UCP Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences
UCP Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences is an HEC-recognized (Y-Category) research journal UCP Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences is an HEC-recognized (Y-Category) and an open-access research journal published by the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP). It is a multidisciplinary research journal that covers Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Governance and Public Policy, and Philosophy. The Journal serves as a nexus between academia, researchers, and policymakers, with a focus on promoting scholarly work with practical application to societal challenges. ISSN numbers: 2958-6895 (Online), 2958-6887 (Print)
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Univeristy of Central Punajb
Promoting Inclusive E-Governance: Role of Union Digital Centres in Bangladesh
This research examines the impact of UDCs on the accessibility of public e-services in rural Bangladesh. The study followed a qualitative research approach to collect primary data. A total of 20 in-depth interviews were conducted with service users, and 6 key informant interviews were conducted with UDC representatives involved in service delivery. The study revealed that service users were confronted with a range of ongoing issues, including bureaucratic incompetence, unreported additional fees, bias in service provision, and inadequate grievance and monitoring procedures. Findings reveal improvement in Bangladesh, particularly in enhanced accessibility, service delivery and user empowerment. However, Bangladesh has physical access barriers for marginalized groups and the influence of unofficial middlemen and personal networks challenges less prominent in other contexts. The results also indicate that UDCs do not have a positive impact on effective emergency or crisis service delivery. It highlights the need for transparency, accountability mechanisms, and effective complaint redressal. The study has potential contributions in making the evidence that UDC creates positive impacts, but there are barriers to accessibility for marginalized communities. Expanding local digital training hubs, improve broadband and helpdesks, enforcing service logs and audits, strengthening data security, and simplifying procedures to ensure faster, transparent, citizen-centred digital services.
Copyright (c) 2025 UCP Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Co-operation within Competition: Sino-U.S. Climate Engagement During the Biden Era
This study explores the shifting landscape of U.S.–China relations, where strategic rivalry, economic and technological competition, and selective cooperation unfold side by side. Grounded in Morton Deutsch’s theory of cooperation and competition, the research examines how both conflict and convergence take shape across key domains, including security, economics, technology, and climate diplomacy. Employing a qualitative method, the analysis draws exclusively from secondary sources such as policy papers, diplomatic statements, and scholarly literature. The findings highlight a growing divide in areas like military positioning and advanced technologies, yet also reveal ongoing collaboration, particularly around climate action. The U.S.–China relationship reflects a complex, interdependent dynamic where confrontation and cooperation continue to coexist.
Cooperative and Competitive Relationships
The Fragmentation of Globalization: State Resilience and the Rise of Neo-Mercantilism
Globalization is slowing down. Reasons are international turmoils, economic crises, wars and pandemics. These disturbances show how weak our supply chains are. Due to these countries are turning to neo mercantilist policies. They focus on national resources and production and try to manage on their own. Local production is back and governments are rushing to protect key industries. Countries are trying to reduce dependence on economies that are in competition with them. This can be seen in high technology and energy sectors. Economic nationalism is returning. It is reshaping global governance and putting pressure on the old liberal order. This study looks at that trend. It uses a qualitative approach which analyze documents and compare case studies. The framework focuses on the link between globalization, fragmentation, neo mercantilism and state resilience. The goal is to see how governments change their economic strategies when the world throws challenges at them. The methodology guides the research design, turning it into a clear strategy. It draws on current policy developments and global trade dynamics. State directed capitalism and regional economic blocks are creating a new form of globalization. It is motivated by self-interest and regulated by independence instead of openness.
Advancing Digital Pakistan: A Strategic Review of Current Progress and Global Best Practices
Digital governance has become a characteristic of national development that promotes transparency, efficiency, and participation of citizens. The world has been experiencing that digital transformation is not only about technology but about ensuring that the digital world is designed with the human world in mind namely, artificial intelligence. Such transformation can only be successful with the trust of the people, with citizens having faith in the reliability and security of the digital systems to succeed. Pakistan is on the threshold of its digitalization, and over the past few years, extended its digital infrastructure, creating 5G networks and international data connections. The data on the mobile internet gender gap has decreased between the years 2022-2023, which is a positive attempt at increasing digital inclusion. Such efforts as the initiative of URAAN Pakistan, a national plan encompassing the introduction of technology into the economic and social reforms, have started setting a new course of inclusive digitalization. The institutional advancements toward digital responsibility and empowerment are also demonstrated by the fact that digital evidence is recognized by the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the programmes led by the State Bank to include women in the financial sphere. However, the digital future of Pakistan remains challenged. The adoption of the E-office system is uneven, with bureaucratic stagnation, weak technical facilities, and fragmented coordination, which still slow down the transformation. As this paper highlights, it is not enough to have in place a proper infrastructure. Real change means that there has to be a systemic change in place, capacity building, and the creation of more effective regional cooperation between the government and the business sector. Based on the best practices of other successful models of digital governance, such as Estonia, Denmark, Singapore, and South Korea, this paper finds actionable principles and strategic suggestions towards the situation in Pakistan, with trust, inclusion, and human-centered governance.
Challenges to PTI Government during First Three Years of its Tenure (2018-21): The Way Forward
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf rose to power for the very first time in 2018 and got grappled with different socio-political, economic and external challenges that stared right in its face and could not let it stay afloat in the turbulent political waters. This research specifically aims at highlighting all the grave social, political, economic and external challenges confronted by PTI government along with some viable suggestions and recommendations that could have been helpful in overcoming and encountering all these challenges efficaciously. Survival challenge posed by PDM, the ‘burden of hopes’ like creation of Naya Pakistan and Riasat-e-Madinah and staggering economy can be reckoned amongst the foremost and major challenges faced by PTI government. The main motive and reason behind conducting research on this topic is to highlight the challenges confronting a government that assumes power for the very first time after defeating the two ever dominant parties, PPP and PML-N. It is a qualitative research where renowned politicians, journalists and educationalists have been interviewed while different reports and research papers have been consulted for secondary data. The research concludes that PTI government could have encountered the ‘survival challenge’ posed by PDM efficaciously and averted its downfall and ouster if it had given priority to the actual concerns and issues of the masses like inflation and unemployment instead of just remaining on political witch-hunting spree and setting it as its main priority and agenda.
Rethinking The Governance Paradigm for Dealing with Climate Change in Pakistan
This paper aims to explore the particular governance requirements dealing with the threat of climate change induced disaster given their as yet, essentially unpredictable nature. In this regard it will explore two inter-connected issues with regard to dealing with climate change. The first is the need for better national collaboration, between the ministries both at the federal and provincial level as well as between the center and the provinces, as climate requires a whole-of-government approach. Secondly, the need to rethink the social contract with a view to empowering the local government. Significant research has been done in this area which highlights that in case of disaster, the first and best responders are the local departments. Dealing with man-made climate change, requires a not just urgent reaction but out of the box solutions. This means that the current governance mechanism is not sufficiently equipped to deal with this challenge. The need to devolve power to the much-neglected local government level and given that Pakistan has a large and diverse terrain with multiple climatic zones, it is important to address the local concerns. This paper aims to explore how through anticipatory governance, Pakistan can deal with this essentially unpredictable phenomenon. This paper employs a descriptive qualitative methodology and consultation of secondary research. It offers possible outcomes/ implications to improve the governance structure with better collaboration between the different tiers of government, given that Pakistan is a federation where many of the subjects are devolved to the provinces, as well as the various ministries at federal/ provincial levels. It has also investigated the implications for better management of climate change induced disasters through empowering the local government.
Economic Security of Pakistan: Lessons from History
Pakistan's economic journey has been marked by numerous challenges and fluctuations, shaped by a combination of multiple internal and external factors. This historical analysis looks into the key economic phases of Pakistan, exploring the political and global influences that have shaped its economic landscape. From the early struggles of post-independence to periods of rapid growth and subsequent downturns, this study highlights the pivotal moments and policies that have impacted Pakistan's economic development. Key issues such as political instability, structural imbalances, and reliance on foreign aid are examined in the paper. Additionally, the analysis considers the role of agriculture, industrialization, and the service sector in driving economic growth. Through this historical study, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the persistent economic challenges facing Pakistan and some suggestions for development. This study employs a qualitative historical research approach, analyzing archival records, government reports, and scholarly literature to trace Pakistan’s economic trajectory.
The Digital Dilemma: Addiction of Internet, its Impact on Emotional Intelligence and Fear of Missing Out in Youth
This study is to determine the association between internet addiction, emotional intelligence, and young FOMO keeping that 64% of Pakistanis are under 30. While emotional intelligence is inversely correlated with both FOMO and online addiction, internet addiction is a major contributing factor to FOMO. using stratified random sampling and a correlational investigation. This study used stratified random sampling and a correlational research approach to investigate the connections between internet addiction, FOMO (fear of missing out), and emotional intelligence among youth. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between internet addiction and FOMO (r = .50, p < .01), while emotional intelligence was negatively correlated with both internet addiction (r = –.11, p < .01) and FOMO (r = –.08, p < .05). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that internet addiction significantly predicted, accounting for 26% of the variance. No significant gender differences found in levels of internet addiction, FOMO, or emotional intelligence. Similarly, ANOVA results showed that age did not significantly influence FOMO. These findings highlight the interplay between emotional intelligence and digital behavior in youth, suggesting important implications for interventions aimed at mitigating internet addiction and FOMO through emotional competence development.
War Policies of Democrats and Republicans in USA since 9/11: Perils and Prospects
In light of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks the war policies of both Republicans and Democrats in the United States have been strategically different. This study examines how the two main political parties took different tracks in dealing with the problems of terrorism and upholding U. S. security even though they both shared a commitment to national security. The historical background of pre-9/11 war policies and the immediate bipartisan consensus that characterized the early response to the attacks are described at the beginning of the paper. The study concentrates on Republican administrations and explores the neoconservative policies of the George W. Bush administration marked by the use of unilateral action and military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. It also looks at Donald Trump’s America First strategy which prioritized stepping up counterterrorism efforts while reducing military engagement overseas. Barack Obama's emphasis on diplomacy covert operations and multilateralism as well as Joe Biden's emphasis on putting an end to forever wars and giving non-military means of power priority are used to evaluate Democratic war policies. A comparative analysis reveals differences in multilateralism military engagement and the balance between security and civil liberties while highlighting similarities in counterterrorism priorities and technological advancements. This study also assesses how these policies affect the US’s reputation and standing in the world. Through analyzing academic discussions and critiques of the strategies of both parties this study offers a sophisticated perspective on how political ideologies have influenced U.S. post-9/11 war policy and its wider ramifications for upcoming foreign policy plans.
Authorization of Use of Military Force (AUMF)
Comparative Analysis of Learning Styles and Academic Stress Among HSSC, A Level, and IBDP Students in Punjab, Pakistan
This study was conducted to examine the learning styles and the status of academic stress prevalent among Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC), Advanced Level (A Level), and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) students hailing from Punjab, Pakistan – methodologically entailing a ‘descriptive research using a survey design’ framework. Data was gathered from 983 students enrolled in the local HSSC, A Level and IBDP streams employing a systematic random sampling technique via a self-developed questionnaire. This input was organized, coded, and analysed using SPSS software, applying both inferential and descriptive statistics, with the results revealing significant differences in the learning styles among the three student cohorts. Most of the pupils in the HSSC stream consistently adopted surface learning style, while most A Level student deployed strategic learning style. The majority of IBDP students, however, regularly adopted both strategic and deep learning styles. Moreover, a significant difference in academic stress levels was found between the three groups, with HSSC students experiencing more perceived stress compared to A Level and IBDP students. Education stakeholders have, therefore, been recommended to train students to adopt appropriate learning styles to improve their academic performance and reduce concurrent academic stress.
Copyright (c) 2024 UCP Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (HEC Recognized-Y Category) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Challenges in Implementing Electronic Voting (e-voting) in Pakistan
Implementing electronic voting (e-voting) within Pakistan faces multiple barriers from various technical, social, and institutional components. This research bases its approach on the interpretive research paradigm to study e-voting adoption barriers using thematic analysis on 30 expert interviews. Eight dominant conceptual groupings from the collected data identified the main challenges people faced during this transitional phase. The scarcity of resources and inadequate infrastructure barriers impede mainly those communities that remain underdeveloped in rural areas. Implementing e-voting remains difficult since inconsistent electrical supply and inadequate internet connectivity function as environmental barriers. Data security vulnerabilities and suspected cyber threats make substantial security risks the most significant impediment regarding the electronic voting system. The system fails to gain trust because it requires a set of institutions to regulate it properly. High operational costs and financial expenses limit the feasibility of adopting e-voting systems for investment. The absence of relevant social group consultation during decision-making processes creates a social group exclusion in the decision-making process. The general public resists new technology systems because they do not understand technical matters sufficiently. Before elections, the implementation process requires strict time constraints from e-voting systems, which generate added pressure on this complex procedure. E-voting adoption in Pakistan needs secure system development, ability-building among stakeholders, and broad involvement of affected parties to implement modern voting technology successfully. This research confirms that Pakistan requires extensive strategies to bring e-voting systems because existing problems need specific solutions beforehand.
Why Regional Cooperation is Facing a Challenge in South Asia
Despite lofty intentions for regional cooperation and connectivity, regional organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have been unable to turn their vision into reality due to regional diversity, anarchic world structure, and instability in the South Asian region due to foreign meddling. South Asia has long struggled with regional connectivity: infrastructure is weak, political relations are difficult, and regional trade accounts for barely 5% of overall trade. Because of this low degree of trade, the World Bank has classified South Asia as one of the least interconnected areas in the world. This paper will look at how South Asia's idea of regional connection gained traction and why regional connectivity remains a difficulty in the area. By assessing the realist paradigm of state behavior and the emerging consequence of mistrust among the member states of South Asia, which generates a lack of political will to integrate, this paper will also inspect foreign intervention in the region, which impedes regional connectivity and growth, and seek to regionalize South Asia in the manner of ASEAN.
Love as the Achievement of Mystical Experience by Bergson and Iqbal: A Critical Appraisal
Henry Bergson (1859-1941) and Mohammad Iqbal (1877-1938) wished to establish religious truth on firm grounds beyond any doubt. For this purpose, both relied heavily on Religious or Mystical Experience, which is direct and doubt-free. However, the next and most important question is: What does the mystic achieve from this experience? The answer is “Knowledge”--- but what is the nature of this knowledge and how does it differ from other types of knowledge? Why and how does the mystic (or Prophet) use it? Both Iqbal and Bergson name it ‘Love’, which is a Life-force, Energy and a ‘Transforming power’ with the help of which the person having undergone the experience revolutionises and changes the character of mankind. This paper has the objective to analyse the nature of this love, of which the ontology is dubious, therefore, its own claims may be uncertain too. Moreover, the approach of Iqbal to present love as an opponent or rival of knowledge and intellect has been questioned. Additionally to which extent these views are compatible with Qur’an have also been discussed at length. The methodology is qualitative and analytic and the authors have shown serious reservations on the nature of love in the findings.
Experience, Intuition Knowledge, Love, Mysticism, Reason, Transformation.
Lost in the Translation: Punjabi Identity and Language in Pakistan
Punjabi identity in Pakistan is primarily motivated by the language. The discussion around the Punjabi language or identity has received criticism in the contemporary political milieu of Pakistan compared to other ethnic identity politics. Many leftists render the debate around diminishing Punjabi identity and language as an insignificant question because Punjabis constitute majority. Despite numerical dominance, Punjabi usage and vernacular are waning compared to Eastern Punjab. These developments are demoted with Punjabi identity as secondary to supporting perceived threats to the federation since Fall of Dhaka and Punjabi elites' preference for Urdu. Regardless of the profound historical and cultural richness of the Punjabi culture and language, as evidenced by literary contributions and vast historical demographic, their cultural identity is paradoxically relegated to mockery and jest.
The Political Foundations of Economic Development in China: Lessons for Pakistan
China’s unique governance system involving centralization - decentralization mixture, political meritocracy, and the institutionalization of leadership succession has facilitated its economic miracle during the reform era. Substantial political reforms have been implemented in Chinese polity during past four decades ranging from the power succession system to decentralized local administration. Both these parts of political reform have provided China not only with enhanced political stability and legitimacy but also with the fruits of good governance and efficient administration. The Chinese development is a state-led development with regional decentralization. Pakistan also needs a proactive role of state in a decentralized framework to stimulate economic development. The Pakistani state needs to devolve its economic, fiscal and administrative functions to lower levels of government. The element of political decentralization by encouraging citizens’ participation in public decision making is also critical for improving governance standards.
Causal Relationship Between Relative Deprivation and Voting Behavior and Political Activism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
This study examines how relative hardship affects voting and participating in politics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has no tangible proof linking these elements. However, previous study evidence suggests a correlation. The research investigation analyzes regional survey responses to fill this gap. The statistical investigation included a face-to-face survey with 384 randomly chosen Pakistanis. Respondents were given questions about their voting and political participation and estimated relative deprivation with a standardized scale. The research investigation found that relative hardship affects Pakistani voting and political engagement. Participation in politics correlated more with relative disadvantage than voting. The research additionally showed that gender, residence, and household income did not significantly influence respondents' views. However, age and level of education strongly influenced participants' factor observations. The research presented here shows that relative deprivation strongly influences Pakistani political behavior in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Thus, tackling this problem may increase political engagement and voter knowledge in the region in question
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: India’s Strategic Ambiguities in the Indo-Pacific Region
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) involving Australia, India, Japan, and the United States of America began in 2017 following a decade-long gap, with the objective of ensuring a liberal Indo-Pacific area. These prolonged constraints temporarily harmed Quadrilateral cooperation, but they are not permanent due to the four countries' shared interests in preserving a regional balance of influence, access to the seas, a free economic order based on laws, combating political debt trapping, and reining in China’s assertiveness to claim territories. China's new leadership has been more aggressive and stronger, actively promoting its interests in South China and East China seas and also developing the BRI in order to display hegemonic ambitions. On the other hand, the QUAD States have already responded to China's growing aggressiveness by strengthening their collaboration in a variety of sectors, therefore multiplying the Allied States' capabilities. Despite the enormous harm caused by the Covid-19 epidemic, which presented a serious threat to the member states' economic development, coordination is likely to continue in order to fulfil common goals. The study discusses QUAD's response as well as India's strategic uncertainties in the Indian Ocean owing to China's growing influence in the blue waters. Due to the differing analyses of the threats faced by China, the paper reflects the view that India plays a critical role in the dialogue between the four countries. However, this does not prevent the QUAD Alliance from cooperating more closely on standards, strategic communications, economic policies, and military cooperation in order to preserve the democratic order that has benefited all of them.
China-Afghanistan Relations: Implications for China in the Post-US Military Exit from Afghanistan
The post-US military exit from Afghanistan has produced a new opening for Chinese engagement in Afghanistan. Two aspects, security concerns and economic opportunities to this effect, are significant and will determine the contours of paradigm that will guide China’s new engagement in Afghanistan. Two things will determine the stability in the region: China’s assessment of the implications and policy response to fill in the vacuum, and, secondly, how China balances its security apprehensions with economic openings. Otherwise, chaos might spell not only in its western border but the region in its backyard might slide to chaos and will enhance Chinese security concerns. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the nature of security concerns and their impact on Beijing’s economic interests. ‘Great Cohesive Power’ framework has been employed to explain China’s New Neighborhood Diplomacy that is aimed by Beijing to balance between security concerns and economic interests.
Examining the Impact of Childhood Experiences, Perceived Stress, and Coping Strategies on Internet Gaming Disorder in Adolescents
Besides being a major leisure activity, online gaming also has its role in recreation and education purposes. But this has also been a leading cause of many psychological problems. The objective of the present research is to examine the impact of perceived stress, childhood experiences and coping strategies on adolescents with Internet Gaming Disorder. Correlational research design was used along with purposive sampling to gather data from boys (n=158) and girls (n= 98) of about 13-18 years of age. The participants must be utilizing at least 4-6 hours on internet gaming on daily basis. Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen S. K., 1983) , Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ-58, (Styła, 2018) , Measure of Adolescents Coping Strategies scale (MACS) (Sveinbjornsdottir, 2017 ) and 10-item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) (Király, 2015)) were used as measures for the research. The study revealed a noteworthy positive correlation between coping strategies, perceived stress, childhood experiences, and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Negative childhood experiences were predictive of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). The study found that coping strategies played a significant mediating role in the association between childhood experiences, perceived stress, and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). There were no significant results observed regarding gender differences and Internet Gaming Disorder. Instead of facing stressful situations, some people find their escape in online gaming and shift their focus maladaptively from stressful situations to the game. This maladaptive shift to online games makes the person feel he/she still can control things and temporarily helps them to forget about the stressful event. The outcomes of this research could be used as a mode of teaching and inculcating healthy and effective coping in adolescents who believe that their time and energy should only be worthy if invested in game related difficulties.
Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Academic Achievements
The present study finds out the relationship between socioeconomic status and academic achievements. The study analyzed individual differences among students, the socio-economic conditions, and academic achievements at the higher secondary level. It carried out in Jaranwala, a tehsil of district Faisalabad, Punjab. Data were collected through questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS Version-21. Statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and rank order were utilized for data analysis and interpretation. To determine an order of importance, we multiplied the score value assigned to each category of the scale by the number of times that category appeared in the data. The averages were determined by dividing the total by the total number of measurements taken. After that, the average values of each factor were considered as they were ranked. As an outcome of the indirect caciques, it was shown that children’s Academic Achievements were significantly impacted by their socioeconomic status. The study came to conclusion that occupations, income, social status residential area and other indicators of socioeconomic status of a household influenced the academic achievements of students.
Mental Well-being and Life Satisfaction as the Outcomes of Life Orientation and Resilience among University Students
The purpose of this study was to investigate into how life orientation and resilience affect university students' sense of life satisfaction and mental health. It was hypothesized that the correlation between life orientation, resilience, mental health, and life satisfaction would be statistically significant. It was also hypothesized that resilience and life orientation would be significant predictors of life satisfaction and mental-wellbeing, and mental well-being and life satisfaction would have significant differences in terms of gender. The study's sample (N=300) was drawn from university students. Purposive sampling was employed to choose all participants, with age ranging from 18 to 29 years. The Life Orientation Scale (1994) developed by Scheier, the Resilience Scale (NMRQ) developed by McBride (2020), the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (2006), and the Life Satisfaction Scale (SWLS) developed by Deiner (1985) were used to assess university the study variables. The current study showed that life satisfaction, resilience, life orientation, and mental well-being are all significantly positively correlated. The results also revealed that resilience and life orientation strongly predict the mental health of university students. Life orientation was found to be a significant predictor of university students' life satisfaction. Male university students scored higher than female university students in terms of mental health and life satisfaction.
Trust in State Institutions and Satisfaction with Life among Christian Minorities in Pakistan
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.
Copyright (c) 2023 UCP Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (HEC Recognized-Y Category) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Iqbal and Bergson on Mystical Experience: A Critique
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 (20th 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’.
Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities: Pakistan’s Tightrope Walk Between Saudi Arabia and Iran
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.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Implications for South Asian Region
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
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
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.
Measures of Energy Destitution: A New Complemented Methodology
Although the multidimensional energy poverty index (MEPI) gauges the extent and depth of energy poverty but overlooks gradations among energy-poor households that also have vital importance, as understanding degrees of energy poverty will lead to their reduction subsequently. This inability to differentiate the poor from the poorest urges to take a step further and design a new deep and complemented methodology, Measures of Energy Destitution: a subset of the MEPI and denoted with a superscript MEPID. All the parameters such as dimensions, indicators, and weights have remained unchanged except for deprivation cut-offs and poverty cut off- an intensity approach sets a stringent poverty cut-off, and a depth approach constitutes an extreme deprivation cut-off to discriminate between the energy-poor and the poorest (destitute). With the application of these novel approaches, we can calculate the extent, depth, and degrees of ‘energy destitution’ across the multiple dimensions of energy services. The results showed widespread energy destitution across the 59 selected countries. Consequently, it is helpful to assess the status of energy-destitute households and eradicate severe energy poverty by announcing various additional incentives, allocating resources, and providing special assistance to those who are at the bottom.
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Domestic Food Uncertainty and Nutritional Rank of Children aged 6-59 Months in Rural Nankana Sahib
The present study investigated domestic food deficiency and nutritional rank of children aged 6-59 months and the relationship between socioeconomic status, domestic food deficiency, and nutritional rank among children. Quantitative and correlational research designs were used to explain the predictive relationship of between domestic food deficiencies and socio-economic status. Study population was Nankana Sahab Punjab (Pakistan) and used simple random sampling to select participants from each area household. Data was collected through a questionnaire, and data were analyzed through SPSS Version-21. Simple linear and multiple linear regression tests were applied to measure the actual prediction among domestic food deficiencies and socio-economic status, and nutritional ranks. As an outcome of the indirect consequence, it was shown that children's malnutrition was significantly impacted by food insecurity, nutritional needs, water and sanitation, and nutritional status. This indicates that as family food insecurity arises, children's malnutrition also declined. Additionally, factors including food accessibility, vitamin consumption, water and sanitation, and dietary habits were important for child growth stunting and nutritional status. The study came to the conclusion that children's stunting and nutritional status are influenced both simultaneously and indirectly by economic class and experiencing deficiencies of nutrition.
Politics of US Sanctions Against Iran: An Analysis Since 2000
Sanctions have been a regular feature of U.S. policy toward Iran for more than three decades. The study of, the hypothesis put forth by, this paper has its roots in a detailed analysis of the relations between USA and Iran in the time frame of 2 decades, 2000 to 2020, changing trends in the aforementioned relation upon the basis of economic sanctions imposed by the USA. The paper is categorized into the administrations of three US Presidents (Bush, Obama and Trump) and traces all the sanctions imposed throughout their presidencies. It focuses on the difference between the administrative sanction policies of Bush, Obama and Trump towards Iran despite of the country being acquiescent with its obligations based on the nuclear deal; JCOPA (The Iranian Nuclear Deal). The study is conducted in the light of two theories of International Relations: realism and liberalism.