194 research outputs found

    Democracy in Pakistan: Value Change and Challenges of Institution Building

    No full text
    Democracy as a system of governance and interest representation demands respect for dissent and opposition. It recognises the principle of majority rule and guarantees protection of minorities. Democracy also builds faith in electoral contestation to gain public office and gives legitimacy to political parties as primary instruments for acquisition and transfer of power from one set of individuals to another. Unfortunately, despite the significance of the above elements, no serious studies have been undertaken on Pakistan’s experimentation with democracy. Given a history of weak party system and prolonged military rule, most of the studies focus on the military, political parties, constitutional history, or in a descriptive way, attribute the failure of democracy to the inadequacies of the politicians [Ahmed (1987); Rizvi (1987); Callard (1957) and Afzal (1976)]. It is only recently that some theoretically meaningful and rigorous empirical writings have appeared on elections, procedures and practices of electoral contestation and on problems of transition from authoritarian regimes towards democracy [Waseem (1989); Wilder (1995); Talyor (1992); Rais (1997) and Shafqat (1997)]. It merits attention and recognition that among the Muslim states and developing world, Pakistan is one of those few states, where people have shown vigour and some vitality to adopt a democratic parliamentary system and through popular mass movements demonstrated disapproval of military dictatorships. An enduring feature of Pakistani culture, history and politics has been an aspiration for democracy [Hugh and Rose (1997)]. The passion for democracy continues to resurge, despite ethnic, social class, religious cleavages, strong authoritarian tendencies and prolonged military rule.

    Foreign Debt, Dependency, and Economic Growth in South Asia

    No full text
    Many developing countries are following a policy to attract foreign capital through loans and other means to enhance investment. The inflow of these resources is seen as an addition to investment for accelerating economic growth. However, there are only a few success stories where such resources have made any significant contribution to improve the economic conditions of recipient country. Pakistan and other South Asian countries have received significant amount of foreign loans2 but its role is critical [Chaudhary and Ali (1993, 1996)]. In spite of increasing foreign aid, South Asia has emerged one of the poorest and illiterate regions of the world, having more than 500 million poor living below poverty line and about 46 percent of the world’s illiterate live in the South Asia [UNDP/MHHDC*(1997)]. This is the region, which has 22 percent of the world’s population, while having only 3 percent of the world’s income. It also appears one of the most indebted regions of the world [Anwar (1995)]. In spite of a significant inflow of foreign aid, the economic conditions remained poor in this region. Such a situation calls for an in depth analysis of the contribution of foreign aid. Therefore, this paper is focused to analyse the role and implications of international debt in South Asia. Besides, South Asia’s dependency upon foreign debt is also analysed. In addition, tendency of resources outflow from South Asia to other countries, in terms of debt services, is also identified.

    Folio

    No full text
    Nisar Ahmad-Essay-The Role of Stereotypes in the Development of the Female Personality. pp. 1-2; M. Moazzam Zubair-Essay-By Love Serve One Another. pp. 3; Jehanzeb Anwar-Essay-A Great Escape. pp. 4-5; Ahmed Ilyas Butt-Essay-War: A Solution for Peace. pp. 6-7; Fatima Zahra-Essay-Proliferation of Electronic Media and Youth. pp. 8; M. Imran-Essay-Environmental Pollution and Our Responsibility. pp. 9; Muiz Junaid Khan-Essay-Intelligence. pp. 10; Safa Aleem-Essay-A Wake-up Call. pp. 11; Fareeha Tahir-Essay-Karo Kari: The Cruelest Reality in Pakistan. pp. 12-13; Adnan Farooqui-Essay-Democracy. pp. 14; Riaz Akbar-Essay-Politics: a Dirty Game or a Human Necessity? pp. 15-16; Mujtaba Chaudhry-Essay-Emancipation of Women. pp. 17; Adeel Riaz-Essay-The Unheard Miseries of Bonded Laborers. pp. 18-19; Nazeef Ishtiaq-Essay-Pakistan Today. pp. 20; Muhammad Adeel-Short Story-Broken Threads. pp. 21-23; Tehreem Fatima-Short Story-But Still. pp. 24; Naima Fatima-Short Story-Once Upon a Time. pp. 25-26; Syed Irfan Haider Shah-Short Story-By The Riverside, I Sat and Wept! pp. 27-28; Faiqa Javed-Short Story-Ghosts. pp. 29; M. Bilal Aslam-Short Story-A Mysterious Night. pp. 30-31; Sabrina Asim-Short Story-A Dismal Encounter. pp. 32; Umair Vahidy-Short Story-Uncertain Ambiguities. pp. 33-36; Jahanzaib Aslam-Interview-Jamsheed Marker. pp. 37-43; U. Vahidy, H. Aslam-Interview-Cecil Chaudhry's Interview. pp. 44-48; N. Ahmad, K. Shah-Interview-Muhammad Junaid. pp. 49-51; N. Ishtriaq, U. Vahidy-Interview-Qazi Laeeque Ahmed. pp. 52-56; S. Aleem, S. Ahmad-Interview-Bilal Bajwa. pp. 57-58; M. Mesam Ismail-Reflections-Loneliness. pp. 59; Haya Fatima-Reflections-I Love to Fantasize. pp. 60; Jahanzeb Anwar-Reflections-A Faith for the Faithless. pp. 61; Fizza Ali Shah-Reflections-Where Are We Heading To. pp. 62; Rabia Shad-Reflections-Need of Revolution. pp. 63; Mariam Iqbal-Reflections-An Extract from a Mother�s Diary. pp. 64; Ali Abbas-Reflections-Sense of Responsibility. pp. 65; Sabrina Asim-Reflections-Painting in Words. pp. 66; Dr. Waseem Anwar-Poetry-Reading Between Silences. pp. 67; Muhammad Adeel-Poetry-The Hand. pp. 67; Nauman Ahmad-Poetry-Fragrance, Piercing Through My Heart. pp. 68; Shumyila Imam-Poetry-Human Right. pp. 68; M. Y. Sandhu-Poetry-To the Mausoleum. pp. 69; Mumtaz Hussain Kherani-Poetry-The Real Inventor. pp. 69; Shakeel Fiaz-Poetry-God Almighty. pp. 70; Jahanzaib-Poetry-My Mother. pp. 70; Ahmed Ilyas Butt-Poetry-A Walk in the Park. pp. 70; Tajwar Ali Buber-Poetry-My Craze. pp. 70; Samra Zafarullah-Poetry-How can we Forget? pp. 71; Tanzeel Ahmad Khan Niazy-Poetry-My Daddy. pp. 71; Toqeer Ahamad Wazir Gilgity-Poetry-Heart and Mind. pp. 71; Faisal Nizami-Poetry-I am... pp. 71; Basit Zafar-Poetry-Lord! pp. 72; Nauman Ahmad-Poetry-I Try Reaching You. pp. 72; Muiz Khan-Poetry-Untitled. pp. 72; Warda Tahseen-Poetry-I am Not a Perfect Girl. pp. 72; Nisar Ahmed-Poetry-Chaos. pp. 73; Furqan Farukh-Poetry-I'll Die Another Day. pp. 73; Nisar Ahmed-Poetry-Secret Joy. pp. 74; Jahangir Jan Khokhar-Poetry-I Want To. pp. 74; Arman Ahmed-Poetry-On the Edge of Dreaming. pp. 74; Professor Arif Qureshi-Poetry-Mother, O' Dear Mother! pp. 74; Furqan Farrukh-Poetry-Love at First Sight. pp. 75; Faisal Karim Nomali-Poetry-Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H.). pp. 75; Saad Akmal-Poetry-Laid Forgotten. pp. 75; Zamzam Rizvi-Poetry-A Lonely Island. pp. 76; Jahanzaib Aslam-Poetry-O My Beloved! pp. 76; Society Reports. pp. 77-80; [Urdu]. 80 p.Mr Jamsheed Marker. before page 37; Mr Cecil Chaudhry. after page 48; Qazi Laeeque Ahmed. after page 56; Mr Bilal Bajwa. before page 57; Presidents 2009-2010. after page 76; FCC Dramatic Club. before page 77; 20 pages covering different activities at FC, i.e. Alumni Reunion, Commencement, Honors Convocation, Drama, Class of 2010, Sports, Debates and Societies. after page 80; Professor Dr Agha Sohail. before page 7 Urdu section; Professor Dr Ehson Raza Khan. before page 15 Urdu sectio

    Cardioprotective effects of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor immunomodulator fty720 in a clinically relevant model of cardioplegic arrest and cardiopulmonary bypass

    No full text
    Objective: FTY720, an immunomodulator derived from sphingosine-1-phosphate, has recently demonstrated its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, FTY720 might be a key pharmacological target for preconditioning. In this preclinical model, we have investigated the effects of FTY720 on myocardium during reperfusion in an experimental model of cardioplegic arrest (CPA) and cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: 30 Sprague-Dawley rats (300-350 g) were randomized into two groups: Group-A, treated with FTY720 1 mg/kg via intravenous cannulation, and Group-B, as control. After 15 min of treatment, rats underwent CPA for 30 min followed by initiation of extracorporeal life support for 2 h. Support weaning was done, and blood and myocardial tissues were collected for analysis. Hemodynamic parameters, inflammatory mediators, nitro-oxidative stress, neutrophil infiltration, immunoblotting analysis, and immunohistochemical staining were analyzed and compared between groups. Results: FTY720 treatment activated the Akt/Erk1/2 signaling pathways, reduced the level of inflammatory mediators, activated antiapoptotic proteins, and inhibited proapoptotic proteins, leading to reduced nitro-oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Moreover, significant preservation of high-energy phosphates were observed in the FTY720-treated group. This resulted in improved recovery of left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions. Conclusion: The cardioprotective mechanism in CPA is associated with activation of prosurvival cell signaling pathways that prevents myocardial damage. FTY720 preserves high-energy phosphates attenuates myocardial inflammation and oxidative stress, and improves cardiac function

    Proposing a Novel Architecture of Script Component to Incorporate the Scripting Language Support in SCADA Systems

    No full text
    Part 5: Industrial Management and Other ApplicationsInternational audienceScripting language support in SCADA systems significantly enhances their flexibility in performing diverse industry automation functions. Although SCADA vendors do provide rich scripting support in their automation solutions, development and integration aspects of SCADA Script Component are rarely presented in the contemporary research literature. This paper proposes a novel architecture of Script Component in SCADA systems to perform miscellaneous industry automation functions through any scripting language of choice. This architecture is validated by implementing and integrating Script component in a large scale SCADA automation solution. Moreover, series of experiments are performed to validate the working of Script Component after its integration. Empirical results prove that Script Component is capable to perform various SCADA functions through JavaScript by providing enhanced flexibility and simplicity

    Enhancing Productivity with AI During the Development of an ISMS : Case Kempower

    No full text
    Investing in an Information Security Management System (ISMS) enhances organizational competitiveness and protects information assets. However, introducing an ISMS consumes significant resources; for instance, implementing an ISMS according to the ISO27001 standard involves documenting 116 different controls. This paper discusses how Kempower, a Finnish company, has effectively used generative AI to create and implement an ISMS, significantly reducing the resources required. This research studies how the use of generative AI can enhance the process of creating an ISMS. We conducted seven semi-structured interviews held with various stakeholders of the ISMS project, who had varying levels experience in cyber security and AI.peerReviewe

    Folio

    No full text
    Jonson, Robert-Article-What Interfaith Dialogue Should and Shouldn't be at FCC. pp. 1-3; Suhail Umar-Article-Between Secular Pluralism and Religious Exclusivism. pp. 4-11; Nisar Ahmed-Article-Interfaith Relationship. pp. 12; Abdul Ghani-Article-Religious Harmony. pp. 13-16; Bashir Ahmed Khan-Article-The Politics of Interfaith Dialogue. pp. 17-19; Abur Razzaq Black-Article-The Adobe of Peace. pp. 20-24; Anood Alta-Article-Technology has Replaced Faith. pp. 25; Riaz Akbar Somrai-Article-Peace Exclusive. pp. 26-27; Interview-An Interview with General Pervaiz Musharaf. pp. 29-32; Memoirs from Across the Border. pp. 33-35; Kuldip S. Bajwa-Zulfie, My Friend. pp. 36-37; Ch. Muhammad Aslam-My Memories, My Wealth. pp. 38; Kuldip S. Bajwa-One Upmanship. pp. 39-40; Shakila Noor Sindhu-Folio's Visit to India. pp. 41-42; Mirza Ather Baig-Article-Globalization and Global Claustrophobia. pp. 43-47; Thomson, Carol B.-Article-How People Engage in Global Conversations. pp. 48-49; Marryum Ishaque-Article-Global Economy and Trade Liberalization. pp. 50; Fawzia Afsal-Khan-Article-Edward Said: The Decolonizer as Humanist. pp. 51-56; Hall, Geof M.-Article-Under Western Eyes. pp. 57-62; Nasim Riaz Butt-Article-Of Culture. pp. 63-64; Farid Malik-Article-The Third World, Islamic Ummah and the Third World War. pp. 65-67; Bilkis Hussain-Article-Gender Empowerment for Socio-Economic Development. pp. 68; Omer Habib-Article-Saying Goodbye to Traditions. pp. 69; Aqsa Ijaz-Article-Puppets in the Hands of Society. pp. 70-72; Interview-An Interview with Dr Grace C. Clark. pp. 73-77; Struck, Craig-Article-Coping with Emotional Stress. pp. 78-81; Waseem Anwar-Article-Higher Education. pp. 82-85; Zamir Hussain-My Dear Undergrads and a Ghanaian Poet. pp. 86-87; Muhammad Usman-Educational Stereotypes. pp. 88-89; A. Riaz, S. Nathaniel, R. Javed-Article-A Fullbright Experience: A Dream Come True. pp. 90-94; Nausheen Ishaque-Article-Art versus Morality. pp. 95-97; Iffat Khatoon-Article-The Theatrics of Masking. pp. 98-100; Zoeya Naqvi-Article-On Humour. pp. 101; Azzam Siddique-All that Red Stuff. pp. 102-103; Riaz Akbar Somrai-Article-Paradise Hath Descended on Earth. pp. 104-105; Ashraf, C. M.-Article-Chemistry and Community. pp. 106-108; Bilkis Hussain-Article-Is Science a Bane or a Boon. pp. 109-110; Muhammad Usman-Article-The Technological Evils. pp. 111; Zoeya Naqvi-About Love Unattainable. pp. 112; Pannu, P. S.-Smiling to Glory. pp. 113-114; Inayatullah Khan-Article-Common Sense Ought Not to be so Uncommon. pp. 115-116; Kenneth Pervaiz-Today's Naked Man. pp. 117; Beenish Fatima-No One Wants to be Themselves These Days. pp. 118; Zeeshan Zaighum-Feelings. pp. 119; Usama-Dreams. pp. 120; Burke, Cheryl-What Does a Good Student Look Like. pp. 121; Haider F. Halim-The Golden Registration Day. pp. 122-123; Imran Bashir-Proud to be a Formanite. pp. 124-125; Sundus Maqbool-Do We Even Exist? pp. 126; Haider Farooq-Class Versus Cafeteria. pp. 127; Furqan Ali Akhtar-Conventional Consequences of Academic Achievements. pp. 128; Report-Campus Roundup. pp. 129-132; Kudos to FCC Faculty and Students. pp. 133; Imran Iqbal-International Negotiations. pp. 134; Formanites Alumni Association. pp. 135-136; Foreign Faculty at FCC: A Survey. pp. 137-138; Luqman Saeed-An Immoral Activity. pp. 139; Arooj Wahid-Story-Haji Sahib. pp. 140; Farhan Hashmi-Story-Untitled. pp. 141; Talha Mahboob-Story-If She Could Know. pp. 142-143; Maureen Miscus Crisick-Poetry-Arguing with Sand in Mali. pp. 144; Talha Mahboob-Poetry-Do They Care? pp. 144; Bilkis Hussain-Poetry-Less is More. pp. 145; Ramla Zaheer-Poetry-Dare Face the Challenge. pp. 145; Bilkis Hussain-Poetry-Memories. pp. 146; Umar Tahir-Poetry-Once.... pp. 146; Arif Qureshi-Poetry-Nostalgia. pp. 147; Shaharyar Khan-Poetry-To Dust. pp. 147; Easha Farooq-Poetry-Memories. pp. 148; Aakash Qasir Iqbal-Poetry-Hummingbirds. pp. 148; Jawad, M.-Poetry-Everlasting Attachments.... pp. 149; Arif Qureshi-Poetry-Reminiscences. pp. 149; Birinder Kaur Pannu-Poetry-A Requiem for Our Silky. pp. 150; Junaid Ali-Poetry-Here I am. pp. 150; Awan, M. Shaheer-Poetry-I Desire to Paint You. pp. 151; Uzma Azad-Poetry-Silent Wish. pp. 151; Uzma Azad-Poetry-Some Day. pp. 152; Amber M. Gill-Poetry-Patience. pp. 152; Ramla Zaheer-Poetry-Life Goes On. pp. 153; Awan, M. Shaheer-Poetry-Lost Angel. pp. 153; Jawad, M.-Poetry-The Foggy Trees. pp. 154; Sadia Riaz-Poetry-Tears and Laughter. pp. 154; Hafiz Ali Aziz Khokhar-Poetry-I Shine Now. pp. 155; Nauman Ahmad-Poetry-Life is Ephemeral. pp. 155; Ramla Zaheer-Poetry-To Time and Fate. pp. 156; Muhammad Adeel Ahmad-Poetry-Death of Beauty. pp. 156; Hafiz Ali Aziz-Poetry-What Should I do? pp. 157; Shaheryar Khan-Poetry-What May I Think? pp. 157; Azzam Saddique-Poetry-The Smith. pp. 158; Rao Ayyaz Ahmad-Poetry-Assignment Girls College. pp. 159; Zeeshan Zaighum-Poetry-Divorce. pp. 159; Folio [Urdu]. 146 p.Editorial Board (English). before the Editorial page; Kennedy Hall, Forman Christian College (1959-60). after page 30; Folio team with the President of Pakistan. after page 30; Offices. page 160; Visitors. after page 160; Convocation. after page 160; Sports. after page 160; Societies. after page 160; Drama. after page 160; Music. after page 160; College Life. after page 160; Alumni. after page 160; Sundaisay. after page 16

    Blended Metamodeling for Seamless Development of Domain-Specific Modeling Languages across Multiple Workbenches

    No full text
    Design and development of domain-specific modeling languages are crucial activities in model-driven engineering. At the core of these languages we find metamodels, i.e. descriptions of concepts and rules to combine those concepts in order to build valid models. Both in research and practice, metamodels are created and updated more or less frequently to meet certain business requirements. Although there exist several workbenches for metamodeling, some textual (e.g., JetBrains MPS) and some graphical (e.g., Eclipse Modeling Framework - EMF), it still remains a sensitive and complex task, where several stakeholders with different skill-sets need to be able to properly exchange ideas and reach agreements.To maximize the throughput of metamodeling activities, in this paper we propose a Blended Metamodeling Framework (BMF) that enables the development of metamodels through both graphical and textual (natural language) notations interchangeably, by utilizing the concepts of Natural Language Processing and model-driven engineering. The feasibility of the framework is demonstrated via the Portable test and Stimulus Standard (PSS) use case, where a DSML is developed by seamlessly blending the use of textual (natural language) and graphical (EMF) notations. Moreover, for demonstration purposes we also generate a domain-specific language structure reflecting the metamodel in JetBrains MPS.</p
    corecore