Introduction to Communication Research: The First Basic Steps

Since the articles publish in Weekend Reviews and journals like Pakistan Perspectives are usually anchored in Communication Research it is incumbent that the first basic steps in that Research are delineated first. The first steps consist of three basic exposures i.e. Selective exposure, selective perception and selective retention. A. Selective exposure means that you expose yourself to those events or developments you’re already familiar with. If that is, if you’re PMLN fan you don’t usually expose yourself to PPP meetings or events. That is you strengthen your already antecedent perception all the more-to the exclusion to other perceptions. B. Selective perception means that even when you expose yourself to selective exposure you try to pursue only those developments or events that you’re at home with. Since you don’t expose yourself to other perceptions you get yourself confirmed or strengthened in your own persistent views. C. Finally, selective retention means that you retain only such perceptions which again are antecedent to your previous perceptions. In any case, the differences wrought by exposing yourself to different views are great, even monumental. This is seen in the respective stance of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi on the federal part of the Government of India Act, 1935-1940. Jinnah use to expose himself to all sorts of document, word by word and formulated his stance in the light of his readings.

Diversity, Distribution and Sustainability of Western Himalayan Highland Flora of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Species composition and vegetation structure of Western Himalayan alpine and subalpine highlands are among the key components of regional biodiversity. The current research project was designed to investigate the species composition, distribution pattern, conservation status, ecosystem services and sustainability of sub alpine and alpine vegetation zones with reference to environmental and anthropogenic variables in the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Field sampling was carried out at 56 sites in an altitudinal range of 2700 to 4400m in 5 districts of AJK following standard phytosociological protocols. Results revealed a total of 517 plant species recorded from the study area belonging to 78 families and 239 genera; including 9 trees, 51 shrubs, 48 Pteridophytes and 407 herbs. Highland flora showed overwhelming (63.05%) dominance of 14 plant families contributing 326 species out of the total 517 recorded species. Asteraceae was the largest recorded family with 54 species followed by Rosaceae (37 species), Poaceae (35 species) and Lamiaceae (29 species). Analysis of the Biological spectrum of the highland flora revealed Hemicryptophytes as the dominant Life form with 211 species constituting 40.81 % of the local flora whereas Micorphylls were found to be the dominant leaf spectrum with 185 Species (35.78 %). A total of 56 plant communities were established at the sampling sites on the basis of Importance Value Index (IVI) with Salix flabellaris as the most dominant plant species with an IVI of 11.31 followed by Juncus membraneous (10.03), Abies pindrow (9.21), Betula utilus (8.02) and Pinus wallichiana (5.38).The average value of Simpson’s diversity index was calculated to be of 0.92 whereas Shannon-Weiner diversity index as 3.16 for the studied communities. The local flora exhibited an average Menhinick’s richness value of 2.26 with an evenness of 0.62. Plant communities showed an immature succession rate with a low value of community maturity index recorded as 19.13 % attributed to the anthropogenic disturbances and climatic harshness. The contribution of ecosystem services provided by the alpine and subalpine in livelihood of local communities was assessed through socioeconomic surveys in ten remote valleys of AJK. Study area showed large family and herd sizes of 8.95 and 17.96 respectively with a small average land holding of 2.13 ha and an available grazing area of just 0.683. Data revealed 67 plant species having indigenous ethnomedicinal utilizations whereas 24 plant species were used for treatment of veterinary ailments. Wild vegetables were found to be an important component of local food with a total of 34 herb species whereas 53 plant species were recorded to be used as fodder. Collection and trade of 8 mushroom species, especially Morchella esculenta from the forest areas were identified as a significant source of income for locals. Local communities were totally dependent upon the forests for the fuel wood with an average annual consumption of 269 tons/ household. Current study identified anthropogenic impacts including deforestation, overgrazing, overexploitation of medicinal plants and soil erosion as serious threats to the local plant biodiversity. A total of 45 plant species were found to be seriously threatened having very low (<0.05) IVI values in the area. Results of the study might be helpful for the researchers and policy makers to take steps for the conservation of threatened and rare species in the subalpine and alpine vegetation types. We recommend Improvement and implementation of local conservation strategies with an integrated approach involving the local community, government departments and researchers to protect these fragile but immensely important sub alpine and alpine vegetation ecosystems in western Himalayan region of AJK.