The Journal of Cultural Perspectives
type: channel
description: The Journal of Cultural Perspectives - TJCP is a flagship, biannual, peer-reviewed journal of Azeem Educational Conference - AEC aec.org.pk, which focuses on interdisciplinary, problem-oriented, contextual research of human culture. The editors welcome historical and empirical inquiries of indigenous knowledge, cultural processes grounded in normative attitudes to understand and improve society. The journal encourages critical research of comparative international practices to facilitate an exchange of knowledge and cultural meanings beyond traditional biases. Cultural Perspectives offers articles that investigate and analyze the impact of culture on different institutions of social order; articles that integrate approaches from the social sciences and humanities; articles on cultural sciences in the twenty-first century; review articles on published work, theoretical innovation, and methods; and special issues that examine urgent questions in the field.
publisher: Azeem Educational Conference
language: en
publication name: The Journal of Cultural Perspectives
issn: 2789-0333
items: Analyzing Labor Policies in Garments Industry and Its Practical Implications Related to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Pakistan
items: Discourse Analysis of Emoji Use in Digital Communication by the Millennials & Gen Z: A Comparative Endeavor
items: Aurat March: Pressure group, Interest group or a Social Movement?
items: Challenging the Past Narrative through Historical Distancing: A Comparative Study of Shahid Nadeem’s Dara and Girish Karnad’s The Dreams of Tipu Sultan
items: Traditional Prostitution, a Stigma or Necessary Evil in Pakistan? A Case Study of Shahi Mohallah in Lahore
items: Descriptive Study of Chaqchan Mosque Khaplu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
items: Ecolinguistics and Media: Analyzing the Semiotic Framing of Environmental Issues in Pakistani Newspapers
items: Campus Sustainability Discourse of Universities – A Critical Review
items: Socio-Cultural Constructs of Masculinity and Gender- Based Violence: An Exploratory Study
items: Literary Movements in Indo-Pak: A Study of Progressive Writers Association (1936-47)
items: Amoral Culture of Neurophilosophy; An Eliminativist Perspective
items: Psychological Distress and Sexual Dysfunction Among Premenopausal, Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
items: A Psychoanalytical Study of Character Development in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
items: Single National Curriculum: A Historical Context of Ideological and Linguistic Concerns and Policies
items: The Politics of Inclusion: Akbar’s Approach to Religious and Cultural Diversity in Governance
items: Sufi Response to the Pakistan Movement: A Case Study of Pir Syed Jamaat Ali Shah
items: Theatrical Reflections: Exploring Ajoka's Representation of the Partition of Punjab (1947) in Lahore's Punjabi Theatre Tradition
items: Unveiling Cultural Narratives: A Qualitative Inquiry into Cultural Representation in Language Education under Pakistan's Single National Curriculum
items: Darbar Interior in Royal Mughal Miniature Paintings under Akbar
items: Customs and Traditions: Their Applications in the Branches of Islamic Law
items: Exploring the Working Conditions in the Garments Industry: Identifying the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Status in the Garments Industry In Pakistan
items: Verse of Rebellion: Unraveling Resistance Themes in Baba Farid, Kabir, and Guru Nanak's Poetry
items: Historical Sketch of Saint Thomas in Taxila
items: Portrayal of Qawwali in Asian Cinema: Comparative Analysis of Bollywood and Lollywood Movies
items: Anjuman i Khuddam al-Sufiyya: Establishment, Objectives and Early History
items: People of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: An Historical Perspective
items: Narrative Constituents: A Reconsideration of Constructivist’s Mind and Perception Ideologies in The Judgment by Franz Kafka
items: Censoring Practices in Theatre: A Case Study of The Curtain Raiser
items: Literary Criticism and Literary Theory as Interchangeable Concepts
items: Honor Killing: Cultural Defense to Regain Honor: Cultural, Religious, and Legal

Analyzing Labor Policies in Garments Industry and Its Practical Implications Related to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Pakistan
type: item
description: Despite having OSH-related labor laws in place, Pakistan continues to face significant challenges in safeguarding worker health and safety, particularly in the garment industry. This study critically examines the structural and legal limitations of Pakistan’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) framework through a qualitative, desk-based analysis of secondary sources, including national laws, provincial policies, and international conventions. It uses a comparative legal approach to analyze OSH systems in India and Bangladesh, drawing lessons from their consolidated codes and national labor policies. The findings reveal deep rooted issues in Pakistan’s labor landscape: weak institutional enforcement, minimal labor union participation, outdated national policy frameworks, and a severe shortage of inspectors. While India’s OSH Code 2020 centralizes multiple labor laws, and Bangladesh's policies support gender inclusion and improved workplace practices, Pakistan’s framework remains fragmented and under-implemented. The study recommends clear implementation mechanisms at provincial levels, increased labor representation in policymaking bodies, capacity-building for labor departments, and expansion of training initiatives through institutions like SAA-CIWCE. It also emphasizes the need for transparent inspection systems and increased budgetary allocations to enable policy enforcement. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on labor reform by offering actionable recommendations to align Pakistan’s OSH practices with international standards and enhance worker safety in the garment sector.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Labor laws, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), Labor Union, Factories
  topic: keywords
creator: Nasir Javaid
creator: Sumaira Riaz
creator: Muhammad Uzair Adeem
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Journal of Cultural Perspectives
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 109
ending page: 132
doi: 10.63672/dntsyf47

Discourse Analysis of Emoji Use in Digital Communication by the Millennials & Gen Z: A Comparative Endeavor
type: item
description: This research examines the generational differences in emoji usage and the meanings attributed to them between the Millennials and Gen Z, using Speech Act Theory as developed by Austin and Searle in 1979. Traditionally seen as pictorial aids for emotion, emojis have evolved into semiotic tools that perform complex communicative functions. This research aims to probe how emojis function figuratively as speech acts and in what way their meanings differ across generations. The objectives include identifying patterns in emoji interpretation and usage among Millennials and Gen Z, and examining the role of cultural knowledge in shaping these meanings. This research employs Speech Act Theory as its primary methodological framework to analyze how each generation assigns meaning to emojis in digital conversations. The findings reveal that the Millennials often use emojis to clarify, soften, or support the tone of their messages, thus reflecting more straightforward locutionary and illocutionary acts. They use emojis according to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Gen Z, on the other hand, tends to employ them to convey much more complex and often ironic meanings. Such layered meanings are thus created with their shared cultural knowledge and in-group references. The research findings also suggest that emojis have an important performative role in digital communication. The significance of this study lies in highlighting how emojis serve not only emotional expression but also help to understand communication gaps across age groups and identity formation and generational belonging. They are useful resources for representing emotions and generational belonging, beyond simple decorative pictorial representations, and describes how differences in emoji interpretation can create miscommunication between generations. Overall, this research illustrates the dynamic and negotiated ways meaning merges in digital discourse by the use of emojis across two different generations.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), Digital Discourse, Emojis, Speech Act Theory, Speech Acts, Millennials and Gen Z
  topic: keywords
creator: Momina Abbasi
creator: Nawal Jamshed
creator: Dr. Rafia Bilal
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Journal of Cultural Perspectives
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 80
ending page: 108
doi: 10.63672/kv827w48

Aurat March: Pressure group, Interest group or a Social Movement?
type: item
description: Any struggle for rights or reforms aims to influence decision-makers and political elite to achieve desired objectives. It is driven by specific groups or broad coalitions forming influential interest groups, pressure groups or large-scale movements. Each one of them has unique characteristics impacting outcomes. Given the context, assessing the potential success of recent Pakistani women's struggle like the Aurat March demands careful analysis within a defined framework. While Pakistani women's activism is historically established, the Aurat March's artistic campaigns and wide appeal have notably advanced the fight for equal rights. However, its capacity to achieve lasting reforms in a religiously and patriarchally influenced society hinges on understanding its position within the spectrum of interest groups, pressure groups, and social movements. To classify the Aurat March and predict its future trajectory, this article uses content analysis approach to examine the Aurat March's history, evolution, and core objectives of over time, utilizing both primary data (interviews) and secondary data (newspaper articles, journal articles and books).
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Aurat March, Social Movements, Patriarchy, Pressure Group, Interest Group, International Women’s Day, Gender Inequality
  topic: keywords
creator: Syed Imran Sardar
creator: Dr Mariam Asif
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Journal of Cultural Perspectives
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 64
ending page: 79
doi: 10.63672/ajc5vj33

Challenging the Past Narrative through Historical Distancing: A Comparative Study of Shahid Nadeem’s Dara and Girish Karnad’s The Dreams of Tipu Sultan
type: item
description: The study aims to deal with the playwrights’ purpose behind adopting and adapting historical subject matter to revisit, define, redefine, deconstruct, challenge, and reconstruct the history, culture, and past narratives. Moreover, the study's objective is to examine playwrights’ purpose to address contemporary cultural issues by dealing with historical stories. For instance, Shahid Nadeem’s Dara and Karnad’s The Dreams of Tipu Sultan challenge the prevalent narratives of the past. Nadeem deconstructs the past portrayal of Dara Shikoh as a villain in Pakistani history. He maintains his argument by unearthing Dara’s poetic, philosophical, and humanistic nature, where he tries to attain inter-religious harmony. On the other hand, Karnad exposes the misrepresentation and mishandling of Tipu Sultan’s historical image by English historians and novelists in history. The reason behind the distortion was the victorious and rebellious nature of Tipu, who defeated the East India Company in wars and kept on challenging their authority until his death. The playwright reconstructs the past by highlighting Tipu’s political, social, and economic skills to make his country great under his sovereign state.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Historical Narrative, Cultural Comparison, Dara, Tipu Sultan, Historical Distancing
  topic: keywords
creator: Dr Farrukh Hameed
creator: Dr Dieudonné Christophe Mbala Nkanga
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Journal of Cultural Perspectives
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 46
ending page: 63
doi: 10.63672/nng0re13

Traditional Prostitution, a Stigma or Necessary Evil in Pakistan? A Case Study of Shahi Mohallah in Lahore
type: item
description: This article explores the historical evolution of prostitution in Pakistan, particularly focusing on the post-partition trends of traditional prostitution. Prostitution, one of the earliest professions, has long held a significant role in society, flourishing under social, religious, and political patronage. The study emphasizes the overlooked link between traditional prostitution and performing arts, noting that while prostitution is stigmatized today, it was once widely accepted in South Asia. The profession, especially the red-light areas, historically provided Pakistan with some of its finest artists and singers which contrasts with the current criminalization and state repression of traditional prostitution. Shahi Mohallah, Lahore's historical red-light district, serves as a central case study. The article highlights the marginalization of residents due to state crackdowns, which displaced sex workers to urban outskirts, leading to the rise of forced prostitution. The research seeks to demonstrate that forced prostitution was not a traditional part of Shahi Mohallah's sex work culture, which had long been intertwined with performing arts. Through historical analysis and exploratory research, the article aims to provide a broader understanding of the changing dynamics of traditional prostitution in post-colonial Pakistan, exploring how state policies have transformed the industry.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Prostitution, Traditional Prostitution, Stigma, Shahi Mohallah in Lahore, History of Sex Work in Indian-Subcontinent
  topic: keywords
creator: Saira Sajjad
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Journal of Cultural Perspectives
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 21
ending page: 45
doi: 10.63672/k0d8x908

Descriptive Study of Chaqchan Mosque Khaplu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
type: item
description: This paper is an attempt to properly describe and document the unique wooden architecture and decorative motifs of Chaqchan mosque Khaplu, the oldest mosque in the region. The architecture of the mosque exhibits the distinctive feature of cultural and religious contexts. The harmonic structure with intricately adorned themes reflects creativity and imagination. The art and architecture of the mosque is a synthesis of the amalgamation of various elements. The richly embellished wooden mosque demonstrates the rich cultural heritage. The built heritage of Gilgit Baltistan has been decorated with floral, geometric, calligraphy, arabesque and religious motifs curved and arranged in pattern. The types and flowers vary and provide a highly aesthetic sense. Beautification and harmonic arrangement in the construction of Islamic architecture have deep meaning, inspiring and influencing people’s perception with symbolic language creating harmony amongst followers. In the Islamic architecture, the greatest extent of ornamentation and embellishment probably describe aesthetic value and engaged people with spiritual aesthetic which satisfy one of psychologically need: to be in a beautiful environment. This paper explores the various elements and sheds light on each component of the mosque.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Wooden Mosque, Art and Architecture, Built Heritage, Verandah, Khatam-band, Swastika
  topic: keywords
creator: Anwar Ali
creator: Dr Muhammad Nazir
creator: Naveed Iqbal
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Journal of Cultural Perspectives
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 1
ending page: 20
doi: 10.63672/rrphdh49

Ecolinguistics and Media: Analyzing the Semiotic Framing of Environmental Issues in Pakistani Newspapers
type: item
description: The study examined how through certain semiotic choices, Pakistani English newspaper 'The Dawn' presented environmental issues to their readership, in a particular manner. Employing a purposive sampling technique, ten pictorials addressing environmental issues were downloaded from internet archives published from 2019 to 2023 in the said newspaper. Kress and van Leeuwen's theory of visual grammar (2006) and Arran Stibbe's theory on ecolinguistics (2015) were leveraged as theoretical frameworks. The researchers aimed to uncover the semiotic repertoire employed to depict environmental challenges. A qualitative analysis was carried out of each pictorial, the major areas addressed were the national and international economic woes and environmental troubles stemming from global warming and climate change. Moreover, these issues, the deleterious effects they entail and the urgent measures required were highlighted using various metaphors, framing and salience. The stakeholders are recommended to initiate and foster environmentally friendly practices through recognition, strengthening environmental regulations, and using media to raise awareness and inspire collective action. To ensure a safe future for us and our progeny raising awareness and being proactive to the environmental issues is indispensable.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Semiotic representation, Pakistani English newspaper, Environmental issues, Qualitative study, Ecolinguistics perspective.
  topic: keywords
creator: Arshad Ali
creator: Muhammad Osama Shaheen
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2024-12-30
publication date: 2024-12-30
doi: 10.63672/gphs3161

Campus Sustainability Discourse of Universities – A Critical Review
type: item
description: The concept of sustainability has not been established enough to gain the status of a scientific model and worldwide acceptance as a unified signifier with the same semantics. Institutions, especially higher education institutions, have been redefining it to achieve their goals. A democratic ecological and social order is the main connotation of all the definitions. There is a risk of becoming merely a new term devoid of substantive meaning in the discourse of sustainable development. This article aims to explore the diverse connotations it holds via various studies to illustrate the mammoth significance it embraces. There is a lack of specific criteria and incisive discussions within the higher education institutions seeking sustainability in Pakistan. This research article circumspectly examines the fundamental role in both developed and developing countries such as Pakistan through the qualitative method of narrative review of previously written articles, book chapters, web links and conference papers. After the discussion and critique, certain gaps were identified and suggestions are given to foster a clear discourse of campus sustainability in general as well as in the context of Pakistan.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Higher education campuses; sustainability concepts; discourse; sustainable development; Pakistan
  topic: keywords
creator: Noureen Naz
creator: Dr Khurram Shahzad
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2024-12-30
publication date: 2024-12-30
doi: 10.63672/jaa59h05

Socio-Cultural Constructs of Masculinity and Gender- Based Violence: An Exploratory Study
type: item
description: This study examines how cultural constructs of masculinity contribute to gender-based violence (GBV) in the Pakistani context. Using a feminist social constructivist paradigm, it investigates how cultural norms and expectations influence masculine identities and behaviors, which perpetuate or reduce GBV. This study draws on interviews with 12 participants, including 6 males and 6 females respondents, aged 20 to 30, from diverse socioeconomic and regional backgrounds in Pakistan. The study employs thematic analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with university students, identifying key themes such as dominance, emotional suppression, and societal expectations of aggression. According to the findings, society’s endorsement of harmful values of masculinity and control contributes to the ongoing GBV, while stifling the possibility of other forms of masculinity which are non-violent. This study is important, because it brings out cultural factors that contribute to gender-based violence in Pakistan, thus providing an insight on how societal characteristics breed toxic masculinities. With the aim of addressing such constructs, it seeks to promote gender equity and lessen gender violence. Further research also supplements development studies through emphasizing that cultural masculinity operates in wider societies and culture and this opens the way for strategies on GBV that are multidisciplinary in nature. This research shows how culture and violence are interlinked and calls for specific action to counter unhealthy masculine ideologies and practices and promote gender equality.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Masculinity, Cultural Constructs, Feminist Social Constructivism, Culture, Toxic Masculinity
  topic: keywords
creator: Eeman Khurshid
creator: Shahla Tabassum
creator: Humaira Zulfiqar
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2024-12-30
publication date: 2024-12-30
doi: 10.63672/mtzn0447

Literary Movements in Indo-Pak: A Study of Progressive Writers Association (1936-47)
type: item
description: The paper in hand deals with the role of played by the Progressive Writers Association in the prepartition era of Indo-Pak Subcontinent. A breaking point came in the middle of 1930s with the appearance of the Indian Progressive Writers Association (PWA). It was mobilizing the writers of Indo-Pak Subcontinent and projecting the movement for independence by the use of pen. It was inspired by movements in Europe but was also inextricably linked to social and literary traditions that had already been developing in India. PWA was embarking on a project for cultural hegemony that was as much a literary, socio-cultural and to an extent political and political movement as well. The Association was not solely concerned with questions of literature but also with the specific role of writers who played their respective roles from the platform of Progressive Writers Association.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Progressive Writers Association, Literary Movement, Culture, Politics, freedom
  topic: keywords
creator: Dr. Altaf Ullah
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2024-12-30
publication date: 2024-12-30
doi: 10.63672/6nkznm86

Amoral Culture of Neurophilosophy; An Eliminativist Perspective
type: item
description: Every dominant ideology signifies a culture with a specific context in order to form a distinct social culture. Similarly, eliminative materialism also signifies scientific context. If it prevails and considers the preferences of individuals in their lived experiences, it will foster a sense of culture for community, as the ideological account validation of eliminativists. Eliminativism significantly emphasizes scientific descriptions of human behavior and materializes common sense elimination. Consequently, this prompts an inquiry into the problem of freewill, which raises moral obligation. Eliminativists are causally determined, this calls into question the concept of moral responsibility. It manifests that individuals are morally accountable for their conduct or maybe not. Consequently, eliminativist culture demonstrates amoral grounds, on which this paper stands.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Eliminativism, Amorality, Responsibility, Neuroculture, Neuromorality
  topic: keywords
creator: Dr. Amjad Sohail
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2024-12-30
publication date: 2024-12-30
doi: 10.63672/4d2xpj19

Psychological Distress and Sexual Dysfunction Among Premenopausal, Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
type: item
description: In Pakistan, when it comes to women’s health and sexuality, traditional social and cultural practices often apt for modesty and discretion. Menopause is not even recognized as a health issue by even women themselves. Menopause, in Pakistan is usually marked out and stigmatized. Women going through menopause, most of the time cannot contemplate the phase, due to lack of knowledge and support, social isolation and unmet medical assistance. Another superior taboo, held in Pakistan, that requires serious attention is sexual dysfunction. Lack of awareness and education regarding their sexuality, in Pakistan, immensely leads women towards sexual health issues. Menopause and sexual dysfunction combined, pave path for psychological distress. Untreated menopause and sexual dysfunction can trigger psychological effects, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore Pakistan, is in a dire need of breaking these taboos, establish prevention plans, and implement awareness programs, in order to achieve well-being of women in health sector precisely.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: : Menopausal, Sexual dysfunction, Psychological distress
  topic: keywords
creator: Fatima Altaf
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2024-06-30
publication date: 2024-06-30
doi: 10.63672/b6yatm22

A Psychoanalytical Study of Character Development in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
type: item
description: Children’s literature provides insight into human nature and personality development. As such it has been analyzed through several perspectives, one of which is psychoanalysis. This research paper is a qualitative analysis of C.S. Lewis’ novel The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe through a psychoanalytical angle. The paper aims to explore the character development of the Pevensie children using the psychoanalytical theory of object relations by Donald Winnicott. It is argued that Winnicott’s theoretical concepts stated in his theory of object relations provide an understanding of changes within characters and maturity attained by them. This paper employs Winnicott’s psychoanalytical approach to offer fresh insights and knowledge about the selected novel. The textual analysis reveals that the children’s perceptions, thoughts and personalities, which constitute their inner world, undergo development by interacting with the dual outer worlds presented in the narrative. The outer reality of their uncle’s home and the alternate outer reality of Narnia significantly impact their character development through interaction with key objects in both the worlds, resulting in transformations in the children’s psyche and behaviors. Each world has its own potential to impact and transform the characters’ inner reality, psyche, and actions because of the presence of different objects or environments. Two key conclusions can be drawn from the application of theoretical insights to the novel: one, variation in the environment can cause changes in character development as observed in all Pevensie children, and secondly, a constant state of environment can also have different effects on different characters as depicted in the contrasting behavior of Edmund from the other Pevensie children.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Children’s literature, C.S. Lewis, psychoanalysis, Winnicott, object relations
  topic: keywords
creator: Sara Noor
creator: Dr. Muhammad Khalid
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2024-06-30
publication date: 2024-06-30
doi: 10.63672/zfvq0n11

Single National Curriculum: A Historical Context of Ideological and Linguistic Concerns and Policies
type: item
description: The desire to administer a uniform national curriculum in Pakistan should be considered in the context of the rights of shareholders, specifically, the access to education and the provincial obligation to guarantee the advocacy of values like conflict-free coexistence and acceptance. Hence, this article will explore the efforts to introduce a single and uniform curriculum in Pakistan and its potential impact on the rights of students, guardians or parents, minorities, and languages, English in particular. Subsequently, it will study the relationship between government, pedagogy, beliefs and principles and what that suggests for education. In due course, the study will classify the importance of state’s emphasis on educational goals to accommodate children's rights rather than use pedagogy as a political means for some ideological gains that works for individuals who regulate production processes to preserve their ascendancy and power. The ideology was considered as a pivotal force in shaping educational policies. The Islamist were aspiring to transform the education system like the process of Islamization of political and legal system. The Islamic modernist and reformist insisted on amalgamation of two systems.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: : Single National Curriculum, English Language learning, Education, Ideology
  topic: keywords
creator: Muhammad Sajid Khan
creator: Mehak
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2024-06-30
publication date: 2024-06-30
doi: 10.63672/dr1ypd62

The Politics of Inclusion: Akbar’s Approach to Religious and Cultural Diversity in Governance
type: item
description: The article investigates Mughal Emperor Akbar’s governance strategies for managing the vast religious and cultural diversity of his empire. Recognizing that a multi-ethnic, multi-religious populace was central to the Indian subcontinent’s social fabric, Akbar employed policies that emphasized inclusion, religious tolerance, and political pragmatism to preserve harmony and stability in his empire. This inclusive policy allowed for the integration of non-Muslims into the highest levels of the Mughal administration and military, a marked departure from the orthodox practices of his predecessors. This paper explores Akbar’s diplomatic and matrimonial alliances with the Rajputs, his reforms and innovation measures such as the prohibition of Sati, the philosophy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace), which sought to transcend religious and cultural divides, abolition of the jizya, creation of the Ibadat Khana as a platform for interfaith dialogue, his patronage of translations of sacred Hindu texts into Persian, and introduction of the Din-iIlahi, as part of his broader vision to create a pluralistic state. Through these actions, Akbar’s politics of inclusion aimed not only at political consolidation but enabled him to rule a vast territory for a longer period and earn the title of ‘Akbar the Great’. His political and administrative reforms, such as the Mansabdari system, incorporated officials from diverse religious backgrounds, creating a merit-based bureaucracy that helped maintain the Empire. Akbar’s reign remains a key period of study for understanding governance, pluralism, and political inclusion in pre-modern India.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Akbar, Sulh-i-Kul, Ibadat Khana, Din-i-Ilahi, Mansabdari system, Rajputs, Mughal empire, pluralism, political inclusion, pilgrimage tax, Akbar’s Theory of kingship
  topic: keywords
creator: Fozia Umar
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2024-06-30
publication date: 2024-06-30
doi: 10.63672/b1tgxd15

Sufi Response to the Pakistan Movement: A Case Study of Pir Syed Jamaat Ali Shah
type: item
description: The struggle for independence gained significant traction in the 1940s. All India Muslim League (AIML) started organizing the Muslim community on a large scale, especially in the provinces where the League's influence was still weak. These included the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), where the Congress had widespread support, and Punjab, the birthplace of the Unionist Ministry. Numerous Muslim leaders in these provinces' urban and rural areas contributed to the cause of Pakistan's popularity. Among those who disseminated the AIML and Jinnah message throughout Punjab and the NWFP was Pir Syed Jamaat Ali Shah. He visited the two provinces and spoke at public events to rally Muslim support for Pakistan. In the process, he significantly enhanced public perceptions of AIML and its leader Jinnah while also exposing the negative effects of Congress policies, which primarily affected Muslim interests in South Asia.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Pir Jamaat Ali Shah, All India Sunni Conference, Muhammad Ali Jinnah
  topic: keywords
creator: Dr. Zahid Ahmed
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2024-06-30
publication date: 2024-06-30
doi: 10.63672/sh30kh72

Theatrical Reflections: Exploring Ajoka's Representation of the Partition of Punjab (1947) in Lahore's Punjabi Theatre Tradition
type: item
description: This research delves into the historical representation of the Partition of Punjab in 1947 through the lens of Punjabi theatre in Lahore, focusing specifically on the impactful work of the Ajoka theatre group. The study traces the evolution of theatre in the region, from its ancient roots to its contemporary significance, highlighting its profound socio-political role. Ajoka, known for its resistance theatre, stands out in addressing various societal issues, including the pivotal event of the Partition. Through critical analysis of plays such as "Anhi Mai Da Sufna" this research explores how Ajoka presents and interprets the Partition, evaluating the ideological underpinnings and narrative structures employed. The study aims to unearth the psychological trauma embedded in the portrayal of the Partition, employing theatre as an alternative source for understanding social history and offering a unique perspective on a historically significant event. Drawing on archival sources, scripts, videos, interviews with key personnel, and audience reactions, this research examines Ajoka's role in shaping the narrative of Punjab's Partition, bridging the gap between theatrical artistry and historical representation.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Theatre, Punjabi Theatre of Lahore, Ajoka, Partition of Lahore 1947, Theatre on Partition, Anhi Mai Da Sufna
  topic: keywords
creator: Muhammad Ali Farooqi Farooqi
creator: Dr. Mariam Asif
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-05-12
publication date: 2025-05-12
doi: 10.63672/8stnn144

Unveiling Cultural Narratives: A Qualitative Inquiry into Cultural Representation in Language Education under Pakistan's Single National Curriculum
type: item
description: This qualitative research delves into the cultural narratives encapsulated in language education under Pakistan's Single National Curriculum (SNC). The study scrutinizes the integration and portrayal of cultural representation within the SNC by employing a methodological framework comprising document analysis and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders such as curriculum developers, educators, and policy experts. It particularly focuses on the implications of these representations for students' cultural awareness and identity formation. The findings unveil a pronounced emphasis on national narratives within the curriculum, which tends to eclipse the multifaceted local cultural identities and constrains exposure to broader global cultural perspectives. This predominant focus on national narratives significantly influences students' perceptions and understanding of their cultural heritage, potentially leading to a constricted perception of Pakistani culture. The research highlights an essential need for a more equitable and inclusive integration of cultural narratives within the curriculum, accentuating the significance of harmonizing local and global cultural elements in educational content. Based on these insights, the study proposes several recommendations, including enhancing teacher training programs, involving diverse stakeholders in the curriculum development process, and a continuous and rigorous evaluation of how cultural narratives are represented and conveyed within the curriculum.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Single National Curriculum, Cultural Narratives, Language Education, Cultural Diversity, Identity Formation
  topic: keywords
creator: Muhammad Numan, Maria Ayaz
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2023-12-30
publication date: 2023-12-30
doi: 10.63672/7wqd3w49

Darbar Interior in Royal Mughal Miniature Paintings under Akbar
type: item
description: This study will explore the style of interior design of the Mughals, focusing on the Akbar period. Miniature paintings are one of the unique artistic features of Mughal art and also work as historical documents as any other historical record or data. Art piece of any area, dynasty or country depicts the events, culture, materials, techniques and other aspects including fashion, architecture, landscape, dresses of that particular area. The focus of this study is only on those painting that depicts court scenes that were painted by court artists. The Mughal miniatures were directly supervised by the Mughal emperors. Though the histories directly supervised by the emperors shows some affiliations and biasness but in this case, the depiction of events may be fascinated or paint as per desire of the emperor but the other field including interiors, minor arts, textile, dresses, furniture landscape portrays that period. The documentation of the Mughal art and architecture is very popular and well known but the details of interiors and its aspects is missing. So, this study will help in exploring the development and progress of Mughal Interiors including styles of furniture, thrones, carpets, wall treatments, doors, ceiling treatments
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Darbar, miniature painting, interior design, architecture
  topic: keywords
creator: Attia Abrar
creator: Dr. Mueezuddin Hakal
creator: Dr. Shaukat Mahmood
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2023-12-30
publication date: 2023-12-30
doi: 10.63672/10m8d871

Customs and Traditions: Their Applications in the Branches of Islamic Law
type: item
description: Islam is a universal religion, the solution to the problems that will come up to the resurrection is in it. Islam is the religion of nature, in which human nature is fully respected and the requirements of humanity are fully respected. Islam has not completely freed or ignored customs and tradition(والعــادة العرف(. Rather, it has limited them and made it easier for people to take advantage of the conveniences and facilities by stating the rules and regulations. No, but it is used as an auxiliary argument. It gives shariah validity to customs and habits, provided that it does not conflict with any shari'a argument. It is the responsibility of the scholars of the Ummah at this time to differentiate between the bad and good customs and traditions of the society, taking into account the requirements of the present age, and to extract the jurisprudential details accordingly, so that the difference between right and wrong can be clear and people can be informed. Ease will also be found. In this research, Urf had been defined and its importance in Islam has been highlighted. Its validity in Islamic jurisprudence has been proved by Quran and Ahadith. Different examples have been given to support the research.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Urf, Customs, Islamic law, Applications
  topic: keywords
creator: Syed Naveed ul Hassan
creator: Dr. Mukhtiar A. Kandhro
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2023-12-30
publication date: 2023-12-30
doi: 10.63672/e3c30969

Exploring the Working Conditions in the Garments Industry: Identifying the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Status in the Garments Industry In Pakistan
type: item
description: This article investigates the current working conditions and the status of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards in the garment industry of Pakistan. Due to the dearth of research conducted on exploring the working conditions in the garments industry in relation to OSH, this article contributes meaningfully to the scholarly literature. The findings of the research have inferred that the implementation of OSH is significantly lacking not only in the garment industry but also in other sectors of the country. The laborers are exploited as they are paid low wages, are bound to work in hazardous conditions neglecting OSH requirements, face harassment, and are given unsafe work environment. Many workers are forced to work overtime often without compensation, because they are required to complete the apparel orders within their assigned deadlines. Workplace conditions also hazardously affect workers' health. Moreover, labor unions have lost their centralized power to provide a platform to workers to raise voices for their rights. Considering this, we suggest that either new policies or amendments to the existing laws should be made to foster unionization since unions can ensure that workers’ rights are protected. OSH adoption at workplaces will not only improve the working conditions but will also enhance the labor productivity and consequent profitability of the businesses
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Labor working conditions, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), garment industry, workplace hazards, and labor unions.
  topic: keywords
creator: Nasir Javaid
creator: Sumaira Riaz
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2023-12-30
publication date: 2023-12-30
doi: 10.63672/ekx15y92

Verse of Rebellion: Unraveling Resistance Themes in Baba Farid, Kabir, and Guru Nanak's Poetry
type: item
description: This comparative study explores early Punjabi poetry by Baba Farid, Kabir, and Guru Nanak, focusing on their depictions of resistance against authority and societal injustices. Contextualizing their works within cultural, historical, and literary realms, the research aims to reveal the poets' significance in challenging prevailing norms. Often associated with Sufism and spiritual themes, this inquiry unveils their distinct narratives of resistance, emphasizing their engagement with socio-political upheavals. Addressing a critical gap in existing scholarship, this study uncovers multifaceted layers of resistance within these poets’ works, shifting focus from common themes to their profound critiques of established authority and societal norms. The primary objective is a meticulous analysis of resistance threads in the poetry of Baba Farid, Kabir, and Guru Nanak. Using a comparative analytical approach, the study deciphers their resistance against local or foreign authorities, societal injustices, and inherent human vices. Methodologically, the inquiry employs critical literary analysis, embedding poems within historical and cultural contexts. Scrutinizing textual nuances, the study identifies subtle resistance elements in these influential figures' poetry. In exploring these poets' underexplored dimensions of resistance, this research significantly contributes to understanding resistance, authority, and societal critique within the early Punjabi literary landscape.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Punjabi Poetry, Baba Farid, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Dissent voices, Societal rebellion, Poetic resistance, Cultural critique
  topic: keywords
creator: Imran Khan
creator: Dr. Aman Ullah Khan
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2023-06-30
publication date: 2023-06-30
doi: 10.63672/zq4nyg61

Historical Sketch of Saint Thomas in Taxila
type: item
description: Taxila was ruled ruled by various political dynasties like Achaemenians, Greeks, Indo-Greeks, Mauryans, Scythians, Parthians, Kushans, Sassanians, and White Huns. During the Parthian rule, St. Thomas visited Taxila. As a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, he sowed the seed of Christianity in Taxila. After the ascension of Jesus Christ, the Disciples of Christ dispersed all around the world, and St. Thomas selected the Indian region to spread the Gospel. The whole story of St. Thomas is based on Gnostic record “Acts of Thomas” and few sources of Synoptic records. All these records narrate his visit in South India and North-West India (Pakistan). He was sold by Habban, a foreign trader around 52 CE. He moved to Mailepuram (Mylapore) and then to Taxila. After preaching in Taxila he moved to China. He converted many prominent rulers among was Gondophares, the king of Taxila and his brother Gad. The research aims (a) to trace and identify the vestiges of St. Thomas’ presence in Taxila. (b) to add some historical evidence in Eastern & Western Church history (c) to fill gaps in early Christian history of Pakistan. Historical evidences has revealed the Jewish settlement which existed long before St. Thomas' visit in Taxila.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Saint Thomas, Christianity, Gandhara, Taxila, Apocryphal Literature, Apocalypse
  topic: keywords
creator: Wajid Bhatti
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2023-06-30
publication date: 2023-06-30
doi: 10.63672/z9a24051

Portrayal of Qawwali in Asian Cinema: Comparative Analysis of Bollywood and Lollywood Movies
type: item
description: This research consists of examining Qawwali in Bollywood and Lollywood movies. Research studies the evolutionary journey of Qawwali in Bollywood and Lollywood and examines the similarities and differences in the presentation of Qawwali in these two cinemas. For this purpose, Qawwalis have been taken from both the cinemas. The formed frames and their sub-indicators have been analyzed by the method of content analysis and it has been observed since then what changes have taken place at the level of presentation, poetry and musical instruments in Qawwali. Meaning theory of media portrayal is integrated with the research. After examining the frames and their respective indicators from the Qawwalis of the both cinema, the research concludes that Indian movies continue to inculcate the music genre Qawwali, while Pakistani movies do not, due to a lack of priorities, cultural reluctance and innovation in the industry
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Qawwali, Performing Arts, Media and Meanings, Bollywood, Lollywood
  topic: keywords
creator: Aqdas Ali Qureshi Hashmi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2023-06-30
publication date: 2023-06-30
doi: 10.63672/wvq90r74

Anjuman i Khuddam al-Sufiyya: Establishment, Objectives and Early History
type: item
description: The Anjuman I Khuddam I al-Sufiyya was a popular organization in the early twentieth century Colonial Punjab, aiming to foster unity among diverse Sufi orders. This research article explores the early history, foundation, objectives, activities, branches and structural framework of Anjuman I Khuddam al-Sufiyya through meticulous examination of historical documents and primary sources. This abstract examines the proactive stance of the Anjuman against proselytizing movements during colonial times, elucidating its efforts in preserving the essence of Sufism in a changing socio-religious landscape. Furthermore, it explores how the Anjuman bravely confronted ultra-orthodox ideologies of Wahhabism, aiming to safeguard the pluralistic nature of Islamic practice and culture. The Anjuman’s response to the Ahmadiyya community is also discussed. By delving into the organizational structure, this research dissects the sophisticated layers that govern the functioning of Anjuman I Khuddam al-Sufiyya. By analyzing the Anjuman I Khuddam al-Sufiyya’s establishment, objectives and early history, this abstract throw light on its noteworthy contributions to inter-Sufi unity, countering radical influences, and promoting a harmonious coexistence of diverse Islamic beliefs. As a result, this research provides a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and enthusiasts interested in understanding the rich tapestry of Anjuman I Khuddam al-Sufiyya journey from its inception to 1951
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Anjuman I Khuddam al-Sufiyya. Pir Saiyyid Jamāʿat Ali Shah. Islam. Sufism. Wahhabism. Christianity. Hinduism. Ahmadiyya community.
  topic: keywords
creator: Hassan Ali
creator: Dr. Akhtar Rasool Bodla
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2023-06-30
publication date: 2023-06-30
doi: 10.63672/xcftas81

People of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: An Historical Perspective
type: item
description: The present paper is thoroughly devoted to the history and origin of the people living in the present day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. A comprehensive analysis has been embodied inside it by presenting a variety of arguments that focuses upon the ethnic and tribal structure of the people inhabited in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since time immemorial. All these arguments have been taken either from primary source materials or from the monumental works of renowned scholars and historians having firm standing in their respective academic fields across the board. It also highlights the significance of Central Asia for the whole South Asian region in general and for the present day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in particular. The connection of the people of across the border and their cultural, linguistic and socio-economic relationship cannot be ignored even in this digital era. An impartial and unbiased approach has been adopted to analyse different notions and ideas regarding the human population living the aforesaid province.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, People, Ethnicity, Tribes, Culture, History
  topic: keywords
creator: Dr. Altaf Ullah
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2023-06-30
publication date: 2023-06-30
doi: 10.63672/6jj87x85

Narrative Constituents: A Reconsideration of Constructivist’s Mind and Perception Ideologies in The Judgment by Franz Kafka
type: item
description: This article explores narratological constituents as mentioned in Jahn’s (2017) book of Narratology. The focus is to highlight and analyze major narratological constituents, i.e., narrator, narration, narrative situation, focalizer, and focalization. Genette’s and constructivist’s focalization models for narrative analysis have been considered. The article seeks to identify levels of perception involved in the story and highlight the idea of Genette’s non-focalization or zero-focalization. Understanding the emotions, behavior, and psychological state of the characters, Hermen’s (2014) cognitive narratology helped in this regard. The research is qualitative; data has been described and analyzed in descriptive form. The research population was Kafka’s short stories, and the sample for the study is the story The Judgement. Since Kafka is known for his distinctive creativity in writing, he is also famous for constructing a psychoanalytical approach towards his characters. The article identified various focalization levels and types of narrators in the story
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Human Narrative, Kafka, Perception, Culture, Judgment, Construction, Focalization
  topic: keywords
creator: Tooba Asif
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2022-12-30
publication date: 2022-12-30
doi: 10.63672/7j4k8y73

Censoring Practices in Theatre: A Case Study of The Curtain Raiser
type: item
description: Theatre has journeyed through different transitions in the past. It has evolved and has become a whole industry and social phenomenon which has affected society a lot. In Pakistan, the theatre has not achieved much popularity, space, and acceptance that it deserved or should have received. Despite its slow growth, it somehow managed to mark Pakistani society by performing diverse themes and issues like dictatorial rule and social taboos. However, it faced some severe censorship from the state. The Curtain Raiser Production, an Islamabad-based theatrical group, was used as a case study to address the dynamics of censorship in the theater. The approach was critical and analytical, while the methodology was qualitative. For this purpose, the drama, Sarisht of The Curtain Raiser Production was analyzed to identify the key factors which led to changes in the play. The same play with its original script was named Nang, which means shame; however, later, it was renamed Sarisht, which means nature or disposition. This change of title was the trigger for gaining attention about the effectiveness of the sensor as a social practice. The script provided more profound insights into the censored world on rhetoric and performance. It highlighted the process through which censorship is enforced on the theatre practitioners. The article reveals that censor is omnipresent in the theater. It is multifaceted, polyvocal, and multidirectional.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Theatre, Censorship, Culture, Performing Arts, Curtain Raiser
  topic: keywords
creator: Wajiha Tareen, Muhammad Ali Farooqi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2022-12-30
publication date: 2022-12-30
doi: 10.63672/t4nv0m83

Literary Criticism and Literary Theory as Interchangeable Concepts
type: item
description: The study of English is a vast subject area. English literature has explicitly a rich history that goes back centuries to Anglo-Saxon times. Within literary studies, literary criticism and literary theory are considered very important. This article traces the trends in literary criticism and theory fromits origins to date. It, then, contextualizes this history in contemporary times. Finally, this article aims to analyze the current scene in literary criticism. Based on the developments analyzed in the field over the centuries, the article presents a systematic breakdown of historical trends and commentary on the current scenario. It is concluded that literary studies can be broadly classified into four distinct periods or stages based on the evolutionary markers of critical studies: non- disciplinary phase, disciplinary era, interdisciplinary period, and the most recent and ongoing transitory stage. These distinct divisions clarify the significant forces within literary and critical studies within each period. They are also helpful in grasping the current trend in the field and predicting the future of English studies.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: literary studies, literary criticism, literary theory, English studies, literature.
  topic: keywords
creator: Sara Noor
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2022-12-30
publication date: 2022-12-30
doi: 10.63672/b8s5tq32

Honor Killing: Cultural Defense to Regain Honor: Cultural, Religious, and Legal
type: item
description: The concept of culture has been used countless times as justification for various wrongdoings, misunderstandings, and unbridgeable gaps. Honor killing has been a tradition and customin Pakistan and worldwide for many centuries. This article highlights the various socio-cultural values related to honor killings in Pakistan. There is no religious justification for this heinous crime. The study concluded that adherence to customary practices and belief in women’s chastity and virginity results in the killing of women. The article emphasizes the provocation of the law on honor killings. It highlights the role of the judiciary in perpetuating crimes through ambiguous interpretation of law and acceptance of a plea of sudden provocation in such cases. It educates about the importance of human life and interpretation of honor by reviewing the cultural and physical milieu and marking some policy recommendations based on research.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Honor Killing, Honor Based Violence (HBV), Sudden and Grave Provocation, Customary Law, Islamic Law
  topic: keywords
creator: Maryam Umer Khayam
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2022-12-30
publication date: 2022-12-30
doi: 10.63672/vf14yx18