Kipling’s Depiction of the Great Game Between British India and Czarist Russia

This article provides valuable information about the living conditions of Muslims of the Pak-Afghan Region in the context of revisiting Rudyard Kipling’s view of the Great Game of the 19th century between Great Britain and Russia that roughly continued for about a century beginning in the second decade of the 19th century to the signing of the Anglo Russian convention in 1907. In this respect his famous novel, Kim (1901) has been critically examined to establish the political content of his creative work. Coupled with the appreciation of the novel as a great work of art with its many facets and themes, views of Edward Said have been juxtaposed to arrive at a conclusion that the novel is also a celebration of imperialism. In today’s scenario in Central Asia particularly Afghanistan, a revisit of Kipling is an interesting revelation. The discussion also reveals the similarities of the tussle of two centuries back to the realities in the region today. This insight as we appreciate Kipling’s masterpiece novel proves even more eye-catching and real. This paper also examines Peter Hopkirk’s works on the Great Game to historically asses the dialectics of the imperial struggle between the two super powers of the time. In this connection, a brief discussion is available on the three Anglo-Afghan Wars as well as the conflict in Kashgharia. This article presents an overview of the view head by Russians on the conflict which they call Tournament of Shadows or Bolshya Igra involving spies and military personnel. A fresh look at Kipling’s works in general and his novel Kim, in particular, helps explore the very essentials of the working of Imperialism and empire-building, which is the main stay of this paper. A deeper look would understandably unfurl big powers rivalry in general, and the present day security situation in Asia in particular, by going through the works of a great writer; the first Englishman and the youngest recipient for Nobel Prize in Literature (1907).  

Potential of Takaful in Pakistan: Operational and Transformational Paradigm

Takaful is an Islamic way of doing insurance: It proved its viability after several Fatwas were issued by Ulama and Fiqh academies in its favour. Presently, over 100 Takaful and Re-takaful companies as well as Takaful windows under conventional insurance are operating across the world. Enhanced financial performance of selected Takaful companies has shown the growing interest in Takaful business across the world. Insurance comparison in Muslim and advanced countries as well as in the South Asian region has identified low literacy, low GDP per capita and low GDI value as the probable causes of low insurance penetration in Pakistan. Geographical spread of Takaful business and estimated future potential together with the increasing trend of insurance business indicated that potential for Takaful business exists in the country. It urges the policy makers to pay attention to global indicators that might become potential contributors to Takaful business. The study emphasizes that strengthened regulatory standards, with Shari'ah compliance mechanism playing a central role, are essential to transform conventional insurance system and exploit the existing business potential. To further analyze which of the Takaful standards are significantly affecting Takaful practices, a survey of Takaful operators in the country indicated that reporting standards and internal controls have low level of observance in Pakistan. The survey of 150 life insurance customers revealed that majority of the respondents is unaware of Takaful concept. Level of Takaful awareness was found to be significantly associated with the education of the customers, their perceptions about Takaful and their intentions to shift to Takaful Company. Education was found to be the single important factor affecting monthly income of the respondents, their state of mind and hence their awareness about Takaful. The study identifies effective regulatory framework a critical factor for the success of Takaful business in Pakistan. A greater focus on promotion of Takaful and governance issues along with strengthened role of SECP as a regulatory authority is likely to contribute for further growth of Takaful industry in Pakistan.