Mardan: Dr. Niaz Ali, PhD Scholar in the Department of Economics at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, successfully defended his PhD thesis in a public defence held on 25 August 2026 at the Central Library of the University.
His thesis, titled “Exploring the Role of Political Business Cycles in Economic Policies and Outcomes in Pakistan,” examines the influence of political business cycles on economic policymaking and outcomes in the country. The research addresses an important and policy-relevant area of economics and contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between political processes and economic performance in Pakistan.
It was evaluated by Dr. Devika Hazra of California State University, Los Angeles, USA, and Dr. Efrem Castelnuovo of the University of Padua, Italy. The local examiners were Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Islamabad, and Dr. Abdul Qayyum of COMSATS University, Wah Cantt.
As part of his doctoral research, Dr. Niaz Ali has published two research papers in reputable journals and one paper in conference proceedings, further demonstrating the academic significance and scholarly contribution of his work.
At a Glance
- Scholar: Dr. Niaz Ali
- Defence Date: 25 August 2026
- Venue: Central Library, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan
- Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tariq
- Co-Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Azam Khan
- Foreign Examiners: Dr. Devika Hazra (CSU Los Angeles, USA), Dr. Efrem Castelnuovo (University of Padua, Italy)
- Local Examiners: Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad (PIDE, Islamabad), Dr. Abdul Qayyum (COMSATS, Wah Cantt)
- Publications: 2 journal papers + 1 conference proceeding
The Department of Economics and Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan extend their heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Niaz Ali, his supervisor and co-supervisor, and his family on this significant achievement. The University wishes him continued success in his future academic and professional endeavours.