The Government - Annual Research Journal of Political Science

DISCUSSION PAPER Mamdani for Change: Lessons for Pakistan

2025-12-16T06:44:56+00:00

Mamdani’s victory is the victory of immigrants, it is the victory of South Asian Muslim community, and it is the victory of the democratic socialists who want to live in an affordable New York City. Zohran Mamdani became the first-ever South Asian mayor of New York in the history of United States of America. His historic win as New York City’s first Muslim mayor marks more than a political milestone; it is a cultural and moral statement about beginning an era of fear and division. His refusal to apologise for who he is, a Muslim, South Asian, immigrant, and democratic socialist, was not defiance for its own sake. It was a declaration that integrity and faith can coexist with leadership in the modern world, as highlighted by Faisal Kutty in his article, Mamdani’s Win: Lesson in Moral Leadership and Representation, The Express Tribune, 2025. Mamdani’s victory speech was personal and political. It spoke to a generation raised under the shadow of 9/11, where Muslim identity has been scrutinised, politicized, and too often, vilified. For decades, Muslim Americans have been told to integrate by erasing difference, to participate by muting faith, and to succeed by staying silent about injustice. Zohran’s victory is a testament to resilience, constant belief and determination to this cause. His victory gives us lessons that nothing can stop you either President is calling your cause a "choice between communism and common sense" or 20 billionaires pulling out their checkbooks to stop mamdani from becoming mayor of United States most populous city as published by Oliver O’Connell in one of their article Trump says it’s ‘communism or common sense ‘after democrat Mamdani wins NYC mayoral election, BBC, 2025 and by Rebecca schneid in her article The billionaires who failed to stop Zohran mamdani, and how much they spent, TIME, 2025.

Sectarianism and Democracy: Analyzing Voter Behavior in District Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

2025-12-15T09:05:10+00:00

This study focuses on the effects of a sectarian identity on voting behavior in District Chitral which is a unique district having both Sunni and Ismaili communities. It analyzes how a voter's religion affects his political preferences, the factors which make him vote and even the turnout rate in different precincts. The study enhances the understanding of the importance of the sect as a factor in electoral results by providing a mix sampling that represents the region under survey with the help of a descriptive research design which is relevant to the demographics of the district. The results reveal that the Sunni members of the electorate are inclined to support PTI While Ismaili ones tend to support PPP, thereby portraying evidence of a sectarian split between the parties in focal concept. Other important aspects that affect the electoral behavior of voters include sectarianism, the characteristics of the candidates and the party policies, whereas the most important focus is placed on sectarianism. The research also provides an explanation for the variation in voter participation between Sunni, Ismaili and mixed constituencies, thereby explaining the complex nexus between religion and politics in Chitral. Demographic data covers the analysis with insights into voting behavior and influence factors on election decisions included.

Security vs. Development: Reconciling Strategic Interests in Balochistan

2025-12-15T08:29:58+00:00

This article examines how Balochistan must address the problems of security and development. It investigates how important the region is on the world stage, its economic prospects, its history, as well as the problems that stop it from becoming fully developed. In addition, it examines the impact of the actions taken by regional powers as well as strong international players, such as China and Iran, on the province’s future.

Kurdish Identity in a Fragmented Iran: Politics of Belonging and Exclusion

2025-12-15T09:09:45+00:00

The Kurdish identity in Iran exists at the intersection of cultural resilience, political marginalisation, and socio-economic exclusion. This paper examines how Kurdish communities in Iran navigate the politics of belonging and exclusion within a fragmented national framework. The Kurdish population, concentrated in the western provinces, has historically faced systemic marginalisation exacerbated by Iran’s centralist policies and ethno-religious diversity. While Kurdish culture and language serve as crucial markers of identity, their suppression through state-imposed assimilation policies has deepened feelings of alienation. This study explores the dual dynamics of inclusion and exclusion, focusing on state policies, regional geopolitics, and internal Kurdish socio-political fragmentation. The Iranian state’s rhetoric of national unity often clashes with the lived experiences of Kurdish communities, who perceive exclusion in political representation, economic development, and cultural recognition. Moreover, Kurdish political movements, ranging from reformist to separatist, reflect divergent visions of self-determination and engagement with the state, further complicating the politics of belonging. At the regional level, Iran’s interactions with neighbouring countries hosting Kurdish populations, such as Iraq and Turkey, influence its internal Kurdish policies. The geopolitical interests of the state intersect with fears of transnational Kurdish solidarity, leading to the securitization of Kurdish areas. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this study highlights the evolving strategies of Kurdish communities to assert their identity while navigating exclusion.

From Loyalty to Dismissal: A Study of the Political Rift between Benazir Bhutto and Farooq Leghari (1993–1996)

2025-12-16T05:48:44+00:00

This paper endeavours to explain the relationship between Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and President Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari from 1993 to 1996, when both were in office. Leghari, a close confidant of Benazir Bhutto and a senior member of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), was nominated by her for the presidency. With Benazir’s political support, he was elected as the President of Pakistan in 1993, following the resignation of former President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. In the beginning, all went well, but during the final phase of Benazir’s government, their relationship deteriorated, and Leghari began to obstruct the functioning of the government. Ultimately, Leghari, with the support of the opposition and some elements in the establishment, dismissed the government of Benazir in November1996. This study examines the complex nature of the relationship between Benazir and Leghari. Furthermore, the paper critically evaluates the range of factors and key political events that contributed to the deterioration of relations between Benazir Bhutto and Leghari. The study also explores the underlying causes and circumstances that prompted Leghari to distance himself from Benazir Bhutto and ultimately dismiss her elected government. The paper also seeks to assess the impact of these strained relations on Benazir’s politics.

Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos: The Unbreakable Wall and a Symbol of National Cohesion in Pakistan

2025-12-16T05:53:23+00:00

Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos, conceived in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident and India’s aggressive posturing, stands as one of the most defining chapters in Pakistan’s recent history. Drawing its name and inspiration from the Qur’anic metaphor of the “Unbreakable Wall,” the operation was more than a military countermeasure; it was a manifestation of Pakistan’s ideological strength, strategic foresight, and unwavering national spirit. Rooted in faith and a collective sense of duty, it mobilized the entire nation, bridging divides across political parties, provinces, ethnicities, and communities. This research paper aims to analyze the extraordinary impact of Operation Bunyan al Marsoos on National cohesion of Pakistan when it saw long-standing political adversaries uniting under a single banner, prioritizing sovereignty and national dignity over partisan interests. Further, the question like how Public sentiment surged to unprecedented levels, with citizens demonstrating their trust and solidarity toward the armed forces and state institutions, reinforcing a shared identity that transcended regional and sectarian boundaries. On the strategic front, Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos marked a turning point in Pakistan’s defense posture. It combined military readiness with cyber defense, strategic communication, and information warfare to counter Indian narratives internationally. Thus, through qualitative approach it has been inferred that at the heart of operation’s success was unprecedented national cohesion: political leaders, state institutions, media, and the public stood united in purpose, projecting a single voice against external aggression. This unity not only amplified Pakistan’s deterrence message but also enhanced its global image as a responsible yet capable power, proving that true strength lies in the fusion of national solidarity, discipline, and moral resolve.

Political Memes in Shaping Public Opinion of Pakistani Youth

2025-12-16T06:01:31+00:00

This study investigates how political memes influence Pakistani youth attitudes and engagement, notably around the 2024 general elections. It examines meme consumption, interaction, and its effects on political engagement using a quantitative survey methodology. Crosstabulations, Spearman's Rho correlation, one-sample t-tests, and reliability testing (Cronbach's Alpha) were used to analyze the data. The findings highlight the entertainment potential of memes by demonstrating that the most popular and active ones are satirical and humorous. According to the study's findings, political memes are a powerful tool for today's political communication that can affect public opinion and voting behavior. It highlights the power of creating memes ethically and the significance of teaching young people about how memes may affect their political opinions.

Globalisation and Internationalisation of Higher Education in the Context of NEP 2020: A Transformative Shift

2025-12-16T06:05:27+00:00

This paper examines the complex relationship between internationalisation, globalisation, and higher education, especially in light of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It examines how globalisation is changing the educational landscape, emphasising the role of technology-driven learning, curriculum diversification, and the increased mobility of faculty and students. With an emphasis on luring international talent, encouraging scholarly cooperation, and advancing global citizenship, this paper examines the internationalisation of higher education. It explores the opportunities and challenges of NEP 2020 in this regard, such as encouraging cooperation, enabling twinning initiatives, accepting international universities, and launching the "Study in India" program. The study ends with suggestions for promoting the equitable and successful internationalisation of Indian higher education that considers concerns about quality, equity, and accessibility. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of fostering institutional collaboration and strengthening research networks to enhance global academic standards. This study also addresses the need for policy frameworks that support sustainable internationalisation while ensuring inclusivity for diverse student populations. Through a critical analysis of current trends and policy measures, this study aims to provide actionable recommendations for stakeholders to effectively navigate the evolving global higher education environment.