UCP Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (HEC Recognized-Y Category)

Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities: Pakistan’s Tightrope Walk Between Saudi Arabia and Iran

2023-11-07T07:02:54+00:00

The Saudi-Iran rivalry has been the topic of much discussion and debate for years and naturally more so in Pakistan, where the Kingdom is viewed as a longstanding ally and Iran is seen as an important neighbor. Rapidly changing global dynamics are resulting in countries to seek out sustainable economic linkages - consequently leading to a restructuring of alliances. In this respect, the China mediated rapprochement between Riyadh and Tehran, portends numerous possibilities for Pakistan. Using the hedging strategy, this paper will discuss Pakistan’s balancing strategy, when it comes to bilateral relations with both these countries as well as the challenges Islamabad has faced over the years. It will also summarize the opportunities of a potential long-term consensus between Riyadh and Tehran and illustrate how collaboration in domains such as food security and counterterrorism and projects within the purview of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can form a baseline for a future trilateral partnership between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Trust in State Institutions and Satisfaction with Life among Christian Minorities in Pakistan

2023-11-07T07:10:38+00:00

This article examines the complex link between religious minority' life satisfaction and their trust in state institutions. The research tries to understand how social cohesiveness affects democracy by examining the effect of faith in institutions including the government, legal system, politicians, political parties, and police on life satisfaction of the religious minorities. The study was cross-sectional in nature and 400 respondents were sampled from four districts of Punjab (100 from each district). Data was analyzed using SPSS and ordinal logistic regression analysis was carried out to predict life satisfaction from trust in state institutions and socio-demographic variables. The results showed that district (p < .05), gender (p < .05), and trust in state institutions (p < .01) significantly contributed to the model. The odds of higher satisfaction increased by 1.09 times (95% CI: 1.04 – 1.15, p < .01) with increase in trust in state institutions. The study concludes that trust in state institutions can be a significant factor affecting life satisfaction among minorities.

Iqbal and Bergson on Mystical Experience: A Critique

2023-11-07T07:09:15+00:00

Iqbal and Bergson have remarkably similar views on Mystical Experience. Both believed in the validity rather superiority of the knowledge achieved through Mystical Experience. Both had a desire to establish knowledge on some firm ground which is beyond any doubt. Moreover, both wished to make room for Metaphysics in an era (20^th Century) which was ferociously hostile for this discipline. They had an objective to pave the way for a person in whom individuality has reached its peak and he is able to break the rigid and static world-order to replace it with a dynamic, active, energetic and vibrant one. This paper has used the qualitative methodology and analytical approach to show that Mystical Experience of Both Iqbal and Bergson is not a reliable source of knowledge reliable scientifically, philosophically and even religiously. Major finding of the paper is that mystical experience may not be a valid source of authentic knowledge hence it cannot be taken as the basis of any organized religion. The paper has concluded that it is not a substitute of the Prophetic revelation. Revelation is sent to the select few of Allah and may never be termed as ‘experience’.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Implications for South Asian Region

2023-11-06T10:55:00+00:00

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a significant infrastructure and economic development initiative that aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network of infrastructure projects. The BRI has implications for the South Asian region, as several South Asian countries are participating in the initiative. This paper provides an overview of the BRI, its goals, and its potential implications for the South Asian region. The paper examines the BRI's impact on the South Asian region in several areas, including trade, investment, energy, and connectivity. The BRI has the potential to increase trade and investment flows between China and South Asia, which could benefit the region's economies. However, it also raises concerns about the potential for increased Chinese influence in the region, as well as the risk of debt traps for participating countries. The paper also explores the BRI's implications for regional connectivity and energy security. The BRI's infrastructure projects could improve connectivity in the region, but they could also exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions, particularly between India and China. Additionally, the BRI's energy projects could help address the region's energy needs, but they could also increase reliance on China for energy resources. Overall, the BRI has significant implications for the South Asian region, and its impact will depend on how it is implemented and how participating countries manage the risks associated with the initiative.

The Inter-Services Public Relations Creating Narratives through Visuals: Pakistan’s Nation branding and Public Diplomacy

2023-10-28T09:14:00+00:00

In Pakistan, the Inter-Service Public Relation (ISPR) Media wing of Armed Forces in Pakistan has historically been considered as an institution that is sufficiently delivering to change the false narrative about Pakistan. The international image of Pakistan was being linked to unsafe country because of terrorism, religious extremism, and presumed branding as a failed state. There was a need to change the image of Pakistan internationally. States now adopt nation-branding and public diplomacy strategies to safeguard their national interests and to maintain their good image internationally. This paper would discuss that how the strategies of nation branding and public diplomacy enhanced the image of Pakistan and which variables Pakistan used for developing favorable public perception and country branding.

Feminist Approach and Implication of Womenomics: Case Study of Germany’s Angela Merkel

2023-10-23T09:53:22+00:00

The field of Feminism theory become a part of International Relations during the 1980s, to study the impact of gender on politics. Cynthia Enloe questioned women and politics which has a huge impact on every individual, as it was a question no one ever asked before. The world is slowly accepting the revolutions that women are bringing. The introduction of the Womenomics term in Japan and how it is also becoming a part of other countries. Feminist Foreign policies are introduced and countries accept and implement them in their country. Feminist International Theory challenges Realism as the main difference between them is individuals as a priority. Angela Merkel is a living example of changing world and the beliefs of the people living in it. She becomes chancellor of Germany three times as it is hard for any woman to survive in male-dominated politics, but Angela Merkel survived and smooth the path for so many women in the world.

Keywords: Angela Merkel, Feminist Foreign Policy, Feminist International Relations, Germany, Womenomics.