Social Science Review Archives publishes new and original research in the fields of development studies, corporate sociology, public policy, psychology, monetary system, political science, linguistics, culture and civilizations, Management science, Islamic finance, English, education, business reforms, regulatory reforms and political economy. The Journal is interested in both theoretical and applied research. Research articles related to public administration and bureaucratic reforms are also welcomed.
Fractured Bonds and Lingering Wounds: Attachment Anxiety as a Predictor of Suicidal Ideation following Long-Term Relationship Dissolution
This study investigated the relationship between attachment anxiety and suicidal ideation following long-term relationship dissolution among Pakistani university students, with a focus on gender differences and the sociocultural context of collectivism. Grounded in attachment theory, the research tested four hypotheses regarding the predictive role of attachment anxiety in suicidality. Descriptive statistics indicated elevated mean levels of attachment anxiety (M = 119.56, SD = 42.63) and moderate suicidal ideation (M = 28.08, SD = 9.27). Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive association between attachment anxiety and suicidal ideation, r(153) = .273, p = .001, while regression analysis demonstrated that attachment anxiety significantly predicted suicidal ideation, accounting for 7.4% of the variance. Gender-specific analyses revealed that the association was significant among females but not among males, despite comparable effect sizes. These findings confirm that attachment anxiety is a significant predictor of suicidal ideation in the aftermath of relational dissolution, particularly within Pakistan’s collectivist context. The study highlights the interplay between psychological vulnerabilities and sociocultural pressures, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive interventions.
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Examining Effect of Online and Offline Perceived Social Support on Burnout in University Students
This study examined the effects of perceived online and offline social support on academic burnout among Pakistani university students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 151 students aged 18–25 years, who completed adapted items from the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS; Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, & Farley, 1988) to assess online and offline support, and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory–Student version (OLBI-S; Demerouti, Bakker, Vardakou, & Kantas, 2003) to measure burnout. Results indicated that students reported greater offline support compared to online support, while overall burnout levels were moderate. Contrary to expectations, higher levels of both online and offline perceived support were positively associated with burnout, with multiple regression analyses showing that these two predictors jointly explained approximately 21% of the variance in burnout scores (R² = .21, p < .001). Gender-specific analyses revealed that the positive associations were stronger among men (β = .34, p < .01) than women (β = .19, p < .05). These findings suggest that rather than buffering against burnout, perceived support may reflect reactive support-seeking among students already experiencing academic strain. The results highlight the importance of considering the quality and context of support, as well as cultural and gendered dynamics in its effectiveness. Limitations include reliance on self-report measures, scale reliability concerns, and the cross-sectional design, which precludes causal inference. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to clarify whether social support functions as a protective factor or is mobilized in response to burnout. The study underscores the need for gender-sensitive interventions and a focus on enhancing the authenticity and effectiveness of both online and offline support systems in higher education.
Social Media Addiction and Academic Engagement: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem among University Students
The fast growth of social media has significantly altered the academic and social life of university students; however, overindulgence in the sphere has caused justified fears about the psychological and academic health. Using the prism of the social comparison theory and self-esteem theory, the current question examines the complex of social media addiction and academic performance, making self-esteem an intermediate variable. The quantitative design was chosen, and the information was collected with the help of structured questionnaires among university students. The analytical stage used the IBM SPSS and the PROCESS Macro. Findings show that there is a negative correlation between social media addiction and self-esteem, and self-esteem has a positive predictive value on academic engagement. Mediation analyses establish that self-esteem moderately mediates the correlation between social media addiction and academic involvement. The outcomes of these studies highlight the urgency of adopting healthy social media behaviors and strengthening the self-esteem of the students to enhance their academic activities.
Sustainability in Practice: Furniture Upcycling as A Pedagogical Framework for Circular Design Education
The consumption of linear furniture causes a lot of waste, especially in the situations when the discarded ones are regularly delivered to the landfills even though they still have material and functional potential. To resolve this discrepancy between material worth and disposal procedures is essential to developing the strategies of the circular economy. This paper explores the topic of furniture upcycling as an environmental intervention and a pedagogic methodology of modern design education. Undergraduate design students worked in a learned studio (integrating manual fabrication and digital design tools) using a project-based learning framework to disassemble, redesign, and reassemble discarded wooden furniture. Environmental, educational, and design outcomes in terms of furniture upcycling were evaluated by means of a mixed-methods approach. Environmental assessment was done on the material recovery, landfill waste diversion, approximated carbon reductions and the durability of furniture. Questionnaires and student diaries were used to assess the outcomes of education. The results indicate that furniture upcycling is an efficient way to save the material and decrease waste, raise the awareness of sustainability, the knowledge of the circular economy, and the skill of problem-solving among students. The project led to the change in the perception of discarded furniture to a valuable design resource and enables the incorporation of discarded furniture as a tool of designing curricula and shows the possibility of community sustainability programs and environmental education.
From Policy Documents to Daily Practice: Administrators’ Perspectives on Implementing Educational Technologies in Pakistan
Policymaking in educational technology today is more focused on digital transformation, innovation, and efficiency; although the directives of policies are translated into the organizational practice, the latter is still unequal. This research investigates the views of educational administrators on the adoption of educational technologies in Pakistani education system schools and colleges with respect to policy document interpretation, negotiation and implementation in day to day administration and teaching situations. The research problem is a typical gap between the intentions on policies and their real practice in institutions. The main aim of the research was to understand the experience, interpretations, and difficulties of administrations to operationalize technology related policies. A qualitative research design was used whereby semi-structured interviews with public and private institutions administrators were conducted in order to gather data. The research presupposed that institutional capacity, leadership discretion and contextual constraints influence policy enactment, and the boundary conditions were introduced in terms of infrastructure, professional growth and accountability mechanisms. Results have shown that administrators tend to change, redefine, or choose not to follow policy directives as they do not fit the local realities leading to partial and imbalanced technology adoption. The results are not only in line with the international research on policy enactment but also provide context-specific results in Pakistan. The paper has found that administrators have a monumental negotiative role in mediating policy hopes and daily education exercise.
Parental Silence and Withdrawal in Inclusive Education: A Qualitative Exploration of Non-Participation in Pakistani Schools
Parental engagement is often considered as a pillar in the effective inclusive education, but not much attention has been paid to some parents who continue being not engaged or even disengage with the process of engaging. This paper examines the parental silence and withdrawal in inclusive primary and secondary schools in Pakistan paying attention to non-participation as a social phenomenon to be practiced but not a lack of interest. The study issue revolves around the fact that the discourse of inclusive education always focuses on interpreting the aspect of parents non-involvement as disengagement, which does not take into consideration such structural, cultural, and emotional determinants that predetermine participation. The main aim of the paper was to study the meaning of parental silence as perceived by teachers and school administrators and meaning of withdrawal as perceived and rationalized by parents. A qualitative research design was used in gathering the data which followed the semi-structured interviews with parents, teachers and school leaders of both the public and private schools in Pakistan. This study had its assumption that parental participation is mediated socially and culturally with the boundary conditions being influenced by power relations, institutional norm, and disability stigma. This finding shows that parental silence is usually a sign of fear of being labeled, distrust of institutions, and a sense of powerlessness and not apathy. These findings are based on new global findings on silent participation and bring in country specific findings in Pakistan. The research paper finds that the concept of silence as a communicational event is critical to creating more inclusive and sensitive family-school partnerships.
The Effectiveness of Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and EE Toward Enriching IG in Pakistan: The Moderating Role of EI
This paper looks into the contribution of the (DEE) towards assisting people in low-income households in Pakistan to generate income. In particular, it explores whether the involvement in a DE ecosystem can contribute to the increase in income and the promotion of entrepreneurship among the university students. The survey which was made up of 500 students of five Pakistani state universities was conducted online and analysed with the help of the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that DE has a positive impact on income-generating among B40 students in the university level. Besides, the findings show that EI moderates such that it reinforces the correlation between (DEE) and IG. In general, the research illustrates that DE with the help of technological involvement gives B40 students in Pakistan a feasible chance to earn revenues and engage in viable entrepreneurial activities. The results are valuable as they can be used by (HEI) and policymakers in order to encourage inclusive economic growth by means of (DE).
Influence of Islamization and Propaganda in Curriculum of Higher Secondary Education in Pakistan: A Study of the Sindh Textbook Board of Pakistan
The phenomenon of language is undoubtedly social, and its primary function is to facilitate interaction with the world. The content of The English Language textbook of Class 9 published by the Sindh Textbook Board of Sindh, Pakistan, under study portrays language as a rather aggressive instrument of indoctrination as well as exclusion from the dominantly marginalized categories. This study employed the CDA framework attributed to Fair Clough 1995 as a lens to expose the covert preconceptions concerning the discourse within the textbook. English in Pakistan is taught as a curriculum subject in the context of L2 Acquisition. However, the textbook language structures have interwoven and overt ideological patterns Rahman (2002). The primary target of the language textbooks is learners, with the intent to embrace indoctrination as a primary tool of Islamization and glorification of war and war heroes. This study found ‘Critical Discourse Analysis’ level pertaining to Text to be overused. The inescapable conclusion is that language textbooks owe it to users to be free from indoctrination and assist learners in developing a critical stance to provide divergent thinking necessary to sustain the ever-changing context of the modern world. Designers and policymakers are advised to concentrate on the language learning components and the content of the learning materials, rather than on content-focused instructional materials. This focus on research will help policymakers and educators conceptualize why indoctrination should be discouraged in the education process- Language, in its essence, should be taught unfiltered.
Economic Discourse and Feminism: A Study of Politeness Maxims of Blome’s Selected Speeches
This research examines the convergence of economic language and feminism through an examination of the application of Geoffrey Leech's (1983) politeness maxims to the selected speeches made by Ambassador Donald Blome. The aim is to investigate how the maxims of tact, generosity, and modesty construct an inclusive and respectful discourse that embodies feminist and humanistic principles. The study employs a qualitative, textual and discourse analysis approach, in which language is regarded as a way of constructing social meaning and constructing perception. The analysis reveals the profound impact of Blome's speeches in promoting gender equality. He repeatedly employs politeness strategies to describe economic themes in a manner that stresses cooperation, mutual respect, and gender equality. The tact maxim prevents imposition, the generosity maxim facilitates mutual good, and the modesty maxim facilitates a tone of humility and cooperation. These maxims lead to a discourse that reconciles economic aims with inclusive and feminist goals, inspiring hope for a more equitable future. The findings indicate that politeness is not only a rhetorical strategy but also a means of socio-political involvement promotion. By integrating feminist issues into economic discourse, Blome's speech promotes extended involvement and increases the economic practice's credibility. This research provides utilitarian implications in diplomatic and policy communication, demonstrating how politeness strategy can promote audience receptiveness and inclusive debate. This research is original in its integration of politeness theory, feminist discourse analysis, and diplomatic speech, an approach that remains largely unexplored in academic studies. This combination offers a structured and comprehensive understanding of the research focus.
Punishment without Reform? A Qualitative Case Study of Rehabilitation, Recidivism, and Post-Conflict Corrections in Swat Jail, Pakistan
This study is situated within the broader debate on punishment versus rehabilitation in correctional systems, with particular attention to post-conflict prison settings in Pakistan. In districts such as Swat, where incarceration is shaped by legacies of militancy, overcrowding, and limited institutional capacity, correctional practices remain largely punitive despite growing global evidence supporting rehabilitation. Understanding how inmates and correctional staff experience and perceive punishment- and rehabilitation-oriented approaches is essential for informing sustainable prison reform, improving institutional stability, and reducing recidivism. The study aims to examine the lived experiences of inmates and correctional staff in Swat Jail, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and to assess the perceived impacts of punishment and rehabilitation on inmate behavior, psychological well-being, and post-release reintegration, while situating these findings within national and international correctional frameworks. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with inmates and correctional staff in Swat Jail and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis, guided by the Risk–Need–Responsivity (RNR) model. The findings indicate that punishment-focused correctional practices generate resentment, psychological distress, and behavioral withdrawal among inmates, often undermining institutional order rather than promoting reform. In contrast, rehabilitation-oriented interventions—including vocational training, education, psychological counseling, and moral guidance—were associated with positive behavioral change, improved mental well-being, enhanced self-worth, and greater readiness for lawful living. Correctional staff corroborated these outcomes, reporting fewer conflicts and improved cooperation among inmates engaged in rehabilitation programs. Post-release accounts further suggested that participation in rehabilitation reduced employment barriers and recidivism risk. The study concludes that punishment alone is insufficient for long-term crime reduction in post-conflict settings, and that rehabilitation represents a humane, effective, and sustainable complement to accountability. Policy implications emphasize expanding rehabilitation programs, investing in staff training, and strengthening post-release support mechanisms within Pakistan’s correctional system.
The Impacts of Sectarian Violence on the People of District Kurram
Sectarian violence remains a persistent social problem in District Kurram, affecting social cohesion, economic stability, psychological wellbeing, and access to essential services. This study examines the impacts of sectarian violence on residents of Upper, Central, and Lower Kurram using a mixed-methods approach. A total of 155 questionnaires were administered through random sampling, and five in-depth interviews were conducted to explore lived experiences. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to contextualize statistical findings. Results indicate that sectarian violence significantly disrupts community cohesion, restricts mobility, weakens livelihoods, and increases fear, trauma, and mistrust among residents. The study concludes that sectarian violence is a multidimensional social problem requiring integrated structural, psychological, and policy interventions.
Exploring Role of Principals in Managing Conflicts through Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities at Secondary School Level in District Khyber
School is a body in which different stakeholders are involved for its right functioning and due to their differences, conflicts are investable in school. This research is aimed at exploring the role of principals in managing conflicts through curricular and co-curricular activities at secondary school in district Khyber. To achieve the objectives of research, narrative research design was adopted. Total ten principals and ten teachers from districts Khyber and Orakzai were selected through purposive sampling techniques as sample. Data was collected through the conduction of semi-structured interviews and was analyzed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that principals are using different strategies for conflicts avoidance and resolution at secondary schools level. The findings of study revealed that conflicts at secondary school level are resolved through the use of proper balance between curricular and co-curricular activities. This research concluded that students’ engagement in curricular and co-curricular along with proper balance between them is the technique used by principals in managing conflicts at secondary school level in district Khyber. This study recommended that both curricular and co-curricular activities are important for smooth operation of schools and policy makers may initiate proper balancing mechanism for their inclusion in daily timetable.
How Robust is the Developing Doctrine of Corporate Criminal Liability in Pakistan, and to What Extent Can Legal Persons Be Effectively Investigated and Sanctioned Under the Current Procedural Framework?
This research article provides a critical analysis of the developing doctrine of corporate criminal liability in Pakistan. It examines the robustness of the legal framework, primarily anchored in the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Companies Act 2017, and evaluates the extent to which legal persons can be effectively investigated and sanctioned under the current procedural architecture. The analysis reveals a doctrine that is formally established but practically frail, characterized by statutory recognition coexisting with profound enforcement challenges. Key impediments include reliance on the restrictive "identification principle," fragmented and capacity-constrained investigative agencies, and sanctions that lack deterrence and proportionality. The article identifies significant research gaps, notably the absence of empirical data on enforcement outcomes and the need for a systematic evaluation of regulatory coordination. It proposes a mixed-methods research methodology combining doctrinal, comparative, and empirical approaches to generate actionable insights. The study concludes that while Pakistan has laid a normative foundation aligned with international obligations, substantive reform is imperative to translate legal liability into effective corporate accountability.
Evaluating the Efficacy of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) Doctrine in the Prevention of Mass Atrocity Crimes
Mass atrocity crimes prevention remains one of the major dilemmas facing the current international law and world governance. Following the deceptions of the international community to prevent genocides and rampant crimes against civilians in the late twentieth century, the concept of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) became a normative approach that aimed at balancing the sovereignty of states and the duty to protect of the population against genocides, crimes against humanity, and war-related crimes as well as ethnic cleansing. This study attempts a critical evaluation of the effectiveness of R2P in preventing crimes against humanity on mass scales using factors such as legal underpinnings, institutionalization and field practice. The study places R2P in the context of the whole development of international law, and questions its historical precursors with the international humanitarian law, international criminal law and international human rights law and its formal recognition in the United Nations world summit in 2005. It breaks down the tripartite structure of R 2 P and appraises how the principle of sovereignty and non- interception theories as mutually supportive has been transformed by the doctrine in question. This investigation, by selectively questioning the main case studies, such as Libya (2011), Syria, Myanmar (the Rohingya crisis) and the Israel Palestine situation, reveals the asymmetric application of R2P and the powerful impact of the politics in the United Nations Security Council. Its results fill in a long-term gap between the normative promise of R2P and its empirical results. Though the doctrine has elicited much discussion about atrocity prevention, early warning, and accountability measures, it has not been able to prevent and end the mass atrocity crimes at all times. Pickiness, Council of Security paralysis and militarization fears and shortage in accountability still puts limits on its success. Nonetheless, the principle that sovereignty contains duties and that mass atrocity crimes are the matters that ought to have a lawful international interest has been reiterated through R2P.The article finds that R2P is not a legal rule but a passing normative tool that is mainly a soft-law tool. It argues that the strengthening of R2P requires further emphasis on the preventive elements, the legal boundaries of the step, the restrictive use of the veto in the cases of atrocities, and the increased collaboration with the stakeholders in the regions and the country. The solution to these dilemmas can help R2P to better fulfill its initial mandate in guaranteeing the populations of states against extreme violence without undermining legitimacy of the international law order.
The Influence of Flexible Working Hour Arrangements and Work-Life Balance on Job Satisfaction
The study analyzes the relationship using a pragmatic mixed method approach between organizational work models and employees’ job satisfaction. Data collected from two companies in Pakistan: Novatex, which runs under flexible arrangements of work, and Aromarts, which follows a fixed schedule of work. Quantitative data, collected through structural questions (Q5 – Q15), revealed a strong positive relation between flexible work arrangements and job satisfaction. Regression analysis further indicated that flexibility is an important predictor of employees’ satisfaction, while work life balance did not mediate in relationships between fixed schedules and satisfaction. Hypothesis testing supported H1, confirmed the positive effects of flexible arrangements, while rejecting H2 and H3, which indicates the fixed scheduled do not significantly improve satisfaction and that work life balance does not work as a mediator in this context. Qualitative results from semi-structured interviews with HR professionals highlight three main themes autonomy, work life balance, and organizational support which align with quantitative results. These insights show that flexible enhance employees control their systems, reduces stress, and supports high overall satisfaction. The study concluded that implementing flexible work structures is beneficial for the well being of employees and should be preferred in modern human resource policies. By connecting both quantitative and qualitative perspectives, research provides a comprehensive understanding of how flexible work models affect employees’ satisfaction and offer practical guidance for organizations trying to improve work force management and performance.
Economic Determinants Influencing the Adoption of Environmental Sustainability in Construction Projects: Empirical Evidence from Punjab, Pakistan
Construction industry is an important factor in the economic growth and infrastructural development of the developing economies, but its high pace has negatively impacted the environment because of the poor adaption of sustainable construction standards. Although the growing focus on environmental sustainability is being witnessed across the globe, its introduction in construction projects in the developing-country setting is limited by economic factors. This paper analyses the economic factors that determine the implementation of environmental sustainability in building projects in Punjab, Pakistan, based on triple bottom line approach. The quantitative cross-sectional research design was used and 100 construction project engineers were used as primary data by a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis in SPSS were used to analyze the data. The empirical findings show that high initial cost of sustainable materials negatively impact the adoption of sustainability (β = -0.41, p < 0.01), which means that the sector is very sensitive to costs. Lack of financial incentives and government subsidies also exhibit a strong negative correlation with sustainability adoption (β = -0.29, p < 0.05), which supports the tendency of firms to use traditional methods of construction. Less confidence in the return on investment also has a negative impact on adoption decisions (β = -0.33, p = 0.01) especially on those projects with short financial goals. Stakeholder demand, by contrast, has a positive, though less significant impact on sustainability adoption (β = 0.18, p < 0.05), which indicates low levels of market awareness and client pressure to go green with construction. The regression model can account about 62 percent of the change in sustainability (R 2 = 0.62), which highlights the preeminent role of economic factors on any sustainability-related decision. Its results offer solid empirical evidence based on the situation in developing countries, and emphasize how specific financial contributions, subsidy systems, and policy measures are necessary to make rapid progress towards the use of environmentally friendly construction methods.
Reevaluating the Meritocracy Myth: How Promotion Criteria, Algorithmic Scoring, and Generative-AI Screening Shape Long-Term Organizational Productivity
This study re-examined the assumption that promotion systems and advanced HR technologies operate under neutral meritocratic principles. It explored how formal promotion criteria, algorithmic scoring tools, and generative-AI screening shaped long-term organizational productivity, with particular attention to perceptions of fairness, transparency, and legitimacy. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining survey data from employees, managers, and HR professionals with qualitative interviews from AI-enabled organizations. Quantitative analysis revealed that although algorithmic and AI-driven HR processes increased administrative efficiency and consistency, these technologies did not independently predict higher productivity. Instead, perceived fairness and transparency emerged as significantly stronger predictors of employee engagement and productivity outcomes. Regression analysis further indicated that fairness perceptions exerted the largest influence on productivity compared with algorithmic scoring and AI screening mechanisms. Qualitative findings supported these results, showing that employees were more likely to accept AI-mediated decisions when clear explanations, human oversight, and accessible appeals processes were present. Conversely, opaque or fully automated systems were associated with distrust, perceived bias, and weaker motivational outcomes. The study concluded that AI should complement, rather than replace, human decision-makers and that responsible governance frameworks were necessary to ensure equity and sustained performance benefits. Recommendations focused on transparency design, hybrid decision structures, bias audits, and digital literacy development. Future research was suggested in cross-cultural contexts, longitudinal adoption effects, and explainable-AI applications in HR decision-making.
Decoherence Control in Open Quantum Systems for Scalable Quantum Technologies
Quantum communication provides essentially secure transmission of information and quantum sensing provides measurement sensitivities better than classical. These powers come because of unique quantum processes, especially superposition and entanglement. Although there is a significant theoretical and experimental development, the phenomenon of decoherence is still one of the main limiting factors in performance and scalability of quantum devices. The importance of this study is that it considers an active approach to decoherence as one of the key impediments to scalable quantum technologies. Although the research on the noise sources and error mechanisms has been done extensively, the characterization is not enough to be applied to the real world. This study makes use of a theoretical and computation effort to explore scalable quantum technologies integrated decoherence control strategies. The research paper is based on the open quantum systems framework, in which quantum systems are represented as finite-dimensional systems that interact with the external environment. The findings of the study highlight that active decoherence control plays an important role in enhancing performance of open quantum systems. Without any control, the simulated quantum system is characterized by a fast decoherence time, coherence times are short, about 20 u ms, and the physical error rate is about 2.5%. The hybrid strategy is a feasible way to achieve fault-tolerant quantum operation and the transition point between theory-based control architectures and experimental hardware limitations, thus speeding up the development of reliable large-scale quantum technologies. The findings affirm that each of the isolated methods like dynamical decoupling, quantum error correction, or reservoir engineering can only be a partial solution when used alone. Adaptive and real-time control schemes responding dynamically to changing noise environments also require further research to develop them.
The Impact of Training and Development on Employee Performance
This research is about understanding the role of training and development in improving employee performance at Bank Al Habib. The study was mainly carried out to check if training sessions and development activities actually help employees do their jobs better in the banking sector. For this purpose, a quantitative method was followed. The data was gathered through a questionnaire that had 26 questions. These questions were related to employee training, development practices, and overall job performance. The study was conducted using a sample of 150 employees working at Bank Al Habib. After collecting the data, it was analyzed with statistical techniques similar to SPSS, such as descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation, and regression analysis. The results showed that both training and development have a positive and significant effect on employee performance. However, development was found to have a slightly stronger impact when compared to training. The reliability test also showed that the questionnaire was consistent, while the correlation results indicated strong positive relationships between the study variables. Overall, the findings highlight that continuous training and development programs play an important role in improving employee efficiency, productivity, and job performance. The study concludes that proper investment in human resource development is very important for improving organizational performance in the banking sector. Based on these results, practical recommendations have been suggested for Bank Al Habib to further improve its training and development practices.
Early Identification of Hearing Loss in Children and its Impact on language Development
Hearing loss in early childhood can significantly impede language acquisition, cognitive development, and social integration, making timely detection a critical public health priority. Early identification is associated with improved language outcomes, yet many children experience delays in diagnosis, limiting the effectiveness of interventions. This study aimed to examine the impact of early identification of hearing loss on language development in children. A mixed-methods design was employed, involving 120 children aged 6 months to 5 years with permanent hearing loss, divided into early (≤6 months) and late (>6 months) identification groups. Standardized language assessments, including the Preschool Language Scale-5 and MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories, were used to evaluate expressive and receptive language. Auditory performance was measured through aided audiometry and speech perception tests, while qualitative interviews with parents and clinicians captured intervention experiences and family engagement. Results indicated that children identified early achieved significantly higher scores in both expressive and receptive language domains, demonstrated better auditory performance, and required fewer compensatory interventions than those identified later. Regression analysis confirmed age at diagnosis as a strong independent predictor of language outcomes, even after controlling for socioeconomic and environmental factors. Qualitative findings highlighted that timely intervention and active parental involvement were key facilitators of successful language development. In conclusion, early identification of hearing loss markedly enhances language development and auditory outcomes in children. Future research should explore long-term cognitive and social outcomes and develop accessible, family-centered intervention strategies to ensure equitable support for all children with hearing impairment.
استدلال بالحدیث اور مکتب فقہ مالکی وشافعی (Deriving Rules From The Hadith and Malki,Shafi School of Jurisprudence)
The process of deriving rulings from hadiths and the role of gentleness in such derivations have been examined and verified. There is a notable diversity in the methods of derivation and inference, a variation that existed even among the Companions. Differences in interpretation stem from varying understandings of the texts and differing identifications of the causes or contexts within the hadiths. Similar variations are found among other Islamic scholars and jurists, including the four prominent imams. This article reviews the methods of derivation and inference specific to the Malki,Shafi school of jurisprudence, exploring the principles and rules employed in inferring rulings.
Parental Socioeconomic Status and Digital Academic Engagement of University Students in AJK, Pakistan
The research question is the ways in which socioeconomic status of parents affects access of and utilization of digital academic services by the university students and their satisfaction with the services and challenges they face in the institutions of higher learning in Azar Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. This work is the result of increased importance of the digital tools in the academic use as well as the overall trend of the digital divide which seems to be correlated with socioeconomic differences. A sample size of 124 university students was picked and the structured questionnaire was carried to them, chosen of various backgrounds. It gathered socio-demographic variables, SES variables (parents education level, occupation, and household income), and digitization access variables (ownership of devices, availability of internet, frequency of use, and number of hours of use per day) and variables of satisfaction (perceived effectiveness, effects of performance, and availability). The initial descriptive statistics was that students who belonged to higher SES families possessed their own personal devices, had good access to internet, and used the digital resources more often than those belonging to lower SES-groups. Chi-square test and ANOVA tests revealed that the digital satisfaction and internet access were dependent on income and education. Lastly, the level of SES groups experienced a higher number of barriers such as financial and lack of connectivity, as well as institutional support that added to the structural discrimination of digital access. The results indicate that this should be done through policy formulation, the institutional investments in infrastructures and developing insights in digital literacy so that the accrued benefits of the entire population can be equally obtained by all and inclusive in accessing to digital educational materials.
Class Privilege and Female Autonomy: Economic Independence as Feminist Resistance in Pride and Prejudice and Unmarriageable
This article examines how class privilege mediates women's capacity for resistance in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (1813) and Soniah Kamal's Unmarriageable (2019), analyzing the complex relationship between economic resources and feminist autonomy. Through comparative textual analysis grounded in Marxist feminist and intersectional frameworks, the study demonstrates that while both Elizabeth Bennet and Alys Binat employ intellectual resistance against patriarchal marriage pressures, their ability to sustain such resistance depends fundamentally on class advantages unavailable to less privileged women. The analysis reveals that Charlotte Lucas's pragmatic marriage and the employment constraints faced by the Binat sisters illustrate how economic vulnerability forecloses genuine choice, making resistance a luxury of the relatively privileged. By comparing Regency England's entailment system with contemporary Pakistan's dowry culture, the article shows that despite temporal and cultural differences, economic dependence remains the primary mechanism through which patriarchy constrains female agency. The findings contribute to comparative feminist literary criticism by demonstrating that representations of female autonomy must account for class stratification; protagonists' triumphant endings depend on fortunate circumstances that most women do not enjoy, revealing the limitations of individualist feminist resistance without systemic economic change.
Lexiconal Research of Al-Muddasar (الْمُدَّثِّرُ)
To earn fame and popularity among Muslim people, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Pervaiz got himself in deep research of Quranic teachings, for about fifty years, as a result of which, he wrote, several books, that added feathers to his reputation. His literature won great acceptance from the western secular and atheist scholars, but an intense opposition and repugnance from the theological Muslim scholars of all over the Muslim world, due to the fact, that Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Pervaiz absolutely misinterpreted the Holy Quran, based on his Quranic lexicon لغات القرآن , full of falsification, because the meaning of Quranic words in this book لغات القرآن , have mercilessly been altered. Here is a Quranic word المدثر , grammatically it belongs to measure تفعل , but during its lexiconal research, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Pervaiz, alleviated this word, deliberately or mistakenly, regarding it to be on the measure of تفعیل , it is the same pattern, on which the real sense of word المزمل was absolutely distorted. However, the writer of this treatise, has tried his best, not only to unveil and explain the real purport of this word المدثر , but also to expose the fallacies, flaws and faults, committed by Ghulam Ahmad Pervaiz in his lexiconal research.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) as a Predictor of Individual Work Performance: A Higher-Order Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Approach
The objective of the research was to examine the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Individual Work Performance (IWP) among medical professionals serving at teaching hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The design applied was a quantitative approach where data was gathered from 377 medical doctors who were involved in clinical and teaching services in three public teaching hospitals and three private teaching hospitals within district Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The data was analyzed through Smart-PLS 4.1 by using Higher-Order Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). By so doing the EI and IWP have been modeled as multidimensional constructs with four sub-dimensions (Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Management of EI; Task, Contextual, Adaptive, and Counterproductive performance of IWP). The results of the structural model analysis confirm a positive and statistically significant relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Individual Work Performance as the correlation between EI and IWP has a positive and significant path coefficient (β = 0.868). Therefore, the research study can be included into the field of knowledge associated with the subject of Healthcare Management by demonstrating that Emotional Intelligence is not the collection of supplementary features but the primary cause of professional resilience and better service delivery in health setting of the KP’s teaching hospitals. The results provide valid empirical basis on the idea that in the models of medical residency programs and professional development, the emotional intelligence training should be included by the hospital administrators to establish a stable performance in a resource-restricted medical environment.
Climate-Induced Migration and Urban Poverty in Pakistan: Evidence from ARDL Time-Series Analysis
In developing countries, climate change has become a major source of internal displacement and socio-economic exposure and has important implications on urban poverty. Pakistan is considered as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world and has encountered frequent floods, temperature rises, and even greater variability of rainfall, which have had devastating effects on rural livelihoods and rural-urban migration. This is an empirical study that investigates the effect of climate caused migration on City poverty in Pakistan between 1990-2025. The time-series data used is annual; the bounds-testing method of Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) is used to derive the estimate of long run relationships, and an Error Correction Model (ECM) is used to represent short run dynamics. The findings verify the existence of stable long run relationship between climate variables, migration induced urbanisation and urban poverty. The mean temperature and precipitation are observed to have positive and significant impacts on urban poverty meaning that climatic stress is a worsening factor to poverty outcomes. These findings are supported by short-run outcomes, and the error correction mechanism suggests that the adjustment to the long-run equilibrium occurs rather fast. The research concludes that climate change is a multiplier of poverty in Pakistan through migration of rural climate shocks into urban deprivation. The results emphasise the need to implement combined measures that can be used to enhance the climate resilience of the rural area, deal with migration, and create inclusive and climate-resilient cities.
Integration of Digital Tools and AI in STEAM Education: A Comparative Analysis
This current research paper explores the application of digital devices and artificial intelligence (AI) in the functioning of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) educators through comparative analysis of two groups of teachers: those actively using digital and AI-based instruction tools and those who do not. Although some parts of the world are at a global path towards technology-enabled learning, many gaps still exist in the research regarding the impact of these tools on STEAM pedagogy, teacher competence, student engagement, and classroom innovations. To resolve such vacuums, the study uses the Independent Sample t -tests to determine statistically significant differences between the two groups on a variety of key dimensions, such as instructional efficacy, assessment policies, perceived challenges, and the global efficacy of the self implementing STEAM education. The evidence shows that teachers who use digital and artificial intelligence are characterized by a much greater degree of teaching creativity, increased efficiency of classroom management, and more extensive application of multifaceted and interdisciplinary tasks. But the underlying systemic obstacles comprising limited access to professional training, lack of proper infrastructure and formalised policy provision is rife in both groups despite their adoption of technology. This comparative analysis can be productive in the literature on STEAM, as it provides evidence-based information on the transformative nature of digital and AI integration. Moreover, it contains practical recommendations of teacher professional growth, institutional capacity development and future research directions of honing the role of technology on STEAM-based education.
From Connectivity to Dependency: A Comparative Analysis of China's BRI through CPEC in Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a Chinese-launched project in 2013 that is a revolution in connecting, trading, and influencing Eurasia and the world at large. This paper attempts a comparative examination of BRI implications on two South Asian key developing economies, Pakistan as a participant, via project China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Sri Lanka via the Hambantota Port projects. Based on qualitative case studies and secondary data between the period of 2020 and 2026, the study will discuss how the BRI facilitates economic integration and the promotion of infrastructure building and in the process redefines the regional power relations. The main findings are to focus on the better energy security, the creation of employment opportunities, and the connection of the regions to each other, contrasted with the threat of the dependency on debt, the issues of sovereignty, and the growth of the Sino-Indian competition. CPEC forms better strategic relationships with China but worsens the relationship with India regarding the contested territories in Pakistan. The debt relief measures in Sri Lanka have increased perceptions of the so-called debt-trap diplomacy, and it is changed in Indian Ocean geopolitics. This paper highlights the multipurpose nature of the BRI as an economic facilitator and instrument of the revisionist objectives of China hence threatening the hegemony of the United States and India in South Asia. Suggestions on sustainable management of debts and multilateral control as solutions to reduce the risks are included, as a part of the extensive debates on world infrastructure projects and their geopolitical impacts.
Linguistic Hybridization in Pakistani English Newspapers
English is an international language of business, education, science and technology. In Pakistan people use Urdu words in English language to perform various functions in their local context. People of any bilingual society borrow cultural or political words and use them in foreign language. As Haugen (1950) says borrowing is an attempt; used by a speaker to reproduce in one language patterns which he has learnt in another. This research highlights inclusion of Urdu words in English newspapers published in Pakistan through descriptive analysis by enlisting them. Data has been collected from two most famous and widely read English newspapers in Pakistan: THE DAWN and THE DAILY TIMES. The research is beneficial for those individuals and institutions who are involved in teaching, learning, assessing and language policymaking. It gives an insight about inclusion of Urdu words in English newspapers for setting borrowing strategies and developing acceptance mechanism for inclusion of local flavor.
Metaphors of Ashes and Rebirth: Existential Healing and Ecological Regeneration in Shafak’s The Island of Missing Trees
Recent trends in literary criticism demonstrate a continued interest in the intersections of trauma, memory, and ecology, particularly in postcolonial and diasporic narrative traditions. In The Island of Missing Trees, Shafak’s novel situates individual and collective grief within a living, breathing world of ecological presence, especially from the fig tree’s “non-human” narrative voice. This study examines the novel’s exploration of existential crisis stemming from cultural dislocation, intergenerational pain, and postcolonial identities. It explores how metaphors of ecology operate not merely for semiotic flourish but for narrative purpose, mediating grief, memory, and continuity rather than mere separation or division. At its most fundamental, the research project endeavors to understand how Shafak’s ecological narrative practice reshapes the notion of trauma as a process with non-human temporalities. Focusing on textual critique using principles of existential humanism, trauma theory, and ecocritical approaches, the project examines explanatory narrative events mediated through silence, migration, and memory using the fig tree’s narrative voices. In so doing, the text connects personal to collective memory through the fig tree’s voices against the spatial, temporal shifts between places and time. In doing so, it becomes evident from this research that the fig tree stands not merely for passive meaning but is instead a constitutive factor initiating events from crisis spaces towards opportunities for continuity rather than closure. By so situating, this research projects a healing practice from belonging, relational, and ecological frameworks. By maintaining a narrative interface between memory and ecology, this research project continues the work related to postcolonial literary study, trauma narrative study, and environmental humanities to recognize the capacity for literary practice regarding postcolonial narrative traditions towards coexistence with responsibility for past historical, environmental experiences.
Haunted Histories and Wounded Time: Subaltern Mourning and Postcolonial Resistance in The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
This article examines Shehan Karunatilaka's The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida through the critical lenses of postcolonial theory and Derridean hauntology in order to explore how spectrality functions as a kind of historical critique and ethical resistance in post-conflict Sri Lanka. In the context of civil war, political repression, and forced forgetting, the book explores suppressed histories, silenced voices, and unresolved collective trauma through the ghost of the murdered photojournalist Maali Almeida. Drawing from Jacques Derrida's concept of hauntology, the study argues that the novel subverts linear temporality through what is called "wounded time," a temporal condition in which the past persistently invades the present and rejects the closure or reconciliation imposed by narratives supported by the state. The analysis highlights the limitations of postcolonial transitional justice and the weakness of official historiography by demonstrating how the novel's haunting blurs the boundaries between presence and absence, life and death. By transforming the afterlife into a political arena where repressed truths, forgotten memories, and unacknowledged grief resurface, Maali's spectral journey becomes a sort of subaltern testimony. Photography and storytelling are counter-archival practices that preserve truth outside of institutional control and uphold the ethical necessity of remembrance. The article concludes by arguing that The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida presents a hauntopolitical vision in which remembering becomes a civic duty and mourning becomes an act of resistance. The novel reimagines postcolonial healing as a process that necessitates listening to history's ghosts rather than silencing them by emphasizing the voices of the deceased and vanished.
Strategic Human Resource Management and Organizational Success: A Study of Turnover, Productivity, and Economic Outcomes
In the recent scholarship, Human Resource Management (HRM) has come to be more and more recognized as a strategic activity that can have a significant impact on the behavior of employees, the effectiveness of organizations, and long-term economic results. The current treatise presents a thorough re-statement of how HRM practices influence employee turnover, organizational performance and economic performance with specific reference given to organizations in developing economies. The mixed-methods research design was used to collect quantitative information among HR professionals and managers and qualitative information among senior executives. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was called on to question both direct and indirect relationships among the major variables. Based on the Resource-Based View (RBV), Human Capital Theory, and the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity (AMO) model, the results indicate that a strategic- oriented HRM practices significantly reduce the intention to leave, increase the organizational productivity and economic performance. Moreover, HRM practices and financial results are connected through organizational productivity to some extent. The research has a substantive contribution to the strategic HRM literature, because it combined various dimensions of performance into one analytic framework, without losing references to the original sources; it included other quality scholarly sources. The article has good theoretical input and practical implications to managers and policymakers who want to attain sustainable organizational performance by using efficient HRM systems.
Empowering Rural Women through Microfinance and Skills Development: Evidence from the Sarhad Rural Support Program in District Karak
This study examines how the Sarhad Rural Support Program (SRSP) has succeeded in enhancing access to microfinance and skill development opportunities by women in the District Karak to get employment. Pakistan has a high level of socio-cultural restrictions among rural women restricting their economic activities. Vocational training and financial assistance are some of the SRSP interventions that will help women to become more skilled, confident, and independent. Considering it to be a qualitative study, the study utilized primary data in the form of 12 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) using 30 participants of Tehsil Karak and Tehsil Takht-e-Nasrati. The information was gathered using the Pashto language and then translated into English. Thematic analysis revealed that there were ten major themes, which are skill development, entrepreneurship by microfinance, income generating, household decision-making, collaboration, community recognition, psychological empowerment, cultural barriers, financial independence, intergenerational influence, and sustainable empowerment. The results mean that the economic contribution, self-confidence, and social identity of women have improved greatly owing to the program of SRSP. This paper builds on Microfinance Theory and Women Empowerment Theory by citing how well-planned interventions can facilitate sustainable socio-economic development in conservative rural setting.
Myths and Realities about Swat Conflict: An Oral History
This study employs oral history methodology to explore the lived experiences and personal narratives of male residents affected by the Swat conflict (2007–2009) in Pakistan. Through in-depth interviews with 14 male victims from various tehsils of Swat, the research examines how the conflict was framed and perceived by those who suffered it. Using thematic analysis, the study identifies key narrative frames, including systemic deception, dual victimization, state failure, Taliban deceit, and media portrayal. Findings reveal that civilians perceived both the military and the Taliban as collaborators in a pre-planned conflict, leading to severe socio-economic, psychological, and infrastructural devastation. The research also analyzes the role of local, national, and international media, highlighting their biases, censorship, and failure to represent civilian suffering accurately. The study concludes that the Swat conflict was not merely a territorial struggle but a profound assault on the social effects of the region, with media acting as a tool of state propaganda rather than a voice for the victims.
Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Career Decision Self-Efficacy among Pakistani University Students
University students frequently encounter complex career-related decisions that require emotional regulation, self-awareness, and confidence in handling uncertainty. Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognized as an important psychological resource that may support effective decision-making and strengthen self-beliefs in career planning. Career decision self-efficacy (CDSE) reflects students’ confidence in completing essential career decision tasks, and identifying its predictors is particularly relevant in the Pakistani higher education context. This study examined emotional intelligence as a predictor of overall career decision self-efficacy and its key domains among Pakistani university students. A cross-sectional correlational design was used with 312 university students (174 females, 138 males), aged 18–26 years (M = 21.43, SD = 2.11). Emotional intelligence was measured using the Urdu-adapted Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, while CDSE was assessed using the Urdu version of the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analyses. Emotional intelligence showed significant positive associations with overall CDSE and its domains, including self-appraisal, occupational information, goal selection, planning, and problem-solving (r = .45–.53, p < .001). Regression results indicated that EI significantly predicted overall CDSE (R² = .28, β = .53, p < .001), as well as each CDSE domain (R² = .22–.28, p < .001). These findings suggest that emotional intelligence is a meaningful predictor of career decision self-efficacy among Pakistani university students. Integrating emotional skills training into university-based career guidance may strengthen students’ confidence in career planning and decision-making.
Performance Analysis of Graphene-Reinforced Composite Laminate Wing Skin Using Fluid-Structure Interaction
The development of new aerospace materials has increased the use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) that have a high strength-to-weight ratio. Nevertheless, the current CFRPs have restrictions on stiffness, damage tolerance, and thermal performance in dynamic loading. The influence of graphene-reinforced CFRP composite wing skins on structural and aerodynamic performance is studied using a validated Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) model. To investigate a Selig S1223 airfoil of realistic aerodynamic loading, a coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) framework was created. There were four wing skin designs studied. Conventional CFRP (CWS), Sandwich Composite with Honeycomb (CWSwHC), and Advanced Laminate without Graphene and Graphene-Reinforced CFRP (G-CFRP). The findings indicate that the addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) at 1 wt. The percentage causes a total deformation of about 35 percent, equivalent elastic strain of 40 percent, and equivalent stress up to 50 percent, to be lower than that of a regular CFRP. The enhanced composite made by enhancing with graphene shows better load distribution, better stiffness, and better aeroelastic consistency, which shows its potential in the next generation light-weight and high-performance aerospace structure.
Developing Hybrid Digital Mentorship Models and Micro-Credentialing: A Framework For Professional Excellence and Burnout Prevention
Despite the benefits of mentoring programs, numerous studies have revealed that traditional mentorship programs often encounter difficulties and fail to meet the needs of all educators, resulting in teacher burnout and reduced opportunities for professional excellence. (Gobena, 2022, Monir and Amin, 2018). These challenges include unclear expectations for mentees, a lack of motivation among mentors, limited feedback exchange and poor-quality guidance. Indeed, educators may be reluctant to provide constructive criticism because they are worried about projecting a positive image or being completely open about the current state of the mentoring relationship. Micro-credentials exhibit significant promise with the rise of professional learning strategies for educators. Micro-credentialing and mentorship models together set a learning course that is personalized, relevant, result-oriented, unbiased, scalable, and flexible (Almond, 2020). Therefore, to fulfill the study’s aim, conventional mentorship challenges are addressed to illuminate a transformative change in the hybrid digital mentorship model program and micro-credentialing via Moodle practiced in the contemporary world. A mixed-method design is employed to explore the depth and diversity of experiences. The quantitative data is collected from 50 male and female participants across different colleges and universities in Muscat using the 5-Likert type scale questionnaire, focusing on the following key dimensions: perceptions of micro-credentials, quality of digital mentorship, the usability of Moodle, professional excellence, and burnout prevention. Additionally, the qualitative data consists of open-ended responses, which investigate the mentors’ and mentees’ views on the most vital concerns of mentoring for the effectiveness of the practices. The researchers provided the Participants with an information sheet detailing the study’s purpose, voluntary participation, and assurance of confidentiality and anonymity. This study contributes to the understanding of digital mentorship dynamics and the utilization of collaboration platforms and communication tools to provide insights for enhancing mentorship practices and outcomes via micro-credentialing.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Inclusion Models for Students with Learning Disabilities
This paper presents a discussion on the performance of inclusion models in improving the academic and social performance of learners with learning disabilities in general school curriculums. The study was conducted to establish the perceptions of the teachers, institutional support and the overall effectiveness of inclusive practices in both the public and the private schools. The data were gathered with the help of a quantitative descriptive design and the questionnaire structured to gather information about 200 educators and administrators. Descriptive statistics as well as t-tests and ANOVA were used to test the relationship between teacher preparedness, institutional support and inclusion outcomes. The results showed overall positive views on inclusion, high student integration and social inclusion ratings. Nevertheless, the lack of training opportunities, big classes and inadequate resources within the institution were cited as the primary causes of failure. Formally trained teachers who had more experience showed more positive perceptions in inclusive education. The research arrives at the conclusion that sustained professional growth, institutional facilitation, and fair distribution of resources are the essential factors to the realization of effective and sustainable practice of inclusive education.
Caregiver Mental Health, Adaptive Skills, and Therapeutic Engagement in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Caregivers are essential in influencing developmental patterns and treatment outcomes in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); nevertheless, caregiver mental health has not been adequately integrated into the autism intervention literature and practice. They were based on the family-centered and transactional development frameworks, and this study analyzed the direct and indirect connections between the mental health of caregivers, therapeutic engagement, and adaptive skills among children with ASD. The cross-sectional type of quantitative design was adopted, which entailed a total of 312 caregivers with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD and children aged between 3 and 12 years. Mental health mental health of the caregiver (stress, anxiety, and depressive syndrome) and therapeutic contact (attendance, in-session participation, and home-based implementation) and adaptive skills of the child (communication, daily skills, and socialization) were measured using standardized measures. The analysis of data was done with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, multiple regression analysis, and mediation analysis with bootstrapping. The findings showed that greater amounts of caregiver psychological distress were strongly linked with reduced levels of therapeutic engagement and poor adaptive functioning in all domains. There was a positive relationship between therapeutic engagement and adaptive communication, daily living skills, and socialization. Mediation analyses revealed that therapeutic engagement mediated the relationship between caregiver mental health and child adaptive skills with significant indirect effects found among all adaptive domains. Interestingly, mental health of caregivers remained having a considerable direct effect on adaptive outcomes, which implies a direct and an engagement-mediated influence. These results emphasize the role of caregiver mental health as a severe determinant of intervention participation and development of adaptive skills in the children with ASD. By incorporating mental health assistance of caregivers into the services of autism intervention, it can be expected that therapeutic adherence and maximization of functional outcomes might be achieved.
Implementation Barriers and Affordances of ChatGPT Adoption Among Primary Teachers in Rural Versus Urban Public Government Schools in Pakistan
The mixed-method research was investigating barriers and affordances of implementation of ChatGPT among primary teachers in rural and urban public government schools in Pakistan. Based on the survey responses of 150 primary school educators and semi structured interviews of 20 teachers, having an equal ratio of rural and urban settings, the study pinpointed serious infrastructure, pedagogical, and systemic determinants that affected the integration of ChatGPT. The results showed a significant urban-rural difference in technology access among the teachers, with the rural teachers being severely limited regarding their access to internet connectivity (17% of have access against 78% in urban areas), electricity access, and device access. Nevertheless, the two settings acknowledged the efficiency and content differentiation as well as the engagement of students in the planning of lessons using ChatGPT. Among the barriers were poor technical infrastructure, insufficient formal training, strict curriculum policies, and equity and overdependence of the student concerns. Reduced time of planning, customized content generation, and mixed-ability classroom support were the identified affordances. The paper has arrived at the conclusion that the context-specific infrastructure investment and scaled teacher training models, together with inclusive policies to deal with the digital divide, are needed to implement sustainable integration of ChatGPT in Pakistani state schools. The recommendations are aimed at policymakers, school administrations, and educators to make AI adoption in different resources settings equal.
Reconceptualizing AI in English Language: Prospects and Challenges in Higher Education
Higher education has been transformed very rapidly by AI and more so in English language teaching and learning. This paper reconceptualizes the role of AI in English language education on the opportunities and issues of AI in higher education. In accordance with the existing studies, the literature review determines the possibilities of AI to enhance the process of the personalized learning, translanguaging, and academic writing pedagogy, along with ethical concerns, emotionality, and institutional readiness. The conceptual framing puts the AI on a sociocultural and critical pedagogy framework and views it as a two-sided tool, and a cultural agent. Opportunities and risks are also incorporated in the discussion and ideas of how to integrate responsibly are proposed. The conclusion gives a call to adopt a balanced approach, ethical stance and cross-disciplinary collaboration to ensure that AI has a critical impact in teaching English language in higher education.
The Impact of Outdated Curriculum Content on Academic Performance of 9th Grade Students in Government Secondary Schools of Nawabshah
Curriculum relevance plays a crucial role in shaping students’ academic performance and learning outcomes. This study investigates the impact of outdated curriculum content on the academic performance of 9th grade students in government secondary schools of Nawabshah. The research aims to examine the extent to which obsolete concepts, traditional teaching materials, and a lack of alignment with modern educational needs affect students’ understanding, engagement, and examination results. A quantitative research design was employed, involving a sample of 9th grade students and subject teachers from selected government secondary schools. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and academic performance records, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings reveal that outdated curriculum content significantly hinders students’ conceptual clarity, critical thinking skills, and motivation, resulting in lower academic achievement. The study also highlights teachers’ challenges in delivering content that does not reflect current scientific, technological, and societal developments. Based on the results, the study recommends periodic curriculum revision, integration of contemporary knowledge, and teacher training to enhance instructional effectiveness. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights for curriculum developers, educational policymakers, and school administrators aiming to improve the quality of secondary education in Nawabshah and similar contexts.
Economic Integration under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor: A Comparative Analysis of the Western and Eastern Routes
The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is widely regarded as a transformative initiative for Pakistan’s economic integration; however, its internal route configuration has generated significant political and developmental debate. This study examines economic integration under CPEC through a comparative analysis of its Eastern and Western routes, conceptualizing them as distinct yet interconnected development pathways. Using a qualitative, comparative research design supported by descriptive quantitative indicators, the study relies exclusively on secondary data drawn from official government reports, international development institutions, parliamentary records, and peer-reviewed academic literature. The analysis demonstrates that the Eastern Route, aligned with Pakistan’s established urban industrial core, has delivered faster infrastructure completion, higher investment concentration, improved trade facilitation, and short-term efficiency gains. In contrast, the Western Route traversing historically marginalized regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ex-FATA, and Balochistan has progressed more slowly due to security, terrain, and institutional constraints, yet exhibits stronger potential for inclusive growth, regional equity, and long-term national integration. Comparative evaluation reveals that policy prioritization of efficiency has reinforced existing core periphery disparities, while underinvestment in the Western Route has constrained its integrative capacity. The findings highlight that CPEC’s developmental outcomes are shaped not only by infrastructure economics but also by political economy dynamics, federal–provincial governance asymmetries, and spatial justice considerations. The study concludes that sustainable economic integration under CPEC requires a recalibrated corridor strategy that balances efficiency-driven growth with equity oriented regional development. By integrating both routes within a unified national framework, Pakistan can transform CPEC from a connectivity project into a mechanism for long-term economic cohesion and stability.
Navigating Diasporic Existence: Identity, Belonging and Displacement in Christy Lefteri’s The Beekeeper of Allepo
This study examines how Lefteri constructs diasporic consciousness and trauma as central narrative dynamics that interrogate the complexities of identity, belonging, and forced displacement in a globalized world. The selected novel The Beekeeper of Aleppo brings to light the conflicts between the desire to cling to the country of origin and the need to survive in exile through the character of Nuri Ibrahim who is a Syrian refugee negotiating the physical destruction of war and the psychological burden of loss and memories. Drawing on diaspora studies and postcolonial theory, the study highlights how Lefteri, the novelist, represents displacement as a liminal state where one experiences fractured identity. The novel’s movement between memories of Aleppo and the harsh realities of refugee transit mirrors the sense of disorientation of the diasporic subject, whose identity is disturbed by violence, border controls, and institutional inattentiveness. Finally, this study suggests that The Beekeeper of Aleppo transforms the refugee experience into a broader meditation on global precarity, demonstrating how diasporic identities emerge not only as sites of loss and alienation but also as fragile forms of resilience and ethical resistance in an increasingly dehumanized world.
Representation of Kashmiri Militants as Precipitant Victims: A Systemic Functional Study of Victimization in Scattered souls by Shahnaz Basheer
The Kashmir conflict, a longstanding and globally recognized issue, remains highly susceptible to disturbances stemming from seemingly minor events. This study offers a linguistic analysis of Kashmiri literature, specifically focusing on Shahnaz Basheer's "Scattered Souls." The primary objective is to shed light on the portrayal of Kashmiri militants as precipitant victims and Kashmiri Muslims as victims in general within the text. Drawing from systemic functional linguistic theory as proposed by M.A.K. Halliday and the precipitant victimization theory by Marvin F. Wolfgang (1957), this study meticulously evaluated eight short stories from "Scattered Souls." Extracts pertaining to precipitant victimization were systematically identified, segmented into clauses, and subjected to analysis based on Halliday's transitivity model and Wolfgang's four Prerequisites. This research pursued a mix methodology encompassing qualitative and quantitative analyses. Qualitatively, the text underwent an in-depth examination and discussion. Concurrently, quantitative analysis was employed to identify the prevailing and dominant linguistic processes at play within the text. The key findings of this study revealed the material-transformative process as the most frequently employed linguistic process, appearing 129 times. This process was instrumental in elucidating the precipitant victimization of Kashmiri militants, portraying them as the instigators of the Kashmir conflict through actions that triggered responses. The "Actor" emerged as the dominant participant in these provocative actions, with an occurrence of 76 instances. Moreover, the frequent utilization of the circumstance of location served to underscore the temporal and spatial context of these actions, thereby accentuating the suffering of Kashmiri Muslims in the narrative. v In sum, this study endeavors to comprehend the depiction of Kashmiri militants and Kashmiri Muslims in "Scattered Souls" through linguistic analysis. It underscores the material-transformative process as the principal means to accentuate the precipitant victimization of militants and emphasizes the role of the "Actor" in driving provocative actions.
The Struggle Behind Success: How Personality Traits and Procrastination Shape Academic Achievement
Academic achievement is influenced by two psychological construct i.e procrastination & personality traits, but the combined impact of them didn’t get much attention in Pakistani context. The current study investigates the potential mediating role of procrastination between academic achievement and the Big Five personality traits.200 undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 25 who were chosen via purposive sampling participated in a cross-sectional correlational design. The Big Five Inventory-10 (Rammstedt & John, 2007), the Irrational Procrastination (Steel, 2010), and the Academic Performance Scale (Birchmeier et al., 2011) were among the standardized tools that were used in this study. In data analysis correlation method and mediation testing using PROCESS macro-Model 4 were used. The correlational findings show that extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to change had positive correlation with academic achievement and negative correlation with procrastination. While neuroticism showed negative correlation with academic performance and positive correlation with procrastination, Mediation analysis showed that procrastination partially mediated the effects of Extraversion (β = 0.13,95% CI [0.18, 0.82]), Conscientiousness (β = 0.146, 95% CI [0.155, 0.828]), openness to change (β = 0.13, 95% CI [0.17, 0.78]) on academic performance. On the other hand, the association between neuroticism and academic performance was fully mediated by procrastination (β =-0.13, 95% CI [-1.44, -0.38]). However, procrastination did not show a significant indirect effect with agreeableness (β =0.06, 95% CI [-0.14, 0.61]. The study concludes that personality traits influence academic achievement both directly and indirectly through procrastination, with the omission of agreeableness. Extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to change enhance academic achievement partially by reducing procrastination, however neuroticism lowers academic performance through procrastination. Agreeableness however does not show a significant indirect effect with procrastination. These results highlight procrastination as an important behavioral pathway linking personality trait to academic achievement and suggest that endorsing self-regulation skills may help improve student’s academic outcomes.
A Corpus-Assisted Investigation of (In) Directness in Pakistani Students’ Email Requests
The power of language in human affairs cannot be overstated, which drives us to communicate strategically. For instance, research suggests that request strategies, such as indirectness, help build positive interpersonal relationships. This research examines (in)directness in computer-mediated communication (CMC) within the Pakistani academic setting. More precisely, the aim of this investigation is to recognize the request strategies in students’ email requests. The present research utilizes a sequential mixed-methods investigation framework. A corpus of 32358 tokens was assembled from the emails received by four instructors of public-sector universities between 2021 and 2023. Specimens from the corpus were qualitatively scrutinized using the Cross-Cultural Speech Act Realization Project (Blum-Kulka & Olshtain, 1984). The outcomes guided the formulation of the hypothesis, which was subsequently tested using corpus analysis software to triangulate findings. The integrated findings illuminate request strategies in student email requests to faculty. The discoveries fill a gap in the literature by investigating (in)directness in the Pakistani academic context, contribute to the expanding corpus-assisted research, and provide insights for educational policy formation in Pakistan.
A Comparative Study of Activities Conducted for Re-Strengthening of Community Based Organizations in District Bagh, Ajk
The present study was conducted to investigate the conditions of community organizations before and after re-strengthening in district Bagh, AJ&K. A total of 89 respondents were randomly selected while one union council(Islam Nagar) was selected purposively out of which three villages i.e. Bhount, Karl Maldayalan and Karl Abbasi were also selected purposively. Study indicates that majority of the respondents were female. Most of the respondents joined COs in 2003 while all COs were re-strengthened in 2005. About 70% respondents stated that old COs had partial achievements of objectives while 92% attended the trainings arranged by AJKCDP. Savings increased after re-strengthening of COs. Similarly, 78% respondents were facilitated with the credit programme of AJKCDP. Majority of the sampled respondents utilized credit on livestock. Similarly, majority of the respondents were of the view that after re-strengthening the conditions like agriculture, income generating opportunities, skill development, self-help, and empowerment were much improved as compared to old COs. It is concluded that AJKCDP has brought positive change in livelihood development of rural people. Moreover, at village level local people are always facing many problems in credit provision and are more dependent on livestock and agriculture for their survival. Provision of services from the government sector is very poor. People are not aware to utilize their natural resources well. Therefore, it is highly recommended that institutional approach should be adopted which is very productive to help each other and to make contact with other government and non-government organizations. It is also recommended that an attempt should be made to maintain self-sustainability and motivating the people to work by themselves for improving their socio-economic condition in future. Trainings should be enhanced so that they become better source of income generating activities.
Global Power Shifts and the Changing Human Rights Agenda in The Twenty First Century
This paper is a critical analysis of how the relationship between the changing global power structure and the reshaping of the international human rights agenda are associated with the twenty first century. It is making the argument that the end of Western Hegemony and the emergence of multipolarity have undermined the universality of liberal human rights norms, substituting them with disputable, pluralist structures based on geopolitical rivalry and normative competition. Empirical research underlines the views on the counterproductive role of Chinese focus on economic growth and sovereignty, Russian disruptive resistance, or selective pragmatism of regional and middle powers in undermining the accountability of the institutions and weakening the enforcement mechanisms. The paper represents the process of retrenchment of core rights where it involves civil liberties, gender equality, migration, and digital privacy as symptomatic of institutional weakness and politicization. The study shows that the human rights issues are becoming reciprocal-dependent of the strategic selectivity and transactional diplomacy in place of principled universality by relating structural power transitions to the particular human rights issues to tackle. Finally, the paper argues that human rights governance in the future would be less about hegemonic enforcement but rather negotiated consensus using various actors and this essentially challenges the basis of legitimate, accountability and sustainability of rights in a disintegrated global order.
Erasure and Ecological Narratives: An Ecolinguistic Reading of The Headstrong Historian
This article reflects upon Adichie's The Headstrong Historian (2008) through an ecolinguistic review considering Stibbe's (2015) concept of erasure. Ecolinguistics is the study of language as it relates to human interactions with culture, identity, and the environment. Stibbe states that erasure occurs when language removes, covers, or otherwise dilutes significant aspects of life, thereby obscuring or weakening the discursive dimensions of life, leading the public to consider such facets unworthy of attention. This study aims to illustrate the narrative's depiction of the neglect of indigenous ecological knowledge resulting from colonialism. The study illustrates a range of erasures, including deletion, silence, covering, and naturalizing or backgrounding. Such patterns arise when colonial agents rename the Igbo, dismiss their rituals, silence women, distort the faith of the locals, and promote alien education as the only valid knowledge. Such erasures dilute the ecological ties the Igbo people had with their land, descendants, and traditions. This study adopts a qualitative textual analysis to capture how the narrative constructs these patterns. It concluded that colonial discourse constructs a unique narrative that appears concealed when it seeks to marginalize indigenous ecological discourse. After analysing her work, the author argues that Adichie shows how language can erase ecological and cultural knowledge, highlighting the importance of silencing and reclaiming indigenous voices.
Pragmatic Study Of Invitation Strategies/Moves: Analysis Of Wedding Invitation Cards (Barat) In Pakistan
Invitation strategies vary from culture to culture, society to society and from language to language. Invitations are the speech acts that every individual use to produce utterances, to invite someone directly and indirectly. Wedding invitation cards are the most common type of invitations that are used by almost in all societies. Every society used different strategies in making invitation cards. The purpose of this study is to analyze that what type of strategies/moves used in Pakistani wedding invitation cards (Barat) and also to analyze that how these strategies/moves are similar or different in case of Urdu and English language. Data was collected randomly by using different invitation cards printed in both languages (Urdu & English). Total cards that were selected for this study were seventy (70) in numbers, thirty-five (35) in Urdu and thirty-five (35) in English. The qualitative research method was used to do this study. The data was analyzed by using Swales move-analysis model and textual analysis. Results of the study showed that there were different strategies and moves that were used in the making of wedding invitation cards of Barrat in Pakistan. The findings showed that there are ten different moves in the wedding invitation cards of Barat function in both Urdu and English. Three common differences are present in the wedding invitation cards in Urdu and English language.
“Teaching with Heart and Mind: The Mediating Role of Emotional Regulation Between Emotional Intelligence and Teacher Effectiveness”
The goal of this study was to examine the effect of Emotional Intelligence (EI) on the performance of secondary school educators in Pakistan. Using a mixed-methods research study, data were collected from 200 secondary school teachers via the distribution of standardized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative results showed a strong positive correlation between Emotional Intelligence and the performance of educators (r = .68, p < .01), and regression analysis demonstrated that EI explained 46% of the teaching effectiveness variance. Qualitative outcomes also showed that educators with strong emotional intelligence exhibited strong classroom management, communication, and adaptability skills and thus developed supportive and inspiring learning environments. While no significant gender differences emerged, educators from private institutions displayed higher levels of EI and performance compared to educators teaching at public institutions. Outcome results highlight the value of Emotional Intelligence as an essential professional competency working to enhance instructional quality and the well-being of educators. This study contributes to the theory by verifying Goleman's Emotional Competence Framework and the Job Demands–Resources theory within the educational realm among the secondary school system within the country. Practical implications indicate the value of the inclusion of EI training within preservice and inservice educator programs. Finally, the study hypothesizes improving the emotional competence among educators can enhance the effectiveness of teaching and the overall results within developing countries.
Bridging The Policy Gap in AI-Enabled Education: The Research Based Evidence of Educational Leadership in Pakistan and Australia
This study explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, comparing the experiences of educational leaders in Australia and Pakistan. Using a qualitative methodology, the study employed semi-structured interviews with 16 educational leaders from both countries to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities they face in adopting AI. The research highlights differences in infrastructure, policy frameworks, and leadership preparedness. Australian leaders are generally better equipped for AI integration but still face challenges regarding ethical concerns and equitable access to technology. In contrast, Pakistani leaders are at the early stages of AI adoption, focusing on addressing foundational issues such as teacher training and infrastructure development. The study underscores the need for clear, context-specific policies and the importance of ongoing professional development for educators. It also stresses the role of leadership in overcoming the ethical, infrastructural, and policy challenges to ensure successful AI adoption in educational settings. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, educational leaders, and researchers looking to advance AI integration in education.
Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Academic Pressure and Mental Health Among Students
Academic pressure has become a big part of university life, impacting how students feel both academically and mentally. This research explores the link between mental health and academic pressure among university students across different fields of study. It identifies key factors contributing to this pressure and looks at how they connect to issues like stress, anxiety, and depression, using a quantitative approach. The study also checks if things like gender and area of study affect this relationship. By focusing on what students actually experience, this research aims to provide insights that can help universities create more supportive and healthier learning environments.
The Shifting Global Order: China’s Challenge to U.S. Hegemony in the Indo-Pacific
This research paper explores the shifting global order by examining China’s growing challenge to U.S. hegemony in the Indo-Pacific region. It explores how China’s economic diplomacy especially the Belt and Road Initiative, alongside expanding diplomatic engagement and military modernization, is reshaping regional power dynamics. Collected the data from policy documents, and scholarly literature, this study argues that while the United States retains significant advantages through its alliance networks and military strength but, China’s rising influence has created a contested strategic environment. The paper concludes that the Indo-Pacific is moving toward a prolonged phase of competition marked by hedging, multipolarity, and strategic uncertainty rather than outright power transition.
Job Autonomy and Nurses Empowerment; The Mediating role of Job Crafting in Azad Kashmir’s Healthcare Sector
The nursing profession is increasingly affected by workload pressures, emotional issues, and resource difficulties. In this study, job autonomy positively related among nurse’s engagement and satisfaction at workplace. Along with this, job crafting act as an interlinking mechanism in this relationship. A self-administered structured survey with a sample comprising 286 nurses from public and private hospitals in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) was used to collect the empirical information. The findings suggested that job autonomy positively and significantly affects engagement and job satisfaction. Furthermore, job crafting partially mediates the relationship between job autonomy and job engagement and job satisfaction. This suggests that nurses with higher job autonomy are more inclined to change their tasks and interactions with the job proactively in order to engage with and be satisfied with the job. This study makes the following contributions to the research literature, it provides empirical evidence about a relatively under-studied setting, examining the mediator role of job crafting in the relationship between autonomy and positive outcomes at the workplace. The findings suggest that there should be an increased focus within healthcare organizations on creating nursing positions with a greater sense of autonomy as well as designing jobs proactively to promote sustainable engagement, job satisfaction and overall well-being of nurses working in those organizations.
China’s Role in Shaping Regional Cooperation and Integration in South Asia: The Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative
China’s growing engagement in South Asia has significantly transformed the region’s political, economic, and strategic landscape. Central to this engagement is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a flagship global development strategy aimed at enhancing connectivity, trade, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation. Through large-scale investments in transportation networks, energy projects, ports, and digital infrastructure, China has positioned itself as a key driver of regional integration in South Asia. This study examines China’s role in shaping regional cooperation and integration in South Asia with a particular focus on the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative. It analyzes how BRI-related projects such as the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), port development, and cross-border infrastructure have influenced economic interdependence, regional connectivity, and diplomatic relations among South Asian states. The study also explores challenges associated with BRI, including debt sustainability concerns, geopolitical rivalries, and regional security issues. Using a qualitative research approach based on secondary sources, this research highlights both the opportunities and limitations of China’s BRI in promoting sustainable regional integration in South Asia. The findings suggest that while BRI has enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation, its long-term success depends on inclusive development, political stability, and balanced regional diplomacy.
The Impact of Technology on Social, Psychological and Personal Relationships among Youth and Its Consequences on Community Development
In the evolving landscape dominated by technology, this thesis critically examines the multifaceted implications of its pervasive influence on human life. As machines exert increasing control over individuals, essential human qualities such as adaptability, humor, and the drive for communication encounter notable challenges. Despite technology's integral role, inherent drawbacks, including data breaches, inefficiencies, and an alarming dependence on technological systems, have come to the forefront. The thesis systematically investigates the adverse impacts on data storage, identity, security, and the societal ramifications for the hyper-connected youth, providing a comprehensive analysis of the root causes and psychological aftermath of data breaches. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the role of social media within this technological paradigm, acknowledging its significance and emphasizing that its impact on relationships is intricately tied to its use. By recognizing the potential for positive influence, particularly when harnessed constructively, the thesis positions social media as a pivotal factor in shaping the ongoing narrative between technology and human interaction.
Instructional Challenges: English as Medium of Instruction in Primary Schools of District Lower Dir
English is a source of communication across the globe and serves as a communicative base in education. The current study is aimed at identifying the challenges and issues faced by teachers and students towards English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) at the primary school level in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This quantitative study is carried out with a sample of 308 primary school teachers through simple random sampling by using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sampling formula. The collection of data is made through a close-ended questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics and Chi-square. Findings revealed that disturbance in classrooms, lack of proper syllabus, lack of alignment with native languages, lack of professional development of teachers in EMI and lack of interest of students are the challenges faced by teachers while teaching with EMI. The findings also revealed that limited exposure of students towards English and lack of opportunities for practicing English. Recommendations include the provision of informal opportunities to students in the form of open competitions and free dialogue along with provision of multimedia and other gadgets to primary schools for practicing English.
Discursive Representation of Queer and Transgender Identities in Ideologically Polarized Political Discourse on Twitter and Online Ideology: A Corpus-Based Study
This study explores the discursive presentation of queer and transgender identities in politically polarized ideology on Twitter, and how online ideology affects identity formation, inclusion and exclusion. Social media, and Twitter, in particular, have become the focal points of political discussion in which gender diversity is often challenged using polarized discourses. It is in this context that the study intends to analyze the effect of conflicting ideological standpoints in the linguistic coding of the concept of queer and transgender identities in political discourse. The study takes a quantitative corpus linguistics approach to Critical Discourse Analysis with a qualitative approach of discourse interpretation. The theoretical framework combines the Critical Discourse Analysis, Ideology and Discourse Theory and Queer Theory, which allows exploring the power, ideology, and gender performativity of online discourse. Public English-language political tweets are gathered by way of key word and hash tag searches on predetermined political period. The two comparable corpora used to represent the progressive and conservative ideological stands are constructed using a purposive and stratified method of sampling. Results indicate the definite ideological polarization of the manifestation of queer and transgender identities. These identities are largely legitimized by progressive discourses, using rights-based and inclusive frames; and often delegitimized by conservative discourses, using moral, ideological, and biological discourses. The paper concludes that polarized online discourse makes gender identity to become a symbolic location of ideological antagonism. The paper suggests more robust platform governance, counter-discourse that is comprehensive, and increased corpus-based research to be conducted in a variety of socio-political settings.
Impact of Organizational Justice on Organizational Commitment and Organizational Citizenship Behavior with the Mediating Effect of Organizational Trust
This study examines the impact of organizational justice on organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) within the telecom sector, with a focus on the mediating role of organizational trust. Organizational justice, consisting of distributive, procedural, and interactional justice, is a crucial determinant of employee attitudes and behaviors. The research highlights that employees who perceive fairness in their organization are more likely to develop higher levels of commitment and engage in OCB. Furthermore, organizational trust is found to act as a significant mediator, strengthening the relationships between organizational justice and both organizational commitment and OCB. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 350 employees working in telecom companies in Lahore, Pakistan, through a self-administered survey. The findings support the hypothesis that organizational justice positively influences both organizational commitment and OCB, with trust playing a pivotal mediating role. These results contribute to the understanding of how fairness perceptions and trust affect employee outcomes, offering valuable insights for improving employee engagement and performance in the telecom sector. The study also suggests that fostering an environment of fairness and trust can enhance organizational effectiveness and create a positive work culture.
A Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting Food Wastage in Pushtoon Society; A Case Study of Malakand Division
Food wastage has escalated to be a major global and local concern that affects the society, economy, and culture of the world. Nevertheless, an estimated one-third of the food produced globally for human consumption is discarded every year, which equals 1.3 billion tons of food wasted worldwide. The Pashtun community is accustomed to wasting food as the food habits of the people are a significant determinant of the community's socio-cultural life, mainly the principles of hospitality, pride, and bragging. The food left over at weddings, religious festivals, and community gatherings is usually thrown away as these events are the cultural milieus that revolve around the concepts of giving and wasting simultaneously. This research focusses the socio-cultural factor which are the main drivers of food wastage in the Malakand division in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The method for data collection in this research is quantitative in nature where data were collected from 295 respondents through a structured questionnaires carried out in four canteens in the nearby area. The results show that the primary reason for food wastage is the socio-economic status, cultural pressure, and class based imitation. Household belong to upper class waste more food as compared to lower class and flaunt their wealth, while the lower class or the low income people engage in such practices although they have financial problems. The research finding suggests that the food wastage in pushtun society is mostly because of the cultural heritage, rich tradition, and social disparities in the community. The paper suggests that there is a need for proper measures to reduce these wastage of food, these measures can be promotion through media, food bank system, redistribution program, and involving local religious scholar to addressed this issue in Islamic context to reduce food wastage and safeguard the pushtun tradition and customs of generosity and hospitality.
Economic and Political Dynamics of Tourism Development in South Asia: Institutions, Interests and Growth Benefits
This empirical work examines the dynamic nexus between tourism expansion and economic development, focusing on institutional systems in six South Asian states. It means that these countries have distinct political systems, so an analysis will need to be nuanced to understand the economic importance of tourism development. The paper studies the role of political and institutional frameworks in the economic impacts of tourism across six countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The study investigates the relationship between tourism expenditure and GDP per capita for the period 1995–2020 using the ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) approach. Time series analysis methods are used to estimate the impacts of political stability and governance quality on tourism's economic development. The result indicates that countries with robust institutions and stable politics stand to gain more from tourism's economic benefits. On the negative side, economies such as the tourism sector are likely to struggle in countries marked by political unrest and poor governance. Underexistence: In such environments, the potential of tourism has been significantly underutilised or frustrated by corruption, lack of policy coherence, and unreliable regulation. This study confirms the importance of sound institutions in shaping tourism as a sector that contributes to long-run economic growth. Good governance, in terms of proper regulation and an anti-corruption drive, indeed helps tourism contribute more to nation-building. All those with relatively stable political systems and institutional integrity can optimise the economic gains from tourism, leading to future growth and development. At the same time, nations that are reckoning with poor governance, conflicts, and political vulnerability face significant challenges in fully capitalising on tourism's advantages. The study concludes that the way forward to realise the economic potential of tourism in South Asia is to reinforce institutional approaches and regional cooperation. “Improved governance and better regulatory environments will allow tourism to become a catalyst for growth in this region, helping generate employment, restore livelihoods and stimulate local economies,” said Rifai.
An Empirical Assessment of Leadership Effectiveness among Educational Leaders in Public Secondary Schools of District Sialkot
This research was intended to evaluate the leadership performance of educational leaders in the public secondary schools of the District of Sialkot empirically. The quantitative research design was used to quantify the performance of leaders based on the main aspects of leadership performance in the 6 dimensions: teamwork, clarity of vision, enthusiasm, mentorship, ethical leadership and strategic planning. All educational teachers of the public secondary schools in Tehsil Daska were the population with a sample of 86 schools (344 teachers) chosen through proportional stratified random sampling. The researcher-created Leadership Effectiveness Scale (LES) was used as data collection methods, which is a scale that is based on expert review and pilot testing and whose reliability is determined by Cronbach alpha. Statistical tests indicated that the educational leaders were well above the mean of benchmark on all the factors measured indicating that they had high leadership effectiveness. Competence trends were alike in both male and female leaders as they also excelled in encouraging teamwork, offering clear directions, encouraging professional growth, and adopting ethical and strategic behaviors. The results show that effective leadership is very essential in improving the performance of the school, positive working environment and reaching the institutional objectives. The research has implications to governments and education leaders on how to enhance leadership in secondary schools.
Designing for All: Universal Design for Learning as a Pathway to Effective Modifications and Accommodations
This mixed-methods study examined how teachers in Pakistan use Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a pathway to effective modifications and accommodations. A survey of 200 teachers from schools, special education centres, colleges, and universities measured UDL knowledge, classroom practices, use of accommodations, and perceived institutional support. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis explored how these practices operate within Pakistan’s exam-driven and resource-constrained context. Quantitative findings showed moderate knowledge of UDL and practice overall, with significantly higher scores among teachers with inclusive education training, tertiary staff, and those in better-resourced regions. UDL knowledge, practices, and accommodation use were positively correlated. Qualitative results revealed that many accommodations remain reactive and exam-driven, yet some teachers demonstrate proactive, UDL-aligned design. The study concludes that UDL can strengthen, rather than replace, individual accommodations, if teacher education, institutional policies, and assessment systems are realigned to support flexible, accessible design for all learners across Pakistani educational settings.
The Suppression of Female Voice: Power, Patriarchy, and Resistance in Christina Dalcher’s Vox
Patriarchal systems deeply shape societal structures, often relegating women to the position of objects or commodities within cultural, political, and social spheres. This paper analyzes Vox by Christina Dalcher as a modern feminist dystopia that challenges the relationship between power, silence and control by men. By giving critical analysis of the novel’s portrayal of linguistic repression where women are restricted to one hundred words per day, the paper examines how the silencing of the feminine voice is enforced by a greater historical and systematic gendered oppression. Vox reveals how institutions of patriarchy discipline feminine bodies to control speech and identity. The resistance in the novel, both personal and communal, also throws light on the transformational power of returning voice as a source of power. Finally, it is a thesis of this paper that Vox not only reinvigorates the female voice as a source of agency but also gives a strong warning about the vulnerability of the rights of women under patriarchy.
Blockchain-Based Systems for Public Sector Transparency: Exploring the Use of Blockchain Technology to Enhance Transparency and Accountability in Public Sector Transactions
This research explores the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency and efficiency within public sector transactions. The research aims to assess how blockchain adoption impacts government operations, focusing on financial transparency, public trust, and operational efficiency. Data was collected from government officials, blockchain experts, and citizens involved in blockchain-based public services through surveys and case studies. The analysis indicates that blockchain adoption significantly improves transparency, with respondents noting increased public trust and greater accountability in government processes. Efficiency improvements were also observed, with reductions in time spent on administrative tasks such as public procurement, land registration, and financial transactions. Statistical analysis, including correlation and regression models, revealed a positive relationship between blockchain adoption and improvements in both transparency and efficiency. The study highlights that while blockchain presents a promising solution, several barriers, including technical, legal, and organizational challenges, must be addressed for successful implementation. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers considering blockchain as a tool for reforming public sector operations.
Leveraging Social Media as a Tool for Universal Design for Learning: Transforming Inclusive Education in the Digital Era
The present research study recognizes social media as one of the essential channels of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to lead the rise of inclusion in education in the digital era. The paper analyzes the educators' perspectives, their implementation, and issues in the use of social media tools that meet UDL principles to create learning environments that are fair to the diverse student population. Some educators perceive social media as a tool to facilitate engagement, representation, and expression; however, a considerable number of them are still wrestling with problems such as insufficient training, lack of institutional support, and technical difficulties that impede the implementation of UDL. The results show that teachers are positive about the use of social media as a tool for inclusion in education, but they still face difficulties in using these tools regularly. The study stresses the significance of teacher education programs and school-based structures in implementing UDL through social media. The main points in the recommendations concerning teacher training are that it should be more personalized, there should be better provision of digital resources, and school policy drafting should facilitate the creation of inclusive digital learning environments.
Achieving Equilibrium: Exploring the Connection between Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation to Enhance Banking Services
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the use of artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, and Fintech to promote banking services in Pakistan. To achieve these goals, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted. The study examined a range of people in Pakistan, including shoppers, business owners, and employees in the banking and financial sectors. The findings elucidated the intricate relationships among AI, digital innovation, and Fintech within Pakistan's banking sector. The poll results indicate that people across demographic groups recognize and use AI-powered financial services and FinTech platforms to varying degrees. The results of this study will affect many people in the banking industry and the economy. To better meet the needs of diverse client groups, financial institutions can use data to refine their AI and FinTech strategies. Regulators might use findings from the study to develop regulations ensuring that these technologies are safe and ethically sound.
Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Teacher’s Effectiveness: A Study of Higher Secondary School Students Perceptions
This paper has investigated the role of EI in making teaching effective. Although studies indicate that EI teachers create more favourable classroom environments, very few studies have been conducted on how the students of higher secondary schools perceive effective teaching in relation to the teacher’s emotional intelligence. The main objective was to identify which EI elements students value most in teachers and how these components relate to perceptions of teaching effectiveness. Six urban government higher secondary schools from the district of Kohat were selected. Of these schools, 285 students completed a 30-item questionnaire. Ten items on effective teachers and twenty on emotional intelligence were included. A 5-point Likert scale was used to analyse the collected data and assess reliability. T-test and ANOVA were also used. The analysis showed that students rated EI and effective teaching positively, with average scores ranging from 2.21 to 2.32. According to students, the most important element of EI is motivation, with 24.9% and, followed by social skills with 21.8%. The items of the questionnaire were highly consistent with a value from o.720 to o.896 of Cronbach’s alpha. The results verify that the EI is well identified by students in their teachers and they correlated it with effective teaching. It is also recommended that EI development be included in future teachers' training programs, and such research may be conducted with students in rural areas and private schools.
Educational Awareness of Young Generation toward Smoking and Its Health Impacts. A case Study of Mardan, Pakistan
Background: Smoking remains a critical public health challenge, particularly among youth in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This study assessed the educational awareness of smoking and its health impacts among young people in Mardan district. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 youth aged 15-24 from educational institutions. Data was collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: While high awareness of major risks like lung cancer (95%) was found, knowledge gaps existed for specific impacts such as infertility (37.5% aware). Key determinants of smoking behavior included peer influence (Odds Ratio, OR=2.01), parental smoking (OR=2.46), and using social media as a primary information source (OR=2.23). Formal education from school curricula showed a protective association against smoking. Conclusion: A significant disconnect exists between general awareness and protective behavior. Interventions must move beyond knowledge dissemination to address social norms and digital influences through integrated, context-specific strategies.
Impact of Governance Constraints on Elderly Care Effectiveness: The Mediating Role of Community Engagement and Organizational Adaption
This rapid growth older population has created some major challenges in the structure of developing countries such as Pakistan. These rapid rise of older population change the traditional care giving structure of elderly population in Pakistan, which increased transformations of older population towards old age homes. These transformations highlighted the need for new nursing homes, which require financial allocation and policy domains to support the elderly population's needs. But the development of new nursing homes has faced many challenges including political challenges. In this context, grounded with the institutional theory and community engagement theory, this study examined the impact of political challenges on elderly care effective by the mediating role of both community engagement and organizational adaption in the terms of Pakistan. By using well-structured questionnaire, a total 305 number of survey responses were collected from the employees of different old age homes of Pakistan, but after the process of data smoothing 283 valid and usable responses were taken for final data analysis. For the analysis of collected data this study used hybrid approach of both PLS-SEM and ANN to measure the both linear and non-linear relationships of the proposed framework. The findings of the study revealed that the both community engagement and organizational adaption significantly enhance elderly care services. While ANN highlights that the organizational adaption was the most influential variable in predicting outcomes of elderly care effectiveness. These results of this study provide some valuable insights for the policymaker and manager who are working the context of old age homes of Pakistan.
Administrative Dysfunction in Pakistan Higher Education: A Qualitative Exploration of Institutional Sclerosis, Democratic Deficits, and Post-Colonial Persistence
Pakistan institutions of higher learning are governed by post-colonial administrative traditions, bureaucratic structures, and dependency on resources. Although the country has been implementing national reforms, including HEC Vision 2025, empirical observations indicate that there is a lot of disparity between the purpose of policy and the actions taken by the institutions since stakeholders have stated that they are not satisfied with the way the organization communicates, makes decisions, and allocates resources. This qualitative research critically explores the institutional and cultural factors that determine administrative dysfunction in Pakistani universities of the public sector with reference to institutional sclerosis, exclusion of stakeholders, and the continuation of post-colonial rule. The study explains the effects of deeper hierarchies, communication failures, and undemocratic structures on institutional performance and provide information to guide the development of context-specific governance models. The study followed an interpretivist paradigm by relying on 45 semi-structured interviews with faculty members, administrative staff, and students in four public universities located in Punjab. A document-analysis element, which reviewed policy frameworks, strategic planning, audit reports and governance statutes, was added on to the data set. The thematic procedure with six phases, as developed by Braun and Clarke, was used in analysis, with the help of NVivo 12. They gave birth to four meta themes: hierarchical government systems featured with ceremonial involvement; poor communication and lack of stakeholder expression, misallocation of resources in an opaque administrative environment and deep-rooted cultural barriers to change and responsibility. These results shed some light on institutional sclerosis trends, lack of democratic governance, and colonial administrative logic persistence. The cause of administrative dysfunction is structural based and culturally entrenched, and thus requires far-ranging reforms, which focus on the structure of governance and the culture of the institution. These reforms are necessary to instil transparency, accountability and stakeholder decision-making.
Migration and “Brain Drain” from Pakistan: A Barrier to Sustainable Development
Population has been a pivotal element of national power. A well-developed population - human capital - acts as a catalyst to optimize all other resources deployed for sustainable socio-economic development. Pakistan with its over 240 million populations, ranks 5th largest in the world yet its economy is 42nd among the comity of nations (World Bank, 2024). About 64% of the country’s population comprises young people (Dawn, 2024), which is a precious resource in the contemporary world, however, the human resource development in the country is far from satisfactory (UNDP, 2024). With low socio-economic indicators, political instability, and lack of job opportunities, Pakistani youth desires to leave the country at any cost, even at the peril of their lives. The most alarming trend is that the youth is disillusioned and losing hope in the state apparatus to improve the situation. Traditionally, Pakistan has been exporting unskilled and semi-skilled workforce; however, recent trends indicate that highly skilled individuals like engineers, doctors, and professionals are leaving the country in large numbers. Various ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors (Lee, E. S. 1966) are responsible for migration and brain drain from Pakistan. There is an array of multifaceted reasons for people to leave Pakistan in large numbers. ‘Push’ factors include poor governance, deteriorating law & order, lack of social justice, and an unhealthy environment for entrepreneurship. ‘Pull’ factors include greener pastures, equitable return for hard work, and security. This qualitative study adopts interpretivist approach with case study research design to explore the causes and consequences of emigration/brain drain and its impact on achieving Pakistan’s Sustainable Development Goals - 2030. Primary data has been collected through focus group discussions and semi structured interviews and secondary data has been obtained from review of print and electronic media reports from year 2001 to 2025. Findings were reached through multilayered qualitative data analysis i.e. thematic and discourse analysis. The study suggests that political stability, consistent policies, an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, and rule of law can help foster confidence among the youth and reverse the trend of brain drain.
Strategic Resilience in Fast Fashion: A Critical Analysis of Zara’s Competitive Positioning
The strategic positioning of Zara has been assessed in this paper, where the key issues and opportunities have been outlined to sustain a competitive edge in the industry of fast fashion. Although Zara is very effective in terms of fast-product development, logistical and inventory challenges have been noted to impede its ability to respond to the changing needs of the consumers in a timely manner. The study identifies three major areas of development, namely, tapping emerging online markets in developing markets of the developing world such as South Africa, responding to the urgency of the movement towards ethical and sustainable production, and product differentiation with specific reference to the emerging athleisure segment. The study evaluates the effects of these strategies on the main stakeholders, and it is observed that digital optimization leads to the growth of consumer loyalty, suppliers benefit due to open sourcing, and sustainable growth leads to investor returns. The study suggests that the company can be proceeded to enhance its market leadership by adopting a multi-faceted solution: the introduction of high-tech e-commerce solutions including virtual fitting rooms, the adoption of the latest technologies in the supply chain, and the alignment of the brand values with the concept of environmental consciousness. Through these strategic changes, Zara will be able to increase its operational capability and be able to manage the changing global retail environment.
Impostor Phenomenon and Burnout among Doctoral Scholars: The Role of Personality Traits and Demographic Factors
Doctoral education is characterized by sustained academic demands, evaluative pressure, and prolonged uncertainty, which place doctoral scholars at heightened risk for psychological distress. The present quantitative study examined the role of personality traits and impostor syndrome in predicting burnout among doctoral scholars, while accounting for personal and contextual demographic factors. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 200 Ph.D. scholars enrolled in public and private universities. Participants completed measures of the Big Five personality traits, impostor syndrome, and burnout. Descriptive statistics, reliability analyses, Pearson correlations, hierarchical regression, and mediation analyses were conducted. Results indicated that impostor syndrome was a strong and consistent predictor of burnout, explaining a substantial proportion of variance, whereas Big Five personality traits showed weak and largely non-significant associations with burnout. Demographic variables contributed minimally to burnout, with job type emerging as the only significant contextual predictor. Mediation analyses revealed that impostor syndrome did not mediate the relationship between personality traits and burnout. These findings underscore the central role of impostor feelings in doctoral burnout and highlight the need for targeted institutional and psychological interventions to support doctoral scholars’ well-being.
US-China Geostrategic Rivalry in the South China Sea: Effects on Maritime Security and Diplomatic Stability in 2025
This paper examines the growing strategic rivalry between the United States and China in the South China Sea, a region valued for its shipping routes, fisheries, and potential energy deposits. The study describes how intensified naval, coast guard, and militia activities near disputed islands have increased the frequency of confrontations and raised the risk of accidental clashes. These developments challenge the principle of open navigation and threaten regional trade networks. The analysis also considers the complicated positions of claimant states Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China and their efforts to balance relations with both major powers. ASEAN’s attempts to manage disputes and limit external pressures are reviewed as part of the broader diplomatic landscape. The paper argues that reducing tensions requires steady communication, transparency at sea, and stronger multilateral dialogue. It concludes that only a balanced blend of military restraint, economic cooperation, and diplomatic engagement can prevent further instability in the Indo-Pacific.
Stress Coping Styles and Academic Achievement: A Correlational Study
Stress is a fundamental component of student life and has significant effects on the academic achievement of learners. The present research study attempted to find out the correlation between ways to cope with stress and academic achievement in university students. The correlational research approach was applied to gather information regarding a group of 500 learners who were participating in three different governmental universities: the University of Haripur, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology, and Hazara University in Mansehra, Pakistan. Respondents represent a broad spectrum of academic disciplines and program levels. The stress coping techniques were evaluated using standard methods, including problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, avoidant coping, and social support coping, while academic achievement was gauged through self-reported GPA. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis revealed a relatively favourable link between problem-focused coping and academic achievement (r =.42, p <.01) showing that it indicates learners who effectively manage stresses seem to succeed better academically. Dealing with peer support has been associated to greater educational achievement (r =.30, p <.01). Emotion-focused coping (r = -.28, p <.01) and avoidant coping (r = -.35, p <.01) exhibited substantial negative correlations with academic performance. Interrelationships between coping styles demonstrated that appropriate coping methods had a positive relationship to academic success, although maladaptive strategies were inversely related. The findings highlight the importance of supportive adaptive coping techniques to improve students' academic achievement and psychological well-being. The implications for counselling services and stress management therapies in university settings are explored.
Theological Ideology as Discursive Practice in the Bible: A Corpus-Assisted Critical Discourse Analysis of Linguistic Patterns
This paper examines theology ideology as a discourse practice in the Bible through a corpus-based Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). The aim of the study is to explore the ways in which repeated linguistic patterns form theological sense, power, moral judgment and identity in the Bible. The context of the study is rooted in the recent interdisciplinary theory that knows sacred texts as theological and discursive artifacts in the ideological maintenance of which the ideological force of the patterned use of language is maintained. The study is methodologically quantitative corpus linguistics and qualitative CDA as it uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It was an authoritative English translation that was collected into a purpose-built biblical corpus broken into stratified sub-corpora (Old Testament vs New Testament; narrative vs. epistolary text) purposive stratified sampling. Sketch Engine and other analytical tools were used in identifying keywords, collocations, concordance patterns, dispersion, and semantic prosody. The theoretical framework is informed by the three dimension model of discourse advanced by Fairclough that allows one to analyze and discuss texts, discursive and social practices. The results demonstrate that the main theological ideas are not only systematically patterned across the genres and testaments but also the divine agency is always prefigured, moral judgment is evened by semantic prosody, and insider/outsider roles are discursively sustained. All these patterns are designed to naturalize theological authority and worldview ideologically. The paper suggests broader use of corpus-aided CDA in theological studies and comparative studies involving translation and religious customs in comparisons.
Effectiveness of Peer Tutoring Method in Improving Secondary School Students Chemistry Achievement
Peer tutoring is used worldwide as an appropriate and effective tool for improving students’ learning at all levels of schooling. In this context, the main intent of this quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design study was to analyze the effect of peer tutoring on secondary school students’ chemistry achievement. All the 6998 male students enrolled at secondary level in Tehsil Muzaffargarh were taken as population. Two intact/preexisting sections of grade 10th in Govt. High School Khan Pur Bagga Sher Tehsil Muzafargarh were selected as representative sample. One section with 50 students (Experimental group) was taught using peer tutoring method. The other section with 45 students (Control group) received instructions with conventional method. Researchers collected data using pretest and posttest. Both the descriptive (Mean, SD) as well as inferential statistical techniques (Independent Samples t-test and Paired Samples t-test) were applied to analyze the data. It was found that there was a significant difference between Chemistry achievement of both the groups i.e., experimental group who received instructions with peer tutoring method and control group who received instruction through conventional method. The findings further suggest that the use of peer tutoring method has significantly positive effect on secondary students’ chemistry achievement. Finally, this study provides the valuable implications for teachers, school administrators and policy makers to take steps for enhancement of students’ academic achievement in the subject of Chemistry at secondary level.
Child Protection and Human Rights: The Role of Social Workers in Ensuring Children's Rights in Pakistan
Although Pakistan has legal obligation to safeguard children under the constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) there still exists major loopholes in enforcing child protection acts which exposes many children to abuse and exploitation, as well as neglect. The lack of structural factors such as resources, lack of professional training, and poor coordination between the government and non-government agencies hinder the effective implementation of child protection services. The current research was conducted, to investigate the position of the social worker in advancing and protecting the rights of the children in Pakistan, to determine the major issues and obstacles facing social workers when implementing child protection, to determine the effectiveness of the existing social work interventions in ensuring the implementation of the children rights and to suggest solutions and proposals on how the social work practices can be reinforced to improve child protection and child rights advocacy in Pakistan. The research was carried out to look at the role of social workers in supporting and defending the rights of children in Pakistan. The qualitative research design is used in the study, which is appropriate to comprehend complicated social phenomena like child protection and human rights. There is a phenomenal approach that is made to comprehend the experiences of social workers. This method is based on the opinion of participants on their professions, issues, and practices in child protection. The sample is a group of social workers working in the governmental and non-governmental organizations dealing with child protection in Pakistan. Purposive sampling was used to sample participants who had the relevant experience and expertise. The semi-structured interviews were the method used to collect primary data, as it gave the participants a chance to discuss their experiences but within a standardized framework. The interviews examined the work of social workers, their challenges, and coping mechanisms related to the advocacy of children rights. The data was processed through thematic analysis in order to determine the patterns and themes. This was conducted by familiarization with the transcripts, coding of the important statements and clustering the codes into larger themes that are associated with the roles, challenges and strategies.
Investigating the Impact of Technostress on Quality of Life and Thriving at Work Among Healthcare Workers Through Mediating and Moderating Mechanisms
Technostress is a major health issue among allied healthcare workers. Technostress is considered the cause of mental health issues among individuals worldwide. This study aimed to determine the consequences of technostress on quality of life and thriving at work among healthcare workers through the mediating role of work exhaustion and the moderating role of employee resilience. Using structured questionnaires, time lagged data were collected in three waves from allied healthcare workers (n=251), employed in private facilities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Applying conservation of resource theory, the investigation reveals that technostress elevates work exhaustion in persons, subsequently resulting in diminished quality of and no effect on thriving at. No evidence has been identified to support the moderating effect of employee resilience on the association between technostress and work exhaustion. Organizations should provide organizational interventions to reduce technostress and promote digital well-being among healthcare professionals as well as addressing work exhaustion can significantly improve quality of life and enhance thriving at work in high-pressure healthcare environments. Technostress causes work exhaustion and decreases the quality of life of allied healthcare workers in Pakistan.
Professional Development of Early Childhood Teachers Through Reflective Practices
Reflective practices in early childhood education (ECE) are critical for enhancing children’s learning outcomes and supporting teachers’ professional development. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design to examine the relationship between teachers’ reflective practices and their professional development in ECE settings. The quantitative phase involved 196 private-sector ECE teachers who completed an adapted survey questionnaire. The subsequent qualitative phase explored teachers’ lived experiences through semi-structured interviews with six early childhood teachers to further explain the quantitative findings. Quantitative results indicated a significant positive relationship between teachers’ reflective practices and their professional development. Specifically, self-assessment, documentation, and parental interaction were identified as key reflective practices that promote professional growth among ECE teachers. Qualitative findings supported these results, revealing that the consistent use of reflective practices enhances teachers’ professional competencies and reflective awareness. The study recommends the systematic integration of reflective practices in early childhood education, as they contribute to improved teaching quality and sustained professional development.
Exploring the Lived Experience of High School Teachers on Emotional Intelligence and Its Impact on Students' Achievement: A Case Study of Larkana
Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognized as a core teacher competency that shapes classroom interactions, student motivation, and academic outcomes. While global evidence links EI with learners’ achievement and well-being, less is known about how teachers in semi-rural Sindh, Pakistan, experience and enact EI in everyday school life, and how this relates to measurable student achievement. This case study examines high school teachers in Larkana district, focusing on their lived experience of EI alongside a quantitative test of EI–achievement relationships using SPSS-style analyses. A cross-sectional survey design was employed with n=150 public high school teachers sampled across boys’, girls’, and co-educational schools. Teachers completed a four-domain EI scale (self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills) and a classroom climate scale; student achievement was operationalized as the teacher-reported class mean percentage in the most recent annual examination cycle. Reliability analysis indicated strong internal consistency for the EI scale (Cronbach’s α=0.874). Pearson correlations showed that teacher EI was positively associated with student achievement (r=0.558, p<.001) and classroom climate (r=0.651, p<.001). Multiple regression indicated that EI (B=6.43, p<.001) and classroom climate (B=4.55, p<.001) significantly predicted achievement (R²=0.391), even when controlling for teaching experience and gender. ANOVA results demonstrated meaningful differences in achievement across EI quartiles (F(3,146)=30.00, p<.001), with the highest-EI group averaging 79.11% compared with 65.62% in the lowest-EI group. Findings support contemporary international research showing EI as a practical lever for improving classroom processes and achievement. Implications emphasize district-level professional development in EI, supportive supervision, and school climate improvement as scalable strategies for enhancing learning outcomes in Larkana.
Gendered Language used in Umaira Ahmad’s Urdu Novel “Meri Zaat Zarra-E-Benishan”: A Feminist Stylistic Analysis
Feminist stylistics analyzes how language uses gender to create subtle meanings that, in turn, unconsciously embed biased images in our minds of people and the world. Mills’ Feminist stylistic model (1995) analyzes the linguistic structures being exploited or subjugated concerning male or female and the related gender terms and values present in the text. Text is analyzed at three levels of word, sentence, and discourse to flag the gender issues within the text. Mills’ model is applied to the Urdu novel “Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan” written by Umaira Ahmad which is a story of Saba and her difficulties in her life. The text reveals how females in Pakistani Society endure difficulties to survive and are subordinate to males and their language is different from males. The writer has followed the norms and values of Pakistani society in describing female characters and the language they use. The overall study elaborates the way sexism and gender discriminatory messages, linguistically illustrated, are conveyed. Moreover, the assumption of only male writers being responsible for the negative portrayal of females in the text is falsified as the writer being a female manifested the negative portrayal of females.
The Impact of BRICS Expansion on Global Trade and Energy Patterns: A Quantitative Panel Study (2000–2025)
The rise of the BRICS block is a major change in the changing pattern of the global economy and this may have a future implication on international trade and energy markets. This research paper empirically investigates how BRICS expansion affects trade and energy trends in the world through a quantitative panel model that is based on a time span of 2000 to 2025. The analysis has used the BRICS member and nonmember countries as it attempts to establish whether membership of the institutions leads to any quantifiable change in trade and energy performance. They use fixed- and random-effects panel regression models where the choice of the models is determined by Hausman specification test. The outcome shows that the expansion of BRICS has a positive and significant impact in terms of total trade, exports, imports, and energy trade. Moreover, mediation analysis indicates that the effects of BRICS expansion partially pass through the energy trade to total trade performance, which underlines the importance of energy markets in determining economic integration in the bloc. Such results indicate that BRICS growth is no longer a ritualistic act of geopolitical convergence but is actually generating economic impacts that can be felt especially in the creation of stronger energy-trade nexus between the emerging economies. The research adds to the body of knowledge concerning international trade, energy economics, and emerging-market cooperation by offering empirical data on the way the institutional expansion alters the global economic relations. The findings provide a useful reference to policymakers who have to sail through a multipolar world economy in terms of trade and energy policies.
Psychosocial Impacts of Childlessness on Married Women in District Lower Dir
This paper examines the psychological effect of being childless among married women in District Lower Dir in Pakhtun society where motherhood and birth of sons features prominently in the social identity of women. The study is directed by the Social Stress Process Theory (SST) to identify the role of cultural expectations, gendered blame, and social pressures in causing emotional distress. A qualitative design was employed in which in depth interviews with 25 childless women aged 18-49 years in two Union Councils were held and a thematic analysis showed that they were sad, grieving, hopeless, anxious and inadequate supported by a sense of stigmatization and by the fear of losing their marriages. Regardless of these obstacles, there are examples of women who proved to be resilient with the help of meaning making, role redefinition and new non maternal acceptance. The study identifies a need of culturally appropriate interventions such as couple centered counseling, peer support, male involvement, and community based stigma reduction to assist the psychological well being of childless women in rural Pakistan.
A Critical Discourse Analysis of Imran Khan’s Speech at UNGA
The purpose of this research is to find out the ideology behind Imran Khan’s speech which he has delivered in UNGA. Both qualitative and quantitative paradigms have been used in this research. The speech has been analyzed through Fairclough three-dimensional model of Critical discourse analysis who said that through language people express their ideologies and power -relations and there is a relation between text, ideology and power. The result of study shows that Imran Khan has tried his best to present positive image of Islam and Pakistan and he has also presented problems of Kashmiri people and remembered UNGA members their duties in the matter of Kashmir. He also has presented the negative face of Modi in front of UNGA. The significance of this research is that it will help people to understand the hidden ideology of a political leader which he represents through the use of linguistic devices in his speech.
Psychological Effects of Memory and Trauma in Others Rooms Others Wonders
This research problem focuses on the ‘Memory and trauma in daniyal mueenuddin in others rooms other wonders’ The stories reveal a diverse world where people's aspirations and social standing are understood without being explained, and where poverty and the class structure are seen to have an impact on every choice made at pivotal points in the lives of the protagonists. The book is made up of eight interconnected stories that reflect Pakistani culture from within and were written in Pakistan in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. This study will investigate how trauma effects the individual and memory to form the identities and shapes. Further investigation will be done through the lens of psychological effects of socio-political events on the characters of the story. As for as post-colonial theory is concerned, it will be the part of this research as well. Concept of Homi K. Bhabha and Edward Said will by used to give theoratical framework to the research to know the effects of trauma on relationships, identities and social image.
Charting the Global Trajectory of Women’s Entrepreneurship (1975-2025): Networks, Themes, and Research Frontiers
This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on women’s entrepreneurship, mapping its intellectual evolution, thematic structure, and collaborative landscape. Using 3,168 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (1975–2025), the study applies performance analysis and science-mapping techniques through Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny to examine scientific production, citation impact, conceptual domains, and international research networks. The findings reveal a sustained growth trajectory, with accelerated publication expansion after 2014, signaling the consolidation of women’s entrepreneurship as a mature scholarly field. Intellectual structure analysis identifies a gender-centric knowledge core interconnected with financial inclusion, innovation and performance, institutional environments, and socio-cultural determinants. Thematic evolution indicates a shift from descriptive gender discourse toward integrative frameworks linking empowerment, entrepreneurial outcomes, and development imperatives. Collaboration mapping highlights a hub-and-spoke global network dominated by the United States and Western Europe, with increasing contributions from emerging economies, particularly India and China. Despite conceptual richness, structural asymmetries persist in geographic representation and international collaboration. By integrating fragmented research streams, this study develops a multidimensional knowledge architecture that advances theoretical synthesis and policy relevance. The findings provide strategic insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to foster inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and strengthen gender-responsive economic development worldwide.
Differential Comparatives: A Comparative Study of Pashto and Hindi/Urdu
The major goal of this study is to explore differential comparatives in Pashto. This is done while keeping the behavior of differential comparatives in Hindi/Urdu (H/U) (Bhatt & Homer 2018) and English before us. The analysis of differential comparatives is carried out, first, in terms of differences between bare comparatives and differential comparatives, and then, in terms of differential comparatives as a constituent, argument structure restrictions, and adjacency restrictions. Since Pashto is a TAM based split-ergative Indo-Iranian language, therefore, the expectation is that the differential comparatives in Pashto would be a replica of differential comparatives in H/U in terms of different features; however, after this study, it is established that there are substantial differences between Pashto and H/U. Consequently, an argument structure is proposed for Pashto, which is completely different from the one proposed for H/U.
Analysis of Teachers Coordination with students at School level: A Performance Analysis
Management is the process of planning, organizing leading, controlling the work of organizational members, and using all available organizational resources to reach the organizational goals. The management is the way of presenting the art of organization to accomplish the goals. The management is the way of presenting the art of organization to accomplish the goals. Management is the process of getting work done effectively, efficiently, and through other people to achieve expected goals, which is managing resources, employees, and other obstacles to the organization to fulfill its goals and teacher coordination. So that the training of instructors can be planned and organized. In this study, a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale was conducted on 400 teachers by using a simple stratified sampling technique. The teacher’s coordination is measured separately, which has 23 items. The results showed that teachers’ coordination has a great value.
Marital Satisfaction, Social Stigma and Mental Health in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience mental health challenges due to caregiving demands, social stigma, and marital challenges, which may adversely affect their mental health. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between marital satisfaction, social stigma, andmental health among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Using a correlational research design, data were collected over the course of the study through purposive sampling from parents whose children from 3 to 13 years of age were receiving educational, therapeutic, and early intervention services at public and private institutions of Faisalabad. The study employed a demographic information sheet, the Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale Urdu Version ( Anjum, 2024), the Social Stigma Scale Urdu Version (Mazhar & Qurban, 2020), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale Urdu Version (Aslam & Kamal, 2017). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants’ characteristics, while Pearson product–moment correlation, multiple regression analysis, and independent-samples t-tests were conducted to examine the proposed relationships. The findings indicated that greater marital satisfaction was associated with lower levels of social stigma and less mental health challenges. Social stigma showed a strong positive association with mental health problems and emerged as the most influential predictor of mental health outcomes. Furthermore, marital satisfaction and social stigma together accounted for a substantial proportion of variance in parents’ mental health. No significant differences were observed based on parent gender, child gender, or sibling impairment. The findings emphasize the need for psycho-social interventions aimed at reducing social stigma and strengthening marital relationships to improve the mental health and well-being of parents raising children with ASD.
Alexithymia, Emotional Regulation, and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Females Facing Gender Discrimination
This study looked into Alexithymia as a predictor of Mental Health Emotional Regulation in Young Female Facing gender discrimination in Pakistan. In this study a sample of 450 young female, aged 16 to 22, using a purposive sampling method. The participants filled out the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS- 20), DASS-21, Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and the Perceived Gender Discrimination Scale. The study conducted descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple regression analyses to explore the relationships among the study variables. The correlation results revealed significant links between the dimensions of alexithymia and various mental health indicators. However, the regression analyses indicated that alexithymia did not significantly predict perceived gender discrimination or stress, and it showed only weak to moderate predictive power for other mental health outcomes and emotional regulation. These findings imply that while alexithymia is connected to emotional and psychological functioning, it doesn't independently predict mental health or experiences of discrimination in this group. This study adds to the existing literature by delving into alexithymia in the context of South Asian culture, shedding light on the intricate relationship between how emotions are processed and the experiences of discrimination. It also discusses important implications for mental health professionals, suggests directions for future research, and offers policy recommendations.
Wombs, Whispers, and Wastelands: Deconstructing Women’s Subjectivity in Tisha Doshani’s Small Days and Nights
This thesis explores the deconstruction of women’s subjectivity in Tisha Doshani’s Small Days and Nights. The novel tells the story of Grace, a woman caught between her personal desires and the heavy responsibilities of family, tradition, and societal expectations. Women’s subjectivity, which means how women see themselves and are seen by others, is influenced by so many factors like culture, gender roles, and even family pressures. In this work, Grace’s journey is analyzed to see how she negotiates her identity in a patriarchal society that often tries to define her life for her. The research looks at feminist theories, especially from thinkers like Judith Butler and Simone de Beauvoir, to understand Grace’s struggles with her roles as a sister, wife, and daughter. It also shows how Grace’s relationship with her disabled sister, Lucia, adds to her challenges while at the same time giving her a unique kind of strength. The thesis argues that Grace’s loneliness and desire for freedom aren’t just personal. Instead, they’re deeply tied to the cultural and social expectations of women. This thesis offers a unique exploration of Grace’s identity, not only through her personal struggles but by connecting them to the cultural, social, and patriarchal forces that shape her subjectivity. Unlike other studies, it combines feminist theories from thinkers like Judith Butler and Simone de Beauvoir to analyze how Grace negotiates her roles as a sister, wife, and daughter, highlighting the complexities of her resistance.
Representation of Female Experiences and Struggles in Ernaux's Novel Happening: A French Feminist Study
This study examines the representation of female experiences and struggles in Annie Ernaux’s autobiographical novel Happening (L’Événement), focusing on the intersection of personal suffering and sociocultural constraints in mid-twentieth-century France. Drawing on Simone de Beauvoir’s feminist theory, particularly The Second Sex, the research explores how Ernaux articulates women’s psychological, emotional, and bodily struggles within a patriarchal society that criminalized abortion and silenced female autonomy. Employing a qualitative textual analysis, the study closely reads selected passages to reveal how Ernaux transforms a deeply personal experience of an illegal abortion into a broader feminist critique of gendered oppression, class inequality, and reproductive control. The findings demonstrate that Happening not only exposes the trauma and isolation endured by women facing unwanted pregnancy but also challenges dominant social, legal, and moral discourses that regulate female bodies and desires. By foregrounding lived experience, memory, and resistance, Ernaux’s narrative reclaims female subjectivity and highlights a collective feminine struggle for autonomy and self-definition. This study contributes to feminist literary criticism by addressing the underexplored dimensions of women’s experiences and resilience in Happening, extending existing scholarship beyond abortion as a singular event to encompass broader sociopsychological and ideological constraints shaping women’s lives.
Negotiating Tradition and Modernity: A Discourse-Historical Study of Okot P’Bitek’s Song of Lawino
This study examines the negotiation of tradition and modernity in Okot p’Bitek’s Song of Lawino using Ruth Wodak’s Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA) within Critical Discourse Analysis. The poem, a significant postcolonial African literary text, reflects the ideological conflict between indigenous African cultural traditions and Western modernity shaped by colonial history. The research adopts a qualitative textual analysis focusing on discursive strategies such as nomination, predication, argumentation, intensification, metaphor, satire, and intertextual references to Acholi oral traditions. The analysis demonstrates how Lawino represents African cultural identity and resistance, while Ocol symbolizes Westernized modernity influenced by colonial education, religion, and social norms. Findings indicate that the poem does not simply reject modernity but critically negotiates it by highlighting cultural alienation, identity conflict, and the persistence of indigenous traditions. The study concludes that Song of Lawino functions as a discursive site where postcolonial identity, cultural resistance, and historical memory are constructed through language.
Exploring Elements of Postcolonial Theory in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's Devil on the Cross: Cultural Imperialism, Mimicry, and Hybridity in Post-Independence Kenya
This study examines Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's seminal novel Devil on the Cross (1982) through the analytical lens of postcolonial theory, focusing on the concepts of cultural imperialism, mimicry, hybridity, and ambivalence as articulated by theorists such as Homi K. Bhabha, Edward Said, and Frantz Fanon. The novel presents a scathing critique of post-independence Kenya, revealing how neocolonial structures perpetuate the exploitation of the working class and the marginalization of women within a capitalist framework that mirrors colonial oppression. Through close textual analysis, this research demonstrates how Thiong'o deconstructs the colonial legacy's impact on African societies, particularly examining the protagonist Jacinta Wariinga's journey from victimhood to revolutionary consciousness. The study argues that Devil on the Cross serves as both a literary masterpiece and a political manifesto, exposing the psychological and economic dimensions of cultural imperialism while advocating for authentic African identity and resistance against neocolonial domination. By employing qualitative content analysis and examining key passages from the novel, this research reveals how postcolonial elements manifest in character development, narrative structure, and thematic concerns. The findings demonstrate that Thiong'o's work illuminates the stratification within African nations, the perpetuation of colonial mentalities among the postcolonial elite, and the vital role of women's resistance in challenging oppressive systems. This analysis contributes to broader discussions of decolonization, cultural authenticity, and gender politics in postcolonial African literature.
Study on The Physio-Chemical Composition of Industrial (Hotel, Sweet Shop, Milk Vending Shop) made Dahi Karachi Sindh Pakistan
The four hundred samples of industrial and conventional made Dahi samples were studied for their physio-chemical and organoleptic properties. hundred samples of industrial yoghurt designated as “A “were collected from Karachi (Dairy fresh yoghurt manufactured dairy food industry Pvt ltd Karachi. while 300 samples of conventional made Dahi were obtained from different sources of Tando Jam and Hyderabad city designated as “B “(hotel) “C “(Sweet shop) and “D “(milk vending shops) made Dahi. According to the statistical analysis no significant difference was found in Ph values and acidity percentage amongst all types of Dahi samples, but significant difference was observed in fat and total solid percentages. the lowest fat percentage was recorded from the sample “A “with an average of 2.48 ±0.050, while Dahi sample of “C” showed highest fat percentage with an average 5.071±0.123.The highest total solid % with an average of 13.81150±0.20178 were recorded from samples “C” and lowest from sample Yoghurt with an average of 12.3468±0.120.According to the results of organoleptic evaluation the maximum score maximum score given by the panel of judges to sample “C” followed by samples of A,B and D.
Social Work Practice with Older Adults: Addressing Mental Health Issues in the Aging Population in Punjab, Pakistan
Pakistan is undergoing a slow but pronounced rise in aged population, especially in Punjab where the socioeconomic inequality and population concentration worsen the age vulnerabilities. Mental health problems in the elderly are extremely high in this area; the elderly are subject to depression, anxiety, loneliness, and psychosocial distress that are usually increased by chronic disease, poverty, and a declining family support structure. The aim of the research is to establish the prevalence and the nature of mental health problems among older adults in Punjab, Pakistan. To investigate the practice and role of professional social workers in solving mental health problems in the older adults in Punjab. To examine the barriers and challenges to access and provision of mental health services to the aging population in Punjab through the lens of older adults and social workers. To evaluate the feasibility of the current social work interventions and support systems in enhancing mental health and psychosocial welfare in older adults in Punjab, Pakistan. In this study, a qualitative research design was used because the researcher sought to provide a detailed insight into the mental health problems of older adults and the role of social work practice in Punjab, Pakistan. It was done in some urban and semi-urban districts of Punjab, Pakistan, where demographic aging and the access to social and health services pose unique problems. The sample population included older adults of 60 years or older who face mental health issues and professional social workers dealing with geriatric or community-based services. Purposive sampling was also used to draw the participants who had pertinent knowledge and experience pertaining to the topic of the research. The semi-structured in-depth interviews were used in data collection where the interviewer was free to enquire about the experiences of the participants without losing uniformity in the interviews. They were analyzed as part of thematic analysis as the data collected underwent a systematic coding, categorization, and theme development. The method has made it possible to identify recurring patterns that are associated with mental issues, social work practice, and service delivery obstacles.
Algorithmic Neuro-Stimulation and the Attentional Gate: A Neuropsychological Evaluation of TikTok’s Feedback Loops in Eliciting Secondary ADHD Symptoms in Children
This study assesses the effect of algorithmic neurostimulation and attentional gating processes on the incitement of secondary symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged 8-12 years who experienced the feedback-based structure of TikTok's content. The type of study design was a cross-sectional study, and the sample size was 40 children chosen using a stratified random sampling method, depending on age and gender. Pediatric outpatient departments (OPDs), child psychology clinics, and selected primary schools were the research locations, as they described both clinical manifestations and actual behavioural manifestations. The validated instruments, such as the Conners Rating Scale-Revised (CPRS-R) to assess ADHD symptomatology, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to assess behavioral patterns, the Digit Span Test, and the Stroop Color-Word Test to measure attention and executive functioning, and a Structured Screen-Time and TikTok Usage Questionnaire to record the frequency, duration, and engagement with algorithmically curated content, were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were used as statistical analysis methods to establish the relation between patterns of TikTok exposure and attentional outcomes. The results showed that there is a meaningful interaction between long-term exposure to algorithm-based short-form video material and the development of inattention, impulsivity, and decreased sustainability of attention, which suggests the existence of secondary symptoms of ADHD, but not primary neurodevelopmental ADHD. These findings underscore the importance of disruption of the attentional gate by a continuous loop of algorithmic feedback and the need to screen children early, counsel parents, and follow evidence-based guidelines to control exposure to highly arousing digital media environments.
Exploring Tidal Architecture: Amphibious Building Systems for Coastal Communities in Flux
This research employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate amphibious building systems for coastal communities experiencing tidal fluctuations. The study selected three coastal sites through purposive sampling based on tidal range, flooding frequency, and community vulnerability to sea-level variations. Data collection involved structured surveys administered to 120 coastal residents to assess their flooding experiences, existing adaptive strategies, and housing requirements. The researcher conducted systematic observations using a standardized assessment tool to evaluate current building typologies, foundation systems, and flood-resilient features across 80 coastal dwellings. Semi-structured interviews with 25 residents explored their lived experiences with tidal changes, seasonal flooding patterns, and perceptions of amphibious housing solutions. Additionally, the study engaged 8 local boat builders, 6 traditional fishermen, and 4 marine engineers through focus group discussions to understand indigenous water-based construction knowledge and buoyancy principles. Hydrological data collection involved measuring tidal levels, flood depths, and water velocity at selected sites over a six-month period. The researcher analyzed precedent amphibious structures globally through case study documentation to identify successful design strategies and technical mechanisms. Three amphibious building prototypes were developed incorporating floating foundations, vertical guidance systems, and flexible utility connections, then presented to communities for feedback through participatory design charrettes. Quantitative environmental and structural data underwent technical analysis, while qualitative data were thematically coded to extract community needs and design preferences for tidal-responsive architecture.
The Russia–Ukraine War and the Reconfiguration of the Global Order
The Russia-Ukraine war is still going on, and the end result is still unknown. However, it has already become one of the most important geopolitical crises of the 21st century. The war has had a huge impact on how countries interact with each other today, and it has directly challenged the global order that came about after the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991. That time was when the US became the only superpower, but the war has shown that US dominance is not as strong as it used to be and that unipolarity is becoming more difficult to maintain. The war has caused a lot of damage in Ukraine and lost land to Russia, which is not what the US and its allies expected, especially when it comes to European influence growing in Russia. These changes point to a decline in US power in world affairs and a move away from a unipolar world toward a multipolar one. The war between Russia and Ukraine has also changed the way countries work together, leading to NATO's strategic renewal, the reorganization of European security, and a growing divide between Western countries and Russia. European countries have had to pay a lot of money, while China and other rising powers have become more confident in challenging the status quo. The conflict is between two regional actors, but its effects are felt around the world, changing the balance of power, alliances, and the future of international politics. The war is not just a fight between countries; it is also a fight over different political and economic systems.
Illicit Arms Trafficking in Pakistan: Sources, Circulation Patterns, and Security Challenges
Illicit arms trafficking in Pakistan is a persistent and multifaceted challenge that significantly undermines national security, social stability, and regional peace. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons originates from a combination of factors, including historical conflicts, cross-border smuggling, local production, and deeply embedded cultural acceptance of firearms. Weapons flow into the country through porous borders, particularly from Afghanistan, and are supplemented by locally manufactured firearms from artisanal hubs such as Darra Adam Khel. These illicit arms are widely available, often unregistered, and frequently exploited by criminal networks, militant organizations, and insurgent groups, contributing to rising violent crime, sectarian conflict, and terrorism. The widespread presence of firearms exacerbates insecurity in both urban and rural communities, erodes public trust in law enforcement, and hinders socioeconomic development. Compounding the problem are regulatory gaps, weak enforcement mechanisms, and limited regional cooperation, which allow illegal arms markets to thrive and adapt to changing circumstances. Addressing this complex issue requires a comprehensive understanding of the sources, circulation patterns, and security implications of illicit firearms, along with integrated strategies that combine legal reform, enforcement, cultural awareness, socioeconomic development, and regional collaboration. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers, law enforcement, and civil society to formulate effective interventions that reduce the prevalence of illicit arms, enhance public safety, and strengthen state authority, ultimately contributing to sustainable peace and stability in Pakistan and the broader region.
Evaluating the Impact and Determinants of Agricultural Extension Services on Potato Farming in District Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa- Pakistan
Agriculture extension is the sole department which provides a bridge for flow of information between research and farmers. It plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity, improving farming practices, and increasing the livelihoods of farming community. This study aimed to analyze the agricultural extension activities in District Abbottabad Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan including the types of services provided, the effectiveness of these services and the challenges faced by extension workers. Data were collected from 112 sample respondents from four selected villages. The firsthand data were analyzed through SPSS v.20. The demographic attributes revealed that majority of the respondents were literate (68.8%), (42.9%) respondents were from age group of 51 and above. About (33.0%) of the respondents were landholding up to 5.1 acres and above and having good farming experience of 21years and above (83.9%). The yield obtained, seed rate used pre and post training were computed through paired sample t-test. The outcomes indicated a significant difference (p<0.01) with (401.223 kg/acre) increase in potato yield after training. While a significant difference (p<0.01) was recorded for seed rate with the mean difference value decreased after training. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between various variables. Total land holding had significant association with knowledge about extension department at 1% probability level. Farmers’ literacy rate also had significant association with knowledge about extension department at 5% probability level. The results show that while agricultural extension services were being provided in the district, there are some important gaps in the coverage and quality of these services. The study identified key challenges, including poor financial conditions, water scarcity and less no of extension workers. The study recommends that policymakers should prioritize the strengthening of agricultural extension services in District Abbottabad.
Power Politics and Legal Norms: How Great Powers Shape International Law Enforcement
The international legal order embodies a fundamental tension between the normative principle of sovereign equality and the practical dominance of power politics exercised by great powers. This paper examines how hegemonic states shape, interpret, and selectively enforce international law to advance their strategic interests while evading accountability. Drawing on realist, liberal institutionalist, and constructivist theoretical frameworks, it analyzes the interplay between material power and legal norms, highlighting mechanisms such as the UN Security Council's veto power, procedural dominance (penholding and double veto), unilateral sanctions, and economic statecraft. Through case studies including the 2003 Iraq invasion, China's rejection of the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and U.S. sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) under Executive Order 14203 the analysis reveals patterns of selective compliance, exceptionalism, and the weaponization of legal tools (lawfare). The paper further explores counter-hegemonic responses, including Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL), which challenge Western-centric hierarchies and advocate for democratized legal discourse. Ultimately, while international law exhibits resilience through formal consent-based sources and normative stickiness, its enforcement remains contingent on great power consent and capabilities, perpetuating a hierarchical global order that undermines universal rule-of-law aspirations.
Analyzing the Impact of STEM Curriculum on Students' Motor Skills Development at Secondary Level
Background: The investments in foreign port infrastructure by China, most notably the Red Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean are all part of its maritime logistics diplomacy within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The purpose of these investments is to create globalized trade connectivity as well as territorial geopolitical power of China via the creation of strategic ports. Purpose: This paper discusses the significance of Chinese investments in major sea ports, their impact on the growth of an economy, the increase of a trading volume, on the development of diplomatic power and regional politics in the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean areas. Method: It was a qualitative case study with the analysis of documents, port performance statistics, and interviews with professionals. A comparative cross-case analysis was made to study the strategic results of investing in five most important ports Piraeus, Djibouti, Tanger Med, Port Said and Mombasa. Results: The findings revealed that the amount of trade volume increased significantly in each of the ports after the investment, with the largest rates in Djibouti and Piraeus. The scores of diplomatic engagement were good collaborations, with economic impacts showing significant increases in the GDP and creation of employment opportunities, especially in Djibouti and Piraeus. The scores in geopolitical influence pointed to the growing strategic advantages of China in the regions. Conclusion: The investment of Chinese ports has redefined logistics networks, which have led to economic and diplomatic development and increased the geopolitical power of China in strategic sea routes.
Maritime Logistics Diplomacy: Chinese Investments in Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Ports
The Use of Emergency Powers by States and Their Effects on Non-Derogable Human Rights: With Special Reference to Pakistan
Emergency powers are an option that is familiar in the application of the states in dealing with emergencies such as war, terrorism, natural and civil disasters. However, in situations of crisis, the increase in executive powers have frequently resulted in the deterioration of the law and the deterioration of civil rights. Research questions of this research are: To analyze the legal considerations and global regulations on the use of emergency powers and protection of non-derogable human rights. To study the application of the emergency powers in Pakistan, the conditions, area, and period of such declarations. To determine the role that emergency powers play in affecting the non-derogable human rights in Pakistan with special emphasis on rights like the right to life, freedom of torture and due process. To assess how successful institutional checks and balances are in Pakistan in ensuring that emergency powers are not abused or that non-derogative human rights are not violated. The study design used in the research is qualitative research design since I want to determine the manner in which the states invoke emergency powers and its effects on non-derogable human rights in Pakistan. The information is collected through an evaluation of documents, i.e., the primary and secondary sources are systematically analyzed, i.e., the Constitution of Pakistan, legislative means, and international treaties. Triangulation is also being done with secondary sources like scholarly articles and reports of the human rights movement. This method is suitable in the explanation of the law and documented impacts of human rights. It was thematic analysis research to identify themes and patterns that were repeated in the data collected. These themes are the statutory power of emergencies, the scope and duration, justification and impacts of the emergency on non-derogable rights, that is, life, the ban of torture, and the due process. The qualitative nature of the research under the study perhaps could be an impediment to generalization since the findings are not universal as they are specific to the situation in Pakistan.
Mapping out Images of Warrior Women in Stieg Larsson’s The Millennium Trilogy (2005-2010)
This paper explores the portrayal of miscellaneous warrior women in Stieg Larsson’s The Millennium Trilogy (2005-2010). It not only analyses the existence of these queer women in their various avatars such as masculine women, tomboys and fighter women, but it also debunks the misconceptions associated with them by the hegemonic Swedish society. Judith Halberstam’s queer theory provides a lens to study how these unconventional female identities along with the complexity of their unremitting conflicts transition into being empowered women from being mere survivors in the past. It further lends a deeper insight into their survival and fighting mechanisms such as an inclusive sisterhood, formation of a second identity, undaunting sense of selfhood, and silent observation of their surroundings. The trilogy’s feminist narrative shows that mindful social change is indispensable to eventually end female isolation, exploitation and marginalization by creating acceptance for women who possess a strong sense of self and individuality in the 21st century milieu.