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Purpose: To determine the role of intra-silicon oil methotrexate injection to prevent Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy. Study Design: Quasi experimental Study. Place and Duration: Ophthalmology department of Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal from February 2022 to August 2022. Methods: Study included patients of either gender, older than 19 years with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) grade B or less. There were two groups and each group had fifty-one patients. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy and silicon oil tamponade. Group 1 was control group. Group 2 had intravitreal injections of methotrexate 500µg at the end of surgery. We repeated the injections at 1st, 2nd, and 4th week postoperatively. Results: There were 56(54.9%) male and 46(45.1%) female patients. Postoperatively visual acuity improved in thirty cases (58.82%) in group 1 and in forty-two cases (82.35%) in group 2.Postoperatively PVR developed in 11(21.57%) patients in group 1 while in group 2 no patient had PVR. Recurrent Retinal detachment occurred in 9(19.61%) patients in group 1 and 3(5.88%) patients in group 2.Chi square test demonstrated statistically significant difference in the frequency of development of PVR and re-detachment of retina between two groups, p<0.05. Conclusion: Methotrexate is an effective adjuvant used in Pars plana Vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. It prevents PVR resulting in better surgical and functional outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of historical analysis, the vital role played by communities at the local and village levels, as well as the diverse ethnic groups and marginalized segments of society, in influencing a nation's sociocultural and economic advancement is frequently overlooked. This study endeavors to address this gap in scholarship by shedding light on the importance of the Miao ethnic group in China's developmental history. Examining China's approach to incorporating diverse ethnic minorities into Chinese identity and nationalism holds great importance. The educational system in the village can shed light on both China's education system and its impact on the socio-cultural and economic development of a Miao Community in a rural Chinese village. Additionally, it illustrates how this system contributes to maintaining unity amidst diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the burial practices and death rituals of the Kalasha tribe of Chitral, Pakistan and explores the process of change or development in the burial practices and decline of gandau (Kalashamon: burial memorial effigy) and gundurik (Kalashamon: burial memorial effigy) making. Once the whole of Chitral Valley was inhabited by the indigenous and pre-Islamic Kalasha people and Chitral was their chiefdom, later they were ousted from the rule when the Chitral was taken by the Muslim rulers. The people, later, concentrated themselves in the southern valleys of Chitral and gradually lost their grandeur. Though they are struggling for their survival, but gradually are losing their cultural traits. Their burial practices have been hit badly for various reasons. Sharuga (Kalashamon: feast of merit) and installing the ancestral effigies were a central portion of their tradition which they had almost deserted. They changed burial practices and follow their Muslim neighbours, though there are some old traditional graveyards but in pathetic condition and need the attention of policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intends to understand the dynamics of the Civil-Military relations during the Zia regime which was a military ruler (1977-1988). The authors are interested to explore and investigate how democracy works under a military regime. In fact, Civil-Military Relations (CMR) means interaction between civil government, civil society and armed forces of the country. Civil-military relations are not only a controversial and serious political issue in third-world countries but also in developed nations of the world. The political history of Pakistan, tells us that the CMR in Pakistan has never been cordial and has been marked by a gap of confidence and distrust. The present study focuses on the Zia-Junejo confrontation: (1985-1988)."It is a very important phase in the CMR history of Pakistan, which created very deep impact on the politics and foreign policy of Pakistan. General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq was a military dictator. In 1984, there were many kinds of internal and external pressures on him for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. General Zia held a non-party election in 1985 and after Eighth Amendment in the constitution of 1973, restored limited democracy under the handpicked Prime Minister Muhammad Khan Junejo. Soon after the restoration of democracy in Pakistan, a power struggle between Zia and Junejo started on protocols, turf and policy matters. There were many factors which played a role in increasing confrontation between Zia and Junejo, but the most important factor was the Geneva Accord which paved the way for the dismissal of the Junejo government in 1988. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study problematizes the Sikh's demand for Khalistan, a separate country of their own. To begin with, they demanded a greater degree of political autonomy within the domains of India. During the colonial period the Sikhs supported the Indian National Congress's demand for the division of Punjab and inclusion of the East Punjab into Bharat. But soon after the creation of Bharat(India), "the Sikhs realized that they were betrayed and they started to vow for more autonomy. Initially, they felt that PEPSU was a step towards their aspirations but later they felt that they had missed the train and moved for Punjabi Province. After much deliberation and delaying tactics, finally the Punjab emerged on the Indian Territory in the form that always proved a nightmare for the Sikh community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study estimates the leadership qualities of Benazir Bhutto, first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Islamic world. The life history of Benazir Bhutto also falls under the category of charismatic leadership as she displayed exceptional leadership qualities in the face of different personal and political challenges. Much has been written on the life, personality and political career of Benazir Bhutto but very few have made academic and in depth study of leadership qualities of Benazir Bhutto which were predominant and striking features of her political leadership during her second tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan (1993-96). Therefore, this article navigates on diverse Socio-economic, Political and Geo-strategic challenges and responses of Benazir Bhutto as Prime Minister of Pakistan (1993-96). Further, it encapsulates her relationship with military, dwindling state of economy, revengeful role of opposition and various contradictions with President created a grave challenge not only for poor governance but also for the longevity of her premiership tenure. It was not smooth sailing for her as Prime Minister; however, it was a hard journey full of myriad challenges, inherited dwindling economy, overdeveloped state structure, strife torn society, volatile geo-political situation, regional disparities, vindictive politics of opposition and imbalance of power between Prime Minister and President required stupendous efforts from Benazir Bhutto as a Prime Minister. Further, this study presents a systematic and factual analysis of the socio-economic challenges and the arbitrary use of the Presidential power (58) (2B). Furthermore, theory of challenge and response has also been applied to have a better understanding of Benazir Bhutto's leadership qualities and administrative abilities. It also throws light on the circumstances that led towards her ouster from premiership. Besides, this study attempts to find what were the diverse challenges faced by Benazir Bhutto as a Prime Minister (1993-96)? How did she respond to various challenges as Prime Minister? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CPEC has been declared as one of the key projects under the One Belt One Road plan of China. Estimates reflect that this project would aid in the economic growth of the entire region, affecting a population of over 4 billion across more than 60 countries. In the context of Pakistan, opportunities linked with CPEC are estimated to be up to $62 billion. CPEC is likely to result in a high number of employment opportunities ranging from 600,000 to 1,000,000 between 2015 and 2030. In order to cater to the needs associated with these projects, a well-equipped and skilled workforce is required. For that matter, major attention is required to address issues related to Human Resource Development (HRD) that must be in line with the historical perspective of HRD. Nevertheless, not just CPEC, a national level HRD policy that covers the analysis of current and required workforce and the knowledge, skills, and abilities they require is of great significance. A policy that integrates the HRD with national development goals is of dire significance. Moreover, this study contributes to highlighting and addressing challenges and opportunities related to HRD in the light of historical perspective of CPEC and HRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sikhs were the integral part of Punjab politics especially after Montague-Chelmsford reforms. They although had joint political venture with the Unionist Party of Punjab but later on during the partition drive they missed the train. They were more relying on the Indian National Congress authorities and were betrayed by them. Despite of many offers of Jinnah, they rejected all the offers and joined hands with the Congress. After the Cabinet mission, they mad and re-made all of their policies which led towards of their illusion politics, damaging their cause. Congress leadership assured them many times about their full support to the Sikh leadership and all of their demands. This paper will deal with the political development of partition drive and betrayal of the Sikhs by the Congress that how they were betrayed and the Sikhs were confused in their politics and political tactics and the role of Colonial authorities as well Congressites to get the support of the Sikhs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research paper aims to explore that weather women are empowered through their familial right of inheritance in Rawalpindi District. What are various dimensions and recent trends in the region in this regard? The data collected for the research study through qualitative means. The researcher by law and gender experts for data collection took semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed by using thematic technique. The result shows although states law and Shariah law have clearly mentioned inheritance share of women. However, in reality women are not getting their familial inheritance right in the region. They are not granted their due share due to strong patriarchal values, cultural customs deeply embedded in social system of the region, complicated legal system and bad governance of government institutions with reference to implementation of laws. Even if women wants to empower herself, through this familial right, these constraints, are producing hurdles in her way in the region. Education, awareness, along with implementation of laws and policies is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane technology has emerged as a leading tool worldwide for effective CO2 separation because of its well‐known advantages, including high surface area, compact design, ease of maintenance, environmentally friendly nature, and cost‐effectiveness. Polymeric and inorganic membranes are generally utilized for the separation of gas mixtures. The mixed‐matrix membrane (MMM) utilizes the advantages of both polymeric and inorganic membranes to surpass the trade‐off limits. The high permeability and selectivity of MMMs by incorporating different types of fillers exhibit the best performance for CO2 separation from natural gas and other flue gases. The recent progress made in the field of MMMs having different types of fillers is emphasized. Specifically, CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separation from various types of MMMs are comprehensively reviewed that are closely relevant to natural gas purification and compositional flue gas treatment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While broadly speaking the framework of separation of power is not fully executed which has caused institutional tangle in the history of Pakistan, however, the main objective of this research paper is to re-investigate the relationship between the civil and military leadership in the period 2013-2018. The elemental premise of this article is that the civilian and military leadership has generally squabbled during the civilian rule. This paper contends that this wrangle has left a majority of people of Pakistan with undelivered promises and their woes have generally multiplied. Generally speaking, perception abounds that form over substance approach proliferates in the present democratic set-up. There is an impression that the military schemes surreptitiously to destabilize the civil governments if the latter does not play to the whims of the former. The relations between the two power-centres embittered during the period 2013-2018 and it is generally believed that such tensions led to events like the dharna (sit - in) by the PTI/PAT, Tehreek-i-Labbayak protests/sit-ins and the disputed election results of 2018. Right or wrong, but there is an impression that military has generally tried to transgress its limits and meddled in the affairs of the civil administration in order to punish the 'corrupt civilians' for their corrupt practices. The relationship of civilian and military leadership in this article discusses specifically the instances which created tussles between both the leadership during the 2013-2018 periods. Again, the civilian leadership is facing the charges of corruption and since the matter is subjudice, this paper constraints from considering these politicians corrupt or innocent but the main argument of the paper is that whether it is direct or indirect military interference the main allegation against the politicians is corruption. Therefore, this paper will try to find the answer to the following queries: what is the conduct of the civil governments how the civilians irritate the military and other institutions why the military takes interest into the civilian matters and why military needs to policing the civil governments and what factors caused the downfall of Mian Nawaz Sharif government. The underlying hypothesis of the study is that the theory of separation of power is not fully implemented in Pakistan which has been causing institutional clash and powerful institutions overpower the weaker and in case of Pakistan's parliament is the weakest institution. However, this paper will like to recommend to go for the basics of democracy 'Separation of power' to ensure continuation and consolidation of democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After about seven decades of the creation of Pakistan when a lot of awareness about the philosophy of pluralism prevails and importance of inclusiveness is being realized it has become need of the hour that the role of Indians' leader such as Sir Mian Fazl-i-Husain, which was overlooked in the earlier histories of colonial Punjab, should be revisited. By reevaluating Mian Fazl-i-Husain's leadership role in Punjab's political arena, we may also review the emergence of a modem Muslim leadership genuinely imbued with the idea of collective welfare and communal harmony by undertaking various measures at provincial and national levels. Much has been written on the life and works of Allama Iqbal, Sikandar Hayat and Khizar Khan Tiwana but Fazl-i-Husain still remains relatively neglected from a serious scholarly discourse. Therefore, this study aims to fill that gap in the historical literature of the colonial Punjab. He was instrumental in creating awareness among the Indian masses, especially the Punjabis, for the freedom of India. He believed in constitutional and peaceful methods to achieve those goals. Consequently, he championed the cause of extracting legal, political, economic, social and communal rights from the colonial administration. Though he was a national leader yet his political base was regional politics. He advocated communal harmony and struggled for creating a plural society in a diverse religio-cultural environment. He launched a secular political party named as 'Unionist Party' in Punjab which dominated provincial politics from 1923 to 1947. The party included in its fold, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus which reflected Fazl-i-Husain's secular vision. He worked hard to achieve his goal of establishing a true plural society in Punjab. His thoughts and actions were implemented through the Unionist Party. With the party's downfall the division of Punjab on communal grounds became a strong political argument for the non-Muslims. Fazl-i- Husain kept the secular character of the Party intact till his death despite strong criticism by leaders and intellectuals of other communities who dubbed his policies as pro-Muslim. This study will develop the argument that Fazl-i-Husain, to a great extent, was successful in creating a plural society in an atmosphere of religious separatism in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper attempts to understand causes and effects, mode and dynamics of the agitational politics in Pakistan by focusing on the movement for restoration of democracy (MRD). The MRD was started against the third military rule under Gen. Zia in 1981 by the coalition of nine political parties. There is a prevailing belief among the historians and the social scientists that the movement against Gen. Zia failed but this movement could be studied as a perfect model of agitational politics in Pakistan. This research paper is an effort to analyze the movement for restoration of democracy as a historical phenomenon. Secondly it's a critical evaluation of the movement that how much successfully the strategies of agitational politics have been applied. This movement was a success in its agitational strategies and objectives. It addressed the grievances of the various factions of the society and mobilized them to raise their voices against the strict military rule. It maintained its strategy of non violence successfully and avoided direct clash with the powerful establishment at large. More importantly it brought about positive results in the shape of restoration of democracy in 1985. The movement perfectly fits in the definition of agitational politics. It was a lateral deviance agitation to change the system. Therefore it is of great importance to reevaluate the MRD with a new perspective of agitational politics. The study will try to find out answers to the following queries: What is agitational politics and why the framework of agitational politics fit in the MRD and was it succeeded in bringing change in the affairs of state and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper seeks to examine the cultural life of the Kalasha people and their festivals. It particularly focuses on Joshi, Rat Nat & Uchaw, Pul and Winter Solstice: the Chawmos festivals points out their role in the lives of the Kalasha tribe. Primarily, the study is based on documentary evidences recorded in secondary sources and combined with the data collected by the current researcher during various field visits and ethnographic surveys to the Kalashdesh (Kalasha valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir). The study probes the meanings of festivities and their cultural significance among the Kalasha tribe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 emission from anthropogenic sources has raised worldwide environmental concerns and hence proficient energy paradigm has tilted towards CO2 capture. Membrane technology is one of the efficient technologies for CO2 separation since it is environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and offers high surface areas. Various approaches are discussed to improve membrane performance focusing mainly on permeability and selectivity parameters. Different types of fillers are incorporated to reach the Robeson's upper bound curve. In this review, polymer‐inorganic nanocomposite membranes for the separation of CO2, CH4, and N2 from various gas mixtures are comprehensively discussed. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and ionic liquid (ILs) mixed‐matrix membranes are also considered. Membrane technology is considered as an efficient, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive technology for CO2 separation. Various approaches to improve membrane performance are reviewed with the focus on permeability and selectivity parameters. Polymer‐inorganic nanocomposite membranes, metal organic frameworks, and ionic liquid mixed‐matrix membranes are also discussed and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's world, there is hardly any state which is perfectly homogeneous and does not possess minorities of one type or other and Pakistan is also not an exceptional state in this regard. Pakistani society is a pluralistic one where citizenship is generally based on the principles of freedom of speech, thought and action. There are some incidents of religious intolerance by extremist elements in recent years that have attracted the attention of the writers to investigate the status of the religious minorities in Pakistan. Though Pakistan is an Islamic democratic state but its state and society provide religious freedom to minorities as well. Therefore, religious minorities always played an important role in its development, prosperity and solidarity without any religious prejudice. The Christian community of Lahore is now several generations old, although some have come from Muslims, Hindu or Sikh background. Minorities in Lahore also participated a lot in the development of the city and Christians being a largest minority of the city participated significantly in the society. Missionaries pioneered the provision of health treatment and education in a western style, not only during the Colonial period but after the partition their contribution enhanced in these fields, in a specific Muslim society instead being a minority of the city. It is imperative for decision makers in the country to revisit Jinnah's vision of democratic, plural and tolerant Pakistan, which is based on equal rights rooted in equal residency and similar rights of citizenship and free of biases based in gender, dogma and caste. This ideal formed the basis for the movement for Pakistan and still is adhered to an overwhelming majority of the country's populace. This study explores and analyzes the contributions and role of Christian community living in Lahore, in various fields including health, education, public work, civil and military bureaucracy etc. The prime object of the study is to highlight the efforts of Christian community in the promotion of socio-economic life of the people residing in Lahore after 1947, which may remove many prejudices of the ignorant persons, about the real contribution of the Christian community. Many historians, sociologists and anthropologists have worked a lot on the conversion movements and rights of Christian community in Pakistan, but no serious attempt has yet been made to investigate their role for the promotion of interfaith dialogue, imparting liberal education and health facilities after independence of Pakistan. Therefore, this study by throwing light on the contribution of Christian community in different walks of life in Lahore will fill a gap in the historical literature of Pakistani state and society. It would be a ready reference for the further study and research by other researchers. Therefore, it is of immense importance to understand the status of religious minorities more specifically of Christian community in Lahore with the subaltern historical framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the role of Mountbatten, as the last Viceroy of united India, in the partition of India and the division of Bengal and Punjab as well. Mountbatten forced Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah to accept the division of Punjab and Bengal, the two largest Muslim-majority provinces of united India. Along with devising the 3rd June Plan for India's division he also constituted the Radcliffe Commission for demarcating the boundaries between India and Pakistan. There are two contradictory claims however, the dominant viewpoint is that Mountbatten changed the original boundary plan prepared by Radcliffe to appease Jawahar Lal Nehru and to punish Jinnah for not accepting him as the joint Governor-General of both India and Pakistan. In fact, this unjust Radcliffe Award sowed the seeds of the hitherto unresolved numerous issues including the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, which caused three wars between them. Therefore, it is important to review and revisit the perceptions about the Mountbatten's role regarding formation, working and final decisions of the Radcliffe Commission. With the passage of more than seventy years since India and Pakistan emerged on the scene as independent nations previously unavailable official documents such as Mountbatten Papers, Churchall Papers, Attlee Papers etc., are now available which can help us get a greater picture of Mountbatten's thoughts and actions about the Radcliffe Award. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an attempt to explore the regional significance and global dimensions of the Chinese President Xi Jin Ping's vision and initiative regarding Belt and Road which can transform adjacent countries like Afghanistan, Central Asian Republican States (CARS), India, Iran, Nepal and Pakistan into a real economic hub in coming time. Belt and road initiative is a mega project which includes; massive road connectivity, geographical linkages, rail and road transportation system, people to people contacts, development of understanding through cultural, academic, business and professional exchanges for the progress and prosperity of this vast region. In fact, the initiative of China Pakistan Economic Corridor is one of the mega projects which focuses; the creation of new regional connectivity through Gwadar Sea Port, giving direct access to Chinese goods from Kashgar (China) towards Gwadar (Pakistan). Hence, this development of faster infrastructure of rail, roads, towards maritime transportation and communication is an important project which can connect the countries of the area like Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Central Asia as well as Iran. Thus, the Gwadar Port will connect China, Russia, Middle East, Central Asia and South East Asia. The OBOR and CPEC are a burning issue and much debated topic in today's Pakistan and world at large. In Pakistan mostly people believe that the CPEC will be a major source of economic development, peace and prosperity. On the one hand, US and India nexus, is trying to develop negative image about the project of CPEC by creating the impression of another colonial domination on the Pakistan territory in the form of Chinese presence. India is making all efforts, to sabotage and to damage the credibility of the CPEC project. This paper by delving and investigating the OBOR and CPEC connections will try to encapsulate the regional importance, dimensions of the project of Belt and Road initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sir Mian Fazl-i-Husain, generally speaking, is overlooked by the historians therefore by revisiting the main characteristics of Fazl-i-Husain's political leadership, one can have a better understanding of the role of Muslim leadership like that of Mian Fazl-i-Husain in the colonial Punjab. He struggled to free India from the foreign rule as early as possible but he believed that without better understanding and communal harmony among the Muslims, Hindus and the Sikh, this freedom cannot be achieved. Montagu-Chelmsford Reform of 1919 provided the opportunity to those leaders who wished to work under the constitutional umbrella, to achieve independence with peaceful means. The newly enforced Act opened the doors for electoral politics and helped the elected members to join the executive council and to serve their nation as parliamentarians and some as ministers. Thus political vacuum created by the rejection and boycott of the conventional political parties such as the Congress and the League was filled up by the provincial parties, political elites, and groups. This phenomenon suited the most to Mian Fazl-i-Husain who undertook the responsibility of cementing the gulf among the religious communities by his ideas and actions. No doubt the emergence of the Rural Group was the political expediency and spontaneous to the political situation but the foundation of National Unionist Party was the brainchild of the philosophy of Sir Fazl-i- Husain. This party was a party with secular representation and program. It included main leaders of the Muslims, Sikhs and the Hindus and remained dominant on the political landscape of the provincial politics from 1923 to 1947. Therefore, it is important to understand the political philosophy of Fazl-i-Husain and his main objective behind the foundation of the National Unionist Party. This paper will try to emphasize the point that Fazl-i- Husain got the Charismatic traits that helped him to persuade the Punjabi political leadership to establish a provincial political party on the secular basis. He was a strong believer in establishing a plural society and for that matter, he worked for the common welfare of all the religious communities. This paper will also develop the argument that Fazl-i-Husain, in an atmosphere of religious separatism in India, was successful, to a great extent, in establishing a party with a secular program, which enabled him to pursue a party program for creating a plural society. Though much has been written on the foundation and working of the Unionist party, very few have academically focused on the ideas and thoughts of Fazl-i-Husain for laying the foundation of the party and by producing this piece of paper it is felt that it will fill the gap in the historical literature of the Colonial Punjab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent comeback of PPP on the national political scene has attracted the attention of many writers and historians to analyze this phenomenon. The PPP had suffered a decline following the 2013 elections and its support of the PML (N) for continuation of the democratic era in Pakistan. So its recent revival and re-emergence on the national scene in which it was a partner in toppling the Balochistan government and participated actively in the Senate elections of 2018 is being looked at closely by the political analysts and pundits. From here on it seems that the PPP might end up playing a frontline role in the 2018 elections. Therefore, this study attempts to understand the role of Pakistan People's Party, hereafter the PPP, in the political history of Pakistan. The underlying hypothesis of the study is that though in the era of Z. A. Bhutto (1967-1979) PPP might have been regarded as an ideological party but after its founder leader's death it adopted an approach of pragmatism. The PPP completed its fifty years in 2017 and since its initiation, it has either been the ruling or the main opposition party of the country. Since the party's initiation, the politics of Pakistan has revolved around it in one way or the other. Other than the Pakistan Muslim League (N) it has been the oldest surviving political party of the country and thus deserves to be researched further in detail in order to assess its contribution to the national political milieu. It has often been a popular party with a broad base among the masses and with charismatic leaders like Z.A. Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, so naturally it has attracted numerous historians to explore and analyze its role in the political history of Pakistan. Much has already been written on the role of main leadership of PPP in shape of biographies and party history but hardly anyone has academically evaluated the role of PPP in a theoretical framework. Therefore, there is a dire need to throw fresh light on the PPP and in this paper the theory of pragmatism is applied to understand the approach PPP has adopted since 1979 to gain power and to retain its position as a main opposition party in the Pakistani politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is a regional and inter-governmental organization which provides a trading block like the European Union and this paper attempt to understand the undercurrents of it. ECO provides a trading block like the European Union and committed to achieve its objectives. Its main members are Iran, Pakistan and Turkey and in fact this organization is a continuation of the multi-government organization; the RCD started in 1964 and ceased working in 1979. ECO emerged as a replacement of RCD in 1985, with inclusion of seven more countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan. For achieving its objectives ECO's work-plan was prepared in three, cultural, economic and scientific, domains. The geographical situation of these countries not only provides road, air and sea-links for each other but also can connect the countries of central Asia as well. Land locked, Central Asian countries to date are linked to Mediterranean Sea through Turkey, Persian Gulf through Iran and by developing ECO Pakistan can provide access to these countries to Arabian Sea. This paper argues that if the strategic goals set in ECO and CPEC are achieved Pakistan can emerge as one of the fastest growing regional markets, possibly globally, as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on "The Belt and Road Summit" held in Beijing, China from May 14-15, 2017. It includes information on the participation of former prime minister of India Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. It also discusses the topics including Pakistan's relations with China and One Belt One Road initiative of the president of China Xi JInping.

Pakistan and China are two neighboring countries who have been connected via land routes through extremely difficult terrain since ancient times. This friendship was started through what is historically called the Silk Route. Starting from the times of the Han dynasty (207 BCE – 220 CE) to the contemporary times China has been connected through its trade links with the West and the East including the Indo-Pakistan Subcontinent. Thus Buddhism spread from Indo-Pakistan to Central Asia and reached the Far East through China. This paper attempts to trace the origin and development of historical, socio-cultural, religious and economic ties between China and Pakistan. While tracing the development of historical ties the emphasis would be on the establishment of the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Therefore, it is important to understand the precedents of the contemporary Silk Route which will continue an ancient tradition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the role of Indian political leader Abul Kalam Azad's role from 1946 to 1947 before the independence of Pakistan and India, dealing with topics including political party Muslim League, Azad's political ideas, the Quit India Movement, and political maneuvering.

This paper attempts to investigate the role of female Saints in the preaching and advancement of religion of Islam. The underlying hypothesis is that mysticism2 is a phenomenon that transcends gender boundaries as it is an experience which any gender can feel through divinely ordained talent, certain practices, devotion and dedication.3 It develops in one the love for God and one goes on to teach, practice and preach His message to humanity.4 Saints have played a significant role in Islam5 and many of these saintly figures have been women including wives of the Holy Prophet, or Sahabis, or their descendants. After the death of Holy Prophet his missionary work was carried out by his immediate followers and their descendents and owing to their efforts Islamic religion spread worldwide.6 Besides male saints, many female saints have done this service for the promotion and advancement of Islam in foreign lands but their role and stories have remained marginalized. One such story is linked with the mausoleum of Bibi Pak Daman, situated in Lahore, Pakistan and attributed to Bibi Ruqayyah, daughter of Hazrat Ali (R.A), and her entourage.7 Though main objective of the paper is to throw light on the gender and Sufism yet this paper also touches upon the narratives related to Bibi Pak Daman, a small shrine in Lahore, commonly known the graves of six women from the Prophet Muhammad's (P.B.U.H) family and subject to a range of theories regarding its origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the end of the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire (1924) parts of the Muslim world which constituted the Usmania Empire experienced the Western imperialism directly and indirectly. Muslims in post-WWII freed countries across the world feel that their country's governments have been under the influence of western powers even after gaining official independence when deciding internal and external policies. Whether it was the Cold War era or the current single superpower phenomenon Muslims have encountered enormous internal and external challenges. The incident of 9/11 and then the fallout from the failure of the events of the Arab Spring in the Middle East the Muslim world has been most affected by these developments. Political instability, social evils, poverty, unemployment, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and most importantly, extremism, have badly affected some of the states' very existence. Circumstantial evidence evidently strengthened the case of anti-Islam forces that are bent upon proving Muslims as extremists and thus Islam-phobia is still on the rise in the West. The Muslim intelligentsia feels coverage that forms the main source for so-called intellectual and enlightened views of the Western world--or the 'North' against the South--at the moment, is chiefly responsible for existing anti-Muslim feeling in the west. Although Islam has been maligned by most of the Western media as if it was the root-cause of extremism in the Muslim world yet there have been a handful of intellectuals who have pondered over to find out the causes of downfall of the Muslim civilization and propounded prescriptions to regenerate the Muslim society. Therefore, there is a dire need to understand the causes and effects of degradation of Muslim civilization in the world from a different perspective and this paper attempts to explore and analyze the genesis and dynamics of Muslim civilization in the contemporary Muslim world. While analyzing the evolution and growth of challenges of varied kinds including the social, political and economic, the underlying hypothesis of this paper is that Muslim intellectuals have not only pointed out the weaknesses in the society but also proposed solutions to their continued degradation. The paper shows that the intellectuals from the Muslim world were always in the forefront in all such political phases and created awareness among the masses. A general study and comparison of the literary works of Ghulam Ahmad Perwez (1906-1985) and Abdessalam Yassine (1928-2012) will clearly reflect that throughout the last half of the past century, Muslim thinkers have spelled out such practices of Islam which could help create an ideal society where there could not be fear, violence and extremism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to explore and analyze the genesis and dynamics of extremism in Pakistan, phenomena which can have serious political implications for South Asia. While analyzing the evolution and growth of extremism in Pakistan, the underlying hypothesis of this paper is that Pakistani society as a whole, more specifically, its intellectuals, displayed strong resistance to extremism preached or practiced by any group or individual. Intellectuals from west Punjab, no less than those from other provinces and areas of Pakistan, were always in the forefront in all such political phases or instances. A general study of the times and literary works of Shah Hussain, Bullah Shah, Habib Jalib, Munir Niazi et al, will clearly reflect that throughout history, the Punjabi poets have never endorsed acts which might endanger human life and always stood up against violence and extremism. For them, human existence was not about hatred or violence. Instead, they always emphasised on unconditional love for humanity as a whole irrespective of caste, creed and religion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biography of mystic Mian Abdul Rashid Panipati, also known as, Notan Wali Sarkar, is presented. He was born in Panipat, India which is the land of Qalandars. He settled in the city of Sargodha which is popular for its mystics, pirs, Syeds, and most notably, for the Gaddis of Pir of Sial Sharif and Pir Karam Ali Shah.

The article presents information on the 24th International Pakistan History Conference which took place on April 14-16, 2014, in Lahore, Pakistan, and which focused on the history and historiography of South Asia. Topics discussed on the conference included Gandhara art and architecture, medieval history, and popular perceptions of history. In attendance were scholars such as Hasan Beg, Pippa Virdee, and Fatima Bilgrami.

The article looks at the 1946-1947 interim government of India, with a particular focus on the causes of its collapse. Details on tensions between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League are presented. The role of British viceroys in Indian politics during this period is also discussed. Other topics include Indian National Congress leader Vallabhbhai Patel, British support of the Indian National Congress, and the partition of India and Pakistan.