Pakistan Perspectives is a bi-annual research journal of the Pakistan Study Centre, University of Karachi. It is a multi-disciplinary journal. The multitude of problems and challenges faced by Pakistan require such a broader approach. Pakistan Perspectives, therefore, provides a forum for debate and discussion on all subjects that come within the scope of Pakistan Studies and lead to a better appreciation of Pakistan’s historical, political, socio-economic and cultural realties. Pakistan Perspectives devotes itself to publish quality research on past, present and future of Pakistan. It would encourage original scholarship, critical thinking, a progressive outlook and a rational balanced focus on all aspects of ours existence as a nation. It invites academia and civil society to engage in dialogue on national issues. It would also invite exploring the indigenous sources of knowledge, history, culture especially the folk wisdom and aspirations of common people. Pakistan Perspectives seeks to advance knowledge about the history and society of Pakistan, based on empirical, theoretical and analytical approaches. It provides a forum for understanding, envisaging and proposing academic solution to all the critical issues faced by citizens of Pakistan in particular.
Pakistan Study Centre, University of Karachi
Benazir Bhutto’s Opposition Politics in Pakistan: A Study of Politico-Constitutional Issues, 1990-1993
This paper examines the role of Benazir Bhutto as Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan from 1990 to 1993, focusing on politico-constitutional issues. It analyses her strategies regarding the 1990 elections, the Sharia Bill, the Twelfth Amendment, the persecution of the Pakistan People's Party in Sindh, and the conflict between the President and Prime Minister. Drawing on primary sources such as National Assembly debates, official documents, memoirs, and contemporary newspapers, the study argues that Bhutto adopted a mixed strategy of cooperation and confrontation. While her role contributed to highlighting constitutional concerns and governmental excesses, her reliance on agitation and extra-parliamentary tactics also intensified political instability. The paper situates her opposition politics within the broader challenges of democratic consolidation in Pakistan.
India’s Military Posture and Pakistan’s Security Imperatives
This article provides a critical analysis of the evolving military stance of India and its repercussions for Pakistan's security within the larger strategic context of South Asia. It posits that the historical legacy of partition, ongoing territorial conflicts, and entrenched strategic distrust have perpetuated a lasting rivalry between these two nuclear-armed nations. The research asserts that India's current security posture is increasingly influenced by military modernization, changes in doctrine, and the rising impact of Hindutva-inspired strategic ideologies, which together bolster coercive strategies towards Pakistan. The article evaluates significant developments, such as shifts in India's military doctrines, advancements in defense capabilities, and the military escalation observed in May 2025, to determine their effects on regional deterrence and strategic stability. Additionally, it investigates the rise of new warfare dimensions, including cyber warfare, information operations, drone technology, and changing nuclear dynamics, arguing that these factors have created a novel regional security landscape. The study concludes that achieving lasting peace in South Asia necessitates an acknowledgment of strategic realities, the revival of bilateral dialogue, the establishment of institutionalized crisis management frameworks, and renewed efforts to address long-standing disputes.
Politics of Faith, Ethnonationalism and Change: A History of General Elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (1988 - 2018)
Using a longitudinal historical comparison and the key drivers working behind, this paper provides a detailed account and analysis of the general elections (1988 - 2018) held in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly NWFP). The study explores the unique socio-political prime movers that define the KP province’s voting behavior. The analysis indicates the transition from a period of unstable coalition governments and frequent dissolutions of the successive parliaments to the eventual emergence and winning of popular will by single-party. Based on analysis of secondary and published data, key themes are included the impact of regional security issues and concerns (specifically the Afghan conflict and the rise of militancy in the KP regions), the voter turnout and party manifestoes, the alleged manipulative role of the security establishment in electoral processes, and the historic transitions of power between various civilian administrations. The findings suggest that while incumbency and governance remain central to politics and elections, the KP electorate is uniquely vulnerable to external geopolitical factors and pressures and internal security discourses. The security narratives, both internal and external, frequently influence the electoral results and set in dramatic shifts in the KP’s power structure.
Tradition’s Violation Causes Alienation: A Literary Analysis of a Balochi Classical Story within Baloch Literary Genealogy
The paper explores the classical Balochi story of Háni, Shémurid and Chákar, which provides a sufficient theoretical foundation for understanding the Baloch society within an account of the historical development of Baloch’s concepts of good, right, knowledge, and acceptance. On the other hand, it shares a lesson on how the Baloch individual prevents themselves from conducting action outside the traditional flow because non-traditional activities cause alienation. In the flow of tradition, a deed refers to a human action that has not been done for personal interest and experience. Philosophically, the study helps to conceptualise that the traditional flow identifies alienation but does not become a source of alienation.
Authoritarianism and National Identity: The Legacy of Ayub Khan's Social Policies in Pakistan
The Ayub Khan regime (1958–1969) in Pakistan bequeathed a dual legacy, including sweeping social and economic reforms and authoritarianism. Ayub Khan's period witnessed the Green Revolution, industrialization, and the growth of infrastructure, which accelerated the economy of Pakistan. His autocratic and centralized regime stifled political opposition, excluded regional voices, and institutionalized the military's role in politics. His Basic Democracies system, intended for local self-government, centralized power and did not express the will of the electorate, as in the disputed 1965 presidential election. Ayub's policies also encouraged provincial nationalism, especially in East Pakistan, where economic disparities, political exclusion, and cultural grievances fuelled calls for autonomy and, eventually, the secession of East Pakistan in 1971. The emergence of Bengali nationalism, personified in the Six-Point Movement, underscored the failure of centralized rule to provide space for regional ambitions. Ayub's education policy, substituting traditional history with Social Studies, intended to promote national unity and Islamic identity but excluded regional histories and cultures, further marginalizing ethnic groups. Historians still argue over Ayub's legacy, with some hailing his modernization and others condemning his authoritarianism and its long-term effects on Pakistan's democratic evolution. The era established the precedent for military intervention in politics and underscored the difficulty of ruling a plural society, leaving a lasting impact on Pakistan's political and cultural life.
Modernising Governance: Insights from Maharaja Ranjeet Singh’s Administration
The study of the civil administration under Maharaja Ranjeet Singh is the main object of this paper. Fundamental rights and a pluralistic society characterised by the value of secularism are the main components of the Maharaja’s civil administration. A very efficient administration was given to the people and even minute points regarding administration received his attention. He reorganised the whole structure of the civil administration and introduced many new Daftar (Institutions). He created a well-organised state based on the support of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims alike. The overall structure of civil administration and its nature are analysed. A historical, analytical, and comparative approach is adopted. Another object of this paper is to analyse Maharaja Ranjeet Singh as a Punjabi statesman and his revolutionary humanistic philosophy through which he brought an atmosphere of peaceful co-existence of all faiths, ensuring all the fundamental rights to freedom of conscience.
Examining Postgraduate Students’ Challenges with Stimuli-Based Exam Questions
The research endeavors to explore postgraduates' perceptions of attempts at stimulus-based questions in an exam. The intended goal of the study is to identify problem areas, issues, and related factors that prompt interventions for effective answering of these question types in student results. This qualitative research is interpretive in nature with a phenomenological approach. The data gathering process involved semi-structured interviews with eight postgraduate students from a private university in Karachi, selected through purposive sampling. All of them consented to be interviewed. Results indicated that this stimulus-based question can hamper academic performance in students, particularly those with no earlier experience with such assessment techniques. The validity and challenge of the questions also further challenge a host of students, provoking nerves that compromise achievement. Participants asserted that the ambiguous nature of examination questions led to greater anxiety and difficulty managing stress during the exam. The main result of the present study is to reinforce the importance of children, from an early age, developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills and preparing for this apperceptive character test. The study provides recommendations from stakeholders, including educationalists and heads of institutions, on how to assist students in protecting themselves against examination-driven psychological stress in the future.
Counterterrorism in Pakistan: Challenges, Strategies, and the Way Forward
The study deals with the unrelenting threat of terrorism in Pakistan's internal socio-political challenges. It also overviews the evolution and impacts of terrorism within the country, with a focus on the counterterrorism strategies adopted by consecutive governments. The major counterterrorism operations, such as Zarb-e-Azb, Radd-ul-Fasaad, and Azm-e-Istehkam, are discussed. The research ascertains and determines the effectiveness of these counterterrorism operations in restoring stability. By the collective efforts of all stakeholders, Pakistan can ensure sustainable peace and development. The objectives of this research are to identify, analyse and assess the major challenges Pakistan faces in combating terrorism. Furthermore, this research aims to scrutinise the strategies and policies implemented in various operations. A qualitative research design with elements of descriptive and analytical approaches has been used, which demonstrates an in-depth understanding of counterterrorism efforts, policies, and challenges in Pakistan.
Populism and the Cyclical Struggle for Democracy in Pakistan
This article examines the evolution of populism in Pakistan, arguing that it remains entangled in a cyclical struggle between democratic development and internal political disruptions. It contends that populism, particularly its right-wing variant has exploited religious and ethnic divisions to construct exclusionary narratives that position common masses in opposition to a perceived elite. Through a historical and discursive analysis of political leadership and movements, the study aims to answer that how populist rhetoric used in form of slogans are employed as a strategic tool for mass mobilization and ideological framing. The study categorizes populism in the Pakistani context into right wing, religious, and regressive variants, while situating these within the broader framework of political populism. The crux of the argument is that although populism has occasionally created space for democratic expression, it has more often undermined institutional integrity and weakened democratic norms, thereby contributing to the continued fragility of democratic governance in Pakistan.
East Pakistan's Demand of Provincial Autonomy and the Six-PointProgram, 1949-1966
This study is an attempt to explore the historical background of East Bengal’s (later called East Pakistan) demand for provincial autonomy. It looks into the origin and evolution of the demand for provincial autonomy, which at the final stage, was presented in the form of the Six Points of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It investigates that the said demand was presented for the first time by the leadership of Bengal’s Muslim League branch in 1949. Its evolution had observed that during the efforts of constitution-making while debating on the report of the Basic Principles Committee or on the One-Unit Scheme in 1955, East Bengali’s political leadership continuously emphasized on maximum provincial autonomy. It was when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s voice was one of the strongest voices for the demand in the House and out of the House even. Further, the provincial election campaign of 1954 also observed the raising of the same demand, which brought success for East Bengal’s United Front. The second part of this research paper evaluates Six-Point Formula and also highlights the impact and outcomes of the Six-Point Program, which sought to address provincial autonomy for East Pakistan but was viewed as a threat to the unity and integrity of Pakistan. The study employs an analytical and comparative approach, relying on qualitative research techniques.
Building Prosperity through Policy: Land Revenue and Agricultural Reform in the Sikh Empire
This article examines the land revenue system, agricultural policies, and administrative reforms instituted during Maharaja Ranjit Singh's rule in Punjab. Ranjit Singh prioritized agricultural development and welfare by implementing interest-free loans, irrigation initiatives, and incentives for the cultivation of arid lands. His revenue system transitioned from conventional crop-sharing (Batai) to cash-based evaluations (Kankut and Zabti Jama) and revenue farming with set cash payments, so guaranteeing a more reliable state income while safeguarding cultivators from exploitation. The administration fostered a harmonious relationship with many local communities, particularly Muslims, by engaging them in governance and financial matters. Substantial infrastructural advancements, including canals and wells, enhanced agricultural production, facilitating trade and urban expansion. This study emphasizes Ranjit Singh's commitment to economic stability, social welfare, and efficient revenue collection, establishing a robust basis for the region's success, despite the scarcity of historical records.
Influence of Neocolonial-theories, Global South Diplomacy and Pakistan's Engagement on Evolutionary International Law-making relating to Technology Transferto Developing Countries
In the post-WW-II global economic order, soon after decolonization of the developing countries the leadership of global South realized that their political independence would remain farce without economic sovereignty and sound technological base necessary for achieving goals of industrialization and socio-economic development. The global South made a historic struggle through theoretical narrative-building and multilateral technology-diplomacy to influence the pattern of international economic relations in their advantage. The Seventy-Seven developing countries aligned in June 1964 to form the Group of 77 to promote their common cause including demand for technology transfer from the industrialized to the developing countries. Pakistan’s engagement in developing nations’ demand for technology transfer has been robust from the platform of G77, being one of its founding members and chairing the group for many times. The global South’s endeavors profoundly impacted the evolutionary law-making journey from soft to hard international law in the area of technology transfer and subsequently the green diplomacy played a role in law-making on transfer of environmentally sound technology. The objectives of this intellectual inquiry is to examine the influence of South diplomatic efforts, theoretical perspectives, historical dynamics and their effect on evolving international law concerning transfer of technology. The investigation employs an interdisciplinary method blending together doctrinal legal research, distinct theoretical perspectives and historical tradition to analyze the narrative.
Energy Cooperation in the Construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor under the Belt and Road Initiative
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), often referred to as the ‘New Silk Road’. This ambitious 2,000-mile route connects Asia to the Arabian Sea and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, beginning in China and traversing Pakistan to the newly developed Gwadar Port, located in the province of Balochistan. Gwadar's advantageous position on the Arabian Sea enhances its significance as a trade hub. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the various energy and infrastructure projects associated with CPEC, which aim to stimulate economic growth along its north to south route through Pakistan. With its large-scale, realistic, and achievable goals, the project focuses on improving infrastructure to facilitate trade and foster regional connectivity. The operation of Gwadar Port has significantly boosted trade and export opportunities, creating employment and economic prospects for both nations. To fully capitalize on the potential of CPEC, both China and Pakistan must strategically invest in and utilize human capital alongside infrastructure. Effective management of human resources is essential to unlocking the long-term benefits of this transformative project. The economic corridor holds the potential to shape the economic futures of both countries, strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing regional economic integration.
Religious Practices, Intolerance, and Societal Challenges in Pakistani Society
This study explores the role of religion in shaping Pakistani society and evaluates how religious norms and obligations are adopted and implemented, influencing the country's social structure. It aims to identify the factors that led to the development of this mindset and examine how individual behaviors have collectively shaped a national societal attitude. The study employs a quantitative approach using content analysis of crime news stories in the Daily Jang for three months. A survey gathers fundamental and first-hand data from different age groups to identify that the practicality and intrinsic impacts of religion have been altered and turned society into intolerant religious believers who are more concerned with ritual practices than the development of positive and essential teachings of Islam, which emphasizes character building and tolerance towards indifference and differences of opinion. The study suggests that the practicality and intrinsic impacts of religion have been altered, leading to intolerant religious believers who are more concerned with ritual practices than the development of positive and essential teachings of Islam. It also highlights the need for a more practical and essential approach towards religious teachings that emphasize character building and tolerance towards indifference and differences of opinion.
Childhood Sexual Abuse in Pakistan: A Comparative Study of Domestic and Public Domains
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) remains a significantly under-addressed issue within Pakistani families, often shrouded in silence due to various societal factors. A notable contributing factor to this silence is the prevalent gap in communication between parents and children, which hinders the disclosure of instances of abuse, including sexual assault and molestation. Consequently, reliable data on the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse and molestation is scarce. This study aims to ascertain the extent of childhood abuse victimization through an exploratory survey conducted among students enrolled in higher education institutions in Karachi and Hyderabad. Furthermore, this study aims to quantify and compare the acts of CSA occurred inside the premises of home and outside. Subsequent analysis focused on delineating gender disparities among victims and elucidating potential correlations between family structure, familial status, and instances of childhood sexual abuse. This multifaceted approach endeavors to shed light on the details of this issue within the Pakistani context. In this study among the 364 respondents, a total of 109 reported experiencing childhood sexual abuse and/or molestation, of whom 58 were female and 51 were male. Sixty-four respondents indicated they were abused only within the home, while 4 reported abuses occurring outside the home, and 41 stated they were abused both inside and outside the home. Furthermore, 55% of the victims reported that the perpetrators were known to them.
disclosure – nondisclosure of sexual abuse
Rethinking Peace and Development in South Asia: Policy Guidelines for Pakistan
During the course of history Pakistan is greatly influenced by changing global political conditions as well as romanticism which perpetually influence the fragmented considerations of the region. To understand a political evolution in postcolonial South Asia, it is important to observe its relations within power politics on a profound consideration of political dynamics. Even Political theorists and policy analysts are persuaded to make policy assessments out of ahistorical approaches and falsified deductions. The result is always that the complications prevail endlessly in the region. For that reason, it is important to rethink global political history of South Asia. To be sure, the proper insinuations of contemporary age issues can only be examined when changing dynamics of global power interests is taken as a discourse integral to the enormous flux of international political milieu. Keeping in view the historical undercurrents, this study provides a conceptual framework for preparing Pakistan for the conduct of its foreign policy and planning peace and development strategy in line with futuristic research.
Resurgence of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan’s Second Jihadi Campaign: Implicationsfor Pakistan
The rise of the Afghan Taliban as victorious against the Western military alliance in Afghanistan in 2021 became a fueling force for all types of existing militant movements in the region, but Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a regional Sunni militant organisation in Pakistan’s tribal areas, is more to gain, given its closest alliance with the Afghan Taliban. This study explains how and why TTP has been inspired by its mentor—the Afghan Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan—and bent on establishing its version of a Sharia state through its second jihadi campaign in Pakistan. TTP’s strategic and political goal is perpetual, but its operational and tactical posture has changed, as the U.S. post-withdrawal strategic environment in the Pak-Afghan border—the one that is suited more to all types of terrorists to manoeuvre and the other that will be more difficult for the Pakistani state to counter. The Afghan Taliban have yet to cut the knees of TTP’s central command in Afghanistan, an imperative long held demanded by Islamabad to be fulfilled by the Taliban, thus the era of differentiating between the good and bad Taliban is over. Resultantly, this situation will run counter to Pakistan’s traditional threat perception that the Afghan Taliban are pro-Pakistan.
The Kutanran of Lakki Marwat: An Inquiry into Its Position and Challenges Amidst State and Society Constructs
This study examines the status and problems of the Kutanran community, a marginalized community in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. The Kutanran have historically been marginalized in the state's social and political structure. Hence, this study aims to explore the nature of their marginalization and the kinds of issues they face. To achieve this goal, the study employs a qualitative research approach by interviewing members of the Kutanran community. Findings suggest that the Kutanran face various problems related to education, health, employment, and political representation. Further, the community is also subject to structural discrimination and exclusion from mainstream society, which limits their access to resources and opportunities. The study concludes that both the state and society are responsible for their marginalization and some policy interventions can improve the status of the Kutanran community.
Development Analysis of Pakistan Districts
Development ranking is used to measure the level of development of an area. This paper analyses the measured level of development at the district level of Pakistan to show which districts are comparatively more developed and which are lagging behind. The current study has ranked all the districts of Pakistan in terms of development on multidimensional indicators by using the Pakistan Social and Living-Standard Measurement (PSLM) survey for the year 2019-20. The study has produced nineteen indicators relating to human resources and living standards and then ranked the 126 districts of Pakistan's development. The study has also used the parameters of intra-district inequality to adjust the district development indicators in order to investigate whether progress on the development indicators is distributed equitably or not. Such adjustment with inequality has significantly changed the development rank orders of districts, and many districts lost their positions on the development raking, though some of them went up and down in the ranking. The paper highlights the bottlenecks to development at the district level and identifies areas that require further exploration for the welfare of the people. Further, the paper findings will help policymakers in targeting the resources towards the areas where they are highly needed.
Inequality-adjusted socioeconomic development index
Federal Cabinet of Pakistan: Role in Policy Formulation, 1993-1999
This paper examines the functioning of the federal cabinet Pakistan from 1993 to 1999. It investigates how the Cabinet was involved in designing economic and foreign policy. It analyzes that the elected governments during the said period were not independent in taking decisions in a lot of foreign policy issues or in designing policy related to foreign concerns of Pakistan. However, like first term of both the Prime Ministers (PMs), the Cabinet enjoyed privilege to formulate policy on economic aspects. The study seeks that the performance of the cabinet varied during regimes of both the PMs. Cabinet tried to revive its status during second regime of Benazir Bhutto but again was not successful as either establishment on foreign policy formulation or PM secretariat on economic policy-formulation remained seat of decision-making. Secondly, coalition partners of the regime also made it difficult to give approval to the plans, not suited to them. Whereas PM Nawaz Sharif was also more interested to take decisions on his own or with the involvement of his inner circle on economic policy formulation in place of giving decision-making power to the Cabinet. The study explores that the elected governments can work in a better way and system of democracy strengthens in case Federal cabinet is given its due status and share in power. Printed primary sources including biographies and autobiographies of PMs and Ministers, published interviews of various ministers, newspapers besides a number of secondary sources have been consulted to build the argument in this study. Analytical and comparative methods have been adopted to reach to the conclusions.
Marginalized Community, Media and Gender Narratives: A Perception Analysis of Women from Religious Minorities
Popular discourses assume that in Pakistan, about 3.6 per cent of the total 207 million populations are religious minorities but their representation in media is often limited to the episodic coverage of tragic incidents happened to them. A large number of reports have been observed that being a woman in Pakistan is difficult but if someone belongs to a religious minority, it becomes worse but their challenges get almost no media depiction. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to assess the perceptions of minority women about their struggles in Pakistan with almost no representation in media. To understand the perceptions, 20 women were interviewed through snowball sampling from religious minorities. Their responses are analyzed under the light of social responsibility theory. This study also highlights the suggestions of minority women to media organizations to improve their discourse for their community and to understand their views about policy making to strengthen the participatory democracy through a rights-based inclusive media discourse for the unnoticed and the unseen in Pakistan.
Predeceased Children’s Right to Inherit under Muslim Personal Laws in Pakistan
It is argued that Muslim Personal Law does not allow the predeceased children to inherent from their grandparents after their parents have passed away, however, the primary sources of Islamic law are silent on this. This article attempts to understand and explain if the predeceased children have the right to inherent from their grandparents under Muslim Personal Law in Pakistan, and also understand the difference between the Sunni and Shia Islamic schools on this issue. It further explores the legality of section 4 of the Muslim Family Law Ordinance, 1961, in this regard, as well as other related issues such as a childless widow belonging to Shia Islamic school or the right of great-grandchildren to inherent from their great-grandparents after their parents have died.
The Commission on Marriage and Family Laws
British Colonial Policies in the North-West Frontier Region: A Case Study of the Mohmand Uprising, 1897-98
The North-West Frontier region of British India was of great importance in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The NWF region, which was part of British India till 1947 and, from then onward, part of Pakistan, was renamed Khyber Pukhtunkhwa in 2010. Situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and China, the region was of great geographical significance. This study explores the colonial policies implemented in this region shortly before it underwent administrative reform. Focusing on the Mohmand tribal tract, historically governed by various powers including the Ghaznvids, Ghauris, Mughals, Sikhs, and British, the study examines British policies that sparked dissent among the local population. The resultant armed resistance spread to neighbouring regions such as Swat, Malakand, Waziristan, and Khyber. Specifically, this paper explores the Mohmand Uprising of 1897–98, a significant event in NWF history. Central to this uprising was Akhunzada Najm-ud-din, also known as Haddah Mula, who mobilised the Mohmand populace and led attacks on Shankargarh village and Shabqadar fort. Subsequently, the British launched punitive expeditions against Mohmand clans and residents in response to these assaults.
Impact of Coal Rent, Carbon Emissions, Precipitation and Urbanization on Pakistan’s Food Export Performance
This study examines the impact of climate change on food exports in Pakistan by employing Johansen cointegration analysis to investigate both long-run and short-run relationships. The study considered urban population, precipitation, coal rent, and carbon emission as four major factors affecting climate change. The findings reveal that coal rents, a measure of the economic benefits of coal mining and use, reduce food exports in the long run. Therefore, the study suggests that as rents affect agriculture, further coal production could harm the environment and affect agriculture that can meet export demand. Similarly, high carbon levels contribute to climate change that can affect agriculture. The results indicate that rapid urbanization increases the pressure on arable land, which can reduce the amount of land available for agriculture and affect the food supply. Further, the study examines that precipitation demonstrates a positive association with food export in the long run, while all other variables display a negative relationship. Overall, this study highlights the crucial need to limit climate change and adopt sustainable agricultural practices to address food export challenges in Pakistan.
Establishing the Contemporary Issues of Kalash: Challenges and Way Forward
The Kalash, an indigenous ethno-religious group residing in Chitral, Pakistan, holds a significant attraction for tourists worldwide. Every year, a considerable number of tourists flocks to the Kalash valley, which is frequently featured in various advertisements as a means of portraying Pakistan's soft image. The Kalash people live in three distinct Chitral valleys: Bumburat, Rumbur, and Birir. They have unique cultural practices, language, and history. Like many other indigenous communities, the Kalash people face many challenges that impact their social, cultural, economic, and religious worlds. The research aims to develop an understanding of contemporary issues and advocate for meaningful changes. A survey was conducted to gather information on social, political, cultural, economic, and religious issues. Carefully selected respondents (150 in total, including 50 from each valley) highlighted several major Kalash issues. Limited economic opportunities, coupled with environmental challenges, were cited as major concerns. Additionally, the Kalash people struggle to preserve their religious and cultural heritage amidst the influence of the majority and a changing world. They also expressed dissatisfaction with development projects in the region.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cultural Diplomacy and Public Sector of Pakistan
In this digital age, Pakistan can create a progressive and positive image by utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI). Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration presents an opportunity to digitalize various fields, spur innovation, and advance Pakistan's sustainable development. Pakistan, like many emerging nations, has a number of issues that impede its development into a strong and sustainable state. However, there is a chance to use the rapid technological breakthroughs, notably in AI, to get around these challenges. By analyzing case studies, different startups and wide scholarly exploration, this article examines the likely interventions of AI in public sector such as cultural diplomacy, healthcare, education, governance, technology transfer, and economic development. Pakistan can reconstruct its infrastructure, enhance service delivery, and eventually become a technology-driven country by implementing ethically informed AI-driven solutions.
Hybrid Energy Sources and Pakistan’s Energy Crisis: Opportunities and Challenges for Climate and Energy Sustainability
An energy transition is a prerequisite and considered of paramount significance to meet the goal of climate and energy security sustainability. This transition is hardly conceivable without acknowledging the massive worldwide potential of renewable energy. Power outage in Pakistan that is caused primarily by insufficient and expensive power generation, line losses, and ineffective planning has escalated Pakistan’s energy crisis. Almost every single sector of national economy has been adversely affected because of this excessive power outage. Recent floods in Pakistan, one of the outcomes of climate change, have necessitated incorporation of clean energy fuels to ensure climate sustainability. Keeping the magnanimity of the crisis in consideration, Islamabad has adopted some remedial measures to overcome this energy crisis but the problem still persists and requires pragmatic policies. The under-utilized renewable potential and power generation by expensive imported fossil fuels has led to excessive increase in cost of energy generation and climate deterioration. However, it is imperative for the government to adopt appropriate and workable solutions to address the energy crisis adequately. This is a qualitative study that employs content analysis technique to explore the dynamics of Pakistan’s energy security and climate sustainability in a substantive manner. This paper is aimed at exploring the inherent potential of Pakistan in renewable energy (RE) not only to mitigate Pakistan’s energy crisis but also to ensure sustainability in climate and energy security. Moreover, this study presents critical evaluation of the appropriate sites of wind and solar power plants in Pakistan. Last but not the least, it proposes short and long term remedial measures to mitigate if not to overcome this energy crisis entirely.
Pakistan’s Safe Abortion Law: An Analytical Perspective based on Public Health Ethics
Abortion is a subject that is both morally and legally challenging in Pakistan. The legalization and appropriate understanding of legal clauses at any level of the nation will assist in diminishing moral conduct issues and provide a space to talk about sensitive themes. Most low- and middle-income nations continue to have restrictive abortion laws, and many countries have amended their abortion rules, with the majority moving away from absolute prohibition. The relationship of inadequate healthcare consideration with confusion caused by global abortion regulations, so that patients continue to seek hazardous abortions and practitioners avoid proper referrals. Instead of depicting abortion as a 'dilemma, ‘stereotype,' or ‘sin,' medical curriculum and nursing education should utilize terminology or categories like ‘safe' and 'legal' abortion to describe and compare different types of abortions. Public health regulations should be included in conversations for medical and nursing professionals, and raising awareness about legal and policy issues will aid in changing the system and stigma associated with safe abortion. Youth and adolescents who are affected by such actions and policies should be involved in decision-making. Providers who can facilitate medical and surgical abortions and have additional training should be included in the law and policy reform process or legal and policy debates to make it more contextually appropriate. This paper is an analytical review perspective considering the Pakistani Law of Safe Abortion and evaluates the understanding of Public Health Ethics.
Socioeconomic Issues Faced by Housemaids in District Hyderabad, Sindh
Women's rights are essential to all major religions as well as to international and state legal systems. Due to the recent increase in awareness, women are now highly concerned about their rights and status in society. In the pretext of women's empowerment, the dispensation of the right of inheritance always remains significant. In Pakistan, women are not denied their rights, but there is a certain predicament that detains them to claim. The constitution of Pakistan and Islamic sharia laws, though, guarantee women’s rights without any discrimination but few determinants are depriving them of such privilege. Although the denial of this right cuts across the whole country, this paper explores the choices and challenges of women in Lahore. The inferences of this study will help to ascertain the possible reasons among women for surrendering this right.
The Trend of Claiming Right of Inheritance among Women in Lahore