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Begin New Search Political Geography Pakistan Journal Review of Human Rights

1. Rule of Law in Pakistan

Author:
Amr Ibn Munir
Publication Date:
05-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
The rule of law is one of the most important, if not the most important, constitutional principles. It has been a philosophical concept since the time of the Greek philosophers or even before. For the English jurists, the rule of law encompasses two central principles, which are the supremacy of law and equality before law. However, the British showed no concern for upholding it during the era of colonization. In Pakistan, the principles of supremacy of law and equality before law were incorporated into the Constitution. The Pakistani Superior Courts have widened the scope of these two principles in their decisions. However, in reality, such principles as enunciated by the Judiciary are not actually implemented in true letter and spirit.
Topic:
Human Rights, Constitution, Rule of Law, and Equality
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

2. Using Safe-to-Learn Strategies for Protecting Children with Disabilities in Schools

Author:
Mehek Naeem and Farhat Munir
Publication Date:
05-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
Children with disabilities are often more prone to abuse in Pakistan. This article is based on a qualitative study using formal interviews as a data collection tool. The participants were asked about their perspective on the current practices of protecting children in schools, especially those with disabilities, and how to improve the system for safeguarding the Children to Learn Initiative. The research found that a right-based, systematic approach needs to be taken to improve school systems for the protection of children with disabilities against abuse and neglect, where attention is paid to prevention, response strengthening, and overall management and referral systems.
Topic:
Human Rights, Children, Disability, and Protection
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

3. Honour Killing and Criminal Justice System in Pakistan

Author:
Aqsa Ghazi and Umar Farooq Salamat
Publication Date:
11-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
This article examines the factors that contribute to gender inequality and violence against women in Punjab, Pakistan. It focuses on District Gujranwala and examines patriarchal power structures, cultural norms, and restrictive gender roles. The article analyzes court decisions in District Gujranwala from 2012 to 2023, which show a high number of acquittals, mostly because of retracted eyewitness testimony. We argue that despite statutory reforms, there exists an over-reliance on visual evidence that undermines justice. We suggest that a comprehensive policy is needed that challenges cultural norms, advances gender equality, fortifies legal frameworks, and reforms investigation and prosecution techniques to effectively prevent honour killings and increase conviction rates.
Topic:
Law, Women, Criminal Justice, and Honor Killing
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

4. Pashtun Cultural Transition between the Militants and Military

Author:
Syed Wasif Azim and Muhammad Naveed Akhtar
Publication Date:
11-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
This article aims at discussing the violent conflict and its inter-relationship with militants and military in Swat, Pakistan. It argues that the term Badal may be recognized as having multiple forms and meanings. This paper demonstrates that in the initial phase of the conflict people used militant’s ‘tag’ while in post-military-operations period took the benefit of their ties with the military to take revenge from their opponents. This study underscores that this phenomenon has impacted the socio-cultural symbols and practices of badal negatively and has further defamed socio-cultural norms and values of the society. The study for being empirical in its methodology is based on 45 open-ended in-depth interviews, 05 focus group discussions and ethnographic observation, in Swat, Pakistan.
Topic:
Culture, Violence, Military, Pukhtuns, and Pashtuns
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

5. Nature's Metaphorical Tapestry: Unravelling Green Discourse in Pakistani Newspapers in English through an Ecolinguistic Lens

Author:
Sabeen
Publication Date:
11-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
Metaphors wield a profound influence on our cognitive processes and actions. This research investigates the nature metaphors embedded in Pakistani newspapers in English within the context of green discourse. It delves into an analysis of how metaphors shape our conceptualization of the environment by considering their multiplicity, duality, and cultural diversity. By employing Stibbe's stories model as a foundational framework and applying semi-automated corpus methods to achieve the research objectives, this study discerns prevalent metaphorical structures that portray nature as a competitive entity, a personified being, a mechanical construct, a interconnected web, and a valuable resource. This research advocates for adopting a more responsible use of metaphorical language by the media personnel to have a more harmonious relationship with nature.
Topic:
Environment, Media, Linguistics, and Metaphors
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

6. Effectiveness of Counterterrorism Policies of Pakistan

Author:
Fazal Wahab
Publication Date:
11-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
National Action Plan (NAP) was issued after the Army Public School attack in 2014 and it got public attention, however, after eight years of the plan it is unclear how effective it is in eradicating terrorism and extremism. This study is an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of the NAP. This study utilised Eric Van Um & Daniela Pisoiu’s Model of Effectiveness as an analytical tool to assess the effectiveness of the NAP. This study is based on 30 in-depth interviews with policymakers, practitioners and activists. It is argued that the NAP is partially achieved its goals as the hard measures of the plan have been executed but failed to give enough attention to the soft measures to succeed in desired goals.
Topic:
Armed Forces, Counter-terrorism, and Action Plan
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

7. Are Muslims Intolerant of Non-Muslim Minorities? The Case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Author:
Jamal Shah, Bican Şahin, and M. Sheharyay Khan
Publication Date:
12-2022
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
In the wake of terrorist attacks carried out by radical Islamist groups such as Al Qaida, Bocco Haram and ISIS, there has been a growing tendency in the western societies to dub Muslims as illiberal and intolerant of religious minorities and Islam as a religion of terror. Muslims are presented as people oppressing cultures which they disapprove of. In this article, this negative portrayal of Muslims as intolerant, non-accommodative and discriminative is questioned in the context of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The paper, firstly, surveys the liberal theories of multiculturalism and secondly, evaluates the attitudes of religious groups in KP towards religious differences by collecting 2977 questionnaires and conducting 80 personal interviews from four religious groups. The paper shows that as a Muslim majority entity, KP society is tolerant, accommodative and non-discriminative with majority of the respondents supporting state neutrality in term of religion.
Topic:
Religion, Minorities, Pluralism, Exclusion, Intolerance, and Accommodation
Political Geography:
Pakistan, South Asia, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

8. Girls’ Right to Education in Pakistan: Critical Reflections on Malala’s Campaign in her Hometown

Author:
Zihad Ali Shah, Rahman Ullah, and Zafar Khan
Publication Date:
12-2022
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
During the War on Terrorism, the Taliban destroyed girls’ schools and discourage their education. At this time Malala Yousafzai, a teenage girl, stood up to them and fought for girls’ education rights. Though she went through a physical and psychological ordeal after the Taliban shot her in the head she persisted in her initiative. Soon she was much praised in the Western media and also landed a Nobel Prize for her efforts. However, in her hometown, she became somewhat controversial. By engaging the ethnographic method, we bring to light different perspectives on Malala’s initiative in the valley of Swat. This article also contributes to the study of the growingly complex social and political figure of Malala Yousafzai.
Topic:
Education, Women, Girls, Gender, and Malala Yousafzai
Political Geography:
Pakistan, South Asia, and Swat Valley

9. Stable Regime, Historiography and Truth Commissions: A Case Study of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement of Pakistan

Author:
Farhat Taj
Publication Date:
12-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
This article discusses the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement's (PTM) demand for establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to facilitate the right to truth of victims of the war on terror in Pakistan. It highlights the tension among the right to truth, geopolitical considerations, and historiography in pursuit of transitional justice under a stable regime. It argues that Pakistan is not likely to establish a TRC due to its geopolitical considerations vis-a-vis Afghanistan. It, however, also underscores that PTM as a pressure group could contribute greatly to realising several human rights based right claims of the war victims, if it disengages itself from the anti-Pakistan Afghan diaspora
Topic:
Human Rights, Transitional Justice, War on Terror, Pashtun, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), and Truth and Reconciliation
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

10. Role of Religious Leaders in Mobilizing Communities to Counter Violent Extremism: A Case Study of Dir Valley of Pakistan

Author:
Shakeel Ahmed
Publication Date:
12-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
Swat and Dir valleys in Pakistan have seen the brunt of post 9/11 violent extremism in the recent past. Because this extremism was generated and exploited by a few religiously motivated violent organizations, a popular perception emerged that all religious leaders of the society were involved in terrorism. Therefore, this research focuses on the role played by those religious leaders who involved themselves in mobilizing local communities against violent extremism. Employing a mixed-method research approach and sequential analysis strategy our data shows that most of the common local religious leaders played positive role inbuilding community resilience to countering violent extremism during the early phase of the War on Terrorism in these two valleys.
Topic:
Religion, Terrorism, Violent Extremism, Leadership, Community, and Countering Violent Extremism
Political Geography:
Pakistan, South Asia, Swat Valley, and Dir Valley