INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF KASHMIR STUDIES
Kashmir Policy Research Institute (KPRI) publishes “International Journal of Kashmir Studies” (ISSN 2705-5855) ISSN (2706-5863) biannually. "International Journal of Kashmir Studies" seeks to provide a forum for academic research publications on issues and problems primarily relating to the Kashmir conflict. IJKS welcomes contributions by researchers, academicians, administrators, policy makers and all others interested in promoting better understanding in managing, transforming and resolving the Kashmir conflict. The Journal of Kashmir Studies is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary (integrated art, humanities and social science) peer-reviewed(one national and one international) biannually published research journal owned by the Kashmir Policy Research Institute (KPRI).
Militarization and Everyday Life in Indian-Administered Kashmir Post-1989
This qualitative study explores the pervasive impact of militarization on everyday civilian life in Indian-administered Kashmir since the outbreak of armed insurgency in 1989. Drawing on a wide range of scholarly literature, human rights reports, ethnographic accounts, and journalistic sources, the research synthesizes how protracted conflict and the continuous presence of military forces have fundamentally restructured the region's socio-economic, political, and psychological landscape. The analysis is structured around four central themes: economic dislocation and structural violence¹; gendered experiences, particularly those of women facing displacement, trauma, and activism; youth alienation amidst educational disruption and identity struggles; and the widespread surveillance and militarization of public space. Guided by theoretical frameworks such as structural violence, biopolitics, necropolitics, and everyday resistance, the study highlights how militarization operates not only as a security strategy but as a system of governance that penetrates all aspects of daily life. Despite enduring state control and systemic violence, Kashmiri civilians continue to exhibit resilience through subtle and overt forms of resistance. The paper underscores the urgency of re-centering civilian experiences in policy discussions and calls for a reimagining of peace that prioritizes demilitarization, justice, and dignity for the people of Kashmir.
Copyright (c) 2025 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF KASHMIR STUDIES
Impact of Power Unification and Simultaneous Interpretation by Superior Judiciary: A Critical Analysis
The dearth of specialized constitutional court(s) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan places an unnecessary strain on the superior judiciary in both the regions. The interpretation of statutes and constitutional interpretation constitute two distinct processes with various considerations and approaches. However, the judges of superior courts of Pakistan and AJ&K have to interpret both statutes and the constitution which makes their work more difficult and reduces the effectiveness of the courts. Besides, conflicts of interest arise from judges' dual responsibilities in supreme judicial councils, thereby rendering it challenging to impartially implement judicial conduct standards. Moreover, the natural justice notion has been compromised by the manner in which contempt of court proceedings are handled because the judges of the superior courts serve as both prosecutors and complainants, in matters related to the contempt. The constitutions of both regions provide the superior judiciaries with considerable amounts of authority which imposes more responsibility and more pressure on judges. Thereby, this research is dynamic considering a descriptive and analytical approach to examine the powers of superior courts in both areas. This work also suggests the establishment of separate constitutional court(s) to deal only with constitutional and ancillary matters to it, while offering an overall framework for improving fairness and effectiveness in the higher judiciary of Pakistan and AJ&K.
Indo-Pak Policies Appraisal vis-à-vis contemporary Kashmir Conflict Dynamics
The Kashmir conflict remains a central issue in Indo-Pakistani relations, reflecting deep ideological divides and posing significant challenges to regional stability. This paper examines the contrasting policies of India and Pakistan regarding Kashmir, focusing on their implications for regional security and the rights of the Kashmiri population. India's 2019 revocation of Article 370 marked a shift toward territorial consolidation and demographic changes, accompanied by heavy security measures that have sparked domestic and international criticism. In contrast, Pakistan’s strategy has centered on internationalizing the issue, emphasizing human rights violations and seeking global support. The paper explores the structural barriers to conflict resolution, such as mutual distrust and the marginalization of Kashmiri voices, and the role of external actors like China and the United States. It advocates for inclusive conflict resolution strategies, such as confidence-building measures, local stakeholder involvement, and strengthened governance, to transform Kashmir from a source of conflict to a platform for regional cooperation and peace.
The New Emerging Technology Cyber Capabilities: Prospective Hazards on Deterrence Stability between India and Pakistan
The growing development and deployment of emerging disruptive technologies like cyber capabilities brings new challenges to deterrence stability in South Asia in the third nuclear age. This paper intends to explore cyber insecurity and modern warfare in the presence of core bone of contention the Kashmir conflict. In the south Asian strategic environment, India and Pakistan perceive cyber threats as steering toward critical infrastructure. In the current geopolitical environment, among nine nuclear weapon states like India and Pakistan in addition are modernizing their cyber capabilities. In that context, the use of grey zone and electronic warfare strategies complicates the already fragile mutual trust and deterrence framework. The paper investigates how deterrence stability in South Asia is being impacted by the use of new technologies, including network-centric warfare, which is shifting traditional armed maneuvers. The study gives insight that without guardrails the use such tactics will destabilize stability and making it more complex to lead towards Peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue. The study used a qualitative method and data points of the academic research are policy documents, expert interviews, and media coverage. The study brings novelty in its strategic analysis by using method of comparative case study. The findings will highlight how a cyber-nuclear risk without the resolution of Kashmir issue is putting the region under catastrophic danger. It should be comprehended that policymakers, practitioner to work on mechanisms in the face of developing technologies that can mitigate nuclear risks.
The situation of AJK in 1947: Progress of the past 77 years
The paper illustrates the historical status and background of Jammu Kashmir in 1947 and the milestones achieved in Azad Jammu Kashmir development in the past 77 years. The partitioning of British India in 1947 made Jammu and Kashmir a troubled region. The territory of AJK has significantly changed in the past 77 years in terms of politics, economy, and social life. The AJK state is politically independent with its government and legislative house. Its administration has been changing a lot in the region to ensure that the administration is improved to enable the region to have local autonomy. Through the Pakistani investment and foreign aid, AJK has also come up in terms of development of infrastructure, health care and education. Economic growth has been as a result of the construction of large-scale hydroelectric plants and the development of road transportation. However, the regions are yet to handle such challenges as poor industrialization, unemployment, minimal industrialization, and the impact of disasters such as the catastrophic earthquake in 2005. AJK has improved its literacy level and equality among sexes socially as more women have been involved in education and the labor market. Although such gains have been made, the paper indicates that the region still grapple with poverty, lack of access to quality health care, as well as legacies of the continuous war with India and the border India Kashmir problem.
Youth’s expectations from the government of AJK: Initiatives of recent government
The youth of Azad Jammu and Kashmir doesn’t not carry very high expectations from its government. However, they have to be optimistic and consistently putting their itinerary(agenda) in front of the government to ensure their legitimate rights. On the other hand, government keeps on working for the improvement of Kashmir but that is not up to the mark. Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir needs to work on different areas such as: administrative areas, they have to correct their managerial issues and so on. The main objectives of this research is to find out the real situation of health sector, depilates situation of government structure, cultural preservation, employment, technology and innovation, social issues, skill development, safety and security, sports and recreation, clean and healthy environment and so on that full fill the needs of youth’s expectation. To achieve this purpose a survey was conducted by using question air and taking interviews of some government officers and young people to understand the value of their expectations or needs. The major findings of this research includes low employment and low wages as well, low health facilities, social issues, need of latest technology, cultural issues etc. This study also specifies the initiatives that recent government also proceeds for the betterment of youth. These comprises are; public service commission, NTS, social protection, supremacy of merit and transparency and accountability The result of the research shows that youth has high expectations from its government in many possible ways. Furthermore; this study revealed that the recent government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir take initiative for the progress of youth assumptions.
Endangered Kashmiri Language: Threat to Kashmiri Identity
This paper examines the endangerment of the Kashmiri language in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The primary objective of the study was to identify the key factors contributing to the endangerment of the Kashmiri language in Muzaffarabad, AJK. A quantitative research design was employed within the positivist tradition, using a cross-sectional research method. The study was conducted in Khawaja Mohalla, Muzaffarabad, a predominantly native Kashmiri-speaking community. A sample of 400 respondents was selected using the Taro Yamane formula, with participants chosen through purposive sampling. We collected data via a questionnaire and analysed it through SPSS. The overall conclusion we have drawn from the study is that the Kashmiri language is endangered due to several factors. To prevent further endangerment, several measures need to be taken immediately. One significant issue identified is the failure of elders to fulfill their role in preserving and passing down the language to younger generations, leading to reduced motivation among youth to learn their mother tongue. We substantiate the social identity theory that the Kashmiri language becomes marginalized, leading to identity endangerment. This is best understood as a process that threatens both individual and collective identity. To safeguard the language, authorities must include Kashmiri literature in school curricula.
Ethnic Cleansing of Muslims in IOJK and Life at LOC
Kashmir, now the nuclear flashpoint between two nuclear-armed states, has a long history of ethnic cleansing of Muslims. From the Maharaja’s time to Modi’s contemporary India, Kashmiris have been a victim of Indian forces. They have been facing physical as well psychological violence. LOC is the boundary dividing Kashmir between Pakistan and India; and the life of people living near LOC is nothing near normal. Their lives and properties are always under attack of some sort by the occupying power. This paper discusses the ethnic cleansing of Muslims by Indian forces and the dynamics of the life of people at LOC. The main objective of this paper is to highlight the atrocities committed in IOJK and the miseries of people residing near LOC.
Copyright (c) 2022 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF KASHMIR STUDIES
Pro-Environment Workforce: Employee Behavior in the Pharmaceutical Companies of Sundar Industrial Estate
Environmental concerns have now been integrated into the corporate social responsibility debate. This study aims to find out the environmental corporate social responsibility and pro-environmental behaviour of employees of medicine companies of Sundar Industrial State, Lahore. For this study environmental CSR was taken as an independent variable (Environmental Management System) whereas the dependent variable is the pro-environmental behaviour of employees. A cross-sectional survey method has been used to conduct the study. The multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents and collect data from respondents (n=170). The respondents were the employees of medicine companies at the Sundar Industrial Estate. The tool for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Findings revealed that environment-related corporate social responsibility was not fulfilled by the corporations and the behaviour of employees was not environmentally friendly. The study concluded that environmental CSR and pro-environmental behaviour of employees have a positive correlation.
Demographic Changes in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the UN Resolutions
Article 73 of the United Nations Charter interpreted the Indian Independence Act, which vocally discussed the disputed status of Kashmir territory. The UN passed significant resolutions of this dispute such as UNSCR-38, 39, 47, 51, 80, 91, 98, 122, and 1172 and urged India and Pakistan to discuss the issue bilaterally and resume the dialogue that was halted multiple times because of ongoing clashes between both states. The UN proposed these resolutions to conduct an impartial plebiscite, but New Delhi did not cater to all these calls. Despite all, in 2019 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked Articles 370 and 35A and attempted to modify the demographical status of Kashmir. This research argued that this act only serves to perpetuate the vicious cycle and lawless politics. In an ideologically divided society, the identity-based enmity would further satisfy the Indian policy against the right of self-determination. This paper contends that India under the Modi government’s policies endeavors to reshape the demographic characteristics of Indian Administered Jammu and Kashmir through spatial and temporal politics that will alter the nature of the Kashmir conflict. The study explores the future of UNSC resolutions and answers the questions under debate (a) are UNSC resolutions still relevant? (b) if not, then what will be the future of Kashmir? India transforming domestic politics is an appalling mark for the stability of Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir. This research will be deductive and qualitative, integrating historical and descriptive methods to examine and interpret data.
Kashmir Dispute, UNSC Resolutions, Pakistan and India, Abrogation of Article 370, and 35A
Dialectic of Trauma in Kashmiri and African American Literature: A Comparative Study of Shahnaz Bashir and Toni Morrison
This paper seeks to examine the fictional works of two contemporary authors i.e. Shahnaz Bashir and Toni Morrison through the lens of trauma theory. The main argument is that both Bashir and Morrison use fiction to articulate the traumatic history of their ostracized communities–Kashmiri and African American people respectively. One novel of each novelist, i.e. The Half Mother (2014) and Beloved (1987) has been chosen for analysis. Utilizing the conceptual framework presented by Cathy Caruth, this research endeavors to explore how the trauma-hit protagonists, Haleema and Sethe, endure the havoc of troubled histories. The study attempts to see how far the flashback of the traumatic memories of Sethe and Haleema contribute to record the factual history of African Americans and Kashmiris. The secondary argument is that both novels are chiefly characterized with key tenets of trauma theory as the authors present the haunting pasts and hallucinations of the protagonists. The study first delineates trauma, and then goes on to focus on its critical aspects. It further explores how memory and history function in the selected works. Both authors belong to two different geographical locations but have used fiction to articulate historically traumatizing events. The research is interdisciplinary in nature as it draws upon the disciplines of literature, history, and literary theory. In the works of Morrison and Bashir, literature functions as a site for an overdue representation of an unclaimed instant of trauma.
Trauma, fiction, history, memory, community
International Law and Self Determination: A Case for Kashmir’s Special Status
Kashmir has been under illegal Indian Occupation since the independence of the Indian sub-continent from the British Raj. The UN has been calling for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, but India has had evaded the peace process despite taking the matter to the UN itself. India has been violating international law and committing human rights abuses in the previously autonomous region of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK). On August 5, 2019 the Indian government revoked Article 370 along with Article 35A of the Constitution of India in a bid to bring comprehensive political and demographic changes to the region. Legal and governance-based logic floated by India cannot justify its act of unilateral revocation of the special status of Kashmir which is a disputed territory between India and Pakistan and cannot be decided without the mutual consent of all the claimants. Although India has been abusing human rights for decades, altering Kashmir demographically is the most tyrannical step taken by the Indian government as it is a step to depriving the Kashmiris of their right to land and self-determination. This paper builds on the illegality of debate in international law concerning India’s revocation of Kashmir’s special status.
Kashmir, Article 370, India, Pakistan, International Law, Human Rights Violations
The Third Wave of Democratic Transition in Pakistan 1980-1990
This research paper tries to explore that how the third wave of democratic transition took place in Pakistan. How the phenomena of democratic transition and consolidation in Pakistan passed through different phases? It also spotlights on the factors which played eminent and effective role for democratic transition as well as consolidation in the country. Moreover, the study explains the process of transition from authoritarianism to democracy in Pakistan while focusing on the theory and practice of transitology and consolidology. The different modes of democratic transition have been discussed to see how democratic transitions in different modes took place in Pakistan. Main concern is to see how different theoretical approaches such as transitology and consolidology are associated in the process of transition from dictatorship to democracy. Political scientists of the world have discussed the democratic transitions that took place in several countries of the world. However, no scholar of this domain from abroad and Pakistan has still investigated that how the third wave of democratic transition took place in Pakistan. In this study, an attempt is made to analyze transitional history of Pakistan in general and third wave of democratic transition in particular.
Pakistan, Democracy, Transition, History and Wave
Exploring the Contested Nature of Cyber Crimes and Identity Theft: The Case of Balancing Security and Privacy in Pakistan’s Cyber Laws
There is no denying the fact that human beings have become too dependent on technology. Based on a study conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, around 30 percent of the world’s population has access to the internet and currently 70% of the world population has mobile and broadband subscriptions. The downside of the increase in the number of connecting devices and sophistication in information technology is an increase in the number of computer-mediated problems. Cyberspace is a term used to describe the virtual ‘geography’ of the internet. Computer technology and networking innovations have undoubtedly given rise to what some have described as a ‘borderless’ and network society which enables instantaneous communication between private individuals, governmental authorities and businesses. That is to say, the usual boundaries of communication do not apply to the “cyberspace,” as the internet does not occupy any physical space. Transactions can be initiated in one country, processed in another, and concluded in yet another. Consequently, actions and processes that are conducted in the cyberspace will often not fall under the legal control and jurisdiction of a single state. This article examines these computer-related challenges.
Role of Islamic Work Ethics: Analysis of Nurses’ Job Stress & Performance Relationship
The study is planned to examine the moderating role of Islamic Work Ethic in Job Stress and Nurses’ Job Performance Relationship at healthcare centers of Muzaffarabad city in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. We employed a cross-sectional design to undertake the study and data were collected from the respondents using a questionnaire. The respondents of the study included 223 female nurses employed at healthcare centers of Muzaffarabad city in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Pearson’s Correlation and multiple regression analysis were applied to analyze the data through SPSS Version 23. The results of the study revealed a significant negative relationship between job stress and job performance (r= –0.326**) and positive relationship between Islamic Work Ethic and Job Performance (r= 0.701**). Further, we found that Islamic Work Ethic weakened the negative relationship between Job Stress and Nurses’ Job Performance. The study has limitation of using self-report measures that may result in response bias. Further, we suggest that future researchers may test the moderating effect of other buffers such as spirituality and organizational virtuousness in relationship of job stress and job performance.
Action in Aid of State Sovereignty and Security: A Challenge for the International Human Rights Law Regime
A violation of human rights in the name of state sovereignty and security is posing serious threats to the existing laws There is need to reappraise the concept of state sovereignty and security in order to discourage terror and violence by adopting necessary procedures. After the 9/11 attacks, states responses have changed in which states view human rights in their effort to combat terrorist threats. In the contemporary era, the external and internal threats have evolved states as a security state. Pakistan is not yet immune from this policy. Keeping this scenario in mind, the present study provides state’s response in particular focus on the issues of human rights and security in Pakistan. The study further provides analysis to the challenges faced by the people in relation to terrorism and the way states pursue targets in the name of state sovereignty and security. It studies finally proposes to have a well balance, therefore, is required between human rights protection and State actions to preserve security.
Human Rights, Security, Sovereignty, Terrorism, Missing Persons, Attacks, Violations
Indian Struggle for Permanent Seat in Security Council: Implications for the Region
United Nations Organization (UNO) is an international organization established for peace and cooperation in the world. The Security Council is an administrative organ of UNO. Numerous members of UNO emphasize the administration of the Security Council for a slight change in structure as per timely requirements. Many proposals were presented for the magnification of the Security Council but delayed due to some reasons. The four countries claimed for the permanent seat in the Security Council such as Japan, Germany, Brazil, and India. The UNCS bound these countries that firstly they compete with the criteria of UNSC membership then they can claim for the permanent seat. India is included in these countries and struggling for the permanent seat since 1992 to date. But this membership may create problems for the regional countries of South Asian. The current paper aims to ascertain possible repercussion about Indian struggle of being permanent member in the Security Council. India has different sort of conflict with regional countries, and it always shows hostility towards the Pakistan, China and Jammu & Kashmir. It has been argued that India has always violated the UN resolutions. Hence, it does not qualify for the enduring seat in the security council, it’s against the wellbeing and security of the whole region. The Indian attitude towards the region is not a friendly and progressive, the regional countries are against this membership. It is suggested that India should extend cordially relations with the regional countries first to remove animosity and misunderstandings.
Administrative Organ, Permanent Seat, United Nation Security Council, India, and South Asia
Conflict Transformation through Constitution Building Processes in Indian Administered Jammu and Kashmir (IaJK)
The purpose of this research paper is to critically analyze and explore the concept of constitution building process and conflict transformation in the context of the Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir (IaJK). The conflict of J&K is a longstanding conflict and a larger part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is under the illegal occupation of India. The people of IaJK have been struggling for their right to self-determination against the illegal occupation of India. India has been committing gross and systematic violations of human rights and war crimes in the IaJK. The Indian Government has revoked Article 370 and abrogated article 35–A in IaJK on August 05, 2019 that further aggravated the situation and has badly affected the constitutional framework existing within the conflict zone of IaJK. This paper also aims to critically analyze the constitutional processes introduced by IaJK and also the unlawful and non-democratic act of August 05, 2019 that bifurcated the state and converted IaJK into Union territories of J&K and Laddkh. This research has great importance for the academicians, researchers and activists working on the conflict of Jammu and Kashmir and can be more useful in future activities regarding the conflict transformation through constitution building in IaJK.
: Constitution, Conflict Transformation, Conflict of Jammu and Kashmir, Violations of Human Rights and Article 370.
Safety Issues of Journalists Reporting in Conflict Zone: A Case Study of Pakistan & Indian Administered Kashmir
We are largely dependent on local media reports to keep informed about the ground realities and latest happenings in any region. These reports become the sole source of information in a conflict situation in any society or state wherein the parties involved in the conflict bar independent human rights observers and bodies to operate freely in the disputed territories. Due to journalism’s unique and extremely powerful role in conflict situation, the key players involved in the dispute kept trying to exploit the media to influence public opinion, delude global community and legitimate their power. Consequently, journalists are facing serious challenges such as threats to their lives and livelihood, targeted killings, harassment, intimidation, and censorship. The article places a particular focus on the safety as the main challenge for journalists in both divided parts of Jammu and Kashmir and examines that if they had been provided safe working environment or are they trained to tackle their safety issues. Seventy-three journalists representing both parts of the disputed state participated in the qualitative study by responding to a semi-structured questionnaire, in depth interviews and FGDs. The interviews were analyzed through NVivo software by using thematic analysis approach, a widely used technique to identify themes, i.e. patterns in the data that are important or interesting. Results showed that journalists working in Indian administered Kashmir (IaK) were facing more serious challenges than journalists in Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK). These challenges were included unfavorable media environment, abusive treatment, violence and threats to their lives and livelihood. The study revealed that journalists working on both sides of LoC were not being adequately trained on safety issues in conflict zone.
Book Review: Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris Written by Christopher Snedden
Kashmir studies have been the subject of debate for researchers and authors across the globe. The researchers and authors wrote about the significance and historical background of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Christopher Snedden is one of those authors who wrote about different aspects of Jammu and Kashmir. He is an Australian academician /researcher who made a reasonable contribution on the issue of state of Jammu and Kashmir through his writings. This book is based on the different resources of knowledge including empirical studies and historical writings by researchers and historians the world over. The first-hand narratives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir have also been taken to make it engage the readers. It has been thus argued that the Kashmir dispute was initiated by the people of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir before the ill-famed tribal invasion. Similarly, there are different historical and academic writings where the issue is presented as an untold story with the research-based evidence and the opinion of the people of Kashmir is less likely narrated<!-- [if supportFields]> ADDIN EN.CITE <EndNote><Author>Singh</Author><Year>2013</Year><RecNum>5876</RecNum><record><rec-number>5876</rec-number><foreign-keys><key app="EN" db-id="estxpxvdmf90spev0vzxza24dtzzvx05wfsf" timestamp="1620674576">5876</key></foreign-keys><ref-type name="Journal Article">17</ref-type><contributors><authors><author>Singh, Priyanka</author></authors></contributors><titles> Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on the Periphery <secondary-title>Strategic Analysis</secondary-title></titles><periodical><full-title>Strategic Analysis</full-title></periodical><pages>128-135</pages><volume>37</volume><number>1</number><dates><year>2013</year><pub-dates><date>2013/01/01</date></pub-dates></dates><publisher>Routledge</publisher><isbn>0970-0161</isbn><urls><related-urls><url>https://doi.org/10.1080/09700161.2013.737594</url></related-urls></urls><electronic-resource-num>10.1080/09700161.2013.737594</electronic-resource-num></record><Author>Kanth</Author><Year>2013</Year><RecNum>5875</RecNum><record><rec-number>5875</rec-number><foreign-keys><key app="EN" db-id="estxpxvdmf90spev0vzxza24dtzzvx05wfsf" timestamp="1620674576">5875</key></foreign-keys><ref-type name="Journal Article">17</ref-type><contributors><authors><author>Kanth, Idrees</author></authors></contributors><titles> The Untold Story of the People of Azad Kashmir <secondary-title>Politics, Religion &amp; Ideology</secondary-title></titles><periodical><full-title>Politics, Religion &amp; Ideology</full-title></periodical><pages>589-591</pages><volume>14</volume><number>4</number><dates><year>2013</year><pub-dates><date>2013/12/01</date></pub-dates></dates><publisher>Routledge</publisher><isbn>2156-7689</isbn><urls><related-urls><url>https://doi.org/10.1080/21567689.2013.838477</url></related-urls></urls><electronic-resource-num>10.1080/21567689.2013.838477</electronic-resource-num></record></EndNote><![endif]--><!-- [if supportFields]><![endif]-->. The book titled, The Untold Story of the People of Azad Kashmir narrates that the struggle for the liberation of Kashmir from Dogra rule was initiated from the Poonch uprising and some notable people played a role against the unrest created by the Maharaja Government. In this regard, some background studies of historical writings have been the building blocks to the writing of Christopher’s book. The title of the book was criticized and modified by the Indians when it published there.
‘Half Widows’: A Socioeconomic Study of the Survivors of Conflict in Occupied Kashmir
This article focuses on half-widows in the Indian Occupied Kashmir, a socioeconomic phenomenon brought forth by political violence between India and Pakistan. Half widows are the surviving female partners of Kashmiri men who have gone missing due to illegal detention, extrajudicial killings, and in resistance movements. Women in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) are facing severe circumstances due to their husbands’ deaths and disappearances. As a result, these women have a variety of emotional, physical, mental, and social issues; and the subject of this paper is formulated around these issues related to women who fall in category of half-widows and how their rights are being violated in IOJK. Furthermore, a secondary focus of this study is on the practices that oppress and degrade women after their husband’s disappearance.
Half-widows, Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK), Human Rights, Enforced Disappearances.
Lawfare, its Prospects and Strategies for Pakistan: The Kashmir Case
The 74-year military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is regarded as the longest in modern history, with approximately 700,000 armed forces deployed in UN-recognized Disputed Territory. Political and legal experts believe that the unilateral annexation of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (hence referred to as IOJK) on August 5, 2019 altered the region’s status from colonialism to settler colonialism. With at least forty (40) constitutional and administrative amendments influencing the demographic condition of IOJK, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government planned lawfare campaign in 2019 posed a severe threat to the civilian population. Surveillance, detentions, and fear politics—a three-pronged strangling paradigm shaped the security theology of the Indian state to dominate Kashmir. In the case of Kashmir, India has been consistently violating international law since the beginning of the conflict. From its illegal occupation to its refusal to implement UN Security Council decisions, India is consistently exhibiting a disregard for international law while imposing a repressive system filled with human rights violations and crimes against humanity. To counter a focused, detailed, and well-resourced lawfare campaign led by Pakistan and Kashmiris is essential to support our diplomatic efforts. The primary purpose of this paper is to analyze the reasons which make it necessary for Pakistan to emphasize on Lawfare regime.
Lawfare, Kashmir, Humanitarian Law, Human Rights.
Indo-Pak Public Diplomacy under the BJP: A Comparative Analysis of Vajpayee and Modi Governments
This study provides a comparative analysis of the various aspects of public diplomacy between India and Pakistan during the two BJP governments under consideration. Both countries have a long history of war and strife and people-to-people interactions could not find space to thrive; however, there have been attempts at maintaining public diplomacy from both sides. This study is an endeavor to estimate the successes and failures of public diplomacy strategies and approaches, as well as the behavior and attitude of the leadership towards soft power under the Vajpayee and Modi governments. By exploring various events of public diplomacy, e.g., visits by leadership, sports, cultural, and religious tourism, student exchanges, trade, Track II diplomacy, etc. Furthermore, emphasis is laid on various internal and external barriers and obstacles to public diplomacy faced by both BJP governments, particularly around the Kashmir dispute.
Public diplomacy, conflict, BJP, leadership, comparative analysis.
From Line of Control to Line of Connectivity: Analysing Socio-Economic Developments in AJ&K
Line of Control, the ceasefire line across the divided State of Jammu and Kashmir established under the resolutions of United Nations, has witnessed many episodes of small wars and exchange of fire over the years. There has also been some cooperation across this blood-spattered line, such as the facilitation provided for divided families to travel on cross-border bus service and another initiative to start truck-transported trade on both sides of LoC from two entry points: Chakothi and Tetrinote. These initiatives were relief measures for internally displaced persons of Jammu and Kashmir. These buses and trucks had significant influence on lives, culture, socio-economic development, and infrastructural upgradation. After the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35-A, these facilities for Kashmiris were terminated. This paper explores the importance of cooperative initiatives for reuniting the divided Kashmiri families and other socioeconomic benefits in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
US Withdrawal from Afghanistan: An Assessment of Internal and External Implications
Following the 9/11 Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks on the United States, President George W. Bush had announced a war against Al-Qaeda and sent the US-NATO forces to Afghanistan. Later the Donald Trump government signed a peace pact with Afghan Taliban in February 2020 in Doha and decided extraction from Afghanistan. This withdrawal decision closed about a two-decades long chapter between the two countries. The Taliban control over Afghanistan post-withdrawal scenario in Afghanistan brought forth internal and external problems as they have not yet announced any sound strategy or policy to mitigate the governance and foreign policy crises. This situation has created a sense of insecurity in South Asia. Here, few questions that demand investigation are: (a) Why the US-NATO troops hastily withdrew Afghanistan? (b) How the US-NATO troops’ pullout instantaneous decision created copious challenges for the Afghan populace? (c) How this pullout created security challenges for the neighboring states? The present study aims to assess the US-NATO forces withdrawal from Afghanistan and its internal and external implications.
Prevalence of Borderline Personality Disorder among University Students in Peshawar, Pakistan
Borderline personality disorder is a disorder which affects one’s cognitive emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and reduces distress tolerance. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of borderline personality disorder among the university students for which a public sector university was selected in Peshawar. To achieve this purpose, a survey was conducted by using questionnaire comprised of demographic factors i.e., gender, socioeconomic status, age while Maclean screening instrument of borderline personality disorder was used (MSI-BPD, 6 or>6). An estimated data of 578 undergraduate and graduate students was collected through convenient sampling technique. The data collected, was analyzed via SPSS-26. The result of study was that young adult male were (43.6%) and young adult women were (56.2%). While 1.7% belong to lower middle socioeconomic status, 96.7% belong to middle socioeconomic status and 1.6% were from upper socioeconomic status. While the prevalence of borderline personality disorder was 32.2%. The age was divided into three groups of 18-21 years, 22-25 years, and 26-29 years. It was a point of concern that borderline personality disorder is rising among university students. University does not provide any counseling services to students or seminars related to mental health which may help them to handle their psychological problems. The present study is focused on the need of an early and effective intervention to minimize the risk factors of BPD in students.
Kashmir Conflict: Coverage of Human Rights Violation by Dawn, The New York Times, and The Indian Express
Media is an important force in conflict situations owing to its capability to persuade adversaries and influence their actions. The issue of whether this impact is positive or negative is resolved by the nature of the journalism offered to the parties in conflict. Media shapes people’s thought process: it influences public perception on specific issues by using the framing and priming techniques. By using framing theory, this article investigates how three leading newspapers (Dawn, The New York Times and The Indian Express) frame the issue of human rights violation in Kashmir in their respective news stories and how these diverging coverage methods influence public opinion. Furthermore, by using the content analysis method, it is intended to analyze how much importance the international community gives to the world press in making sense of the violence in Kashmir.
Human Rights Violation, Kashmir, Media, Conflict
Role of Charismatic Leadership in Conflict Management: A Study of Jinnah’s Visits to Jammu and Kashmir
The present article studies two of important visits of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to Jammu and Kashmir in 1924 when he met with the leadership of Anjuman-i-Taufiqul Islam to discuss the hardships and misfortunes faced by the Kashmiri Muslims; and the second visit was made in 1944 at the request of Sheikh Abdullah to carry out arbitration between different factions of the Kashmiri Muslims. This second visit of Jinnah was his final visit to Kashmir which stirred controversy and resulted in, Jinnah and Sheikh Abdullah’s rift on the unconditional support of the Muslim Conference of Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas. Between these two visits, Jinnah had been fully aware of the plight of the Kashmiri Muslims, and he advocated and extended his support and political assistance to the Kashmiri leaders; this contributed to his status as the sole charismatic leader of the Muslims in the Subcontinent. These two visits also resulted in some challenges for Jinnah from his community and other minorities in Kashmir; however, even after these visits, despite some bitter memories, he did not forsake the Kashmir cause and used his leadership skills to solve the Jammu and Kashmir issue through constitutional means. The study is based on a mix of historical, descriptive, and analytical methods.
Revocation of Kashmir’s Special Status: Analyzing Journalistic Responses on Twitter
The revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Article 370, of the Constitution of India, by the Indian parliament drew special attention to the issue of Kashmir. This comparative research study was designed using qualitative content analysis of journalists’ tweets on this issue. For that purpose, tweets by journalists from Pakistan, India and foreign countries were selected to investigate and compare their views regarding the issue and situation of Indian Held Kashmir. The twitter data was gathered manually through Twitter Advance Search for the required time period. The result showed the comparison of sentiments and the polarity of content extracted from the tweets. Furthermore, this study revealed that the Pakistani and foreign journalists condemned illegal decision of revocation and inhumane conduct of Indian armed forces; while Indian journalists questioned their own government’s strategy to resolve the issue.
Book Review: To the Unconsoled and the Silenced: Reviewing Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost Happiness in the context of Kashmir Conflict
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is a work of fiction written in 2017 by the Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy whose works range from social and political issues in India and beyond, including Kashmir. She is famous for being vocal about the suppression of Kashmir’s narrative in India under the rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hindu nationalism as propagated by the BJP and RSS. The novel tells the story of several characters whose lives are intertwined in modern-day India, with a special focus on the Kashmir conflict- a long-standing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. Roy has criticized the policies of Indian government in Kashmir, arguing that its military presence in the region has resulted in myriad of human rights abuses including surveillance, extrajudicial killings, torture, disappearances, and also environmental degradation. The novel’s title itself is an ironic reference to the Indian government, which is corrupt and ineffective. Moreover, the author sheds a light on the plight of the marginalized and oppressed communities whom she calls the unconsoled people of the region. The book further explores various themes including caste, gender, human-animal relationship, politics, and multiple dimensions of war and conflict.