Research Journal of Human and Social Aspects
The Research Journal of Human and Social Aspects (RJHSA) is an open-access, double-blind, peer-reviewed international journal that includes empirical research, theoretical articles, case studies, systematic literature reviews, and meta-analyses. The journal is under-review by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan under HEC's Call for Accreditation for the Year 2026. By keeping in view the mission of the Publisher, the Centre for Children Literacy and Lifelong Learning, the RJHSA focuses on research topics i.e., Education and Lifelong Learning, Sociology and Social Policy, Psychological Sciences, Political Science and Governance, Human Rights and Social Justice, Cultural and Communication Studies, Gender and Identity, Economics, Business and Management Sciences, etc. For details, visit Aim & Scope Desk Review Time: 1 week (Average) Peer-review Process: 8 weeks (Average) Acceptance Rate: 58% Note: The Journal did not charge any submission, processing, or publication fees to the authors. For detailed guidance, visit Author Guidelines
Subsurface Disposal of Coal-Mine Wastewater in Tharparkar, Sindh for Safeguarding Fresh Water Aquifers & Farmlands
The Thar coalfield in Sindh, Pakistan, generates substantial volumes of wastewater during dewatering operations. Surface disposal of this saline and high-TDS water has caused soil salinization, destruction of farmland, and contamination of shallow freshwater aquifers. This paper proposes adopting deep disposal wells similar to those routinely used in the oil and gas industry to safely manage mines wastewater. Leveraging both newly drilled wells and abandoned oil & gas wells in the surrounding region could reduce cost, protect agricultural land, and safeguard local communities. This study assesses the hydrogeologic context, evaluates risks, and provides a phased roadmap with policy recommendations for the Sindh Government and mining companies.
Copyright (c) 2024 Research Journal of Human and Social Aspects https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Crime or Deterrence: The Role of Capital Punishment in Preventing Crime
The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is a legal method in which a person is killed by a formal courtroom for murder as punishment. "The term capital begins with a Latin underwrite in the proper sense of 'head-to-head' (implying execution by beheading)." This article highlights the topic of the death penalty in society, provides a holistic view of the death penalty, and points out the controversies surrounding the implementation of the death penalty. Everywhere, interest in the abolition of the death penalty has widened in recent years. However, 56 countries, including Pakistan, consider sentencing an important part of their prison system. Pakistan uses a special phrase to solve the fate of the perpetrators in around 27 different crimes. This document aims to review and share Pakistan's perspective as a Muslim nation. In this way, this research first elucidates the Islamic perspective and then internationally, also emphasizes the importance of the death penalty as deterrence.
Copyright (c) 2025 Research Journal of Human and Social Aspects https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Sociocultural Barriers and the "High-Context" Challenge to Inclusion
This research explores the sociocultural dimensions of disability in 21st-century Japan, focusing on the impact of "high-context" communication and societal stigma. In Japan’s high-context culture, meaning is often conveyed through implicit cues, silence, and social harmony (wa). For children with developmental or intellectual disabilities who may struggle with subtle interpersonal dynamics, this communication style poses a significant barrier to social integration. Through a thematic content analysis of existing literature, this article identifies deep-seated prejudices, such as the perception of disability as a sign of a "spoiled child," which contribute to the marginalization of nearly 356,000 special-needs children. Social isolation is further exacerbated by serious bullying incidents and a lack of community awareness. The study examines how these cultural patterns influence family dynamics, often forcing families into a cycle of secrecy to avoid social shame. Findings suggest that while inclusive education policies exist, they are frequently undermined by traditional norms that prioritize collective conformity over individual difference. The paper argues for a paradigm shift in social awareness, moving from sympathy to empowerment. Recommendations include large-scale advocacy campaigns and the adoption of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to foster empathy and bridge the gap between "regular" and "special" societal tracks.
Pashtoon Jirga system: A Traditional Approach to Justice
This paper examines the history, cultural significance, and legal issues of the Jirga system, with particular regard to the way it compares to the international human-rights frameworks. The major issue with Jirgas is that they are unofficial. Universal Declaration of Human rights (UDHR), international covenant on civil and political rights (ICCPR), conventions on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW) all international human-rights treaties also denounce the Jirga system. Such international documents emphasize fairness, equality and due process-ideas that are usually disregarded by the traditional Jirga ruling. These are issues, but Jirgas continue to play a significant role in the life of the tribes. Reforms are becoming necessary in order to strike a balance between tradition and law protection. One of the solutions that are promising is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism of taking Jirgas into the formal legal framework. The Quran places strong emphasis on justice and equity and reads, "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, or the rich or the poor." (Quran 4:135), ideals which should direct any dispute resolution system.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Global Security Order: Realist understanding of NATO'S Strategic Responses
The Ukraine and Russia war has essentially troubled the global security directive, decoration a decisive change in contemporary superb power political affairs and a great concentration war in modern Europe and the war has redesigned confined and global security edifices while instantaneously producing severe charitable significances. Ukraine deliberate area expressly alongside the Black Sea, has located on the center of geopolitical contestation among Russia and NATO. Meanwhile the proceedings of 2014 and which includes Russia seizure of Crimea and NATO borne eastward rendezvous Ukraine has arose as an energetic liability line confidential the developing disagreement amongst the East and the West. The enormous scales appreciation of the fight in 2022 and which caused inside the profession of about 17 to 20 percentages of Ukrainian land by using Russian militaries, has more deepened security quandaries crossways Eastern Europe. This study works qualitative studies process founded entirely on secondary resources and approves a descriptive and prognostic research design and using and offensive Realism as the theoretical framework the research analyzes NATO deliberate replies to the conflict, accentuating power expansion alliance and preemption conduct inside revolutionary international device. NATO whereabouts practically reservation tactical supremacy pawn Russian imperialism and redesign the international security order.
Health Access, Family Burden, and the Mental Health Matrix in Japan
This study analyzes the intersection of healthcare access, family caregiving burdens, and mental health services for children with special needs in Japan. Utilizing demographic data and health reports, the article identifies a critical "mental health matrix" where specialized psychiatric care is alarmingly scarce, particularly in rural areas. While 24-hour pediatric inpatient services are physically accessible to most children within 60 minutes, highly specialized care for "medical complexity" remains concentrated in urban centers, imposing significant travel burdens on families. Qualitative analysis reveals that mothers bear a disproportionate share of the emotional and physical caregiving load, often resulting in high levels of psychological distress and depression. The research evaluates the "Family APGAR" scores in Japanese contexts, noting that family functioning is negatively impacted by the chronic nature of disabilities and inadequate social support. Furthermore, the study critiques the existing child welfare system for its disconnect from mental health services, leaving traumatized or neurodivergent children underserved. The article concludes that a coordinated, multi-sector strategy—linking education, health, and employment—is essential. It advocates for home-visiting medical services and increased financial allowances to mitigate the economic strain on families and facilitate the transition of special-needs individuals into meaningful adult participation.
Investigating the Carbon Footprint of an Institution: The Case of BUITEMS
Climate change has made it important for institutions to estimate and minimize their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study estimates the carbon footprint of Balochistan University of Information Technology and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) for the period of 2023-2024. The main aim was to use a multi-regional input-output model and to estimate the influence of energy-saving measures. The study was implemented at BUITEMS Takatu campus, located in western Quetta, which covers an area of 100-150 acres. Data were systematized based on GHG etiquette into Range 1 (direct emissions), Range 2 (indirect emissions for electricity purchase), and Range 3(other indirect emissions, including transport and waste). Emissions coefficients from IPPC guidelines and pre-existing studies were used to evaluate the emissions. The Study findings demonstrated that Range 1 emissions were the maximum observed, 591,613,018 kg CO2e. Although Range 1 and 2 were minimal. The limitation is 500 kg CO2e per student annually. Buitems Emissions was below the limit, and its carbon footprint was below the average among the universities in Pakistan. This research highlights BUITEMS' sustainable activities that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12 and SDG 13).
Copyright (c) 2026 Research Journal of Human and Social Aspects https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
From Policy to Practice: Evaluating the Implementation Gap in the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act (2016)
In this paper, the author explores the implementation gap of the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act (PPWVA, 2016) by looking at the institutional mechanisms that the act created and how it has been hindered as well as the implications that the act may have to the safety of women in Punjab. It answers three questions which include how institutions established in response to the Act operate, the main barriers to enforcement, and the reforms needed to enhance performance. The study applies the qualitative content-analysis design to study those secondary sources that have been purposely selected, i.e., the full text of the PPWVA, the official sources like SSDO (2024), and the scholarly review and the case of Noor Mukadam to exemplify these. The review was conducted by a document-analysis protocol/case-study frame. The results indicate that there is a large gap between the institutional provisions of the Act and its implementation. The PPWVA is based on the envision of Violence Against Women Centres (VAWCs), District Protection Committee, and Women Protection Officer, however, there are two active VAWCs and very few active district protection committees. The paper suggests the expansion and proper resourcing of VAWCs.
Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act
“Effectiveness of Rapid Needs Assessments in Enhancing Disaster Response Operation in Pakistan”
This importation of RNAs has been especially evident especially when a substantial disaster has occurred like the Kashmir Earthquake of 2005 and the 2022 Monsoon Floods. Despite this, over time, there have been methodological improvements in RNAs that include the integration of digital technologies and that is, the use of mobile-based data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that have improved the timeliness and accuracy of assessments. In spite of these improvements, there are still several systemic barriers that continue to affect the effectiveness of RNAs in Pakistan. These include lack of standardized evaluation systems, lack of technical capacity at the local levels, lack of community mobilization and inadequate inter-agency coordination. These limitations mainly lead to fragmentation of data, repetition of efforts and slow or poorly informed responses. In order to maximize the usefulness of RNAs in their operations, there is an urgent necessity to create and establish standardized procedures that can be used consistently under a range of disasters. The targeted training of local capacity, as well as the allocation of resources will create central solutions to increasing the reliability of the data, strategic planning, and the overall integrity of the disaster response activities in Pakistan.
The Impact of Trumpism on Global Nuclear Nonproliferation
For decades, global nonproliferation measures have provided strategic stability to control the proliferation of nuclear weapons to ensure international security and peace. However, the rise of Trumpism has signalled a significant shift in US foreign policy from multi-lateral liberalism to interest-driven policy. Donald Trump with his unilateralism, isolationism and transaction diplomacy have far-reaching effects on longstanding global nuclear nonproliferation and arms control frameworks. By utilising qualitative research methodology and secondary data sources, this article examines Trump’s policy impact on significant case studies: The Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), East Asia (Japan, south and north Korea) security dynamics, and strategic competition between US, Russia and China. The research highlights the effect of the US withdrawal from key agreements has created on the strategic instability and nuclear tensions among states. The findings of the research indicates that the shift from a collaborative nuclear diplomacy towards interest driven diplomacy might threaten to undermine existing nuclear norms, raise tensions in regions and intensified strategic rivalry among the US, Russia and China.
Youth Climate Activism and Intergenerational Justice: A Review of Social Movements and Policy Influence
Philanthropic Diplomacy: Pakistan's Humanitarian Response to Gaza Crisis
The idea of philanthropic diplomacy is an essential part of the overall humanitarian intervention in the world, which allows countries to provide aid internationally in times of crisis. The way Pakistan has reacted to the Gaza crisis can be considered an all-inclusive response involving diplomacy and philanthropy. Through the organization, coordination of relief efforts has been done, through mobilization of resources, diplomatic efforts to contact with regional players and through efforts to assist with the international humanitarian organizations, led by government agencies and other non-governmental organization like the Al Khidmat Foundation Pakistan. The successful deployment of food and medical supplies to Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon which illustrates Pakistan is making good use of the humanitarian diplomacy to assist the Palestinian cause. Nevertheless, issues like geopolitical issues, logistical issues, and diplomatic pre-approvals are crucial problems. The article highlights how multilateral cooperation is important in achieving effective and prompt provision of relief. Through the integrity of its philanthropic diplomacy, Pakistan is able to meet the emergency needs of humans, enhance its place in the international community, reinforce global unity, and defend the human dignity amid challenges.
Impact of NGOs and CBOs Participation on Students Political Knowledge and Awareness in Pakistan
This study examines the effect of engagement with Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) on Political knowledge and awareness of university students of Pakistan. Using a quantitative survey of 191 students, the results show significant positive relationship between NGO/CBO involvement to political awareness (r = .262, p < 0.01; v = .262, p < 0.001). Similar levels between genders were found but male students showed higher levels of political knowledge (p = 0.013). Grounded in the Civic Voluntarism, Social Capital and Political Efficacy theories, the research concludes that the role of NGOs and CBOs as informal stage for political learning positively adds up to the youth's civic competence in furthering democratic participation in Pakistan.
Rehabilitation vs. Punishment: What Works Best for Drugs Offenders?
The article looks at the ongoing debate over how the justice system should handle drug offenses should the focus be on punishment or rehabilitation? While punishment relies on jail time to deter crime, rehabilitation treats addiction as a health issues, helping people recover and rebuild their lives. Research shows that’s looking ups drug offenders often doesn’t stop them from the reoffending, while rehabs programs lead to the better outcomes, lower relapse rates, and even save money in the long runs. Real life examples and the ethical arguments support the ideas that treatment works better than punishment. The article makes the case for shifting polices toward rehabilitations, prioritizing healing and the reintegration over harsh penalties.
CPEC and Structural Economic Dependence: A Dependency Theory Analysis of Chinese FDI and Pakistan’s Growth Trajectory (2020-2025)
This paper analyzes the economic consequences of the Chinese investment in Pakistan within the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) between the years 2020 and 2025 The results show that Chinese FDI has emerged as the major source of foreign capital and thus restrict diversification of investments and reduce bargaining power of Pakistan. Sectoral patterns indicate a strong focus on investment in the energy and transport infrastructure, whereas the pace at which Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are being developed is very slow and the shift to productivity-oriented industrialization is hindered. Taken altogether, these findings support the central thesis of Dependency Theory, which indicate that the process of the inclusion of Pakistan into CPEC is certain to reproduce core periphery relationships more and more. This paper concludes that, unless the institutional reinforcement, diversification of investment partners, and faster industrialization is introduced to the country, long-term economic independence of Pakistan would remain diluted in the growing dependency on China.
Cyber-warfare Versus Cyber-terrorism: An Emerging 21st Century Trend
The rapid evolution and interconnectedness of cyberspace, driven by technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, have created a landscape highly vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats. This paper analyzes the emerging trends and methodologies of cyber-attacks, focusing on the concepts of cyber-warfare and cyber-terrorism. Advanced Persistent Threats (APT), Island Hopping, and attacks leveraging Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies and SCADA systems are detailed as key offensive strategies. The analysis highlights how terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda and Hezbollah exploit cyberspace for fundraising and information warfare. It differentiates cyber-terrorism—unlawful attacks causing violence or harm to coerce government or people for political objectives—from broader information warfare. Given the low entry barriers for attackers, the widespread prevalence of cybercrime, and the increasing economic dependency on information infrastructure, the paper concludes that robust cyber defense strategies are essential. Recommendations include strengthening international cooperation, establishing quick response teams, and employing layered counter-strategies such as Denial and Deception (D&D) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) methods to secure the cyber domain.
Impact of student unions on educating the student of University of Punjab about political participation
This study investigates the role that is being played by the student unions to educate the student of University of Punjab about political participation. This study aims to understand how these student unions effect students’ political awareness, participation and articulateness by exploring their actions, programs and dynamism. We apply a quantitative method in this research which includes surveys and case study. The research will gather detailed date on the amount to which student unions expedite political education and encourage active civic engagement among students. This work deals with the history and structure of student unions at the university of the Punjab and to understand how their organizational frameworks support or hinder political education efforts. The main focus of this study is to enhance the political knowledge of the university students. By understanding the perception of students regarding these unions, we can make sure that either the activities of these unions disturbing or effective. This study wants to highlight that how far the student unions can help the student of University of Punjab about politics and political activities. This also aims at how the findings could applicable tro other university of the world.
Awareness Level and adopted coping strategies to maintain mental health: An appraisal of undergraduates
The research is conducted to assess the mental health awareness and how it impacts the coping mechanism of person. In a total, 100 self-reported questionnaires were received. The results suggest majority area already aware of sign and symptoms of depression. The results of second construct coping mechanism show the most used coping mechanism of positive reframing mean (3.86) followed by using religion as coping (3.80), then the adaptive mechanism of planning (3.65). It also that people are also divergent to use the method of active coping with mean of (3.59), it followed by the maladaptive technique of self-denial (3.54). The Pearson correlation test has shown a strong correlation of (.582) between the independent variable of awareness and dependent variable i.e., coping. Then the regression analysis and especially ANOVA test further confirm the correlation with significance (.00) that shows a significant relation of both variables. The findings suggest a strong relation exist between the mental health awareness and coping mechanism. The greater the mental health awareness is, the more effectively the person can utilize the adaptive way to cope with depression. Proper counseling facilities and healthier avenues for recreation should also be provided.
Assessing the factors contributing to drug use and their implications for university students' academic and social lives in Pakistan
This study looks at the root causes of drug usage among Pakistani university students in Lahore and assesses the effects it has on their social and academic lives. The study also attempts to determine risk factors for drug abuse and provide suggestions for successful intervention techniques. Four public universities in Lahore received a total of 250 questionnaires, of which 207 completed responses were analyzed. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire administered both online and on paper. The analysis was conducted using SPSS, focusing on specialized tables, cross-tabulations, and descriptive statistics. The substances most frequently misused included prescription medications, tobacco, and marijuana. Key risk factors identified were curiosity, peer pressure, stress management, and the belief that drugs enhance social life. Curiosity emerged as the primary reason for initiating drug use across all types. Peer influence played a significant role in the misuse of cocaine, marijuana, and tobacco, while stress relief was a major factor in the misuse of prescription medications. Drug use was found to negatively impact academic performance, with individuals reporting challenges in completing tasks, lower attendance, and reduced concentration. Additionally, drug use strained relationships with non-users, resulting in decreased interactions and heightened discomfort among non-users in social settings.
Influence of family factors on the reading habits of children, a case study of District Bannu
This research mainly aims to ascertain “the influence of family factors on the reading habits of children”. It also investigates how the library plays a crucial role in shaping the reading habits of children. Using the survey method, this research gathered information through an online questionnaire from 100 participants, particularly their parents in the Bannu district. Using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software, this research found that when families are more involved, it tends to have a positive impact on a child’s early reading and writing skills. The results indicated that increased family engagement positively affects children's reading development, highlighting the pivotal role parents play in fostering their reading habits. The study also examined the role of libraries in supporting children's reading, emphasizing the importance of family support in cultivating a lifelong love of reading. Regarding family factors, parents are the pillars in adopting children’s reading habits. This research provides a novel contribution to the existing literature on children’s psychology in the context of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) broadly and in the district Bannu particularly.
Students’ perception regarding the role of student politics and unions in consolidation of fragmented political culture of Pakistan
The student politics and unions have played a significant role throughout Pakistan’s history, but there has always been a disagreement about whether they truly and devotedly serve the purpose of training young politicians or are misused by political parties at national level. A quantitative survey design was employed to statistically assess and evaluate opinions of the students of Political Science considering their relevance in the field and study. The students expressed their belief in the purpose of student unions, particularly in training students for political participation and shaping their political perceptions. They acknowledged that political instability—endangering collective identity and national integration—is in fact the effect driven by the cause of fragmented political culture that harms political development (causal explanation). The majority shared a highly affirmative view that students who participate in such bodies have comparatively better political awareness and perception.
Using the developmental niche to explore parental ethnotheories of symbolic representation
This paper examines the use of the developmental niche, a framework from psychology and anthropology, to understand how culture, vis-à-vis the home and family environments, shapes children’s literacy development. This study examines the extant empirical literature to demonstrate how each aspect of the developmental niche, including settings of care, customs of care, and psychology of the caretaker, can be adapted and applied to provide insight into children’s literacy development. Finally, this paper discusses how this framework can support ideas for future research focused on families, culture, and literacy, as well as how teachers might inform their practice of interacting with families by utilizing the developmental niche.
Cybersecurity: A New Realm in National Security of Pakistan
Offenders frequently use cyberspace as a relatively easily accessible and cost-effective method to achieve their goals, which can result in severe economic and political damage to both states and individuals. This research explores and discusses the strategies and policies adopted by the European Union member states as a collective agency of developed states and the US, their cooperation to overcome this rising threat, and by far the most common strategies adopted by a developing state like Pakistan, which is also the second most populous country, to secure its highly vulnerable cyberspace. Additionally, this research aims to analyse how this new realm is shaping Pakistan's national security and what the future holds for cybersecurity in a developing state with limited cyber power. This research aims to assess the impact of the virtual world issue and its implications on a state's national security in the real world. To overcome this menace, the public and private sectors of a state, as well as the international community, can collaborate to initiate a crackdown against both state and non-state actors who violate the cyber sovereignty of states and their individuals.
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BRICS Expansion: Prospects and Challenges
With the relative decline of the US, regional integration is becoming more prominent. Among existing regional institutions, BRICS is the most significant bloc. BRICS was formed in 2009 based on Jim O'Neil's idea. In its latest meeting, BRICS member states decided to admit six new members out of which four officially join the group in January 2024. The addition of four new members may enhance the group's global standing. However, the addition will also bring significant challenges that may hinder BRICS' integration ability. Based on qualitative methodology, this research paper strives to evaluate the challenges that BRICS will face after adding new members. In line with Mancur Olson's logic of collective action, the paper maintained that the addition would increase strategic differences, political divergences, and economic and financial hurdles. The success of BRICS+5 will lie in China's ability to lead and navigate the differences among member states.
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Issue of Human Trafficking; The Legal Framework and Case Study of Pakistan
Indeed, it is evident that human trafficking is not exclusive to any particular state. Human trafficking is a global issue with complex and different dimensions. With new emerging trends in the world, my study sheds light on this issue in light of globalization, which highlights the grave threat to the world. This heinous crime, which ranks as the second largest illegal business in the world after drugs, involves the exploitation of human beings through various forms such as slavery, prostitution, labor, and the removal of body organs. These practices not only violate human rights but also pose a severe threat to the lives of children, women, and men. All these forms of exploitation, such as servitude and prostitution, serve as broad-based labor forces. The tactics employed by traffickers, such as deceit, fraud, seclusion, use of force, and debt bondage, not only violate individual rights, but also impact their political, social, economic, and sexual rights. We must confront the tactics of traffickers; we urgently need to establish policies and institutions that safeguard individual rights, with the aim of combating this heinous crime across all tiers. This heinous crime has also drawn the attention of world and regional institutions such as the UN and EU, whose intervention in this matter is of global concern. In my study, I explore how various states address this issue through their laws and governing bodies, as well as the challenges they encounter.
Incorporating Social Psychological Toolkit in Foreign Policy Analysis
Foreign Policy Analysis emerged as a field committed to inculcating pre-existing social scientific theories and testing tools available to refine foreign policy decision-making. The emphasis of pioneers of the field has been on the process rather than its outcome. This paper uses the critical theory of Robert Cox to review foreign policy decision-making from the perspective of social psychology. Using the same lens, it further elaborates on how these principles of social psychology can serve as a toolkit for both foreign policymakers and foreign policy analysts in terms of improving and analyzing foreign policy decision making respectively. Lastly, it also highlights how the exclusion of researchers from the foreign policy decision-making process has served as a key hindrance in the development of any law like generalization or a scientific theory and how making foreign policy analysts a permanent feature of foreign policy decision making can change the discipline for good.
Federalism in Pakistan After 18th Amendment
Federalism is a governance concept that divides power and sovereignty between the center and federating units, or provinces. From the very beginning, the center-province relations in Pakistan were very hostile and unfriendly. The small provinces like KPK and Baluchistan, as well as Sindh, have grievances and reservations about resource distribution and allocation. The eighteenth amendment, which was passed by the parliament and got the assent of President Asif Ali Zardari on April 19, 2010, minimized the grievances and reservations among the federating units. The Eighteenth Amendment abolished concurrent lists and transferred the items of concurrent lists to provincial lists, which restored provincial autonomy to some extent. The main purpose and aim of the eighteenth amendment are: transparency in the system, curtailing individual discretion, strengthening parliament and provincial assemblies, provincial autonomy, independence of the judiciary, strengthening fundamental rights, the question of merit, good governance, and strengthening the institutions.
Assessing The Dilemma of Aurat March in Raising Voices for The Rights of Women: Synthesizing Pakistani Context
Women have been struggling and fighting for their rights for many years. Recently, Pakistan witnessed the Aurat March, a political and social movement providing women with a platform to join hands and speak about issues and problems they have been going through. This demonstration hit the traditional setting and, in turn, faced backlash, death threats, and violence. This study is an effort to understand the dilemma Pakistani society is facing regarding the Aurat March. The study aims to elucidate the drastic reactions that have divided society into distinct groups. The theoretical framework applied for this research is based on feminist theory. The main focus is on Pakistani women's status and their struggle for rights. Further, to understand the existence of discriminatory beliefs regarding women, this research is conducted using the cultural paradigm.
Pakistan’s Strategic Depth Policy in Afghanistan: Origin, Evolution and Practical Manifestations
Pakistan's strategic depth policy in Afghanistan has been in the national and strategic discourse for many decades, but it has remained less prevalent in academic and official circles. The policy came into widespread deliberation during Taliban rule in Afghanistan and after the 9/11 incident. The policy of strategic depth dates back to Britain's security arrangements in Afghanistan in the 19th and 20th centuries. Britain's security strategy primarily focused on either directly controlling Afghanistan or establishing a client regime there to safeguard British India's heartland from Russian advances through Afghanistan. In the same vein, Pakistan, being a security-sensitive country, endeavored to have a friendly government in Kabul to have a secure western border and concentrate only on the eastern front with India. Pakistan's strategic depth policy in Afghanistan is mainly Indian-centric, in addition to contentious border issues. Pakistan's strategic culture contains well-defined determinants based on historical experiences, rivalries, and perceptions of adversaries. Afghan irredentist claims, ethnic tensions, Indian vows to undo Pakistan, and Indian influence in Afghanistan are the major components of Pakistan's strategic culture. Pakistan's strategic depth policy, an integral part of its strategic culture, aims to counter the emerging threats from Afghanistan and maneuver to establish a friendly regime there. Pakistan’s strategic depth policy took practical manifestation in the 1980s and 1990s, but proved to have a big strategic fallout after 9/11. Despite a strategic shift in the post-9/11 scenario, Pakistan's strategic depth policy has gravely deteriorated its internal security. It is now the essence of time for Pakistan policymakers to convert strategic depth into economic depth and should explore the economic potential of central Asia through Afghanistan.
Cybercrime and Rule of Law in Pakistan: Placing in Context of Developing Countries
The research study outlines focused on cybercrime in Pakistan within the context of developing countries. The primary goal is to determine the extent of cybercrime penetration in developing nations, comparing these findings with global trends. The article further delves into the specific situation in Pakistan by presenting detailed case studies that illustrate the nature and impact of cybercrime in the country. It also examines the development of legal frameworks in Pakistan aimed at combating cybercrime, assessing their effectiveness and alignment with international standards. A critical evaluation of the Acts and legislation implemented against cybercrime in Pakistan forms a significant part of the discussion, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of these legal measures. Through comprehensive analysis and comparative studies, the article aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and progress in addressing cybercrime in Pakistan and similar socio-economic settings.