Political Horizons

Japan's Influence: Key Lessons for Pakistan's Political, Social, and Economic Growth

Khizra Anwaar — 2024-12-31

The paper explores Pakistani modernization experiences and challenges in relation to Japanese model of developmentalism. It outlines the history and political culture of Pakistan from a developing to the developed nation. The study uses qualitative research design with secondary sources such as government reports, documents, research articles and case studies of multiple cities from Pakistan and Japan under the implication of modernization theory. The study shows that Pakistan is in the phase II of modernization process; in this phase the posited elements are essentially either weak political institutions or corruption or regional imbalances. The Pakistani cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad face a shortage of proper urban liveability infrastructure and smart city ideas; the cities like Sialkot and Peshawar suffer from poor diversification of industries and unemployment rate particularly among youth. There is still a rather weak social cohesiveness and ethno-religious tensions enhance provincial divisions. In addition, it is claimed that dealing with these issues calls for a qualified solution encompassing political liberalization, economic growth and development, and social integration in the same way that the Japanese periphery modernized and reconstructed itself after the Second World War. Thus, it is possible to outline the further perspectives concerning the most important aspects such as the need for clear and non-corrupt governance, integrating the youth with reference to the existing policy, and using the opportunities of the youth for reinforcing economic development. The research includes improving cooperative practices between the federal government and the provinces, working on corruption matters, and carrying out educational changes in schooling effort that covers vocation attachment skills. Pakistan can seek actionable steps from the Japanese experience that can guide it on designing practical measures; transforming the country into a sustainable modernised economy that benefits all citizens equally.

Keywords: Modernization theory, Japan model, Youth Empowerment, Smart Cities, Governance Transparency, Sustainable Development.

Socio-Cultural Transformation in the Institution of Family in Pakistan

Amna Rasool — 2024-12-31

The present paper attempts to analyze the changing dynamics of family structure and dynamics in Pakistan during the last couple of decades, with a special focus on socio-cultural transformations. It investigates the shifts brought forth by these agents within family systems under the impact of urbanization, economic change, and globalization. It traces a shift from the joint to the nuclear family structure, changing marriage practices, evolving gender roles, and tensions between traditional values and modern aspirations. It pulls in historical perspectives as well as contemporary research to reveal its argument that these changes pose a host of challenges and opportunities for Pakistani society. It contends that while many of the conventional elements in family life remain, the major transformations in family functions and forms are changing Pakistan's social relations and personal identity.

Keywords: Family structure, Socio-cultural transformation, Marriage practices, Gender roles, Joint family system.

Pakistan's Diplomatic Ties with Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Tehseena Masood — 2024-12-31

The research is about the Pakistan's diplomatic ties with Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Pakistan and North Korea accepted diplomatic relations in May 1971. The relationship between the two countries has been affected by political and strategic compensation, including cooperation in the defence and technology section. There has been a phase of both close collaboration and strained ties. The bond between Pakistan and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has faced challenges due to North Korea's controversial nuclear weapons program and its international isolation. Pakistan's own nuclear program and proliferation concerns have also influenced the dynamics of their diplomatic ties. Pakistan’s diplomatic ties with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea display a mix of economic collaboration, strategic cooperation, occasional challenges. and global pressures related to nuclear proliferation.

Key Words: Pakistan, DPRC, Nuclear issue, Diplomatic engagement

Examining the Effectiveness of Women Senators in Legislative Business (2012-2015)

Asifa Naz — 2024-12-31

This study provides analysis of efficacy of women senators in legislation during 2012-2015, emphasizing their influence on policies, legislative cooperation, and overall engagement in the Upper House. It examines contribution of women in legislation, engagement in debates, and participation in bills, motions, resolutions, rising questions and calling attention notices. This study examines the period 2012-2015, during which women influenced considerable legislative reforms despite their numerical scarcity. The study addresses the question, in what ways female senators affected legislative processes and outcomes as compared to male Senators? A mixed-methods technique is utilized for this study as quantitative analysis of legislative records of bills introduced, co-sponsored, motions, resolutions, rising questions and calling attention notices. This analysis is enhanced by qualitative records from primary sources including Senate’s Hansards. The study unfolded that, women not only augmented legislation proposals but also improved the caliber of debate and negotiation, implying a notable transformation during this period. The women proficiently advanced projects and championing matters pertaining to gender equality and social welfare of female specifically. They employed collaborative strategies and promoted an inclusive legislative atmosphere, and their distinct viewpoints enhanced policymaking that catered the requirements of varied constituents. The study underscores that women’s inclusion resulted in transformation of legislative dynamics, with heightened attention to issues that were overlooked in male-dominated discourse. The study suggests increasing women representation in legislative positions, highlighting that augmenting women’s involvement can fortify democratic processes and enhance policy efficacy.

Keywords: Senate of Pakistan, Women’s Participation, Legislative Business, Female Advocacy, Leadership

Navigating US Rebalancing and China's BRI: Prospects and Challenges for Pakistan

Mubashra Shaheen — 2024-12-31

This paper critically examines the geopolitical and geo-economic ramifications of the United States' Rebalancing Strategy and China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for Pakistan. The US rebalancing approach is principally targeted at counterbalancing China's ascendancy as the world's second-largest economy. Through the recalibration of its foreign policy, the US seeks to reassert its influence within China's peripheral regions by leveraging military, economic, and diplomatic instruments of statecraft. This strategic maneuvering holds significant implications for Pakistan's foreign policy calculus, necessitating a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between these competing geopolitical interests. China initiated BRI which is perceived by the US as a counterbalancing strategy to its rebalancing strategy, aiming to establish China's economic centrality in the region. BRI promotes regional economic connectivity and integration through transportation, communications, and energy corridors. For Pakistan, BRI presents geo-political challenges and opportunities, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Effective mechanisms are necessary to capitalize on BRI's opportunities, enhancing Pakistan's regional strategic relevance. This study aims to explore the possible outcomes of Sino-US competition, geopolitical motivations involving US rebalancing and BRI, and prospects and Challenges for Pakistan. The research employs an explanatory, descriptive, and analytical approach, offering policy recommendations for Pakistan and key regional stakeholders.

Keywords: US Rebalancing, BRI, CPEC, China, India, Pakistan.

Covid-19: Crossroads for Globalization

Muhammad Jahanzeb Akmal — 2024-12-31

The process of global integration has hard hit in recent years with the recent rise of hyper nationalism. There has been an elaborative debate going on whether globalization remains intact in years to come. Even though, the determinant fallout in either case is yet to be classified, still the events like out-break of Covid-19 has posed serious structural questions on the issues like globalization, internationalism, and nationalism. For both the academicians and the practitioners of global politics; understanding the genesis of Covid-19 is as necessary as is its underlying political impact to foresee and to prompt the suggestable political adjustments that states have to make for sustainable socio-economic well-being. Therefore, this study expounds into the details of the nature of political mayhem that has been resultant. As it remains quite evident, that initial response of globally integrated countries was more marked on blame game and score settling, instead of coordination and cooperation to effectively mitigate the immediate impacts. So far, this remains a central concern of this research that how and why certain countries have shaped and implemented effective policy to contain, and curb spread of Covid-19, and why the other countries have failed to do so. In this regard the comparative study of countries like, Italy, UK, US, Brazil, and India are conducted with that of China, Singapore, Canada, Germany, and South Korea. The centrist tendency of the countries in effective managerial tier pose as serious questions to the future of globalization as is the democratic legislative countries who failed to make the mark due to their political indecisiveness. So far, this study explores the underlying cause to the leadership level, as well as state and societal level, in an order to make prognosis of the said pandemic. The theoretical construct delves into the points of neo-liberalism, in an order to evaluate the prospects and limitations of states to intervene and to regulate the political landscape of post Covid-19’s world. In the end, this study encapsulates the lessons that could be learnt and adjustments that are deemed to be made for making an integrated stride on behalf of states in years to come forth.

Keywords: Globalization, Neoliberalism, Internationalism, Nationalism, Democratic Legislative, Centrist Political Manifestation

Poor Pakistan or Pity Pakistan: A Power Play of Patronage, Politics, and Payola in the Global Scenario Policy and Religious Implications

Ayesha Ali — 2024-12-31

The exercise of patronage politics with massive implications has been widespread often with turmoil. The system of political appointments started off from olden times where a political party, after assuming power gave government jobs to its supporters as an incentive for functioning towards triumph, rather than on merit. There is a history of so many “Ps” in Pakistan for more than six decades. This article explored poor or pity state - the existence, indicators, current situation, effects and consequences of patronage in Pakistan - and the way out. Political patronage contradicts Islamic values of justice, merit, and accountability, as it promotes nepotism and corruption, undermining the state's obligation to serve all citizens fairly. In an Islamic governance framework, public office is a trust that must be granted based on capability and integrity. Patronage politics therefore weakens the moral and functional foundations of a just society as envisioned in Islam.

Keywords: Patronage, Governance, Corruption, Appointment, Violation of merit

Institutional Integration Strategies: Promoting Civic Engagement through Skilled Civic Education in Educational Institutions of Punjab, Pakistan

Zulfiqar Haider Zaidi — 2024-12-31

The integration of civic engagement into educational institutions is a complex pedagogical process that requires a transformative strategy, confirming that individuals acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for active participation in civic life. This study explores how civic engagement through skilled civic education can be institutionalized in the educational institutions for community development in Pakistan, focusing on the Bahawalpur Division, which includes the three districts of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahimyar Khan, Punjab.

A qualitative approach is carefully employed to address the research objective and achieve the study’s ultimate goals. Qualitative data is collected through semi-structured interviews with sixteen different personalities and analysed through thematic analysis. More accurate findings are obtained through cross-referencing triangulation. This method ensures deeper insights, with key respondents providing valuable opinions on strategies to promote civic engagement through skilled civic education. The findings highlight several critical strategies, including institutionalizing community service learning, integrating skilled civic education into the curriculum, and employing effective pedagogical strategies such as learner-centred methods. Additional strategies include awarding academic credit for learning, implementing teacher pre-service training, providing incentives and accountability measures, and establishing collaborations with key stakeholders.

By implementing these strategies, public college educational institutions play a transformative role in nurturing socially responsible and engaged citizens, contributing to the development of individuals and communities.

Key Words: Institutionalization of Civic Engagement, Skilled Civic Education and Community Development, Bahawalpur Division, Pakistan.

Digital Polyarchy: The Role of Emerging Technologies in Shaping Democratic Resilience

Usama Bin Nawaz Khan — 2024-12-31

The emergence of digital technologies has heightened the vulnerability of democracy, presenting significant challenges that demand urgent attention. Notable concerns include declining public confidence in democratic institutions, the surge of nationalism and populism and the rise of hybrid democracies with authoritarian tendencies. Conflicts and migration further threaten democratic stability, exacerbating these issues. Despite these challenges, democracy remains resilient, as evidenced by ongoing democratic transitions and the pivotal role of local governments in promoting citizen-centric governance. This study addresses the critical problem of how digital technologies threaten democratic processes and explores strategies for safeguarding democracy in the digital age. The research questions focus on identifying the key risks posed by digital technologies to democracy and exploring potential solutions for enhancing democratic resilience. The theoretical framework of this study is grounded in Dahl's theory of polyarchy, which emphasizes the importance of institutional reforms and citizen participation in maintaining democratic integrity. The findings may suggest that strengthening democratic institutions, improving digital literacy and regulating digital platforms are crucial for mitigating the risks posed by the digital era. These strategies not only enhance democratic resilience but also promote inclusive citizen engagement, offering a pathway to safeguard democracy in an increasingly digital world.

Keywords: Digital Polyarchy, Democratic, Technologies, Political, platforms

Public Perception about Tackling Fake News on Social Media: A Case Study of Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Ghulam Safdar — 2024-12-31

In the era of information dissemination, the landscape of news consumption endured profound changes, as the emergence and spread of fake news significantly transformed how people perceived and responded to information. The study aimed to explore how exposure to fake news affects consumers' trust in new media, susceptibility to misinformation, behavioral responses, verification habits, sharing tendencies, and media literacy levels. The study employed a quantitative style through a survey methodology, with a total of (N =300) respondents selected via WhatsApp using Google Forms. Drawing upon the self-designed questionnaire based on a Likert scale, researchers evaluated respondents' perceptions on numerous dimensions, including confidence in new media, susceptibility to fake news, behavioral responses to misinformation, media literacy levels, and verification practices of fake news. The survey revealed that older, male, and educated individuals, with various income levels, were predominant among respondents. Many expressed concerns about fake news, emphasizing its impact on public trust and societal well-being. Respondents totally supported education and media literacy as vital tools against misinformation, advocating for their inclusion in the school curriculum. While opinions are mixed on social media platforms' responsibility, a significant portion is devoted to verifying news accuracy before sharing. The study concluded that exposure to fake news significantly weakened trust in new media, highlighting the importance of media literacy education and verification practices in alleviating misinformation's impact on society.

Keywords: Public Perception, Social Media, Fake News, Media Literacy

Contemporary Issues of Public Administration in Pakistan: A Way Forward

Dawood Nawaz — 2024-12-31

Since birth, Pakistan is struggling to maintain balance of power between its political, economic, and religious dynamics leading towards corruption, ethnic conflicts, military interference in the political matters, religious extremism, and economic issues. The military had played a pivotal role in shaping political horizons of the country through its multiple back and front-stage interventions in the form of martial laws. Therefore, this study comprehensively sheds light into contemporary issues in public administration such as weak governance, bureaucratic hurdles, financial distress, and many other problems faced by public institutions of Pakistan and recommend suitable framework to resolve these issues. This study took motivation from past literature and is descriptive and analytical in nature. The inefficient government failed the country to meet its economic and social development targets. Moreover, the incoherency and ineffectiveness of decentralization has paralyzed the operational capacity of the bureaucracy, while short term, unplanned and politically inspired actions taken by weak governments deteriorated the system and worsened the inefficiency of public institutes. Therefore, there is a need for sound stable policies and that is only possible with political stability in the country. Secondly, there is dire need to focus on evolution and continuity in public policy making, democratic governance, and long-term planning for economic development in the country. In this regard, the government of Pakistan should incorporate technology in its practices by bring the e-government initiatives and make it compulsory for all the public institutions because it will enhance the transparency and accountability of public institutions.

Keywords: Bureaucracy, E-Government, Governance, Pakistan, Public Institutions

Israel-Hamas War: Protracted Social Conflict and Challenges for Conflict Resolution

Syed Adnan Athar Bukhari — 2024-12-31

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war, an off-shoot of the broader Israel-Palestine conflict led to widespread violence, displacements, and destruction in Gaza and Lebanon. The overall conflict has witnessed the recurrence of violence and armed confrontations since its origin. Israel with support from the United States and like-minded states resorted to unabated violence to suppress the genuine calls for the right of self-determination and independence of Palestinians. The Al-Aqsa flood launched by Al-Qasam brigades of Hamas on October 7, 2023, revived and galvanized the movement of Palestinian liberation but invited a ruthless response from powerful Israel that has repudiated the international humanitarian and human rights laws through indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force resulting in thousands of Palestinian killings. The fundamental question is whether the military solution that conflicting parties resort to would bring a lasting peace in Palestine? The research, therefore, tries to explore critical questions of what causes the recurrence of violence within the Israel-Palestine conflict? What efforts have been taken to resolve the conflict? Why have these efforts broken down and could not yield peace? While finding answers to these questions, we try to find the best possible way(s) to address the longstanding-unresolved issue of Israel-Palestine conflict by applying Edward Azar’s Protracted Social Conflict (PSC) model and Abraham Maslow’s model of hierarchy of needs. The paper is divided into four sections. First, a brief historical background of the conflict is given to assess the origins and identify the root causes of the conflict. Second, we analyse international efforts to resolve the conflict. The third section identifies why peace efforts broke down leading to the ultimate recurrence of violence (particularly, the contemporary Israel-Hamas war). Fourth, we apply Azar’s PSC and Maslow’s needs models to assess causes of the recurrence of violence and provide credible, compelling and critical recommendations for conflict resolution and bringing sustainable and lasting peace in Palestine.

Keywords: Israel-Hamas War, Israel-Palestine conflict, Conflict Resolution, Two-state solution, Human Rights Violations, Gaza crisis

Role of Social Media in Changing Pattern of Fashion Among Educated Females of Multan

Shahzad Mahmood — 2024-12-31

Fashion is pervasive, spreading all across the society through different channels. This present study seeks to comprehend the growing influence of social media on the fashion industry. Social media has infiltrated people's lives and has become an integral part of their way of life. The objective of this research is to explore the relationship between social media and its role in shaping the fashion preferences of educated women. Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, conveying aspects of identity such as sexuality, wealth, professionalism, subcultural and political affiliations, social status, and even mood. It is also a vast global industry with significant economic, political, and cultural impacts on everyone involved—whether creating, selling, wearing, or simply observing fashion. This text explores the structure and dynamics of the fashion industry, examining the links between catwalk shows, celebrity branding, media promotion, and mainstream retail, while uncovering the deeper meanings behind the clothes we wear. To investigate the role and impact of social media on fashion in Pakistan's glamorous context, the researchers used simple random sampling by distributing questionnaires to educated females in Multan, who were easily accessible. The target population consisted of master's degree students from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. A total of 150 respondents from five departments, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and M.Phil. programs, participated in the study.

Keywords: Social media, Fashion, Educated females, Glamour, Self-expression

Tourism Development, Financial Inclusion and Governance: A Trio for Women Empowerment in Developing Countries

Sadia Mahwish — 2024-12-31

Women empowerment refers to the ability to make economic, political, cultural and social choices by women as per their own will. Globally women face difficulties in exercising their right to choose their destiny which is even more challenging in developing economies as there are limited opportunities for women. Realizing the gravity of the issue the United Nations has placed women empowerment and gender equality as its 5th goal of the United Nations Sustainable Developing Goals (UN-SDGs). The study postulates the intriguing relationship of tourism development (TD) and financial inclusion (FI), while governance (GOVI) deployed as moderating variable. The study employed panel data of 39 developing economies for the years 2004-2020. Gender inequality index (GII) serves as a measure of women empowerment. The study employs Driscoll and Kraay (DK) standard error technique, as it addresses the issues of cross-sectional dependency, serial correlation and heteroskedasticity. The findings of study revealed that financial inclusion, governance and tourism development has a robust influence on women empowerment. Solid governance practices that are defined by inclusive policies are recommended in study to reduce gender inequalities and promoting the empowerment of women.

Keywords: Tourism Development, Financial Inclusion, Governance, Women Empowerment, Developing Countries

Urban Planning a Challenge to Climate Change: A Study of Lahore

Tuba Taaruf Ali — 2024-12-31

This study examines the effectiveness of urban planning measures in addressing climate change impacts in Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city. It assesses the implementation of national and provincial climate policies, focusing on Punjab's 2021 Climate Change Action Plan. The research investigates awareness levels among Lahore's residents regarding urban planning's role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, and evaluates policy implementation and institutional performance in achieving climate resilience. This study employed mix method approach whereas data was collected from primary and secondary sources.

Keywords: Climate Change, Mitigation Measures, Adaptation Measures, Urban Planning

Importance of Slogans for Political Mobilization in Pakistan: A Study of Pakistan Tehrek-i-Insaf

Farwa — 2024-12-31

Slogans manifest an important role in the political mobilization. They encapsulate party ideology, motivate supporters, and help in shaping public perceptions. This paper examines the importance of slogans for political mobilization in Pakistan, focusing on the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) during the period specifically from 2013 to 2018. PTI, under the leadership of Imran Khan, effectively utilized impactful slogans such as “Naya Pakistan” and “Tabdeeli” to bring people on road against the earlier dominant political parties. These slogans were related to the party’s core promises of providing fair justice, anti-corruption practices, and economic reforms. By analyzing PTI’s use of slogans through political speeches, media campaigns, and rallies, this research highlights how slogans helped PTI establish an emotional connection with the public. Especially the youth and middle class, who were disillusioned with traditional politics. The study further explores how these slogans contributed to the party's growth, mobilization of support, and eventual success in the 2018 general elections. Through qualitative analysis and a review of PTI’s communication strategies, this research demonstrates that slogans served not just as rhetorical tools but as powerful instruments for identity formation and political engagement. Additionally, it reveals how PTI’s slogans framed the political discourse, reinforcing narratives of hope and change. The findings underscore the significance of slogans as a mechanism for influencing public opinion, fostering national unity, and driving grassroots activism. It concludes that these Slogan were the reaseyon that PTI that was in political struggle since long was able to get considerable seats in the 2018 elections.

Keywords: Political mobilization, Parties, Slogans, Politics, Pakistan

Policies and Programs for Safe Drinking Water in Punjab, Pakistan: A Descriptive Analysis

Aamir Nazir — 2024-12-31

Creating effective public policy to provide essential civic services, including Safe Drinking Water has gained increased importance worldwide. Such policy structures are becoming increasingly popular in many countries. Pakistan lacks a robust policy framework for administering safe drinking water services. This study aims to analyze the existing drinking water-related policies and programs in the Punjab Province. The researcher conducted a descriptive analysis of policies and programs and formulated relevant recommendations based on the findings.

Keywords: Punjab, Pakistan, Safe Drinking Water, Policies, Programs

Theoretical Accessible Relationship of Good Governance with E-Governance: A Model Study

Nusrat Bano — 2024-12-31

Theoretically, it is the associational discussion of various agents such as socio-political affiliation, better service delivery and participation but under broader perspective of two approaches: good governance and E-governance. E-governance is a course of action to achieve the characteristics of good governance. Governance is the methodological phenomenon that structured socio-political and managerial behavior of the state. Tech capacity determines the ability of public authorities that how and to what extend citizens could be engaged into mainstreaming phenomenon of E-governance. Digital governance is the set of various entities such as E-participation, E-democracy, E-government and E-services. Both the combination of good governance and E-governance could explore the participative and deliberative behavior of the country. It involves the various channels such as E-information, E-voting, E-participation, E-parliament and E-services which are the sign and symptoms of more and more participative and open governance. Both the qualitative and quantitative research will be used in this research.

Keywords: E-Governance, Good Governance, E-Democracy, Inclusiveness, Participation, Service Delivery

Corporate Governance and Financial Performance: Evidence from Financial Firms Listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange

Adeel Akhtar — 2024-12-31

This study investigates the connection between corporate governance (CG) and the financial performance of financial firms using three performance metrics: return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and Tobin's Q (TQ). The analysis employs the pooled ordinary least squares panel econometric technique, using data from 70 financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) between 2007 and 2017. The results show that board composition, board ownership, institutional ownership, foreign ownership, CEO duality, CEO compensation, auditor remuneration, and executive compensation positively and significantly influence financial performance. In contrast, board independence and audit type are negatively associated with performance. The control variables, firm size and leverage, are also negatively related to all financial performance measures. Among the performance metrics, ROE has the strongest association with most CG indicators, while ROA and TQ show weaker relationships. Additionally, the findings confirm that firms adhering to corporate governance codes outperform those that do not.

Keywords: Corporate Governance, Agency theory, Auditor remuneration, CEO compensation, Executive compensation, financial performance