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Religious authorities in many Muslim-majority countries have argued that the suspension of communal prayers during an epidemic does not contravene Islamic law. In Pakistan, such measures have proven difficult to enforce, in part because many religious leaders in the country have opposed the closure of places of worship and the limits placed on public religious gatherings. The question is why? This paper suggests that the distrust of the state in matters of religion in Pakistan can be traced back to the colonial era, and that the political developments following independence have amplified frustration and mistrust between political and religious authorities in the country. Significant sources of contention in matters of religion and state remain unresolved under the prime ministership of Imran Khan. At the same time, the pandemic has thrust earlier conflicts into the spotlight and exposed contests over opinion, expertise, and authority in matters of religion and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deliberates upon the issue of performance management in the specific context of civil service of Pakistan It evaluates the existing system of Performance Evaluation in view of the New Public Management (NPM) reform initiated during the late 1970s (Daley, 1993) across countries including Pakistan. The study adopts a qualitative approach to draw findings. It reveals that performance management system of the Civil Service of Pakistan at both Federal and Provincial level has certain strengths including; thoroughness, comprehensiveness, disciplined tool for promotion and accountability etc. However, the system also suffers from political meddling, extraneous factors, lack of quantification and standardization that hinder the effective functioning of the system. The paper suggests useful policy recommendations and reform measures towards improving the system in this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key feature of Pakistan political history is instability and major time of history of Pakistan is occupied military governments. That is why it is still under develop. That is why it was essential that there should be stability in the country but unfortunately Political stability is far away from Pakistan. Thus without political stability there will be no progress and prosperity in the country. A country needs secure border and internal and external peace for smooth development. Unfortunately Pakistan had both internal and external disturbances throughout its history. First India left no stone unturned to destroy Pakistan. India forced three major Wars to Pakistan. In 1971, India was able to separate its East Wing from the rest of the country. Similarly its another neighbor Afghanistan remain a source of irritation for Pakistan. It tried its level best to change the geography of Pakistan through the slogan of pashtoonistan and claimed all Pashtoo speaking areas of K.P.K, Balochistan and FATA should be included in it. FATA areas of Pakistan are tribal areas and therefore the Pakistani government normally does not interfere in the affairs of this area. These areas have a long border line with Afghanistan and people of Afghanistan and that of FATA area have relations with each other. British government tried its level best to colonize this area but failed and British regime kept this area under the tight grip of unjust laws for their vested interests to get man power for its Army to fight with Afghans. But unfortunately, these areas are still backward and there is very low level of literacy, health facilities are either absent or of very low standard. Women are not allowed to participate in daily routine work with men. They are bound to stay at home. Due to backwardness of these areas, there emerged militancy which is increasing day by day. The situation in Afghanistan also badly effected the peace of these areas. To combat militancy and for long lasting peace in this areas, it is necessary to include FATA areas in the mainstream of Pakistan. The tribal status of these areas should be replaced by inclusion of these areas into Pakistan either as an independent province/administrative set up or either by making it part of K.P.K as a district. An attempt is made in this paper to describe the backwardness of these areas and how it can be included in the mainstream of Pakistan State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research paper is to examine the political situation of Pakistan with special reference to the politics of Sindh after the execution of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the first elected Prime Minister of Pakistan. The assassination of Z.A Bhutto left long standing political repercussion in the politics of the country. Bhutto's execution promotes nationalist feelings in his home province on one side and antiestablishment ideas on the other side. This paper would purport the impact of Bhutto's execution on Sindh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bureaucracy forms life blood of any government and it serves as a black box where the public demands and supports are transformed into actions and policies. This paper analyzes the role of Pakistan's bureaucracy in policy issues and the various elements that have shaped its character in the country's governance. Dynamics of policy making have been discussed, followed by the configuration and nature of Pakistan's bureaucracy under different regimes. Through historical study, evidential examination and observation; current role of bureaucracy in policy matters has been argued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the legal and judicial systems in Pakistan. It mentions that the country's legal system is composed of several subsystems that could be grouped into official and traditional law. It adds that both categories are based on Shari'a, the code of law from Koran. It notes that the main issues in the official judicial system include delay, corruption, and heavy costs. Moreover, it presents the possible impact of Shari'a implementation in the government. It also details the difference of the official and traditional systems of justice.

All-India Muslim League, being a political platform of the Muslim in the Subcontinent, contested the elections of 1937 but it could not get desired success and faced failure by virtue of which the Muslims had to suffer for about two and a half years under the Congress Rule. In August I945, the Viceroy of India announced that the next elections of Central and Provincial Legislative Assemblies would be held in the coming winter. They were to precede the convention of a constitution-making body for British India. The Muslim League had to succeed in this crucial test if its popular support of its demand for Pakistan was to be held credible. In these elections the League won 75 of the total Muslim seats. This improvement in its performance which had momentous implications for the future of the Sub-continent requires explanation. The purpose of this research paper is to highlight the role played by All India Muslim League in the elections of 1946, its election campaign and above all its significance in political and constitutional history of the sub-continent. It also throws light on the role played by students, women, intellectuals, journalists, Ulema, pirs and sajadanahins in these elections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taliban is comparatively a new name of militants in Pakistan on the pattern of their counterparts in Afghanistan. The local Talibans who six years ago were few in number and confined to two tribal agencies are now spread over many parts of the North West Frontier Province. Although local problems of each of these areas are different from one another which have given impetus to the rise of the Taliban phenomenon, however, except in Khyber Agency the rest in other localities operate under the leadership of one commander, Baitullah Mehsood and that demonstrates, the seriousness and enormity of the problem. The local administration is powerless in the face of Taliban control of their respective areas they have established their own administration. All such policies enforced by the militant Talibans are commonly known as Talibanization of these areas. The question whether this is a temporary or permanent phenomenon depends where from one traces the roots of it? Some trace its roots to identify Regional unsettled disputes, local environment and tug of war between Islamist and secularists to take hold of power. There is a danger if the local circumstances are not timely changed in favor of the public demands these Islamist militants would take hold of power and Talibanization would become the fate of the country. On an optimistic note, as democratic government has taken over in March this year that gives the only hope to retain Pakistan as a democratic, moderate, progressive Islamic country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike the other British-administered areas, Balochistan did not experience significant economic, educational, judicial, political and social reforms despite persistent demands by the local political leaders as well as other Muslim leaders in the British India. Being the last part of South Asia to come under the colonial system, the British resisted the introduction of substantial reforms here till the very end of their rule of India in 1947. Participatory politics did not exist in Balochistan even in those parts that were under the direct British rule. The arguments advanced by the proponents of political reforms as well as those who opposed it, are examined in the paper. British Balochistan's accession to Pakistan is also discussed but the title of accession of the Balochistan states with Pakistan could not be handled in detail so it is partially examined because it demands much more space and volume which is beyond the capacity of a single heading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about the convergence and divergence of the proposals of the Constitution Commission and the 1962 Constitution in Pakistan. It states that the evaluation of the Commission and the provision of 1962 proposed by Muhammad Shahabuddin indicates that both documents have converged and diverged. Moreover, the Commission has bee established by Ayub Khan to secure justification to abrogate the 1956 Constitution.

The article offers information on the factors and causes of separation of the East-Pakistan. It states that East-Pakistan becomes an independent state of Bangladesh due to the movement of Bengali Separatism. Moreover, the main reasons of conflict between East and West Pakistan include language issue, differences in constitution making and economic centralism.

This article surveys three key areas. The first is the political deadlock over the Legal Framework Order. The second is international uncertainties, including Pakistan's uneasy peace process with India. Third, the article examines Pakistan's continuing economic uncertainties, despite the post-9/11 improvement in the external trading account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the factors which led to the problems with domestic security in Pakistan as of 2002. The author observes that the state and society of Pakistan is mismanaged and that efforts for good governance and rule of law have failed. The existing controversy over federal authority versus provincial rights remains a problem. The Pakistan military exerts a great role in the formulation of domestic and security policy. The author argues that Pakistan harbors incompetent politicians, which results to the instability of political institutions.

Pakistan could have become one of the leading countries of the developing world. In the 1960s its impressive rate of growth and the highest per capita income in South Asia made it a model developing country. But even then its democratic credentials had been compromised and the conclusion from the past 30 years is that its problems have been created by the shortcomings of its political leaders and power élites. In reviewing the first 100 days of the military regime of General Pervaiz Musharraf, the author advises against a hasty and harsh judgement and suggests there are grounds for optimism if the government takes up the challenge of good government, pursues sustainable economic policies and avoids risky foreign policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with political issues concerning the nuclear test explosions in India and Pakistan in May 1998. India and Pakistan's political culture; Elements in the mythology of nuclear weapons; Reasons behind India-Pakistan nuclear programs; Factor contributing to the popularity of nuclear weapons program in India and Pakistan.

Reviews the report "State of Sectarianism in Pakistan," by the International Crisis Group.

Explores the issue of political cohesion in Pakistan. Motives and causes of ideological underpinning; Differentiation of strategy and ideology; Conclusion.

Reflects on the melancholic memories of the political crisis in Pakistan last 1950. Deep concerns about the future of democracy in Pakistan; Historical generalization of military-bureaucratic involvement in politics; Mohammad Zia-ul-Huq rise to power; Post-Zia administration and the return to democracy; Breakdown of presidential rule of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Describes former Pakistani President Benazir Bhutto's political impact. Description of Bhutto's double life in Ian Buruma's thesis on Radcliffe Bhutton and Larkana Bhutto; Relationship with the military; Justifying Pakistan's nuclear power program; Muslim opposition to female leadership.

Looks at the economic and political situation in Pakistan as it approaches its 50th anniversary of independence as an unstable country. Views on the role of the judiciary system and the press; Why problems in Pakistan economic management resulted in the weakness of its political structure; Pakistan's record on providing security for its citizens.

Discusses the uncertainty of Pakistan's future as the military remains confident of its ability to solve Pakistan's economic and social problems a year and a half into Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif's term. The first Ishaq Khan interregnum; The administration of Benazir Bhutto; Focus on industry; Winning foreign hearts and minds; The second Ishaq Khan Interregnum; The administration of Mian Nawaz Sharif.

Focuses on political issues in Pakistan in 1997. Victory of Pakistan Muslim League (PML) leader Nawaz Sharif; Factors that contributed to the victory of the PML; Details on the political condition of the country.

Presents Pakistan's problems of governance and the drift's exposure on the part of the leadership causing widespread disillusionments and fueling fissiparous tendencies. Three major issues that confronted Pakistan in the 1990s; Pakistan's political history as battle between authoritarianism and constitutionalism; Secular modernist M.A. Jinnah's views on Muslim nationalism.

Profiles Benazir Bhutto as a popular yet a controversial Pakistan political leader from 1986-1996. Factors that contributed to Bhutto's emergence as a political leader; Strategies and policies devised by Pakistan People's Party (PPP) government; Bhutto's performance as prime minister in two different periods.

Discusses Pakistan's weaknesses in democracy, civic culture and civil society. Factors for Pakistan's undermined responsible and responsive government; Importance of civil society to the bases of democratic politics; Pakistan's building blocks for a broad political culture.

Provides an overview on Pakistan's politics in 1994. Mehran Bank scandal; Confrontational politics; Civil disturbances; Economic condition; Foreign policy.

Discusses the political developments in Pakistan in the 1990s. Comparison of the Bhutto and Sharif governments in different operational contexts; Presidential factor in Pakistani politics; Reinstatement and the promise of democracy; Effects of the constitutional war and the second dissolution; Benazir Bhutto's second term and the Eight Amendment.

Outlines political events in Pakistan in 1993. Power struggle between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Ghulam Ishaq Khan; Supreme Court decision on National Assembly dissolution; Appointment of Moeen Qureshi as caretaker prime minister; Decline in economic growth rate; Analysis of foreign policy in post-Cold War era.

Discusses the plight of democracy and how it has continued to subsist despite the confusing state matters in Pakistan in 1992. Effects of the political situation on the economy; Foreign policy and current relations with neighboring states.

Questions whether or not Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will succeed where his predecessors, Mohammad Khan Junejo and Benazir Bhutto, failed. The Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI), a coalitional arrangement among an alliance of parties; The Eighth Constitutional Amendment; Dyarchy in operation; The 1935 India Act; Parliamentary rule under Nawaz Sharif; The four leading actors on the political stage of Pakistan in 1992.

Explicates the evident decay of Pakistan's political institutions since 1988 by identifying those variables that have controlled the development of democracy in that country that far. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP); The advent of democracy, 1988-89; Organizational weaknesses; The fall of the PPP government; Conclusion.

Focuses on politics in Pakistan. Authority and the state structure; Ideological polarization; Reorganization of the Muslim elites in British India; State authority and ideology; Politics of ethnicity.

Examines the circumstances which brought Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif into power. Assessment of the prospects for democracy and national stability during his premiership; Profile on Sharif; Confrontation with Benazir Bhutto.

The article discusses the official ouster of Benazir Bhutto, prime minister of Pakistan and the first elected woman to lead a post-colonial Muslim state. According to the article, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dissolved the National Assembly and provincial administrations for reasons such as Bhutto's inability to govern over her jurisdiction and her loss of control over the law and order. President Khan stressed further that the country needed a new leader in the person of Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi to take over until the new elections transpire, as mentioned in the article. Furthermore, it is stated that the Lahore High Court ruled that Benazir's government had failed in legislative aspects as well.