PAKISTAN

GEOSTRATEGIC SHIFT IN SOUTH ASIA: THE RISE OF POPULIST INDIA AS A REGIONAL POWER AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR PAKISTAN AND THE REGION

Izhar Ahmad Bacha — 2024-06-26

The intricate interplay among Akhand Bharat, the Hindutva ideology, and the surge of populism and fascism in India engenders a multifaceted and dynamic political milieu in the South Asian region. Hindutva accentuates India's cultural and religious identity, while Akhand Bharat envisions India as a cohesive geographical and historical entity. The ascent of populist fascism is propelled by robust leadership and the enactment of exclusionary legislation. This phenomenon raises apprehensions regarding communal tensions, erosion of democratic ideals, and strained international relations as India ascends under leaders espousing these ideologies. The pricking idea is about the future of South Asian politics which is getting even more complex after the rise of populism in an emerging regional economic power i.e. India. Utilizing qualitative data analysis, this paper attempts to explore the enduring ramifications of India's ascent under populist leadership and delving into its potential impact on the political stability of the South Asian region. The paper analyses the issue in the paradigm of Power Transition Theory and suggests that the rise of populism in India will potentially lead to more instability in the already complex region of South Asia.

STATUS OF WOMEN IN KHUSHAL KHAN KHATTAK’S WORK

Maria Khan — 2024-06-26

Throughout history, women have endured marginalization, abuse, and direct assaults in various aspects of life. This includes areas such as schooling, medical care, reproductive rights, employment, and even weddings, all within a relentlessly patriarchal society. Women have been severely suppressed and subordinated as a result of these cultural prejudices. This research paper addresses how the status of women in a patriarchal society has been represented in the work of a versatile genius, poet, political theorist, academic intellectual, and educationist of his age, Khushal Khan Khattak. This study is fundamentally based on the Qualitative Content Analysis of desk research of secondary data, utilizing sources such as books, academic papers, and online documents, among others. This paper examines the work of Khushal and finds that Khushal treats women as commodities of men. He humiliates their age, criticizes their free will, and treats them like animals. He compares them with prostitutes and fighting instruments and legitimizes honor killing against them, etc. This study emphasizes the need to undertake further detailed research on the status of women in Pakhtun society. Such research can be used to give voice to voiceless women whose voices have never been heard in Pashtun society before and to elevate their status in society.

RISING TIDES OF DIPLOMACY: EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL FOR A GULF MARITIME SECURITY ALLIANCE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Maria Mansab — 2024-06-26

This research investigates the intricate and historically disputed connection between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two prominent nations in the Middle East, and assesses the possibility of cooperation in marine security. This study employs the Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) to examine the geopolitical consequences, impacts on pre-existing alliances, and reactions of other governments. This research emphasizes the importance of incorporating measures aimed at fostering mutual trust, including impartial mediation, diplomatic dialogue, and confidence-building initiatives. It also shows how important global cooperation and making agreements that can be enforced by the law are for encouraging positive cooperation. The possible establishment of a maritime security alliance between Saudi Arabia and Iran holds the potential to exert a substantial influence on regional stability, economic progress, and the global energy market. However, it is crucial to adeptly negotiate the risks and challenges presented by the geopolitical realities of the region.

A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PAKISTAN STUDIES CURRICULUM AND ITS ROLE IN FOSTERING ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP AMONG STUDENTS AT SECONDARY LEVEL

Tauqeer Abdullah — 2024-06-26

The main purpose of teaching Pakistan Studies as a school subject is to develop students’ socio-cultural and religious values. The goal of the present

study was to analyze the secondary level Pakistan Studies Curriculum (PSC) and identify its role in Fostering Active Citizenship (FAC) (social, cultural, and religious values) among students. This quantitative study was carried out in the district of Multan, where secondary-level public school teachers and students made up the study’s population. The study was limited to 10 UCs in Tehsil Multan City via multistage sampling because of the limited time and resources available. Two separate research instruments were developed for teachers and students, through which secondary-level PSC was evaluated through teachers’ perceptions, while its role was determined by getting perceptions from students. The study found that secondary-level PSC had potential contents and components that could contribute to FAC among students (M = 3.84, SD = 1.46). Moreover, it was found that PSC fostered students’ sense of patriotism (M = 3.49, SD = 1.47), social values (M = 3.34, SD = 1.70), cultural values (M = 3.37, SD = 1.43), and religious values (M = 3.54, SD = 1.29). The study found a significant role for PSC in FAC (r = 62, (β = .78, p < .001). In conclusion, the study found secondary-level PSC to be a potential force that could develop students’ active citizenship. The study also found no significant difference in perceptions among female and male teachers and female and male students.

THE QUEST FOR DESIRED PROPORTION OF CHILDREN AND ITS IMPACT ON FAMILY PLANNING

Muneeb-Ur-Rahman — 2024-06-26

The desire for a male child has a great influence over fertility behaviors, the family planning decisions continue to be shaped by the preference of a son. However, less attention has been paid to the relationship between the quest for the desired proportion of children and the undesired children produced in this pursuit. Within the cultural framework of Balochistan, the quest for the desired proportion of children is deeply entangled in historical, traditional, and societal expectations. This research paper explores the multifaceted dimensions of the quest for the desired proportion of children and its profound impacts on family planning within the distinct socio-cultural context of Balochistan.

less interest of respondents to continue childbearing when the desired number of girls are not produced. However, it tends to express a strong desire or intention to continue childbearing in the hope of producing a male child, if there is low proportion of male children or when the desired number of male children are not produced. Data further reveals that the tendency to stop childbearing if all the desired number of children are girls or all are boys is not dependent on educational level, income, family type, or gender.

A quantitative research method was employed for this study. A questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions was designed to obtain the data from respondents. Data from 242, male and female respondents from Balochistan was collected through an online platform. Similarly, descriptive and analytical approaches were adopted to assess the data. Pearson's Chi-squared and Welch Two Sample t-test were conducted for statistical analysis and explanation of the study. The study suggests that although population policies that reduce family size are essential, but also imperative are policies that could empower women and reduce the desire and race for male children, by focusing on gender- neutral family planning, which directly affects the population growth.

The data indicates that the respondents view both sons and daughters as key parts of a family, but a majority of them desire more male children in proportion. Moreover, the data indicates