bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of Dams on Kabul River and its Socio-Economic Implications for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Shabir Ahmad , Nafees Muhammad
Published: June 2022

Pakistan and Afghanistan have planned various developmental projects on Kabul River System (KRS) with the intention to overcome water and energy deficiencies irrespective of ecological problems faced by Kabul River and socio economic complexities of each other. The objectives of this paper are to know the present uses of Kabul River and future potential of the river for construction of dams. Studies conducted during 1990-2010 revealed that the Kabul River has already been used for hydro power generation and irrigation by both the riparian countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Undoubtedly, it has a major role in uplifting the socio-economic condition of the farmer communities. But this heavy extraction of water has also posed some negative impacts on the river’s ecology and surrounding community such as fishermen and people attached with tourism. Therefore, further construction of dams need technical hands with the idea not to bring further distortion in the environment. As per analysis of five years flow data recorded at Nowshera station, the flow rate during July-August rose above 1000 M3/Sec. Water received during this period of time can be termed as extra and can be allocated for storage. If Afghanistan constructs more dams on Kabul River or on its tributaries, it will have negative impacts on Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province. Three fertile districts, Peshawar, Nowshera and Charsada will be suffered in terms of productivity and crop yields. The diversion of Chitral River is good for Pakistan but not for Afghanistan. By doing so, Pakistan will be able to irrigate its eastern part, mostly fall in erstwhile Federal Administered Tribal Area (FATA), Dir and Charssada districts. But two fertile districts i.e. Peshawar and Nowshera will remain barren. In this way, diversion of Chirtal River cannot be counted as a good decision. It is therefore recommended to use the water after proper calculation by keeping in view both the agricultural as well as the ecological aspects. For this, both the countries are required to take the initiatives for identification of collective responsibilities/efforts and conserve the river by using it in a sustainable manner.
Interdependency: A Case of Sino-Afghan Relations (2002-2016)
Authors: Ahmad Sohail , Fayaaz Jallat Khan Zahid
Published: June 2022

In recent past, Sino-Afghan relations have taken a new phase of collaboration and inter-dependency to work jointly to advance their common geo-strategic and geo-economic goals. Being an international power on the global chessboard, China does have a great role in the regional geopolitical setting to ensure peace and tranquility in the region on the one hand and prioritize its own interests on the other. Afghanistan, being an epicenter of the region, draws a special attention of neighboring countries especially China to address threat perception emanating from cross-border terrorism, drug trafficking and promoting insurgency in its region of Xinjiang. This paper attempts to analyze the scope of bilateral collaboration between China and Afghanistan. The paper also intends to ascertain whether Afghan leadership will be wise enough to use Chinese assistance as a trap card to utilize their geographic setting in such a manner in which both Chinese and Afghans can benefit and also to ensure their cooperation for longer period of time for peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.
Afghanistan Imbroglio: Impact on the Central Asian States
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Rauf Sarwat
Published: June 2022

This paper attempts to find the dynamism in Afghanistan’s relations with Central Asian states.  It is explained that prosperity without security is not possible and ongoing imbroglio in Afghanistan is directly affecting Central Asian states. The Central Asian states are surrounded by China, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. These states (with significant influence of India and Turkey) are the key regional players and their socio-economic and political interests are converged on various issues. The political conditions in Afghanistan would directly impact the interests of Central Asian states. Drug trafficking, illegal migration, religious extremism, a ramified corrupt network, porous border and terrorism are subverting peace in Afghanistan and its spillover effects are dangerous for Central Asian states. The military and security situation in Afghanistan has a direct impact on the production and transport of energy from Central Asia to the rest of the world. The response of the regional organizations, particularly the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), with certain commonalities, towards these issues often contrasts with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This paper focuses on the efforts of major powers (Russia, China, and the US) along with neighbouring countries in the peacebuilding in Afghanistan to avoid its spillover effects over Central Asian states.
The Effects of Malakism on Electoral Behaviour in Bajaur, Tribal District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Authors: Farmanullah  , Jamal-Ud-Din
Published: June 2022

Malakism is a known phenomenon in Pakhtun society in general and the tribal districts in particular. The Malaks, in tribal districts are exercising a dominant status in social, political and economic spheres. In elections, Malaks are too instrumental in moulding electoral preferences of the voters in favour of their electoral candidates. The threat of dislodge from the house, the creation of problematic situation for the subordinates, the provision of jobs and development are some of the effective tools that are applied by the Malaks for obtaining the electoral support of the voters. The present study tends to explore that how Malaks happen to be the major determinant of electoral behaviour in tribal districts in general and Bajaur in particular. Data analysis have been made via descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentage, valid percentage and Cumulative Percent and inferential statistics comprising of regression, coefficient of regression and ANOVA.
Conceptualizing Nuclear Security of Pakistan: A Response to International Regimes
Authors: Amin Musarat , Naseer Rizwan
Published: June 2022

Terrorism is a challenge to international peace and stability, but nuclear terrorism risks the existence of entire world. Nuclear safety poses another challenge that remained priority on the agenda in all nuclear security summits (NSS). Nuclear Security Summit established a forum for cooperation among international nuclear actors. International mainstream media often created hype of nuclear insecurity in the wake of terrorism in Pakistan. Pakistan’s proactive nuclear diplomacy at all Nuclear Security Summits (2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016) not only highlighted Pakistan’s concerted efforts to safeguard nukes but also extended support to those who are struggling to improve nuclear security. International Atomic Energy Agency’s acknowledgement of Pakistan’s ramped up efforts increased its credibility and enlists Pakistan as a potential candidate for membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). These NSS provided a platform of cooperation to nuclear actors and ensured relative nuclear security. This paper analyses the institutional response of Pakistan’s nuclear security to international concerns and highlights measures to beef up security of nuclear assets. It also dispels any chance of nuclear terrorism in Pakistan. It also argues to dispel misapprehensions about Pakistan’s strategic assets.
How Experience Becomes a Journalistic Asset? A Local Reporter’s Perspective to Understand Conflict-sensitive Reporting in the Troubled Pashtun Belt of Pakistan
Authors: Ashraf Irfan
Published: June 2022

In a previous paper (in Press), we adopted a critical theory approach to argue that the model of objective journalism, while laying emphasis on neutrality and detachment, disconnects local reporters, in conflict scenario, from feeling the pain of their own ethnic community. Therefore, the objectivity model was found too simple to help ethnic Pashtun journalists know occupational intricacies of conflict-sensitive reporting in Pakistan’s northwestern terror-hit areas, a site for the U.S-led so-called global war on terror. Using phenomenology as a method, I take this argument further and offer my shared journalistic experience as a resource to establish that objectivity obfuscates power politics involved in text production while promoting an ahistorical culture. This is done through objectifying the local reporter’s relationship with the troubled site of occurrence (field), a relationship in which a reporter is made insensitive to his own presence as an ethnic body standing at a highly militarized political site to get him focused more on looking at reality through the detached lens of neutral observer. Objectify here means that they look at reality not from the human perspective but usually prefer to project aspects of reality using objectivity as a measuring rod to access facts. Using the commercial framework of objective reporting might give a text (news story) an economically-desired impersonal form. But the urge for neutrality and impartiality neither can solve the crisis of reporting nor can control a journalist’s bias by discouraging his/her feelings, emotions, and subjectivity. In Pakistan, local reporters not only provide gory spectacles of a conflict which has, according to official figures, consumed over 50,000 lives and displaced millions predominantly in the Pashtun Belt; but the journalists also are getting increasingly vulnerable to violence. This paper argues that neutrality is a challenge in conflict reporting on one’s own community much the same way as attachment is a sin in objective model of commercial journalism.
The Application of International Human Rights Law to the Issues Faced by the Refugees in General and Afghans in Particular
Authors: Zubair Muhammad
Published: June 2022

The article considers human rights application as an alternative to such situations where a nation-state is not a signatory to the international refugees’ law nor has any domestic arrangements for the refugees on their soil due to which they are living in a legal limbo. While the initial perception about human rights and refugee law was that both of these areas are divisions of public international law completely separate from one another, but now it is well established that the interaction between these is multifaceted as demonstrated at nation-state level and academic writings.

Whether refugees’ rights are human rights? A query like this may be a challenging task in contemporary environment, when there are frequent incidents of refugees’ mistreatments on the pretext of restrictive policies related to them. António Guterres, has observed that “the human rights agenda out of which United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was born, and on which we depend, is increasingly coming under strain. The international economic crisis brought with it a populist wave of
Pakistan-Russia Collaboration: Implications for Afghanistan and Central Asia
Authors: Khan Shabir Ahmad , Khan Muhammad
Published: June 2022

Pakistan and Russia are in close collaboration for the last decade or so due to the changed regional and global geo-political scenarios. However understanding and respecting each other’s interests as well as convergence of Pak-Russian interests in Afghanistan and Central Asia is the main driving force behind this development which guarantee a permanent need for each other. Both Pakistan and Russia emphasised on a negotiated settlement for Afghanistan imbroglio addressing concerns of regional states. The Russia-Central Asia-South Asia integration via Afghanistan and Pakistan is in the minds of Russia and Pakistan. Russia controls the northern corridor to the contiguous areas of Afghanistan and Central Asia while Pakistan provides an outlet in the south. The close cooperation between Pakistan and Russia has also encouraged Central Asian Republics for greater interaction with Pakistan. Sino-Russian close cooperation on Central Asia and Pak-China close liaison on Afghanistan also solidifies Pak-Russia collaboration. Thus Russia, China, Pakistan axis will be a symbol of peace and prosperity for Afghanistan and Central Asia. In post US/NATO Afghanistan, maintaining regional peace and stability will be a shared responsibility of regional states.
China’s Rise and its Implications for ASEAN Region: A Case Study of South China Sea
Authors: Sherazi Tatheer Zahra , Mehmood Amna
Published: June 2022

During the last four decades, China has achieved a status of a powerful state with a huge soft power, integration in the international economy, growing middle class along with increasing participation in international institutions and stock exchanges. Not only it has participated into international institutions but has also set new economic regimes like Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). China’s growing thrust for developments, energy and resources, has enabled it for huge claims within South China Sea. Its recent steps of creating artificial islands in South China Sea and future air bases on them along with other developments are quite notable and have been perceived as China’s shift from a soft power to hard power. South China Sea is extremely significant Sea with its geostrategic importance being the second busiest trade routes. Approximately 60 percent of Japanese and Taiwanese energy resources raw material is supplied through the South China Sea. At the same time the Sea is highly rich in energy resources and different analysis have been made to give an estimate of gas and oil reserves in South China Sea. Due to geostrategic significance of the Sea neighboring countries have asserted their claims on its various Islands however; mainly conflict is over islands of Spartly and Paracel. The ongoing territorial conflict and resulting tension is creating troubles for the regional peace by making regional as well as global powers to be concerned over China’s activities. The study will be investigated under the Sea Power theory of Mahan that how the balance of power is taking shift within region in wake of rise of China, and how it will breed implications for region.
Demographic Bonus in Afghanistan
Authors: Nasir Jamal Abdul , Akhtar Sohail
Published: June 2022

Among Central Asian countries Afghanistan reserves an important position because it has been under the war conflict and political instability during the past five decades and a limited research is available on different dimensions of population and economic development. Being involved in war conflict situation, Afghanistan age structure is changing. This paper empirically explores the demographic bonus timings and durations for Afghanistan. The study results revealed that Afghanistan demographic bonus may remained for forty five years long starting from year 2000 and seem to be shut between year 2040 and 2045. For the proper encashment of demographic bonus the key challenge for the Government of Afghanistan is to create the policy environment on labour, savings and human capital. Which policies need to be incorporated to extend the demographic bonus is an added dimension to be considered in Afghanistan.
Contextualizing Military Operations in Pak-Afghan Borderland & District Swat to Contain Fomenting Insurgencies
Authors: Salim Asif , Khan Parveen
Published: June 2022

Pakistan’s engagement in the global war on terrorism and its role as a frontline ally of the USA compelled strategic elites of the state to develop strategies to curb the militant groups that migrated to Pakistan and took shelter in the borderland areas after the U.S. military offensive Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) on Afghanistan. The aim of OEF was to hunt down the Al-Qaeda and other affiliated conglomerates enjoying patronage under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The real challenge before the law enforcement agencies of Pakistan was to get support from the public for military operations against these Islamist militant groups, which were the constant source of threat to the security of the state. The majority of the people in Pakistan were generally not in favor of full-fledged military operations because they saw the militants as holy warriors fighting against the infidels and believed that if Pakistan launched any brand of operation in erstwhile FATA it would be under the diktat of the Americans. This is the reason why, from 2001 to 2004, Pakistan’s security forces opened the door for negotiations and did not participate in hard-strikes against the militant outfits. But after the formal formation of Threek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in 2007 and its nexus with Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi (TNSM) in Swat started a series of brutal suicide and targeted attacks on the population, it was necessary for the military to begin operations. This timely study of important military operations initiated against the insurgents in the Pak-Afghan borderland will broaden the horizon of security managers about their strategic and tactical flaws in the ground offensive and thorough analysis will help to provide a better understanding for future military offensives in any part of the country. This paper focuses on important military operations with a cost and benefit analysis of those conducted after 2001 in the adjacent areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and district Swat.
Pakistan Water Crisis and Behavioral Approach of Denizens Towards Its Conservation on the Bank of River Kabul
Authors: Amin Suleman , Malik Zilakat Khan
Published: June 2022

Approximately two third of the Earth’s surface is covered with the life-sustaining liquid, water. Studies depict that by the middle of the century, more than half of the humanity will reside in water-stressed areas, which also include Pakistan. Pakistan is among the list of those countries, which are confronting chronic water issue. Pakistan is water stressed country and the situation is going to be more critical in future. The degradation and over exploitation of water resources by human is not a new phenomenon. Water as common pool resource is commonly available for people either free or they pay small amount of money which do not attract the attention of the users to use carefully. The behavior of people is the key problem in over exploitation of resources of water. People either use the water resources carelessly, which do not attract their attention to conserve water for the reason of facing water problems in future. The study shows that Behavioral change is an effective way of tackling the water shortage and ensuring the efficient management of water resources. Behaviors of people for conservation of water were highly depend upon education level, age, past history of respondents water shortage problem, awareness, attitude of family, friends and surrounding of respondents.
Causes of Meager Participation of Women Parliamentarians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly; and way out
Authors: Bibi Hamida , Fakhr-ul-Islam
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to explore the causes of meager participation of women in Khyber Pakhtukhwa (KP) assembly. The study was conducted on the obstacle that was faced by these women parliamentarians in the KP assembly during the last three governments (2002-2008, 2008-2013, and 2013-2018) in the light of expert opinion of female political representatives, political activists and experts. Women as a constituent candidate, their role in the parliament and the problems they faced have been discussed. The paper is based on qualitative method. Total 20 MPAs, MNAs, and female rights activists were interviewed for qualitative analysis. The interviews were unstructured, allowing flexibility, liberty of conversation and flow of information. It was found that there are still many difficulties faced by these women parliamentarian in the KP assembly. The study concludes that ideological, economic and patriarchal mind-set are the main factors that hinders women participation in the assembly’s business. The findings of the study can be used effectively to increase women participation by bringing awareness at local level and making appropriate policies at national level.
Afghan Third Ulasi Jirga Election (October 20-21, 2018):
Authors: Shafi Muhammad , Amin Noor Ul
Published: June 2022

The research paper describes and analyzes Afghanistan’s third Ulasi Jirga election in light of ‘State’s fragility’ concept, initially theorized in the Western world in 1990s. State’s fragility, is a situation where risks and vulnerabilities overwhelms a state’s or a society’s capacity to overcome these risks. In order to avoid fragility, risks and vulnerabilities are quantified in a number of dimensions, such as, political, economic, justice, security and functioning of core services performed by the State. Election, as a sub part of political dimension of fragility, is assessed and analyzed in this paper to determine how far it add or flout state’s fragility, in terms of addressing level of violence, response of state’s institutions and how far electoral practice contribute to socio-political climate to lessen state fragility as perceived in a liberal model.
China Pakistan Economic Corridor:
Authors: Parveen Saima , Shah Syed Akhtar Ali
Published: June 2022

In the changing regional geo-political scenario China, Pakistan and other regional countries are set to play a vital role in the emerging regional economic corridor. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as part of “One Belt, One Road” grand strategy connect countries  with China through economic collaboration extending from South East Asia to the Europe through maritime and land routes comprised of emerging markets of Africa and Middle East energy resources.

This paper has investigated the significance of CPEC in parlance of theoretical framework of complex interdependence because the phenomenon of interdependence has tied state and non-state entities in economic and strategic dimensions. Regional connectivity results from systematic, upgraded and need-based interaction in perspective of CPEC for socio-economic, industrial, energy and trade development.

CPEC is important not only for Pakistan and China but also for the other regional countries such as Afghanistan, Central Asian Republics, Iran and India. As international and regional politics follows interest’s game hence CPEC has also become matter of concerns for both regional and international players which has been amply illustrated by this research. These concerns are followed by arguments that CPEC may be seen in a broader perspective of interdependency with emphasis on strategic and economic dimensions guaranteeing regional connectivity and integration.

CPEC can serve as a main trade avenue not only for China and Pakistan but for Central Asian Republics, Afghanistan, Iran and India as well. This study has argued that CPEChas the potential of becoming an energy transit corridor for growing economies. It has advantagesfor India also in form of improved infrastructure, communication and access to CARs market. Simultaneously it imparts an opportunity of flourishing and trade to the Afghanistan’s industries. Iran can also have benefit by ensuring Chabahar port outstretched to CPEC.

CPEC has potential geopolitical risks as hostile environment of South Asia and the respective power rivalry and policy shift of world powers towards this region as manifested by the US pivot to Asia and the former concern over Chinese presence in the Arabian Sea in Asian region, Gulf states considering of Gwadar Port as rival port, Indian opposition of CPEC by arguing that it passes through Pakistan’s held Kashmir on which India has also claim.

China and Pakistan in order to escape proxy tussle in Baluchistan need to settle Indian apprehension about the project, Confidence Building Measures (CBM) must be incorporated in order to promote closer ties with Afghanistan, Pakistan must attempt for having stable relations with Iran in order to overcome impediments to the CPEC success. By making CPEC a reality the benefits will be reaped by whole region and the very enmity of India with Pakistan and China can be turned into mutual beneficial economic relations. If India becomes a partner in the project then certainly the concerns of India will be settled down.
Pakistan’s Role in the Social Reconstruction of Afghanistan in the Post 9/11 Era
Authors: Khan Alamgir , Hanif Muhammad
Published: June 2022

Afghanistan has been under a state of war for the past few decades. Wars and the ensuing destruction in the region have badly affected the socio-economic and security environment of the country. The situation in Afghanistan has been equally alarming to the neighboring states, particularly for Pakistan which shares its longest porous border with this war torn country. Cognizant to this fact Pakistan not only fully supported the NATO forces to stem the looming threat of Al -Qaeda and Taliban but have also taken serious interest in the social reconstruction of Afghanistan. The primary focus of this paper is to highlight the role of Pakistan with respect to the social reconstruction of Afghanistan. Here the term “social” broadly employs to some important social sectors of Afghanistan such as communication, health, education,   and the hosting of Afghan refugees as well as the nurturing of Afghan businessmen in Pakistan and their contribution to the Afghan socio-economic development. The paper at hand argues that Pakistan, due to its geographical proximity and ethnic similarity with Afghan Pashtun can play significant role in the social reconstruction of Afghanistan. Pakistan’s performance in this regard can become more effective if her own security concerns regarding the involvement of hostile countries in Afghanistan are properly addressed by the international community.
Swat State and Bolshevik Movement
Authors: Dinakhel Muhammad  Ali
Published: June 2022

Swat State was formally established in 1915 by the first ruler of Swat State, Syed Abdul Jabar Shah. In the month of September 1917 he was dethroned on account of his alleged attachment with Qadyani/Ahmadi sect. After his removal from rule and subsequent exile, Miangul Abdul Wadud was installed as ruler of Swat in the month of September 1917. Swat State was recognized by the British Government in 1926. The recognition was granted with the condition that the state’s rulers will not act against the British Government. When in 1917 the Bolshevik Movement emerged in Russia, it also influenced Swat and surrounding areas.  Some people were found here who had affiliation with Bolshevik Movement. The colonial government’s confidential records also show that some people of Swat were involved in secret activities of Bolshevik Movement. This article analyzes the expansion of Bolshevik Movement from Russia and Central Asia via Afghanistan to the frontier regions including Swat State. This paper also describes the steps taken by the British Government to control the activities of this movement.
Determinant of Productivity Growth:
Authors: Afridi Muhammad  Asim , Farooq Sohail
Published: June 2022

Total factor productivity growth has played a significant role in uplifting the economic development process of nations in recent years. This paper uses the recently published data of Penn World Table (PWT, 9) for six emerging economies (China, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan) to establish a relationship between the growth of total factor productivity and its various determinants. Panel data econometric techniques are employed and the data utilized were spanning from 1955 to 2012. We found that growth of real GDP and human capital are positively and significantly related with the growth of total factor productivity. Similarly physical capital stock is although positively impacted the growth of total factor productivity but however this relationship is not significant statistically. Lastly, an inverse and significant relationship is observed between employment level and total factor productivity growth for the selected emerging economies. The study concludes that relatively richer and highly educated economies have improved their productivity while employment level has adversely affected the growth of TFP. The results of the study imply that economies should focus on income and human capital increasing policies and further to translate the benefits the focus should be on efficiency of labor rather increasing the employment level.
The 19th and Early 20th-Century U.S. Women's Rights Struggle:
Authors: Ali Imran , Shah Bahramand
Published: June 2022

Although there may be strikingly different cultural explanations, in nearly every society women have had to struggle for equal rights. This study juxtaposes the position of U.S women in the 1910s and contemporary Pashtun women in Afghanistan and Pakistan to present an authentic picture of Pashtun women in an international context. Avoiding generalizations, the author focuses on select issues important to Pashtun women living in Swat, KP, Pakistan, the homeland of Malala Yousafzai. In addition to American scholarship, for the Pashtun part, the study relies on authentic sources: personal interviews with Malala, her father as well as a few notable indigenous professors and authors; literary/social surveys (of Swat); indigenous books. The study also includes a cross-section of native Pashtun men/women living in Swat, and the author's firsthand experiences as a native of Swat. The study reviews the struggle for women's rights in the U.S to ask what from that experience can aid Pashtun women one hundred years later.
Peace in Afghanistan:
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Khan Shabir Ahnmad
Published: June 2022

The year-2019, marked the 40 years of instability and chaos in Afghanistan, ever since it was invaded by former Soviet Union in December 1979. In the last forty years, the Afghan instability and conflict has been so transmissible that any peace plan, initiated even with sincerity got entombed into viscid domestic ambiguities, undesired regional rivalries and geopolitical interests of great powers. Owing to internal instability and frequent foreign invasions, there could not develop a cohesive national character within Afghanistan. Besides, there has been no institutional build-up and development which could have provided a strong base for the establishment of good governance system. In the absence of domestic peace and a unanimously acceptable leadership, the invaders and regional players have been exploiting Afghan geopolitics and its diverse societal makeup. Above all, the poor economic system, lack of needed resource base and massive unemployment constrained the flexibility, the Kabul regimes could have utilized for the minimum economic management at the domestic level. Furthermore, the post 2014 drawdown of US and NATO forces did not provide conducive environment where Afghans could have taken independent decisions to determine their future course of action for the larger national interest of the state and masses. The paper takes a critical analysis of the above-mentioned factors, which impeded peace process from taking firm roots in Afghanistan. The paper also puts into debate the US strategic interests in and around Afghanistan and diverging interests of regional countries which further impede peace process in Afghanistan.
Conservation or Implicit Destruction
Authors: Saeeda  , Khalil ur Rehman
Published: June 2022

The Czarist Empire during the nineteenth century emerged on the scene as a Eurasian colonial power challenging British supremacy, especially in Central Asia. The trans-continental Russian expansion and the ensuing influence were on the march as a result of the increase in the territory controlled by Imperial Russia. Inevitably, the Russian advances in the Caucasus and Central Asia were increasingly perceived by the British as a strategic threat to the interests of the British Indian Empire. These geo-political and geo-strategic developments enhanced the importance of Afghanistan in the British perception as a first line of defense against the advancing Russians and the threat of presumed invasion of British India. Moreover, a mix of these developments also had an impact on the British strategic perception that now viewed the defense of the North-West Frontier as a vital interest for the security of British India. The strategic imperative was to deter the Czarist Empire from having any direct contact with the conquered subjects, especially the North Indian Muslims. An operational expression of this policy gradually unfolded when the Princely State of Dir was loosely incorporated, but quite not settled, into the formal framework of the imperial structure of British India. The elements of this bilateral arrangement included the supply of arms and ammunition, subsidies and formal agreements regarding governance of the state. These agreements created enough time and space for the British to pursue colonial interests in the Great Game, in rivalry with the rapidly-expanding Czarist Empire. British strategic pursuits in the north-west of British India finally emerged as a strategy that historians refer to as the three-fold Frontier Policy. The greater context of the interaction between British India and the Princely State of Dir was the Frontier Policy. Despite the academic awareness of it, there is a lack of comprehensive and coherent research on the subject. This paper is an attempt to bring to the fore an important aspect of the agreements reached and executed between the British Indian government and the Nawab of the Princely State of Dir with regard to the rich forest resources located within the geographic limits of the state. It argues that the British government initially intended to have greater control over the forests under the pretext of preventing deforestation. However, in reality the British turned a blind eye to the threat and practice of widespread deforestation in order to secure a stable frontier for its strategic and commercial interests. No research-based inductive work exists on the theme, and a systematic study analyzing the agreement and its impact is not available. This study is an effort to fill the gap in this area of research. The paper has an additional academic value since the deforestation in the Princely State of Dir has been explored from the point of view of the British imperial strategy in the north-west of British India, which is very much relevant even today. It is all about establishing linkages and connections.
China’s Role in War on Terror
Authors: Hashmat Ullah Khan  , Gohar Rehman
Published: June 2022

Terrorism being the primary threat to China's national security therefore counter terrorism has turned out to be the main point of China’s domestic and foreign policy. The major terrorist threat that China faces is posed by Uyghur separatist fighters of Xinjiang. They claim and fight for a separate independent state called “East Turkistan”. The Xinjiang issue is the major anxiety and the focal point of China’s war on terror. To stop extremism and terrorism in Xinjiang China has adopted a multi-dimensional approach i.e. Strike Hard Campaign, diplomatic actions to isolate terrorists and get the help of other countries, religious, economic and social anti-terrorist policies to eradicate the roots of terrorism from society. China is also cooperating with the countries including US, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asian Republics, and many others in fighting against terrorism. From the platform of Shanghai Cooperation Organization China is also playing important role in counterterrorism. China major interest in war on terror is to stop the spread of extremism and terrorism within her borders particularly in Xinjiang province, as well as to make sure that neighbouring countries not become safe haven and base camp for the Uyghur militants. The main objective of this paper is to analyses the phenomena of terrorism in Xinjiang and China’s role in war on terror.
Transition Shock as Tool of Integration
Authors: Ayesha Qurrat ul Ain
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to apply the recent approaches of intercultural interactions between minority-majority groups upon the historical acculturative phases of Sino-Muslims. Muslims in China departed their ghettos during Yuan/Mongol reign (1279-1368A.D) and got acquainted with Chinese culture at larger scale hence we contend that it was the period of ‘transition shock’ for them, to apply Alder’s phrase; as they were not only familiarized with the Chinese society but also revisited their new identity amidst a new people thus underwent a process of change revising their ‘self-understanding’. This cultural shock later propelled them to ‘integration’ during Ming (1368-1644A.D) thus served as a tool of their integration in China. Taking the Berry’s model of acculturation, we suggest the early Mongol’s was a period of ‘contact’ between the two cultures i.e. Islam and China whereas late Mongol and early Ming was characterized with ‘conflict’ and finally Ming age was the period of ‘adaptation’..
Capacity Development in Chinese Education System
Authors: Perveen Khan  , Asif Salim
Published: June 2022

China is the world most populous state with a population over 1.3 billion, overlaying about 9.6 million kilometers. China has the largest educational system throughout world with almost 260 million college students and over 15 million teachers in about 514 000 schools. In current years, the Ministry of Education has shifted from direct manipulate to macro level. It steers education reform through legal guidelines, plans, finances allocation, information offerings, and coverage steering and administrative method. In this regard, teachers are the most crucial and useful means in schools that make an essential effect on improvement of the whole society. Without enough and qualified instructors, it is difficult to attain educational targets. Teachers’ education mainly focused to develop four elements: enhancing the general academic education of instructors, increasing their knowledge about the subjects they are going to educate, knowledge about children in schools and the improvement of practical competencies. Thus the current study is fundamentally focusing on reforms introduced by the Chinese government which, undoubtedly, directly contributing to the quality of education system in China. Moreover, the understanding of reforms in China’s education system will be a thought provoking for other countries which are endeavoring to build their education system on sound lines.
Disruption of the Stereotypical Gender Construction through Afghan Women’s Voices in Khalid Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns
Authors: Muhammad Shakil ur Rehman  , Salman Anwar
Published: June 2022

The paper aims to explore Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns(2007) from the deconstructive perspective of gender construction through the untraditional and challenging role of women in patriarchal Afghan society. Hosseini is one of the acclaimed Afghan-American novelists whose art speaks against the concerns of discrimination and segregation on ethnic, religious and gender basis. His novels are deeply entrenched with his own observations and experiences to portray the grim realities and the woes of Afghan society that is badly torn by the unending wars on its soil. The deconstructive approach challenges the taken-for-granted patriarchal socio-cultural norms of Afghan society represented in A Thousand Splendid Suns. Women characters engage in diverse performances that question the stability of gender construction in the novel. The variability of gender in the novel depends upon performativity of the characters. In their actions, they generate multiple shades of gender identities while deviating from norms of masculinity and femininity. So performances of the characters in the novel determine their gender identities in their social existence, their sexual labelling has nothing to do with their gender identification. Therefore, the novel exhibits the stereotypical and patriarchal norms prevalent in Afghan society that are used as a justification for the persecution and discrimination of women on gender basis. The paper thus argues that the country’s rampant gender stereotypical standards are resisted and challenged by the performativity of women characters. Furthermore, the research presents an innovative approach to study gender construction in a feudal Afghan society through its interrogation of gender stereotyping.
Comparison of Two Dialects of Pashto, Spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Ali Dinakhel
Published: June 2022

Pashto language, spoken in two countries Afghanistan and Pakistan, has numerous dialects. Existing studies show maximum five groups of the varieties of Pashto. Geographical and political factors followed by the absence of a comprehensive study of the Pashto dialects caused divided orthography and lack of unified literary and standard dialect in Pashto. This article mainly focuses on the classification, differences and literary and social status of the two mentioned dialects. Kandahari and Yusufzai dialects have been analyzed and compared mainly on phonological bases.
Sino-Pak Relations (The Dominant Dimension through the Lens of Print Media)
Authors: Shafi Muhammad , Saeed Ahmed Farhan
Published: June 2022

Media, influences topics of public importance. In academia, the recent crescendo in Pak-China relationship is interpreted variedly, such as economic, political, security/strategic, social and even a section of society conjectures China as the second East India Company. The increasing reputation of China in Pakistan, projection of projects such as CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) and frequent reflection of the same in national media, also triggers the academic discussion. This study attempts to highlight various Dimensions of Pak-China relations under the framework of Agenda setting theory and to find out what dimensions, in particular, economic, political, security/strategic and social, dominate this relation? The methodology employed is mainly qualitative, sprinkled with empirical elements, such as data on Pak-China relations, drawn from print media of Pakistan. This might prove one modicum way to determine the nature of Pak-China relationship.
Geopolitics and Strategic Interests of the British in the Tribal Areas of the North West Frontier and its Administration
Authors: Khan Raid , Amin Tariq
Published: June 2022

The tribal region of the North West Frontier (NWF) of the Indian Sub-continent was geo-politically an important region for the British India. It provided a direct link to Afghanistan. During the colonial history of India, Afghanistan was used as a buffer between the expanding Russian Empire and India. So the tribal areas of the NWF were to be used as a buffer between Afghanistan and India in case Russia penetrate in Afghanistan. Beside this, controlling the tribal areas also helped in protecting the adjacent settled districts from the plunder of the tribesmen. The tribal areas also provided safe passages to the British convoys. The paper highlights colonization and administration of the tribal areas of the NWF, and the geopolitical interests of the British colonial power in this area. The paper explores all this through the lens of the colonial literature produced during that time.
Factors Responsible for Strategic Shift in Pakistan’s Post 9/11 Afghan Policy
Authors: Baloch Zarmina , Bashir Faiza
Published: June 2022

This paper explores the factors responsible for compelling Pakistan to support the ‘Operation Enduring Freedom ‘led by the USA and its Allies in Afghanistan in 2001.The goals behind this operation were to dismantle the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization in Afghanistan. When the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in 1996, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, were the only states who recognized their government in Afghanistan. Pakistan considers Taliban as a strategic asset for obtaining its objectives in Afghanistan. Regional and extra-regional powers such as, the India, US, Russia, Iran supported their client groups in support of their own national interest, in Afghanistan. However, keeping in view the US-India strategic partnership in the region, Pakistan changed its foreign policy, and supported the Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. This change of policy brought up economic and political, and security challenges for Pakistan. Terrorist activities, suicide killings, and bomb blasts hit the society. Since then, its security is in doldrums. The paper argues that serious internal and external security factors compelled Pakistan to change its policy towards Afghanistan in 2001.
Political Instabilities in Afghanistan: Implications for Pakistan
Authors: Yasmeen Samina
Published: June 2022

Pakistan and Afghanistan share the longest border in the northwest with each other. Afghanistan is the most influential factor for Pakistani policymakers in terms of foreign policy. Relations of both the countries have not been cordial since the inception of Pakistan. Internal circumstances affected Pakistan in one way or another during the Cold War era and the invasion of the USSR. Between different powers, this country became a focus regarding of interest after 9/11. The western border has become very uncertain due to Indian’s involvement. With relation to Afghanistan, Pakistan has always been a victim of instability. Pakistan's internal peace has greatly disrupted by the movement across the border. By smuggling weapons, drugs and terrorists anti-state actors have always used this border to destabilize the country. Being already weakened country, Pakistan overwhelmed by migration of a large number of Afghan citizens. To assess the effects of the instability in Afghanistan on Pakistan, numerous attempts are being made. In addition, this study will aim at the classification of the features and political objectives of the players concerned in the conflict on violence in Afghanistan. It will analyze the evolution of the peace course in Afghanistan as well as its significance for regional solidity.
An Introduction of Pashto Manuscripts in the State Library Berlin, Germany
Authors: Dinakhel Muhammad Ali
Published: June 2022

Manuscripts of Pashto classical literature are found in various libraries around the world. Many of these Pashto manuscripts have been recorded in published catalogues. The first complete catalogue of Pashto manuscripts was published by James Fuller Blumhardt and D.N. Mackenzie. Before this Blumhardt also included Pashto manuscripts along with other manuscripts published from London in 1905. There are a few rare and ancient manuscripts of Pashto in the State Library Berlin, Germany. These manuscripts have not been catalogued and properly introduced. This article attempts to introduce ten Pashto manuscripts housed at State Library Berlin Germany. Among them one manuscript Majma’ ul-ash’ār is new among the Pashtun researchers and literary circles.
Iran – China Deal: An Episode of Iran’s Look to the East Policy
Authors: Rashid Asma , Ghouri Anjum
Published: June 2022

Iran-China deal amid global power shifts from unipolarity to bipolarity suggests Iran’s counterbalancing vis-à-vis Western Powers, particularly U.S. as, the U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May 2018 agreed upon on July 14, 2015, between Iran, the U.S., and its western allies. However, another view persists that Iran’s “Look to the East Policy” adopted back in 2005 was meant to strengthen relations with natural regional neighbors that seem a rational choice for Iran. This notion is somewhat true as ideological concerns became obsolete with the demise of the Soviet Union. Today’s foreign policy approach moves around the spatial(relates to geography) dimension as states cannot change their neighbors. Furthermore, it is in the mutual interest of the countries of the region as well. To understand the true essence of the Iran-China deal it is pivotal to understand the factual history and thorough understanding of Iran’s foreign policy on an ontological basis. Academicians gauge this deal from the prism of power balance or bandwagoning approach epistemologically, but this study uncovers the facts based on rational choice theory and its impacts on Iran.