Malik, A. A., & Riaz, E. (2011). Freud: The sufi within. Journal of European Studies, 26-27(2-1) 

ABSTRACT: This article strives to draw parallels between the teachings of Sigmund Freud and that of Sufi philosophers such as Rumi, Ghazali, Farabi, Al Kindi, Ibn Rashd, Ibn Badjdja, Idries Shah, Burton and that of quantum physics in the writings of Hawking. Parallels are drawn between the Romantic era and its reflection in Freud’s writings, in the form of the intangible, dreams, the unconscious and the study of Orientalism. The idea of the murid and morad is found in Freudian analytical framework where the client in the guise of the murid starts the process of transference with his teacher (morad or psychoanalyst). Not only is the inward exploration of man that forms the backbone of Freud’s theory and Sufi philosophy examined; the use of similes and metaphors in Freud’s works and that of the Sufi tradition is also compared. Thus the idea of ‘quiet happiness’ expounded by Freud and of ‘ultimate happiness’ by Ibn Badjdja are seen as strikingly similar.

Tariq, Q., & Riaz, E. (2011). COMMITMENT IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 50(1), 149–161.

ABSTRACT: This study explores the phenomenon of commitment in romantic relationships, the motivation behind it and how people view the sustainability of a relationship. The study was carried out on youth of Karachi their ages ranging from 18-24 years. A pilot study in the form of a focus group comprising of 5 participants was conducted to gather some views on the factors involved in a committed relationship. The resulting discussion led to the construction of a questionnaire and a focus group criterion to conduct the study. After a pilot a focus group was conducted on a sample of 7 males and 7 females who were selected from various departments of the University of Karachi. 13 were single and one was married, which albeit not a factor that was controlled, did lead to some very relevant views being exchanged between the participants on commitment and why men’s and women’s behavior changed after they got into a committed relationship or even marriage. Aspects such as basis of a romantic relationship, factors that make a relationship successful, role of commitment, significance of the knowledge that the partner is committed to one, role of family, friends, and role of religion in the level of commitment are discussed. Content analysis was carried out on the data that was collected from the two focus groups. Understanding and trust were considered as the most important features of a romantic relationship and for it to be successful. Religion and parents were considered as factors that would affect the level of commitment in a relationship. Parallels are drawn between Robert Sternberg’s triangular theory of love and the evolutionary perspective, how understanding and commitment are two of the most intrinsic factors that keep a couple together and how both these units pertain to the survival of the human race. The point that arises here is that commitment in romantic relationships where there is chance of procreation, maybe genetically coded in man and woman as fundamental to the propagation of the human race.

The Pakistani Sexual Landscape: An Oxymoron

Erum Khan Ghazi / University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan

Key Words: Sex, sexuality, Pakistan, culture and religion.

ABSTRACT: Naked men in cages brought in to titillate the audience and lingerie clad women dancing to music, as men and women sit around laughing and drinking at a party. Some couples walk away from the crowd, towards the sofas strategically placed in dimly lit corners where they proceed to undress and have sex. As guests walk out of the orgy and get into their cars a young boy of ten years comes running begging for food. He is a scrawny looking street kid, raped by his older brother’s friend and then by other older males in his neighborhood; he ran away from his village and came to the city, hoping for a better life. He now begs till late at night and has sex with men who pay him a pittance for his services.

This is the Pakistan that no one talks about, a society where men don’t know the meaning of no and women don’t know how to say no. Where one is shamed for wanting sex and is made to feel guilty for watching pornography and masturbating. Culture and the misinterpretation and abuse of religion has also played a significant role in giving rise to a rape culture and human rights violations. However, change is happening, as various organizations work towards providing sex education, therapy and safe havens for victims of sexual abuse as well creating platforms for discourse on equal rights for an LGBTQ community and a burgeoning feminist movement and continued open dialogue on sex and sexuality among Pakistanis. This paper seeks to analyze the sexual landscape of Pakistani society and the necessary elements required to make way for a more humane and sex-positive environment.

Supportive Care in Pediatric Oncology

Erum Khan, Sobia Aftab. (2019). Intrinsic and Extrinsic Religious Orientation and Mental Health. Pakistan Journal of Psychology, 50(1). Retrieved from http://www.pjpku.com/index.php/pjp/article/view/16

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to investigate the association and contribution of intrinsic and extrinsic religious orientation on to mental health. The sample comprised of 76 participants with an age range of 18-50 years (M= 28.34, SD=7.97). The measures administered along with Personal Information Form included: Revised Intrinsic Extrinsic Religious Orientation Scale (Gorsuch & McPherson, 1989), two sub-scales of Psychological Measure of Islamic Religiousness (Abu-Raiya, 2008), Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (Radloff, 1977) and Burns Anxiety Inventory (Burns, 1993). The results of regression analyses revealed both intrinsic and extrinsic dimensions of religious orientation as significant predictors of mental health problems (i.e. depression and anxiety). These findings signify the protective role of intrinsic religious orientation for mental health whereas along with a proclivity towards mental health problems with an extrinsic religious orientation is evident. Limitations and implications of findings were discussed.

Presented paper ‘Social Identity, Partisanship and Student Activism: A Qualitative Study’  2012                    

Social Intervention International Conference University of Karachi in Liaison with the US Consulate General Karachi | Pakistan