UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB
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Evaluation of Local Government Structure: A Case Study of the Punjab
No full textThe structure of local government plays a vital role as it influences central-local government relationship, by affecting the pattern of finances and its volume as well as the qulity of the services and thereby becomes an important component of administrative system of any society. The structure of local government refers to its area, size and number of tiers, within it. The area means the scale of political authority; by size, of certain tiers; and its hierarchy of administrative services and political power
Bioprospecting Rhizopus oryzae MT4489 for production of polygalacturonase and cellulase enzymes using solid state fermentation
Full text linkThe secretion of cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) is a vital virulence factor determining the infectivity of phytopathogenic fungi. In this study, we investigated the potential of Rhizopus oryzae MT4489 to secrete polygalacturonase (PGase) and cellulase enzymes using agro-industrial residues for solid state fermentation (SSF). Enzymes produced by R. oryzae in different substrates were evaluated at six concentrations: 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.50 g L-1. Optimization of various substrate parameters including temperature, pH, fermentation time, moisture content and inoculum concentration was also evaluated. This experiment consisted of thirteen treatments, twelve were inoculated with R. oryzae strain and the control (without application). The laboratory assay was laid out in a completely randomized design and replicated three times. The highest PGase enzyme production (442.03 µmole mg-1) was recorded at 1.25 g L-1 in wheat bran inoculated with R. oryzae, while corn cobs yielded the greatest cellulase (488.44 µmole mg-1) output at same concentration. Optimal levels of enzyme production were obtained at temperature and pH range values of 40 to 50 °C and 5 to 6, respectively. Maximum enzyme yield was recorded at inoculum concentration of 1×105 and 72 to 96 h incubation time. Wheat bran and corn cobs were the best substrates for producing PGase and cellulase enzymes, respectively. The ability R. oryzae to produce CWDEs in this study suggests that it may exhibit virulence factors required to initiate disease in crops. This knowledge will be helpful to breeders in developing inhibitors of the enzymes in plants to stem the ravages of R. oyzae rot disease
Perceptions of teachers about the Use of Computers at Elementary Schools of Punjab, Pakistan
Full text link Digital divide is a social issue which refers to the individuals who are provided information technology and those who do not have access to these technologies.515 elementary schools were equipped with IT Labs in 2013. Objective of the study was to find the perceptions of elementary schools teachers about the use of computers in IT Labs. The population of the study included teachers of government elementary schools where IT Labs were established. The tool of the study was questionnaire consisting of two parts. The part first was having demographic information about the teacher. Part second included the perceptions regarding the use of computers in IT Labs. T The results of the study showed that teachers were not using computers because they had no confidence to use computers due to little knowledge of computer. Majority of teachers were not able to use computers because of lack of time. It was also concluded in this study that lack of effective training was one of the important barrier to use of ICT in teaching
Changing Geo-Strategic Environment in South Asia: Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Adjustments
Full text linkThe geo-strategic environment around Pakistan has changed entirely after the event of 9/11. This incident has triggered a series of changes in the geo-strategic environment around Pakistan with far-reaching effects on its foreign policy projection. The changing interest and behavior of regional and global players in post 9/11 scenario has an ambivalent effect on Pakistan’s foreign policy projection in the form of new challenges and incentives. To acclimatize to the newly evolved dynamics of regional environment, there is dire need to introduce necessary changes in foreign policy projection to cope with challenges and to reap the incentives
Geopolitics of Silk Road
Full text linkThis paper will investigate the history of Silk Road in changing patterns of Geopolitics. Historically, it remained only a road or a route but a fragment of history that connects East and West. It consists of network of routes, trails and trading posts starting from China, scattered across Central Asia, penetrating South Asia and reaching across Europe. The term Silk Road was used for this route as Silk, which was before 7th century exclusively produced in China was the main product being exported to European lands. Empires like Persian, Roman as well as regions of Middle East, Central Asia, and Subcontinent and as far as Russia were involved in the exchange which reveals an earlier version of globalization. Knowledge, inventions and religions were the commodities which travelled through this route. In the contemporary world i.e 21st century China is treading through similar paths to ensure its sustainability and development.“One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) Initiative announced in 2013, is the name of a plan to revive and better the spirit of the old silk road and a step towards realizing the prediction of the Asian century. The OBOR consists of various mega-projects, but the main two programs are “the Maritime Silk Road” (MSR) and the “Silk Road Economic Belt” (SREB)
Role of Opposition Parties in Pakistani Democracy: A Case Study of United Democratic Front (UDF)
Full text linkThis study is an attempt to explore the contribution and role of opposition parties to strengthen democracy in Pakistan. It also investigates and snoops the opposition alliance resulted from the politics of United Democratic Front which was a Parliamentary opposition alliance from 1973-1976 during Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (1928-1979) period. Furthermore, this alliance exhibited critical views, presented their constitutional demands and played pivotal role in constitution formation of 1973 in Pakistan. It also encapsulates the role of aforesaid parliamentary alliance in various other amendments during Bhutto Government. To explore the role of this parliamentary alliance further, UDF demonstrated resilience and put forward their critical views for the constructive, productive and active role in democratic, constitutional and political developments specifically in Bhutto regime. Bhutto’s chrisamatic leadership was exquisitely responsive and dealt them tactfully regarding the UDF and opposition’s demand related to constitutions and political issues in Pakistan politics. This research work presents a fact finding analysis regarding political reservations of opposition parties, depicts circumstances and various compulsions which necessitated the formation of UDF; its aims and objectives as well as political resistance of UDF to Bhutto’s policies, constitutional formationand in different other constitutional amendments under Bhutto’s rule
Baloch Nationalism and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
Full text linkThe China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a part of China‟s One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR) that China has designed as a tool to become a regional and then a global power. CPEC, which connects Kashgar in China with Gwadar in Pakistan, was met with enthusiasm in Pakistan as it is seen as a solution to Pakistan‟s current economic problems and an opportunity that will make Pakistan one of the most strategically important countries in the region. But this enthusiasm is not shared by Baloch nationalists in Pakistan. Baloch nationalists fear that they will completely lose control of their own resources and become the minority in the Balochistan due to CPEC and oppose it. In their opposition to CPEC, they have protested and also taken to violence. Therefore Baloch nationalism is seen as one of the challenges faced by CPEC. The aim of the article is twofold. Firstly the article discusses why Baloch nationalists oppose toCPEC, secondly argues the reasons for Baloch nationalism cannot be a serious roadblock to CPEC
Prestige and Nuclear Security of Iran: A Pakistani Perspective
Full text linkThe nuclear program of Iran has been fraught with controversies and it has faced several economic sanctions over the years. These controversies emerged and grew stronger with Iran refusing to provide the international experts access to controversial sites like Natanz where it is assumed that illegal activities relating to uranium enrichment are taking place. Iran assumes an important position in the region. However, it shares ideological and political differences with its neighboring Sunni majority Arab states. Iran considers United States and Israel as its main adversaries and, historically, there have been several exchanges of threats of war to each other. With these threats it is implied that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons for; firstly, to have hegemonic position in the region; secondly, to make the threat to US and Israel more credible; and lastly, to have a greater say in the world affairs. Iran’s nuclear program has been a source of concern for its regional countries and Pakistan also, being a neighboring country. The relations between them may get complicated; however, the differences between Iran and Pakistan are not huge enough to result in the hot conflict
Turbulent History of Pakistan’s Civil Military Relations
Full text linkPakistan has been under both military and civilian control with the passage of its political history. In between, there has been various kinds of mishaps and mistrusts occurred between the two regimes. Frequent political instability in the country prompted armed forces to rein the affairs of state for the smooth running of economy which has weakened the democratic process in the country. However, in recent times, the engagement between the two actors has somehowbalanced the relations as a result of which there has been consistent transition of the democratic process. Nevertheless, the rubric of civilian supremacy has yet to be experienced for the consistent promotion of democratic principles and prevention of unnecessary role of the establishment. This research covers all the important areas by assessing the history of relations along with roles from both sides to bring political-cum-economic stability to the country and consequently, an assessment of seemingly balanced relations in recent years
Socio- Economic Status of Minorities of Punjab: A Critical Analysis of Christians
Full text linkThis paper essentially deals with the socio-economic status minorities in Punjab with special reference to the Christians of this region The Christians comprise the largest minority of Pakistan in general and Punjab in particular. Their basic beliefs have many similarities with the other followers of Holy Books. In this way there is unity in diversity in Pakistan when the analysts go through these aspects. This study has a peculiar practical utility especially in a global environment where a hot debate is going on in reference with the honor of the Prophets, in the name of the liberty, which is highly condemnable