"This book, through Pakistan-India experience, demonstrates an intimate relationship between political conflict and arms control. It proves that several contributing political conflicts affect arms control in distinct ways. Importantly, the combined effect of these pertinent political conflicts claim greater influence over arms control processes"--
Technological advancements and tactical applications have always played a significant role in determining the outcomes of military conflicts. The emergence of Hypersonic Weapon Systems is considered a game-changer in contemporary and future warfare, as it can potentially dominate the early stages of conflict. Major powers like the US, China and Russia are pursuing technological superiority by developing hypersonic weapons, which could undermine conventional strategic capabilities and render even the most advanced air and missile defences obsolete. However, there has been limited discussion on the impact of deploying hypersonic weapons in the Indian Ocean region and its implications on strategic stability in the Pakistan-India military matrix. This paper examines the induction of hypersonic weapons by the Indian Navy, utilising insights from security dilemma and conventional deterrence theories to navigate the complex strategic landscape in the region. It contributes to the ongoing debate on the relationship between the arms race and conventional deterrence in Pakistan and India, highlighting the risks of an arms race in the Indian Ocean region. Without strategic dialogue on regulating hypersonic weapons systems, the chances of escalation and conflict could increase significantly.
Bibliography Entry Raza, Imran and Nasir Mehmood. 2023. "Hypersonic Weapon Systems – A New Wave of Arms Race in the Indian Ocean Region." Margalla Papers 27 (1): 28-39.
This article advances the debate on the dynamics and effectiveness of conventional deterrence in a nuclearised South Asia. Conventional deterrence is primarily based on the precept of dissuasion, playing an integral part in states' defence policies. It leverages conventional military capabilities and the adept use of military strategy to dissuade opponents from initiating major campaigns and escalations into full-blownwar. The study validates the role of conventional deterrence by carefully examining two India-Pakistan sub-cases: the 1999 Limited Kargil War and the 2019 Balakot Aerial Confrontation. Through these two sub-cases, the research elucidates the complex relationship between numerical strength and intelligent military planning in denying opponents their military objectives and preventing the employment of nuclear weapons.
the January 16, 2024, missile and drone strike by Iran against alleged sanctuaries of Jaish al-Adl inside Pakistan's province of Baluchistan provoked a short crisis between Islamabad and Tehran, culminating in retaliation by Pakistan on January 18, 2024. The lack of close coordination on their shared frontier, amidst severe issues of drug trafficking from Afghanistan, terrorism in Baluchistan, and Iranian concerns about infiltration, undermined a mutual understanding between these two countries. Pakistan was entirely surprised, never having been attacked by Iran before. Despite the strike during the election campaign to determine Pakistan's next governing party and executive, Islamabad resisted retaliation until it failed to elicit a conciliatory explanation from Tehran. Iran's attack was most likely the result of a hardline foreign policy initiative decided and implemented by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as part of its escalating conflict with Israel and the defence of the Houthis in Yemen. Following Pakistan's measured and proportionate response, Tehran and Islamabad, encouraged by China, the US, Russia, and Türkiye, diplomatically defused the tension, and bilateral relations normalised.
Purpose There is a growing need to promote and practice sustainable HRM to foster greener organizations with trained employees who have an attitude and behavior to preserve depleting resources. The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of sustainable green human resource management (Green HRM) practices along with organizational identification (OI) as a mediating factor and perceived organizational support (POS) as a moderating factor.
Design/methodology/approach Quantitative methodology was used, and the data were collected from 311 employees working in telecommunication organizations located in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Results of the study are based on the structural equation modeling technique using Smart-PLS.
Findings Findings revealed that OI proved to be a significant positive mediator between Green HRM and organizational citizenship behaviors for the environment. POS also proved to be a significant moderator on the relationship between Green HRM and OI.
Research limitations/implications The study is limited to the two cities of Pakistan; future studies can focus on more cities so that the results can be more generalized.
Practical implications This study will especially be useful for HR practitioners to develop mechanisms to initiate and encourage sustainable HR practices.
Social implications Organizations' positive position is established through the inculcation of green activities among their employees. Thus, a sense of responsibility and attachment among employees toward green behavior makes them good citizens. It also works well for their organization as well as for the environment. Moreover, it preserves environmental resources and helps ensure sustainability.
Originality/value The research paper was aimed at exploring the importance of sustainable Green HRM practices in a developing country like Pakistan.
The study investigates the influence of teaching methods, the school environment, and the home environment on academic stress. Future concerns related to career choices are also explored. Thematic analysis is applied to discern patterns from interviews, with a primary goal of understanding how academic stress impacts student performance. The paper discusses various contributors to academic stress, including teacher expectations and the school environment. Utilizing a qualitative research design, the study employs purposive sampling across ten public secondary schools in the Vehari district. Semi-structured interviews with students are conducted, targeting a sample of ten students from five schools. Data collection involves face-to-face interviews, recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. The conclusion summarizes the pervasive nature of academic stress and highlights students' delicate balance. Coping mechanisms, especially a supportive home study environment, are emphasized. The study concludes with practical recommendations for teachers, emphasizing constructive feedback and the creation of an equitable and supportive classroom atmosphere.
Using a mixed-methods approach, this study explores the impact of administrator leadership styles on school improvement in secondary schools. The research delves into the multifaceted nature of leadership within educational settings, specifically focusing on how various leadership styles employed by administrators contribute to or hinder the school improvement process. The study utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the intricate dynamics at play comprehensively. The mixed methods design leverages the strengths of each approach, providing a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. The quantitative instrument, comprising 39 statements characterizing leadership behavior advocated for 21st-century school leaders, is the Leadership Behavior Inventory. The study identifies specific participants based on quantitative findings, enriching the qualitative phase. Support for professional development, fair decision-making, emotional intelligence, and adept conflict resolution strategies contribute to a positive and growth-oriented school culture. The study highlights the adaptability of administrators to change as positively impacting the school environment. These findings underscore the intricate interplay of leadership styles in shaping the school's culture and influencing its trajectory toward improvement.
This study examines the traditional teaching methods employed in large classes within public sector colleges in Punjab at the intermediate level. Additionally, it proposes alternative approaches and strategies for instructors to manage large English classes effectively. Data was collected using a survey research strategy, employing mixed-method research techniques. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with English teachers from selected public sector boys' colleges in major cities of Punjab. Quantitative data were collected via a questionnaire with closed-ended items administered to students within the study sample. Three public sector colleges from the target population were randomly selected for data collection. The study utilized six structured interviews with English teachers and received 60 completed questionnaires from intermediate students as data collection tools. To enhance outcomes in large language classes, teachers should concentrate on activity-based teaching, collaborative instruction, and the utilization of group work or interactive approaches. There is a pressing need for government intervention to facilitate the improvement and advancement of public sector colleges.
Pakistan is the country with more than 100 million children and spina bifida is a neural tube defect that commonly affects children. Folic acid deficiency during the initial three weeks of pregnancy has been identified as a significant causative factor. However, other factors and their effects vary based on geographic location, maternal pregnancy history, child sex, and race. This cross sectional study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to the incidence rate of spina bifida in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 200 cases of neural tube defects, including spina bifida, were studied and reported from October 2012 to August 2013 at Children's Hospital Lahore. Various factors were examined, such as the age of mothers, with 50% of babies with neural tube defects born to mothers aged between 26 and 36 years. The incidence of spina bifida was found to be higher in boys (59%) compared to girls (41%). Hydrocephalus, a common complication of spina bifida, was more prevalent in boys (51%) than in girls (14%). Spina bifida cystica, another form of the condition, occurred more frequently in girls (38%) than in boys (33%). In this study group, 161 out of 200 women did not use or properly use folic acid during pregnancy, indicating a lack of awareness regarding its importance. The study also revealed that 119 cases of spina bifida occurred during winter, suggesting a seasonal influence on the condition. In addition to other identified risk factors, this study underscores the critical need for raising awareness about the use of folic acid before conception and during the initial three weeks of pregnancy.
This study explores the impact of the deaf community on children with deafness and examines the social and developmental benefits that are from being a part of a supportive and inclusive deaf community. This study also discussed the factors that contribute to the positive impact of community involvement, including language acquisition identity development and access to resources. This also investigates the influence of the deaf community on children with deafness within the context of the Pakistani population, employing descriptive research methodologies. A cohort of 50 children with hearing impairment, primarily adolescents, sourced from prominent institutions in Lahore, Pakistan, was examined. Data collection was conducted through parental surveys, revealing that 17 of the children were integrated into the deaf community. Employing a standardized 34-questionnaire instrument, data was processed using SPSS version 10. The findings underscore a substantial positive impact of the deaf community on the overall rehabilitation of these children. This study advocates for a community-centric approach to rehabilitation, emphasizing the vital role of parental support and character development. Moreover, it stresses the importance of embracing the disability and cultivating a constructive mindset among the children. To actualize these recommendations, fostering leadership opportunities through organized events such as sports, entertainment programs, seminars, and workshops is encouraged.