PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF LAW, ANALYSIS AND WISDOM
Pakistan Journal of Law, Analysis and Wisdom (PJLAW) is a HEC Recognized multidisciplinary journal that provides a platform for researchers, scholars, and practitioners to publish high-quality research in the areas of law, social sciences, humanities, and Islamic banking and finance.
Community Perceptions of Justice in Balochistan: A Comparative Case Study of Formal Legal System and Jirga Practices in Qila Abdullah District
This study investigates the comparative efficiency, fairness, and cultural relevance of the Jirga system and the formal legal system in Qila Abdullah District. Using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and literature review, the research highlights how Jirga provides swift, affordable, and culturally embedded justice, often resolving disputes within days or weeks. In contrast, the formal legal system, though slow and bureaucratic, ensures procedural safeguards, impartiality, and constitutional rights protection. Findings reveal that while Jirga strengthens social cohesion and accessibility, it suffers from bias, lack of enforceability, and human rights concerns, particularly for women and minorities. The formal courts, despite inefficiencies, remain valued for accountability and fairness. The study concludes that integrating Jirga’s cultural legitimacy and speed with the safeguards of the formal judiciary could create a hybrid justice model, balancing tradition with modern legal standards to ensure equitable and trusted justice delivery.
Jirga System, Formal Legal System, Legal Pluralism, Conflict Resolution, Pashtunwali, Human Rights, Cultural Legitimacy, Accessibility of Justice, Bias in Jirga, Hybrid Justice Model
Copyright (c) 2026 Syed Ahsanullah, Abdul Ghafoor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Flood Induced Agricultural Disruption and Food Insecurity: An Exploratory Study of Rural Livelihood
This exploratory research investigated the devastating effects of flood in the year 2025 in Gujrat, Pakistan. It emphasized on agriculture production, food insecurity, and rural livelihood. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and tool of data collection was interview guide. The convenience sampling technique was adopted in study and sample size was 11respondents. Moreover, the results showed that the majority of farmers were exposed to massive losses of the agriculture sector due to climate change, which included rural livelihood disruption, foods obstacle and machinery breakdown. Moreover, on the bases of the findings the study recommended that Government should accommodate the flood affected people with financial support including cash support, loan, food aid, provide fertilizers with concession, make sophisticated drainage system and river defenses, along with initiating a scheme to provide modern machinery to all small farmers.
Agricultural Disruption, Climate Change, Food Insecurity, Rural Livelihood, Machinery Breakdown
Copyright (c) 2026 Ummel Baneen, Abdul Nabi, Laiba Zahid, Muhammad Sheraz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Pakistan's Policy and Institutional Response to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV): Assessment of the Policy Infrastructure, Governance Challenges, and Reform Options
Tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) has emerged as a critical governance and human rights challenge in Pakistan's swiftly digitizing society. Although the expansion of opportunities for women and girls has been facilitated by the rise in internet penetration and digital participation, it has also created new and expanding opportunities for cyberstalking, online harassment, image-based abuse, impersonation, blackmail, doxxing, deepfake abuse, and AI-generated harms. This paper critically assesses Pakistan's legal, policy, and institutional response to TFGBV, including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, the National Strategy on TFGBV (2026), the National Artificial Intelligence Policy (2025), and their corresponding institutional mechanisms. The paper evaluates three policy alternatives: strengthening existing legal and enforcement mechanisms; establishing a dedicated National TFGBV Prevention and Response Framework; and implementing a Multi-Stakeholder Digital Safety Governance Model. This evaluation is conducted using a structured policy analysis framework that evaluates effectiveness, gender responsiveness, and administrative feasibility. The analysis reveals that Pakistan has made substantial strides in acknowledging TFGBV as a human rights and governance concern. However, there are still substantial deficiencies in the areas of legal enforcement, institutional coordination, survivor support systems, digital literacy, and regulation of AI-enabled harms. The paper suggests that the most feasible and effective reform option is the establishment of a dedicated National TFGBV Framework. This reform should be accompanied by a phased implementation strategy that includes legislative reform, institutional capacity-building, survivor-centered services, platform accountability, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, Peca, Digital Safety, Cyber Harassment, Artificial Intelligence, Gender Policy, Pakistan, Digital Governance, Feminist Policy Analysis
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Ifra Iftikhar, Dr. Robina Saeed, Shabana Asgher https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
From Code to Conflict: The Geopolitical Implications of AI for Contemporary Strategic Stability
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into military architectures and statecraft is fundamentally altering the character of contemporary strategic stability. This paper, From Code to Conflict: The Geopolitical Implications of AI for Contemporary Strategic Stability, examines how the weaponization of autonomous systems and algorithmic decision-making tools creates a stability paradox in global security. By analyzing the intersection of machine-speed warfare and great power competition, the research explores how the compression of decision-making windows, combined with black-box algorithmic ambiguity, complicates traditional deterrence models. Drawing upon a critical analysis of current Sino-US technological decoupling in the Asia-Pacific, this paper argues that the absence of normative international frameworks governing AI in military applications lowers the threshold for unintended escalation. The study utilizes process tracing to contrast classical human-centric deterrence paradigms with the non-linear risks posed by hyper-automated defensive and offensive networks. Ultimately, the research concludes that while AI-integrated systems offer enhanced operational efficiencies, they simultaneously destabilize existing strategic balances. The paper calls for an urgent prioritization of human-in-the-loop safeguards and multilateral transparency initiatives to mitigate the inherent hazards of algorithmic warfare and to preserve long-term strategic stability in an increasingly digital security environment.
Artificial Intelligence, Algorithmic Warfare, Strategic Stability, Geopolitics of AI
Copyright (c) 2026 Khaqan Ahmad, Hafsa Iqbal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Social and Economic Factors of Working Children in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Child labor remains a persistent reality in Pakistan, particularly in urban centers such as Lahore, the capital of Punjab Province. Punjab is the country's largest and most influential province in terms of population and public policymaking. Despite extensive discussions among policymakers, scholars, and social activists, reliable data on child labor remain limited. Most child laborers are engaged in informal employment, which often falls outside the scope of labor regulations and official monitoring mechanisms. This study investigates the factors that contribute to child labor and the reasons why families choose to send their children to work rather than to school. Data was collected from vulnerable child workers across different areas of Lahore. The findings are alarming and reveal multiple factors that increase the vulnerability of children. These include low levels of parental education and awareness, large joint-family systems, low household income, and severe economic hardships. Although children contribute to household earnings, their share in improving family economic conditions remains minimal. The majority of child workers are young and inexperienced, often lacking the maturity and knowledge required to distinguish between safe and unsafe situations. Furthermore, the government has been unable to adequately ensure basic rights such as food, shelter, education, and healthcare for vulnerable families through effective legislation and implementation. The study concludes that key stakeholders have not sufficiently addressed the existing gaps and shortcomings in policies and interventions aimed at eliminating child labor.
Working Children, Lahore, Family resources, Poverty, Social, Economic
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Mujahid Hussain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Frame Portrayal Associations in Disability Social Media Strategic Communication Implication
While the role of media framing in public understanding of social issues is known, the strategic aspects of frame selection in disability advocacy are not as well understood. In this study, the systematic prediction of Persons with Disability (PWD) portrayal valence in social media is investigated through different framing strategies. Based on a quantitative content analysis of 240 posts on Facebook and Instagram (from January 2024 to August 2025), and on the basis of the five-frame typology of Semetko and Valkenburg (2000), highly significant associations are identified between the type of the primary frame and the portrayal valence (χ² = 31.582, df = 8, p < .001; Cramer's V = 0.257). The human interest frames are overwhelmingly positive in portrayal (58.6% positive, 28.3% negative), whereas the responsibility frames are overwhelmingly negative (55.6% negative, 33.3% positive) and the Economic frames are overwhelmingly neutral (75.0% neutral). This is supported by binary logistic regression, which shows that the Human Interest framing is the most significant predictor of positive portrayal (OR = 3.45, 95% CI [2.12, 5.61], p < .001). Thematic analysis of qualitative data reveals five positive sub-themes: empowerment, community building, identity pride, innovation, and relationship narratives, and five negative sub-themes based in a systemic critique. When triangulated with machine learning validation (Random Forest accuracy = 78.6%), they show that disability communities use disability frames strategically – using Human Interest framing for identity affirmation, Responsibility framing for institutional critique, and Economic framing for informational purposes. The findings can inform disability advocacy groups, social media companies, and policy makers on how to create successful disability communication that will be inclusive and community-based.
Framing Theory, Disability Representation, Social Media, Strategic Communication, Portrayal Valence, Person With Disabilities, Content Analysis.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Zain Zamir, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shehzad, Dr. Awais. H Gillani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Voices of Survival: A Sociological Exploration of Street Vendors Daily Life Experiences and Struggles
This paper investigated the life experiences and challenges faced daily by street vendors. Street vending has become one of the significant sources of earnings for many. However, it also remains characterized by insecurity and intimidation on the streets. The paper employed a qualitative research design. The data was collected through in-depth interviews involving a sample of 14 street vendors to understand their working environment, ways to survive, and their daily life challenges. The results indicated that the vendors were facing the challenges associated with the threat of eviction and linguistic intimidation by the local and other influential persons in the community. Most of the respondents indicated that lack of recognition makes their job extremely difficult. The vendors, despite all the difficulties, still operate because street vending becomes their only source to satisfy their elementary household needs, which include food, housing, education, and health. The resilience to stress was also shown in the coping strategies demonstrated by the vendors, which include collective support among the vendors, flexible working hours, and adjustment to the urban environment. The paper argued that despite all these coping mechanisms, the resilience among vendors should be taken into consideration due to the need to address the issue.
Street Vendors, Daily Life, Experiences, Survival Strategies, Informal Economy, Livelihood Struggles.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ummel Baneen, Zeeshan Arif, Aleesha Asjid , Ayesha Akram https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Security Governance Reforms in Balochistan: Opportunities and Challenges of the Levies Integration
The integration of the Levies Force into the Balochistan Police was completed in January 2026 and is viewed as a watershed moment for security governance reform in Pakistan's largest province by size (Balochistan). This article discusses a variety of aspects of the integration process (constitutional, administrative, and operational) as well as the challenges presented by the reform initiative and its potential for positively impacting Balochistan's security environment. Through qualitative document analysis and case study methodology, this research paper examines the evolution of the dual policing system that existed in Balochistan prior to integration; identifies the drivers of change to this dual policing system; describes the steps taken to implement the integration of both organizations; and discusses the impact of this integration effort on the counter-terrorism capabilities of each organization as well as the impact of the integration on the rule of law and civil/military coordination. The results showed that while the integration will eliminate many administrative uncertainties and create a single command structure, there were many challenges remaining concerning training and personnel recruitment, cultural adjustments, physical facilities and infrastructure, and the financing and management of the old Levies Force. Those individuals charged with ensuring that the integration will be successful must have continued political support; an adequate number of resources available; meaningful engagement with the community; and clear guidance for the future professional development of the individuals and employees involved in the merger.
Levies Force, Balochistan Police, Integration, Security Governance, Reforms, Counter-Terrorism.
Copyright (c) 2026 Asmat Ullah Kakar, Zia ul Haq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Conflict Between Domestic Law and International Human Rights Norms: A Pakistani Perspective
Pakistan presents one of the most instructive and, at the same time, deeply troubling case studies in the global conversation about the relationship between international human rights law and domestic legal systems. On paper, the country has signed up to a fairly comprehensive set of international human rights obligations: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), among others. In practice, however, a wide gulf divides these solemn international commitments from the lived experience of millions of Pakistani citizens religious minorities who live under the long shadow of draconian blasphemy laws, women whose legal status remains subordinate in crucial areas of family and criminal law, children trapped in early marriages or denied access to education, and the families of the 'disappeared' who wait, year after year, for a justice that never seems to arrive. This article undertakes a critical and comprehensive examination of the key conflicts between Pakistan's domestic legal order and its obligations under international human rights law. It situates that examination within Pakistan's constitutional framework, traces the evolution of judicial thinking on the question of incorporating international norms, and draws upon a range of Pakistani and international case law to illustrate how the tensions manifest in practice. The article argues that, while Pakistan's superior courts have increasingly recognized international human rights norms as legitimate and valuable interpretive resources, structural and political barriers not least the constitutional elevation of Islamic law continue to frustrate meaningful legislative harmonization. Concrete, actionable recommendations are offered for closing the gap between Pakistan's international promises and its domestic realities, in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan for peer-reviewed legal scholarship.
International Human Rights Law, Pakistan, Constitutional Law, ICCPR, Blasphemy Laws, Women's Rights, Judicial Incorporation, Monism and Dualism, Children's Rights, Enforced Disappearances.
Copyright (c) 2026 Usman Ali Bajwa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Balancing National Security and Civil Liberties: A Constitutional Analysis of Digital Surveillance Laws of Pakistan
The digital-surveillance has become a key tool for national security, cybercrime control and public-order governance. However, if the powers exercised by the government are opaque, discretionary and/or poorly controlled, they can pose a threat to constitutional freedoms. In this article the authors have attempted to discuss and analyze the digital surveillance framework in Pakistan by referring to the fundamental rights and comparative constitutional law. The focus of the present study is on the threats to constitutional rights like privacy, dignity, due process and freedom of expression emerging from Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, Investigation for Fair Trial Act 2013, Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996 along with developments in Cyber Regulations. The article does not call for the abolition of the power of surveillance in Pakistan. It argues that Pakistan should have a rights-based approach: the surveillance and control must be lawful, necessary, judicially authorized, transparent, independent oversight and effective remedies. The article also examines Pakistani framework in the light of similar frameworks of other countries, like the European Union, the United Kingdom, India, the United States and Canada. It suggests several possible legal options to balance national security with civil liberties. The present study concludes that Pakistan must streamline and integrate its scattered pieces of surveillance laws, as well as limit vague executive powers, enact comprehensive data protection laws and create an independent mechanism of oversight to keep the practice of surveillance within constitutional boundaries.
Digital Surveillance, National Security, Civil Liberties, Fundamental Rights, Privacy, Pakistan, PECA, Constitutional Law
Copyright (c) 2026 Amjad Hilal, Akbar Khan Hilal, Sadia Nazir Ahmad, Syeda Hajra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Reconciling the GDPR Right to Erasure with the Architecture of Large Language Models
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) established the Right to Erasure (Article 17) as a cornerstone of digital sovereignty, yet its doctrinal foundation rests on the assumption of relational data storage. In traditional databases, information is discrete and easily excisable. However, the emergence of Large Language Models (LLMs) disrupts this legal logic. LLMs do not, store, data in the traditional sense; rather, they ingest personal information to form probabilistic weights within complex neural architectures. This creates a critical transparency deficit, and a technical barrier to enforcement. This paper examines the widening gap between the legal mandate of, deletion, and the technical reality of transformer-based models. The central conflict lies in the definition of erasure: does the law require the mere removal of data from training sets, which does not purge the information from a model's existing parameters, or does it mandate the, unlearning, of data from the weights themselves? Through a doctrinal analysis of Article 17 and recent European Data Protection Board (EDPB) guidelines, this study argues that current legal interpretations are technically incompatible with modern AI. To resolve this, the paper proposes a policy shift toward a functional standard of erasure. Rather than pursuing the technically near-impossible feat of total weight-reconstruction, it advocates for a hybrid regulatory framework focused on, verifiable machine unlearning, and, output suppression. By evolving the doctrine from physical data destruction to the mitigation of privacy risks, policymakers can ensure that digital rights remain effective without stifling the growth of data-driven systems.
Right to Erasure; Data Protection; GDPR; Large-Language Models; Data Privacy
Copyright (c) 2026 Syed Shaharyar Ahmed, Ariba Dar, Saman Fatima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Challenges Faced by Ethnic Minority Students in Higher Education Institutions Study Conducted in Lahore
The purpose of this research was to understand the challenges that were faced by ethnic minority students in higher education institutions in Pakistan, particularly Lahore. The study titled “The challenges faced by the ethnic minority students in higher education institutions study conducted in Lahore. A qualitative approach was applied in the research through face-to-face interviews and in-depth interview guide that provided deeper insights from the viewpoints of various ethnic minority students. A total of 12 participants were chosen from different educational institutions using purposive sampling. The research findings indicate that the language barrier has large impact on the understanding of course material and classroom participation, and this makes them feel disconnected, anxious, and sometimes in an isolation trap. Discrimination also impacts their performance in terms of academics and participating them into university life. Socioeconomic issues make these problems worse by limiting access to resources and opportunities for participation. The lack of diverse faculty and curricula exacerbates the exclusion of ethnic minority students. This study looks at how different challenges come together to impact the experiences of ethnic minority students at universities. The findings of this study can lead policymakers and educational institutions to design specific intervention programs that can overcome these challenges for them.
Ethnic Minority Students, Higher Education, Language Barrier, Discrimination, Cultural Identity, Socioeconomic Factors.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bisma Ijaz, Dr Sidra Maqsood, Sanaullah Zafar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Comparative Study of the Services Regimes Prevailing in Different Provinces in Pakistan
The legal framework governing the sales tax on services that is in place in several Balochistan provinces is examined critically in this paper. The consequences, difficulties, and efficacy of the application of the Sales Tax on Services Act within the tax administration system in several Pakistani provinces are addressed through qualitative study technique. It examines the many factors influencing tax compliance and evasion in the province as well as the role played by the Respective Revenue Boards and Authorities in the implementation and administration of the sales tax on services. Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders have been used in research to gather information regarding issues pertaining to the application of tax laws and the impact of social, cultural, and economic factors on taxpayer behavior. The thesis compares the laws pertaining to the identical tax regimes in other Pakistani provinces with the study gaps and discrepancies in the application of the BSTS Act. The results of the study show that even after the BSTS Act was introduced, the BRA is still having significant difficulties guaranteeing compliance, mostly due to low taxpayer knowledge, tax fraud, and the lack of investor protection procedures.
Sales Tax on Services, Balochistan Revenue Authority, Balochistan Sales Tax on Services Act 2015, Provincial Taxation
Copyright (c) 2026 Faiza Faryal, Asmatullah Kakar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Rights on Paper, Injustice in Practice: The Paradox of Constitutional Protection in Developing Democracies
This study examined the paradox between constitutional protection and practical injustice in developing democracies by analyzing the gap between formal constitutional guarantees and their actual implementation within democratic governance systems. The research investigated how institutional weakness, political interference, executive dominance, judicial inefficiency, corruption, and weak accountability mechanisms limited the effective enforcement of constitutional rights. The study adopted a qualitative descriptive research design supported by doctrinal and thematic analytical approaches. A purposive sample of 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, governance reports, constitutional studies, and scholarly publications published between 2015 and 2026 was selected from databases including Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Scopus, and Web of Science. Thematic analysis identified major themes related to constitutional guarantees and practical injustice, judicial independence and constitutional protection, and institutional weakness and democratic backsliding. The findings revealed that constitutional rights frequently existed as symbolic legal commitments while marginalized communities continued to experience inequality, selective justice, and restricted access to constitutional protection. The study further demonstrated that judicial independence remained essential for democratic accountability and effective constitutional governance. Political interference and concentration of executive power weakened institutional autonomy and reduced public confidence in democratic systems. The study concluded that constitutional democracy required strong institutions, transparent governance, independent judicial systems, and effective accountability mechanisms to transform constitutional rights from theoretical guarantees into practical realities within developing democracies.
Constitutional Democracy, Democratic Backsliding, Judicial Independence, Political Accountability, Rule of Law, Thematic Analysis
Copyright (c) 2026 Muzammil Anwar, Muhammad Muzaffar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Fear of Isolation on Social Networking Sites regarding Religious Extremism and State Institutions
This research examines apprehension of social exclusion on oniline plaforms concerning religious radicalism and attitudes towards government institutions. Drawing on the Spiral of Silence Theory, this study examines the interplay between perceived public opinion and fear of isolation on social media users' expression or suppression of their perspectives. In today's online worlds, social networking sites are key platforms for political and ideological discourse; but they also create a heightened awareness of majority opinion, especially on sensitive topics such as religion and perceptions of state institutions. Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey, the study gathered data from social media users to analyse the association between dispositional fear of isolation, contextual fear of isolation, attitude intensity towards state institutions (police force, judiciary, military and religious authorities) and self-censorship. The results of recent empirical research suggest that fear of isolation leads to higher levels of self-censorship, particularly when it comes to politically and religiously sensitive topics, where there is perceived social or institutional pressure to conform to the majority. This research adds to the body of knowledge by stressing the role of digital communication environments in amplifying spiral of silence effects, in which minority opinions are increasingly silenced due to fear of isolation and perception of social repercussions. It also stresses the importance of attitude strength on the expression of opinions on social networking sites.
Fear of Isolation, Network Sites, Spiral of Silence, Religious Extremism, Army and Religion, Willingness to Self-Censorship, Self-Administered, Hierarchal Multiple Regression.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. M Qamar Zaman Baber, Bilal Ahmed Tarar , Awais H. Gillani, Sadam Hussain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Fragmented Governance and Outdated Legislation: A Critical Analysis of Non-Governmental Organization Laws in Pakistan
Pakistan's non-governmental organization (NGO) sector operates under a fragmented, overlapping, and largely colonial-era legal architecture that is fundamentally misaligned with contemporary governance requirements. This article critically appraises the structural anomalies embedded in Pakistan's NGO regulatory framework, examining no fewer than eleven statutes spanning from the Societies Registration Act 1860 to the Companies Act 2017. Drawing on doctrinal legal analysis, comparative public law methodology, and primary legislative sources, the paper identifies three categories of systemic defect: (i) registration anarchy arising from multiple, duplicative legal pathways; (ii) administrative vacuum produced by the absence of a single apex regulatory body; and (iii) normative obsolescence of statutory provisions conceived under colonial governance imperatives. Through a comparative study of NGO governance reforms in China, India, and Bangladesh, the article develops a reform agenda that proposes consolidating scattered legislation under a unified Non-Profit Sector Governance Act, establishing a constitutionally mandated autonomous regulatory commission, and digitalizing registration, reporting, and accountability mechanisms. The findings carry implications for civil society law scholars, legislative drafters, and development policy practitioners.
NGO Law Pakistan, Civil Society Regulation, Non-Profit Sector Governance, Legislative Reform, Comparative Ngo Law, Accountability Mechanism.
Copyright (c) 2026 Uzed Umer, Dr. Muhammad Mubeen, Hira Tunio https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Moral Self-Cultivation Across Civilizations: A Comparative Hermeneutic Study of the Junzi and Sant Ideals in Confucian and Bhakti Traditions
This paper examines moral self-cultivation in civilizations through a comparative hermeneutic analysis of the Confucian and the Bhakti traditions in terms of understanding the ethical ideals of the junzi and the sant. The major purpose will be to explore how varying cultural and philosophical systems theorize the construction of the moral self and the mechanisms, by which individuals attain ethical and spiritual finesse. Moral self-cultivation in Confucian thought is based upon the ethical discipline, ritual propriety and cultivation of moral virtues like; ren (humaneness), li (ritual) and yi (righteousness), which together form the ideal of the junzi as a socially responsible and morally fine individual. Devotional emotion, love, surrender and mystical experience as a way of transformation are stressed in Bhakti ideal, which is directly opposite to the Vedanta tradition, which focuses on the cognitive aspect of knowledge. The methodology of the study is a qualitative comparative hermeneutic approach, in which primary textual sources are used, such as the Analects and selected Bhakti poetry attributed to figures like Kabir, Guru Nanak and Mirabai. These works are compared based on theme and concept in order to draw convergences and divergences concerning moral psychology, identity formation and ethical transformation. Secondary scholarly literature is added to contextualize the analysis in relation to wider discussions in comparative philosophy, moral psychology and religious ethics. Results show that whereas Confucianism focuses on rational discipline, institutionalized moral education, and transformation of experience, the Bhakti tradition presupposes emotional devotion, institutionalized moral education, and experience transformation. Nevertheless, despite these differences, both traditions meet at the point when moral self-cultivation is considered as a dynamic and continuous process of self-transformation that is directed towards higher ideals of ethical or spiritual development. The paper also shows that the mediating role of moral psychology in shaping ethical identity is that of the Confucian, where regulated emotion and relational selfhood occupy the central position; as well as the Bhakti, where intensified emotion and transcendent identity are the major focus. This study to comparative philosophy in that it provides an integrative model outlining a bridging view of discipline and devotion in morality growth. It also adds to the world ethical discourse by showing that the different civilizational traditions offer different but still significant ways to understand moral selfhood, transformation and human flourishing.
Moral Self-Cultivation; Confucian Ethics; Bhakti Tradition; Junzi; Sant; Comparative Philosophy; Moral Psychology; Hermeneutics; Ethical Identity; Cross-Cultural Ethics
Copyright (c) 2026 Noshaba Kaunwel, Mujahid Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Siege Warfare and the Legal Threshold of Starvation in International and Non-International Armed Conflicts
This study discusses the legal development and modern issues relating to starvation as a warfare technique in both international and non-international armed conflicts. The transition from permissive principles towards a narrowed approach represents a substantive shift in the law. However, current legal doctrine has a serious blind spot regarding the destruction of civilian infrastructure. This research cumulatively identifies the annihilation of civilian systems indirectly and in a pattern-based manner, as opposed to single attacks. To fill this gap, we suggest a Multi-Factor Cumulative Deprivation (MFCD) Framework, which incorporates six indicators of operation, from encirclement and OIS targeting, to arbitrary deprivation of humanitarian relief. This framework fills the gap between dogmatic and pragmatic contentions using real-time empirical data from digital open-source inquiries and satellite authentication. The spread of cyber activity and ecocide also creates a new source of legal turbulence making it difficult to determine the intention of the actor and proportionality. Lastly, contemporary sieges can only remain legitimate in a military strategy when reverberating impacts of cumulative courses are taken into account. Using the MFCD Framework, we move beyond abstract legal theory to provide a practical tool to trace the systematic decimation of civilian life, ensuring accountability.
Siege Warfare, Starvation, International Humanitarian Law, Objects Indispensable to Survival, Multi-Factor Cumulative Deprivation, Dual-Use Infrastructure
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Umar, Ghaneem Irfan Warraich https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Blind Spot of the Twin Transition: Regulating the Environmental Footprint Of Large Language Models in the UK and EU
The European Union and the United Kingdom are simultaneously pursuing a Twin Transition towards digital transformation and climate neutrality, predicated on the assumption that these goals are synergistic. However, the exponential rise of Large Language Models (LLMs) exposes a critical tension in this narrative: the massive energy, water, and carbon demands of compute threaten to undermine net-zero targets. This article provides a comparative doctrinal analysis of the emerging regulatory landscapes, specifically juxtaposing the EU’s AI Act and Ecodesign frameworks against the UK’s pro-innovation White Paper approach and Environment Act 2021. It argues that a regulatory blind spot persists in both jurisdictions. Traditional environmental law remains fixated on physical industrial pollution, while nascent digital regulation prioritizes safety, bias, and privacy over sustainability. Consequently, the material environmental footprint of generative AI remains largely externalized. The article concludes that current procedural transparency mandates are insufficient to mitigate this growing impact. To resolve the Twin Transition paradox, legal frameworks must evolve to substantively integrate compute intensity into Environmental Impact Assessments and public procurement standards, treating digital infrastructure as a critical resource challenge rather than a purely virtual service.
Twin Transition, Large Language Models, EU AI Act, Environment Act 2021, Sustainable Computing, Green AI.
Copyright (c) 2026 Syed Shaharyar Ahmed, Muhammad Hasan Babar Bhatti, Aqsa Munawar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Doctrine of Self-determination and Territorial Integrity: Law and Practice
The transition from a unipolar to a multipolar international order has profoundly reshaped the architecture of global governance and collective security. In this evolving context, United Nations peacekeeping traditionally grounded in Chapter VII of the UN Charter and the principles of impartiality, host-state consent, and limited use of force faces increasing challenges arising from intensifying great power rivalries, Security Council veto paralysis, and the growing influence of regional actors. This article specifically examines how multipolarity undermines the legal coherence and operational effectiveness of UN peacekeeping mandates within an increasingly fragmented geopolitical environment. Adopting a doctrinal legal methodology supplemented by qualitative analysis, the study draws on primary sources including the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions, and International Court of Justice advisory opinions, alongside case studies such as Mali and Ukraine, to assess the evolving practice of peacekeeping. The analysis highlights how multipolar dynamics contribute to selective interventions, the proliferation of hybrid peace operations particularly through partnerships with regional organizations such as the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS and the gradual dilution of normative principles, where strategic interests increasingly outweigh commitments to impartiality and collective security. The findings indicate that, while the formal legal foundations of UN peacekeeping remain intact, its practical application has become increasingly politicized, transforming it into a contingent instrument shaped by competing power interests, thereby weakening its legitimacy and preventive capacity in conflict-affected regions. The article concludes that the sustainability and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping in a multipolar world depend on its ability to adapt to shifting geopolitical realities without abandoning its normative foundations. It is recommended that institutional reforms be pursued, including the adoption of veto restraint mechanisms, the strengthening of dialogue between permanent members and Global South actors, and the development of flexible, modular peacekeeping mandates that integrate regional frameworks to enhance operational resilience and restore legitimacy in an era of great power competition.
Multipolarity; United Nations; Peacekeeping; Great Power Rivalry; Global Governance; Security Council; Veto Power; Hybrid Peace Operations; Regional Organizations; Collective Security; International Law
Copyright (c) 2026 Saqib Shahbaz, Dr. Zarqa Amber https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Protection of the Environment during Armed Conflict: UN Charter and Contemporary International law
Protection of the environment has emerged as a critical concern within contemporary international law, particularly in the context of armed conflict. While international humanitarian law (IHL) traditionally regulates the conduct of hostilities, increasing attention has been given to the environmental consequences of warfare and the need to integrate environmental protection within broader legal frameworks. This article examines the extent to which the United Nations Charter and contemporary international law contribute to the protection of the environment during armed conflict, focusing on the interaction between collective security principles, state responsibility, and evolving environmental norms. Adopting a qualitative doctrinal methodology, the study analyses Charter provisions, key international legal instruments including Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions and the ENMOD Convention and relevant jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alongside developments in customary international law. The analysis demonstrates that while the Charter does not explicitly regulate environmental protection, it plays an indirect yet foundational role by governing the legality of the use of force and enabling institutional responses to environmentally harmful conflicts. The findings indicate that contemporary international law provides a fragmented but progressively evolving framework for environmental protection during armed conflict, combining IHL principles such as proportionality and distinction with emerging norms of environmental due diligence and sustainable governance. However, significant gaps remain in enforcement, threshold standards, and accountability mechanisms, particularly in relation to large-scale environmental damage. The article concludes that effective environmental protection in armed conflict requires a more integrated legal approach that bridges the UN Charter framework with IHL and international environmental law. It recommends strengthening normative clarity, enhancing accountability mechanisms, and promoting preventive obligations within both military practice and international governance structures to address the environmental consequences of modern warfare.
Environmental Protection in Armed Conflict, United Nations Charter, International Humanitarian Law, ENMOD Convention, Additional Protocol I, Customary International Humanitarian Law, State Responsibility
Copyright (c) 2026 Saqib Shahbaz, Muhammad Hammad Chaudary, Fatima Ilyas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Revisiting UN Peacekeeping at a Crossroads: Institutional Mandates, Challenges, and the Changing Nature Conflict
United Nations (UN) peacekeeping has served for decades as a primary mechanism of international conflict management, yet it currently faces a systemic crisis and an existential "crossroads" within an increasingly fractured multilateral environment. This crisis is characterized by the decline of the post-Cold War liberal peacebuilding paradigm, driven by a nearly 50% reduction in global troop deployments since 2010 and the proliferation of asymmetric threats from non-state armed actors. This article specifically investigates the widening "mandate-capability gap" and the institutional transition from ambitious multidimensional mandates toward "sovereignty-first" stabilization missions. The research utilizes a mixed-methods design, integrating qualitative process-tracing of missions in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) with subnational quantitative analysis leveraging the Geocoded Peacekeeping Operations (Geo-PKO) and Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) datasets. The discussion and analysis focus on the mechanism of "institutional drift," wherein the UN’s formal liberal rhetoric persists while operational practice shifts toward conflict containment and technical support to preserve host-state access. Findings indicate that while peacekeeping remains statistically effective at reducing battle-related deaths at the local level, its success is increasingly paralyzed by "compromised" host-state consent and the "stabilization dilemma" of taking sides against spoilers in active war zones. The study recommends a "pragmatic turn" toward modular, nimble deployments and a "politics at the center" approach, aligning with the strategic objectives of the 2024 Pact for the Future and the 2026 Review on the Future of Peace Operations.
UN Peacekeeping; Asymmetric Warfare; Protection of Civilians (POC); Host-State Consent; Geo-PKO Dataset; Pact for the Future; Stabilization Dilemma; Institutional Drift.
Poverty, Aspiration, and Social Networks: A Qualitative Study of Socio-Economic Drivers Behind Irregular Migration
A qualitative study explores the socio economic drivers behind irregular migration, focusing on the interplay between poverty, aspiration, and social networks. A qualitative nature of study has been conducted through in-depth interviews with fourteen illegal migrants to gather rich and detailed data. This study sheds light on the complex factors driving migration decisions. The findings highlight the crucial role of poverty in fueling aspirations for a better life, which are often shaped by social networks and community expectations. The study reveals how social connections facilitate migration by providing information, resources, and support. The thematic analysis of the data uncovers the nuanced relationships between poverty, aspirations, and social networks, underscoring the need for the comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic drivers of irregular migration. There are many pull and push factors are interconnected in illegal migration. Snowball sampling technique was used to convert participants with direct experience with illegal migration, including migrants themselves or community members in migrant-sending or receiving areas. The target population was the family members of illegal migrants in Pakistan. Thematic data analyses are used to draw results and conclusions.
Illegal Migration, Aspiration, Migrants, Resources, Population.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Zaheer Abbas, Iqra Asif, Aysha Shabir, Tehsin Fatima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Role of Social Networking in Shaping Attitude towards Extremism: A Nexus of Different Professionals in Punjab
The study focusses on professionals in Gujrat, Pakistan, this study examines the impact of social networking on people's perceptions of extremism. Social networks, whether in-person or virtual, have a significant influence on people's beliefs and ways of thinking in today's interconnected society. Surveys were used to get opinions from experts in a variety of sectors, including police, lawyers and educationists. According to the findings, persons who have a wide range of strong social ties are less likely to endorse radical viewpoints. However, people with small or biased networks can be more vulnerable to the influence of extreme viewpoints. Additionally, the study discovered that engaging with diverse individuals fosters tolerance and understanding. This implies that forming wholesome, varied social bonds can shield people from being influenced by extremism. All things considered, the study emphasizes how crucial it is to promote candid dialogue and solid interpersonal relationships, particularly in work environments, in order to slow the spread of radical ideas.
Extremism, Social Networking, Sociology, Professionals, Punjab
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Zaheer Abbas, Aysha Shabir, Iqra Asif, Niaz Ahmad Mughal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Doctrinal and Comparative Study of Administrative Rulemaking in Pakistan
Delegated law has become natural in modern government, as is common especially in jurisdictions where the executive has extended regulatory powers by legislative decree. The growing use of the delegated legislative instruments rules, regulations and statutory orders in Pakistan poses essential questions that touch upon transparency, accountability and per neatness with the constitutional concepts of the common good. This paper is a critical examination of the legal, institutional and the normative regulations that govern delegated legislation within the context of Pakistan focusing on the gaps in the judicial and parliamentary checks and balances. This paper adopts a comparative research design, using a doctrinal legal research methodology, to present a comparative analysis of regulatory practices in some common law jurisdictions, with special reference to India, the United Kingdom and the United States, in order to enumerate the best practices globally. The first category of data includes constitutional provisions, statutory enactments, judicial decisions, and parliamentary rules of procedure, and the second category of data includes the commentaries made by academics, legal treatises, and law commission reports. The work is based on the premise that the unregulated increase in administrative rulemaking in Pakistan undermines the rule of law and weaker democratic guarantees. The outstanding results indicate that Pakistan does not have a standard administrative procedural code, a functioning committee supervision, and a sound court examination system thus permitting an executive misuse of legislative discretion. The regulatory landscape in Pakistan is underdeveloped and not fully enforced compared to the rest of the jurisdictions. It is argued in the analysis that the incorporation of institutional laying processes, positive parliamentary decisions and compulsory pre-consultation systems would contribute in a substantial positive way to the legitimacy/ effectiveness of delegated laws.
Delegated Legislation, Judicial Review, Parliamentary Oversight, Administrative Law, and Pakistan, Rulemaking, Public Welfare.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sonia Aslam, Muhammad Ateeq Ashraf, Dr. Muhammad Raees Ashraf https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Campus Traffic Safety: Assessing Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices for Behavior Change Interventions
Traffic safety on higher education campuses is a growing concern, particularly as students engage in risky behaviors such as ignoring signals, over speeding, improper parking, and riding motorcycles. This study examines students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding traffic safety and their perceptions of institutional engagement. A cross-sectional survey of 55 university students was conducted using a structured questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of institutional action. Findings reveal critical gaps in understanding traffic rules, weak moral responsibility, and limited trust in the university’s safety efforts. Despite these deficits, students showed openness to change when interventions emphasized real-life consequences, social norms, and visible institutional support. Using the Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Social Cognitive Theory, the study proposes a phased strategy for behavior change, including consequence-based messaging, peer modeling, and educational enforcement. The findings highlight the importance of combining awareness campaigns with social and environmental strategies to foster sustainable traffic safety behavior on campuses.
Traffic Safety, Higher Education, Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (Kap), Behavior Change, Health Belief Model, Theory Of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, Campus Safety
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Ifra Iftikhar, Iman Ahmad, Abdul Moiz Ijaz, Raveena Rasheed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Rethinking Subsidiarity in the European Union Legal Order for South Asian Regional Cooperation: A Theoretical Exploration Through Economic and Contractual Approaches to International Law
The European Union (EU) was formed by the member states in consequences of their contract to shoulder up each other in a collective fashion for the furtherance of their inter alia economic, social and political purposes. It is after each and every member which now forms part of the union consented that the EU started to function. The treaty forming the EU incorporates a very important principle that occupies a central position within the constitutional architecture regarding the balancing of powers between the member states and the organs of the EU. That principle is known by the name of subsidiarity. It is this principle which regulates the relationship of member states and the organs of the EU rooted in the broader logic of multilevel governance in a harmonized way as the member states were not of the opinion for over-centralization of the EU thereby depriving themselves of their sovereign-ties in favor of the EU. By adopting a mixed-method approach adjoined with doctrinal study, this work offers a critical examination of this principle in order to evaluate its potential applicability within the context of South-Asian regional cooperation by analyzing the principle of subsidiarity in the light of contractual and economic theories of international law. The findings suggest that this principle enhances institutional equilibrium and promotes democratic accountability but at the same time it simultaneously embodies structural tensions between centralization and decentralization. However, its successful transplantation would depend on political will, maturity, and normative convergence. In the final analysis, subsidiarity is best conceptualized not only as a legal concept, but also as an adaptive governance concept that is capable of mediating competing claims to sovereignty and efficiency.
Principle of Subsidiarity, European Union, Economic Approach, Contractual Approach, International Law, South-Asian Countries
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Syed Murad Ali Shah, Dr. Syed Muhammad Farrukh Bukhari, Amara Syed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Constitutional Protection of Human Rights in Transitional Democracies: Institutional Challenges and Reform Pathways
This study examined the constitutional protection of human rights in transitional democracies, focusing on institutional challenges and reform pathways necessary for effective implementation. While many transitional states had adopted comprehensive constitutional frameworks guaranteeing fundamental rights, the study found that these legal provisions had often failed to translate into practice due to institutional weaknesses. The research employed a qualitative and analytical approach, utilizing secondary data from peer-reviewed literature and legal documents to explore the relationship between constitutional design and institutional performance. The findings revealed that weak judicial independence, limited administrative capacity, and ineffective accountability mechanisms had significantly constrained the enforcement of constitutional rights. Political factors, including elite dominance, governance instability, and limited transparency, had further undermined institutional effectiveness and contributed to persistent human rights violations. The study also highlighted that the gap between constitutional commitments and practical outcomes had reduced public trust in democratic institutions. The analysis identified key reform pathways, including strengthening judicial autonomy, enhancing governance transparency, building institutional capacity, and promoting civic engagement. It was concluded that sustainable human rights protection in transitional democracies required a holistic approach that integrated legal, institutional, and socio-political reforms. The study contributed to the existing literature by emphasizing the importance of aligning constitutional frameworks with institutional realities to achieve effective and lasting human rights protection.
Temporal Accountability, Constitutionalism, Democracy, Governance, Human Rights, Institutions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr Syed Shameel Ahmed Quadri, Ishaq Mazhar, Sana Kartio https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Recognizing and regulating e-sports and online games in Pakistan: A comparative study with South Korea and India.
This research examines legal and institutional barriers to the esports and online gaming industry in Pakistan. As esports is rapidly expanding in a global context, the development of the industry is not supported by proper legislation and the state in Pakistan. This leads to issues like ambiguous contracts, inadequate rights, inefficient infrastructures, and gender discrimination affecting the players. This paper employs a qualitative socio-legal approach, based on a consideration of laws and policies, scholarly literature, and interviews with esports players and industry representatives. Insights have been taken from the legal systems of South Korea and India. South Korea possesses a strict esports legislature protecting the players, standard contract terms, and government funding. India has also identified esports as part of its sports policy and is introducing digital regulations that would govern the industry. Contrarily, Pakistan does not have any formal legislation on the matter; only preliminary policy discussions are ongoing. Findings indicate that esports in Pakistan cannot develop safely and fairly without proper and explicit legal recognition and rules. This research underscores the need to implement legal changes in order to endorse esports as a professional game. This research serves the policy-makers, legal practitioners, and stakeholders who are interested in developing the esports industry in Pakistan via adequate legislation and institutionalization.
E-Sports Law, Sports Dispute Resolution, Sponsorship Rights, Gender-Based Discrimination, Women in Tech, Standard Contract Terms, Digital Regulations, Player Protection.
Copyright (c) 2026 Salwa Nadeem, Abeer Nisar, Qurra tul Ain Nisar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Geographical Indications as a Catalyst for Rural Economic Development in Pakistan: Opportunities, Challenges, and Pathways to Inclusive Growth
Geographical Indications (GIs) have gained prominence as a valuable form of intellectual property, potentially supporting rural development by connecting selected products produced by communities to their local regions of origin. This paper discusses the GI legal framework as it evolves in Pakistan, and how the current framework can drive rural economic development as Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act 2020 is now in place. With 20 formal GI registrations and 65 GIs that have been given some form of notification, and approximately 200 other products that qualify as potential GIs identified (but not registered), it is evident that Pakistan is at a pivotal point in its ability to leverage its extensive agricultural and handicraft history for socioeconomic development. The paper will examine the benefits of GI registration; including opportunities for increased price premiums, increased export diversification, and job creation in rural areas, while at the same time critically reviewing obstacles that remain in legislative frameworks, institutional infrastructure, enforcement, and awareness among stakeholders. In addition, the paper will reference important recent developments in the area of policy; including the proposed National Strategy for Protection of Geographical Indications and an independent registry for GIs. Based on the research approach that combines best practices on an international level and fits them to the local realities in Pakistan, this paper provides a framework that integrates the identified best practices into an inclusive growth methodology. The research concludes that while Pakistan has now established the foundational infrastructure for GI protection, in order to achieve the maximum potential for rural economic development, it will be necessary to produce a coordinated effort among necessary institutions at both the federal and provincial levels, a meaningful level of engagement with producer communities, and strategic alignment with international systems of GI protection.
Geographical Indications, Rural Development, Pakistan, Intellectual Property, Inclusive Growth, Agricultural Exports, Traditional Knowledge.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shaheryar Malik, Makhdoom Niaz Ahmed Alias Zeeshan, Shahid Javed Iqbal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0