Sanchita Bhattacharya, Ph.D. | Institute for Conflict Management (original) (raw)

Books by Sanchita Bhattacharya, Ph.D.

Chapters in Book by Sanchita Bhattacharya, Ph.D.

Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM),is a Pakistan-based armed militant organisation that seeks to topple and d... more Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM),is a Pakistan-based armed militant organisation that seeks to topple and destabilise the Indian government
in Jammu and Kashmir by carrying out assaults on Indian
security and government targets. In early 2000, Maulana Masood Azhar announced his official split with HuM and the formation of JeM. JeM promotes an anti-Western, anti-Jewish, and anti-Indian
pan-Islamic ideology. JeM’s strategy entails collaborating with Indian military forces in armed attacks and recruiting young Kashmiris for sabotage, arson, armed insurgency. In addition to their participation in actual acts of terror, JeM also holds gatherings and gives lectures on ‘jihadist poems’ in a number of different cities throughout Pakistan.

Balochistan has a complex historical background. Tracing the Baloch history is an intricate task,... more Balochistan has a complex historical background. Tracing the Baloch history is an intricate task, as not much is known about their written history.Balochistan has become a province of conflicting realities,
being the largest in terms of land area and rich in resources
on the one hand and underdeveloped on the other.The insurgency has grown from intermittent resistance by a
few Baloch leaders and tribes to a much broader, though
disjointed, nationalist movement against Balochistan’s perceived
“Punjabi occupiers,” representing the Pakistani establishment
and Chinese encroachments.

Women in Pakistan are born and trained to be part of a set-up, controlled by harsh and age-old di... more Women in Pakistan are born and trained to be part of a set-up,
controlled by harsh and age-old dictums of religious, tribal, societal
and family based traditions and mores. Women are experiencing
oppression and violence at every walk of life. They are often pushed
back under the protection of family and home in order to escape
violence prevalent in the society. There are countless practices
considered ‘normal’ throughout the territory of Pakistan that cause
in damaging consequences for women. Such practices are: forced
marriage, honour killing, forced religious conversion, acid attacks,
child marriage, dowry deaths etc. Moreover, the escalating movement
of Islamist extremism, which supports all types of terror related
incidents in Pakistan, has furthered the misery of violence against
women in the country. The situation is also aggravated by lack of
resources, financial desolation, lack of education, all leading to
perpetuation of violence, and frequent targeting of women and their
subjugation. The federal government and its provincial agencies must
provide a milieu of harmony to protect female population who live
in constant fear. Unfortunately, it seems extremely improbable that
an atmosphere safeguarding and working for optimizing women’s
security will be formulated in Pakistan.

China and Pakistan, friends in "all weather" recognized each other's independence and sovereignty... more China and Pakistan, friends in "all weather" recognized each other's independence and sovereignty in the early 1950s. Chinese President Xi Jinping initially proposed to build an "economic belt" and a "21st-century Maritime Silk Road" in 2013 which were formalized as the BRI in a document, "Vision and Actions on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-century Maritime Silk Road", released by the National Reform and Development Commission in 2015. The Belt and Road Initiative is designed to connect places and cities along China's ancient Silk Road and way beyond. In the realm of innumerable projects, Pakistan is seen as the "Buckle" in the Belt of BRI. Like the BRI, the goal of the CPEC is to boost economic integration and transportation networks. In case of Pakistan, CPEC is seen as a chance to develop stronger ties with China in order to enhance its underdeveloped economy. CPEC has faced several jolts in the restive Balochistan Province. In Pakistan, regions in the CPEC are unevenly developed, with backward energy and logistic infrastructures. The ever-present tussle between the military-political establishment in Pakistan is taking a toll on the various CPEC projects as well. The real challenge is whether best practices can be incorporated in BRI or it will remain only a "Chinese" scheme given that state-owned enterprises play the lead implementing role.

The spectrum of the relation between India and Pakistan in early quarter of 21st Century ranges f... more The spectrum of the relation between India and Pakistan in early quarter of 21st Century ranges from cultural exchange in the form of Zee Zindagi to the recent attack on Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot. The two countries, willingly or otherwise, have co-existed for more than six decades, as ever engaging neighbours. These decades after the tragedy and trauma of partition, a host of issues continue to bedevil Indo-Pak relations and cast long shadows on bilateral ties (Sugunakararaju and Akhtar, 2015). The chapter, tries to estimate the bilateral relations in light of political relations, economic relations, cultural relations, along with in-depth analyses of the contemporary situation. Relations between India and Pakistan, today the world's second and sixth most populous countries, are far from static, however. They progress and worsen within a certain range, generating new aspects and complications, giving rise to cautious optimism, but also feeding uncertainty (Cohen, 2013).

Journal Papers by Sanchita Bhattacharya, Ph.D.

Kulturní studia, 2024

This paper examines the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) among the Dawoodi Bohra commu... more This paper examines the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) among the Dawoodi Bohra community in Pakistan. FGM, a non-therapeutic alteration of the female genitalia, is examined through the lenses of religion, culture and health. The Dawoodi Bohra, predominantly based in Karachi, practice FGM as a religious and cultural rite, linking it to notions of purity and social acceptance. Despite global efforts to outlaw and eradicate FGM, it persists, underpinned by deeply held beliefs and the insular nature of the community. The physical and psychological effects of FGM are profound, leading to immediate and long-term complications
such as severe pain, infection and psychological trauma. This paper discusses the impact of these practices on women's health and rights, while critiquing the lack of an effective legal framework in Pakistan to combat FGM. In addressing this issue, the paper contributes to the
broader discourse on gender-based violence and the rights of women and children in patriarchal societies.

International Journal of Human and Society, 2024

Migrant workforce contributes to the expansion and development of the countries in wh... more Migrant workforce contributes to the expansion and development of the countries in which they settle, while their home countries greatly benefit from the money they make and the skills they pick up along the way. Pakistani people’s migration trail to the countries of Persian Gulf is very much interlinked with employment situation within the country. Pakistan has an ever-increasing population, with most of the people residing in countryside. There are not enough work opportunities in the country, and decisions with regard to appointment and hiring are not made only on the basis of qualifications, as aspects of right connection and corruption are also rampant. Due to their enormous oil wealth, the Gulf States have given Pakistani workers, both skilled and unskilled, unprecedented financial opportunities, particularly in the infrastructure and building industries. However, years of service and residency in Gulf countries do not get rewarded in the form of citizenship. Moreover, the Kafala system of foreign labour sponsorship binds Pakistani migrant workers in the Gulf countries to their employers, who are in charge of their visa and legal status. The Kafala system was implemented to keep a tight eye on the foreign labour force. Prevalent racism is also visible in everyday life in Gulf countries and reinforced by inherently prejudiced racist legal schemes that make it difficult for people to escape the malicious cycle.

A JOURNAL OF THE NORDIC COUNTER TERRORISM NETWORK AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COUNTERTERRORISM AND SECURITY PROFESSIONALS, 2022

South Asia Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Vol. 8, No.-5, 2022

Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 2021

The purpose of the article was to describe and analyze strategies of Islamic Religious Education ... more The purpose of the article was to describe and analyze
strategies of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) Teachers in
Improving Students' Learning Motivation in Madrasah
Aliyah (MA) Class X Hikmatul Amanah. The type of
research used is qualitative with a case study approach.
Data collection is done by observation, interviews,
documentation. Data analysis used the Miles and
Huberman method, namely by reducing, presenting, and
certifying data. To test the validity of the data by testing
credibility, transferability, dependability, and
confirmability. The results of this article show 1) IRE
teachers at Hikmatul Amanah Mojokerto Islamic School
have implemented strategies and methods that are in
accordance with the applicable curriculum at the school.
However, there are still shortcomings where the teacher
lacks varied and boring strategies and methods in the
learning process so that students are less motivated to learn
pie subjects 2) the inhibiting factor of the teacher's strategy
in increasing student motivation to learn is the lack of
communication between teachers and parents, the lack of
learning media, the family environment, and the school
environment can also be an obstacle for teachers during the
teaching and learning process. The supporting factors for
the teacher's strategy are from the students themselves,
how they feel a strong desire and have high aspirations so
they are motivated to learn and receive support in the form
of attention, rewards, and punishment, praise from family,
teachers, and the environment.

World Affairs, 2020

Women in Pakistan live in a world structured by strict codes of family ties, religion and tribal ... more Women in Pakistan live in a world structured by strict codes of family ties, religion and tribal customs. In recent years, pervasive repression and violence, often perpetrated with impunity, have literally pushed women back into their homes for fear of reprisals. There are many customary practices found throughout Pakistan that result in harmful outcomes for women. These include dowry deaths, honour killings, acid attacks, exchanging women in marriage with no consideration for their consent, forced marriages, forced religious conversions, etc. In addition, the mounting trend of Islamist extremism, which underpins terrorism in Pakistan, has added to the existing deluge of violence against women. Dismal poverty, ignorance and lack of education create fertile grounds for a fundamental furthering the perpetration of violence on the female population. Pakistan today is juggling between repressive customs and borrowed modernisation, causing irreparable damage to the social milieu, of which women are a fundamental component.

Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM),is a Pakistan-based armed militant organisation that seeks to topple and d... more Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM),is a Pakistan-based armed militant organisation that seeks to topple and destabilise the Indian government
in Jammu and Kashmir by carrying out assaults on Indian
security and government targets. In early 2000, Maulana Masood Azhar announced his official split with HuM and the formation of JeM. JeM promotes an anti-Western, anti-Jewish, and anti-Indian
pan-Islamic ideology. JeM’s strategy entails collaborating with Indian military forces in armed attacks and recruiting young Kashmiris for sabotage, arson, armed insurgency. In addition to their participation in actual acts of terror, JeM also holds gatherings and gives lectures on ‘jihadist poems’ in a number of different cities throughout Pakistan.

Balochistan has a complex historical background. Tracing the Baloch history is an intricate task,... more Balochistan has a complex historical background. Tracing the Baloch history is an intricate task, as not much is known about their written history.Balochistan has become a province of conflicting realities,
being the largest in terms of land area and rich in resources
on the one hand and underdeveloped on the other.The insurgency has grown from intermittent resistance by a
few Baloch leaders and tribes to a much broader, though
disjointed, nationalist movement against Balochistan’s perceived
“Punjabi occupiers,” representing the Pakistani establishment
and Chinese encroachments.

Women in Pakistan are born and trained to be part of a set-up, controlled by harsh and age-old di... more Women in Pakistan are born and trained to be part of a set-up,
controlled by harsh and age-old dictums of religious, tribal, societal
and family based traditions and mores. Women are experiencing
oppression and violence at every walk of life. They are often pushed
back under the protection of family and home in order to escape
violence prevalent in the society. There are countless practices
considered ‘normal’ throughout the territory of Pakistan that cause
in damaging consequences for women. Such practices are: forced
marriage, honour killing, forced religious conversion, acid attacks,
child marriage, dowry deaths etc. Moreover, the escalating movement
of Islamist extremism, which supports all types of terror related
incidents in Pakistan, has furthered the misery of violence against
women in the country. The situation is also aggravated by lack of
resources, financial desolation, lack of education, all leading to
perpetuation of violence, and frequent targeting of women and their
subjugation. The federal government and its provincial agencies must
provide a milieu of harmony to protect female population who live
in constant fear. Unfortunately, it seems extremely improbable that
an atmosphere safeguarding and working for optimizing women’s
security will be formulated in Pakistan.

China and Pakistan, friends in "all weather" recognized each other's independence and sovereignty... more China and Pakistan, friends in "all weather" recognized each other's independence and sovereignty in the early 1950s. Chinese President Xi Jinping initially proposed to build an "economic belt" and a "21st-century Maritime Silk Road" in 2013 which were formalized as the BRI in a document, "Vision and Actions on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-century Maritime Silk Road", released by the National Reform and Development Commission in 2015. The Belt and Road Initiative is designed to connect places and cities along China's ancient Silk Road and way beyond. In the realm of innumerable projects, Pakistan is seen as the "Buckle" in the Belt of BRI. Like the BRI, the goal of the CPEC is to boost economic integration and transportation networks. In case of Pakistan, CPEC is seen as a chance to develop stronger ties with China in order to enhance its underdeveloped economy. CPEC has faced several jolts in the restive Balochistan Province. In Pakistan, regions in the CPEC are unevenly developed, with backward energy and logistic infrastructures. The ever-present tussle between the military-political establishment in Pakistan is taking a toll on the various CPEC projects as well. The real challenge is whether best practices can be incorporated in BRI or it will remain only a "Chinese" scheme given that state-owned enterprises play the lead implementing role.

The spectrum of the relation between India and Pakistan in early quarter of 21st Century ranges f... more The spectrum of the relation between India and Pakistan in early quarter of 21st Century ranges from cultural exchange in the form of Zee Zindagi to the recent attack on Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot. The two countries, willingly or otherwise, have co-existed for more than six decades, as ever engaging neighbours. These decades after the tragedy and trauma of partition, a host of issues continue to bedevil Indo-Pak relations and cast long shadows on bilateral ties (Sugunakararaju and Akhtar, 2015). The chapter, tries to estimate the bilateral relations in light of political relations, economic relations, cultural relations, along with in-depth analyses of the contemporary situation. Relations between India and Pakistan, today the world's second and sixth most populous countries, are far from static, however. They progress and worsen within a certain range, generating new aspects and complications, giving rise to cautious optimism, but also feeding uncertainty (Cohen, 2013).

Kulturní studia, 2024

This paper examines the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) among the Dawoodi Bohra commu... more This paper examines the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) among the Dawoodi Bohra community in Pakistan. FGM, a non-therapeutic alteration of the female genitalia, is examined through the lenses of religion, culture and health. The Dawoodi Bohra, predominantly based in Karachi, practice FGM as a religious and cultural rite, linking it to notions of purity and social acceptance. Despite global efforts to outlaw and eradicate FGM, it persists, underpinned by deeply held beliefs and the insular nature of the community. The physical and psychological effects of FGM are profound, leading to immediate and long-term complications
such as severe pain, infection and psychological trauma. This paper discusses the impact of these practices on women's health and rights, while critiquing the lack of an effective legal framework in Pakistan to combat FGM. In addressing this issue, the paper contributes to the
broader discourse on gender-based violence and the rights of women and children in patriarchal societies.

International Journal of Human and Society, 2024

Migrant workforce contributes to the expansion and development of the countries in wh... more Migrant workforce contributes to the expansion and development of the countries in which they settle, while their home countries greatly benefit from the money they make and the skills they pick up along the way. Pakistani people’s migration trail to the countries of Persian Gulf is very much interlinked with employment situation within the country. Pakistan has an ever-increasing population, with most of the people residing in countryside. There are not enough work opportunities in the country, and decisions with regard to appointment and hiring are not made only on the basis of qualifications, as aspects of right connection and corruption are also rampant. Due to their enormous oil wealth, the Gulf States have given Pakistani workers, both skilled and unskilled, unprecedented financial opportunities, particularly in the infrastructure and building industries. However, years of service and residency in Gulf countries do not get rewarded in the form of citizenship. Moreover, the Kafala system of foreign labour sponsorship binds Pakistani migrant workers in the Gulf countries to their employers, who are in charge of their visa and legal status. The Kafala system was implemented to keep a tight eye on the foreign labour force. Prevalent racism is also visible in everyday life in Gulf countries and reinforced by inherently prejudiced racist legal schemes that make it difficult for people to escape the malicious cycle.

A JOURNAL OF THE NORDIC COUNTER TERRORISM NETWORK AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COUNTERTERRORISM AND SECURITY PROFESSIONALS, 2022

South Asia Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Vol. 8, No.-5, 2022

Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 2021

The purpose of the article was to describe and analyze strategies of Islamic Religious Education ... more The purpose of the article was to describe and analyze
strategies of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) Teachers in
Improving Students' Learning Motivation in Madrasah
Aliyah (MA) Class X Hikmatul Amanah. The type of
research used is qualitative with a case study approach.
Data collection is done by observation, interviews,
documentation. Data analysis used the Miles and
Huberman method, namely by reducing, presenting, and
certifying data. To test the validity of the data by testing
credibility, transferability, dependability, and
confirmability. The results of this article show 1) IRE
teachers at Hikmatul Amanah Mojokerto Islamic School
have implemented strategies and methods that are in
accordance with the applicable curriculum at the school.
However, there are still shortcomings where the teacher
lacks varied and boring strategies and methods in the
learning process so that students are less motivated to learn
pie subjects 2) the inhibiting factor of the teacher's strategy
in increasing student motivation to learn is the lack of
communication between teachers and parents, the lack of
learning media, the family environment, and the school
environment can also be an obstacle for teachers during the
teaching and learning process. The supporting factors for
the teacher's strategy are from the students themselves,
how they feel a strong desire and have high aspirations so
they are motivated to learn and receive support in the form
of attention, rewards, and punishment, praise from family,
teachers, and the environment.

World Affairs, 2020

Women in Pakistan live in a world structured by strict codes of family ties, religion and tribal ... more Women in Pakistan live in a world structured by strict codes of family ties, religion and tribal customs. In recent years, pervasive repression and violence, often perpetrated with impunity, have literally pushed women back into their homes for fear of reprisals. There are many customary practices found throughout Pakistan that result in harmful outcomes for women. These include dowry deaths, honour killings, acid attacks, exchanging women in marriage with no consideration for their consent, forced marriages, forced religious conversions, etc. In addition, the mounting trend of Islamist extremism, which underpins terrorism in Pakistan, has added to the existing deluge of violence against women. Dismal poverty, ignorance and lack of education create fertile grounds for a fundamental furthering the perpetration of violence on the female population. Pakistan today is juggling between repressive customs and borrowed modernisation, causing irreparable damage to the social milieu, of which women are a fundamental component.

Liberal Studies Journal, 2019

The world sectarianism is derived from "sect", which means body of people having varied views wit... more The world sectarianism is derived from "sect", which means body of people having varied views within same religion. Since last three decades, sectarianism is damaging the state as well as the society of Pakistan. It has become a peril to the stability of the country. The Ahmadi community, accepted as a minority sect of Islam at the time of the country's independence, became the first minority group to be targeted for sectarian violence in 1953. Sectarian violence was rife in Pakistan in the 1980s and early 1990s. Besides, on the downhill, the present decade is experiencing continuation of sectarian skirmishes in various pockets of Pakistan-Karachi, Kurram, Jhang, Quetta etc. Religious scholars, lawyers, doctors, government officials, educationist, other professionals, shopkeepers, students, and vendors, all have been targeted in one way or the other due to sectarian differences. The ongoing sectarian skirmish is dividing the already divided population of Pakistan with dangerous ramification. It can be rightly put into writing that common people of Pakistan are living in fear, since last few decades sectarian conflicts have amplified assassination, suicide bombings, bomb blasts, and numerous terrorist attacks.

In Pakistan, Civil Society is considered as an umbrella phrase for a range of non-state and non-m... more In Pakistan, Civil Society is considered as an umbrella phrase for a range of non-state and non-market citizen organisations and initiatives, network and unions operating in a expansive gamut of social, economic and cultural fields. Contrasting the west, where

Jadavpur Journal of International Relations, ISSN 0973-5984, 2006

Global Education Magazine, ISSN 2255-033X, 2014

Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International, ISSN1552-5155, 2014

Foreign Policy Research Centre, 2014

International Journal of South Asian Studies A Biannual Journal of South Asian Studies, ISSN 0974 - 2514, 2009

Australian Outlook, 2024

The metropolis of Karachi is known as “Mini Pakistan,” with people from every part of the country... more The metropolis of Karachi is known as “Mini Pakistan,” with people from every part of the country uniting in a sharing of unique languages, cultures, cuisines, and customs. It is also a city with many problems, from water crises to electricity outages, and a population explosion that contributes to burgeoning crime.

The Friday Times, 2024

Pakistan's application of Section 295-C to non-Muslims promotes mob violence, disrespect for the ... more Pakistan's application of Section 295-C to non-Muslims promotes mob violence, disrespect for the law, and damage to Islam's reputation

The Interpreter, 2024

The Taliban is on a relentless mission to erase women from the political, economic, and societal ... more The Taliban is on a relentless mission to erase women from
the political, economic, and societal discourse of Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka Guardian, 2023

The Taliban regime will not stop, it will keep on pushing the Afghan society and people into the ... more The Taliban regime will not stop, it will keep on pushing the Afghan society and people into the dungeons of violence, ignorance, brutality, and poverty. The obsession with establishing their interpretation of Sharia-based law and a puritan society has completely undone the little progress made by Afghanistan over the two decades preceding the Taliban’s return to power. In its present avatar, the Taliban is more deadly and more organised to impose its will, at the cost of common Afghans.

Sri Lankan Guardian, 2023

Sri Lankan Guardian, 2023

The Daily Guardian, Feb 22, 2023

The Blank Page, 2019

How a tiny group of women established an institution giving support to each other! An obnoxious n... more How a tiny group of women established an institution giving support to each other! An obnoxious name-Witches of the Northshore. "The legend has it. Northshore is a mythical land for the free-spirited women, often branded as Witches by the scared men and religious leaders", Laaila closed her eyes and chanted a self-help mantra to calm her nerves. "As the story was told, there was a woman by the name of Morgana, who was a herbal therapist in the remotest place of Northshore. She had her own garden with exotic shrubs, creepers and flowers. Every morning people of the town would gather in front of her house, complaining about various ailments something to do with body and at times to do with heart and soul too. She had a penchant for the broken ones. It was known that her aura could clean even the most damned of all people. The fact that a woman could read and write was a sensation in those times, when people were shrouded by ignorance and superstition. A lot many folks even claimed that a mere 'vision' of the enchanted Morgana cured them of their illness. She was gaining fame and name, eventually after a point, the men of religion and power came to know about her.