Political Science

The 2022 floods in Pakistan have been disastrous for the country, as they have impacted almost all the provinces of Pakistan. This paper investigates the impacts of the 2022 floods on the residents of Kheshgi refugee village in district Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which was vulnerable and exposed to the floods. It had devastating impacts on people’s lives. It was thus important to investigate its impacts on the Afghan refugees in the Kheshgi refugee village. The study focused on the impacts of the infrastructure of the refugee village, economic impacts, impacts on the people’s livelihood, psychological and physical impacts, impacts on the women, children, and PWDs, and environmental impacts. The paper explores the lived experiences of Afghan refugees in times of crisis and natural disasters such as floods. The data was collected through in-depth interviews with the flood-affected people of the community who have faced the 2022 flood impacts and from the staff of the humanitarian organisations that have provided support to the affected people. The findings of the study reveal that the 2022 floods impacted all aspects of the Afghan refugees’ lives in the Kheshgi refugee village, which brought various hurdles and challenges for the community people.

This paper is an attempt to understand the role of religion and religious seminaries in electoral politics in Shergarh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This paper concentrates on two of the most famous seminaries in the area, which are aligned with Jamiat Ulema Islam and Jamaat-e-Islami. The research seeks to do so by investigating the networks between how these institutions conducted their education and the region's political environment. To achieve the results, this study uses a mixed methods approach with questionnaires as well as in-depth interviews with different stakeholders (students, educators, and local political figures). It provides a full understanding of how religious teachings are related to the political scenario and electoral outcomes. The indoctrination at the seminaries matters to voter behaviour and party preference. These seminaries are important venues for disseminating political messages and framing issues in a religious context that resonates with the local population. This indoctrination within these institutions can directly affect how politics is done and how the elections are conducted. The study makes a further contribution to the understanding of how the process of political socialization takes place in these seminaries.

The United States adopted a policy of de-hyphenation in its relations with India and Pakistan in the post-09/11 period which continued to be operational in the period 2005-2015. This policy apparently meant that the United States would deal each of the two South Asian adversaries, India and Pakistan. The main reason for this phenomenon was that the policy-makers in the US saw India as a heavy-weight to counter the rising economic, political and military power of China in Asia. Pakistan could not be fitted in this strategic calculus. The United States changed its previous position on Kashmir and instead of calling for resolving this issue according to the United Nations resolutions, it stressed on bilateral negotiations. Similarly, the United States endorsed Indian stance that Pakistan was backing terrorist outfits that perpetrated acts of terrorism in India. Strategic partnership between The US and India extended cooperation in civil nuclear technology, missile defense, space techno...

This paper presents the impact of political decision on regional trade between India and Pakistan from the prospect of Pakistan Most Favoured Nation (MFN). The study is based on pre and post MFN status, which shows substantial evidence that Indian decision of declaring Pakistan as MFN in 1996 has shifted the dimension of trade in favour of India. The study is based on qualitative and descriptive analysis, which shows consumerism in Pakistan and its trend of Indian exports to Pakistan. The broad objective of study is aimed at analysing the possibility of trade between India and Pakistan under the world trading system. However, Pakistan exports to India are indifferent to Indian economic situation and Pakistan’s decision has insignificant impact on mutual trade. Thus, despite the volatile relationship, trade can play an important role for economic growth of Pakistan and the country can exploit the bigger market of India. Further, reduction in political tensions would eventually benefi...

Politics of Islamic Shariah in the Contemporary Muslim WorldIslam is the third most rapidly expanding religion in the world, and today there are approximately 1.6 billion heterogeneous followers worldwide. The 19th and 20th century expedited the spread of Islam under the powerful European imperial rule and is still spreading in Africa, Europe and America where in the number of Muslims has increased notably. It is a religion for all people based on diverse ethnic backgrounds and contributing to building of global civilization. It proved to be pivotal in development of intellectualistic and socio-cultural structure, and for more than eight centuries Persian and Arabic ruled the world as the languages of science and intellect of the world. It was golden age of Muslims and after the 14th century "decline of Muslims started due to foreign domination, stagnation in religion and sluggishness in the field of education, research and development"(Robert, 2010). So, the present Musli...

Since the eve of 9/11, Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have become strategically vital region in the world and also for the security and defence of Pakistan. The area is landlocked and an important junction of South, Southwest and Central Asia and chessboard of great power politics. The war on terror and the US and NATO actions against the Taliban militants and al-Qaeda network have changed the fabric of FATA region. This situation has created challenging circumstances for the security and stability of Pakistan. Moreover, the US has given free hand to India in Afghanistan which is a serious matter to Pakistan’s security concerns. However, the war seems to be “bleeding wound” for Pakistan because it is hurting more as compared to gains. So, the best strategy for Islamabad is disengagement from the war because it will protect FATA which is real strategic depth for the country’s defence rather than Kabul and it will also strengthen internal stability and guarantee...

This article traces the history and examines the roots ofthe complex, volatile, and intractable dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. The Kashmir issue has plagued both countries domestically since independence in 1947; it haunts relations between India and Pakistan and, in turn, between the two South Asian neighbors and other countries in the region. In many ways, the dispute over Kashmir is an ethnic, religious, and territorial issue with the potential for strategic and economic gains to India and Pakistan. Both nations assert strong legal and moral claims to Kashmir. Meanwhile, many inhabitants of Kashmir have virtually reconciled themselves to accepting the status quo and have practically abandoned their insistence on the right to self-determination. A major uprising against Indian rule, begun in 1989 by Kashmiri Muslims, has changed the face of Kashmir to such an extent that a gun culture has converted the fabled paradise into a martyrs' graveyard. Many in Pakistan and India believe that the possession of nuclear weapons, together with a satisfactory delivery mechanism, gives them a credible deterrence and will discourage confrontation. Therefore, they conclude, the region has achieved stability through deterrence. But what effect will the nuclear tests in 1998 have on the resolution of the Kashmir dispute? This article explores this question and examines ways in which both countries might extricate themselves from the dispute without any further human or material losses.

Pakistan is located at the confluence of three vital regions of South, Central and West Asia and provides the shortest access to the sea for all landlocked countries of Central Asia besides Western China. Strategic communication and trade linkages among these three regions passing through Pakistan will transform the country into an economic hub giving boost to inter-regional economic activity. Baluchistan sits on estimated reserves of 29 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 6 billion barrels of oil. The Gwader complex will provide a port, warehouses, and industrial facilities for more than twenty countries. The port will eventually be able to receive oil tankers with a capacity of 200,000 tons. The construction of Gwadar port and related connecting routes with Afghanistan actually reduce these distances by approximately 500 km for Pakistan-Central Asia traffic. Pakistan and China are up-grading the Karakoram Highway (KKH). The two countries have agreed to open four new road links through the Khunjerab Pass, bringing the total number of China-Pakistan roads links to eight. Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to initiate a bus service that would not only enhance trade but also be an important tool to promote people-to-people contacts between the four countries. Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan gas pipeline projects are important to meet the growing energy needs of Pakistan and India. Although Central Asia is landlocked, the tremendous untapped hydrocarbon wealth of the Caspian Sea region makes it the world's envy. Pakistan offers the critical overland routes and connectivity for mutually beneficial trade and energy transactions intraregionally and inter-regionally. Pakistan's membership and association of the regional organizations namely SCO, SAARC and ECO lends the country a unique position to facilitate inter-regional cooperation. Pakistan's participation in these projects will symbolize the return of the Indus valley to the central place in region-wide economic and cultural interaction.

Energy reserves are remaking the geopolitical map in Eurasian region. The end of Cold War and disintegration of the USSR was a paradigm shift in international politics and the USA emerged as the sole global power. The six predominantly Muslims` states of the Central Eurasian region of former USSR attracted the world primarily for its vast hydrocarbon reserves. When the People's Republic of China (PRC) came into existence, Mao Zedong adopted the policy of self-reliance while his successor Deng Xiaoping opted for opening to the outside world. The economic reforms of Deng Xiaoping paved the way for making China the world`s fastest growing economy. Keeping in view China's energy requirements Central Asian region got special significance for the PRC. By investing its capital in Central Asian oil and gas sector China is securing its future energy needs. The PRC and Pakistan have convergence of interests in the region. Pakistan holds important position in the regional geoeconomic and strategic panorama. India`s shortest access to Afghanistan and CARs is through Pakistan. South and Central Asian regions are reconnecting for peace and development. Regional developments point to the fact that cooperation will be in the interest of all stake holders.

BABUR`S CONTRIBUTIONS TO UNDERSTANDING AND DEVELOPMENT OF LINKAGES BETWEEN CENTRAL AND SOUTH ASIA
By
Prof. Dr. Zahid Anwar
Department of Political Science,
University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Office: Tel: 0919216751, ozahid@hotmail.com
It is an interesting study to explore linkages between Central and South Asia in historical perspective. This piece of research digs out the impact of increased linkages on the peoples` of the two regions. Central and South Asian Regions have geographical, ethnic, historical and cultural connections. Natural and human geography played a significant role in the transfer of ideas and goods between the two regions. From time immemorial important personalities and crucial events have affected these linkages. Maurya, Kushan, Greek, Hindushahi, Mongol, Timurid and Mughul dynasties influenced the developments in Central Asia and South Asia. Zahiruddin Mohammad Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodhi of the Indian Lodhi dynasty in the battle of Panipat in 1526 and founded Mughal Empire and influenced to a great extent the war technology in the subcontinent. Babur is credited with introducing cannons in warfare when he invaded India. During the 1st Battle of Panipat, he has about fifteen thousand soldiers and twenty four odd cannons. Ibrahim Lodi the Sultan of Delhi on the other hand had about forty thousand troops and hundred war elephants. Babur is said to have used his cannons to good effect. The success and the new developments in its wake facilitated the flow of ideas and natural resources and goods between South and Central Asian Areas. Babar was a prolific writer and keen observer and he is also important because he is participant observer. On the one hand he took active part in the regional political developments in that point in time and on the other he chronicled what happened during his expeditions. His world renowned Baburname is an excellent depiction of his time and clime.  On the one hand it helps to understand the ecstasy of a successful empire builder on the other it also expose the agony of a displaced person. In that point in time trade flourished and exchange of people between the two areas increased. South Asian Cuisine is much influenced by Central Asian and Turkic food culture and vice verse. South Asia took many names of its cities from Central Asia. Many sufis/ saints migrated from central Asia to Indian Subcontinent. And to a considerable extent Mughal Architecture was influenced by Central Asian styles. Ethnic intermingling increased which helped in understanding of the two peoples. With advent of Zahiruddin Babar the founder of Mughal Empire in the subcontinent Central Asian impact increased on the Cultural and religious values and Sufi traditions. This paper explores the development of linkages in the aftermath of Babar`s Indian expeditions. It will be useful to know Babur`s Central Asian pedigree and understand the origins of Indian Mughal Empire in more realistic way. It also analyses Babar`s works to understand the connections between the two regions in historical context.

It is an interesting study to explore linkages between Central and South Asia in historical perspective. This piece of research digs out the impact of increased linkages on the people of the two regions. Central and South Asian Regions have geographical, ethnic, historical and cultural connections. Natural and human geography played a significant role in the transfer of ideas and goods between the Central and South Asia. From time immemorial important personalities and crucial events have affected these linkages. Maurya, Kushan, Greek, Hindushahi, Mongol, Timurid and Mughul dynasties influenced the developments in Central Asia and South Asia. Babar was a prolific writer and keen and participant observer. He not only took active part in the regional political developments in that point in time but also chronicled what happened during his expeditions. His world renowned Baburname is an excellent depiction of his time and clime. It helps to understand the linkages between South and Central Asia in sixteenth century and provides excellent background to those researchers who want to understand and explore contemporary linkages between the two regions.

This article provides valuable information about the living conditions of Muslims of the Pak-Afghan Region in the context of revisiting Rudyard Kipling's view of the Great Game of the 19th century between Great Britain and Russia that roughly continued for about a century beginning in the second decade of the 19th century to the signing of the Anglo Russian convention in 1907. In this respect his famous novel, Kim (1901) has been critically examined to establish the political content of his creative work. Coupled with the appreciation of the novel as a great work of art with its many facets and themes, views of Edward Said have been juxtaposed to arrive at a conclusion that the novel is also a celebration of imperialism. In today's scenario in Central Asia particularly Afghanistan, a revisit of Kipling is an interesting revelation. The discussion also reveals the similarities of the tussle of two centuries back to the realities in the region today. This insight as we appreciate Kipling's masterpiece novel proves even more eye-catching and real. This paper also examines Peter Hopkirk's works on the Great Game to historically asses the dialectics of the imperial struggle between the two super powers of the time. In this connection, a brief discussion is available on the three Anglo-Afghan Wars as well as the conflict in Kashgharia. This article presents an overview of the view head by Russians on the conflict which they call Tournament of Shadows or Bolshya Igra involving spies and military personnel. A fresh look at Kipling's works in general and his novel Kim, in particular, helps explore the very essentials of the working of Imperialism and empire-building, which is the main stay of this paper. A deeper look would understandably unfurl big powers rivalry in general, and the present day security situation in Asia in particular, by going through the works of a great writer; the first Englishman and the youngest recipient for Nobel Prize in Literature (1907).