AJAR | Asian Journal of Academic Research (ISSN: 2790-9379)

Electoral Mobilization and Religious Populism: An Analysis of the Rise of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Punjab During General Elections 2018 and 2024

Rizwan Khadim — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the rise of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan in Punjab during the 2018 and 2024 general elections, focusing on the intersection of religious populism and electoral mobilization. The study focused on these questions: How did Tehreek-eLabaik Pakistan (TLP) transform from a religious movement to a political party while maintaining its movement-based identity? What role did the politics of blasphemy and sectarian identity play in shaping the electoral rise of TLP in Punjab during the 2018 and 2024 general elections? Drawing on Religious Populism Theory, the research explores how Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan leveraged sectarian identity, blasphemy politics and street activism to expand its political influence. The study highlights the party’s hybrid nature, functioning simultaneously as a protest movement and a formal political actor. Electoral data, qualitative analysis of party strategies and case studies of major protests—including the Faizabad sit-in and responses to Asia Bibi’s acquittal— demonstrate how Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan mobilized constituencies, particularly among lower-middle-class youth. The findings underscore the implications of religious populism for Pakistan’s democratic processes and the evolving nature of electoral competition in Punjab.

Narratives Comparing Punjab's New Matric Subjects with International Education Standards (International Baccalaureate and Cambridge)

Rukhsar Ali — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Punjab has introduced four new subject groups in the matric curriculum as part of a new educational reform. These subjects include Health Science, Information Technology, Agriculture, and Entrepreneurship. The aim of this initiative is to better prepare students for a competitive job market. The research addressed three key questions: How do these subjects compare with International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge curricula? Do they adequately prepare students for global job markets and higher education? What areas require improvement? The study adopted a qualitative comparative approach involving document reviews to explore how the curriculum of these groups aligns with the International Education standards (IB and Cambridge). A manual content analysis identified the strengths and weaknesses in curriculum materials, teaching strategies, assessment techniques and suggested ways to improve alignment. While the addition of these subjects is a positive step, several obstacles remain in current implementation, including outdated teaching approaches, a lack of trained teachers and inadequate practical infrastructure. The findings show significant gaps in interdisciplinary learning, skill development and critical thinking. This research provides useful knowledge for curriculum developers, policymakers and educators aiming to reform secondary education in Pakistan.

Democratic Consolidation in Pakistan: Comparative Study of PTI and PMLN Era (2013-2022)

Maria Sharif — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines the significance of democratic consolidation, outlining its historical challenges and political context. It outlines the research objectives and questions, emphasizing the need to understand the contributions and challenges faced by political parties. The study employs a qualitative research design, relying mostly on secondary data such as books, articles, research papers and reports. Data analysis involves thematic analysis to identify key themes related to democratic consolidation, along with comparative analysis to measure the progress in democratic norms during the PML-N and PTI eras. The research is guided by Democratic Consolidation Theory, which suggests that democratic systems develop and stabilize over time through effective governance, adherence to the rule of law and a democratic political culture. This theoretical framework allows an in-depth assessment of democratic institutions in Pakistan, including the independence of the judiciary and the functioning of the election commission. This study provides a critical examination of Pakistan's democratic evolution during a fundamental decade marked by the governance of PML-N and PTI.

Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Aligning Legal Rights and Social Acceptance of Transgender Individuals in Pakistan

Sagheer Ahmad — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The rights of transgender individuals serve as a critical indicator of a society's progress toward equality and justice. In Pakistan, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018 represents a significant legal milestone for a community that has historically faced marginalization and persecution. This legislation envisions a future of dignity and equality by granting transgender individuals the right to self-identify and access essential rights such as education, employment and healthcare. However, the reality on the ground remains stark as the cultural stigma, systemic violence and institutional neglect continue to overshadow these legal advancements. This research paper examines the intersection of legal progress and the persistent challenges faced by transgender individuals in Pakistan. This study employs a qualitative research methodology and relies primarily on secondary data analysis, including legal documents, policy reports, academic literature and media coverage. A thematic analysis is employed to identify recurring patterns in societal attitudes, legal enforcement gaps and strategies for bridging the divide between legislation and practice. It evaluates the effectiveness of current laws, the cultural and institutional barriers that hinder their implementation and the need for a more inclusive society where transgender rights are genuinely recognized, protected and upheld.

The Usage of Electronic Voting Machines Worldwide: An Analysis of Patterns of Adoption and Discontinuation

Syeda Haleema Shah — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the global patterns in the adoption and discontinuation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in electoral processes. It seeks to understand the motivations behind the adoption of EVMs by some countries and the reasons to abandon them. This study aims to examine the key factors influencing the decision to adopt EVM technology across different electoral systems and to investigate the reasons and challenges leading countries to discontinue the use of electronic voting machines. Guided by Democratic Theory which emphasizes participation, representation, accountability and legitimacy as the core principles of electoral democracy, the research explores how political systems either include or reject technological innovations in voting. Employing a qualitative approach, the study identifies key political, institutional and technological factors influencing the trajectory of EVM usage worldwide. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how technology interacts with democratic governance and the conditions under which EVMs enhance or undermine electoral integrity.