Political Horizons

Exploring the Role of Political Memes in Shaping Youngsters’ Perception in Twin Cities of Pakistan

Dr. Ghulam Safdar, Hafsa Khan — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study was to analyse the role of political memes in shaping perception of youngsters in twin cities of Pakistan. The research paper deeply focused on impact of political memes on thoughts and beliefs of individuals, the way these memes changed youngsters’ behaviour and social perception. To achieve the objectives, researchers followed quantitative methodology and conducted survey in twin cities of Pakistan. For the data collection, self-designed questionnaire was used consisted of three main segments including respondents’ information, social media use and political memes. Purposive sampling technique was adopted, and data was collected from (n=240) youngsters living in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Results revealed that a youngsters’ perception is highly influenced by political memes. Their cognitions, behaviour and social norms are highly affected after consuming political memes on social media. The study concluded that political memes had great role in shaping youngster’s certain attitudes and this leads the individuals to take part in politics actively and enhance their political participation.

Keywords: Political Memes, Youngsters, Cognitive perception, Behavioural perception, social perception

Political Will and Climate Change Policy Implementation in Pakistan in the Post-Paris Agreement Era (2015-2023)

Mohammad Ramzan — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper provides an in-depth investigation into the role of political will in the implementation of climate change policies in Pakistan during the post-Paris Agreement era (2015-2023). With the lens of Kingdon’s Multiple Streams (MSF) as a theoretical framework, the study explores how policy outcomes are being influenced by the interaction of the problem, policy and politics streams. Qualitative methodology is used in this research article and secondary data taken from books, organizational reports, academic journals, and valuable internet sources are analysed. The key findings elicit that Pakistan is highly vulnerable to the climate change as evidenced in 2022 with heinous flood where the policy implementation is obstructed by inconsistent political commitment, fragile inter-ministerial coordination, and financial constraints. Successful initiatives such as the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Program reveal the potential of aligning political will with actionable solutions. Finally, the study concludes with the recommendations to enhance the strength of leadership, highlight the need to collaborate, mobilise resources, raise public awareness and make national policies aligned with global commitments to promote resilience and sustainable development.

Key words: Climate, Political, Policy, Change, Pakistan.

Socio-Political and Economic Challenges of Sectarian Violence in Pakistan after 9/11: A Study of Lahore

Dr. Saima Butt, Afira Wattoo — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sectarian violence refers to a clash of or animosity out of religious beliefs or divisions within the same religion. In Pakistan, it mostly happens between Sunni and Shia Muslims plus their little offshoots whereby violence keeps happening. Over the time, these sectarian conflicts have become worse, and instability has increased. It became a centre in the war on terrorism after the 9/11 attacks hence facilitating and fighting against religiously motivated violence. The country has violent threats everywhere, terrorism separatist insurgencies and interfaith conflicts. Post 9/11 change of security environment in Pakistan gave rise to conditions that nurtured sectarian violence. Internal factors, particularly long-standing sectarian divisions and extremist ideologies, overlaid with external political manipulation and regional dynamics, have again amplified the crisis. This paper tried to identify the socio-political and economic challenges that sectarian violence raises in Pakistan along with an overview of how religious intolerance, political interests, and outside influences are perpetuating these conflicts.

Keywords: Sectarian violence, Pakistan, 9/11, Sunni, Shia.

The Rise of Ethnic Nationalism and Its Implications for Pakistan’s Multi-Ethnic Future

Dr. Syed Nouman Ali Shah — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The concept of an ethnic state and its implications for a multi-ethnic society are critical areas of study in understanding the political and social dynamics of Pakistan. Historically, Pakistan was conceived as a multi-ethnic nation, consisting of diverse linguistic, cultural, and religious groups. However, over time, the notion of an ethnic state dominated by a dominant ethnic or cultural group has raised challenges to the integrity and unity of the country. The rise of ethnic nationalism in Pakistan has been influenced by political, historical, and regional factors that have shaped the nation's trajectory since its creation in 1947. This abstract explores the complexities surrounding Pakistan's multi-ethnic identity, examining the socio-political forces that have sought to define the nation’s future along ethnic lines. The future of a multi-ethnic Pakistan depends on its ability to balance regional autonomy with national unity, address the demands of various ethnic groups, and foster an inclusive political framework. This discussion also delves into the potential outcomes of an ethnic-driven state structure and the risks of exacerbating ethnic tensions, destabilizing national cohesion, and marginalizing smaller ethnic groups. The study concludes that for Pakistan to remain a multi-ethnic society, policies that promote ethnic inclusivity, equitable allocation and distribution of resources, and respect for Pluralism and cultural diversity are essential for long-term stability and peace.

Keywords: ethnicity, Pakistan, diversity, ethnic conflict, societal integration.

Understanding China’s Growing Global Influence: Perspectives and Assessments

Muhammad Jahanzeb Akmal, Dr. Raja Qaiser Ahmed — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

From its aberration to classical Westphalian statehood features to global ascendancy, the key words such as ideational factors, identity, and normative structures, hold key to debate the growing global influence of China. The classical scholarship of modern statehood and international relations is pre-dominantly western, and it has its structural limitations to take on the key question of this research which goes as following: ‘How to understand the increasing power and influence of China in the global arena?’. So far, a conscious effort has been made to give Chinese International Relations’ scholarship an edge over the western literature as self -perception and identity politics holds key to understand the recent expansionist mood in global arena. Methodologically, the qualitative approach has been adopted to address the given question. As scholarship of international relations theories has been the key focus of the research so the key question has been first dealt in taking appraisal of causal and constitutive theories. The subsequent portion takes on the estimate of historicizing China’s Theory of International Relations. The last two sections have been focused on application of social constructivism to assess the China’s rise on global stage, and likewise the internal academic quest of China’s International Relations scholarship has been placed under the assessment to deliberate post-reformist International Relations Theory of International Relations. The research concludes on the note; that despite of its limitations still social constructivism provides a robust framework for understanding China’s foreign policy as a dynamic process of identity formation and normative adaptation, offering insights into its future trajectory in an increasingly interconnected world.

Key Words: Ideational Factors, Normative Structure, Qualitative Approach, China’s International Relations Theory, Social Constructivism.

Assessing Workplace Harassment Practices and Violence: A Case Study of Working Women in Bahawalpur District

Dr. Dawood Nawaz, Ayesha Umar, Shahbaz Ali Khan, Dr. Raheel Akhtar — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Workplace harassment and violence remain pervasive yet underexplored challenges, particularly within patriarchal societies where structural inequalities constrain women’s autonomy and mobility. Despite increasing global advocacy for gender equity exemplified by movements such as #MeToo; such issues continue to affect women across professional sectors in many developing countries. This study investigates the multifaceted impact, social, economic, and psychological of workplace harassment experienced by women in the Bahawalpur District of Pakistan. The research aims to identify the forms and frequency of harassment, evaluate its psychological, social, and professional consequences, assess the level of awareness regarding legal protections (particularly the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010), examine coping strategies, and analyse the effectiveness of institutional responses and preventive mechanisms. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 female employees from both public and private institutions. Thematic analysis revealed recurring instances of verbal and physical harassment, often shaped by gendered power dynamics, socio-economic inequalities, and religious identity. While participants expressed general awareness of their rights, they reported a lack of institutional support and limited capacity to seek redress due to entrenched male dominance within workplace hierarchies. Furthermore, familiarity with relevant legal protections was minimal, and formal training on complaint mechanisms was largely absent. The findings highlight the urgent need for institutional reforms, enhanced legal literacy, and the implementation of zero-tolerance policies to ensure safe and equitable work environments for women in Pakistan.

Keyword: Harassment, Sexual harassment, Violence, Working women, Workplace.

The Gwadar Conundrum: Navigating the Concerns and Prospects of China's Presence

Mubashra Shaheen — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Indian Ocean region has emerged as a critical geopolitical hub in the 21st century, driven by global transformations and shifting security paradigms that necessitate enhanced maritime capabilities among regional stakeholders. China's investment in Gwadar, Pakistan, has cemented its all-weather friendship, amidst geopolitical rivalries and regional challenges. Gwadar's strategic location at the mouth of the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf makes it a critical node for energy corridors and economic hubs. However, this development project faces opposition from regional and global actors, including the US and India, who harbour concerns about China's growing influence and potential security threats. Baloch leaders also express reservations, fearing marginalization and environmental degradation. Despite these challenges, the project presents opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation between South and Central Asia, thereby bolstering Pakistan's economy and supporting China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This paper will examine the implications of China's presence in Gwadar, exploring the geopolitical dynamics, regional security concerns, and economic potential, to provide insights into the future of Pakistan-China relations and regional developments. The study has applied the exploratory, qualitative, and analytical research methodology.

Keywords: China, Gwadar, BRI, US, India.

Integrating Critical Discourse Analysis and Genderlect: A Framework for Reshaping Democratic Institutions Towards Gender Equity in Pakistan

Waqar Mahmood Khan — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the intersection of language, gender, and democratic leadership using Norman Fairclough's CDA Model and Deborah Tannen's Genderlect Theory, in this regard, the study seeks to inquire as to how gendered discursive patterns build power relationships and thereby influence decision making within a democratic system. It proposes a bicameral system of governance where two gendered parliamentary forums, male and female, would synergistically tackle gender-specific issues and constitute an inclusive government. Organizations led by women are said to be women-centered, while those headed by men are male-centered. The model under consideration is based on cross-gender cooperation, mutual inclusion of both houses, and equality. The model stemming from the Islamic participatory spirit reiterates gender equality perceived in cultural and religious light. To this end, the present study proposes constitutional amendments to grant legitimacy for the establishment of women's and men's parliaments within institutional reforms. The issues somehow call for reforms due to recent happenings involving gender, particularly issues like the issue of the terrible rape of a girl in Punjab College and judicial pronouncement of the Lahore High Court barring male staff going to work in women-only institutions. The gravity with which the incidents demand looking into structural and legal means to protect women as well as give them visibility in governance. Drawing upon campaign trails, policy briefs, parliamentary debates, media narratives, and interviews with students, this study carried out discourse and thematic analyses as lenses to analyze the patterns of leadership and gendered social communication in action. Finding results thus lead to a democratic governance agenda in Pakistan where gender-inclusive policy-making facilitates social cohesion, equity, and progressive change.

Keywords: Gendered Leadership, Critical Discourse Analysis, Genderlect Theory, Islamic Ideology, Democracy.

The Role of the Supreme Court in Democratic Development in Pakistan (2009–2021)

Muhammad Tariq Rasheed Qamar, Prof. Dr. Yasmin Roofi — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article studies the role of the apex judiciary in the democratic development in Pakistan from 2009 to 2021, while focusing on the complex institutional interaction and power negotiations between the institutions and politicians. This study utilises a qualitative approach by conducting a case study analysis of selected important judicial verdicts of the apex court through the theoretical lens of the democratic consolidation theory, which requires the “willingness” of key players of a polity to keep democracy as the only game in town. This study contributes to the understanding of the apex judiciary’s behaviour towards democracy in Pakistan, by analysing selected verdicts of apex court involving important political disputes: the legitimacy of Musharraf’s emergency during PPP’s government, disqualification of PPP’s Prime Minister, allegation of defaming the military against PMLN’s Prime Minister, disqualification of PMLN’s Prime Minister and the PTI’s demand for open balloting for Senate’s election. It underscores that the role of the apex judiciary didn’t remain consistent towards democratic development during this period, as some verdicts exhibited a high “willingness” towards democratic development, but other verdicts prioritized compliance of judicial orders, accountability and procedural adherence over political stability, substantial democracy and representation, which resulted into the political loss to the ruling parties PPP, PMLN and PTI during this period. Therefore, the article concludes that the apex judicial forum played a mixed role towards democratic development during the period 2009-2021.

Keywords:, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Democratic Consolidation, Judicial Activism, Hybrid Democracy, Civil-Military Relations.

Impact of Triple-A Capabilities on Environmental Performance: Implications for Public Policy

Dr. Adeel Akhtar, Prof. Dr. Raemah Abdullah Hashim, Prof. Dr. Rosli Mahmood — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Triple-A Capabilities—comprising “Agility, Adaptability, and Alignment”—are recognized as essential for enhancing “supply chain performance” globally. Existing literature highlights the need for further investigation of the link between “Triple-A Capabilities” and “Environmental Performance”, especially within the context of developing nations. Accordingly, this research examines the relationship between these capabilities and “Environmental Performance” in Pakistan's pesticide industry. A quantitative approach was adopted under the positivist research paradigm. Initially, a review of existing literature helped to develop a conceptual framework to understand the interplay between “Triple-A Capabilities” and “Environmental Performance”. Subsequently, empirical data were gathered through an online structured questionnaire to test the proposed conceptual framework. The analysis was carried out using SmartPLS 4.0. Findings revealed a significant positive effect between “Triple-A Capabilities” and “Environmental Performance”. From a public policy perspective, it is recommended that government agencies promote the integration of Triple-A Capabilities through targeted supply chain training programs and regulatory incentives. Additionally, environmental compliance frameworks should be revised to encourage agility, adaptability, and alignment in operations. Future studies should be conducted across different countries and industrial sectors to increase the generalizability of the findings of current study.

Keywords: Triple-A Capabilities, Environmental Performance, Pesticide Firms, Public Policy, Pakistan