and I feel like I have a lot to offer to the academic community. On the other hand, I'm worried about the challenges that I'll face, such as lack of funding, bureaucracy, and political interference.