This paper discusses the role and interplay of nationalism and religion in the context of Pashtun society. Both nationalism and religion have been pivotal in shaping the international system and in guiding the mutual interactions of human beings and social groups. For the Pashtun society, both religion and nationalism simultaneously exist . Historically, the role and impact of both phenomena have been varied. However, as a result of Pakistans policy of strategic depth and the resultant Afghan Jihad in Afghanistan vis-à-vis the USSR, religious extremism and radicalization have increased specifically in the Pashtun areas of Pakistan and this rise has conversely impacted the nationalist fervor of the Pashtuns resulting in the decline of the Pashtun nationalism.

The study explores the relationship between teaching practices and the level of tolerance at higher education institutions through the concurrent triangulation method. The Mix Method Research technique was used to analyze the data. For qualitative data, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted with a focus on understanding the teaching patterns and practices at the university. The level of interpersonal tolerance among students was measured through an existing scale. The thematic discussion on issues of equality in the learning process; teachers' reflective practices; Discussion and debate in the classroom; creativity and critical thinking; freedom of speech and expression; and students' self-confidence and authority in the learning process are the focus of this paper. The study reveals that learner-centred instruction, which focuses on engaging students and providing them with a broader perspective, facilitates logical debates among students from diverse backgrounds.

The existing literature in social sciences and humanities analyzing root causes of sectarian and religious conflicts focus mostly on micro-factors. The inability of market and state factors to control sectarian conflict for last seven decades remains understudied by the contemporary literature. This article aims at filling that gap and seeks to identify certain market and government failures that have implications on sectarian and religious conflicts. More specifically, it identifies four market failures namely asymmetries of information, externalities, equity and public goods and three government failures, which include democracy failure, bureaucratic failure and implementation failure. In contrast to the literature shedding light on the impact and gravity of sectarian and religious violence in the country, the purpose here remains to highlight important aspects of public policy reforms for peace making and peace building. This article, based on the aforementioned market and government failures, suggests a whole new set of policy reforms.

The two countries being strategic partners, both Pakistan and China are confronted with a number of security threats and challenges in their respective regions. Internal security threats are a burning issue for Pakistan they include; terrorism, insurgency, sectarian violence, and separatist movements. These threats are often associated with various outside agents, especially countries, and neighbors in this case India and Afghanistan. Globally, China is now perceived as an emergent power and continues to be checked, especially, by powers such as America. In its own region, China too is not immune to security threats with the territorial disputes regarding the South China Sea or the border tensions with India. It is therefore expected that Pakistan like any ally to China will actively engage in coming up with ways and means of combating the above security threats and challenges.