Solar energy, introduced in the 1980s, has emerged as a pivotal component of the global energy mix, offering renewable, sustainable power harnessed directly from sunlight through technologies such as photovoltaic and thermal collectors. Solar installations entail minimal operational costs and boast a lifespan of nearly three decades, contributing to reduced emissions and mitigated greenhouse effects. The sun's radiation, available universally albeit variably, holds immense potential, with just one and a half hours of sunlight capable of meeting global energy needs for a year. Despite these advantages, Pakistan remains in the early stages of solar adoption, heavily reliant on fossil fuels. To overcome this energy dilemma, robust legislative support is essential to facilitate a transition towards solarization. Policy interventions should prioritize subsidies, technology transfers, and streamlined procedures to attract both local and foreign investment. Drawing lessons from successful models in India and Germany, Pakistan should focus on comprehensive energy reforms, integrating solar power into its national agenda to ensure sustainability and economic stability.
_________________________This paper explores the critical issue of car theft in Pakistan, which poses significant challenges to state authority and citizen prosperity. Contributing factors include political instability, regional conflict, and the complex nature of organized crime. Despite the serious implications, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in Pakistan struggle to effectively combat car theft due to inadequate resources, lack of advanced technology, and systemic inefficiencies. The absence of specialized Anti-Car Lifting Cells (ACLCs) in several districts and inadequate legal frameworks further complicate the issue. Recommendations for addressing these challenges are proposed, encompassing short, medium, and long-term measures. These include enhancing resource allocation, establishing new ACLCs, improving inter-organizational coordination, and implementing advanced technological solutions such as the Safe City Project and GIS-based crime analysis.
_________________________The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was adopted in 1979, aiming to protect women's rights globally. Despite its comprehensive measures, including protection from abuse and exploitation, and the promotion of civil rights, health, and education, significant gaps persist in its implementation, especially in South Asia. This research examines the effectiveness of CEDAW’s implementation, highlighting the lack of commitment to certain articles and the persistent invisibility of women’s voices. The study finds that although there is a growing awareness and gradual improvements in women's empowerment and tertiary education enrollment, efforts by South Asian governments are fragmented and often disconnected from ground realities. Recommendations for better implementation include developing national strategies, enforcing legislative measures, enhancing regional cooperation, focusing on prevention, improving data collection, professional training, establishing care standards, creating effective reporting systems, defining referral mechanisms, and promoting community-based sentencing alternatives.
_________________________Governance of metropolitan cities is a significant challenge for countries globally. This research examines the role of local governments in Canada, China, India, and Pakistan, focusing on their successes and struggles in metropolitan and district-level governance. The study analyzes finance (tax collection, revenue generation), governance (decision-making and civic engagement with public accountability), service delivery (health, sanitation, police, firefighting, transportation, housing), and administration (public participation in locally elected administrations). It explores how developed countries like Canada and China manage local governance challenges through historical efforts, providing equal opportunities, financial and administrative autonomy, and public participation. In contrast, developing states like Pakistan face issues due to ineffective local governance systems, frequent political changes, and corruption. The research highlights alternatives and policy recommendations by comparing governance models, suggesting that Pakistan adopt principles from developed nations, emphasizing financial and administrative autonomy, a focus on metropolises, and public participation for improved services and governance.
_________________________This paper explores the comparative efficacy of global judicial systems through an analysis of major legal traditions, focusing on China, Pakistan, the USA, and France. It examines how these systems, influenced by Romano-Germanic, Common Law, and Socialist legal families, adhere to historical norms and impact the rule of law. The study highlights that while the US and Pakistan are influenced by the British Common Law system, Russia and China align more closely with the Romano-Germanic tradition. Key findings include the impact of adherence to particular legal families on judicial effectiveness and efficiency, supported by the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index and corruption perceptions. Recommendations emphasize the need for Pakistan to enhance justice delivery, combat corruption, protect fundamental rights, establish robust witness protection, and involve public stakeholders in policy-making to improve its Rule of Law standing.
_________________________Passport facilitation is integral to global mobility and economic resilience, particularly for countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, reliant on overseas employment and remittances. This study explores Pakistan's passport policies since the 1970s, examining efforts to balance facilitation with security amid geopolitical shifts. Proposed policy options include granting the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) greater financial autonomy, harnessing technology for streamlined services, and fostering bilateral agreements to bolster passport rankings globally. Emphasizing efficient processes, robust security measures, and professional management is crucial to overcoming operational challenges and enhancing international passport acceptance. By implementing these strategies, Pakistan and comparable nations can optimize passport issuance, benefiting citizens and strengthening their global diplomatic standing. This research contributes insights into public governance and policy management in the context of passport facilitation, offering pathways for enhancing service delivery and international engagement.
_________________________The term "diplomacy" has evolved from its ancient Greek origins to its modern-day interpretation as the peaceful conduct of international relations. Traditionally, diplomacy involved non-violent means and official, communicative functions. However, technological advancements and the rise of non-state actors have transformed diplomacy, expanding its scope to include various activities by state and non-state entities. Pakistan's foreign policy, historically centered on geo-strategic concerns, is now shifting towards geo economic diplomacy. Despite significant internal and external challenges, Pakistan seeks to project a positive global image and enhance its influence through robust foreign policy and economic diplomacy. Recommendations for strengthening Pakistan’s diplomacy include enhancing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on bilateral and geo-economic diplomacy, investing in human resources and public diplomacy, and maintaining consistent policies. Addressing these areas is essential for Pakistan to emerge as a key regional and international player.
_________________________Higher education is pivotal in social, economic, cultural, and technological advancement, fostering individual development and societal growth. It provides essential in-depth knowledge for building an educated, contemporary society. The main purposes of higher education include education, training, research, and service. With globalization, the demand for high-quality higher education has surged, requiring robust standards to meet these needs. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the higher education system faces challenges such as lack of creativity, modern teaching methodologies, adequate infrastructure, and cross-cultural awareness. Despite significant growth, KP's higher education system needs transformational and innovative approaches to improve quality and align with global standards. Addressing these issues is crucial for economic development and ensuring higher education's role in tackling social, cultural, and economic challenges. Strategic reforms, including quality management, enhanced infrastructure, and innovative teaching methods, are essential for KP to meet the growing demands and opportunities of higher education.
_________________________