Analyzing the Role of Social Media in Strengthening Democracy in Pakistan
Modern innovation in communication has changed patterns of socializing. Advance forms of communication are paving ways for people to convey their ideologies to others. This study attempts to analyze the role of social media in strengthening democracy in Pakistan and highlights the importance of media in democratic states by an extensive review of the literature. The core concern of the study was to observe how mass media contributes to the socialization of democracy. Quantitative research methodology opted, and research findings concluded that social media advocates the public on general political issues that increase the political efficacy and resulting in more political participation in Pakistan. Web 2.0 platforms such as Twitter and Facebook provide new opportunities to create a political environment in Pakistan. In the presence of these platforms, a bridge is developed between the citizens for strengthening a strong democratic setup.
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Social Media, Democratization, Political Awareness, Political Efficacy, Political Participation
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(1) Sumera Batool
Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
(2) Saba Sultana
Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication and Media, University of Narowal, Narowal, Punjab, Pakistan.
(3) Farrah -ul- Momineen
PhD Scholar, Department of Mass Communication, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Encouraging Trends in women Politics in Khyber Pukhtoonkhwah
Modern democratic age is based on the philosophy of |ONE-MAN ONEVOTE". Women constitute more than 50% of the world population. Pakistan's Constitution of 1973 has guaranteed women's political rights, equally with men. The general elections of 2002 and 2008 witnessed greater women political participations compared to the elections of 20th Century. The 9/11 incident and un-natural death of Benazir Bhutto left society plagued with extremism, fundamentalism and terrorism. In many instances, the war on terror crossed 'Durand-Line' and affected Pakistan, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, where every second family faced causality. Vested interests and international media focused on the region and sketched it from darkness to table of discussion. The reports of FAFEN, IDEA, PILDAT, European Union Observation Mission and Election Commission of Pakistan also acknowledged the truth that political participation of women has accelerated in Pakistan tremendously by means of casting votes, launching elections campaigns and contesting elections on general seats.
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Democracy, Women's Political Participation, Women as Voters, Elections Campaigners, and Elections Contestants on General Seats
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(1) Saeed Ahmad
PhD Scholar, Political Science, University of Peshawar & Lecturer at HED, KP, Pakistan.
(2) Bakhtiar Khan
PhD Scholar, Political Science, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.
(3) Ijaz Khalid
PhD Scholar & Demonstrator, Department of Political Science, AWKUM, Mardan, Pakistan.
Political Communication With Social Media In Pakistan: Internal And External Efficacy
Political knowledge influences political behavior and political participation as the person who has sufficient political knowledge will contribute his part in political issues and get engage himself in political campaigns. Hence, a politically informed person put an impact upon others by sharing his views and information. Now a day social media has revolutionized the world due to its unlimited features, and it made it easier for everyone to spread the news and especially the political content. Different political parties use social media platforms to engage their voters and especially youth. This study suggests that social media plays a critical role for youngsters to disseminate information regarding politics and affects the internal and external efficacy of youth by the transmission of knowledge and political participation through social media.
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Political Participation, Social Media Usage, Internal Efficacy, External Efficacy
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(1) Hannan Khan Tareen
PhD Scholar/ Associate Lecturer, Department of Media Studies, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.
(2) Malik Adnan
Assistant Professor, Department of Media Studies, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.
Understanding Women's Political Motivations in KP: Unveiling the Driving Forces
This study examines the reasons why women get involved in politics, concentrating on the National Assembly and provincial assembly members of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The relevance of family connections, which facilitate women's entry into politics, is revealed via thematic analysis of interview data. Important motivators include persistence, character traits, inspirational leaders, alluring party platforms, and a need for accountability. Women can participate in politics if they are financially independent and have free time. The study expands on earlier research by illuminating the intricate interplay of institutional, cultural, and individual factors influencing women's political involvement. It places a focus on the necessity of addressing gender-related barriers and encouraging educational reforms to provide women with more leadership abilities. For societal change and democratic governance, political decision-making needs to be more gender diverse. The results provide useful information for political parties and authorities looking to create a welcoming environment for women in politics.
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Women in Politics, Political Participation, Motivation, Family Connections, Leadership, Gender Equality
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(1) Sumera Farid
Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
(2) Raza Ullah Shah
Assistant Professor, Department of Management Sciences, Qurtuba University, Dera Ismail Khan, KP, Pakistan.
(3) Sajjad Hussan
Lecturer, Department of Social Work, University of Malakand, Chakdara Dir Lower, KP, Pakistan.