SADIQ Journal of Pakistan Studies

Designing a Framework for Peaceful Resolution of Transgender Violence in Pakistan

Ulfat Tahireen — 2024-12-31

Gender-based violence and transgender harassment are prevalent social issues in Pakistan, with the term "Hijras" being used to describe the transgender community. They are often stereotypically viewed as shameful and disgraced, and their lives are impacted by issues such as HIV-AIDS, sexual abuse, rape, drug abuse, beggary, suicidal thoughts, and psychological unrest. Although government recognition of the transgender community has been made, the implementation of these laws and ordinances is slow. This study aims to address these unreported and under-covered problems by interviewing transgender community, analyzing case studies, and conducting in-depth interviews with academic and civil society experts. Professionals from various institutions are also interviewed to gain their views on a possible peace framework for the transgender population. The study's findings aims to provide future prospects at social, legal, religious, and political levels.

Development of Postal System in Colonial Punjab and Evolution of Muslim Nationalism

Adeela Batool — 2024-12-31

This study assesses the development of postal system in colonial Punjab and explores the role of modernized postal system in the spread of nationalist sentiments among Muslims of the province. The paper seeks what measures were taken to modernize communication network in the province? how had the same system served the interests of the British Empire? And then how, on later stage, it had been proved beneficial for the Muslims of Punjab to use it for their political objectives? The study explores that due to the control on communication networks and information-exchange, the British dominated the Indian subcontinent. The colonial masters had not only imported the scientifically developed system but also subordinated the local communication networks. While the British aimed to use the postal system to solidify their control, this system ultimately contributed to the rise of Muslim nationalism and encouraged sentiments of independence among the masses. This study shows the dual role of postal system in strengthening both the oppression and the sentiments of liberation. The paper has been produced on the basis of primary source material which includes the Punjab Administrative Reports, published by British government as well as the statements of officials and the Indian Post and Telegraphic Acts available in the Punjab Archive, Lahore. The newspapers, books and research articles are other important source material.

Unraveling the Psyche of Achilles and Historical Narrative: A Psychoanalysis of the Heroic Complex in Homer's Iliad

Amina Bibi — 2024-12-31

This article presents a psychoanalytic exploration of Achilles' character in Homer's Iliad, departing from traditional heroic analyses. The study employs Freudian and Jungian frameworks to uncover the complex psychological nuances underlying Achilles' actions and motivations. The research combines textual and psychoanalytical to provide a comprehensive understanding of Achilles' psyche. It examines key relationships and events in the epic, including his conflicts with Agamemnon and Hector, his grief over Patroclus' death, and his interaction with Priam. The authors argue that Achilles' apparent pride and defiance mask deeper emotional and psychological afflictions. They explore the tension between his divine and mortal aspects, as well as the influence of unconscious motivations on his behavior. By unraveling the complexities of Achilles' character, this research aims to offer new insights into the themes of heroism, human nature, and the psychological impact of war as portrayed in this significant historical narrative.

History and Development of Religious Education in Multan

Fakhar Bilal — 2024-12-31

Education is process of facilitating learning, acquisition of knowledge, skills, values and sometimes beliefs and habits as well. Education is one key determinant of social mobility. Educational learning is of various types and kinds including formal an informal learning and environments. The purpose of education is giving awareness to lay man for differentiating between good and bad. Education of all worldly disciplines and sciences started slowly and gradually as human beings and society evolved. Religion has played a vital role in the development of human character, state and even society. The object of this paper is to trace the development and progress of education in Punjab general and religious education in particular in Multan while looking into the structure and system of education under the British rule.

The Kalasha Pantheon: Unveiling the Spiritual Heritage of an Ancient People

Muhammad Kashif Ali — 2024-12-31

The Kalasha people are the small tribe of indigenous people living in the isolated valleys of Chitral, Pakistan, who have kept the ancient polytheistic faith in an overwhelmingly Islamic region. This article is my humble step forward to highlight the diverse and indeed colourful spiritual realm of the Kalasha people via their dominant gods, their ceremonies, and their shrines. Starting with the general information concerning the Kalasha community the article goes through the mountain spirits and prehistoric religious belief systems that formed the basis for the Kalasha’s beliefs and values. Some of the basic deities like Dezau – the Creator God, Sajigor of the Rumbur Valley, Mahandeo, the Kalasha guardian deity and other guardian deities like Dezalik and Jestak who are considered to be the protectors of women and families are also considered here. It goes on to do so by discussing the guest god Balumain and enigma like deities Praba and Warin to underline the sophistication of the Kalasha spiritual system. These should be seen as aspects and measures of a cosmology which is genuinely nature-based, community-oriented, and spiritual. Though the Kalasha religion gives the best accounts of the ancient beliefs and practicing culture, the faith is under severe pressure as it comes in contact with other cultures and civilizations. Due to this, in this article, I hope to give a clear explanation of the Kalasha pantheon and why this area of spirituality is important, as well as the reason that they should be saved before they disappear completely.

Print Culture and Radical Activism in Punjab: A Case Study of Proscribed Pamphlets and Tracts in the 1920s and 1930s

Hafiz Muhammad Iqbal Nayyar — 2024-12-31

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the proscribed revolutionary literature published in Urdu in the early twentieth century. The literature, primarily in the form of pamphlets and tracts, became the chief means of disseminating revolutionary ideas among the Indian masses. On the one hand, these pamphlets and tracts exposed British injustices and authoritarian attitudes, and on the other, they created a sense of national awakening and political consciousness among the people of India. To make communication more effective and influential, revolutionaries used a genre of poetry that was more appealing and soothing to the public taste and resonated with the cultural tradition of oral communication, memorisation, and self-expression in Punjab. The verses urged masses, especially youth, to break the shackles of slavery and sacrifice their lives to liberate India from the clutches of foreign rule. To achieve this goal, the pamphlets emphasised that the people should bear oppression temporarily to eradicate it forever. This literature further stressed the need for Hindu-Muslim unity and advised on resolving all communal tensions. Likewise, they exposed the British legal and justice system, which had always been partial when dispensing justice to the natives. In addition, they glorified the deeds of the accused in the Kakori and Lahore Conspiracy Cases and offered them a tribute. They projected the 'afterlives' of martyrs as a source of inspiration and motivation for the living to continue their legacy. However, in the colonial discourse on sedition, these pamphlets and tracts were considered seditious and a potential threat to the ‘public safety’ and ‘maintenance of public order’. The British Government banned this literature under section 124-A (sedition act) of the Indian Penal Code; nonetheless, the revolutionary ideas preached in these pamphlets continued to influence people for a long time.