Department of Political Science
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Item The Role of Women in Pakistani Politics: A Case study of Punjab Province (2002-2013)(University of Management & Technology, 2015) Khilji, MaryamWomen play an important role in almost every sector of life in each part of the world. Their contribution as mothers, sisters, wives and young ladies have always been recognized in the whole world as well as in Pakistani society. Women’s contribution in the independence movement of Pakistan has always been hailed by everyone and their active participation was one of the reasons that we were blessed with the Independence. Women have participated actively even after the independence and have been a vocal voice till today on the political arena. This thesis studies their active participation in the politics of Pakistan especially in the Punjab Province from 2001 to 2013. The magnitude of participation of rich and middle/poor class women in the politics has also been discussed. There has been enthusiasm at their end generally from the women of the rich families and getting women from middle/poor class into the politics have been a struggle at times. The literature study along with survey and interviews have been carried out to establish the participation of women in Punjab politics. It has been established that women take part in the politics of Punjab but it is mostly the women from rich class who because of their influence and power happen to be actively involved in the politics. Middle and poor class women participation in the politics of Punjab between 2002 and 2013 has remained minimal. In search of the answers behind their low participation, it is concluded thatthe lack of education, the absence of grass root politics and the perception of politics as a dirty business are the main reasons which are stopping middle and poor class women from active participation. It is recommended that social and electronic media should play their part in educating women and changing the perception of politics from dirty business to something that would help changingthe life of common people.Women from all parts of the country and backgrounds have to play their role in prosperity, progress and development of Pakistan. The women from all four provinces are required to enter in political arena for the betterment of our society and political standing.Item China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Opportunities and Challenges for Pakistan from a Rational Choice Theoretical Perspective (2013-2018)(University of Management and Technology, 2017) Aman ShahbazChina-PakistanEconomic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of One- Belt-One-Road (OBOR) initiative, which consists infrastructure, energy and technology which is currently being constructed in all over Pakistanand western Xinjiang province of China. China is financing this project through low interest loans to Pakistan. The total investment of Corridor is now $62 billion USD. In the theoretical framework a Rational Choice Theory (RCT) has been applied in this case with its five different components .The CPEC project is a rational choice initiative of China and Pakistan. The purpose of thesis is divided in three parts: to analyze the opportunities for Pakistancommitted to CPEC, to examine the challenges faced by Corridor all over in Pakistan, and finally to study the regional and non-regional response to CPEC. The research methodology used during this study follows the qualitative research method and its different approaches, and also it will analyze the whole data with the help of Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) and author used Directed Content Analysis (DCA) with its main type Manifest Content Analysis (MCA) with the help of its seven steps. This study aims to explore the opportunities for Pakistanto improve its infrastructure, energy, development of roads and railway, and Special Economic Zones (SEZ's) and China has opened new geo-political and geo-economic opportunities to Pakistan. While China wants to get direct access to the Indian Ocean. This route might facilitate China with an alternative route to reach the world without crossing Strait of Malacca and increase its economic influence in the whole region.Item The Dynastic Political Elites and Election Campaign in Pakistan (1970 to 2013)(University of Management and Technology, 2017) Tania SohailThe current study focuses on the nature of dynastic political elites and their election campaigns in Pakistanparticularly from 1992 to 2013. The study unfolds the role of the dynastic elites in Pakistanwhile highlighting the factors that affected voting trends in Pakistan. The theories concerning the voting behaviour such as a School of Columbia and the School of Michigan inform the theoretical framework. The School of Columbia is linked to sociological factors such as race, class, religion, etc. while the School of Michigan gives more importance to psychosocial factors such as party identification, party age, specific group attachment and so forth. Both the sociological and psychosocial factors have been found significant in affecting voting trends in Pakistan.The study employs qualitative method to collect primary data. They study corroborates the manifestos of the major political dynastic elites with data collected through semi-structured interviews. The target group has been the people who voted in the general elections of Pakistanfor the PakistanPeoples' Party (PPP) and PakistanMuslim League Noon (PMLN) in major elections. In addition, the study takes into account the opinions of university students in order to know their perceptive on the dynastic political elites and their new leadersItem Indian Impact in Afghanistan and its Consequences for Pakistan: The Battle for Strategic Influence between India and Pakistan in Afghanistan(University of Management and Technology, 2017) Raza Usman AshrafPakistanand Afghanistan are geographically connected with one another and thus the developing Indian involvement in Afghanistan is worrisome for Pakistan. The Indian undertakings in Afghanistan straightforwardly affects Pakistanbecause of its historical, geographical and traditional ties with Pakistan. India and Pakistan, the two antagonists in South Asia, are striving for strategic influence in Afghanistan and henceforth further amassed by hostility. Moreover, both countries are struggling to have a substance support based in Afghanistan to match with their ulterior foreign policy objectives. There will stay a generous United States proximity in Afghan territory and Indian involvement in Afghanistan politically, militarily and socially .This situation is a constant unease for Pakistan. Moreover, Indian objectives behind their ambition shall be analyzed through Document analysis. Document analysis is a tool for looking into or assessing reports and various documents, related to analytical papers, policies etc. The study will further be lured with realist perspective for understanding the balance of power between India and Pakistanin terms of their tug of war for strategic influence in Afghanistan. Due to which the mistrust level remains to such that the peace effort of one is deemed as source of terror for other. This paper observes the key strategic benefits of India and its continuous influence in Afghanistan and its consequences for Pakistan. Conclusively, Islamabad can't bear to have another New Delhi on its western outskirt and border, nor would it be able to enable a War against Terror to spread and overflow to Pakistan. Along these lines, to evade from this circumstance forecasts for collaboration amongst India and Pakistanare discussed. In addition to conflicting interests in Afghanistan and besides this battle for strategic influence and encirclement, a peaceful and balanced political scenario in Afghanistan, might offer considerable advantages to old, regional players and rivals, India and Pakistan.Item Election Strategies of Winning Candidates: A Comparative Study of NA 126 (Lahore) and NA 263 (Loralai)(University of Management and Technology, 2018) Ghafoor, AbdulThis research explores the election strategies of winning candidates of NA 126 Lahore and NA 263 Loralai. Through a comparative studies, it is found that different candidates had used different strategies which were suited to the socio-cultural norms of the constituencies and mindset of the voters.The candidates of NA 126 (Lahore) adopted the strategies of “Managing Election’s day (bringing the voters out of their homes and posting trained polling agents), targeting their opponents, the use of social media, telephone messaging, corner meetings, door to door campaign and strategy of change while the candidates of NA 263 (Loralai) used the strategies of “making electoral alliances”, tribal structure, nationalism, personal popularity and their background of middle class. The most effective strategy of winning candidates among these strategies, was “managing the polling day at tactical level”. Furthermore,it is noticed that the voters of NA 263 (Loralai) often cast their vote to the candidates who visit to their homes during the election campaign while the voters of NA 126 (Lahore) are the supporters of political parties and more women cast their votes on partylines and political leadership.The election campaign of candidates’ motivate male voters in NA 126 Lahore and female voters in NA 263 of Loralai. Besides, the people of NA 263 (Loralai) cast their ballots for personal benefits and nepotism. Furthermore, the voters of both constituencies, NA 126 (Lahore) and NA 263 (Loralai) equally casted their votes for those candidates who do developmental works in their constituencies. Thus, the election strategies of winning candidates are different from each other (126 Lahore and 263 Loralai). The candidates of both constituencies adopted different strategies, according to the aspirations of the voters and traits of the area. Though different candidatesfrom the same parties with different areas, using their own tactics and strategies of parties, but their party’s strategies and their own tactics were not fruitful as in NA 126 (Lahore) and NA 263 (Loralai). For instance, through the same strategies, PTI won NA 126 (Lahore) but lost NA 263 (Loralai). The parties applied different strategies and won the election of NA 263, but lost the election of NA126.Item Clientelism and Role of Political Agents in Service Delivery(University of Management and Technology, 2017) Zahid MahmoodClientelism has been the informal political system of rural and urban areas of Punjab wherein votes and support are traded implicitly and explicitly. The informal political system is controlled by powerful elites who affect the mechanism of service delivery. The purpose of this study is to investigate different patterns of Clientelism in rural and urban areas (especially South Punjab) for which District Bahwalpur has been taken as case study. In the said case study the research questions are focused to explore and find the nature of clientelistic networks, their effect on service delivery and their role in diverting public resources towards selective groups. To answer these questions the theory of Rational Choice is adopted to look into the clientelistic networks in which votes or support for enhancement of interests. In this regard Documentary Analysis is adopted as a method to study Punjab Budget Books for F.Y 1999 to 2016 in order to investigate patterns of diversion of public resource towards selective Groups. Further, interview has been adopted as a method to explore clientelistic networks in rural and urban areas of District Bahawlapur. The results reveal that there are sharp and overlapping patterns of Clientelism in rural and urban areas of District Bahawalpur. The expenditures patterns show that different Governments since 1999 have been diverting public resources towards particular segments i.e construction of roads etc. on political preferences at the expense of other social sectors such as health and education. Such tendencies result in unequal distribution of resources among different regions and constituencies. The unequal distribution of resources has also widen the rich poor gap and feeling of relative disparity between West and South Punjab lead towards emergence of various political movements for greater autonomy for the region.Item An analysis of human rights: a structured focus comparison in the light of Islamic and western perspectives(2018) Waleed AsifThis research paper discusses how human rights have emancipated humans and what is the contribution of religious and Western literature in dominating the concept. Normative theory is used as a theoretical framework in this dissertation. The methodology used is qualitative, structured focused method to evaluate the objectives of the research in the comparative study and link it together in conclusion. The paper is divided into five chapters with the first chapter highlighting the background of the human rights andhow it evolved with time. The second chapter summarizes the discussion and literature review. The third and fourth chapter illustrates the Islamic and Western perspectives on the issue of human rights. The last chapter concludes the data evaluation of the paper with findings and opinions. The research being brief didn't highlight the causes of human rights violations and how it can be protected. It only focused on the contrast of theory regarding rights of humans explained in the books and how it is practiced in the western and Islamic societies.Item Analyzing Radicalization Tendencies among Pakistani Youth(University of Management and Technolog, 2017) Sadia KhanA rise in radicalization across the world has posed a serious threat to human development and the state machinery. The increase in the phenomenon is linked to Jihadist ideology of non-state actors, such as Al Qaeda, which allures youngsters towards radicalization owing to an abusive interpretation of Islam. This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of radicalization among Pakistani youth from a social-psychological perspective having theoretical underpinning of social identity theory. The social psychology of radicalization explains radicalization as a group phenomenon, and encourages the approach that does not restrict the analysis of radicalization tendencies to religion as a sacred doctrine only. Unlike previous studies, this study takes religion as a social identity group and addresses the concerns that are related to group dynamics. These group dynamics are social categorization and perceptions of threat to group identity. The social psychological approach towards radicalization also deals with these dynamics. Four hypotheses have been formulated. The first hypothesis that there is a relationship between social categorization and radicalization is confirmed (N=400). Second hypothesis that there is a relationship between perceptions of threat to group identity and radicalization is also confirmed (N=400). Third hypothesis that the relationship between social categorization and radicalization will be positively more significant among Madrassah students than among university students is confirmed. However, relationship between social categorization and radicalization among university students is negative that is a different result from the previous studies. Fourth hypothesis that relationship between perceptions of threat to group identity and radicalization will be positively more significant among Madrassah students than among university students is confirmed. The relationship between perceptions of threat to group identity and radicalization was also positive among university youth although at a minor level. Correlation test was used to analyze the data in SPSS 21. The relationship between variables was not very linear meaning there can be other contributing factors of radicalization other than social categorization and perceptions of threat to group identity. In the last chapter, recommendations for future researchers are given.Item The red mosque incident: a comparative framing analysis in the coverage of local right wing and western print media(University of Management and Technolog, 2017) Rohail AhmedThe purpose of this research is to analyze how a crucial incident of Pakistan's recent political history - the Red Mosque military operation of 2007 has been reported and narrated by selected Western and Local Right wing newspapers. How these media forums framed the news stories about the Red Mosque incident in their respective contexts. This incident is significant in Pakistani history, because a series of suicide bombings started after it. This study explains the news framing trends using framing analysis of Western and Pakistani Local Right wing media. At the first phase, Framing Analysis elucidates the language of the news stories of two factions through framing forms/tools which are based on rhetoric sense. Then, at second phase, comparative analysis technique elaborates the major frames of two newspapers. The study finds how various frames used by Pakistani Local Right wing media (The Daily Islam, The Daily Jasarat & The Takbeer Weekly) and selected Western media (The Guardian, The Washington Post & The Economist) to describe the story of the Red Mosque incident in 2007.Item Sino-Japanese Territorial Disputes in East China Sea (2010-2017) A Strategic Hedging Perspective(University of Management and Technolog, 2017) Mahmood, MaryamThe territorial disputes between China and Japan under the light of theoretical framework of strategic hedging are seen. The territorial dispute of Diaoyu/Senkaku islands escalated to the point where the international players have to interfere. Theory suggests that countries prepare for an unforeseeable threat but still economic relations are not affected. Since 2010, Sino-Japanese conflict have fitted into a picture of political and military hedging in which both China and Japan claim territories, modernize military technology, develop diplomatic relations and continue their economic relations. This thesis gives history of the territorial conflicts between China and Japan, then discusses application of strategic hedging in territorial conflicts, then discusses Japanese and Chinese perspectives separately.This is a qualitative study and direct content analysis has been used as an analysis. At the end findings and recommendations are given after content analysis. Findings and recommendations suggest that each country should try to resolve the matter by international law to avoid the escalation of the problem and the spill over in their economic relations.Item China’s territorial disputes on South China Sea with Philippines and Vietnam and the role of United States(University of Management and Technology, 2017) Muhammad TahirThis thesis highlights the dynamics of South China Sea dispute among China, Philippines and Vietnam in South China Sea. It provides the political, military and economic efforts of these countries to save their interests in the region. It shows the strategies of China, Philippines and Vietnam against each other over this issue. Though the US is non-resident state in this dispute but its defense relations with Vietnam and Philippines, its long term interests in this region and increasing political and military rivalry with emerging super power China all have forced the US to play an important role in this dispute. This research tries to find out the answer to research puzzle of why the US is trying to help claimant states against China when it is already having strong economic ties with the Beijing. The research has employed qualitative methodology within post positivist paradigm. To basic lens of Hegemonic Stability Theory and Strategic Hedging theory are applied during this research. For data analysis directed content analysis with more focus on manifest approach has been used. The core finding of the study is that peace lies in continuous diplomatic engagement. Any change in existing status quo might put the peace of whole region at risk.Item The US Asia-Pacific Policy and Chinese Response(University of Management and Technolog, 2017) Shaheen, NafisaRapidly changing geo-political dynamics of Asia-Pacific region have persuaded the US to have shift in this policy from South Asia and Middle East to Asia-Pacific. This policy aims to maintain the US hegemony by containing China in this region. This study tries to find the answer of the research puzzle that why the US has introduced this policy against China when it is already having cordial relations with it whereas some other countries have shown their reservations against the US policy in this region. To solve this research puzzle the author has employed the lens of HST with qualitative research methodology within post-positivist paradigm. Historical, descriptive and exploratory approaches are used to find the answers of research questions. Directed qualitative content analysis is used to test the hegemonic stability theory. This study highlights the strategies adopted by the US and China to counter each other in this region and also their impacts on regional countries. The continuity of their strategies offensively and assertively might result in several conflicts in this region.Item Islamization in Pakistan(University of Management and Technolog, 2017) Nouman BariThe literature “Islamization in Pakistan” clearly discussed the two main platforms on which Pakistansocially and economically based. First platform depend upon the controversial part of religion by ulemain Pakistansince its inception and secondly politically instability with the lust of power. Pakistan's struggle counts to balance itself between two identities Islamists and modernists. From this experiment, it was ascertained that Pakistanis wanted to have a constitution that would clarify the rights of two wings i.e. modernists and Islamists. The hardliners among religious politics demand more Islamization and try to cultivate distinct and anti-constitutional narrative believing that the current system is a major hurdle in the enforcement of a complete Islamic system while modernists attempt to side-line them through conventional action without constituting the different perceptive. This ubiquitous ideological deficit has divided the nation on crucial issues such as the war on terror.Item China-U.S. Relations in the South China Sea Dispute: A Strategic Hedging Perspective (2009-2017)(University of Management and Technolog, 2017) Muhammad SaeedChina-United States (U.S.) conflict of interests in the South China Sea (SCS) dispute has changed the trajectory of their bilateral relations in the region. The continuous intervention by the U.S. in the SCS dispute has resulted in the growing assertiveness of China in the region. Due to the existing strong economic interdependence between the U.S. and China, both countries are hedging each other to secure their interests and to avoid direct confrontation in the SCS. To find out the answers of the research questions, qualitative research methodology within post- positivist paradigm has been employed in this study. Historical, descriptive, and exploratory approaches have been used to understand the U.S. and the Chinese strategies against each other and their behaviors towards the claimant states. Strategic hedging theory is tested using the qualitative directed content analysis in this study. The continuous strategic hedging of the U.S. and China against each other in the SCS dispute is resulting in the status quo and the maintenance of peace in the region. Any change within this approach might result in conflict and could threaten the peace of the whole region.Item Pak–Afghan relations during the Taliban regime(University of Management and Technolog, 2016) Usman MehmoodOver the last six decades, there has been serious occurrence of distrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Both countries are interdependent with strong socio-religious connections. Pakistanalways wanted to establish friendly relations with Afghanistan. During the Taliban regime Pakistangot a chance to develop smooth relations with Afghanistan. After the tragic incident of 9/11, Pakistanchanged its policy towards Taliban and provides assistance to USA against Taliban. This study is specifically conducted to highlight the relations of Afghanistan and Pakistanduring the Taliban regime. The methodology encompasses a review of historical and contemporary literature that amplifies that why Pakistanrationally supported the Taliban's government and to reveal the role of Taliban for the relationship between both countries. The study concludes with the findings that the political and diplomatic honey moon of Afghan-Pak relations faded away very soon by the immaturity and stubborn policies of the Taliban towards Pakistan.Item Independent Prosecution and Provision of Justice(University of Management and Technolog, 2016) Muhammad Ayyaz AslamThis study investigates the role of Punjab Criminal Prosecution Service (PCPS), which deals with criminal cases in the court on behalf of the state, on the provision of justice in the Punjab province. The study explores the efficacy of Punjab Criminal Prosecution Act, 2006 through document analysis and interviews of 25 individuals representing all relevant stakeholders in PCPS namely judges, prosecutors, investigation officers, private lawyers and accused persons. The study finds that the structure of PCPS is much better as compared to former system of Attorney General that deals both criminals as well as civil matters in the courts on the behalf of state. After the establishment of PCPS, the power structure is divided between the police and the prosecutors to resolve the criminal cases. But despite better service the process of PCPS is not without demerits. This system is not entirely independent. It is evident in some cases that there is political interference and undue pressure which hinders provision of justice. The study strongly recommends transfer of power to prosecutors of the Punjab as per PCPS Act, 2006 for better delivery of justice in the provinceItem Perspectives on Musharraf’s policy of ‘Enlightened Moderation’ in National & International Print Media (2003-2005)(University of Management and Technology, 2017) Sara AhmadIn the wake of 9/11, 2001 religious extremism became a major concern of international security agencies. Pakistan, in particular, became a focus of academic discourse on radical religious extremism and militancy. It was during these times that President of PakistanPervez Musharraf presented the idea of “Enlightened Moderation”. According to him, the Muslims would have to adopt the modern path and the world should promote justice to get rid of extremism. This study examines President Musharraf's policy of “Enlightened Moderation” and its different interpretations by the national and international print media. The study finds that despite President Musharraf's efforts to explain this idea at length, it was interpreted in multiple, often conflicting ways by scholars in the Pakistan, the West and in the Muslim world. Data is included from newspapers articles and semi-structured elite interviews which are selected using quota and purposive sampling. Following the interpretive qualitative research tradition, the study is employed thematic analysis to analyze the data.Item Participation of Women in Election 2013:(University of Management and Technology, 2016) Robina SharifThis comparative study of political parties articulates women's participation and representation in politics and political parties in Pakistan. It provides a pre and post-election analysis of political participation of female political workers and public representatives of constituencies of Lahore, belonging to two political parties of PakistanPML (N) and PTI in the general elections of 2013. Though the women are 50% of Pakistan's population, yet they have a small number of opportunities to take part in the political process and decision making of the country. It not only finds out the hurdles and challenges, which limit women's participation in politics and political party system of Pakistan, but also suggests some recommendations and artifices for political empowerment of women. To understand the importance of women's participation in the political process Down's Theory of Rational Choice is used and for the recognition of women's identity in political parties Michigan Model of Party Identification is used as a theoretical frame work within the frame -work of political party system in Pakistan. In Pakistandue to patriarchal traditions and the attitude of society the participation of women in politics is connected to male‘s perception. Although at an individual level both male and female encouraged women to join politics and take part in the political process yet overall the collective patriarchal mind set of Pakistani society discouraged women to come forward and participate in the political process of Pakistan.Item Election campaign strategies of PML-N in 2013(University of Management and Technology Lahore, 2016) Ahmed, IshtiaqThis study brings to light the election campaign strategies of political parties in general election 2013 and unveil the response of the voters of Lahore. Through the study of PML-N it is observed that PML –N used candidate based strategy but 43.59% voters of PML-N of Lahore were not inspired by campaign strategies rather they cast their votes because of the party affiliation.71 % voters were inspired by Shahbaz Sharif’s performance in previous Punjab government (2008 to 2013). It is also observed that 60% voters of PML-N did not like the candidate and 65% voters disliked the campaign tools and cast their vote because of party affiliation. Only 52% voters of PML-N focused on manifesto during the campaign.Item Independent prosecution and provision of justice(University of Management and Technology Lahore, 2016) Muhammad Ayyaz AslamThis study investigates the role of Punjab Criminal Prosecution Service (PCPS), which deals with criminal cases in the court on behalf of the state, on the provision of justice in the Punjab province. The study explores the efficacy of Punjab Criminal Prosecution Act, 2006 through document analysis and interviews of 25 individuals representing all relevant stakeholders in PCPS namely judges, prosecutors, investigation officers, private lawyers and accused persons. The study finds that the structure of PCPS is much better as compared to former system of Attorney General that deals both criminals as well as civil matters in the courts on the behalf of state. After the establishment of PCPS, the power structure is divided between the police and the prosecutors to resolve the criminal cases. But despite better service the process of PCPS is not without demerits. This system is not entirely independent. It is evident in some cases that there is political interference and undue pressure which hinders provision of justice. The study strongly recommends transfer of power to prosecutors of the Punjab as per PCPS Act, 2006 for better delivery of justice in the province