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).
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF KASHMIR STUDIES
Arthashastra Underpinning: A Case Study of Article 370
The Kashmir conflict is a globally recognized territorial dispute between Pakistan and India since its inception. The bilateral issue has been further exacerbated over time by various unilateral moves adopted by India to legalize its occupation of IIOJK (Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir). With the intensification of Hindutva-driven policy frameworks, primarily influenced by Chanakya's philosophy, India is on the verge of unilaterally dissolving the lingering conflict. The Modi regime has taken various illegal actions, such as revoking Article 370, establishing Sainik colonies, resettling Kashmiri Pandits, and providing impunity for occupational forces, all in an effort to legitimize its occupation of IIOJK. Kautilya's Arthashastra advocates that land acquisition should be pursued as a superior goal, even at the expense of other moral considerations. His philosophy encourages considering neighbors through a lens of animosity. The BJP Sarkar, which is essentially the political wing of the radical Hindu organization "RSS," adheres to the concept of Akhand Bharat while embracing Kautilya's philosophical paradigms. In the same vein, India not only seeks to integrate IIOJK into its federation but also aspires to militarily invade the region of Azad Kashmir.
Impact of Abusive Supervision on Work Engagement and Job Satisfaction in the Tourism Industry: The Mediating Role of Employee Silence
This research study aimed to investigate the impact of abusive supervision on the psychological well-being of employees in tourism-related businesses. Previous research has provided limited understanding of the mediating role of employee silence in the relationship between abusive supervision, workplace engagement, and job satisfaction. Drawing from Social Exchange Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory, this study examined the mediating effect of employees' workplace silence on the predictive relationship between abusive supervision, work engagement, and job satisfaction among employees in the tourism industry in Pakistan. A quantitative research design was employed using a survey method, in which adapted questionnaires were administered to collect data from a total sample of 290 employees from 50 hotels/motels in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. The relationships among the constructs were investigated using Structural Equation Modelling. The findings revealed that abusive supervision has significant negative effects on work satisfaction and work engagement. Moreover, the study found that employee silence plays a significant mediating role in mitigating the adverse impact of abusive supervision on employees' work engagement and job satisfaction. The implications of this study suggest that organizational managers should take proactive measures to prevent abusive supervision and employee silence. Establishing open communication channels within the organization, coupled with promoting justice and fairness in the workplace, can help prevent employee silence by encouraging whistle-blowing and reducing the detrimental effects on job satisfaction and work engagement. This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of employee silence in mitigating the negative effects of abusive supervision on employees in tourism destinations.
Impact of Climate Change and Tourist Industry of Azad Jammu & Kashmir: A Systematic Literature Review
Climate change has become a critical challenge with significant economic, developmental, and scientific implications, affecting various aspects of life, including economies. This in-depth study focuses on exploring the impact of climate change on the tourist industry in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K). The tourism sector plays a vital role in the economy of AJ&K. Through a systematic literature review, this study examines 16 relevant articles, encompassing empirical, theoretical, exploratory, and both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. To identify these articles, multiple research databases were selected based on their popularity, credibility, and acceptance. Additionally, the study offers an exploratory perspective, highlighting the factors responsible for climate change and their relationship with the tourism industry. The study concluded that the tourist sector is negatively impacted by climate change.
Kashmir's Self-Determination Debate: A Critical Analysis of Article 370 Revocation from an International Legal Framework
The issue of Kashmir has remained a longstanding dispute since the sub-continent gained independence from British rule. The United Nations has continuously advocated for a peaceful resolution based on the wishes of the Kashmiri people. However, India has consistently denied these calls for dialogue and resolution, despite having sought UN involvement in the past. This has led to accusations of India being in illegal occupation of the region and violating international law, with reports of human rights abuses in India Held Kashmir (IHK). A significant turning point occurred on August 5th, 2019, when the Indian government unilaterally abrogated Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution, which altered the region's demographic landscape. While India has presented legal and governance-based justifications for this move, critics argue that it does not legitimize the autocratic abrogation of Kashmir's special status, given its disputed nature between India and Pakistan for over seven decades. This abstract highlights the most contentious aspect of India's actions—the demographic alteration of Kashmir—considered by many as a tyrannical step aimed at depriving Kashmiris of their right to self-determination. Amidst allegations of long-standing human rights abuses, this study critically examines India's actions from a legal perspective, analyzing the potential violations of international law resulting from the revocation of Kashmir's special status. By shedding light on this complex issue, the study aims to contribute to a broader understanding of the legal implications surrounding India's actions in Kashmir.
Diplomatic Resurgence: The Revitalization of Pakistan-Russia Strategic Alignment
Pakistan-Russia relations have undergone a slow and cautious evolution, partly due to the historical baggage from the Soviet Union's Cold War era and the bitter experiences endured during Afghanistan's occupation from 1978 to 1985. With the emergence of the Russian Federation on the world map, both nations have approached each other with caution. This research paper aims to investigate instances of cooperation and collaboration between Pakistan and Russia, trace the evolving pattern of strategic alignment, identify prevailing challenges, and explore opportunities for future discourse. The paper delves into the rationale behind the instances of bilateral cooperation and collaboration, with the aspiration of forging a trajectory of ascending cooperation. It finds that the changing geo-strategic alignment and realignment in the region present numerous multifaceted options for both nations to engage with each other. Consequently, both countries hold bright prospects for fostering a strategic alliance in the region and espousing a common voice on regional and global issues. This research envisions a growing bilateral partnership between Pakistan and Russia, built on a foundation of solid prospects in diverse areas, including diplomatic, political, military, economic, energy cooperation, and regional security. As both countries explore avenues for cooperation, they position themselves to strengthen their relationship as trusted partners, enabling them to tackle regional challenges more effectively and make significant contributions to the broader international arena.
India’s Clampdown in Kashmir: A Legal Perspective.
This article scrutinizes the repercussions of India's clampdown in Kashmir, with a primary focus on the region's tumultuous state since August 5th, 2019. Historically, Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) had been granted special status since its partition in 1947. However, the Government's decision to abrogate Article 370 and 35-A significantly altered this status, leading to the implementation of new laws and actions aimed at reshaping the demographics of the Kashmir. The consequences of this governmental action have been nothing short of disastrous. The article sheds light on the alarming surge in violence, the crippling of the economy, and the devastation of livelihoods faced by the Kashmiri people. Furthermore, the process of granting Domicile Certificates to individuals from outside the region poses an existential threat to the very fabric of Kashmiri society, impacting not only the current generation but also generations to come. These measures have raised grave concerns about their compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law, as well as the United Nations' resolutions, which have previously promised a plebiscite. This paper critically analyzes the unfolding situation in the valley, offering insights into the severe human rights abuses faced by the Kashmiri population. The aim is to draw attention to the dire impact of these actions on the lives and well-being of the people in Kashmir and advocate for a resolution that upholds the principles of justice, peace, and respect for human rights in the region.
Forgotten Champions: Exploring the Crucial Role of Pakistan Army’s MEO and MFRO Operations during 1947-49
The Indian partition of 1947 had significant repercussions on both the newly formed India and Pakistan. One of the major challenges that emerged was communal rioting and mass migration, leading to a refugee crisis in both countries. Pakistan, in particular, faced a daunting task as it had to accommodate a larger number of refugees compared to India, given the overwhelming Muslim population that opted for Pakistan. To address the refugee situation, the Pakistan Army took the initiative and established the Military Evacuation Organisation (MEO). The primary objective of the MEO was to clear isolated pockets of stranded Muslim evacuees in regions like East Punjab and other Muslim minority provinces. Soon after, India followed suit and created its own MEO to cope with the escalating humanitarian crisis. Remarkably, both MEOs collaborated, working jointly to execute relief and rescue operations across the borders. As part of the partition process, Muslim soldiers who chose Pakistan had to be resettled on a priority basis in areas like West Punjab and other designated regions. To safeguard the rights of these refugee soldiers and their families, the General Headquarters (GHQ) obtained permission from Quaid-i-Azam M.A. Jinnah and established the Military Families Resettlement Organisation (MFRO). This organization played a crucial role in providing support and protection to the refugee soldiers and their accompanying families. Under the guidance of the MFRO, the army launched an ambitious project known as the Thal Project. The goal was to establish military colonies in barren lands and facilitate refugee families in making these lands cultivable. The Thal Project proved to be immensely successful in transforming once barren areas into thriving agricultural lands, providing a new sense of hope and livelihood for the refugees. The present study aims to acknowledge and document the remarkable efforts undertaken by both the MEO and MFRO in extending rescue and relief operations to Muslim refugees, including the refugee soldiers and their families. Their collaborative work and dedication significantly eased the burden of the partition and offered a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity. By recognizing and appreciating their endeavors, this papaer shed light on the importance of humanitarian efforts in times of crisis and emphasize the significance of joint initiatives in addressing complex challenges.