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Issues and challenges for women in creating spaces at decision making levels ( A Case study of Pakistan Muslim League-N) This study is about finding out the issues and challenges to women in creating spaces at decision making levels in the major political parties of Pakistan. The overarching aim was to evaluate women political participation and political decision making in the political party of Pakistan, PML (N). In order to fulfill the objective, mixed method approach has been used where data has been gathered and analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. For quantitative data, structured questionnaire has been distributed and received and responses were analyzed through SPSS (Descriptive analysis). For qualitative data, interviews have been conducted from key stakeholders and responses were analyzed through Thematic Analysis as suggested by Braun & Clarke (2006). Collectively, the findings of the study suggests that there are various factors that weaken women political participation and political decision making. The broad issues include culture of male dominance, lack of acceptance by the society, systemic halts, imbalanced political parties in terms of gender, lack of leadership potential in women, threats of social vulnerability, secondary role of women, incapacities for empowering women. There are number of specific issues related to each broad issues have also been identified i.e. social image, persistence of historical patterns, opportunity gap, supposed psychological satisfaction, religious excuses, inferiority complex, weak movement, confrontation of discouraging behavior, less membership in political parties, rigid leadership, less influence of women, motivation gap, lack of essential pre-requisites, weak economic status, vulnerability of scandalization, gender sensitivity, less admiration, less compatible environment, weak gender policies and negligence about women. This thesis is a case study based on the responses gathered from the sample drawn from only PML (N). Further studies can be done based on comparative analysis of two or more political parties to find more specific issues and challenges that affect women political participation and political decision making so as to create more awareness and to empower women politically.
Interrelationship of Identity politics and Democratic Spaces: A Case Study of Students councils in Pakistan. Pakistan is a multicultural country having diverse identities comprises of different regions, languages, ethnicities, religions and so on. Being multicultural country, Pakistan is experiencing tensions amongst different identities from day first. Linking to an identity can be described as a societal force that compels you to give importance to your own identity and make space for it in a certain environment. In a certain environment, identity cannot be denied or ignored. Norms, culture linked to any identity goes side by side with you wherever you go or whatever you do. It is a human nature. When it is denied or ignored, or rejected, it is always confronted back from those who are deprived. Pakistan faces an interesting challenge of conflicting identities These challenges are so intense that they could not be ignored. Pakistan is a state of diverse identities. These diversifications work at different levels. At one point it emerges from religious basis where religion is common at most identity related domains. At other point it emerges as national unity of being Pakistani as a central or singular identity to address the confrontation and conflicts amongst the society. For a single Pakistani identity, it is mandatory to integrate sub national identities in a diverse society. Democratic governance and diverse identities are directly linked together for a central Pakistani identity. In Pakistan, often time this central identity is challenged by regional, provincial and ethnic identities. Transparent and participative societies based on dialogue, pluralism and tolerance can exists only where State and non-State actors respect the exercise of rights, including freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association and participation in public life to nurture democratic spaces. viii This study aims to explore relationship of identity politics and democratic spaces in the context of students’ councils in Pakistan. For the purpose four student’s councils was selected in order to explore the youth participation in identity politics and the reasons behind their participation. This research focuses on investigating the relationship of identity politics and democratic spaces by assuming that with decrease in democratic spaces in Pakistan there is a rise in identity politics and to identify the role that reduced democratic spaces plays in order to causes the people to adopt identity politics and what is the understanding of the actors of identity politics with reference to reduced democratic spaces of Pakistan. This study is based on proposition that when democratic spaces are reduced, it causes the people to adopt identity politics dominated by nationally or ethnically defined collectivities. How reduced democratic spaces shapes the identity politics is studied by assuming that with increased democratic space, the culture of identity politics can be reduced. The main area of focus of this study is the students’ councils of different universities in Islamabad who are mainly based on any specific identity or promoting their ideological stand point. This research aims to gain further understanding of the phenomenon democratic space by examining the situation for student’s councils in Pakistan. This qualitative study examines the freedom of speech/freedom of expression and opinion, political structure, identity consciousness and sense of belongingness and participation for student’s councils through the method of focused group discussions and semistructured interviews. To gain deeper understanding of the current situation in Pakistan, this study puts forward the question of whether the democratic space is expanding or shrinking in this context and if this has an effect on/relationship with identity politics. ix A total of four Focused Group discussions were conducted from two students’ councils namely Pakhtun Council and Mehran Council from Quaid-e-Azam University and International Islamic University in Islamabad. Five In-Depth Interviews were conducted from young politicians emerged from students’ councils of universities. Themes that have emerged during Focused Group Discussions and In-Depth Interviews are presented under sub headings.
ANALYSIS OF INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY FOR EFFECTIVE WATER MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF CDA. The prudent management of water resources is essential for human and ecosystem well-being. As a result of ever escalating and competing demands, compounded by pollution and climate change-driven impacts, available freshwater resources are becoming increasingly stressed. This is further compounded by poor management practices and the unsustainable extraction of water. Consequently, many parts of the world, particularly urban areas, are facing water shortages. Therefore, water resources management requires a clear understanding of the ongoing challenges and innovative approaches. This Special Issue provides the platform for the dissemination of knowledge and best practices to strengthen the management of our precious water resources into the future. This research fills a considerable gap in the design of capacity building programs by accounting for the independent variables of capacity and commitment within socio-political context. This devised capacity building framework provides a suite of customized interventions which accord with typical implementations behavior of program partners involved in sustainable forms of water management in Islamabad. The framework illustrate a complete new way to approach institutional capacity, one which is guided by socio-political development of a city and indicative of more reflexive modes of urban water governanace.An important conclusion for policy makers and program articulates is that water programs need to incorporate these variables in their design in order to truly build the capacity of their subjects
ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING VOTING PREFERENCES: A CASE STUDY OF GENERAL ELECTION 2018 IN DISTRICT GUJRAT This study explores the factors that shape and mold voting behavior. This is the case study that specifically deals with General Election 2018 in Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan, which was aimed to dig out the determinants that influenced voting behavior and voting preference of voters in General Election 2018. For achieving the objective, data was collected through interviews and FGD, from elected members and academicians in Gujrat. The collected data, then, analyzed using qualitative methodology. The technique used to analyze data is Thematic Analysis, six phased approach, suggested by Braun Clarke (2006). The findings of the research revealed that there are various factors (themes) that have shaped voting preference of voters in General Election 2018. These factors, then, were divided into two categories, Main factors and sub factors Broader factors (themes) under these categories include Public Expectation/demands, Issues/opinion, Media influence, Historical patterns, Political/Economic conditions, Basis of attachment, Social division, Campaign activity, Socio-political goodwill of the candidates and Party/Policy manifesto. Sub factors (themes) under aforesaid themes, that influence voting behavior include demand for new set up, developmental work, corruption, preference gap between rural vs. urban areas, honesty, trust building, events, propaganda, media biases, culture, family influence, Baradarism, awareness, financial resources, political reputation, party attachment, influenced candidate, caste system, religion, strength of attendants, coverage, familiarity, political actions, public orientation and party performance. The study suggests that Keywords: Voting Preference, Electoral Behavior Political Parties, Political Behavior, Political Influence, Election system
Participatory Development and the Stakeholders Perceptions: A Case Study of Islamabad There is a dire need for Pakistan and its people to bring about positive change in their life style. Population burst over a period of just few decades have adversely affected the living standards of the common people both in urban and rural areas . Basic education remained neglected and so was the case with the democratic institutions which failed to promote their future plans in the field of development sector. Many outside organizations worked hard to introduce programs in various sectors of development but it was unfortunate to identify their agenda different from what we were expecting. Thus Development programs came under government umbrella. Development programs are directly related with the government priorities and their preferences. Our per capita is low and about 67% of the population is living below poverty line which requires due attention at all levels. Government alone may not be in a position to manage effectively. Therefore, all programs may require intense citizen involvement which is being adopted the world over. Participatory development is now regarded as part of development agenda. This research is carried out to explore the rising challenges in program management by the sponsors of the development programs. As participatory approaches have become essential part of any program , it was therefore felt necessary to explore its presence in virtual function choosing Islamabad as case study .The findings were surprisingly well below the expectations. It was not only true in case of elected members but government itself was not interested to practice in true letter and spirit. Hopefully, new researchers in the field of Governance and Public Policy will try and further investigate and this research may help them not to start from a scratch.
ISSUES AND CHALLENGES TO INCLUSIVE/PARTICIPATORY LOCAL GOVERNANCE: A CASE STUDY OF DISTRICT ABBOTTABAD The study aims to investigate and analyse the issues and challenges to participatory local governance. Participatory local governance is pivotal to sustainable development and citizens empowerment. The study used mixed method approach to address the stated research questions. For this purpose, Hierarchical moderation regression and thematic analysis is used. For the qualitative approach, six interviews were conducted in district Abbottabad and the broader themes and subthemes are identified. For the survey, 300 questionnaires were distributed and 272 were received back. Through the literature, research instrument was developed which was tested for reliability and validity. The findings reveal that the issues are faced through systemic halts such as limited financial resources, lack of capacity, lack of planning and co-ordination. The challenges faced are from the elected representatives as they serve their personal interest, intervene in the working of bureaucracy, lack of knowledge and awareness and the misuse of their authority. Similarly, the challenges posed by the bureaucracy are complexity of rules and procedures, trust deficit, rigidity of the system. Similarly, there are several forums identified for citizen participation in terms of online modes and traditional methods of participation. The factors identified that affect the active engagement of citizens through the mixed method approach are perception of good governance (strong check and balance, transparency, and trust in government officials), responsiveness (includes facilitation by bureaucratic officials, satisfaction with service delivery and ease of access) and the civic awareness which relates to the education and awareness, value of public interests and ownership. The research revealed that the notion of participatory local governance is not good in Pakistan particularly district Abbottabad. It is recommended that the institutional capacity must be enhanced, amend the local government Act, bring reforms in bureaucracy, ensure good governance practices, and enhance civic awareness.
ISSUES AND CHALLENGES TO INCLUSIVE/PARTICIPATORY LOCAL GOVERNANCE: A CASE STUDY OF DISTRICT ABBOTTABAD The study aims to investigate and analyse the issues and challenges to participatory local governance. Participatory local governance is pivotal to sustainable development and citizens empowerment. The study used mixed method approach to address the stated research questions. For this purpose, Hierarchical moderation regression and thematic analysis is used. For the qualitative approach, six interviews were conducted in district Abbottabad and the broader themes and subthemes are identified. For the survey, 300 questionnaires were distributed and 272 were received back. Through the literature, research instrument was developed which was tested for reliability and validity. The findings reveal that the issues are faced through systemic halts such as limited financial resources, lack of capacity, lack of planning and co-ordination. The challenges faced are from the elected representatives as they serve their personal interest, intervene in the working of bureaucracy, lack of knowledge and awareness and the misuse of their authority. Similarly, the challenges posed by the bureaucracy are complexity of rules and procedures, trust deficit, rigidity of the system. Similarly, there are several forums identified for citizen participation in terms of online modes and traditional methods of participation. The factors identified that affect the active engagement of citizens through the mixed method approach are perception of good governance (strong check and balance, transparency, and trust in government officials), responsiveness (includes facilitation by bureaucratic officials, satisfaction with service delivery and ease of access) and the civic awareness which relates to the education and awareness, value of public interests and ownership. The research revealed that the notion of participatory local governance is not good in Pakistan particularly district Abbottabad. It is recommended that the institutional capacity must be enhanced, amend the local government Act, bring reforms in bureaucracy, ensure good governance practices, and enhance civic awareness.
Analysis of Inter-Relationship between Debt to GDP Ratio and Human Development Index – A Comparative Analysis of South Asian Countries This study assesses the impact of increase in debt of South Asian countries on the Human Development Index (HDI) of the South Asian countries. I built stance in my study that when the governments fail to perform well on the part of fiscal policy, they fall in budget deficit crisis. The authorities then seek help from different financial institutions, in the form of debt. But once the country gets trap in the debt circle, it poses heavy responsibility on them for effective utilization of the borrowed amount. However, the debt is to be paid by the borrowing country sooner or later along with the interest payment. The country already facing fiscal crisis often finds it difficult in repayment process. Hence, by using econometric analysis I tested the theory that how economic crisis lead to social crisis for the country fallen in debt trap. For this purpose, I took Human Development Index of South Asian countries over a period of 1990-2018 and estimated the impact of increasing debt to GDP ratio on HDI. In addition to this, I employed Fixed Effects Model (FEM), regression analysis and Extreme Bound Analysis (EBA) to empirically test my hypothesis, that there exists the effect of the debt to the GDP ratio on Human Development Index. Fixed Effects Model regression results indicate negative and statistically significant effect of the debt to GDP ratio on HDI. In a nutshell, “ceteris paribus” the estimation of beta coefficient indicates that one (1)-unit increase in the debt to the GDP ratio causes Human Development Index, to fall by 15-units, and vice versa. In simple words, the more the debt to GDP ratio, the more the negative impact on HDI. However, debt is not always a curse; countries often borrow from different sources for smooth functioning. But the debt must be utilized properly and in effective manner. Moreover, there must be an optimal level of obtaining debt after which debt becomes curse. I employed EBA to find the threshold for debt. Thus, my results indicate that if debt of South Asian countries goes beyond 20%, it will start negative impact on their economies. The results of EBA with regard to other dimensions of HDI indicate that the debt to GDP ratio when exceeds from 50%, it starts causing negative effect on life expectancy. Likewise, when this limit exceeds to 30 %, it starts affecting the education and when it exceeds to the ratio of 20% it starts effecting income per capita. Thus, on the basis of these findings the study connotes different policy suggestions implacable to all South Asian countries.
Role of Community Based Institutions in Tackling the Socio-Economic Challenges of Slums in Pakistan- A Case Study of Slums in Islamabad Due to urbanization, there is increase in population which leads to increase in slums.This study has explored how can CBIs/NGOs can help in tackling the challenges of slums in Pakistan. Islamabad the capital, has been chosen as the case study. This study also explored the problems NGOs face while implementing a project/programme. Although, Capital Development Authority (CDA) is providing many facilities but CBIs/NGOs can be of great assistance in providing better facilities.Using qualitative method, various interviews were held from stakeholders and focus group discussions were conducted from beneficiaries. Thematic analysis was done to find relevant information from the data.The results showed that NGOs do not have only internal problems but external problems also create difficulty in successful implementation of projects/programmes. These problems are created either by government or community. Thus it can be said that if government and community cooperate then NGOs will be able to successfully run a programme and beneficiaries will be able to take advantage of these programmes.
ANALYSIS OF DRR IN COMMUNITIES: A CASE STUDY OF MIRPUR, AJK Disaster risk reduction strategies are essential to effective disaster management. The aim of the research study is to explore the nationwide efforts to build disaster resistant infrastructure and resilient communities in AJK, the prevailing techniques, and challenges to cope with the persistently occurring disasters in AJK and the hurdles that are impeding factors in development and implementation of emergency preparedness in AJK. The three research questions posed are addressed through qualitative data analysis. For qualitative analysis, nine interviews were conducted from multiple stakeholders and two focus group discussions were held with the local citizens of Mirpur, AJK. The broader themes and subthemes are identified. There are structural and non-structural measures which are taken to build the resilience and resistance infrastructure which are resistance construction, building codes, structural modifications, community shelters whereas the non-structural measures are education and training and the warning system. The organisation system has provided the legal and institutional framework and ensures the resource availability to carry out the response activities. In this regard, Emergency operation centre has been made alongside the warning system and the provision of relief activities to cope with the persistently occurring disasters. Similarly, the challenges faced in coping with disasters are posed by the system which is lack of financial resources, lack of trainings and lack of coordination which has great impact on the capacity of the institutions. Similarly, there are some loopholes in the institutional arrangement and setup such as non-revision of policies and weak implementation. The impeding factors are the systemic halts whereas the organisation and planning also pose obstacles in the form of outdated plans and low investment in mitigation. The research revealed that the notion of disaster risk reduction is not good in Pakistan, particularly AJK. Recommendations are made to overcome the issues and challenges posed and to cope with the persistently occurring disasters.
ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT OF MINORITIES: A CASE STUDY OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY By SHARON ELIJAH The members of Christian community have participated actively in developmental processes of the country yet their issues remain unresolved and they are often subjects to different controversies and their status in the society has been a topic of debate for many years To have the opportunity to empower the community has direct relations to their active participation in the political process. There is a need to put political mechanism in place that enables them to engage in democratic process, and policy making to help address their issues with a better approach. This research project addresses the question of empirical importance and tries to explore issues and challenges that hinder political empowerment of minorities. This qualitative study was conducted to get an insight to this concerned matter. Interviews were conducted from 15 participants including 10 Non-Muslims and 5 Muslims. Additionally, focus group discussions were also conducted. Themes and codes were discussed with reference to research questions. Responses of participants revealed that minorities on the basis of their reservations are reluctant to participate in active politics. These reservations of participation are believed to have their origin in the challenges of discrimination, low socio-economic status and fear of isolation and violent consequences. It was brought to light that social factor such as ignorance, narrow-mindedness and fairly biased behaviors result in underrepresentation in politics and other professions. Furthermore, it was highlighted that the quotas promised to minorities in jobs and educational institutions are not being allocated fairly. Respondents also revealed that among minority communities; Christians have better political representation which can help them to empower the community and will assist to strengthen democracy and minorities‘ rights in the country.
Applicability of NPG Practices in Pakistan. A Case Study of District Administration Islamabad New public governance (NPG) paradigm has increasingly become a popular phenomenon in developed world. By seeing this success, certain components of NPG; cost-cutting and downsizing, separating purchaser from provider, devolution of management authority, technology and innovation have become an archetypal reform model for modernization of public administration in developing countries. The aim of this research was to analyze and test the applicability of New Public Governance reforms practices in Pakistan. The applicability was measured by the perceived usefulness of NPG elements to stakeholders. The study also explored the potential influence of political and bureaucratic environment inherent in Pakistan to the applicability of new governance paradigm and suggested course of action for future reforms in public sector. A mix method employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to collect and analyze the data. Face to face interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from actors of participatory local governance i.e., Politicians, Civil Servants and NGO’s and analyzed using Thematic analysis. Quantitative data was collected using survey method through questionnaire and analyzed by application of software i.e., Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The discussion regarding limitations, theoretical and practical implications, and future study are provided in this research work.
Comparative Analysis of Public and Private Health System Governance at Secondary Level: A Case Study of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Health system governance refers to the actions and measures adopted by any public or private sector health providers to elevate the standard of the health support facilities of its inhabitants. The health system governance is complex and dynamic, and it experiences problems peculiar to its unique characteristics. Such problems include internal pressures arising from increased demands for transparency, responsiveness and accountability. Moreover, effective leadership and socio-economic factors have been recognized as essential in shaping organizational culture and driving the implementation of reforms in health system governance. In Pakistan health system governance has been challenged with problems of transparency, inadequate accountability and responsiveness especially in AJ&K. So, the objective of this study is to compare the health governance delivered by the public and private hospitals in AJ&K. For this purpose, effective health governance is measured by three dimensions namely accountability, transparency and responsiveness. The independent variables are leadership which is measured by knowledge, skills and ability and socio-economic factors and instrument used to measure are social connectedness, income inequality and collective efficacy. Due to the nature of this study only those respondents were included in the study having perceptions about both the hospitals. Therefore, 450 questionnaires were selected for this study. Results showed that private hospitals are showing better health governance as compared to public hospitals.
Socio Economic and Administrative Barriers to Female Quality Education: A Case Study of Gilgit Baltistan GB population is growing to faces multiplying challenges and the main challenge is education. Big Evidence of GB education is complicated by issues related to language, religious values, urbanization, illiterate, low schooling rate, less reduction of Parents, less public higher institutions, uneducated population and increasing of climate change and less female education in Gilgit Baltistan. Socio Economic and Administrative Barriers to Female Quality Education is helpful to understand all the terms and issues in female education. This study of objectives to find out difference in quality of education in context of Gender, factors, low literacy, common administrative challenges in providing quality education, socio-economic factors effecting the female education in Gilgit Baltistan. The IV Income, late admission of child, Parents Unwellness, Cost of schooling, location of school and lack of basic facilities are directly affected to quality of education DV with gender difference. The qualitative approaches used to data collection in GB, data collected from student, teachers, and educationist’s interviews with educational departmental sources with instruments used questionnaire and data collected to target population through interviews, focus group discussion by seven administrations members, seven teachers and education administration, three civil society activists and four general public members. Data analysis by Thematic Analysis and carry to provides a comprehensive research findings. The Government should provide more teaching resources at girl’s schools of GB for betterment in girl’s education. Female Students have to be conscious about their studies and motivated about their education in schools. Teachers should be highly educated and full of energy of motivation and deep concentration on female education in class.