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Exploring Connections between Social Science Education and Resilience against Violent Extremism: A Study of Selected Universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

2025-08-24T18:15:42+00:00

This qualitative study investigates how and why social sciences education fosters resilience against violent extremism among university students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Universities, and particularly the disciplines of social sciences, play a central role in shaping student attitudes, fostering civic engagement, and cultivating resilience against extremist narratives. Grounded in Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Spivak’s notion of the subaltern voice, and Foucault’s conceptualization of power and discipline, the research analyzes perspectives from 84 participants, including students (n=31), faculty (n=31), and administrators (n=22) from four departments: social work, sociology, political science, and education across 11 public sector universities. Semi-structured interviews were thematically analyzed using NVivo software, revealing that social sciences education enhances critical consciousness, nurtures dialogic learning environments, promotes critical thinking, democratic citizenship, and social cohesion, and encourages reflective skepticism towards extremist narratives. However, institutional constraints—including curriculum bias, censorship, and inadequate pedagogical training—limit its full efficacy. The study reinforces calls for curricular reform, faculty development in critical pedagogy, and institutional policies that safeguard academic freedom. The findings contribute to comparative education and counter-violent extremism literature, with practical implications for higher education policy in Pakistan and similar contexts.

Keywords: Resilience, violent extremism, social sciences, critical pedagogy, higher education,

Universities, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

UNCLOS and Beyond: Strengthening Maritime Governance through International Legal Frameworks

2025-08-24T16:28:19+00:00

The United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS) is the bedrock of maritime governance, setting out nations’ rights and responsibilities in the use of the world’s oceans. However, given the dynamic nature of global maritime activities, as well as increased environmental, geopolitical, and technological challenges, the current legal framework is not fully equipped to address these challenges and necessitates reconsideration. This paper critically explores to what extent UNCLOS is an effective instrument for modern maritime governance, for example, its ability to resolve transboundary maritime disputes, marine pollution, and the governance of new maritime areas in climate change. This includes the problem areas in which UNCLOS is felt to have insufficient regulatory scope, the challenges of cyber threats against shipping, the exploitation of deep-sea resources, and maritime security in a multi-polar world. The paper analyses its success and gaps in the UNCLOS framework using the comparative analysis of international case law, maritime dispute resolution mechanisms, and regional agreements. Further, it explores the contribution of complementary international organizations to the oversight of the law and operation of the safety of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This study argues that to address the realities of the modern geopolitical and environmental landscape, maritime governance should take a multi-dimensional approach that integrates UNCLOS with emerging legal principles and regional cooperation models. UNCLOS, however, remains foundational but requires adaptation and supplementation through new legal instruments and intergovernmental collaboration. Finally, this research suggests ways to reform maritime governance to promote sustainable development, environmental conservation, and peaceful navigation.

Keywords: UNCLOS, Maritime Governance, Transboundary Disputes, Environmental Conservation, Cyber Threats in Shipping.

Martyrdom, Memory, and Identity: A Qualitative Discourse Analysis of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in Pakistan’s Strategic Culture

2025-08-24T11:24:27+00:00

This paper discusses the events of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, a military action taken by Pakistan in response to the 2025 Pahalgam attack, in the contexts of strategic retaliation and symbolic identity formation. Placed in the historical framework of Indo-Pakistani conflict, the operation can be viewed not only as a step of calculated deterrence but also as a performative story that is based on Islamic symbolism and collective memory. With the references to the Quran especially Surah Al-Saff (61:4), the operation was presented as a divine obligation, which strengthened national solidarity and national endurance. By analysing qualitative discourse of state rhetoric, media coverage, and commemorations like Youm-e-Tashakur the study exposes the instrumentalization of martyrdom narratives and memory politics to establish the military action as a long-lasting cultural and ideological script. The results show how realist logic of security and constructivist identity making are intertwined in Pakistan, which in part explains how the country uses religious symbolism to justify its actions both at home and abroad. The study can inform the wider perspectives of hybrid warfare and identity politics and the importance of collective memory in the conflict patterns in South Asia, as well as pointing to the dangers of the further development of identity-based antagonisms in the region.

Keywords: Operation Bunyan-Um-Marsoos, Martyrdom, Collective Memory, Identity Construction, Indo-Pakistan Relations, Symbolic Warfare, Islamic Symbolism

Impact of Leadership Styles on Job Satisfaction and Employee Motivation: A Case Study of Private Banking Sector in Eastern Zone Afghanistan

2025-08-24T10:00:49+00:00

This study examines the Impact of Leadership Styles on Job Satisfaction and Employee motivation. In this research the private banking sector of eastern zone of Afghanistan was studied. In the bank researcher check the satisfaction level of the employees and how leaders motivate their employees. A sample of 200 employees was taken from eastern private banks. this research shows the executive level leadership that how they treat the employees or subordinates. The five level Likert scale questionnaire was distributed in different branches to the respondent. In the questionnaire out of 200, 200 questions were received from respondents, regression and correlation was used to check the impact of different leadership styles. result shows that there is a significant positive impact on job satisfaction to Transformational leadership, Transactional leadership and Laissez faire leadership. The second variable result shows that there is significant positive impact between Employee motivation to Transformational leadership, Transactional leadership and laissez faire leadership.

Keywords, Leadership Styles, Job Satisfaction, Employee Motivation, Transformational leadership

Issues and Challenges to Women Academic Leadership: A Case Study of Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan

2025-08-23T20:31:46+00:00

This qualitative case study investigates the multifaceted barriers hindering the advancement of women into academic leadership positions within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan. Despite a significant presence of women at student and junior faculty levels, a stark vertical segregation persists, with their representation drastically diminishing in senior roles such as Deans, Directors, and Vice-Chancellors. Guided by Feminist Standpoint Theory and Gendered Organization Theory, this research employs in-depth, semi-structured interviews with women in academic leadership roles across multiple Pakistani universities. A thematic analysis of the data reveals a complex, interlocking system of challenges operating at three levels: macro socio-cultural expectations (e.g., familial obligations, societal norms), meso organizational structures (e.g., male-dominated informal networks, biased policies, lack of institutional support), and micro internalized barriers (e.g., imposter syndrome, the double bind). The findings demonstrate that women are not passive victims of these structures but actively employ strategies of resilience, strategic navigation, and the formation of informal "sisterhood" networks to overcome these hurdles. The study concludes that the underrepresentation of women is a systemic issue requiring multi-faceted interventions. It recommends concrete policy and institutional reforms, including transparent promotion criteria, mandatory mentorship programs, and leadership development initiatives, to dismantle the gendered barriers and foster a more inclusive and equitable academic leadership landscape in Pakistan. The research contributes a nuanced, context-rich understanding of the gendered power dynamics within Pakistani HEIs, highlighting the critical need to leverage this untapped potential for the sector's future development.

Keywords: Women Academic Leadership, Gender Equity, Higher Education in Pakistan, Gendered Organizations, Qualitative Case Study, Barriers and Challenges

Exploring The Concept of Inevitable and Optimistic Struggle In The Light Of Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea

2025-08-23T20:09:53+00:00

The novel Old Man and The Sea is one among the ending fictional works of Ernest Miller Hemingway and it was published in September 1952. Soon after two years of publication, it won the Noble Prize in 1954. It became Hemingway’s bestselling novel in no time. Moreover, it deals with the life and struggle of an old angler Santiago who failed to catch the fish for eighty-four days but remained hopeful. On the eighty-fifth day, he went deep into the ocean in search of fish where he hooked the Marlin but later faced troubles to bring it to the shore because of the attack of Mako sharks. Present research deals with Exploring the Concept of Inevitable and Optimistic Struggle in the light of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and The Sea. The study shows that The Old Man and The Sea by Hemingway is fountain of optimism because it reflects the optimistic life of Santiago in particular contemporary society in general. Further, it shows how the human strength, willpower, determination and optimism can lead a man to achieve what he aspires in life. The novella provides a commentary of an epic battle between two sides, the old angler and the huge fish particular and in general and failure and success, hope and the despair in general. The researcher employed descriptive qualitative method and collected the data through the secondary sources like review papers and research articles. The researcher has carefully analyzed data to reach the conclusion of the study.

Keywords: Optimism, Inevitable Struggle, Determination, Willpower, Motivation, Inspiration.

The difference in the legal (Shariah) status of tacit consensus (Ijma al-Sukuti) between the Hanafis and the Shafi'is

2025-08-23T18:43:05+00:00

This paper discusses the contentious Question of Ijma al-Sukuti (tacit consensus) and its legal status in Islamic jurisprudence with special attention being given to the opposing interpretations of the Hanafi and the Shafi fi schools of thought. In the interpretation of the Islamic law multiple forms of Ijma exist, one of which, explicit consensus (ijma sarih), is not controversial. The tacit consensus however is a controversial one where scholars do not take a stand over a juristic opinion without necessarily opposing it openly. Hanafis consider such silence, under certain circumstances e.g. when the issue is so well known and uncontested, as evidence, reasoning that silence should be interpreted as consent. On the other hand, the Shafi`i school does not recognize its authority because of the possibility of silence due to ignorance, lack of interest in expressing consent or uncertainty, not fulfilling the definition of ijma as there must be express agreement. The paper will also discuss the Quranic, prophetic, rational and historical evidences that are usually put forward by those supporting either of the two views. Examples of the period of the Companions and early jurists are discussed to bring out the cases in which tacit consensus was cited as testimony. The study also examines the current issues of the application of ijma sukuti particularly in modern areas of law reforming, bioethics and money matters where silence cannot be easily treated as approval because of the complicated nature of issues, and various participation of scholars. Finally, the paper concludes that whereas the Hanafi stance leaves room of legal flexibility by leaving tacit consensus to be proved in limited situations, the Shafi'i school is more cautious and precise with regard to methodology. The two views add value to the usul al-fiqh discourse by providing a variety of methods of deducing rulings. The findings show why inter-madhhab dialogue needs to be encouraged, why collective ijtihad must be fostered, and why the significance of tacit consensus should be well examined to deal with contemporary matters of juristic concern.

Keywords: Ijma al-Sukuti, Tacit Consensus, Hanafi School, Shafi‘i School, Usul al-Fiqh, Islamic Jurisprudence, Legal Methodology

Examining the Facilitators and Barriers to E-Skills Adoption in Learning among University Students in Punjab

2025-08-23T18:17:38+00:00

This quantitative study examined the facilitators and barriers influencing the adoption of E-skills among university students, with particular focus to their engagement with e-learning platforms. A sample of 300 students were selected through random sampling from various academic programs across three divisions of the University of Education, Lahore. These divisions were purposefully chosen for their reputation in fostering educational innovation and their diverse student body, which provided a rich context for exploring e-skills adoption. Data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire designed to investigate the enablers and obstacles affecting the effective use of e-skills in educational settings. The results identified key facilitators, including learning motivation, platform usability, institutional and technical support, and peer collaboration. In contrast, notable barriers included limited access to digital devices and reliable internet connectivity, low levels of digital literacy, insufficient training opportunities, and reduced motivation. The findings reveal that although students display moderate motivation to engage in e-learning, they frequently face challenges related to platform usability and inadequate technical support. The study highlights the critical role of institutional initiatives in expanding technology access, implementing comprehensive digital literacy programs, strengthening technical support systems, and fostering supportive learning environments. Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing student engagement with e-learning tools, thereby improving educational outcomes and ensuring sustainable e-skills adoption in higher education. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding e-skills integration and offers practical insights for developing strategies to optimize online learning environments.

Key words: E-skills, Barriers, Facilitators, Digital Literacy and University Students

Exploration of Symbolical Elements in Romantic Poetry Through Wordsworth’s Poetry The Prelude and The Lucy

2025-08-23T08:30:48+00:00

The central aim of this study is to examine the use of symbolism in Romantic poetry with a particular focus on the works of William Wordsworth. For this purpose, the research adopts a library-based approach and applies descriptive analysis to interpret the collected material. The framework for interpretation is drawn from Charles Sanders Peirce’s theory of semiotics, which provides the foundation for analyzing symbolic representations. The investigation centers on three significant poemsThe Lucy Poems, Tintern Abbey, and Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood. Through semiotic analysis, the study seeks to uncover the underlying meanings of the symbols within these poems and to demonstrate how they reflect the broader cultural, philosophical, and natural world that shaped Wordsworth’s imagination. Ultimately, this research aims to present a new perspective on the symbolic depth of Romantic poetry and highlight the intricate relationship between Wordsworth’s poetic vision and his surrounding environment.

Keywords: William Wordsworth, Symbolism, Semiotics, Charles Sanders Peirce, The Lucy Poem, Tintern Abbey, Ode On Intimations Of Immortality, Hidden Meanings, Cultural Context, Poetic Vision, Nature

Digital and Assistive Technologies for Autism Intervention in Pakistan: Opportunities and Challenges

2025-08-23T08:03:22+00:00

ASD is a life-long policy neurodevelopmental disorder, which is a worldwide challenge to the general population. The care of ASD in Pakistan is already an uphill struggle complicated by an intersection of socio-cultural, economic, and systemic factors such as the presence of pervasive stigma, delayed diagnosis, and the critical lack of specialized resources in the country. This report assumes that digital and assistive technology provides a paradigm shifting opportunity to bypass these conventional barriers and deploy effective, scalable, and cost-effective, interventions that are required to be geographically accessible. The analysis is a systematic assessment of whether a particular technology, including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) applications, telehealth solutions, and virtual reality (VR), has the chance to resolve distinguished gaps in communication, diagnosis, and therapeutic endorsement. At the same time, it reviews critically the great barriers to their adoption and implementation such as a marked digital divide, a high economic restraint placed on families, a shortage of professional training and a unified policy. The report ends with a multi-stakeholder roadmap, because the effective incorporation of technology is not a silver bullet, but rather depends on a collective and policy-led initiative to overcome fundamental barriers on the level of infrastructures, economy and socio-cultural practices.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Assistive Technology, Telehealth, Pakistan, Digital Divide, Public Health

Accessibility and Quality of Special Education Services for Children with Autism in Pakistan’s Public and Private Sectors

2025-08-23T07:38:39+00:00

The early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been vital in enhancing developmental outcome but in rural parts of Pakistan, this is a challenge due to the many obstacles that delay the diagnosis. This in-depth literature review examines such hindrances and suggests the evidence-based and culturally acceptable measures of this region. The results identify three related barrier areas. On the one hand, the pursuit of medical care is impeded by sociocultural parameters such as absence of public awareness, widespread stigma within the society, and the use of traditional healers. Second, patient Bro Systemic barriers the healthcare system deficiencies, e.g. shortage of qualified specialists, a lack of training in primary care teaching about developmental screening, and referral systems that are disjointed, create systemic barriers. Third, socioeconomic and geographic inaccessibility (caused by poverty and accessibility to faraway urban diagnostic facilities) includes making the services unavailable to the majority of rural households. In order to surpass these difficulties, a comprehensive strategy is required. The suggested measures are aimed at the empowerment of the Community Health Workers (CHWs) to conduct basic developmental surveillance and the initiation of community development awareness campaigns. These initiatives work to be accompanied by the reinforcement of the primary healthcare system through extending screening services to ordinary visits, applying the examples of task-shifting, and using the telehealth technologies. Lastly, optimal policy and educational changes are essential in creating a long-term, the step-by-step system of care. There is a need to make a serious concerted effort of political leaders, health care providers, and community stakeholders to establish an efficient pathway of timely diagnosis and intervention to improve the outcomes of the multiplicity of children with ASD nationwide.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Special Education Services, Accessibility, Service Quality, Public Sector Education, Private Sector Education, Special Education

Negotiating Reality and Fantasy through Magical Realism in Suleikha Snyder’s Big Bad Wolf

2025-08-23T06:48:40+00:00

The current research aims to study how Suleikha Snyder’s Big Bad Wolf uses magical realism to tell a story that’s both deeply imaginative and powerfully political. By blending the real world with the supernatural think werewolves, psychic powers, and shadowy government forces Snyder doesn’t just entertain; she exposes the harsh realities faced by those on the margins of society. Through the lens of magical realism, the novel transforms the figure of the ‘Big Bad Wolf’ into something far more complex: not just a monster, but a symbol of resistance, trauma, and survival. Drawing on theories of magical realism, as well as postcolonial and feminist thought, this thesis explores how the novel challenges our ideas of identity, justice, and power in a world shaped by U.S.-led global dynamics. Snyder’s use of the fantastic isn’t about escape it’s about seeing the world more clearly, and imagining new ways to live and fight back. Ultimately, this study argues that magical realism in Big Bad Wolf is a tool for truth-telling, giving voice to those often silenced and reimagining what it means to be monstrous in a broken world.

Keywords: Magical Realism, Suleikha Snyder, Big Bad Wolf, Political Allegory, Postcolonial Criticism, Feminist Theory, Identity, Resistance, Trauma, Monstrosity, U.S. Hegemony, Speculative Fiction

Training needs assessment of female teachers for utilization of information and communication technologies

2025-08-22T17:06:14+00:00

The study entitled “Training Needs Assessment of Female Teachers for Utilization of Information and Communication Technologies” was conducted in District Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, with the objective of identifying training requirements, benefits, challenges, and recommendations for improving induction training programs for female educators. The research population comprised 462 educators, including Elementary School Educators (ESE), Senior Elementary School Educators (SESE), and Secondary School Educators (SSE), from which a stratified random sample of 113 respondents was drawn using a 95% confidence level and 8% margin of error. Data were collected through a structured, pre-tested questionnaire, ensuring reliability and validity. Analysis was carried out using SPSS and MS Excel, and findings were presented in both tabular and graphical form. Results revealed that the most valued benefits of training were the development of communication skills (Mean = 3.96), improved performance (Mean = 3.81), and enhanced lesson planning methods (Mean = 3.73). Conversely, IT skills were rated lowest (Mean = 3.04), indicating limited integration of technology. Factors affecting training efficiency included management behavior (Mean = 4.19), trainee interest (Mean = 3.99), and participant involvement (Mean = 3.70), suggesting that human-related aspects were more influential than environmental or trainer-related factors. The impact of training on teaching efficiency was particularly strong in boosting confidence (Mean = 4.09), motivation (Mean = 3.98), and teaching skills (Mean = 3.88), while administrative aspects such as record management and financial utilization scored lower. Recommendations for improvement emphasized incentives for participants (Mean = 4.40), political neutrality (Mean = 4.20), and proper budget allocation (Mean = 4.15), alongside disciplined execution and use of modern technology. The study concludes that induction training programs play a vital role in enhancing teaching effectiveness, professional growth, and motivation of female educators, but require greater focus on digital competencies, resource provision, and neutral, well-structured delivery for long-term sustainability.

Key Words: Need Assessment, ICTs, Training, Effect

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Industry 4.0: A Path to Smart Manufacturing

2025-08-22T17:50:28+00:00

The rise of Industry 4.0 has reshaped manufacturing into a smart, connected, and highly data-driven environment. At the heart of this transformation are cyber-physical systems that create large amounts of data while also increasing complexity and uncertainty in production processes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers powerful tools to address these challenges by enabling predictive analytics, process optimization, and data-driven decision-making. Together, AI and Industry 4.0 lay the foundation for “smart manufacturing,” where efficiency, flexibility, and innovation can be achieved at new levels. Despite its clear potential, the large-scale use of AI in manufacturing is still limited. Most companies apply AI in small pilot projects rather than across full production systems. This is due to barriers such as technical integration, data interoperability, workforce skills, and organizational readiness. Overcoming these issues requires not only advanced technologies but also changes in industrial culture, workforce training, and strategic planning. This paper contributes in two ways: It reviews existing literature on AI applications in manufacturing, identifying the main enabling technologies and design principles and it outlines the major challenges and opportunities for future research, presenting a framework to connect academic progress with industrial practice. By offering a clear definition and perspective on AI within Industry 4.0, the study highlights essential building blocks, trends, and strategies for effective adoption. The goal is to guide researchers and practitioners in advancing AI-driven smart manufacturing, enhancing efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness in the digital era.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing, Digital Transformation, Cloud Technologies

Artificial Intelligence in Education: Implications for Teaching Methods, Classroom Interaction, and Instructional Planning

2025-08-22T12:49:19+00:00

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education has accelerated in recent years, transforming pedagogical practices and reshaping the roles of teachers and learners. This study examined the implications of AI adoption for teaching methods, classroom interaction, and instructional planning. A mixed-methods design was employed, involving survey responses from 180 teachers and in-depth interviews with 20 participants across diverse educational institutions. Quantitative findings revealed that AI enhanced lesson preparation, supported differentiated instruction, and improved assessment and curriculum planning. AI tools also increased student engagement and facilitated teacher–student communication, though concerns persisted about reduced face-to-face interaction. Qualitative insights highlighted three key themes: empowerment through personalization, balancing technology with human interaction, and the need for teacher training and institutional support. The results suggest that AI holds significant promise as a partner in education by enabling data-driven decision-making and adaptive teaching strategies. However, effective integration requires professional development, ethical awareness, and policies that preserve the social and relational dimensions of teaching. The study concludes that AI should complement, rather than replace, human educators, ensuring a balance between technological efficiency and human-centered pedagogy.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, teaching methods, classroom interaction, instructional planning, teacher training, educational technology

Investigating the Relationship Between Teachers’ Beliefs and Instructional Practices Related To 21st-Century Skills

2025-08-22T12:35:15+00:00

The increasing emphasis on 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy has transformed the role of teachers. While teachers’ beliefs strongly influence pedagogical choices, research suggests that classroom practices often do not fully align with these beliefs. Understanding the relationship between teachers’ beliefs and their instructional practices is therefore crucial for improving educational outcomes. This study employed a quantitative correlational research design to investigate the relationship between teachers’ beliefs and instructional practices related to 21st-century skills. A total of 200 secondary school teachers were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through two validated Likert-scale questionnaires: the Teachers’ Beliefs Scale and the Instructional Practices Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, t-tests, and ANOVA were applied using SPSS. Findings revealed that teachers held positive beliefs about the importance of 21st-century skills (M = 4.12, SD = 0.52), but their instructional practices demonstrated only moderate integration (M = 3.68, SD = 0.64). A significant moderate positive correlation was found between teachers’ beliefs and instructional practices (r = 0.48, p < .01). Additionally, private school teachers reported significantly higher levels of integration compared to public school teachers. The study concluded that teachers’ beliefs positively influence instructional practices, though contextual and institutional factors limit full implementation. Bridging the gap between beliefs and practices requires targeted professional development, resource allocation, and curriculum reforms to foster meaningful integration of 21st-century skills in classrooms.

Keywords: Teachers’ beliefs, instructional practices, 21st-century skills, secondary education, digital literacy, creativity, critical thinking

Analysis of Translation Techniques in the English Version of Bulleh Shah's Poem “Bullah Ki Jana Mn Kon” Translated by Parvez Iqbal Anjum

2025-08-21T16:56:07+00:00

The research article examines the challenges and opportunities involved in translating Punjabi Sufi poetry, with a particular focus on the works of Bulleh Shah. It investigates how themes such as self-awareness, spiritual exploration, and cultural identity are addressed in translated poetry. The study analyzes various translation strategies, including borrowing, amplification, and modulation, to navigate the complexities of translating texts rich in cultural and linguistic heritage while preserving their original essence. By translating Bulleh Shah’s poetry into English, the paper explores the methods used to convey the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of the original text. Through qualitative analysis, the research sheds light on how these techniques capture the nuanced meanings and cultural contexts of the Punjabi text. The findings aim to improve the understanding of the translation process within literary studies and assess the effectiveness of these techniques in conveying the intended meanings to an English-speaking audience.

Keywords: Sufi poetry, Self-awareness, Spiritual exploration, Nuanced meanings, Punjabi text, Intended meanings

Student Perceptions of English Tense Learning Difficulties: A Mixed-Method Investigation in Pakistani Higher Education

2025-08-22T05:16:16+00:00

Learning English tenses presents significant challenges for ESL students globally, particularly in Pakistan, where English serves as an official language and instructional medium in higher education. Despite extensive grammar instruction, students struggle with practical applications of the tense, creating gaps between theoretical knowledge and communicative competence. This study investigated undergraduate students' perceptions of difficulties in learning English tenses to identify problem areas and inform pedagogical improvements, employing a mixed-methods design that combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. From 256 English Department students at the University of Malakand, 110 were selected through stratified random sampling for questionnaires and 10 for semi-structured interviews. Data collection utilised a validated 30-item Likert scale questionnaire and an interview guide. Quantitative analysis employed descriptive statistics via SPSS 22.0, while qualitative data underwent six-step thematic analysis. Results showed students demonstrated confidence in basic tense structures and sentence recognition, but acknowledged difficulties with complex combinations, voice conversions, perfect continuous tenses, and temporal prepositions. The study recommends implementing communicative teaching approaches and addressing cognitive and affective factors in tense instruction.

Keywords: English tense learning; student perceptions; ESL difficulties; mixed-method research

Parent Stress, Coping Mechanisms, and Support Systems in Families of Children with Autism in Pakistan

2025-08-20T16:50:51+00:00

This paper addresses the many-faceted nature of stress, ways the parents coped with it, and the existing support network among the Pakistani parents whose children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Raising a child with ASD is a global issue; however, it is specified in the Pakistani socio-cultural, economic, and healthcare environment. This study explores the reality of these families, pointing out the huge psychological and emotional cost paid by parents especially the mothers. Significant results show the role of parental stress to be compounded by delayed diagnosis impasse, inordinate shortage of accessible affordable professional services and rampant social stigmatization in parental health. In response, parents utilise a mixture of coping mechanisms with a heavy reliance on religious and faith based approaches combined with a more problem focused approach to attain educational and therapeutic treatments of their child. The paper also throws light upon the two-faced nature of the conventional joint family system that can be a life-saving support as well as a conflict and misunderstanding source. The results indicate an importance of elaborating the culturally sensitive lines of support services, creating awareness programs, incorporating awareness and stigma-reduction, and integrated policy frameworks to enhance the well-being of both children with ASD and their families in Pakistan. Finally, this study demands a system-wide transformation of the clinics-oriented perspective on autism to a family-oriented system of services.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parental Stress, Coping Mechanisms, Social Support, Pakistan, Family Dynamics

Constructing the ‘Other’: Pakistani Nationalist Historians’ Perspective on Hinduism

2025-08-20T13:55:36+00:00

For centuries, Muslims and Hindus coexisted in South Asia with relative harmony, experiencing only occasional and minor disputes. However, during the colonial period, the divide between the two communities deepened significantly, largely as a result of British policies that encouraged communal differentiation. This article, employing a descriptive and axiological research method, examines the emergence of nationalist Muslim historiography in South Asia, particularly its anti-Hindu tendencies and its broader critique of Hinduism. It further explores the key characteristics of Pakistani nationalist historiography, investigating why Muslim historians adopted such a nationalist framework and what consequences this approach has had for historical narratives, identity formation, and intercommunal relations. By providing a critical and detailed analysis, this study represents a pioneering attempt to rigorously assess the ideological foundations and implications of nationalist Muslim historiography in Pakistan. This research is an endeavor to seek the answer of broader question that, how did colonial policies and subsequent nationalist agendas shape the development of Muslim historiography in South Asia, and what impact did this have on the portrayal of Hinduism and Hindu-Muslim relations?

Keywords: Nationalist, Hindu, Muslim, Sufi, Historians, Approach.

Pragmatics in Context: Contemporary Approaches to Speech Acts and Implicatures

2025-08-20T04:03:58+00:00

Pragmatics as a fundamental field of linguistics studies how meaning is constructed not only through linguistic forms but also through the context, speaker intention and shared knowledge. In this context, the speech act theory and implicatures have been the main focus on how language works in practice. Modern theories of speech acts focus on their contextual and dynamic character, shifting the classical Austin-Searle model to take into consideration sociocultural factors, power relations and online communication settings. Likewise, implicature has grown in the study of neo-Gricean pragmatics, relevance theory, and cognitive-pragmatic models, which emphasize the interpretation processes through which hearers arrive at the unspoken meanings. Multimodality, politeness strategies, and intercultural variation is also an aspect that has been highlighted in the current scholarship as far as creation of pragmatic meaning is concerned. In addition, online chats, social media communication and computer-mediated communication are forms of digital discourse that have reinterpreted the realization and interpretation of speech acts and implicatures within technologically mediated contexts. Such tendencies are indicative of a more holistic and context-sensitive perspective of pragmatics, where the study of pragmatics incorporates considerations of sociolinguistics, cognitive science, and communication studies. This paper will argue that pragmatics offers crucial resources to comprehend both the established spoken communication and the emerging forms of human communication in various sociocultural and digital environments based on an analysis of the recent theoretical approaches and practical contexts. This kind of exploration leads to a deeper comprehension of how the process of meaning negotiation occurs, how social relationships are sustained and how norms of communication adjust to the dynamic environment.

Keywords: Pragmatics, Speech Acts, Implicature, Neo-Gricean Pragmatics, Relevance Theory, Context, Digital Communication, Politeness, Multimodality, Intercultural Communication.

Identifying Existing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills of Secondary School Teachers: A Survey Study

2025-08-20T00:06:40+00:00

Information and communication technology (ICT) is a field that focuses on modern computer software used in education and training to improve students’ learning abilities and the professional competence of teachers This research is a descriptive and quantitative investigation involving 290 government secondary school teachers in the Chiniot area. The questionnaire was developed by the researcher, who sought expert advice to verify its validity. A pilot testing with 20 teachers was conducted to test reliability of the instrumentfor which the value of Cronbach alpha (α = 0.850) was, indicating high reliability. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean scores were calculated to describe the current status of the respondents’ demographic variables and existing level of their ICT skills. The findings of the study showthat most of the teachers are confident in digital instruction skills, having ahigh percentage ranging i.e., 83.5% to 94.5% are able to solve problems, can install software, type document, create web page, edit graphics, and integrate ICT and smartphones. This highlights their positive attitude towards digital technology and they proficient in ICT.

Keywords: Information and communication technology (ICT), Secondary School Teachers, ICT skills.

Deepfake Diplomacy and International Relations: Assessing the Impact of AI-Generated Media on Global Trust, Diplomatic Engagement, and Conflict Escalation

2025-08-19T15:44:25+00:00

This paper examines the new possibilities that deepfakes will have in defining the course of diplomacy and international relations. It studies the impact of deepfakes on diplomatic trust, leadership legitimacy, conflict escalation, and normalization of disinformation through a qualitative research design conducted through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). It was concluded that deepfakes are drivers of diplomatic suspicion, are used to undermine the credibility of leaders, and are a channel of increasing misinformation through media logics. The study highlights the importance of creating global verification systems, the need to increase digital diplomat literacy, and multilateral regulation against AI-fueled disinformation. The final message is that deepfakes are a serious communicative and political challenge that disrupts trust in international relations.

Keywords: Deepfake, Diplomacy, International Relations, AI-Generated, Media, Global Trust, Diplomatic Engagement, Conflict Escalation

Corporate Accountability for Human Rights Violations: Role of International Law

2025-08-19T13:00:59+00:00

Multinational corporations have grown to become strong transnational forces who could affect the economies, politics and social setups across borders, in the past decades. As these companies continue to grow into the international scene and even expand their markets in different countries of the world, their history of human rights abuses including violating workers’ rights working conditions, destroying the environment, forced displacements and involvement in conflict areas among others has increased. Such misconduct is common where law is weakly enforced, where de facto governance fails to enforce the law or where the law is compromised by a vested interest such that the alleged perpetrators are not accountable and bound to redress. With the globalization of corporations in a state-based world of enforcement of human rights, the role of international law in closing the gap between such lack of oversight has emerged as being of interest.

This essay searches the development of the international law on the issue of corporate human rights duty in terms of liability. It follows through the history of international law to avoid direct liability on business organizations and points to the early efforts that were aimed at getting the international law to treat states as responsible actors and the ideas that had convinced the international community that the non-state actors were not captured by the international human rights regime. It is in the backdrop of the above that the paper will review the emergence of soft-law mechanisms, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises, and the Tripartite Declaration by the ILO as a transitional mechanism that is currently gaining a foothold to influence corporate conduct. These frameworks are associated with a normative transformation that appreciates that businesses bear obligations that are broader than profit-making, especially those related to securing the rights of laborers, environmental integrity and welfare of communities.

There are major obstacles, even as the world unites over the prospects of corporate social responsibility. Many international instruments are voluntary and hence their enforceability has been restricted since they lack both a judicial or treaty-bound obligation. Accountability efforts are in turn hampered by complex corporate structures, jurisdictional fragmentation and the political economy of foreign investment especially in the Global South. Against this background, the current processes of discussing a legally accessible international contract on business and human rights are a most important step towards more effective control over the corporations in the international law.

There is also an examination in the paper how it is possible to operationalize international legal norms in domestic settings in particular in developing countries like Pakistan. It assesses whether national action plans, institutional reforms and the harmonization of the laws in those jurisdictions with international standards have a potential to contribute to the need to ensure that corporations operating in or through such jurisdictions have to face the violations of rights.

Finally, the paper posits that although significant advances have been achieved in addressing the concept of human rights duties to corporate actors through international law, non-binding nature of international law has remained as a bane to justice to the victims. The international framework that would allow the completion of the accountability gap and place corporate globalization in line with the universal values of human dignity, equity, and justice requires a legally binding mechanism that can be supported by effective implementation at the national level.

Keywords: Corporate, Accountability, Human Rights, Violations, International Law

Fasting on the Day of Doubt ( Yawm al-Shakk ) According to the Jurists: An Analytical Comparative Jurisprudential Study

2025-08-19T12:37:10+00:00

This research addresses the jurisprudential rulings on fasting Yawm al-Shakk (the Day of Doubt), defined as the 30th of Sha‘ban when there is uncertainty whether it belongs to Sha‘ban or Ramadan. The study explains the linguistic and technical definitions of “day” and “doubt,” followed by the various scholarly opinions on identifying this day. Three main positions are outlined: (1) It occurs when the sky is overcast on the 30th of Sha‘ban and the crescent moon is not sighted (Hanafi and Maliki view); (2) It includes both clear and cloudy days if unreliable witnesses claim sighting (Shafi‘i and some Malikis); (3) It is the clear 30th of Sha‘ban when no crescent is seen (Hanbali view). The preferred opinion, supported by strong evidence and absence of counterarguments, is the first.

Regarding voluntary fasting on Yawm al-Shakk, scholars agreed it is permissible if it coincides with an established fasting habit (e.g., Mondays, Thursdays). However, for those without such a habit, they differed: (1) Permissible without dislike (Hanafis, famous Maliki view, some Hanbalis), (2) Prohibited (Shafi‘i, some Hanbalis, Zahiris), and (3) Disliked (another Maliki and Shafi‘i view, Hanbali madhhab). The research concludes with the preponderant opinion: prohibition, except for those with a habitual fast, based on strong textual evidence and the legal principle that prohibition in prophetic commands indicates impermissibility unless otherwise specified.

The methodology combines inductive collection of textual and juristic material, analytical evaluation of evidence, and comparative study of the four Sunni madhhabs. This comprehensive approach ensures both theoretical depth and practical relevance, providing a clear, evidence-based conclusion on this annually recurring issue

Keywords: Yawm al-Shak, Ramadan, fasting, Islamic jurisprudence, Ruling on fasting.

The Role of International Organizations in the Development and Advancement of International Law: A Case Study of UN and EU

2025-06-30T23:03:42+00:00

By creating and upholding global values and standards, international organizations play a vital role in the development of international law. This research paper examines the role of the United Nations (UN) amd EU, prominent international institutions, in establishing and enforcing international law. Specialized UN agencies such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and the International Law Commission (ILC) have played a significant role in the development, codification, and implementation of international law. The European Union operates on the principle of upholding and ensuring this right, and respect for international law is one of its main goals. In addition to the norms of international law that the European Court of Justice disagrees with, the Union guarantees these values. The development of the international legal order is influenced by its involvement in treaty-making, its impact on customary law, and its involvement in dispute resolution. In order to settle conflicts and expand its global role, the Union has strengthened and established an appropriate institutional and legal framework. The United Nations and European Union collaborate with other regional and international organisations, promote ongoing communication, identify emerging issues, and provide dispute resolution mechanisms. However, this research also acknowledges the UN's and EU's inherent flaws and challenges. It explores reform proposals to address these issues, strengthen the organization's authority, and more effectively achieve its primary objectives. By critically analyzing the UN's and EU's role and impact on international law, this article aims to shed insight into how international organizations function and how they influence international legal standards.

Keywords: International institutions, International courts, impacts, Unions.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Task-Based Learning for Improving English Speaking Skills Among Undergraduate Students

2025-07-01T08:44:18+00:00

This study investigates the effectiveness of Task-Based Learning (TBL) in enhancing Sanghar University undergraduate students' English-speaking abilities. Due to a lack of practical experience, students who are learning English as a second language sometimes find it difficult to communicate effectively and clearly. The effectiveness of TBL in university-level English classes in remote or underdeveloped areas like Sanghar, however, has not received sufficient attention. The purpose of this study was to determine whether giving students involving, interactive activities may improve their English communication skills. The study uses a quantitative descriptive methodology and involves 141 undergraduate students learning English for coursework from several academic areas. A validated questionnaire was used to gather data, and convenience sampling was used to choose participants. Fluency, vocabulary, accuracy, confidence, and engagement were the five main topics of the survey, which also included demographic questions and 15 statements with Likert scale ratings. In order to represent real-world communication, students took part in a number of TBL exercises over four weeks, including role-plays, conversations, and problem-solving exercises. SPSS was used to analyze the data afterwards the intervention, and the findings demonstrated definite improvements. Students expressed more confidence when speaking English, improved vocabulary usage, and enhanced communication abilities. Additionally, students were very satisfied with the TBL experience, stating that it was more fun, inspiring, and successful than conventional approaches. These findings imply that TBL is an effective strategy for assisting students in using English more comfortably and self-assuredly. According to the findings, TBL should be taught in English classes, and instructors should receive training on how to use it.

Keywords: Task-Based Learning, Motivation, Speaking Skills, Student-Centered Classrooms

Exploring University Student’s Experience of Self-Regulation and Mental Wellbeing in Context of Short Form Social Media Engagement: Investigating the Challenges

2025-07-01T10:53:53+00:00

The current qualitative work investigates how university students self-regulate and experience well-being when using short-form content engagement (SFCE) on social media platforms such as YouTube Shorts, TikTok and Instagram Reels. Fifteen participants (aged 19-27) were interviewed as part of a series of semi-structured interviews and data were analyzed using (Braun and Clarke’s 2006) systematic approach to thematic analysis. The deductive method was followed and informed by the literature of digital engagement and psychological well-being. Three key themes were noted: (1) Helix of Scrolling, representing the routine and immersive aspect of SFCE use; (2) Adrift or Docked Up, (3) paralleling how students were trying to control their utilization, either consciously or through inner battles; (3) Digital Comfort Zones, illustrating that SFC was both an emotional escape and a mental burden. Some students used active tactics such as app restrictions or mindful breaks, others said they felt overwhelmed or emotionally splintered. Results underscore the two-sided role of SFCE—both as coping and as a stressor—and emphasize the value of educational interventions promoting digital literacy and healthy online practices in the university students.

Keywords: SFC (Short Form Content), Well-Being, Self-Regulation, Emotions, Reels, Engagement, SFCE (Short Form Content Engagement), Students

Pakistan’s Cyber Defense Revolution: AI & Machine Learning for Threat Mitigation

2025-07-01T14:58:32+00:00

Pakistan faces escalating cybersecurity threats, including ransomware, phishing, and state-sponsored attacks, which jeopardize businesses, government institutions, and critical infrastructure. Traditional defense mechanisms are increasingly inadequate, necessitating advanced solutions like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to revolutionize cyber defense. This article explores how AI and ML enhance threat mitigation through real-time anomaly detection, behavioral analysis, and automated response systems, with specific applications in Pakistan’s financial sector, government databases, and critical infrastructure. The country has made notable strides in AI-powered cybersecurity, with initiatives led by the National Response Center for Cyber Crimes (NR3C), Pakistan Information Security Association (PISA), and emerging startups. Collaborations with international tech firms and academia further bolster these efforts. However, challenges persist, including a shortage of skilled professionals, data privacy concerns, and high implementation costs. Looking ahead, AI-driven advancements promise to transform Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape, supported by evolving policies like the Personal Data Protection Bill. With strategic investments and workforce development, Pakistan has the potential to emerge as a regional leader in cyber defense. This article underscores the transformative role of AI and ML in securing Pakistan’s digital future while addressing existing barriers and opportunities for growth.

Keywords: Pakistan, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Threat Mitigation, Cyber Defense, Ransomware, NR3C, Data Privacy, Critical Infrastructure

Metaphysical Dimensions of Mirza Ghalib’s Poetry: A Philosophical Evaluation

2025-07-01T15:22:57+00:00

Ghalib has been regarded as a towering and celebrated figure in Urdu and Persian poetry for the last one hundred and fifty years. His poetry has multidimensional approaches, besides conventional issues of love and romanticism. The poetry includes meta-physical, philosophical, theological and mystical elements. Moreover, the universality of vision, deviation from the conventional ordinary themes, versatility of thoughts, all have given his poetry an everlasting fame and recognition. Due to these qualities, Ghalib’s poetry has been a source of inspiration for all types of intelligentsia belonging either to romantic poetry or philosophy, theology, mysticism etc. His rich imagination, using of metaphors, paradoxes, irony, depths of thoughts, hinting the combination of Persian and Indian literary customs and culture, focusing the problems of the Self in transitory life and existence, deliberations on the mysteries of death and here-after, have given him unique place not only among the contemporaries but a status of lighthouse for the coming generations of poets. The objective of this research paper is to discover, in his general poetry such metaphysical thoughts, theosophical issues, mystical, epistemological revelations which elevated him form the rank of just a poet and has given him everlasting fame and ‘Ghalib’ on others.

Keywords: Epistemology, Existentialism, Fatalism, Metaphysics, Ontology, Pantheism, Pantheism, Theology

The Digital Battlefield: A Comparative Analysis of AI-Driven Cyber Warfare in the U.S. and China and Its Implications for Pakistan’s National Security

2025-07-02T08:30:29+00:00

The study explores the deepening U.S.-China competition in cyber warfare driven by artificial intelligence and its strategic consequences for Pakistan. Relatively smaller states such as Pakistan are forced to adapt and maneuver within a digitally contested security landscape, which is shifting due to the integrated use of AI innovations in military and cyber domains by both superpowers competing with one another through differing models of innovation, governance, and deployment. The research focuses on the U.S. and Chinese rival cyber strategies comprehensively around their doctrinal, operational, technological differences along with contextualizing them into the scenario of India-Pakistan conflict 2025 where AI-enabled warfare was crucial. Using offensive realism as the framework, the research highlights the impacts of structural forces that compel Pakistan to take advantage of Chinese technological backing while simultaneously being exposed to geopolitical-strategic dependency risks. Qualitative methods were used to identify policy gaps in response to dual vulnerabilities the urgent need for development that will lead to national resilience within ethical bounds and the lack of self-reliance in AI and cybersecurity drawn from literature reviews, policy analyses, and expert interviews. The conclusion outlines strategic autonomy as well as investments stressing proactive governance concerning digital design frameworks. It emphasizes cross-sector synthesized approaches responding to rising threats mounting at accruing strained interdependence framing peripheral states from dire subordinated status onto clear vision revealing new frontiers waiting exploration having transformative potential metamorphosing states like Pakistan sidelined into pivotal players drawing direct contribution shaping discourse on global asymmetrical dynamic rivalry headlined south-east continuum STEM as tributary fueling supers.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Warfare, U.S.-China Rivalry, Pakistan National Security, Offensive Realism, Military-Civil Fusion, Strategic Autonomy, Digital Sovereignty, AI Ethics, Geopolitics

Promotion-Linked Training Program in Punjab: Analysing Educational Managers’ Satisfaction through Demographic Lenses

2025-07-02T08:47:10+00:00

It is widely acknowledged that enhancing the caliber of education managers is crucial to upsurge the standard of education. This entails launching wide-ranging training programs intended to equip them for the challenges of their roles, along-with a robust evaluation to gauge training effectiveness. The study aimed to provide a demographic analysis of educational managers’ level satisfaction as part of a broader evaluation of the Promotion-Linked Training program’s effectiveness using Kirkpatrick's four-level model. However, though this paper specifically focuses on the evaluation of educational managers’ level of satisfaction with the Promotion-Linked Training program through the lens of demography factors including gender, qualification, and experience. Therefore, demographic factors of 264 educational managers were analyzed using inferential statistics. It was revealed that gender, academic qualification, and years of administrative experience have no statistically significant influence on the satisfaction levels of educational managers. Thus, the findings confirms that the PLT program is effective across demographics. Its effectiveness is not confined to a particular gender, qualification level, or experience bracket, suggesting it is a fundamentally sound and well-conceived initiative.

Keywords: Promotion linked training, educational managers, satisfaction, demographic analysis

Examining the Interaction of Green Working Engagement for explaining the Eco-friendly empowerment of Employees by Green HRM. A study on higher education sector of Pakistan using SEM

2025-07-03T17:35:48+00:00

The present study was aimed to examine the mediation effect of green work engagement in the relationship of green HRM practices and eco-friendly employee empowerment in the higher education sector of Pakistan. For achieving these objective, the data was collected from 368 respondents using convenience sampling approach through online means from the employees serving in the chartered universities in the major cities of Pakistan. The exogenous variable was green HRM practices, while the endogenous variable was eco-friendly employee empowerment and the mediating variable was green work engagement. The initial analysis using SPSS and Smart PLS of the data revealed that all the factors along-with their constructs were internally and externally reliable and valid by meeting the threshold level. The structural equation modelling revealed that all the hypothesis was accepted and the SEM estimation concluded that there is a strong mediating effect of green work engagement in the relationship of green HRM and eco-friendly employee empowerment. The managerial implications of the study are that the policymakers and management of higher education sector of Pakistan can boost the eco-friendly empowerment of their employees by carefully considering the green practices of HRM and green work engagement of their employees. The findings of the study are applicable to the education/higher education sector of other regions but no other sector due to the distinct nature of targeted population. The future research may include the other factors of green management like csr or cg for examining their impact in the eco-friendly employee empowerment for the higher education sector of Pakistan.

Keywords: Green HRM, Green work Engagement, Green Employee empowerment, Higher education, Pakistan.

South Asia's Power Play: Pakistan, India, China, and the USA in Strategic Relations

2025-07-03T18:10:55+00:00

Predictably, the study delivers a detailed view on modern South Asian strategic context, accentuating deep Triangular Security complex of China-Pakistan-India relations as well as addressing the impact of US presence in the region. Considering the current and emerging global and regional politics this research focuses on the nature of interests and affiliations that shape them and rivalry that underlines them. About conflicts of interests such as borders, militarization, economics, and diplomacy, are discussed in detail. Further focus has been provided to the analyzing of potential consequences of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Indian strategic perspective and the US strategic interests in the region. As such, through integrating these issues, this study intends to bring forth the complexities of those large powers’ interests and intents as well as their influence over the stability of the regions and global security.

Keywords: US, China, India, Kashmir, CPEC, BRI, Counterterrorism, Extremism, Economics, Strategies, Diplomacy, Bilateral

The Practical Implementation of 'Bunyan al-Marsous' in the Contemporary Era and the Establishment of an Islamic Social System

2025-07-03T19:10:24+00:00

Bunyan al-Marsous (a solidly constructed structure), as mentioned in Surah As-Saff (61:4) of the Quran, symbolises a model of unity, strength and collective order in Islamic thought. The relevance and practical application of this concept is therefore assessed in the modern era, particularly in the rebuilding of an Islamic social system convulsed with moral, political and cultural challenges. It then demoniazes the Bunyan Al marsous framework as a comprehensive strategy of instituting Islam culture and civilization among the Muslims as an organized, just and spiritually rooted society. For today’s fragmented and ideologically influenced Muslim world, where sectarianism, foreign cultural influence and systemic injustice are rampant, the research explains that revival of a strong and unified social order according to Islamic teachings is not only necessary, but absolutely possible. The paper draws from Qur'anic exegesis, prophetic traditions and classical Islamic scholarship, to point out the importance of ideological clarity, institutional strength and collective responsibility as the three pillars on which a viable Islamic society should be founded. The paper delineates the requisite of the spiritual and intellectual training of individuals, before the farreaching reforms of the society. It focuses on a restructured education system: bringing together Islamic epistemology and modern sciences and leadership based on piety and capability. Moreover, zakat, interest free finance and equitable income distribution, as institutional reforms encourage economic reforms.The practicability of the Bunyan al-Marsous model is validated by case analyses from the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the period of the Rightly Guided Caliphate and select Islamic movements in the modern age. It recognizes contemporary challenges, including secular influence, digital disinformation and political instability which obstruct Islamic societal progress. On this basis, the research calls for a phased and strategic path: first individual purification (tazkiyah); then family and society reform; and finally full societal transformation. Further, it emphasizes the role of youth engagement, women's leadership and technology in Islamic revival. In sum, Bunyan al-Marsous frame provides a comprehensive worldview, around divine guidance, regarding spiritual, social and civilizational renewal adapted to today’s realities.

Keywords: Bunyan al-Marsous, Islamic Social System, Contemporary Challenges, Ummah Unity, Spiritual and Institutional Reform, Islamic Governance, Civilizational Revival.

The Impact of Social Interaction Anxiety and Perceived Social Support on Academic Motivation among University Students

2025-07-04T05:12:02+00:00

The present study aimed to examine the impact of social interaction anxiety and perceived social support on academic motivation among university students. Specifically, it explored whether perceived social support mediates the relationship between social interaction anxiety and academic motivation. A total of 110 university students (55 males and 55 females) participated in the study using a cross-sectional survey design. Standardized scales including the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Student Academic Motivation Scale (SAMS) were employed. Correlational and regression analyses indicated that social interaction anxiety showed a weak and non-significant direct effect on academic motivation while perceived social support was a significant positive predictor. Mediation analysis revealed that perceived social support significantly mediated the relationship between social interaction anxiety and academic motivation. Subscale analyses demonstrated that various sources of social support (family, friends, and significant others) differentially influenced the subtypes of academic motivation. No significant gender differences were found in overall academic motivation. These findings underscore the critical role of social support in fostering academic motivation, particularly among students experiencing social anxiety. The study suggests that enhancing peer and family support mechanisms may serve as an effective strategy to promote students’ academic engagement and success.

Keywords: Social interaction anxiety, perceived social support, academic motivation, university students, gender differences

Occurrence of Political Violence in the Boat of Social Alienation, Meaning in Life, and Criminal Attitude

2025-07-04T12:07:20+00:00

This study scrutinize relationship between social alienation, meaning in life, criminal attitude and support for political violence among students, prisoners and drug addicts. A total of 354 individuals from multiple subdivisions, prisons and altered drug rehab centers contributed in the study, with a number of male and female defendants. By means of a purposive sampling technique, participants accomplished validated scales: the social alienation scale, meaning in life scale, criminal attitude and support for political violence scale. The study shows that there is positive association between social alienation and support for political violence (r = .335, p<.001), meaning in life and support for political violence (r = .409, p<.001), criminal attitude and support for political violence (r=.397, p<.001), representing that individuals with sophisticated constantly socially alienated, have meaning in life and those people who have criminal attitude incline to practice a bigger support for political violence. Conferring to the learning, those who feel alone or alienated from others, who think of other people as less than human, and those who have a deep purpose in life will use these factors to defend any violent conduct. Future research can also look into defense elements that could lessen the impact of dehumanization and alienation on violent conduct, like social support, community service, or religious survival.

Keywords: Occurrence, Political Violence, Social Alienation, Life, Criminal Attitude

Psychological Barriers to English Communication in EFL Classrooms: A Study of Undergraduate WTC at NUST, Pakistan

2025-07-04T15:11:39+00:00

This paper presents a research on the psychological factors of Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in English among undergraduate students during the teacher-student communication in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes. Although language proficiency is adequate, a lot of students exhibit reluctance to oral participation as a result of affective barriers. The study embraced the mixed-methods design that allowed gathering quantitative data using surveys (n = 276) and qualitative data via semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The results indicate that language anxiety is the greatest impediment with two-thirds of the respondents (68 percent) expressing moderate and high anxiety during English speaking. Some of the contributing factors are the fear of judgment, accent shaming and grammatical inaccuracies. Moreover, self-efficacy was also identified as a strong predictor of WTC (r = 0.72, p < 0.01), which is a manifestation of the gap between the perceived and real linguistic skills. The classroom climate and teacher behavior were also of importance, students were found to work better with collaborative and supportive teaching methods and the WTC was 40 percent higher under such methods than under authoritarian methods. The participation was also moderated by peer influence especially in the collectivistic environment, spontaneous speech was repelled by fear of peer judgment. Nevertheless, the interactive pedagogical methods, including task-based learning, role-plays, and formative feedback, were revealed to minimize anxiety rates and increase communicative confidence in the long run. Students who were always involved in such activities showed a 25 percentage increase in WTC. The research finds out that linguistic competence is frequently trumped by such psychological constructs as anxiety, self-perception and motivation in students in shaping their communication behavior. It suggests that the teacher should train, have peers and technology integration to support a more emotional and interesting learning environment. These conclusions provide an overall guideline to the redesign of English language pedagogy, especially in multilingual and culturally diverse environments.

Keywords: Willingness to Communicate (WTC), Language Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, Teacher-Student Interaction, English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Classroom Climate, Peer Influence, Task-Based Learning, Motivation, Psychological Barriers

The Importance of the Study of Social Sciences

2025-07-04T16:31:07+00:00

In this paper, the author seeks to discuss how social sciences are very important in the study of and finding solutions to modern issues in the society. The paper, viewed through the prism of an interdisciplinary approach to the study of human behavior, institutional frameworks, and cultural interactions, demonstrates the critical role of social sciences in understanding human behavior and the cultural and institutional frameworks, as well as cultural interactions. The theoretical framework uses the insights of the leading thinkers of the past, such as Weber, Marx, Durkheim, and such modern intellectuals as Sen and Said to show how the social sciences connect the experience of an individual with the history and the structure. Among the most important contributions, we can distinguish the development of critical thinking, the formation of inclusive policies, the encouragement of civic participation, consideration of social inequalities, and the improvement of intercultural awareness. Contextually, the article reveals some systemic issues in the teaching of social science in Pakistan, such as perpetual underfunding, obsolete curriculums and the lack of social value, which all impede the potential of social science to play a role in national development. In the study, the author advocates the immediate reformation of the curricular, faculty, and funding of research to realize the potential strength of social sciences in creating a fairer and more sustainable society.

Keywords: Social Sciences, Critical Thinking, Public Policy, Civic Engagement, Social Inequality, Intercultural Understanding, Pakistan, Education Reform, Theoretical Framework, Sustainable Development

The Holy Veil: Hijab as a Fluid Signifier of Agency and Oppression in The Holy woman

2025-07-04T16:44:41+00:00

This study delves into the symbolic and performative aspects of the hijab in Qaisra Shahraz's novel The Holy Woman, examining how the veil serves as a fluid signifier of both empowerment and subjugation. Drawing on Judith butler's theory of gender performativity and the principles of Islamic feminism, the study interrogates the ways in which veiling is socially constructed, imposed, and eventually reappropriated by the female protagonist, Zarri Bano. Initially employed as a means of patriarchal control after she was designated as a 'holy woman,' the hijab becomes a contested space where cultural tradition, religious devotion, and personal autonomy converge. Through close textual analysis, the research reveals that Shahraz complicates dominant western and traditionalist Islamic narratives of the veil, portraying it not as a fixed symbol but as one who’s meaning shifts according to context, choice, and power. The study adds to the ongoing conversation in feminist literature by emphasizing how religious and cultural symbols can be reimagined and reclaimed by women as a means of challenging oppressive systems.

Keywprds: Hijab, Agency, Oppression, The Holy Woman, Gender Representation

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on English Language Teaching at University Level: A Study of EFL Teachers’ Perspectives in Pakistan

2025-07-04T16:55:02+00:00

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant technological advancement in various fields. One area where AI shows particular promise is in English Language Teaching (ELT). Due to rapid technological development, online resources, classrooms, and language learning platforms now incorporate AI to teach and learn English, transforming the approach to language education. AI has great potential to improve learning outcomes and the teaching process. This research explores the impact of AI on English Language Teaching (ELT) at the university level in Pakistan, focusing on EFL teachers. Data were collected through a quantitative descriptive analysis from 50 teachers using a questionnaire based on validated sources, which assessed AI's effectiveness, challenges, and ethical issues. The results indicate strong agreement on AI benefits such as personalized learning (mean value of 4.24) and increased efficiency in lesson preparation (mean value of 4.28), with 86% of teachers confirming its effectiveness (mean value of 4.16). Concerns mentioned include data privacy (mean 3.64), reduced critical thinking (mean 4.02), and a digital divide (mean 3.48). Teachers emphasized the need for training (mean 3.80), and AI is viewed as a complement to traditional methods (mean 4.26). The study underscores the importance of addressing ethical issues, ensuring equitable access, and enhancing training to fully harness AI’s potential for ELT. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive training programs and ethical guidelines to support human instruction rather than replace it, ultimately improving English language skills in higher education in Pakistan.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, English Language Teaching (ELT), Perception, University Teachers

Lessons Learned for Future Peace Processes: Drawing insights from the 2015-2020 efforts for potential future negotiations

2025-07-04T17:41:51+00:00

Afghanistan is the land of tribal warriors who fought with every invader and contemporary examples are the Soviet Union and the USA. The organization of the Taliban which emerged on the surface of Afghanistan in 1994 and took the Government very easily and ruled across the country was also a result of the Soviet-Afghan war. Hence, Afghanistan have cultivated mistrust and uncertain conditions due to the 9/11 terrorism. After the 9/11 during Hamid Karzai regime, Afghanistan expressed her great desire for good relations with other countries which have long common border and deep social, religious and cultural connection and wants to create peace. Uncertainty in the region after 9/11 increased the high concerns and threats to the regional peace and security as terrorists have safe heavens in the tribal areas of Pakistan and along the border areas of Afghanistan. American war against terrorism and special focus on Afghanistan has developed the new dimensions. In May 2014, Obama declared to withdraw America’s troops from Afghanistan since the civilians of America were not happy and the American soldiers were being heavily slaughtered in the war. So, the absence of peace was difficult for the government since it brought about many more problems. There seemed to be no end to this war. The war proved to be a danger to not only regional peace but also national peace, the locals were conflicted and bothered as well all because of the war and lack of peace.

Keywords: Peace Processes Afghanistan, regional peace, national peace

Revamping Real Estate Taxation in Pakistan: Prospects and Challenges

2025-07-06T16:32:24+00:00

This research paper aims to study, describe and analyze challenges faced in effective real estate taxation in Pakistan and reforms in this sector since 2017. It studies its progress in the province of Punjab. It substantiates the validity of such reforms by comparison of Pakistan to other countries. It elaborates their role in the documentation of the tax base. It will provide administrative and legal recommendations to counter its shortfalls.

Keywords: real estate taxation, Pakistan

Space Competition and Warfare: China-Russia Space Cooperation and Its Implications on U.S. Strategic, Technological, and Economic Administration

2025-07-06T18:49:01+00:00

Over the past decade, space has shifted from a predominantly cooperative domain to a highly contested arena, driven by renewed great-power rivalry and the proliferation of dual-use technologies (National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA], 2024; Congressional Research Service, 2024). Notably, China and Russia have forged an increasingly strategic partnership, encompassing joint lunar exploration, interoperable navigation constellations, shared space situational awareness (SSA) architectures, and co-developed counterspace capabilities (Egorov, 2023; Roscosmos & China National Space Administration [CNSA], 2018). This collaboration builds on post–Cold War realignments wherein Russia’s expertise in human spaceflight and propulsion complemented China’s rapidly expanding industrial base (Center for Strategic and International Studies [CSIS], 2023; Xinhua News Agency, 2016). Key bilateral agreements such as the 2016 lunar exploration Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the 2021 SSA information‐sharing pact demonstrate the depth of their integration and the latent military potential of ostensibly civilian programs (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs [UNOOSA], 2021; Wright et al., 2022). Joint initiatives like the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) and the forthcoming Silver Fox on-orbit servicing platform underscore the dual use nature of modern space technologies (RAND Corporation, 2022). For U.S. policymakers, this Sino-Russian axis complicates deterrence models, accelerates technology diffusion, and challenges the competitiveness of American commercial providers (U.S. Department of the Air Force, 2025; U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, 2023). To address these challenges, the United States must adopt a coordinated response integrating active deterrence, allied SSA integration, industrial incentives, and enhanced export controls while championing transparency and new norms to preserve freedom of operation in orbit (Johnson- Freese, 2025; Rosenberger, 2024; Moltz, 2025).

Keywords: Space Cooperation, China-Russia Alliance, U.S. Strategic Security, Space Warfare, Technological Competition

Ecocriticism and the Non-Human in The God of Small Things: A Study of Environmental Memory and River Symbolism

2025-07-07T10:16:45+00:00

This paper examines Arundhati Roy’s portrayal of the god of small things through the perspective of ecocriticism, with a specific focus on the symbolic and narrative importance of the natural environment, particularly the Meenachal River. While the novel has been extensively analyzed for its postcolonial, feminist, and sociopolitical themes, this study shifts the focus to the non-human elements that shape and reflect the emotional and psychological landscape of the characters. By analyzing how the river and its surrounding environment serve as conduits for memory, trauma, and resilience, the paper contends that nature in the novel is not a mere backdrop but an active participant in the unfolding of human history and the endurance of suffering. The study also integrates post humanist perspectives to emphasize how non-human entities, such as rivers, decay, insects, and weather, disrupt human-centric narratives and enhance the novel's critique of environmental deterioration and cultural decay. Through their research, the authors not only highlight the environmental awareness present in the story but also suggest a more comprehensive understanding of ecological memory and the interdependence of human and non-human beings.

Keywords: Ecocriticism, Non-Human Agency, Environmental Memory, River Symbolism, Postcolonial Ecology

Examining the Role of Code-Switching in Shaping Linguistic and Social Identity among Bilingual Youth in Pakistan

2025-07-07T10:36:18+00:00

This study investigates the phenomena of code-switching in Pakistani cities. It also exposes how language is shaped by both individual and societal identities through discussions and interactions. Code-switching, or shifting between two or more languages, is a prevalent communication strategy in Pakistan, a linguistically varied nation. Languages from different cultures coexist in multicultural centers. In these settings, regional or mother languages are utilized to express emotions and preserve cultural links, whereas English is frequently used for official communication. NVivo software is used to do thematic analysis of recorded interviews and discussions as part of a qualitative research design. Mix research method is used to figures out the trends and for underlined code-switching forces. Information is collected from a wide range of participants in the chosen urban areas. The results expresses that code-switching is a linguistic strategy. In particular, young people use switch codes to express their emotional depth, sense of group connection, and contemporary identity. In postcolonial Pakistan, it is also essential for negotiating social spaces and forming cultural hybridity. In order to promote multilingual competency and inclusive language policies, educators and legislators are urged to accept code-switching as a valid and effective linguistic activity in social and academic settings.

Keywords: Code-switching, Societal identities, Multicultural, Linguistic strategy, Pakistan, Cultural hybridity

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Pakistan Law, Practice, and Gaps

2025-07-07T12:41:19+00:00

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been one of the most important tools towards environmental governance across the world with the potential positive benefit being an active legal tool in determining the potential environmental impact of intended development projects prior to their actual start-off. In Pakistan, the EIA system is captured in the main through the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997 which is complemented with the Review of Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and EIA Regulations 2000. These legislations require the advocates of some industrial, infrastructural and commercial developments to seek environmental consent of concerned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prior to commencing any physical exercise. Although the presence of this framework is an important step forward in the defense of the environment, its practical use offers us numerous gaps.

The present paper airs a critical analysis of the EIA regime in Pakistan by delving in its legal backgrounds, administrative implementation, and overall performance in ensuring the abatement of environmental degradation. It proposes that despite the fact that the EIA process is mandatory by law, in most cases it has been turned to a mere bureaucratic needle which has not served its purpose of environmental sustainability. But as we now take an even closer look at the high-stake infrastructure programs and primary one, the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train and energy set-ups within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) reveal that EIAs are hurried through, poorly scrutinized or given a license to go ahead despite having potent tangible ecological hazards. This compromises the confidence of the populace and poses a fundamental question about regulatory winds and politicization of the environmental decision-making process.

The other significant barrier has been the lack of technical skills as well as independence of the EPAs at the federal and provincial levels. These departments are frequently understaffed, underfunded, have a political albatross around their necks, and so cannot be severe evaluators of EIA reports or demanding in insuring follow-through enforcement after authorization. Although community involvement constitutes one of the key pillars in proper environmental governance, in Pakistan, it remains purely representational because in most cases, the communities and individuals who are affected have no real part to play in consultative mechanisms. Moreover, transparency and accountability are limited by a lack of centralized data, publicly available, of accepted or denied EIA applications.

The advantages of more participatory, transparent, and independent EIA systems are visible through comparative views across such jurisdictions as India, South Africa, and Canada. As an example, the EIA Notification 2006 of India has clearer project classification and better proceduralizing of public hearings, whereas the Impact Assessment Act of 2019 in Canada institutionalizes and secures federal regulators, and considers climatic aspects in the assessment. Such overseas experiences can be used as useful examples of how to change the EIA process in Pakistan.

The conclusion of this research is that the EIA system in Pakistan was established legally but has some inherent weaknesses which are adverse to its forceful performance. It is complex and involves: reform of the law so it is up to date and easy to follow, strengthening of EPAs as an institution, enforced and meaningful public participation, and incorporation of more modern environmental issues, including loss of biodiversity and resiliency to climate change. It is only in the face of these wholesome reforms that the EIA system will effectively be utilized as the means of achieving an environmentally sustainable development in Pakistan.

Keywords: Environmental Legislation, Impact Assessment, Policy Implementation, Legal Framework, Sustainable Development

Agriculture Practices responsible for Climate change and the step taken for mitigation

2025-07-07T07:54:49+00:00

The present research was carried out in Pakistan, and it focuses on the contribution of agricultural activities to climate change and mitigation efforts, which are dependent on the socio-economic and institutional factors like climate change awareness, education level, size of landholding, farming experience, and access to information. A mixed-method was used where quantitative item responses were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and chi-square statistics, whereas a thematic analysis was used to explore qualitative data in the form of narrative responses of farmers. The results show that awareness and education have significant effect in enhancing the knowledge base of the farmers on major drivers of climate change such as the utilization of chemical fertilizers, deforestation, burning of crop residues and methane emissions by livestock. The size of landowning and access to the extension services and mobile/social media are positively correlated to such perceptions. Moreover, there is a strong correlation between awareness and the practice of climate-smart agriculture (CSA), including organic composting, rotation of crops, integrated pest management (IPM) and drip irrigation. Thematic analysis reveals that the biggest challenges of farmers include economic strains, environmental depreciation, pesticide dependence, institutional failures and short-term adaptation measures. These findings support the necessity of specific training, development of infrastructure and favorable policies that would enhance climate resiliency and sustainable agriculture in the region.

Key Words: Climate, Adaptation, Mitigation, Sustainability

Effect of Transformational Leadership on Job Satisfaction and Job Performance

2025-07-07T17:17:26+00:00

This study investigated the perceptions of secondary schools teachers and heads regarding the effect of transformational leadership on job satisfaction and job performance and also found the relationship between transformational leadership and job satisfaction, transformational leadership and job performance and job satisfaction and job performance. The population of research was all the secondary schools heads and teachers of district Malakand. There were total 83 high and higher secondary school in district Malakand in which there were 819 teachers are working in these schools. Therefore the total population of the study will be comprised on 83 heads and 819 teachers. The researcher were used the area or cluster sampling technique selected 20 heads randomly for the collection of data in which 11 heads were male and 9 heads are female. The total numbers of male and female teacher were 200. Three questionnaires were developed after review of related literature and previous studies. The transformational leadership variable containing eleven statements, job satisfaction containing sixteen statements while other variable job performance containing 19 statements. The researcher used SPSS for data analysis. The tests applied for data analysis were independent sample t-test. The results show that the value of coefficient of correlation was found (0.276) at 0.01 level of significance, therefor there is positive significant weak relationship between transformational leadership and job satisfaction It shows that if the principal follows transformational leadership style then his job satisfaction level will be increased, The results show that the value of coefficient of correlation was found (0.358) at 0.01 level of significance, therefor there is positive significant moderate relationship between transformational leadership and job performance It shows that if the principal follows transformational leadership style then his job performance level will be increased, The results show that the value of coefficient of correlation was found (0.247) at 0.05 level of significance, therefore, there is positive non-significant weak relationship between job satisfaction and job performance It shows that if the Job satisfaction level increase then his job performance level will be increased. No significant difference was found between the perception of heads and teachers of secondary schools regarding transformational leadership style, Job satisfaction and job performance. It is recommended that arrangement of pre-service, in- service training and refresher courses for heads may be a worthwhile strategy for improving the leadership abilities of secondary school principals.

Keywords: transformational leadership, job satisfaction, Job performance, School sector.

Statistical Analysis of Crime Against Property in Qasimabad, Hyderabad

2025-07-07T18:41:51+00:00

Crime is an unlawful exhibit meriting a state or other position. Whether given exhibition or avoidance sets up a crime doesn't depend upon that act or oversight; it depends upon the possibility of the genuine results that may follow it. (Piatkowska 2020) examined the social cost of poverty in terms of increasing suicides rates, crime rates, and total violent rates in the United States and across 15 European nations during the period of 1993–2000.Basic aim of this research paper is to evaluate the crime against property in Qasimabad and the data is obtained from the SP-office for the years 2014 to 2019. The SPSS- 21 version was used for the purpose of analysis. Least square estimate technique is applied to identify the trend of crime rate. Table 01 indicates the relationship between the time and number of dacoity held in Qasimabad during 2014-2019. It determines that there is a significant linear relationship between time and the number of dacoity incidents. It means that crime rate is decreasing with the rate of 1.328 as one year is passing, further results are shown the tables and graphs. These results are indicating that other dacoity, other robbery, burglary, car snatching, motorcycle theft, motorcycle snatching, other theft, are decreasing with little rate of change by the passage of time. Besides, other motor vehicle snatched, cattle theft, are increased by very minimum rate of change of time. It is also observed that receiving stolen property is also increased with the change of time.

Keywords: Property Crime Rate, Least Square Estimate, Decreasing

Effectiveness of Task-based Language Teaching at Secondary Level in District Vehari: A Teachers’ Perspective

2025-07-07T18:54:55+00:00

Although the world is now focusing much on the communicative and learner-centered processes, there is still a great dependence on the conventional size of teacher-centered English language teaching in the Pakistani middle and high school system. The research paper examines the performance of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) at secondary school level in District Vehari through teacher perceptions. The study caters to the current demand of unifying the standards of practicing the classroom to the modern expectation of pedagogical methods that lead to the promotion of communication, interaction, and the usage of language in real life. The quantitative research design has been used, a structured questionnaire, containing 35 Likert scale statements, and surveyed on 144 English language teachers enrolled in government schools (District Vehari). It was found that the majority of teachers identified student-centered and skill-integrative principles embedded in TBLT as well as home dynamic environments; however, they also cite practical dilemmas associated with such context, such as limited resources, training, and inconsistency with the existing curriculum and assessment systems. According to the findings, it is possible to say that TBLT may have a great potential to improve language learning, provided that enhancement may be achieved through improvement of the institutional support and through the teacher training. Curriculum planners are advised to ensure some principles of task-based education are introduced into the national textbooks and start delivering specific professional development interventions in order to assist the teachers to put TBLT into practice in the classroom.

Keywords: ELT, TBLT, Secondary Level, Classroom

Regional Comparative Analysis of Personal Income Inequality in Pakistan

2025-07-08T04:14:53+00:00

This study paper's main goal is to provide an econometric analysis of Pakistan's income distribution pattern on three levels: overall, province as regional. In this empirical study, trends are presented and compared with two distinct micro-level data sets that show either rising or falling inequality. Either a rise or fall in inequality is not of importance to us. Nonetheless, scholar efforts to pinpoint the social and economic elements that contribute to rising or falling inequality are crucial. We have used a few criteria for this, such as the household's educational attainment, family size, and various income brackets. We broke down the data in this descriptive analysis into various levels, such as based on provincial.Three distinct indices, the Gini, Atkinson, and Generalized Entropy were employed in the empirical investigation to assess inequality. The most recent data rounds for the Pakistan Social Living Measurement (PSLM/HIES) were conducted in 2015–16 and 2018–19. The main goal of this research is to enhance the social and economic circumstances of Pakistani citizens by contributing to planning and policy-level studies.

Keywords: Income, Inequality, Indices, Gini, Atkinson, Entropy, Province, PSLM, STATA, DASP

A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Portrayal of Climate Change in Pakistani English Newspapers' Headlines

2025-07-08T05:33:16+00:00

Climate change has emerged as a major global issue in this century, impacting the environment, society, the economy, and politics. Although scientists agree on its causes, most people's perceptions and policies are influenced by media portrayals of the phenomenon. This study investigates how climate change is depicted in leading Pakistani English newspapers. Five samples from Dawn are analyzed. Using Norman Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis (1992), the study reviews various headlines from these articles. It examines how word choices, metaphors, and references to earlier texts communicate specific messages, assign responsibilities, and shape public perceptions of environmental issues. The research explores how lexical choices, metaphorical framing, and intertextual references create particular meanings, distribute responsibilities, and influence perceptions of ecological crises. Findings indicate that discussions about climate change are often shaped by government beliefs, Pakistan’s economic development plans, and international opinions. Often, climate change is framed as a result of disasters like floods and heatwaves rather than as a policy or sustainability issue.

Keywords: Critical Discourse Analysis, Portrayal, Climate Change, Pakistani English Newspapers' Headlines.

Navigating a Turbulent Neighborhood: Pakistan's Foreign Policy towards Afghanistan (2018-2022)

2025-07-08T11:18:52+00:00

This paper discusses Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral relations from 2018-2022. From 2018 to 2022 it was a critical stage in Pakistan’s foreign Policy viz-a-viz Afghanistan. There was not only the transformation of the government system in Afghanistan from democracy to Afghan government what may be called an Islamic democracy, theocratic regime or Taliban government. This research will further explain the role of Pakistan in facilitating the Doha Peace Accord and how Pakistan played its role in bringing the Taliban to negotiating table. In addition, it will further investigate the factors leading to the fall of Kabul in 2021 and the formation of the Taliban interim government in Afghanistan and its implications for Pakistan. Regional Security complex theory has been used to explain bilateral relations of Pakistan and Afghanistan. This research is qualitative in nature. Both primary and secondary data has been utilized in this paper .Furthermore, this paper will also elaborate the high-level diplomatic engagements between both countries.

KEYWORDS: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Doha Peace Process, Taliban.

Impact of Transformational Leadership on Affective Commitment: Job Satisfaction as Mediator

2025-07-08T12:27:24+00:00

This research analyzes the impact of Transformational Leadership (TL) on Affective Commitment (AC). This study also finds out the mediating effect of Job Satisfaction (JS) on the connection of Transformational Leadership and Affective Commitment among employees working in Cement Industry across Punjab. The study is based on cross sectional data, which was collected through convenience sampling technique from a sample of 384 (trainee engineer, Staff, workers). Each variable was measured by using a five-point Likert scale. A total of 384 questionnaires were circulated, out of which 284 have been received showing 73% response rate. Data analysis has been performed using Smart PLS version 4.0 and statistical tools and techniques, such as Regression and Correlation have been performed. For demographics like age, gender and tenure SPSS software has been used. Results have obtained through structural equation modeling (SEM) depict a positive significant direct relationship between Transformational Leadership and Affective Commitment. A similar positive connection between Transformational Leadership and Job Satisfaction has also been found. However, any such positive, significant relationship also found positive. In mediation analysis, it has been found that job satisfaction mediates the relationship between Transformational Leadership and Affective Commitment. Manufacturing Sector of Pakistan has a need to adopt the concept of Transformational Leadership in order to improve Affective Commitment.

Keywords: Transformational Leadership (TL), Job Satisfaction (JS), Affective Commitment

Scripture and Society: Quranic Ethics in the Age of Globalization

2025-07-08T13:24:50+00:00

The paper discusses the significance and the use of Quranic ethics in solving the modern global issues confronting the Muslim communities in the era of fast globalization. Globalization is not only an ethical opportunity and a dilemma as economic, cultural and moral orders are being restructured. This paper looks into the principles of Quranic ethics like justice (adl), compassion (rahmah), trust (amanah), and God-consciousness (taqwa), and the relevance of these values in providing moral engagement in pluralistic societies. It examines some of the most important social matters such as economic inequality, environment degradation, and human rights and how the teachings of the Quran support social justice, the environment, and dignity of all humans. The article also talks about the Quran supporting moral pluralism by its command of mutual understanding and collaboration of nations. These ethical values, however, are questioned by internal forces like interpretive rigidity, a politicized outlook of religion as well as external forces like Islamophobia and the secular spearheading of world affairs. The role of the reform-minded scholars, civil society, and digital platforms in restoring the Quranic ethics to a contemporary context is highlighted in the paper. Finally, it claims that the moral instruction of the Quran by no means limited to inner spirituality can provide a relevant and principled answer to the ethical dilemmas of the contemporary globalization and help to create a more equitable, inclusive and spiritually oriented international system.

Keywords: Qur’anic Ethics, Globalization, Islamic Morality, Social Justice, Environmental Stewardship, Human Rights, Ta‘Aruf, Pluralism, Muslim Societies, Interfaith Dialogue

Educational Planning in PML-N's Electoral Manifesto and Its Implementation Under PML-N's Government in Punjab (2012-2018): An Analysis

2025-07-08T14:38:29+00:00

This research work is conducted to analyze educational reform’s implementation in the Punjab under the election manifesto of PML-N (2013 to 2018) using mixed method i.e. qualitative and quantitative. This research work focused on educational legislation in the Punjab initiated by the PML-N government during specific time period. The Punjab government implemented several reforms in education sector including development of school infrastructure, provision of free textbooks, scholarships, stipends to poor children, initiative in teacher trainings programs, establishment of classrooms in early childhood education, and upgradation of schools in most of the Punjab districts. Similarly, skills development programs were also launched by the Punjab government which included technical and vocational training institutions with the main purpose to develop skills among the students throughout the Punjab. The analysis of the data from the survey and interviews showed that most of the teachers had the perception that PML-N government made implementation of educational reforms in the Punjab Province. But implementation challenges remained in rural areas.

Keywords: election manifesto, educational reforms, PML-N, Implementation process

Explore the impact of Digital Literacy on Research Practices among BS Students at the University Level

2025-07-08T17:11:52+00:00

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of digital literacy on the research practices of BS Education students studying at University of Narowal. Digital literacy has increasingly to be seen as a key component of academic success and as a factor that impacts on students’ research practices. This was done by investigating how digital literacies impact on what students can and cannot do when researching at postgraduate level in terms of being able to make use of digital resources, tools and databases. Both quantitative and qualitative modes of data collection were used in a mixed-method research design. The sample, which was distributed across academic years, was of 120 students of BS Education taken through simple random sampling. The information was collected using a structure questionnaire on students’ use of digital tool, digital literacy level and problems in academic research. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 of these students to gain greater insight of study practices and experiences. The results indicated that most students (68%) had moderate digital literacy and that a substantial number (45%) reported not using academic databases and research management tools. Both were positively associated with the digital literacy level and good research practices. Digitally literate students are more familiar with digital tools and uses more efficient research methods. But it was important that (52% ) of respondents cited a lack of training in advanced digital research tools. This study provides insights into the role of digital literacy, which may improve research practices in the area of teacher education. The results indicate that the universities need to provide a specific training on digital literacy in curricula to boost students’ research performance. Subsequent studies could examine the enduring impact of digital literacy interventions on academic achievement and research productivity.

Keywords: Digital Literacy, Research Practices, BS Education Students

Developing a Brain-Friendly Teaching Model for Teacher Professional Development in the Digital Age

2025-07-08T18:30:53+00:00

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a brain-friendly teaching model for teacher professional development (TPD) in the digital age, grounded in contemporary neuroscience and adult learning theory. The research was conducted using a qualitative exploratory research design, situated within the Design-Based Research (DBR) framework, allowing for iterative model construction through cycles of literature review, expert consultation, and practitioner validation. The primary objectives were to synthesize key brain-compatible teaching principles, integrate cognitive, emotional, and social learning strategies with digital tools, and assess the model's applicability and effectiveness in real-world educational contexts. The purposive sample comprised 18 participants, including 6 teacher educators, 6 professional development experts, and 6 in-service secondary school teachers, all with a minimum of five years of professional experience. Data were gathered in three phases: (i) document analysis of 20 key sources including policy reports and academic articles, (ii) semi-structured interviews with 12 experts, and (iii) a focus group discussion (FGD) with in-service teachers to evaluate the model’s usability, cultural relevance, and pedagogical feasibility. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data, revealing core design priorities such as emotional safety, cognitive engagement, reflection and metacognition, social interaction, and usability in digital platforms. Participants highlighted the model’s cultural responsiveness and practical alignment with their classroom realities. The study concludes that a brain-compatible, context-sensitive, and digitally integrated PD model can offer sustainable pathways for enhancing teaching practices in diverse educational settings.

Keywords: Brain-friendly teaching, teacher professional development, educational neuroscience, design-based research, emotional safety, cognitive engagement, Pakistan, digital learning environments

A Strategic Analysis of Educational Leadership Practices and Their Impact on Teaching Quality

2025-07-08T19:15:45+00:00

This qualitative study investigates the strategic leadership practices employed in Pakistani secondary schools and their impact on teaching quality. Grounded in transformational, instructional, distributed, and strategic leadership theories, the research explores how educational leaders influence teaching performance and learning outcomes, and examines teachers’ perceptions of leadership support. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, including school leaders and teachers, and analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that vision-driven leadership, continuous professional development, and data-informed instructional supervision are pivotal strategies that enhance teaching quality. Moreover, leadership practices positively affect teacher motivation, instructional planning, and student achievement. However, challenges such as hierarchical leadership and limited teacher autonomy were also reported, highlighting the need for more participatory and distributed leadership approaches. The study fills a notable gap by providing context-specific insights into leadership dynamics in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of inclusive, collaborative, and strategic leadership models to support effective teaching. Recommendations include fostering shared vision, enhancing professional development, adopting data-driven feedback mechanisms, and promoting teacher empowerment through distributed leadership. These findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers, educational leaders, and practitioners aiming to improve instructional quality and student outcomes in Pakistan’s evolving educational landscape.

Keywords: Educational leadership, strategic leadership, teaching quality, transformational leadership, instructional leadership, distributed leadership, Pakistan, teacher motivation.

Exploring the Relationship between Teacher Burnout and Job Satisfaction among BS Education Graduates

2025-07-08T19:28:15+00:00

The present study focuses on the correlation of teacher burnout with job satisfaction among BS Education Degree Holders of University of Narowal. The study sought to explore the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction among teachers, and to uncover the drivers of burnout. This study used a quantitative research design with 150 BS Education graduates from the Department of Education as a sample. Using descriptive statistics, doing correlation analysis, and regression analysis, data were collected through a structured questionnaire measuring burnout and job satisfaction levels. Teacher burnout was negatively correlated to job satisfaction (r = -0.386), while emotional exhaustion and lack of administrative support were identified as major burnout causes. On the flip side, factors like professional development opportunities, a positive climate at school, and work-life balance increased job satisfaction levels.

Keywords: Teacher burnout, job satisfaction, BS Education graduates

Role of Digital Literacy in Transforming Pedagogical Practices of University Teachers

2025-07-08T19:40:55+00:00

The present study gives an insight into the Impact of Digital Literacy on Pedagogical Competence of University Teachers at University of Narowal. In light of extensive advances of technology, the successful use of digital tools for educational purposes plays a significant role in enriching the educational process and consequently, the degree of student achievement. The objective of this study is to investigate the current state of digital literacy in terms of faculty members, pedagogical use and the obstacles to an effective use of digital literacy. It has used the mixed method approach, quantitative and qualitative were followed to get data. A sample of 40 teachers of education” of the University of Narowal was taken by using stratified random sampling technique. Data was obtained using surveys and semi-structured interviews to understand faculty member's digital literacy, the use of technology in teaching and the challenges they encounter. The results indicate that while faculty have basic digital literacy skills, there is a gap in their capacity to implement advanced digital tools in their teaching. The lack of infrastructure, training and psychological resistance were reported as the main barriers. It also demonstrates the positive effects in terms of teaching of digital literacy on pedagogy (interest and better results of students). This study has implications for our understanding of the conditions that support the uptake of digital tools in higher education. Results highlight the importance of the respective need for targeted staff development programs, improved infrastructure and institution support to support digital literacy and teacher pedagogy.

Keywords: Digital Literacy, Transforming, Pedagogical Practices, University Teachers

The Impact of Phonological Processes on Speech Intelligibility of Students at the University of Lakki Marwat

2025-07-09T17:39:13+00:00

Phonological processes are natural and systematic changes in sounds that occur during speech. These changes often impact non-native speakers’ understanding, particularly in contexts where English is used as a foreign language (EFL). This issue is prevalent in multilingual nations like Pakistan, where students’ native languages can interfere with learning a second language. The current study aims to investigate the phonological processes that influence the speech clarity of sixth-semester students from different departments at the Gambila Campus, University of Lakki Marwat (ULM), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). A mixed-method approach was used in this research, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were gathered through recordings of selected words, sentences, and a paragraph from students. The analysis involved IPA transcription, comparison with Received Pronunciation (RP), and thematic analysis of their feedback. The study’s results indicated that the most frequent phonological processes affecting clarity included vowel substitution, elision, intrusion, rhoticity, deaspiration, and diphthong simplification. These issues were mainly due to the students’ native language (Pashto), a lack of phonological awareness, and overgeneralization from written English. The study concludes that these phonological processes significantly impede students’ speech clarity, which affects effective communication in both academic and social settings. In the EFL classrooms at ULM, where both students and teachers are non-native English speakers, the influence of first language interference on pronunciation is substantial, underscoring the need for better pronunciation teaching and awareness of Standard English phonology.

Keywords: Phonological Processes, Pronunciation, Speech Intelligibility, EFL Classes, ULM

Teachers’ Perceptions of Standardized Examinations: Analyzing Strengths, Weaknesses, Instructional Impact, and Student Learning Outcomes in the Schools of District Chiniot, Punjab, Pakistan

2025-07-10T13:52:06+00:00

Standardized examinations play a critical role in secondary education systems worldwide, serving as key tools for assessing student achievement and guiding instructional practices. In Tehsil Bhowana, these exams are widely used to measure student learning outcomes and hold schools accountable for educational standards. Understanding teachers’ perceptions of standardized testing is essential because their attitudes and experiences can directly influence how tests impact teaching methods and student performance. This study explores male secondary school teachers’ views on the strengths, weaknesses, and overall effects of standardized examinations in this specific regional context.This descriptive quantitative study was conducted in Tehsil Bhowana, District Chiniot, targeting male teachers from 16 government high schools. A total population of 270 teachers was identified, from which a representative sample of 115 teachers was selected through stratified random sampling proportional to the teacher population in each school. Data were collected via a structured survey instrument measuring perceptions of standardized testing across multiple dimensions, including its Strengths, weaknesses, influence on teaching practices, and effects on student learning. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, focusing on means, weighted scores, and standard deviations to provide a clear overview of teachers’ collective views. This study explored teachers’ perceptions of standardized testing, focusing on its strengths, weaknesses, effects on teaching practices, and student learning, along with suggestions for improvement. The findings revealed strong agreement among teachers on the benefits of standardized testing, with the highest-rated statement being “Testing promotes goal-oriented learning” (Mean = 4.37), reflecting its role in enhancing academic focus. Conversely, the lowest-rated concern was “Standardized tests lead to poor teaching strategies” (Mean = 2.85), indicating general disagreement with this criticism. Teachers emphasized the need for flexibility in testing policies (Mean = 4.22) and the integration of test preparation into regular teaching (Mean = 4.21). Although standardized assessments were seen as helpful for evaluating learning outcomes and accountability, concerns remained regarding their emotional impact, limited scope, and potential to narrow instructional focus. Overall, the study highlights a nuanced view among teachers, who support the utility of standardized testing while advocating for reforms that enhance fairness, creativity, and inclusivity.

Keywords: Standardized Testing, Teacher Perceptions. Secondary Education, Teaching Practices, Assessment Reform

The Evolution of Code-Switching in Multilingual Societies: A Sociolinguistic Perspective

2025-07-10T15:55:50+00:00

This paper is a sociolinguistic study that examine the development of code-switching within multilingual communities with a special focus on the code-switching as a versatile communicative tool used in identity negotiation, social belonging, and cognitive versatility. Code-switching has previously been stigmatized but has recently become a normative technique especially among urban youth and digital natives who mix languages in an unobtrusive manner both offline and online. The study uses the qualitative research approaches such as discourse analysis and an ethnographic observation to analyze the code-switching patterns between generations, in educational environments, and digital environments such as social media. The results indicate that code-switching has multiple uses that range between the establishment of hybrid identities and solidarity and the facilitation of clear pedagogical communication and jokes. Digital worlds also enhance creative language blending, such as it is in memes, hashtags and polylingual online communication. The research questions monolingual tendencies in education and policymaking that should be replaced by inclusive strategies that support translanguaging as a form of cognitive and cultural resource.

Keywords: Code-switching, Multilingualism, Sociolinguistics, Digital Communication, Hybrid Identity, Translanguaging, Language Policy, Social Media, Globalization, Educational Pedagogy

Unveiling Xenophobia: An Examination of Ideological Constructs in Sara Suleri's "Meatless Days”: A post-colonial Perspective

2025-07-11T08:49:30+00:00

Meatless Days has social and political overtones and written in a geographically and temporally dislocated manner. It documents Sara Suleri's recollections and her demonstration against the oppression and subjection of women in Pakistani culture due to erroneous, misunderstood, and incorrect interpretations of Islamic law. Since its founding, patriarchal behaviors have been more prevalent in Pakistani culture, which is a classic patriarchal group. The father of Sara Suleri is a man of words, and he completely understands himself via natural and intuitive speech. Sara Suleri attempted to include that entire condition of circumstances in the novella Meatless Days. In the setting of postcolonial Pakistan, she tells her experience about cultural differences, memories of the past, and her female partners in particular. Sara Suleri's Meatless Days is the main literature chosen for that aim. The theoretical framework used to analyze character from the perspective of Homi K Babha.

Key Words: Meatless Days, Sara Suleri, Postcolonial literature, Patriarchy, Gender oppression, Homi K. Bhabha

Appliances of Power: The Role of Objects, Tools, and Domestic Technologies in Constructing Class Consciousness in In Other Rooms, Other Wonders

2025-07-11T09:28:50+00:00

This paper examines both symbolic and functional meanings of material objects, domestic technologies, and tools in the short story collection In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin as a way of developing and strengthening class consciousness. The stories take place within the social-economic background of postcolonial Pakistan and all the characters involved have their identity and their stations in society defined by much more than wealth and land ownership, but by their ties to material goods. Using a Marxist literary approach and material culture religious studies, this study refers to the manner in which seemingly inanimate objects e.g. electric gadgets, furniture, clothing, and domestic infrastructure, act as agile indicator of classes, permitting control and social stratification, as well as maintain it. Through analyzing the politics of power, which is inherent in their usage, access and placement of objects, the study unveils how the differences in classes are not only physically felt but are also sustained ideologically. Finally, the paper suggests that, objects in the narratives of Mueenuddin are not mere statuses they are tools used invoicing the class, empowerment, and rebellion among the domestic and sociopolitical arenas of modern-day Pakistan.

Keywords: Class Consciousnessm, Domestic Technologies, Material Culture, Power Dynamics, Socioeconomic Stratification

Impact of Growth Mindset on Grit and Academic Flow of University Students: Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy

2025-07-11T11:26:15+00:00

The current article examined the impact of a growth mindset on grit and academic flow among university students, with a specific focus on the mediating role of self-efficacy. Employing an explanatory and correlational research design, data were collected from a purposive sample of university students (N = 360), comprising equal numbers of males (n = 180) and females (n = 180). Standardized self-report questionnaires were used to measure growth mindset, grit, academic flow, and self-efficacy. Correlational analysis and multiple regression were used to test the hypotheses via the latest version of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results revealed significant positive correlations among growth mindset, grit, academic flow, and self-efficacy. Regression analysis indicated that a growth mindset significantly predicted both grit and academic flow. Furthermore, self-efficacy was found to mediate the relationship between growth mindset and the outcome variables. A comparative analysis also revealed that male students reported higher levels of growth mindset than their female counterparts. These findings have insightful outcomes for academicians, psychologists, career counselors, and academic institutions, aiming to cultivate a growth mindset and self-efficacy to enhance perseverance and optimal learning experiences in higher education settings.

Keywords: Grit, Growth Mind-set, Academic Flow, Self-efficacy

Educational Methods of the Prophetic Era and Their Contemporary Applications

2025-07-12T12:10:53+00:00

This paper explores the educational methods adopted by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and their relevance in contemporary educational frameworks. It analyzes the pedagogical principles of the Prophetic era, including gradual learning, moral development, practical demonstrations, and individualized attention. The study highlights how these methods fostered critical thinking, strong character, and holistic development among learners. Furthermore, it proposes practical strategies for integrating these Prophetic educational models into modern Islamic and general education systems to address current pedagogical challenges, enhance teacher effectiveness, and nurture ethically conscious and socially responsible individuals in today’s globalised world.

Keywords

Prophetic Education; Islamic Pedagogy; Teaching Methods; Educational Reforms; Contemporary Applications; Moral Development; Holistic Education

The Geo-economics of the Green Transition: Strategic Competition over Lithium and Rare Earths

2025-07-12T18:07:23+00:00

The recent global green transition that has been fuelled by the pressing necessity to address the climate change and transition to a sustainable low carbon future enormously increased the strategic significance of some of the main raw materials, particularly lithium and rare earths elements (REEs). The electric vehicle (EV) batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, or energy storage systems rely on such materials as their core. Just like the pace of demand of such technologies is faster, the struggle to gain access, mine and control such vital resources is also at pace. This rivalry is now a major characteristic of international political economy which has reproached geopolitical allegiances, commerce, and national policing.

The dominance of China in the rare earths processing system and the increasing attempts of the United States and the European Union to acquire alternative sources indicate the ways regional economic interdependence has become the territory of strategic competition. Simultaneously, the Global South, which is frequently endowed with these resources, is progressively (and successfully) utilizing its mineral deposits to exercise sovereignty and demand new terms of foreign investments and to achieve sustainable development. This paper presents a geo economic framework linking states and markets in their quest of resource security in which the interlinking of environmental goals and economic competition and even geopolitical rivalries can be seen to exist. The report highlights the challenges and possibilities within the green transition and states the necessity of collaborative governance, moral sourcing, and sustainable models of development to avoid a new period of resource based inequality of opportunity and adversity.

Keywords: Green transition, Geo-economics, Lithium, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Critical minerals, Strategic competition, Global supply chains, Environmental politics, Resource nationalism, International Political Economy (IPE)

The Impact of Carbon Emission and Renewable Energy on Health Expenditure in Pakistan

2025-07-12T18:25:59+00:00

Climate change and air pollution are global challenges with substantial threats to public health. Extended exposure to CO2 can result in a range of negative health effects and illnesses leading to increased health expenditures. This study explores how carbon emissions and the usage of renewable energy affect Pakistan’s per capita health expenditures from 2000 to 2021. The 2SLS-ARDL method is deemed suitable to address potential endogeneity and due to existence of severe multicollinearity. The findings indicate significant positive association between carbon emissions and health spending both in short and long-run. Conversely, renewable energy consumption instrumented by its first lag) shows a negative association with health expenditures per capita both in short & long run. Therefore, promoting environment friendly and sustainable energy-favorable policies, along with limiting CO2 emissions are recommended steps in terms of reducing health costs.

Key words: Carbon emissions, Renewable energy consumption, Health expenditures, Pakistan,

The Spectacle of Slogans: Media, Populism, and the Manufacturing of Consent in Pakistan

2025-07-13T05:52:14+00:00

This study investigates the understanding between media, populism, and political slogans in Pakistan through the case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Drawing from Herman and Chomsky’s theory of “manufacturing consent” and Debord’s concept of the “spectacle,” the research explores how PTI slogans such as “Tabdeeli,” “Naya Pakistan,” and “Imported Hukumat Na-Manzoor” function as affective, visual, and rhetorical tools of political communication. Using a qualitative case study design, the study analyzes broadcast media, social media content, and party communications from 2013 to 2022. Through discourse and visual analysis, it demonstrates how slogans are used to simplify political narratives, construct emotional engagement, and foster political conformity. The findings reveal that PTI’s slogans transformed into cultural artifacts by leveraging mass media aesthetics, repetition, and leader-centric imagery. These slogans played a dual role: they mobilized supporters by offering emotional clarity and nationalistic pride, while simultaneously delegitimizing political opponents through binary framing. Media platforms, including television, Twitter, TikTok, and WhatsApp, amplified these slogans, saturating public consciousness and narrowing space for dissent or critical reflection. The study highlights the media’s complicity in reinforcing populist consensus, not through coercion, but via emotional spectacle and aesthetic saturation. Ultimately, the article argues that PTI’s slogan-driven populism exemplifies how media ecosystems in fragile democracies can become vehicles for symbolic control and manufactured political legitimacy. It underscores the urgent need for critical media literacy and further research into alternative political narratives in postcolonial societies.

Keywords: Populism, Political Slogans, Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf, Media Spectacle, Emotional Mobilization, Manufacturing Consent, Political Communication, Discourse Analysis, Visual Politics, Populist Aesthetics

A Comparative Study of Social Problems in Surah An-Nur in Light of Ahkam Al-Quran by Al-Jassas and Ahkam Al-Quran by Al-Arabi

2025-07-13T08:12:11+00:00

This paper looks into the social problems as presented in Surah Nur by comparing two of the most important traditional exegeses; Ahkam al-Qur an by Al-Jassas (Hanafi school) and Ahkam al-Qur an by Ibn al-Arabi (Maliki school). Surah An-Nur is known to be a heavy legislative surah containing various provisions regarding ethical provisions, family life, modesty, chastity and all the limits of the public and the private life in the Islamic society. The purpose of the study is to find out how two scholars read the same verses in different ways and this reveals the plurality in legal and moral thought in Islamic jurisprudence. The thesis explores such key social issues as adultery and its punishment, the charge of unchastity, hijab (veil), and gender interaction, the marriage of chaste individuals, and the place of the community in upholding moral standards. Both scholars point out these problems yet use their legal approaches which are founded on the basis of their own madhhabs. To take an example, whereas Al-Jassas concentrates on legal technicality and juristic inferences based on Hanafi usul (principles), Ibn al-Arabi concentrates on maqasid (higher objectives) and the social implications of rulings in accordance with Maliki priorities. Further, the study throws light on the tale of al-Ifk (false allegation against Aisha R.A.) and how it reflects on the media ethics, social justice and how a news should be verified before being disseminated. It also explores the way both exegetes manage issues of privacy, domestic space (istidhan) and the institution of family that brings out a sophisticated interpretation of Islamic social order. Comparative approach will assist in showing the points upon which the two approaches are agreeing and disagreeing and the role of the historical, geographical, and methodological variables in conditioning their tafsir. By so doing, the research can be added to the academic discussion of tafsir al-ahkam and its applicability to modern ethical issues, i.e., to the problems of digital privacy, online defamation, and gender relations in the contemporary Muslim communities. Finally, this study has reached a conclusion that Surah An-Nur provides all-inclusive framework of creation of a morally upright society. Both Al-Jassas and Ibn al-Arabi testify that surah can be used in order to regulate individual behaviors and rectify society. The fact that they take different directions is not incompatible and instead complements the Islamic thought with varied understandings of how God reveals him or herself concerning the complex realities of human beings.

Keywords: Surah An-Nur, Ahkam al-Quran, Al-Jassas, Ibn al-Arabi, Social Ethics in Islam, Comparative Tafsir, Islamic Legal Thought

The Quranic Discourse on Animals and Its Relevance to Modern Zoology

2025-07-13T11:43:04+00:00

This paper discusses the theological and ethical meaning of animals in the Quran, and evaluates how the animals mentioned in the scriptures correspond to the present-day zoological knowledge. There are more than 200 direct and indirect references to the animal world in the Quran, and bees, ants, camels, and whales serve not only as biological creatures: they are also represented as signs of God (ayat), exemplars, and actors in prophetic fables. Examining verses describing bees in Surah An-Nahl, ant colonies in Surah An-Naml, and an ant to consider the camel in Surah Al-Ghashiyah, the article creates scientific correlations of the subjects of the insect communication, adaptations to the desert, or marine life. The Quranic worldview involves the ethical aspect that is supported by the idea of mizan (balance), khalifah (stewardship) and divine accountability which, in their turn, promote environmental conservation, animal rights and sustainable relationship with nature. Moreover, the paper criticizes compulsory scientific harmonic and rather advocates a reflective, symbolic, and epistemologically pluralistic attitude to scriptural zoology. Although the Quran is not a scientific textbook, the moral code and theology that underlies it complements the modern-day issues of biodiversity, ecological justice, and treatment of animals as living beings. The exchange between the Quranic doctrine and the contemporary science proves the validity of Islamic thinking in the contemporary ecological and ethical discussion, a spiritually embedded but intellectually sound explanation of the interaction between people, animals, and environment.

Keywords: Quran, Animals, Islamic Environmental Ethics, Zoology, Quranic Ecology, Bee Communication, Animal Rights, Scientific Parallels

China’s Economic Dominance in the Korean Peninsula and its Ramifications for Us Economic Hegemonic Influence in the Region

2025-07-13T17:26:43+00:00

The Korean Peninsula conflict involves two major powers, China and the United States, making it a fundamental factor in regional stability and international geopolitics. This research examines the growing economic influence of China in the Korean Peninsula as well as its implications on the long-lasting hegemonic dominance of the United States in the East Asia region. Through an interdisciplinary approach, contemporary economic trends, encompassing historical analysis and geopolitical assessments, this study aims to provide a detailed understanding of the developing role of China and its multifaceted impact on US interests in the region. Examining the complex web of trade dynamics, infrastructure projects, investment patterns and strategic alignments, this research explains the extent to which the economic stabilization of China invades both South Korea and North Korea. By proposing strategic responses and policy recommendations, grounded in a deep understanding of regional dynamics and power shifts. Also, this Research is on the base of Qualitative approaches, utilizing a combination of secondary data source (e.g.: reviewing academic publications, official websites, statements, newspapers, magazines, news articles, research papers, and internet publications) to provide a comprehensive analysis of the economic influence of China in Korean Peninsula. This research aspires to make a substantive contribution to the academic discourse on East Asian geopolitics and international political economy, offering a comprehensive analysis of the developing power dynamics in the Korean Peninsula and their implications for US hegemony in the region.

Key words: Korean Peninsula Conflict, China’s Economic Influence, US Hegemony, East Asian Geopolitics, Strategic Alignments, International Political Economy, North and South Korea.

Customer Relationship Marketing: Role of Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Technology, and Regulatory Environment in Telecom Sector of Pakistan

2025-07-13T18:26:40+00:00

Consumer Relationship Marketing (CRM) is a critical strategy in the telecom sector, aiming to enhance customer engagement, trust, and long-term retention. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Blockchain technology has revolutionized CRM by enabling data-driven decision making, personalized customer interactions, and secure data management this study examines the role of AI ,Blockchain, and regulatory environment in shaping CRM Practices in Pakistan telecom industry. AI driven tools such as predictive analytics, Chabot’s, and sentiment analysis enhance customer experiences, while blockchain ensures data security, transparency, and trust .However, the adoption of these technologies faces challenges, including high implementation costs, regulatory constraints, and a lack of technical expertise. The regulatory environment governed by the Pakistan telecommunication authority (PTA), plays a crucial role in defining data privacy policies and compliance measures, impacting how telecom firm integrate AI and Blockchain in their CRM strategies. This study highlights the need for a balanced approach where telecom companies align technological innovation with regulatory requirements to optimize customer relationship management.it includes that effective collaboration between policymakers and telecom operators is essential for fostering and ecosystem that encourages innovation while ensuring consumer protection and regulatory compliance.

Keywords: Customer Relation Marketing, Artificial Intelligence, Block Chain Technology

Hegemonic Masculinity and National Identity in Twentieth-Century American War Literature: A Comparative Study of the Selected works by Hemingway, Mailer, and O’Brien

2025-07-14T15:27:36+00:00

This paper explores the construction and negotiation of hegemonic masculinity and national identity within the framework of twentieth-century American war literature, centering on Ernest Hemingway, Norman Mailer, and Tim O’Brien. Through a comparative textual analysis, the study scrutinizes how these novelists lucid masculine ideals and nationalistic discourses against the background of war’s physical and psychological trauma. By applying R.W. Connell’s theory of hegemonic masculinity and drawing on cultural studies, the paper reveals how literary depictions challenge, reinforce, or complicate dominant narratives about gender and nationhood. The findings suggest that while Hemingway emphasizes stoic, heroic masculinity linked to American imperial identity, Mailer critiques and problematizes this ideal through a raw, often violent portrayal of masculine bravado. O’Brien, writing in the post-Vietnam era, deconstructs traditional masculinity by highlighting vulnerability and moral ambiguity, thus reflecting a fractured national identity. This study contributes to the broader understanding of how war literature shapes and contests hegemonic masculinity and national belonging in American cultural memory.

Keywords: Hegemonic masculinity, national identity, American war literature, Ernest Hemingway, Norman Mailer, Tim O’Brien, R.W. Connell

The Invisible Wounds of War: Trauma, Identity Loss, and Social Disintegration Among Bajaur’s Internally Displaced Persons (2008–2015)

2025-07-14T16:29:20+00:00

The paper addresses the psychological and emotional effects of forced migration on the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Bajaur, a tribal district in former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan, which witnessed forced migration between 2008 to 2015 because of military operation. With a qualitative framework based on narrative type inquiry and thematic analysis, the study looks into the multidimensional issues that these societies experience, more so on trauma, loss of identity, and social melting. Exploring the results on the basis of field interviews, case studies, and documentary analysis, it can be concluded that most IDPs display the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mandatory excursion was not only deprived of people of homes but, also, cultural integrity, sex roles and tribal integration proved to be shattered, thus causing confusion of identity and cultural dichotomy. The camps and the receiving communities failed to offer psychosocial support required to aid in recovery, but mostly offered a prolonged state of dependency, instability and normlessness. However, the research is also based on the Trauma Theory, Social Identity Theory, and the notion of anomie by Durkheim, which provides a duality of theoretical perspective and views on the affliction of the person, as well as the group. It further combines Forced Migration theory with the Resilience theory in evaluating coping strategies and survival mechanism. Policy implications make it clear that even procedural trauma-informed rehabilitation systems, ethnically aware education, and identity recovery programs are urgently needed in such post-violence zones as Bajaur. The study is also one of the few studies focusing on localized IDPs in Pakistan and further calls upon the need to adopt a humanistic and perspective that transcends physical settlement, and further more focuses on the internal wounds of a war, the invisible wounds of war or what the IDPs call it the feeling of emptiness.

Keywords: Bajaur Agency, Trauma, Identity Loss, Displacement, Social Fragmentation, Mental Health, 2008–2015

Digital Disruption in Political PR: From Gatekeepers to Algorithmic Amplification

2025-07-15T14:17:07+00:00

The landscape of political public relations (PR) has undergone a radical transformation, shifting from controlled press releases and traditional media gatekeeping to a dynamic, decentralized digital ecosystem dominated by viral content and social media engagement. This article examines the evolution of political PR, tracing its journey from the tightly managed narratives of the 20th century to today’s algorithm-driven, participatory communication environment. It explores how platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok have democratized political discourse, enabling grassroots movements and outsider candidates to challenge established elites while also amplifying misinformation, polarization, and ethical concerns. The discussion highlights key turning points, such as Barack Obama’s pioneering use of social media in 2008 and Donald Trump’s unfiltered Twitter dominance, as well as emerging trends like AI-generated content, micro-targeting, and immersive technologies such as virtual reality. The article also addresses the challenges of this new era, including deepfakes, algorithmic manipulation, and the erosion of shared factual ground. Finally, it considers the future of political PR, emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks, regulatory oversight, and media literacy to balance innovation with democratic integrity. As the tools of persuasion grow more sophisticated, the article underscores the urgent question: How can societies harness the power of digital PR without sacrificing public trust?

Keywords: Political PR, Social Media, Viral Content, Misinformation, Digital Communication, AI, Micro-Targeting, Democracy, Polarization, Ethical Regulation

Influencing Factors of Profitability in the Textile Sector: The Role of Firm Size

2025-07-15T16:04:34+00:00

The profitability of Pakistan's textile industry is examined in this study, with a focus on firms that are listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The aim of this study is to investigate how profitability metrics like net profit margin (NPM), return on assets (ROA), and return on equity (ROE) are impacted by factors that include debt, cash conversion cycle, operational cycle, firm size, and current ratio. For the time span of 2018–2022, panel data from 76 textile enterprises is analyzed using fixed and random effect models. Results reveal that leverage has a substantial effect on ROA and ROE and that fewer cash conversion cycles are preferred for ROA and NPM and longer cycles are superior for ROE. ROE is negatively affected by the operational cycle, but not ROA or NPM. The relationship between the cash conversion cycle and profitability is mediated by the size of the firm. The study presents valuable data that helps academics, industry experts, and officials make strategic decisions on debt control and operations efficiency in the textile sector.

Keywords: Profitability, Leverage, Size, Cash Conversion Cycle

Major Powers and the Gaza Crisis: Responses to the Post-2023 Israel-Palestine Conflict

2025-07-15T18:17:03+00:00

The post-2023 escalation in the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in Gaza, has reignited worldwide tensions and produced varied responses from major world powers. This study critically examines the political, diplomatic, and strategic reactions of key global actors including the United States, China, Russia, and the European Union. By analyzing official statements, policy shifts, aid assurances, and geopolitical alignments, the paper highlights the divergence in international approaches and the broader implications for global order, international law, and regional stability. The research highlights how deep-rooted interests, alliance, and normative frameworks shape the international community's stance on the conflict. Ultimately, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the internationalization of the Gaza crisis and its potential to reshape the balance of power and diplomatic discourse in the Middle East.

KEY WORDSL: Israel-Palestine, Conflict, Gaza War, United States, Russia, China

Unmasking Digital Deviance: Analyzing Cybercrime Trends via Social Media in Pakistan

2025-07-16T16:05:23+00:00

The proliferation of social media in Pakistan has led to a significant rise in cybercrime, posing serious challenges to individuals, society, and legal systems. This paper examines the historical context and evolution of cybercrime, its conceptual foundations, and its manifestation on social media platforms in Pakistan. By analyzing the notion of crime through the perspectives of eminent jurists such as John Austin, Jeremy Bentham, and J.W. Cecil Turner, the study establishes the essential elements of criminal conduct and their applicability to the digital domain. The paper traces the origins of cybercrime from early telegraph manipulations in the 19th century to the sophisticated mobile-based threats of the contemporary era, highlighting the adaptive nature of cybercriminals and the vulnerabilities of emerging technologies. Focusing on the Pakistani context, the research identifies six major categories of social media-related cybercrimes: phishing and social engineering, hacking, malware dissemination, identity theft, spamming, and cyberbullying/harassment. The paper underscores the pressing need for comprehensive legal frameworks, enhanced digital literacy, and robust cybersecurity measures to combat the escalating threat of cybercrime. It advocates for a multi-stakeholder approach, encompassing legislative reform, institutional enforcement, public awareness, and private sector cooperation, to mitigate the harmful consequences of digital offenses and protect individuals' rights in cyberspace. The research contributes to the understanding of cybercrime's conceptual underpinnings, historical development, and contemporary manifestations, while emphasizing the urgency of effective countermeasures in Pakistan's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Keywords: Social Media, Internet, Cybercrime, Digital Deviance, Pakistan

Society in Crisis: The Nexus between Drug Addiction and Criminal Behavior in Pakistan

2025-07-16T16:15:44+00:00

The issue of drug addiction in Pakistan has become a complex problem that combines the aspects of both public health and the increasing rate of criminal activity. This paper will discuss the ubiquitous relationship that exists between substance abuse and crime covering the demographic patterns of drug use, institutional shortfalls, and the socioeconomic factors that feed the epidemic. The article draws attention to the threatening rates of heroin, cocaine, opium and synthetic drugs such as ice in both urban and rural settings, especially towards the young people and those who are socially disadvantaged. It examines how a cycle of addiction feeds criminal acts of petty thefts to organized trafficking as law enforcement is weak, and corruption and insufficient rehabilitation network add to the crisis. It has very severe social and psychological effects and causes family disintegration, mental health problems, and structural stigma, which impedes healing. Based on the best practices in the world, the article suggests evidence-based interventions, which include community-based models of rehabilitation, education, legal reforms that differentiate between users and traffickers, and more effective responses to the issue by public health. Pakistan can combat this growing menace by taking a public health approach to the issue rather than punitive solutions and treating the cause of the problems such as poverty and unemployment. The results highlight the necessity of the policy change, institutional responsibility, and cross-cutting partnerships to end the addiction and crime cycle.

Keywords: Drug Addiction, Criminal Behavior, Pakistan, Heroin, Synthetic Drugs, Rehabilitation, Public Health, Policy Reform, Organized Crime, Socioeconomic Factors

The Effect of Internal Marketing Factors on Services Quality of Organization; A Case Study of Private Sector Universities in Jalalabad Afghanistan

2025-07-16T16:25:03+00:00

The aim of this study to examine the effect of internal marketing on services quality of organization. This study mainly focused on the internal marketing factors that are the independent variables (employee empowerment, reward, customer orientation, internal communication and organizational commitment) and the dependent variable is services quality of organization. In this study the internal marketing factors apply on the services quality of organization that show the positive effect on the services quality of organization. All the hypotheses show the positive effect on the internal marketing effect. For this research the data were collected from the three private universities of Jalalabad Afghanistan. The population was 100 and the sample size for this study were 77 so the data analysis was conducted on 77 questionnaires. Five hypotheses were designed and all the hypotheses have the positive relationship with each other and the internal marketing factors have the positive effect on the services quality of organization.

Keywords; Internal Marketing Factors, Services Quality, Organization, Afghanistan, Employee Empowerment, Reward, Customer Orientation, Internal Communication

Enhancing Predictive Accuracy in Equity Markets: An Empirical Analysis of Outlier Robustness and Forecasting Efficiency in Dow Jones Index Returns

2025-07-16T12:14:25+00:00

This paper empirically examines methods for the detection of outliers and their effect on forecast accuracy in financial time series data using a number of criteria that have been found to discriminate among forecast methods. We have used daily returns from the Dow Jones Index (April 2002–June 2024) where we divide the sample into an in-sample estimation period (April 2002–May 2023) and an out-of-sample (1-year) forecasting window (June 2023–June 2024). In this paper, we also compare the above six outlier detection methods with three volatility forecasting models (GARCH and its extensions) to measure the impact of those synergistic effects on prediction.

We show that outlier removal systematically improves the precision of models, reflected in reductions in average mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The MADe Method is found to be the best outlier detection method, and the three models produce better predictions in all cases (GARCH: ΔMAPE = −18.3%, ΔMAE = −12.7%; EGARCH: ΔMAPE = −14.9%; GJR: ΔMAPE = −11.2%) also in both fields two auxiliary methods, namely Tukey’s Method and VH Boxplot, are respectively the second and third best outlier detection method. We observe that, in both outlier-adjusted and unadjusted cases, their GARCH versions consistently exhibit better performance compared to the respective asymmetric models (i.e., EGARCH and GJR), suggesting a better ability of GARCH under standard setting to address leptokurtic shocks but when associated with MADe-based filtration.

The best process, which includes MADe outlier method within GARCH(1, 1) forecasting, decreases overall autocorrelation forecast errors by 22.4% below benchmark levels. The obtained findings have important implications for quantitative finance for the purpose of developing better approaches to modeling volatility and for improving risk management in equity markets.

Keywords: Equity Markets, Outliers Detection, MADe Method, Forecasting, GARCH Models.

Effect of Teacher’s Vocal Tone and Pitch on Student Engagement and Comprehension: A Phonetic Analysis

2025-07-17T10:10:32+00:00

This study investigates the effect of teachers’ vocal tone and pitch on student engagement and comprehension, employing a mixed-methods approach grounded in phonetic analysis. Drawing from a purposive sample of 24 secondary school teachers and 240 students from grades 9 and 10 in Lahore, Pakistan, the research sought to (1) analyze the relationship between variations in a teacher’s vocal tone and pitch and student engagement during classroom instruction, and (2) evaluate how specific phonetic features of teacher speech influence students’ comprehension of academic content. Quantitative data were collected through structured classroom observations, post-lesson comprehension tests, and acoustic voice analysis using Praat software to measure mean pitch and pitch range. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and student focus group discussions, analyzed using thematic analysis. The quantitative results indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between teacher pitch range and both student engagement (r = 0.63, p < 0.01) and comprehension scores (r = 0.53, p < 0.01). Regression analysis further revealed that pitch range was a strong predictor of comprehension outcomes (β = 0.42, p = 0.005), accounting for 44% of the variance. Qualitative findings supported these results, revealing that students perceive varied vocal tone as engaging, emotionally expressive, and helpful for identifying key information. Monotone delivery, on the other hand, was associated with reduced attentiveness and comprehension. The study’s findings are interpreted through the lens of social cognitive theory and dual coding theory, emphasizing the role of vocal modulation as a cognitive and affective signal in instructional communication. This research contributes to the limited empirical literature linking phonetic features of teacher speech to measurable student outcomes and underscores the importance of incorporating vocal training in teacher education. It is recommended that teacher preparation programs include voice modulation techniques to enhance pedagogical effectiveness and student learning outcomes.

Keywords: teacher vocal tone, pitch, student engagement, comprehension, phonetic analysis, instructional communication, classroom pedagogy

Techno-Legality: The Legal Challenges of AI, Surveillance, and Digital Governance

2025-07-17T10:55:39+00:00

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), surveillance technologies, and digital governance has ushered in unprecedented legal challenges, necessitating the development of robust frameworks to address "techno-legality." This article explores the intersections of law, technology, and power, focusing on the ethical, human rights, and governance implications of these innovations. Key issues include the accountability of autonomous systems, biases in AI-driven judicial processes, and the erosion of privacy due to mass surveillance. Case studies such as China’s Social Credit System and the NSA’s surveillance programs highlight the global disparities in legal responses. The article also examines regulatory efforts like the EU AI Act and GDPR, underscoring their limitations in safeguarding civil liberties. Digital governance emerges as a critical theme, with algorithmic decision-making and big tech’s influence posing challenges to transparency and democratic oversight. The comparative analysis of legal approaches across the EU, US, China, and the Global South reveals fragmented regulatory landscapes, calling for international harmonization. Ethical frameworks and human rights principles are proposed as foundational to responsible innovation, particularly for marginalized communities disproportionately affected by digital systems. The article concludes with policy recommendations, advocating for rights-based legislation, multi-stakeholder governance models, and collaboration between legal experts, technologists, and civil society. It emphasizes the urgency of legal innovation to keep pace with technological evolution and calls for further research into equitable and accountable digital futures.

Keywords: Techno-Legality, Artificial Intelligence, Surveillance, Digital Governance, Privacy, Human Rights, Algorithmic Bias, Regulatory Frameworks, Ethical AI, International Law

E-Waste in Pakistan: How Discarded Electronics are Poisoning the Land

2025-07-17T11:49:37+00:00

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), surveillance technologies, and algorithmic governance into modern societies presents complex legal and ethical challenges a phenomenon best captured by the emerging concept of “techno-legality.” This article explores the intersection of law and technology, focusing on how AI-driven systems, state surveillance, and digital decision-making are redefining accountability, privacy, and human rights. It critically examines issues such as the opacity and bias in algorithmic decision-making, the absence of legal personhood for autonomous systems, and the weakening of democratic oversight in digital governance frameworks. By analyzing prominent global case studies including China’s Social Credit System and the U.S. NSA surveillance programs the article demonstrates the uneven global landscape of techno-legal regulation. The discussion extends to regulatory instruments such as the EU AI Act and GDPR, highlighting their strengths and limitations in addressing rights-based concerns. Furthermore, it evaluates the ethical and legal implications for marginalized communities, who are disproportionately impacted by opaque digital systems. Emphasizing the need for international legal harmonization and inclusive governance models, the article calls for multi-stakeholder collaboration between legal scholars, technologists, and civil society. It concludes with actionable policy recommendations, including the formulation of human rights-centered digital laws, algorithmic transparency mandates, and democratic oversight structures. In an age where technology rapidly outpaces legislation, this paper underscores the urgency of rethinking legal paradigms to foster a more accountable and equitable digital future.

Keywords: Techno-Legality, Artificial Intelligence, Surveillance, Digital Governance, Privacy, Human Rights, Algorithmic Bias, Regulatory Frameworks, Ethical AI, International Law

Eco-Romanticism Revisited: Nature as Political Witness in Byron, Keats, and Shelley

2025-07-17T12:12:40+00:00

This paper looks back over Romantic poetry of Byron, Keats, and Shelley through the perspective of eco-Romanticism and offers an alternative view of nature; not as a source of beauty or spiritual contemplation but as an alert votary. Instead of presenting it as an inert background, nature in their works is made active in the form of winds, mountains, rivers as well as the seasons as silent and mute witnesses of historical trauma, imperial rot, revolutionary spirit, and social change. Investigating a group of poems, including Childe Harold Pilgrimage by Byron, Ode to the West Wind by Shelley, and To Autumn by Keats, the research argues that nature in the poems of these three authors is a symbolic record of the human violence, struggle, and loss. Such a reading allows ecocriticism to meet political historicism, discovering sub today ignored environmental sensibility in their poetic imaginations. By so doing, the paper goes on to provide a more politicized interpretation of Romantic nature, which exposes how the three most significant uses of the natural world by the poets are not only enlisted in the criticism of empire, modernity, and the breaking apart of enlightenment ideals.

Keywords: Eco-Romanticism,Nature and Politics, Romantic Poets, Byron, Keats, Shelley, Literature and Environment

Techno-Economic Analysis of Concentrated Solar Power with Molten Salt Storage for Gwadar

2025-07-17T12:57:48+00:00

This study examines the feasibility of implementing a 50 MW parabolic trough Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) system with molten salt storage in Gwadar, an area facing significant energy insecurity due to its isolation from the national grid and dispersed energy demand. Using primarily quantitative and modeling-based methods, the research investigates the technical and financial aspects of CSP technology. The System Advisor Model (SAM) is utilized to simulate the CSP plant's performance, evaluating both technical and financial aspects. The methodology involves a thorough investigation into the viability of CSP plants, focusing on solar resource availability, land suitability, and molten salt availability. The findings suggest the technical feasibility of a CSP system in Gwadar, with optimal solar conditions observed in summer and ample land available in the industrial zone, with potential molten salt sourcing from Balochistan resources and Gwadar's seawater. Simulation results indicate the CSP system's potential to provide consistent and sustainable power generation, even under limited sunlight conditions, achieving a capacity factor of 23.3%, reflecting efficient energy production. Additionally, analysis of thermal energy storage dynamics highlights effective energy production and storage mechanisms, emphasizing the system's potential for renewable energy advancement. However, despite promising outcomes, the estimated Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of $0.2349/kWh presents competitiveness challenges compared to other CSP technologies, necessitating further optimization and cost reduction efforts to enhance economic viability. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of exploring options for cost reduction to improve the economic feasibility of deploying CSP technology in Gwadar, offering insights for sustainable energy solutions to address the region's energy challenges.

Keywords: Concentrated Solar Power, Parabolic Trough, National Solar Radiation Database, Solar Irradiance, Molten Salt Storage, Levelized Cost Of Energy, System Advisor Model

Transformational Leadership and Innovation Performance in Pakistan’s Tech Startups

2025-07-17T14:14:54+00:00

The tech startup sector in Pakistan is booming but most of the ventures are struggling with innovation, scalability, and sustainability. In this research, the researcher will examine how transformational leadership can be used to promote innovation performance among Pakistani tech startups. Based on the model of Bass and Avolio (1994), the transformational leadership is considered in its four dimensions which include idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. The research employs a mixed-methods method, whereby, the quantitative data of 150 startups are used in combination with the qualitative case studies, in order to evaluate the role of leadership behaviors in product development, process innovation, and market disruption. The results indicate a positive correlation of high degree (r = 0.72) between transformational leadership and innovation outcomes. Inspirational motivation was the most powerful driver, and it accounted to 34 percent variation in product innovation. The individualized consideration had a high influence on the employee retention as well as on the creative output, and intellectual stimulation had to encounter the cultural resistance because of the high organization power-distance norms in Pakistan. Here, it is interesting to note that startups that had visionary and more supportive leaders experienced shorter iteration cycles, greater psychological safety, and better performance in the market. Nonetheless, the complete implementation of transformational leadership is constrained by resource shortages and subordinate-superior relationships at the workplace. Bootstrapped startups cannot afford to invest in leadership development and most of the employees fear confronting authority figures, which suppresses intellectual creativity. The research suggests the idea of implementing MLQ-based leadership training into the national incubation programs, aligning the incentives of venture capital to the concepts of leadership, and institutionalizing the practices of psychological safety. The study will be the first empirical attempt at understanding leadership and innovation in the emerging markets, and it will have actionable implications on founders, investors, and policymakers. It reiterates that in a turbulent Pakistani economic setting transformational leadership is no longer a competitive advantage but a survival necessity in the future of innovation-based entrepreneurship.

Keywords: Transformational Leadership, Innovation Performance, Tech Startups, Pakistan, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, Psychological Safety, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Emerging Markets, Digital Ecosystem

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Mental Health and Coping in Patients with Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Pre-Post Intervention Study

2025-07-17T18:04:19+00:00

The present study explored the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MCBT) in improving mental health outcomes among patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Utilizing an informal experimental pre-post design, 25 participants received structured MCBT sessions over a defined intervention period. The study aimed to assess changes in depression and anxiety levels, psychological adaptation (BASE), and coping skills (COPE) before and after the intervention. Quantitative analyses, including paired-samples t-tests, revealed statistically significant improvements across all three psychological domains. Depression and anxiety scores showed a substantial decrease from pre-test (M = 55.08, SD = 8.63) to post-test (M = 29.72, SD = 4.67), while adaptation scores (BASE) also significantly declined, indicating better psychological adjustment. In contrast, coping skills demonstrated a marked increase from pre-test (M = 51.98, SD = 6.86) to post-test (M = 112.93, SD = 3.66), suggesting enhanced resilience and stress management. Normality assumptions were met for all variables, confirming the suitability of parametric testing. These findings support the theoretical foundations of MCBT, which emphasize the role of mindfulness and cognitive restructuring in managing psychological distress. The results hold significant practical implications for integrating MCBT into routine mental health services for neurodegenerative patients. Recommendations include the formal adoption of MCBT in healthcare systems, training for practitioners, and the development of culturally adapted interventions. The study concludes that MCBT is a highly effective, non-pharmacological approach for enhancing mental health, coping capacity, and overall psychological well-being in patients facing the chronic challenges of neurodegenerative disease. Future research should expand on these findings through longitudinal and multicenter studies.

Keywords: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, neurodegenerative diseases, depression, anxiety, coping, psychological well-being, intervention effectiveness.

Conceptualizing the Alternate Dispute Resolution Models in the Contemporary World

2025-07-18T09:55:52+00:00

This paper is based on the review of the literature available on the different models of alternate disputes resolutions working in the contemporary world. This ranges from advanced states like USA, China and developing countries like India, Philippine, Pakistan and Afghanistan. In most of the countries the ADRs working with two options i.e., the court annexed option and community-based dispute resolution. Both options have merits and de-merits but adopted in all over the countries. These models range from the simple negotiation to complex mechanism of mediation and other approaches adopted by the different communities in different countries. The paper also discussed the disputes resolution in the religion of Islam and Christianity.

Key words: ADR, Community based disputes resolution, informal justice.

The Perception of Professionals Regarding Curriculum of Medical Jurisprudence to Medical and Law Students in Pakistan

2025-07-18T10:11:35+00:00

The paper is focused on the current curriculum distribution in MBBS and LLB professions. The medical jurisprudence the law students is fulfilling their professional requirements during their practice. Similarly, how the law students experienced the study of medical and how the medical students study the law. The Lego-medical practioners faced what sorts of the deficiencies in their studies related to legal medical curriculum. The study is based on the perception of the legal and medical practioners regarding the deficiencies and challenges they have faced during their practice as a lawyer or as a medical expert working for the law enforcement or forensic agencies. The study is quantitative in nature and simple analysis have been made on this data regarding quality of evidence by doctors and medical witnesses to lawyers.

Keywords: Medical Jurisprudence, LLB & MBBS curriculum, legal fraternity, Medico-legal

Deaths Due To Pneumonia Related Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults

2025-07-18T11:14:24+00:00

Pneumonia can result in serious cardiovascular diseases, and for almost twenty years, pneumonia-associated death rates in the United States were continuously decreasing. Nonetheless, new findings indicate that this trend might be changing. The basic objective is to explore how different factors such as gender, race, region, city size intersectionality has influenced cumulative changes over time concerning CVD mortality owing to pneumonia from 1999 to 2020. It is desired to analyze the frequency of deaths caused by cardiac complications due to pneumonia with respect to time. For this purpose, we utilized the National Vital Statistics Report from 1999–2020. We divided the data by sex and race /ethnicity along with rural vs urban geography classification. Furthermore, it is assessed pre-2018 and post-2018 periods separately to evaluate potential shifts. From 1999 to 2018, pneumonia-related CVD mortality declined across all major population groups and regions. From 2018 to 2020, a sharp and statistically significant increase was observed. Males consistently had higher mortality than females, with a more pronounced spike after 2018. Black or African American populations experienced the highest relative increases, exacerbating existing health disparities. Geographic analysis revealed marked increases in the West and Northeast, and urban areas especially large central and fringe metropolitan regions saw the steepest rises. The observed reversal coincides with the emergence of COVID-19, suggesting misclassification, indirect effects, or compounded vulnerability during the early pandemic.

Keywords: Deaths, Pneumonia, Cardiovascular Disease, Older Adults, Pandemic

Impact of Fintech on Financial Inclusion: The Mediating Role of Digital Financial Literacy

2025-07-18T11:33:55+00:00

This study examines the influence of Fintech on financial inclusion, particularly in developing economies, and explores the mediating role of digital financial literacy (DFL). By leveraging the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the research analyses how Fintech innovations such as mobile payments, digital wallets, and peer-to-peer lending can enhance access to financial services among marginalized populations. A structured questionnaire was administered to 153 respondents, and the data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Findings reveal that Fintech significantly improves financial inclusion both directly and indirectly through digital literacy. Digital literacy was found to be a crucial enabler, allowing users to better understand and utilize digital financial platforms. The study highlights the need for targeted policies, regulatory support, and educational initiatives to maximize Fintech's potential. Theoretical and practical implications suggest that bridging digital gaps can contribute to equitable financial growth and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved communities.

Keywords: Fintech, Financial Inclusion, Digital Financial Literacy, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

Power, Identity, and Resistance in Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise: A Critical Discourse Analysis

2025-07-18T12:59:07+00:00

Language is not only utilized as a communication tool but also as an effective tool to construct identity, resist oppression, and exert social agency. Similarly, Poetry in literary fiction is an effective medium by which marginalized speech affirms resistance and recuperates narratives of dignity and empowerment. This research performs a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of the poem Still I Rise by Maya Angelou, drawing on Norman Fairclough's three-dimensional model to discuss how linguistic, rhetorical, and discursive resources generate themes of power, identity, and resistance. At the level of the text, the poem utilizes repetition, metaphor, lexical oppositions, and an assertive voice to represent a speaker who evinces self-value in opposition to racial and gender oppression. Through repeated words like "I rise," Angelou performs resilience and regains voice and agency for disempowered identities. On a discursive practice level, the poem subverts historical and institutional relations of power through direct address, rhetorical questioning, and intertextual allusion to slavery and institutional injustice, situating the speaker as a specific self and as a representative figure of collective resilience. Lastly, in the social practice sphere, Still I Rise is positioned within Black feminist scholarship and civil rights movements, counter-hegemonic to hegemonic discourse and delivering an alternative reading as one of ancestral pride and resistance. In this analysis, it is evident that Angelou's poetry is not only literary but a discursive intervention which remakes Black womanhood and recovers cultural and political space.

Keywords: CDA, Gender Oppression, Discursive Strategies, Poetry, Intertextuality

Work-related stress in teachers: a comparison between male and female teachers

2025-07-18T17:03:32+00:00

Teacher's stress can become problematic and even hazardous, according to research. Teacher stress is a reaction to a negative effect, such as a reaction to workload, it is typically accompanied by potentially pathogenic, physiological and biochemical changes resulting from the demands of the job and its mediated by the teacher's perception that the demands pose a threat to their well-being and sense of self-worth. Compared to other occupations, teaching is the most demanding job in the world, according to numerous studies. The definition of teacher stress is discomfort or an unpleasant emotion and teacher stress can become problematic and even hazardous. The purpose of the study was to determine and compare the main causes on work-related stress experienced by male or female teachers. Two public sector universities of Faisalabad. University of Agriculture and GC University. Faisalabad have been selected conventily Sixty (60) teachers were selected for each university (30 male or 30 female) conventiely. A sample size of 120 teachers were selected purposely. The data collected through questionnaire will he analyzed by using SPSS. The study revealed that male university teachers reported significantly higher levels of work-related stress than their female counterparts, particularly in areas such as workload, tight deadlines, and lack of autonomy. However, both genders exhibited similar levels of job satisfaction and experienced comparable physical and mental health impacts due to stress, with only a few statistically significant differences. These findings emphasize the urgent need for gender-sensitive stress management strategies in public universities of Pakistan. It is recommended that institutions introduce tailored stress management programs, improve the availability of teaching resources, and reduce excessive workloads by hiring more staff. Additionally, enhancing institutional support through counseling services, transparent promotion policies, and recognition of teachers’ efforts is crucial. Professional development opportunities and time management training should also be prioritized to help teachers cope with organizational demands. Moreover, promoting work-life balance—particularly for female faculty through flexible working hours and family support initiatives can contribute to a healthier and more productive academic environment.

Key Words: Stress, Education, Performance, Impact

Exploring Phonological Features in Hamid Khan’s Poem 'We Are Dreamers’

2025-07-18T17:16:39+00:00

This study examines the phonological aspects of Hamid Khan's "We Are Dreamers," exploring how the speaker uses sound devices to create two auditory worlds. Through the stylistic analysis of alliteration, assonance, and sound symbolism, the study highlights the difference between a world of nostalgic sounds and one that is characterized by harsh, unsettling tones. The article represents how the speaker creates a melodic rhythm by frequently using these opposed sounds, highlighting the difference between these two aural domains. Through examining the subtleties of sound, the speaker competently expresses the desire to leave the harsh reality of the dwellers and enter the cozy world of the dreamers. The poet skillfully creates a musical rhythm while emphasizing the differences between the two realms. The poem allows readers to briefly escape reality by submerging them in the fantastical realm of dreams through the collocation of two opposed sounds.

Keywords: Phonology, phonological level, stylistics, the Poem

The Existence of Jinn: An Analysis in Light of Quranic and Authentic Hadith Evidence and Modern Scientific Research

2025-07-18T17:45:13+00:00

Jinn existence is one of the most important beliefs of Islam, which was deep-rooted in the Quran and genuine Hadith. This study provides an in-depth interpretation of jinn by three major ways; the Islamic textual sources (the Quran and Hadith), contemporary scientific research and social and cultural approaches. The Quran also contains clear reference to the existence of jinn, and they are brought out in Surah Al-Rahman (55:15) and Surah Al-Hijr (15:27), where the jinn are said to be created of fire of no smoke. Authentic Hadith collections also discuss the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ speaking with jinn, giving sermons and stressing the protective virtue of such Surahs as the Ayat al-Kursi and the Muawwidhatayn (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Naas) against their interference. Though not directly supporting the existence of jinn, modern science has given theoretical models that can accept the possibility of jinn. Sciences such as quantum physics, parapsychology, and neuroscience present the existence of invisible energies and dimensions, e.g., dark matter, infrasound and theories of the multiverse, which are conceptually similar to phenomena attributed to jinn as presented in Islamic literature. Parapsychological studies, including, EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) and EMF surveys, depict activity patterns in places where jinn sightings are historically documented, but such results do not pass the threshold of typical scientific tests. Another misperception dealt with in this paper is the prevalence of fear and mythologization of jinn, as well as an outright denial thereof by various societies, and this is solved by highlighting the difference between the real Islamic teachings and the cultural superstitions. It points out that although jinn are capable of causing harm to humans, there are a lot of benign or even believer jinn. The studies assert that the direct communication with jinn, asking them to assist and identifying them with gods is forbidden or shirk (polytheism) in Islam. Instead, they prescribe protective practices based on the Quran and Sunnah, e.g. daily adhkar (remembrances). In addition, the research puts a line between jinn influence and the psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, indicating the balanced diagnosis both in medical and spiritual aspects. This distinction is explained by looking at case studies of alleged jinn possession. Conclusively, according to Islamic teachings, the existence of jinn, which has been revealed through revelation, is consistent with some new scientific paradigms. The correct Islamic way, though, is to be in the middle--not to deny nor exaggerate. It is hoped that the complex, though important, nature of this issue will continue to be examined by future interdisciplinary studies that can be composed of both Islamic theology and empirical science.

Keywords: Jinn, Quran and Hadith, Parapsychology, Infrasound and EVP, Islamic belief, Superstition vs. theology, Modern scientific analysis

The Impact of Change in Custom ('Urf) on the Interpretation of Shariah’s Rulings: Analytical Study

2025-07-19T08:30:34+00:00

Urf (custom/prevailing practice) is considered one of the sources of Islamic Sharia. Its reality lies in the fact that when considering rulings for those obligated by Shariah, taking into account the region, circumstances, time, and the mukallaf themselves holds key importance in Shariah. Therefore, observing 'urf in all rulings is a necessary matter. Despite this, such changes are generally observed in subsidiary rulings, and the underlying general principles of Shariah and their observance are considered behind this change. In this regard, the principles related to 'azimah (strict adherence) and rukhsah (concession) (foundational legal principles) are generally taken into account on one hand, while on the other hand, the principles based on maslahah (welfare) and the objectives of Shariah falling under it, are also considered. If observed, Shariah has adopted a three-pronged approach regarding the change in rulings. Islam maintained some customs of Arab society as they were, such as diyah (blood money) and some rulings of 'iddah (waiting period); it implemented some changes in others, for example, limiting the unlimited number of divorces to three; it discouraged some, such as the custom of keeping male and female slaves; and it abolished some customs, such as the rulings related to the prohibition of riba (usury) in business. The wisdom behind this seems to be that the customs that were in accordance with the general principles of Shariah and which do not harm the society, were maintained, and those in which agreement was possible after a fundamental or minor change were changed accordingly, while those that did not align with the universal and accepted principles and objectives of Shariah were changed completely or gradually.

Keywords: Urf, Islamic Shariah, Custom in Islam, Legal Maxims, Azimah, Rukhsah, Maslahah, Maqasid Al-Shariah, Change in Rulings, Social Customs, Legal Reform, Divorce in Islam

Exploring the Impact of School Climate and Mindfulness on Psychological Well-being of Secondary School Students: A Comparative Study of Private and Government Schools

2025-07-19T13:18:25+00:00

Schools today are expected to foster students’ holistic development, including psychological well-being, beyond just academic achievement. Despite global focus on student mental health, research in Pakistan remains limited. This study examines how school climate and mindfulness affect the psychological well-being of secondary school students in Pakistan. The study employed a cross-sectional research design, and comprised 200 secondary school students ranging age 14-17. 100 students from private schools and 100 students from government schools participated in the study. Convenient sampling was used for the collection of data via the ED School Climate Survey (EDSCLS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale. Analyses included Pearson’s correlation, regression, and t-tests. Results showed significant positive correlations between school climate and psychological well-being (r = .28, p < .01) and mindfulness and psychological well-being (r = .53, p < .01). School climate and mindfulness significantly predicted psychological well-being by 31% variance. T-tests indicated gender differences. Significant differences were observed between private and government school students on several variables. On the Personal Growth, Positive Relations, Safety, Acting with Awareness, Non-Judging of Inner Experience scale, government school students score higher. No significant mean differences are found between private and government school students on Psychological Well-Being, Autonomy, Environmental Mastery, Purpose in Life, Self-Acceptance, School Climate, Engagement, Environment, Mindfulness, Observing, Describing, or Non-Reactivity to Inner Experience. The study highlights the importance of school climate and mindfulness on students’ psychological health, noting limitations like convenience sampling and self-reported data. This research contributes to the understanding of how psychological well-being can be enhanced through school climate and mindfulness practices, emphasizing the need for mental health interventions within school environments.

Keywords. School Climate, Mindfulness, Psychological Well-Being, Psychological Health

The Social System of Islam: The Global Civilizational Clash and the Islamic Way of Life in the Light of the Teachings of the Prophet (PBUH)

2025-07-19T15:54:51+00:00

This research paper examines the comprehensive social system of Islam in the light of the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It highlights that Islam is not confined to a set of rituals or personal beliefs but offers a holistic code of life encompassing social, political, economic, ethical, and spiritual domains. The study begins by identifying the foundational principles of the Islamic social system such as monotheism (Tawheed), justice, equality, brotherhood, consultation (Shura), modesty, and moral integrity. It emphasizes that these principles are not only theoretical but were practically implemented by the Prophet ﷺ in the society of Madinah.

The paper further analyzes the revolutionary changes introduced by the Prophet ﷺ including the abolition of slavery, empowerment of women, care for orphans and the poor, promotion of social justice, and interfaith harmony. These reforms laid the foundation for a just, moral, and balanced society, standing in contrast to the tribal, unjust, and exploitative structures of pre-Islamic Arabia.

In the contemporary context, the paper addresses the challenges posed by modern Western civilization, such as secularism, materialism, moral decay, and the breakdown of the family system. It argues that the Islamic social model, rooted in natural human values and divine guidance, offers a superior alternative to address these crises.

The research concludes by proposing practical steps for the revival of Islamic social values, including educational reforms, positive engagement with media, youth and women empowerment, and policy-level implementation of Islamic ethics. It calls upon the Muslim Ummah to adopt the Prophetic model not just in theory but as a living system that can guide modern society toward justice, peace, and harmony.

Keywords: Islamic Social System, Civilizational Clash, Prophetic Teachings (PBUH), Islamic Way of Life, Global Challenges

Nature Portrayed Linguistically on the Selected Ecotourism Websites of Pakistan: An Eco-critical Discourse Analysis

2025-07-20T11:02:24+00:00

Applying Stibbe's (2015) story framework, this study provides an eco-critical discourse analysis of nature representations on five selected ecotourism websites in Pakistan to examine their environmental beliefs. The study demonstrates the way these websites linguistically form nature-human relationships through a qualitative analysis to evaluate patterns. It focuses on the types of word choices, analogies, evaluation patterns, and overall communication related to natural habitats. Exploring the ideology underlying the appraisal pattern on particular ecotourism websites is the aim. Only five unofficial websites were included in this study, which could not accurately represent all of the content related to ecotourism in Pakistan. Furthermore, the study omitted visual components that might influence audience perceptions in favor of emphasizing only textual characteristics. Findings show that while portraying nature, these websites frequently employ positive language methods. To raise awareness of the environment, they use phrases like "pristine" and "vibrant," build living metaphors ("the mountains breathe"), and utilize inclusive vocabulary ("our natural heritage"). The tone is always one of adoration and awe, presenting nature as valuable and worthy of preservation. As to the study, more open communication that achieves a balance between actual environmental claims and promotional objectives could be beneficial for website makers.

Keywords: Ecolinguistics, Ecology, Appraisal Patterns, Evaluation, Ecotourism, Nature Representation, Eco-critical Discourse

International Law and Sovereignty: Between Legal Obligation and Political Will

2025-07-20T12:13:25+00:00

This article explores the enduring tension between legal obligation and political will within the framework of international law and state sovereignty. Tracing the historical evolution of sovereignty from the Westphalian model to its modern-day reinterpretation in an era of globalization, human rights, and supranational governance, the study examines how international legal norms often clash with the strategic interests of sovereign states. Theoretical perspectives including natural law, legal positivism, realism, liberalism, and Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) are employed to critically assess how states interpret and navigate their international obligations. By analyzing key legal sources such as treaties, customs, and jus cogens norms alongside institutional mechanisms like the United Nations, International Criminal Court (ICC), and World Trade Organization (WTO), the paper evaluates the enforceability of international law in light of selective compliance and political manipulation by powerful states. Case studies including the U.S. and the ICC, China's rejection of the South China Sea ruling, and humanitarian interventions in Kosovo and Syria highlight the asymmetries in enforcement and the instrumental use of law. The article advocates for norm internalization, civil society engagement, and institutional reforms to bridge the gap between international legal commitments and state behavior. It concludes by proposing a reimagined sovereignty one that balances national autonomy with global legal accountability to meet contemporary transnational challenges.

Keywords: International Law, Sovereignty, Legal Obligation, Political Will, ICC, UN, Realism, TWAIL, Global Governance, State Compliance

Internalized Stigma and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Mental Health Treatment-Seeking Behavior Among Urban Young Adults

2025-07-21T07:15:35+00:00

Purpose: The currebt study focused to investigate the predictive role of internalized stigma and coping strategies in influencing help-seeking behavior among youngsters living in urban areas.

Method: A correlational study design was used in the research. Sample comprised N=200 urban young adults aged 18 to 35 years. General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ),Brief-COPE Inventory and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) were utilized for assessment. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) were used to asses hypothesis.

Result: Results revealed that there is a significant connection between Internalized stigma, coping strategies and treatment seeking behavior in urban young adults.

Conclusion: Young adults who have high levels of self-stigma are tend to adopt less effective coping strategies which in turn less prone to get mental health treatment. Moreover, there is a mediating role of coping strategies in internalized stigma and mental health treatment-seeking behavior among young adults.

Implication: Results of this research article have significant implications for the mental health awareness department that they can use this research to raise awareness among urban young adults, institutions faculty, and mental health professionals about the importance of managing the stigma, use of coping mechanisms in the treatment of mental health issues.

Key Words: Internalized Stigma, Coping Strategies, Mental Health Treatment Seeking Behavior, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling

Gendered Narratives: A Comparative Study of Patriarchy and Matriarchy in the Dramas of Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar and Humaira Ahmad

2025-07-21T15:04:43+00:00

This study's main goal is to critically examine how patriarchy and matriarchy are portrayed in a few Pakistani television dramas by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar and Humaira Ahmad. It also investigates how these gendered representations affect audience perceptions and either support or contradict social norms. In order to analyze language, character development, and theme components in the dramas, this qualitative study uses feminist literary theory and Norman Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as its theoretical framework. Transcripts, episodes, and other relevant media content are gathered as a sample from published interviews and streaming services. Six well-known dramas, three by each author, were chosen via the technique of purposive sampling to best represent the opposing gender views. The findings show that Qamar's stories reinforce patriarchal power systems by emphasizing matriarchy honour, emotional pain, and traditional gender binary thinking. Ahmad's works, on the other hand, focus on women's ethical complexity and spiritual development while quietly questioning patriarchal conventions through symbolic matriarchy. These depictions are supported by audience response, which reflects cultural differences in gender ideology. The study suggests that screenwriters and media producers create more multifaceted, balanced gender depictions. In order to encourage critical engagement with gender narratives and advance progressive cultural change in Pakistani culture, more interdisciplinary research and media literacy programs are recommended.

Keywords: Patriarchy, Matriarchy, Critical Discourse Analysis, Pakistani Television Dramas, Feminist Literary Theory, binary thinking, Gender Representation, Gender Ideologies, Pakistani culture

Democracy Under Turbulence: Unraveling Political Challenges of Pakistan (1988-1999)

2025-07-21T15:16:17+00:00

This study analyzes a turbulent period of civilian rule in Pakistan, from 1988 to 1999, which witnessed the hope of democratic revival but was actually marked by challenges to democracy. It examines the basic political problems that weakened democracy during this period by focusing on the factors as misuse of institutional powers, volatile party conflicts, electoral manipulation, political instability, the destructive role of opposition parties, and the frequent misuse of constitutional provision of Article 58 (2b). The paper contextualizes the fact that four consecutive elected governments were unable to complete their tenures using a historical analytical approach and based on recent scholarly analyses. The findings confirm institutional weaknesses and the grip of military power, along with political conflicts had repeatedly aborted the democratic process. The covert role of Military establishment and misuse of constitutional powers by presidents, as well as political conspiracies destabilized elected governments during 1988-1999. This research demonstrates the importance of that turbulent period in understanding Pakistan’s efforts for democratic consolidation.

Keywords: Political Challenges, Power Struggle, Political Instability, Civilian Rule

Mathematics and Sufism (Faqar): A Journey of Balance and Unity

2025-07-21T17:08:39+00:00

This article explores the profound connections between mathematics and Sufism (Faqar), revealing how both disciplines embody principles of balance, unity, and divine order. While mathematics provides a logical framework to understand the physical world through patterns, symmetry, and equations, Sufism offers a spiritual lens to perceive the deeper meaning behind these structures, emphasizing humility, love, and connection with Allah. The article draws parallels between mathematical concepts such as zero, infinity, the Fibonacci sequence, and geometric shapes and Sufi teachings on ego dissolution, eternal divine mercy, and the symbolism of the circle as a representation of Allah’s unity. Through Qur’anic verses, Hadith, and insights from Sunni scholars like Imam Ghazali, Rumi, and Ibn Arabi, the study illustrates how mathematical truths mirror spiritual truths, guiding seekers toward inner harmony and divine realization. Examples include the role of zero in mathematics and Sufi concepts of humility (fana), the infinite as a metaphor for Allah’s boundless mercy, and the straight path (Sirat al-Mustaqeem) as both a geometric and spiritual ideal. The article concludes that mathematics and Sufism are complementary paths to truth: one appeals to the intellect, the other to the heart, together leading to a holistic understanding of creation and the Creator.

Keywords: Mathematics, Sufism, Faqar, Divine Unity, Balance, Zero (Sifr), Infinity, Fibonacci Sequence, Geometric Symbolism, Spiritual Harmony

From Crisis to Catalyst: How Covid-19 Reshaped Digital Banking Practices

2025-07-21T17:31:24+00:00

This research work examines how the use of digital banking services in Bannu, one of the regions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan has been affected by COVID-19. During the pandemic when government restrictions were established and the behavior of consumers changed drastically, the switch to digital banking platforms increased considerably. The study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing simple random sampling to select 300 banking employees in Bannu. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS to perform correlation and regression analysis, test reliability, and determine descriptive statistics. The results indicate a positive correlation between government restrictions and the use of digital banking services, as well as between changes in consumer behavior and customer satisfaction. Moreover, it was revealed that the evolution of consumer behavior played an important role in the implementation of digital banking. Such results agree with previous research, which emphasizes the influence of exogenous forces of lockdowns and health consciousness on the use of digital banking. The research can help policy-makers and the financial institutions in the area to advance digital banking facilities and infrastructure even further.

Keywords: Covid-19, Digitalization, Banking, Digital Banking, Banking Sector, Digital Transformation

Investigating the Challenges and Instructional Approaches in Teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) to Undergraduates in Pakistan’s Public Universities

2025-07-21T18:17:28+00:00

English ESP has become an important aspect of the postsecondary English language education especially in countries in the developing world which use English as the primary language of commerce, as well as of learning activities at the college and university level. It has become one of the major components of academic programs providing students with language-related skills analyzed by reference to their respective disciplines. The ESP is not merely aimed at general proficiency of the language, it is concentrated on specialized vocabulary and even the specifics of the language used in different spheres of professions. The pressure is increasingly put on the undergraduate students in the Pakistani public universities to acquire their language skills specific to the fields of work in anticipation of finding job later in life. Within such competitive atmosphere, proper ESP training is critical to the development of students who can fare well in the requirements of the work place in terms of communication particularly, when the languages of interaction and instruction are English. However, there are different factors that interfere with effective execution of ESP programs. Among them, there are the lack of prepared teachers of ESP, the lack of curriculum development, lack of teaching resources, the gap between the course content and the needs of the real world. The barriers to instruction and learning institutional barriers like administrative lackadaisical attitude and lazy support policies among others also contributes to these issues.The purpose is to identify the main problems that defy teachers and learners in the ESP classroom and how the instructors cope with the issues. Among the coping skills used by teachers, adaptation of materials and interactive strategies are frequently implemented by the former to improve the results of learning.The data will be also gathered with the help of interviews, the sample will be chosen with the help of purposive sampling approach. The sample will consist of the teachers who have first-hand experience of teaching at the undergraduate level, that is, in public sector universities, ESP. Thematic analysis will be applied on the data collected so that patterns and themes about ESP instructions are established. The results will prove useful to the body of knowledge and also benefit the practice of teaching ESP in the higher education sector in Pakistan.

Keywords: English for Specific Purposes (ESP), Undergraduate Education, Instructional Approaches, Teaching Challenges, Public Universities in Pakistan

A Thematic Study of Journalistic Principles in the Light of Qur’anic Verses

2025-07-22T06:39:25+00:00

This research explores the foundational ethics of journalism derived from Qur’anic guidance, presenting a thematic analysis rooted in Islamic epistemology. Moving beyond conventional Western media frameworks, the study examines how the Qur’an lays a comprehensive moral and professional framework for communication, truth dissemination, and societal responsibility.

Beginning with the concept of truthfulness (ṣidq) and transparency, the research investigates the Qur’anic command to uphold honesty in public discourse. It then examines the principle of verification (tathabbut) as mandated in Surah al-Ḥujurāt (49:6), establishing the necessity of investigative integrity in news transmission. Other core values, such as justice (ʿadl), non-defamation, trustworthiness (amānah), and respectful speech, are evaluated as essential pillars of an Islamic journalistic ethic. The paper further highlights the Qur'anic objective of preserving communal harmony and preventing discord, emphasizing the role of media in upholding unity (ukhuwwah) and fulfilling the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil (amr bil-maʿrūf wa nahy ʿan al-munkar).

By referencing classical exegesis—including Tafsīr al-Kashshāf, al-Rāzī, Ibn Kathīr, al-Qurṭubī, and al-Ālūsī—this study draws direct connections between revelatory guidance and modern journalistic practices. It critically evaluates the ethical vacuum in contemporary media and proposes Qur’an-based reforms to align journalistic functions with truth, accountability, and reformative intent. The research concludes that the Qur’anic paradigm offers not only a moral compass for journalists but a strategic model for reorienting the media toward collective well-being, justice, and social rectitude.

Keywords: Qur’an and Journalism, Islamic Media Ethics, Justice in Journalism

Econometric Analysis of Education-Based Individual Income Disparity in Pakistan

2025-07-22T15:21:19+00:00

This study paper's main goal is to provide an econometric analysis of Pakistan's income distribution pattern on three levels called Gini, Atkinson and Generalized Entropy indices. In this empirical study, trends are presented and compared with two distinct micro-level data sets that show either rising or falling inequality in term of education of the households. However, scholar has made efforts to pinpoint the social and economic elements that contribute to rising or falling inequality. Scholar has used a few criteria for this, such as the household's educational attainment. Researcher broke down the data in this descriptive analysis into various levels but considered the education as main tool. Three distinct indices; the Gini, Atkinson, and Generalized Entropy were employed in the empirical investigation to assess inequality. The most recent data rounds for the Pakistan Social Living Measurement (PSLM/HIES) were conducted in 2015–16 and 2018–19. The main goal of this research is to enhance the social and economic circumstances of Pakistani citizens by contributing to planning and policy-level studies.

Keywords: Income, Inequality, Indices, Gini, Atkinson, Entropy, Education, PSLM, STATA, DASP

Understanding the Dilemma of Enforced Disappearances and Arbitrary Detentions in Pakistan: A Critical Study of the Legal Framework and National Security Justifications

2025-07-22T17:19:32+00:00

Enforced disappearance of a person refers to the unlawful detention of a person by state authorities for unspecified time in which the whereabouts of the person are unknown. Such unlawful arrest and detention violates the constitutional guarantees regarding arrest and detention under Article 10 of Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973. It also violates the right to a fair trial under Article 10-A of Constitutional of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973. The Current paper critically analyzes the Legislative framework of Pakistan with respect to the arrest and detention, including the preventive detention laws and highlights the gaps in legislative and judicial framework that fail to prevent enforced disappearances. The study adopts Qualitative and doctrinal legal research design. The paper concludes that there are various loop-holes in the current Legislative framework which pave a way for the enforced disappearances in Pakistan. The study is imperative in Pakistani context as it provides recommendations aimed at law makers to devise and implement comprehensive legal reforms.

Keywords: Arrest, Detention, Enforced Disappearance, Human Rights, Fair-Trial

Digital Populism and the Erosion of Media Gatekeepers: The Role of Social Media in Modern Politics

2025-07-23T07:29:06+00:00

The rise of digital populism has transformed political communication by enabling leaders to bypass traditional media and engage directly with the public through social media platforms. This shift allows politicians to disseminate unedited, emotionally charged messages, often appealing to anti-establishment sentiments, as seen in the strategies of figures like Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, and Narendra Modi. While this democratizes access to political discourse, it also undermines the gatekeeping role of traditional journalism, facilitating the spread of misinformation and polarization. Social media algorithms amplify sensationalist content, creating echo chambers and simplifying complex policy debates into viral slogans. The decline of institutional trust and the rise of authoritarian tendencies further complicate the democratic landscape. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including platform regulation, media literacy initiatives, and the adaptation of traditional media to new digital realities. The article explores the dual nature of digital populism its potential for civic engagement and its risks to democratic integrity and calls for systemic solutions to balance innovation with accountability.

Keywords: Digital Populism, Social Media, Political Communication, Misinformation, Traditional Media, Polarization, Algorithms, Democracy, Regulation, Media Literacy

Comparative Study: Pakistani Media Laws vs. International Free Speech Norms (UN, EU, US)

2025-07-24T09:40:52+00:00

The freedom of press and independence of the media are the landmark components of the democratic world, but their construction and application differ greatly in different jurisdictions. In this study, the researcher undertook comparison of media laws in Pakistan to that of the international norms of free speech in terms of norms that were set at the United Nations, the European Union as well as the United States. Though Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan supposedly gives citizens freedom of speech, there are numerous and broad restrictions imposed by numerous legislations, including the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Ordinance, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, and others, as well as sedition and defamation laws. Such tools have created a situation of widespread censorship, monitoring and closing down of expression of alternate opinion particularly in the name of religious security or national security or in the name of maintenance of order.

In contrast, the international standards, especially the ones in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) adhere to proportionality and necessity in restricting free speech. Europe European norms, especially in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), have envisaged strong criteria of acceptable speech restrictions, which balanced societal interests with individual rights. The same can be said about the United States, whose understanding of the free speech under the First Amendment implies a nearly absolute principle according to which prior restraint and content-based limitations are put to the highest standard of examinations.

This paper determines the gaps of the law, institutional and normative between Pakistani regulations of media and the international. It points to the unclarity of the legislative drafting, the excess in use of executive authority and the absence of judicial independence, which are systematic factors that lead to media freedom violations in Pakistan. It further talks about the jurisprudential difference as Pakistani courts have been found to be deferential to state power whereas international courts have been more focused on rendering rights-oriented meanings. By using comparisons of cases and analysis of the law in doctrine, the paper highlights the significance of harmonizing domestic legislations with the international lines so that democracy values are enhanced, hence guarding the reputation of Pakistan as far as human rights are concerned, internationally.

The paper finishes with the recommendation of structural reform like reconstitution of PEMRA as an independent institution, repealing or amending overbroad provisions in the statutes and initiative involvement of UN treaty bodies. The reforms would be fundamental in inculcating a media environment that constitutes accountability, pluralism and citizen engagement. Finally, the study is also aimed at contributing to the on-going debates regarding the importance of legal reform, media independence and the tendency of Pakistan to follow its agreements on the international level.

Effects of Visual Art Based Activities for Social Skills Development of Children with Down Syndrome

2025-07-24T14:39:58+00:00

This study is focused on the effect of visual art-based activities for the development of social skills in children with Down syndrome enrolled at a rehabilitation center Step to learn located in Rawalpindi Pakistan. Participants of this study is between the age of 8 to 11 year two boys and one girl. It is a qualitative case study, and an observation-based research method was used. The researcher designed five days art activities-based workshop, by borrowing the framework of Kolb’s experiential learning theory (ELT) to see the impact of these art activities on the development of their social skills. Primary Data of this research is collected in the form of photos and videos of the students during the workshop while participants were doing art activities and from semi-structured interviews of the institute's principal and faculty members. The themes of the literature review are derived from the responses of interviews and common words or phrases are color-coded. Secondary data is collected by analyzing the previous work done by students and from their health records. To assess the workshop results, the researcher took help from Dr. Kathleen Quill’s developed social skills checklist and from the already designed social skill checklist of Step to learn and developed another checklist. The findings of the study showed that if children with Down syndrome do art-based activities in the group, they can easily learn many essential social skills to lead a more constructive and accomplished life. Art-based activities helped them improve their relationship with peers and educators and enabled them to cooperate, share, and help each other. Not only this, but they also showed very positive results regarding self-helping skills.

Keywords: Art Intervention; Visual Art; Social Skills; Down Syndrome.

Teachers Role to Cultivate Tolerance among Students at Graduate Level

2025-07-24T14:55:07+00:00

Teachers play a decisive role in fostering tolerance through inclusive classroom environments, encourage critical thinking, and model respectful dialogue. In order to assess the role of teachers to cultivate tolerance among college students’ researcher used explanatory sequential mixed-method research design. Population for this study was all Government Graduate Colleges (Women) and working teachers in Government Graduate Colleges (Women) from District Sialkot. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select sample from different departments of BS level program. Sample size was 204 students and 50 teachers from Tehsil Sambrial and Sialkot of District Sialkot. Data was gathered through two questionnaires, one is self-developed questionnaire which collected data from students and other questionnaire comprises an open ended question which collects data from teachers. Frequency, percentage, mean score, standard deviation, and T.test were used to analyses of data. Thematic analysis was also used to analysed the open ended question. The result of the study depicts that a potential area for improvement because the outcomes of study recommended that educators may not find success in encouraging pupils to interact each other with respect and avoid biases. The study highlights the need of opportunities to promote tolerance effectively. A critical number of respondents accept that educators didn't organize collaborative activities, cultural exchange projects, or conversations about cultural diversity and decrease prejudices.

Keywords: Cultivate Tolerance, Critical Thinking, Social Harmony, Democratic Engagement

Disconnected Democracies: The Digital Divide and Unequal Access to Political Discourse in Pakistan’s Online Media Ecosystem

2025-07-24T16:20:10+00:00

As digital media becomes a central arena for political discourse, assumptions persist that internet access inherently democratizes participation. However, in developing democracies such as Pakistan, deep structural inequalities continue to shape and constrain digital engagement. The research under study examines how the digital divide amongst the infrastructural, socioeconomic, cultural, and algorithmic inequalities constitutes unequal access to the political discourse in the online media environment of Pakistan. Using a mixed-methods approach, including digital ethnography, semi-structured interviews, and content analysis of platform-based political discourse, the research reveals that digital participation remains fragmented and stratified. Key findings highlight how algorithmic amplification favors urban elite narratives, while marginalized communities, particularly women, ethnic minorities, and rural populations, experience digital silencing. Moreover, participation often reflects symbolic engagement rather than substantive civic deliberation. This article attempts to debunk the mainstream digital empowerment discourse and proposes inclusive digital governance by placing these dynamics in the context of critical media theory and Global South digital studies. The study contributes to the growing discourse on platformized democracy, offering both theoretical insights and policy recommendations to bridge the political communication gap in unequal digital societies.

Keywords: Digital Divide; Political Discourse; Online Media Ecosystem; Algorithmic Visibility

Cyber Crime in Pakistan: Trends, Challenges, and Legal Responses

2025-07-24T18:34:16+00:00

Cybercrime in Pakistan has emerged as a critical challenge, threatening economic stability, social harmony, and national security. This article examines the current trends, key challenges, and legal responses to cyber threats in Pakistan, offering a comprehensive analysis of the evolving digital landscape. The study highlights prevalent cybercrimes, including financial fraud, identity theft, cyber harassment, and data breaches, alongside emerging threats like ransomware, deepfake technology, and cyberterrorism. Despite legislative measures such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, systemic gaps in enforcement, technological infrastructure, and public awareness persist. The article identifies three major challenges: technical limitations (outdated cybersecurity systems, low digital literacy), institutional weaknesses (slow judicial processes, jurisdictional hurdles), and socio-cultural barriers (underreporting due to stigma, lack of victim support). Case studies of high-profile cyber incidents, such as banking fraud and social media blackmail, illustrate the real-world consequences of these vulnerabilities. The analysis concludes with actionable recommendations, emphasizing the need for government-led initiatives (strengthening law enforcement, fostering public-private partnerships), corporate and individual responsibility (adopting cybersecurity best practices, improving reporting mechanisms), and legal reforms (updating PECA, expediting cybercrime trials). Ultimately, this research underscores the urgency of treating cybersecurity as a national priority. By implementing a multi-stakeholder approach combining policy upgrades, technological investments, and public awareness campaigns Pakistan can mitigate cyber risks and secure its digital future. The findings advocate for immediate action to bridge existing gaps and build a resilient cyber ecosystem.

Keywords: Cybercrime, Pakistan, PECA 2016, Cybersecurity, Financial Fraud, Cyber Harassment, Ransomware, Deepfake, Cyberterrorism, Legal Reforms, Digital Literacy, Public-Private Partnerships

Oppression and Defiance: A Feministic Analysis of Khalid Hosseini’s Novel A Thousand Splendid Suns

2025-07-24T18:53:43+00:00

This paper examines women's systemic oppression and empowerment under Taliban rule in Khalid Hosseini’s novel A Thousand Splendid Suns. It analyzes the intersecting chords of power, patriarchy, oppression and liberation. The concept of suppression of French feminist Simon De Beauvoir is used as a framework for the analysis of the text. By keeping in view the feminist framework, the study explores the journey of two female protagonists and their forced marriage, domestic abuse, Taliban's oppression and their ultimate empowerment. Despite vitriol conditions, their lives are filled with moments of resistance, solidarity, rebellion against patriarchy and women's empowerment. They make education and mutual love their strength and found their identity. Deep reading of the text of the novel is used as a primary resource, while articles, interviews and different books are used as secondary resources of the text. This study is significant as it explores and highlights the effects of oppression, patriarchy and empowerment. Using the qualitative analysis, the study criticizes the systemic oppression of woman and the need for their liberation in the face of darkness.

Keywords: Oppression, Feminism, Khalid Husseini, Thousand Splendid Suns

Challenges Faced By Child Protection Officers in the Rehabilitation of Destitute Children: Case Study of Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, Punjab

2025-07-25T16:01:16+00:00

The case study is on the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CP&WB) in Punjab, Pakistan, as it confronts the difficulties of rehabilitating impoverished and neglected children. Punjab, as the most populous province in Pakistan, has distinct socio-economic and cultural variables that have an influence on the welfare of its children. The CP&WB, established to tackle such matters, plays a key role in safeguarding and rehabilitating children facing challenging circumstances. In-depth exploration of the rehabilitation and protection of children by the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) and the challenges faced by its core team. To achieve this, the researcher opted for the purposive sample technique for the type of population that was available and the study objectives and questions needed to access the population in the study. Interviews were conducted under data saturation, where the researcher realized that there was no new information to be obtained from the interviews. This was done according to the level of saturation in the study, with 45 participants comprising of 15 children and 30 practitioners. Altogether, the analyzed data show that participants share a rather favorable attitude toward safety within the CPB through appreciation of staff assistance and overall trust in care. The interactions between the staff and CPB seem to be generally positive in terms of the reception the organization has received, and some difficulties were mentioned in the areas of either being heard or understood. The answers concerning observing situations connected with abuse or neglect differ, stressing the action of a staff member as the important factor. Lack of equal training on rights, desire substantiation, and proposal to improve CPB services stresses the necessity of complete teaching and augmentation. The implementation of all the listed critical success factors is based on the four crosscutting themes: Communication, empowering, training, and individual support means that the CPB requires a supportive, transparent, and friendly environment that attends to individual and structural GAP children in protection.

Keywords: Child Protection, Rehabilitation Destitute Children, Child Protection Officers, Welfare Bureau (CPWB)

The Role of Pragmatics in Cross-Cultural Communication

2025-07-25T16:17:10+00:00

Pragmatics, the study of how context, tone, and implied meaning shape communication, is indispensable in cross-cultural interactions. This article explores the critical role of pragmatic competence in mitigating misunderstandings arising from divergent cultural norms. Through theoretical frameworks such as Speech Act Theory, Politeness Theory, and Grice’s Cooperative Principle, the analysis highlights how language functions beyond literal meaning, governed by culturally specific rules. Key challenges include navigating indirectness in high-context cultures, decoding politeness strategies, interpreting humor and sarcasm, and understanding non-verbal cues like silence and eye contact. Case studies from business, diplomacy, healthcare, and everyday interactions illustrate the real-world consequences of pragmatic failures, such as derailed negotiations, misdiagnoses, and social friction. Strategies for developing pragmatic competence such as cultural awareness training, adaptive communication, and repair techniques are proposed to bridge these gaps. The article underscores the urgency of integrating pragmatics into language education, workplace training, and AI translation tools to foster effective cross-cultural communication in an increasingly globalized world.

Keywords: Pragmatics, Cross-Cultural Communication, Cultural Competence, Speech Acts, Politeness Strategies, Non-Verbal Cues, Intercultural Training, AI Translation, Miscommunication, Global Workplace

Waves of Instability: Mapping Pakistan’s Political Instability and Social Unrest (2021–2025)

2025-07-25T17:10:43+00:00

This article examines the political and social unrest in Pakistan between 2021 and 2025, focusing on key events that shaped the country’s instability. The study analyzes the overthrow of the PTI government in 2022, which triggered widespread protests and deepened political divisions. The emergence of opposition movements, including the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and later youth-led resistance, further polarized the political landscape. A critical turning point was the 9th May 2023 protests, where violent clashes erupted following Imran Khan’s arrest, exposing severe civil-military tensions. The research investigates how public discontent was fueled by institutional failures, including judicial bias, media censorship, and economic mismanagement. The study employs Political Process Theory to assess how protest movements mobilized amid shifting political opportunities, while State Fragility and Governance Theory explains Pakistan’s recurring instability due to weak institutions and military interference. Findings reveal a vicious cycle: political crises deepen public frustration, leading to protests, crackdowns, and further governance decline. The media’s role was dual both as a tool for mobilization (through social media) and a target of state repression. The judiciary faced accusations of politicization, while youth activism emerged as a powerful force challenging the status quo. The study concludes with policy recommendations: institutional reforms to strengthen democracy, military disengagement from politics, and inclusive dialogue to address societal grievances. Without structural changes, Pakistan risks prolonged instability, undermining its democratic and economic future. This research contributes to understanding how governance failures and repression exacerbate unrest, offering lessons for fragile states globally.

Keywords: Political Instability, Political Division, Social Unrest, Reforms, Democracy, Governance Theory

Proxy wars and Regional Instability: Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East

2025-07-26T06:52:25+00:00

The confrontation between Israel and Iran in the Middle East has resulted in a complicated web of proxy wars, regional instability, and sectarian tensions. The conflicts between them have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only them but also the entire region. Iran's nuclear weapons development, assistance for militias fighting proxy wars in the region, Israel's illegal settlements inside Palestine, and fighting against Iran's proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Houthi rebels exacerbate the situation and create an instability in the region. This study uses a qualitative analysis of secondary data to analyze the influence of proxy wars on regional stability and its implications for regional security. Within the framework of Regional Security Complex Theory, the findings emphasize the complex dynamics of proxy conflicts, the participation of external actors, and the humanitarian consequences of warfare. This study adds to our understanding of the Israel-Iran conflict and its impact on Middle Eastern stability, emphasizing the necessity for a holistic approach to addressing the underlying reasons driving the conflict.

Keywords: Proxy Wars, Regional Instability, Middle East, Sectarian Tensions

The Perceived US Withdrawal from NATO: Challenges and Opportunities for European Union (2016-2024)

2025-07-26T11:49:09+00:00

With an emphasis on the European Union's (EU) reaction and changing security framework, this paper examines the strategic, political, and normative ramifications of a possible US exit from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) between 2016 and 2024. By applying the classical realist theoretical framework this article identifies three main aspects through thematic analysis of primary and secondary sources of data. The research concludes that despite increased attempts to integrate the EU's defense, the EU's strategic independence is still constrained by internal political division, disparate threat perceptions, and operational constraints. In the conclusion, this paper argues that the threat of a real or hypothetical US exit serves as both a problem and a stimulus for rethinking European security. The bloc's capacity to balance conflicting national interests with shared strategic goals will determine whether this results in a more unified and independent EU defense identity or strengthen reliance on transatlantic cooperation.

Keywords: US, NATO, European Union, Trump Administration

Factors Affecting Social Belongingness of Individuals with Visual Impairment at School Level

2025-07-26T15:36:48+00:00

This research examines the determinants of social belongingness among visually impaired students in inclusive schools, with emphasis on individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors. Social belongingness is an important component of students' emotional health and academic achievement, but visually impaired students experience special challenges in establishing meaningful relationships within school settings. The study was carried out in Lahore, Pakistan, on the basis of a purposive sampling method involving 114 participants, that is, special education teachers and future teachers. Data was gathered on a self-constructed questionnaire and interpreted based on descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that supportive interactions between teachers and students, peer and peer relationships, and an attractive school environment played a significant role in promoting belongingness. In contrast, obstacles like exclusion, non-awareness, and fewer resources stood in the way of integration. The research emphasizes the significance of inclusive education practices, teacher training, and peer awareness programs in facilitating social belongingness among visually impaired students. Improving social inclusion can be enhanced through the implementation of teacher training programs, setting up peer mentorship programs, and improving accessibility through assistive technologies. The research helps develop inclusive educational practices that can assist visually impaired students to excel socially and academically.

Code-Switching Patterns Among Young Adults in Pakistan: A Comparative Study of Punjabi-English and Pashto-English Bilingualism in Informal Settings

2025-07-27T08:06:37+00:00

The study examines the repertoires of code-switching by young bilingual adults in Pakistan with reference to Punjab-English speakers in Rawalpindi, and the Punjab and Pashto-English speakers in Kohat. The research will also be conducted with the aim of explaining the mechanisms and reasons of the interchange of language by bilingual people in different kinds of informal communication, and which social, educational and regional factors define language behavior. Information gathered was done using informal recording of conversations and short interviews of university going youth in both cities. The results of the analysis show that the Punjabi-English bilinguals are more prone to the intra-sentential switching where English words and phrases are used in the Punjabi sentences with ease. Pashto-English bilinguals on the other hand use inter-sentential switching phenomena mostly switching languages between the sentences especially in academic or peer related discussions. The results point to the fact that being urbanized, the influence of the media and the educational level highly influence the preferences and rate of code-switching. Furthermore, the attitude of participants to code-switching was rather positive and corresponds to adaptive bilingualism in everyday situations. Nevertheless, the Pashto language speakers were found to be more conservative in its usage, particularly, in formal or elder-oriented contexts. Besides bringing in the sociolinguistic insights to bilingual speech in Pakistan, this paper has also pointed out the importance of regional identity in language practices of the young people. The comparison aspect offers a better understanding of how different bilingual communities bargain in their language use in the domain of cultures and social aspects.

Keywords: Code switching, bilingualism, Punjabi English, Pashtun English, Sociolinguistics, language attitudes, youth communications, dialects, Pakistan

Border Management and National Security in Pakistan: A Strategic Case Study of the Durand Line

2025-07-27T09:09:14+00:00

The Durand Line, the historically disputed boundary between Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a zone of crisis in the region as it relates to security, terrorism and social-political unrest. The present article analyzes this manifold problem of border management that is affecting Pakistan and includes cross-border terrorism of such groups as the TTP and IS-K, the prevalence of smuggling channels, and the tribal unrest due to years of marginalization. It assesses the policy responses of Pakistan including the Pakistani fencing of borders, biometric systems and military deployment in the region and its tactical achievements and failures in the systems. According to the analysis, purely militarized solution has not helped to immediately describe the root causes leading to the heightening of tensions with Afghanistan and alienation of local populations. The article provides a comprehensive approach to the problem, which involves the implementation of high-tech surveillance, active diplomacy with Afghanistan, and cross-border socio-economic development through the multidisciplinary perspective. It presents the necessity of multilateral collaboration via such forums as SCO and OIC or the grassroots efforts in preventing radicalization and illegal trade. Important suggestions are modernizing the infrastructure at the border using AI technologies, reinstating bilateral peace infrastructures and creating employment to minimize militancy. The paper has come up with a conclusion that sustainable stability in the Durand Line should entail reconciling security demands with inclusive governance, regional relationships, and economic empowerment.

Keywords: Durand Line, Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations, Border Security, Counterterrorism, Smuggling, Tribal Unrest, Socio-Economic Development, Regional Diplomacy, Surveillance Technology, CPEC

Sexual Harassment: Problems and Challenges Facing Female Working Staff In NGO Sector: A Case Study of Punjab, Pakistan

2025-07-27T13:43:28+00:00

Women are the core part of society. There are different studies that have shown that women are facing problems in their workplace. It is essential to study those problems and remove them from women's path so, they can help society and the family to have a better future. Thus, this study was conducted to highlight the problems and challenges encountered by working women of NGOs in their workplace. 9 districts of Punjab, Pakistan, were selected for data collection; from these districts, 220 working women of NGOs were selected through multistage sampling. A self-generated questionnaire was used for data collection. The responses were analyzed through SPSS 22 Software. Mean, Standard deviation, and percentages were applied. The reliability of the tool was 0.87. The results of the study discovered that the middle-aged group (25-29) women were most in the job sector. Mostly low-income families and migrant women were facing problems at their workplace. Women were not known of their job-related rights. Ignorance of verbal, non-verbal harassment, greed for rewards, and frank behavior were the reasons for their harassment. On the other hand, stares of male colleagues, unnecessary comments, lame excuses to sit with female colleagues, and delays in women's work so they could have some more time are the challenges of working women at NGOs. The study suggests that women should look after themselves and reporting the sexual harassment could help to reduce these cases.

Keywords: Sexual Harassment, Problems and Challenges, Female Working Staff, NGOs Sector

Understanding the Psychological Pathways of Exercise: Affective Commitment’s Role in Promoting Cognitive and Emotional Health

2025-07-27T14:17:06+00:00

Understanding the Psychological Pathways of Exercise: Affective Commitment’s Role in Promoting Cognitive and Emotional Health aspects, particularly in higher education settings, is less explored. This study explores the role of physical activity in enhancing thinking skills and emotional behavior among university students in Punjab, Pakistan, with a specific focus on the mediating effect of affective commitment. The objectives of the study include examining the impact of physical activity on students' cognitive and emotional outcomes and investigating how affective commitment influences this relationship. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among students from various higher education institutions in Punjab. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire measuring students’ levels of physical activity, emotional behavior, thinking skills, and affective commitment. To analyze the data, correlation and regression analyses were employed to assess the strength and nature of the relationships among the variables. The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between physical activity and both thinking skills and emotional behavior. Students who regularly engaged in physical activity exhibited enhanced cognitive abilities and more positive emotional responses. The study further identified affective commitment as a key mediating factor, reinforcing the link between physical activity and its emotional and cognitive benefits. These findings underscore the vital role physical activity plays in supporting mental and emotional development among university students.

Keywords: Psychological, Thinking Skills, Emotional Behavior, Affective Commitment

Faith, Youth, and the Feed: Exploring Social Media Uses and Gratifications Among Students in Pakistani Madrassah

2025-07-28T06:00:21+00:00

Background: Social media has become a primary tool for youth communication and identity formation worldwide. However, in culturally conservative societies, especially among students in Madrassahs (religious seminaries), its usage patterns and psychological effects may vary considerably from global trends. Understanding these differences requires a culturally grounded framework like the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT), which considers media users as active agents aiming to satisfy specific personal and social needs.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the motivations behind social media use among youth enrolled in Madrassahs in Kohat, Pakistan. It seeks to identify the primary gratifications these users derive from digital platforms, assess the impact of social media on their educational, religious, and personal lives, and examine the challenges they face in managing online engagement.

Methods: Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from (n=384) participants through a structured survey instrument. The analysis employed UGT as the guiding theoretical framework and categorized responses into key gratification domains, including social interaction, information-seeking, entertainment, personal identity expression, religious and cultural engagement, and practical utility. Descriptive statistics were used to assess usage patterns, while Likert-scale items captured participants’ perceptions and attitudes.

Key Findings / Conclusion: The findings indicate that social media serves multiple functions for seminary youth: maintaining social connections, accessing news and information, entertainment, and expressing opinions. YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok were the most used platforms. However, some participants reported an improvement in religious knowledge through social media, while a greater number disagreed. Challenges included time management, exposure to harmful content, and interference with education or religious obligations. Despite these concerns, the youth were found to be active, discerning users of digital media. The study affirms the relevance of UGT in non-Western, religiously grounded contexts. It highlights the urgent need for targeted digital literacy programs to promote balanced and meaningful engagement with social media.

Keywords: Social Media, Madrassah, UGT, Entertainment, Identity, Religious, Cultural

Impact of Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices on Student Engagement and Classroom Behavior

2025-07-28T12:09:43+00:00

Trauma-informed teaching is essential in today’s classrooms because it recognizes the profound impact that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as poverty, abuse, neglect, violence, and displacement have on students’ cognitive, emotional, and social development. This approach prioritizes creating safe, supportive, and predictable learning environments that foster trust and emotional security. This study investigates the impact of trauma-informed teaching practices on student engagement and classroom behavior in public secondary schools of Dera Ismail Khan and Tank districts. Grounded in pragmatic research philosophy and employing a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, the study gathered data from 357 teachers using a structured questionnaire. The findings revealed significant positive correlations between trauma-informed practices and both student engagement and classroom behavior. Regression analyses further confirmed that trauma-informed approaches are strong predictors of improved behavioral and academic participation outcomes. These results highlight the critical need for embedding trauma-responsive strategies in teacher training and school policy to support learners affected by adversity. The study contributes to the growing body of research advocating for emotionally safe and inclusive learning environments.

Keywords: Trauma-Informed Teaching, Student Engagement, Classroom Behavior

Factors Influencing Tourists' Purchase Behavior of Local Dry Fruits in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan

2025-07-29T06:41:35+00:00

The study explores the key determinants of tourists' buying behavior for Local Dry Fruits in Skardu, a very prominent and scenic tourist destination in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is also famous for its local dry fruits, which are an essential part of its traditional identity and also play a very vital role in the regional economy. The study uses a structured questionnaire with 350 tourists drawn from a convenience sampling to examine the influence of cultural, social, psychological, and economic factors on tourists' purchase intentions. The relationship and magnitude of contributing factors were compared with descriptive and inferential statistics. From the results, it can be seen that all of the variables have a positive relationship with purchase intention, with psychological and economic factors having the greatest effect. Local businesses may find opportunities in realizing that by matching tourists’ expectations, in their marketing and product strategies, they can increase sales and customer confidence, and lead to sustainable tourism development in the area.

Keywords: Buying Intention, Tourist, Culture, Social, Psychological, Economic

JEL Classification: M3; Q13; R11; L83

Artificial Intelligence as an Enabler of Spoken English Acquisition- perceptions and performance of students of Kohat University of science and Technology

2025-07-29T07:53:37+00:00

This paper is an investigation on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to improve the spoken proficiency in English among the students of a university, with particular interest in the students of Kohat University. Language learning has changed tremendously with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence driven language tools in the form of a chatbot, speech recognition software, and even virtual tutors. The study was done in a mixed-methods research, which used both the quantitative and qualitative data by using questionnaires and interviews. The results suggest that most of the students view AI as an interactive and helpful technology that increasingly enhances their correct pronunciation, fluency, and confidence when speaking English. According to the results of the review of the performance, the skills of the students who used the AI tools are visibly better in expressing themselves in spoken language than those who retained the traditional approach only. The research advises the incorporation of AI powered applications in the English language learning curriculum at the university to enable the process of independent personalized learning.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Spoken English, Language learning, University students, Kohat University, Language Technology, ESL

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Labor Market

2025-07-29T17:41:01+00:00

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming global labor markets by automating routine tasks, shifting skill requirements, and introducing new occupational roles. The project is first of all a qualitative one, the simple quantitative data on the role of AI in employment should be obtained twofold. On the one hand, it is taking into consideration of the AI in job loss in certain spheres and forming opportunities in other and technology related spheres. Through interviews, industry publications and real-life case studies the paper alludes to how the organizations are transforming and how workers are reacting through reskilling and upskilling. These results are supported by quantitative information on labor trends. The researchers reach the conclusion that judicious investment in education and digital skills and broad policy framework is significant in an attempt to achieve iodic and fair transfer to an AI-absorbed work force.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Global Labor Markets, Automating Routine Tasks, Shifting Skill Requirements, New Occupational Roles

The Politics of Silence: Trauma and Memory in Post-9/11 American Fiction

2025-07-29T19:36:19+00:00

This article explores the narrative role and political implications of silence in post-9/11 fiction, focusing on how contemporary novels use silence as a response to trauma, a critique of national memory, and a form of resistance. Drawing on trauma theory and memory studies, the analysis examines how authors such as Jonathan Safran Foer (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close) and Don DeLillo (Falling Man) deploy contrasting stylistic strategies Foer through visual fragmentation and typographical experimentation, DeLillo through minimalist prose and emotional restraint to convey the unspeakable nature of grief and psychological dissociation. Such narrative gaps reflect inner confusion of characters as well as subverts conventional modes of narrative. The article also discusses post-9/11 literature as a way of criticizing the prevailing narrative of patriotism that excludes critics and oppresses racial others, especially Muslim Americans. Novels such as The Emperors Children by Claire Messud and Home Land by Sam Lipsyte contain the conflict between a personal trauma and a national propaganda to show the omissions inherent in the national commemorations. In such writings, silence is a politically mediated element of literary craft: it refuses to close, it troubles group memory, and it gives voice to the voiceless. The article claims that, by the means of form, subtext, and structure the diversity of the attitude towards silence, post-9/11 fiction does not simply reflect the trauma but, re-imagining its possibilities of representation, re-remembers it ethically. Through it, it validates silence as a storytelling requirement and as a form of cultural opposition.

Keywords: Post-9/11 Fiction, Literary Silence, Trauma Theory, Cultural Memory, Narrative Fragmentation, Jonathan Safran Foer, Don Delillo, National Mourning, Political Resistance, Marginalized Voices

The Uraśa State and its Capital: Archaeology and History-based Investigations

2025-07-30T11:23:28+00:00

Inspite of the several vicissitudes of time in the last two millennia which brought hordes of alien peoples and cultures into Hazāra, its original Uraśā or Araśa still survives in the Damtauṛ or Dhamtauṛ valley, Abbotabad. The level plain of Dhamtaur valley is locally known as Rush or Arash. The name variants recorded by the ancient writers were: Arash, Arsa, Uraśa and Uragā. It can be seen that the absence of a complete uniformity in the spelling is most evident. It is not unlikely therefore that the original spelling was Aruśa which, in the course of time, changed into Uraśa. If so, it would give us the key to elucidate the enigmatic Dhamtauṛ (correctly Dharmtauṛ = Religious Enclosure) and determine the name of a god (deity) to whom the worship was dedicated.

Monier William’s Sanskrit Dictionary records that Aruśa was a designation of all important and favourite gods of the Vedic Aryans (Monier-Williams 1970). It is quite natural that the lands adjacent to the ‘Enclosure’ (Pl.Ia, b) with the lapse of time also came to be known after the name of the god, Aruśa (Indra), corrupted into Arash or Rash.

Xuan Zang does not name the capital but mentions the existence of a stupa and monastery 4 or 5 li (1km) to the south of it (Beal 1884). A recent survey conducted by the writers confirms the truthfulness of this statement. Much dilapidated remains of a Buddhist establishment at the site of Mochikot (Pl.Ia, b)were seen at about the same distance from Māngal, the probable capital of Rash.

Keywords: Uraśa, Araśā, Arsa, Rash, Aruśa, Pāṇini, Xuan Zang, Ptolemy, Mahābhārata, Rājatarańgiṇi, Dhamtauṛ, Māngal, Mochikot

Uraśa/Arsa, (or whatever its uncorrupted pristine form), as the name of a territory which is well preserved in ancient accounts such as Pāṇini (c.4^thcentury BCE), Ptolemy (2^nd century CE), Xuan Zang (7^th century CE), Kalhaṇa (12^th century CE) and Mahābhārata (4^th century BCE to 4^th century CE).

Collaborative Framework of Decision Support System using Co-PPGIS for Asset Management of Public Water Utilities of Lahore

2025-07-31T06:09:17+00:00

The proficient management of public water utilities is vital for ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply to urban populations. In Lahore, Pakistan, where swift urbanization and population growth pose significant challenges to water infrastructure, the implementation of a Co-PPGIS (Collaborative Public Participatory Geographic Information System) has emerged as a transformative approach for Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA). This study highlights the key features and benefits of a Co-PPGIS-based asset management system tailored to Lahore's public water utilities. The Co-PPGIS-based asset management system integrates geospatial technology, participatory mapping, and public engagement to enhance the decision-making process for water infrastructure management. Eventually, it will embark on the development of Collaborative Decision Support System (Co-DSS) with Geo-visualization, data analytics tool to engage general public. This approach facilitates real-time monitoring, maintenance priorities, and data-driven investment planning. Through this collaborative effort, the system helps public water utilities in Lahore optimize resource allocation, reduce water losses, and improve service quality, ultimately leading to a more resilient and sustainable urban water supply system. In conclusion, the Co-PPGIS-based asset management system offers a promising solution to address the challenges faced by public water utilities in Lahore, promoting efficient water resource management, infrastructure, sustainability, and citizen engagement.

Keywords– Co-DSS, Co-PPGIS, Data Analytics Tools, Geo-spatial Technology, WASA

Impact of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Geopolitical Factors on the Economy

2025-07-31T07:31:27+00:00

The complex relationship between Azad Jammu and Kashmir's (AJK) economic progress and geopolitical instability is examined in this extensive study. It explores the negative effects of protracted political instability, border tensions, and administrative uncertainty on several AJK economic sectors. Important topics include the financial repercussions of putting defense spending ahead of development, the interruption of trade and tourism brought on by military escalations, and the deterrent of foreign direct investment owing to perceived security threats. The paper also explores the implications of administrative reorganization on business confidence and the intricacies of AJK's semi-autonomous status, which impedes the implementation of coherent policies. It also emphasizes how susceptible key industries—like tourism, agriculture, and energy infrastructure—are to disruptions caused by both natural and artificial factors. To harness AJK's economic potential and guarantee long-term resilience, the study emphasizes the critical need for institutional reform, regional stability, and governance clarity by combining insights from institutional reports, empirical research, and regional development programs.

Keywords: Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Geopolitical Instability, Foreign Direct Investment, Cross-Border Trade, Political Unrest, Security Issues, Economic Development, Infrastructure Investment, Tourism Vulnerability, Administrative Governance, Conflict Zones, Human Capital, Financial Systems, Climate Impact, Resource Management

The Influence of Social Media on Syntactic Simplification in Youth Discourse

2025-07-31T17:04:39+00:00

This paper examines the role of social media in syntactic simplification in youth discourse, including such a platform as TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The research works to understand the role that digital communication plays in developing shorter sentences, less complex clauses and a greater use of coordination rather than subordination through a mixed-methods orientation that involves both quantitative and corpus linguistics and qualitative linguistic approaches. The analysis of data on young adults aged between 16 and 25 shows that linguistic economy is determined by platform-specific restrictions, including character count and visual focus among content, with TikTok being the most notable in simplification (5.8 words average sentence). The qualitative results point to adjustive linguistic performance, where functional effectiveness and peer conventions take precedence of complexity in grammar, with brevity and emotional expression being more valuable in the linguistic performance. This paper is a critique of prescriptivism when it comes to language impoverishment as it re-contextualizes syntactic simplification as an adaptation to online uses. The implications of education, linguistic theory and language evolution are raised with a focus on the need to incorporate digital literacy in the education curricula and the appropriate reconceptualization of competence in a multimodal situation.

Keywords: Social Media, Syntactic Simplification, Youth Discourse, Digital Communication, Linguistic Adaptation, Corpus Linguistics, Platform Constraints, Language Evolution.

Insights into Communication Differences of ASD Children and their Parents’ Emotional State

2025-07-31T19:02:43+00:00

This paper examines how the emotional health of parents is affected by communication differences between their autistic children. The research conducted qualitative thematic analysis on interviews with parents of autistic children to find recurring themes about communication problems and parent concerns. Data was analyzed using Atlas.ti for coding and Ailyze for theme extraction, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of key patterns. This recent study indicates that the parents might be anxious as well as emotionally distressed due to communication problems like communication errors and various communication styles. It also shows coping mechanisms that parents employ to deal with these challenges, as well as the effects of these techniques on their mental state. Besides, it also sheds light on such an intricate relationship between the communication problems of autistic children and their parent's emotional health by presenting insights into the daily life struggles encountered by the families of autistic individuals. The findings bring forward suggestions that are beneficial in improving therapies and assistance to handle the communicative necessities of autistic children together with the emotional health of their parents. This study also contributes to our understanding of the implications of communication gaps of autistic children on family dynamics and the means to strengthen family support systems.

Keywords: Autistic Children, Communication Differences, Parental Emotional Distress, Copying Mechanisms, Family Dynamics.

The Association Between COVID-19 Vaccination and Cardiac Arrest-Related Mortality in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2025-07-31T19:41:12+00:00

This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the correlation between COVID-19 vaccination and cardiac arrest-related deaths in people ages 12 to 30 years. With the whole world embarking on vaccination programs to mitigate the pandemic, there have been concerns as to rare but severe side effects especially in youthful populations. The research rigorously searched five leading databases of peer-reviewed studies published between December 2020 and April 2024, with 15 studies being accepted as meeting the inclusion criteria. These were cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies with more than 106,000 participants. The effect size of the overall analysis was small (OR = 1.36, 95% CI [1.05, 1.77]) but statistically significant (p = 0.02). Subgroup analyses revealed an increased likelihood in males, those of age 1825, and those that received mRNA based vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Sensitivity analysis proved that the findings are not sensitive to change, and a lack of any statistically significant publication bias was found. Although there is moderate heterogeneity, the findings indicate that there is a need to have special post-vaccination cardiac monitoring particularly on high-risk groups. The study does not call into question the great benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, but it points to the need to improve safety measures and clear communication. Study quality, geographic distribution, and outcome definitions are subject to limitations due to variability. The results support the necessity of longitudinal, large-scale, and mechanistic studies in the future to investigate the causality and biological mechanisms. The study presents the critical evidence that can inform the creation of public health policy, clinical practice, and studies to focus on what can make vaccines safer and less dangerous to younger age groups in the future.

Keywords: COVID-19 Vaccination, Cardiac Arrest, Mortality, Adolescents, Young Adults, Mrna Vaccines, Myocarditis, Vaccine Safety, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Feedback Dilemma in Higher Education: Perspectives and Practices of Faculty in a Public University

2025-08-01T08:41:05+00:00

The study examined the faculty's perception, preferences, and practice of providing feedback at a public university in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. A qualitative research design was used, focusing on the design of case studies. Four professors from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities were specially selected to participate in the research. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Classroom observations and documentary analysis were used to strengthen the reliability of findings and to triangulate data. The results showed that faculty members primarily conceptualised feedback as a response to student performance, to promote academic growth and development. Written and oral feedback were both recognised as essential, but oral feedback emerged as the most commonly used feedback method. Participants stressed that their choice of feedback method was influenced by the context and nature of the challenge. It is noteworthy that while the practices of some of the professors were in line with the established approaches, in others, inconsistencies were found through observation and documentary evidence. Teachers should therefore be provided with training courses organised by HEC. In addition, teachers should carry out a survey on student preferences for feedback at the departmental level.

Key words: Perceptions, preferences, practices, written feedback, oral feedback, higher education

Cognitive Emotion Regulation as a Mediator between Bullying Victimization and Psychopathological Symptoms: Evidence from a Pakistani Adolescent Sample

2025-08-01T09:10:05+00:00

Adolescence is widely recognized as a pivotal phase in human development and a crucial period for laying the foundation of optimal mental health (Smith et al., 2018). Bully victimization during adolescence is linked with a wide range of psychopathological symptoms (Akter & Khatun, 2020). The current study investigated the link between experiences of bullying and the development of psychological symptoms in adolescents, with a focus on how cognitive emotion regulation may mediate this relationship. It is a cross-sectional study using data from five public and private sector schools in the city of Faisalabad, Pakistan. The sample consisted of 340 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years. Revised Olweus Bullying/Victim Questionnaire, DSM-5 Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure-Child, and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) were used to evaluate bullying victimization, psychopathological symptoms, and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation in adolescents. The results revealed a significant positive association between bullying victimization and psychological symptoms in adolescents; however, maladaptive CER was found to be partially mediate this relationship. Bully victimization is a serious environmental risk factor and has a detrimental impact on the mental health of adolescents. Forthcoming research should explore the long-term effects of bullying victimization on the mental health of adolescents. Interventions such as educational programmes should be started in schools to teach students the use of adaptive coping skills and constructive relationships with peers.

Keywords: Bully victimization, mental health, adolescent, cognitive emotion regulation

US Invasion in Afghanistan and Its Impact on Women’s Political Rights

2025-08-01T10:20:25+00:00

This research article assesses the impact of US military intervention beside of reconstruction exposure of the political‑rights status of Afghan women. Based on a cross-sectional survey of 200 women (age 18-60) in urban (Kabul, Herat) and rural (Nangarhar, Balkh) provinces, my research measures three dimensions of political rights: knowledge of legal guarantees (constitutional provisions and gender‑quota laws), electoral participation (voting behavior and candidacy aspirations), and involvement in community governance structures. A proxy of exposure was used as the main predictor; the number of years lived within a certain distance of U.S. bases or projects (exposure index). Data were analyzed statistically (descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, the one-way analysis of variance (AVOVA) which is followed by Tukey Post-hoc test considering the independent variable‑samples t‑test. SPSS is used combined by correlation Coefficients Pearson and hierarchical regression analysis multiple. Findings show that higher levels of indirect exposure to U.S. presence are substantially related to higher scores on all three political‑rights facets (β = 0.41 for legal level of awareness, p <. 001), and urban women had better results than rural ones. These results indicate that international interventions are similar to building women’s political power when combined with secure environments and rights‑education projects. Implications include the importance of equal outreach to rural areas and the importance of a test of time evaluation to monitor longer term benefits.

Keywords: U.S. intervention; Afghanistan; women’s political rights; survey research; SPSS; legal awareness; electoral engagement.

An analytical study on the inclusion of economics in the curriculum of religious schools (madaris)

2025-08-01T17:25:26+00:00

The study is an analytical study on the issue of incorporating economics into the curriculum of religious seminaries (madaris diniyah) and the need to do it, the advantages which it may have, and how it can be done practically. In the Muslim world, the religious seminaries existed in Asia, especially South Asia and specialized in classical Islamic sciences including Quran, Hadith, Fiqh and Tafsir. Nevertheless, lack of modern sciences such as economics has led to under-preparedness of the graduates in dealing with the current economic issues and becoming financially independent. The research has highlighted that infusion of the economic aspect especially that of Islamic economics has the capability of enlightening students with the useful knowledge needed in the contemporary society and at the same time remain religious. The Islamic economics, unlike the conventional ones, favors values of justice, equity and non-interest deals. The argument made in the research is that through knowledge in economic fundamentals and Islamic financial system, it would be possible to use students to undermine poverty, foster enterprise, and ensure good ethics in business. Comparison of Islamic and modern economics, principles of Quranic and Hadith-based economy and the applications of Islamic tools of finance like zakat, mudarabah, and takaful are also included in the study. It also points out the successful examples of other countries such as Malaysia and Turkey to make the religious schools teach subjects that are modern. Besides, the areas of career opportunities of the seminary graduates are investigated, such as Islamic banking, policy research, and ethical consultancy. These include resistance of tradition, shortage of trained teachers, and the desire of modern educational aids. The conclusion of the study is that introduction of economics in madaris will not only improve the practical skills of students and financial literacy but will also be beneficial in increasing the wellbeing of the whole society and economic growth. The strategy promotes the balanced model of education which harmonizes the religious values and the contemporary economic knowledge.

Keywords: Religious Seminaries, Islamic Economics, Curriculum Reform, Financial Self-Reliance, Islamic Banking

Factors Affecting Orchard Farmers Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in District Swat

2025-08-02T06:26:23+00:00

This study examines how farmers in the villages of Dakorak and Gulibagh in Swat District are adapting to the impacts of climate change. Using purposive sampling, 310 households were selected, and primary data were collected through a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Analysis through SPSS-based descriptive statistics showed that 27% of respondents had completed secondary education, and 25.1% cultivated land between 11–20 kanals. A substantial proportion (85.8%) observed significant changes in temperature, and 87.7% had implemented adaptation strategies.The most commonly adopted strategies included changes in irrigation timing (82.2%), mixed farming practices (61.6%), basic storage techniques (16.7%), the use of weather forecasting apps (53.8%), and application of chemical sprays (83.5%). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that education level, farming experience, and farm size had statistically significant positive effects on adaptation behavior. The study concludes that a majority of respondents are aware of climate change and are taking proactive measures. It recommends focused awareness programs and policy support to enhance adaptation capacity at the grassroots level.

Keywords: Climate Change Adaptation, Farmers' Perception, Agricultural Practices, Dakorak, Gulibagh, Swat District, Binary Logistic Regression, Indigenous Strategies, Farm-Level Resilience, Rural Livelihoods

Trajectory of Self-Discovery in the characters: A Critical study of Rumi's vision in The Forty Rules of Love

2025-08-02T11:48:16+00:00

This study examines the unfolding journey of self-discovery in the characters from Elif Shafak’s work, The Forty Rules of Love, illuminating how the spiritual teachings of Jalaluddin Rumi shape their transformations. Framing self-discovery as both a process and a realization, the research explores the inner dimensions where seekers encounter the divine. Drawing on Rumi’s perspective on spiritualism, the study reveals how characters experience perceptual shifts and personal growth through heightened self-awareness. It identifies key forms and elements of spiritual self-discovery embedded in the text, offering a nuanced literary analysis of mystical transformation. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of Eastern spiritual traditions and provide a foundation for future scholarship on mysticism, literary spirituality, and Rumi-inspired narratives.

Keywords: Self-discovery, Rumi’s Spiritual vision, Elif Shafak, The Forty Rules of Love

An Exploration of Gendered Power Dynamics within Tribal Structures: A Case Study of South Waziristan

2025-08-02T14:17:04+00:00

This research explores gendered power relations in tribal formations in South Waziristan, a territory with entrenched patriarchal conventions and cultural values. In the face of worldwide trends towards equality between genders, tribal communities such as the one in South Waziristan continue to be relatively conservative. Traditional hierarchies of power within tribal codes influence and confine women's roles and deny them agency in social, political, and economic life. This study uses qualitative approaches, such as interviews with indigenous residents and textual analysis of tribal norms (Pashtunwali), to explore how these systems perpetuate male supremacy and exclude women. The results demonstrate the integration of tradition, religion, and cultural identity in perpetuating gender inequalities. Recommendations stress the need for participatory policies, education, and community participation for slowly altering rooted gender dynamics.

Keywords: Gender, Tribal Organization, South Waziristan, Pashtunwali, Patriarchy, Women, Power Relations

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.): A Great Leader

2025-08-03T09:44:00+00:00

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is universally recognized as one of history’s most exemplary leaders, whose teachings and actions transformed societies and established timeless principles of leadership. His life demonstrated visionary guidance, compassion, justice, and resilience, making him a model for leaders across all fields. As a spiritual, political, and military leader, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) united the fragmented tribes of Arabia under the banner of Islam through wisdom and diplomacy. His leadership was rooted in integrity, honesty (earning him the title Al-Amin, "The Trustworthy"), and fairness, ensuring justice for all, regardless of status. He emphasized consultation (Shura), demonstrating democratic values by seeking advice from companions in key decisions. His compassion set him apart he forgave enemies, cared for the poor, and championed women’s rights in a patriarchal society. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah showcased his strategic patience, turning apparent defeat into long-term victory. Similarly, the Conquest of Mecca highlighted his mercy, as he pardoned former adversaries, fostering unity. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) also excelled in crisis management, maintaining steadfastness during persecution and exile. His leadership extended beyond governance; he was a teacher, reformer, and family man, balancing personal humility with unwavering conviction. His legacy endures as a blueprint for ethical leadership prioritizing justice, empathy, and moral courage. Modern leaders can learn from his example of servant leadership, resilience, and visionary thinking. Ultimately, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) remains an unparalleled guide, proving that true leadership uplifts humanity through principles, not power alone.

Keywords: Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), Compassion, Justice, Resilience, Shura, (Consultation), Legacy

Idealising the System: The Machine as a Tool of Capitalist Control and Intellectual Conformity in E.M. Forster’s The Machine Stops

2025-08-03T18:42:08+00:00

This research paper aims to provide a profound commentary on how capitalist control structures can be found beneath the dystopian surface of E.M. Forster's The Machine Stops, which offers a prescient critique of technological advancement. This essay examines how the Machine operates as a hegemonic force that upholds social order and intellectual conformity through mechanisms remarkably reminiscent of those found in capitalist ideology, rather than just as a convenient tool. This study uses a Marxist perspective to analyse how the machine, which automates production, controls thought, and commodifies human experience, represents both the ideological superstructure and the economic base. The story shows how the citizens fall victim to a kind of false consciousness, mistaking conformity for wisdom and dependence for advancement, as a result of their alienation from nature, human contact, and real labour. By examining the machine as a system of ideological reproduction and a symbol of capitalist control, this paper contends that Forster's work foreshadows the social and psychological effects of uncontrolled technological capitalism. The Machine Stops is ultimately a warning against technological determinism as well as a foreboding critique of a society in which the system, rather than the individual, becomes the object of worship.

Eco-Linguistics and Sustainability: Language as a Tool for Environmental Responsibility

2025-08-04T04:47:52+00:00

Eco-linguistics, an interdisciplinary field merging linguistics and ecological studies, examines how language shapes human perceptions and behaviors toward the environment. This research explores the role of language in promoting environmental responsibility by analyzing discursive practices, metaphors, and narratives that either reinforce unsustainable paradigms or advocate for ecological sustainability. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from Halliday’s systemic-functional linguistics and the "ecosophy" of Arran Stibbe, the study investigates how linguistic choices such as anthropocentric metaphors ("conquering nature") versus ecocentric terminology ("living in harmony with ecosystems") influence policy-making, education, and public awareness. Case studies include comparative analyses of environmental discourse in corporate sustainability reports, indigenous communities’ eco-centric lexicons, and climate change communication in media. The findings reveal that language can either perpetuate exploitative attitudes or foster a sense of interconnectedness with nature, as evidenced by indigenous languages that embed ecological ethics grammatically. The study also critiques the dominance of neoliberal "greenwashing" rhetoric, which often obscures systemic environmental harm. By advocating for an eco-linguistic paradigm shift such as adopting "restorative" over "sustainable" and emphasizing "kinship" over "resources" this research proposes actionable strategies for educators, policymakers, and communicators to align language with planetary well-being. The conclusion underscores the urgency of integrating eco-linguistic principles into curricula, media, and policy frameworks to cultivate a linguistically conscious approach to global sustainability challenges.

Keywords: Eco-Linguistics, Sustainability, Environmental Discourse, Language Ideology, Ecological Metaphors, Climate Communication.

A Freudian Psychoanalysis of the Character, Changez, in the novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

2025-08-04T05:18:04+00:00

The research paper is an attempt to study the novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, by Mohsin Hamid with the lens of Sigmund Freud`s Psychoanalytical Theory of Personality. The study investigates the elements and effects of Id and Superego in the Character Changez. The theoretical framework mainly focuses on Psychoanalytical theory of Sigmund Freud, while the method is close reading. The study of Psychoanalytical theory and the novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, not only brings out the nature of the personality of a man, but its study also helps develop a mature and comprehensive understanding of man, nature, and society. It is a qualitative research with method of textual analysis. The findings are moral decline in the result of personal ego and dishevelment created by it in the present society in general and in the life of an average man in particular. It means this research found out that living in a modern world, living beings are faced with the challenges of time, coupled with their social background, socio-cultural environment, fate and heredity.

Key words: Sigmund Freud, Psychoanalysis of man, nature of man`s Personality, The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid.

Gendered Pathways to Crime: Understanding Youth Responses to Violence in Pakistan

2025-08-04T08:32:21+00:00

This qualitative study investigates how various forms of violence exposure influence youth criminality in Lahore, Pakistan, with a central focus on gender-related differences. The study draws on in-depth interviews with 20 incarcerated young offenders (10 males and 10 females) from the Central Prison in Lahore who had experienced violence and later engaged in criminal behavior. Thematic analysis reveals distinct gendered pathways: male participants often responded to community violence through external aggression and criminal peer group involvement, while female participants frequently internalized family violence, leading to emotionally driven crimes. Media violence influenced both genders differently acting as a script for masculine identity among males and deepening psychological vulnerability among females. The study highlights the moderating role of gender in translating violent experiences into specific criminal behaviors. Findings call for gender-responsive rehabilitation programs that address the lived realities and social roles of male and female offenders.

Keywords: Gender, Violence, Criminality, Incarcerated Youth, Community Violence, Family Violence, Media Influence, Lahore, Pakistan

Developing Trauma-Informed Early Childhood Support in Pakistan: Exploring Teacher and Parent Roles in Mitigating Adversity for Children with Special Needs

2025-08-04T10:06:01+00:00

This qualitative study explored how early childhood teachers and parents in Pakistan understand and respond to trauma in children with disabilities. Guided by Attachment Theory and the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Framework, the research aimed to uncover perceptions, challenges, and potential supports for trauma-affected children in early education settings. Using a multiple case study design, data were collected from 20 participants (10 teachers and 10 parents) through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions in both urban and rural areas. Thematic analysis revealed that teachers had limited formal training on trauma and primarily relied on reactive behavioral strategies, though they expressed a strong desire for professional development. Parents exhibited limited awareness of trauma, often influenced by cultural beliefs and stigma, and faced significant barriers in accessing services. Cross-cutting themes included the need for community-based support, home-school collaboration, and attention to systemic issues such as poverty and neglect. The findings highlight a critical gap in trauma-informed frameworks in Pakistan and underscore the importance of culturally adapted teacher training, parent education, and integrated support systems. Recommendations include developing national trauma-informed guidelines, fostering multi-sectoral collaboration, and embedding trauma-sensitive content into teacher education programs. This study contributes to the growing global discourse on inclusive and trauma-responsive early childhood care, particularly in low-resource contexts.

Keywords: trauma-informed care, early childhood education, disability, teacher perceptions, parental beliefs, Pakistan, inclusive education

Impact of Oral Presentation Skills Training on Glossophobia and Self-Esteem among Second-Year Allied Health Students in Karachi

2025-08-04T18:09:55+00:00

This study investigates the impact of structured oral presentation skills training on glossophobia (fear of public speaking) and self-esteem among second-year Allied Health students in Karachi, Pakistan. Glossophobia is a prevalent issue affecting academic and professional performance, particularly in healthcare fields where effective communication is critical. Using a one-group pre-test–post-test design, the study assessed 60 students using the Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety (PRPSA) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) before and after a six-session training intervention. Results revealed a significant reduction in glossophobia (t (59) = 16.39, p < 0.001) and a notable improvement in self-esteem (t (59) = -11.63, p < 0.001) post-intervention. However, no strong correlation was found between the two variables (r = 0.032, p = 0.81), suggesting independent improvements. The findings highlight the effectiveness of targeted training in mitigating public speaking anxiety and enhancing self-worth, aligning with prior research on experiential learning and skill-building. The study underscores the need for integrating such interventions into Allied Health curricula to address communication barriers and foster confidence. Practical implications include recommendations for curriculum developers to incorporate scaffolded presentation practice, peer feedback, and psychosocial support to sustain long-term benefits. This research fills a gap in the South Asian context, offering evidence-based strategies to improve student readiness for clinical and professional communication.

Keywords: Glossophobia, Public Speaking Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Oral Presentation Skills, Allied Health Students, Communication Training, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, PRPSA, Experiential Learning, Curriculum Development

Return Spillovers among Emerging Asian Stock Markets along the Belt and Road Initiative: Evidence from 2005-2023

2025-08-04T18:56:50+00:00

This study investigated the magnitude and directions of return spillovers among 10 emerging Asian equity markets along Belt and Road Initiative from 2005–2023. We measured total, directional, and net Spillovers across these markets by applying Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) spillover index framework on daily stock index returns. The results show significant return interdependence, with substantial time varying fluctuations, particularly during major world crises like Global Financial Crises of 2008 and COVID-19 pandemic. The findings demonstrate that Indian BSE and Malaysian KLCI are net transmitters of return spillovers as they transmit more shock than they receive. Thailand’s SET, Sri Lanka's CSE and Pakistan's KSE largely function as net recipients of return shocks. This study is helpful in understanding regional financial integration among emerging markets along Chinese Belt and Road initiative. It also provides valuable insights in order to facilitate efficient portfolio diversification strategies and policy formulation in emerging Asian countries.

Keywords: Belt and Road Initiative, Covid-19 Pandemic, Global Financial Crises, Return Spillovers, Stock Markets.

The Impact of Self-Brand Congruence on Consumer Brand Engagement. Evidence from Retail Apparel Brands in Pakistan

2025-08-04T19:23:43+00:00

This research aims to understand how well a brand reflects a customer’s identity known as self-brand congruence (SBC) and how this connection influences the way people engage with that brand, especially in Pakistan’s retail apparel industry. The study focuses on three aspects of consumer brand engagement (CBE): how much people think about the brand (cognitive processing), how they feel emotionally connected (affection), and how active they are with it (activation). The purpose is to see whether people are more engaged with brands that feel like a true reflection of themselves. To investigate this, we used a quantitative research approach and collected primary data through an online survey. The survey was distributed to people who actively engage with fashion brand pages on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. A total of 255 responses were collected and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. The study followed a positivist philosophy and applied techniques such as Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to validate the model and test our hypotheses. The results showed strong, positive relationships between self-brand congruence and all three types of engagement—thinking, feeling, and acting. The data also showed high reliability and validity, meaning the tools and measurements we used were solid. These findings suggest that when people feel a brand represents who they are, they are more likely to connect with it emotionally, think about it more, and stay involved with it. This study helps brands understand the importance of matching their image with their customers’ sense of self.

Keywords: Self-Brand, Congruence, Consumer Brand Engagement, Retail Apparel Brands, and Pakistan

Parental Perspectives on the Role of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy in Managing Behaviors of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Gilgit-Baltistan

2025-08-05T00:04:33+00:00

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents significant challenges in social interaction, communication, and adaptive behaviors, particularly in resource-limited regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. This study examines parental perspectives on the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in managing behaviors of children with ASD, focusing on social skills, activities of daily living (ADLs), and academic skills. Using a quantitative descriptive design, data were collected from 52 parents through a validated Likert-scale questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.804) via convenience sampling. SPSS version 26 was used for analysis, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. Results showed moderate improvements (mean scores: 2.11–2.88) across domains. No significant differences were observed based on parents’ age, education, profession, or child’s age. Therapy duration significantly impacted academic skills (F = 3.971, p = 0.025), with frequent sessions yielding better outcomes. A gender-based difference in academic perceptions was noted (t = 26.09, p < 0.001). The findings highlight ABA’s potential, recommending increased session frequency and further research on gender disparities.

Key words: Autism, ABA Therapy, Parental Perspectives, Social Skills, Academic Skills

Examining The Influence of Rewards on Student’s Motivation Among University Students

2025-08-05T11:44:24+00:00

A reward system is a framework for identifying and appreciating the efforts and academic achievements of the students. This may include grades, certificates, scholarships, praise, or opportunities for personal and professional development. The main purpose of the study to find out the influence of rewards structures on student’s motivation among university students. The primary objectives of this study, to determine the influence of different rewards on students' motivation at university level. The research used quantitative approach. The tool of the study was self-made five point Likert scale questionnaire designed by the researcher and distributed to a sample size of 308 undergraduate students according to the L.R Gay table selected from a total population1580 from six public universities of Islamabad. Simple Random Sampling technique used for selection of respondents, the data analyzed by using SPSS software to ensure accurate results. The study aimed to provide understandings into which reward systems are most likely to foster a positive learning environment and enhance academic success. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the date. For future, it is recommended to conduct longitudinal studies that track the long-term effects of different types of rewards on motivation, for future researchers, it is recommended to conduct studies using mixed methods combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture a deeper understanding of how rewards influence motivation over time.

Keywords: Academic success, Student motivation. Reward structure

Kachru’s Indigenization: A Potent Voice and Pathway towards Decolonization in P’Bitek’s Song of Lawino

2025-08-05T15:35:41+00:00

P’Bitek’s acclaimed African work, Song of Lawino (1966) explores the complexities and conflicts of indigenous cultural identity and recognition grappled with the imposed colonization. Through the potent voice of an Acholi woman, Lawino challenges the western imperial effects on African culture, identity and values. She is extremely disappointed after her husband, Ocol’s rejection of native culture and values in favor of the Western. This paper offers the reading of the African selected work through Braj Kachru’s model of Indigenization to delve deep into the implicit agenda of colonization against the natives. Moreover, this study can provide an understanding to unfold the impact of colonization on Africans that has been fictionally represented in Song of Lawino (1966). Therefore, the present study examines to highlight how important and significant it is to project your own culture and identity that will go a long way towards decolonizing the indigenous lands under the occupation of colonial powers. The poet in his seminal and representative work in African oral literature suggests a way out to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel through projection of indigenization. Hence, indigenization is a potent voice towards decolonization and the research provides an alternative understanding to what colonists and imperialists manufacture and shape their discourse regarding colonized.

Keywords: Kachru, African Oral Literature, Indigenization, Potent Voice, Decolonization, P’Bitek, Song of Lawino

The Concept of 'Uli al-Amr' in Surah An-Nisa: A Research Study of Interpretive Opinions among Mufassirun

2025-08-05T15:52:10+00:00

This research paper endeavors to delve into the profound significance of "Alool Amr" within the realm of classical and contemporary Tafseer literature, employing a methodology rooted in historical and contextual analysis. The central focus of this study is to explore the evolving interpretations of "Alool Amr"a Quranic term mentioned notably in Surah An-Nisa (4:59) by examining both pre-modern and modern exegetical perspectives. By tracing the development of interpretations across various centuries and schools of thought, this research highlights how political, social, and theological contexts have shaped and reshaped the understanding of this pivotal concept. The study analyzes how renowned scholars such as Al-Tabari, Al-Razi, Ibn Kathir, and modern commentators have approached the term, and how differing views on authority religious or political have influenced these interpretations. The chosen methodology involves a comparative historical approach, investigating not only the textual meanings but also the socio-religious implications attributed to "Alool Amr". This method allows for a layered understanding of the term's exegetical significance, as well as its application and relevance within different Islamic thought paradigms. Ultimately, the paper seeks to offer a comprehensive insight into the multi-dimensional nature of authority in Islam, as understood through the lens of Tafseer literature, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on Quranic hermeneutics and Islamic governance.

Keywords: Exegetical Approach, Alool Amr, Tafseer Literature, Historical Analysis, Contextual Significance

Silent Suffering and Loud Resistance: A Comparative Feminist Analysis of Kate Chopin’s "Desiree Baby" and Zora Neale Hurston’s "Sweat"

2025-08-05T18:12:04+00:00

This paper offers a comparative feminist analysis of "Desiree Baby" and Sweat by Kate Chopin and Zora Neale Hurston, respectively, with a focus on the theme of silent suffering and loud resistance among the contexts of gender, race, and class. The analysis itself is based on the intersectional feminist theory and follows a qualitative approach, to explore the emotional and psychological response of the protagonists to oppression through the means of a thematic analysis. The paper unveils how the passive resistance exhibited by Desiree’s in the story Desiree’s Baby reflects the constraints of the 19th century social principles and racial bigotry, but the aggression and defiant nature of Delia in the story Sweat represents an unveiled resistance against domestic violence and a larger gender inequality. Also, the study delves into the connotations of motherhood, sexual banishment, and gender-based oppression as having an influence on how the characters feel in their agency and power. On the backdrop of these two narratives, the study sets out the complexity of relationship between gendered and racial identities, providing a deeper understanding of the ways women have developed resistance in their silent and outspoken forms under oppressive societal structures. The current paper contributes to feminist literary criticism by illuminating how women reacted to systematic degradation in various ways, emphasizing that the ability to speak up is not the only important reaction to oppression in the quest to achieve autonomy.

Keywords: Feminist Literary Criticism, Intersectionality, Silent Suffering, Loud Resistance, Gender, Race, Class, Agency, Feminist Theory, Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence, Motherhood

Ethical Dilemmas in Data Driven Marketing Practices

2025-08-05T18:59:46+00:00

The rapid evolution of data-driven marketing has revolutionized consumer engagement through advanced personalization and predictive targeting, yet it has also introduced profound ethical dilemmas. This study examines the tensions between innovation and ethical responsibility, focusing on privacy violations, algorithmic bias, and opaque data practices that undermine consumer trust. Employing a mixed-methods approach including stakeholder interviews, consumer surveys, and case studies like Apple’s App Tracking Transparency framework the research highlights the disconnect between regulatory compliance and consumer expectations. Findings reveal that 72% of consumers distrust brands with unclear data practices, while algorithmic fairness significantly impacts brand loyalty. The study underscores the need for proactive ethical governance, integrating utilitarian and deontological principles, privacy theories, and algorithmic accountability to balance marketing efficacy with consumer rights. Recommendations include adopting transparent consent mechanisms, bias-mitigation protocols, and privacy-preserving technologies to foster trust and long-term competitiveness.

Keywords: Data-Driven Marketing, Ethical Dilemmas, Privacy, Algorithmic Bias, Consumer Trust, Informed Consent, Regulatory Compliance, Transparency, Fairness, Ethical Governance

Digital Evidence in Pakistan: A Doctrinal Assessment of Admissibility and Reliability in Criminal Trials

2025-08-05T20:04:57+00:00

Digital evidence has been an essential element in criminal trials nowadays, although its admissibility and credibility in the Pakistani legal system is full of hindrances. This paper carries out a doctrinal evaluation of digital evidence in the criminal justice in Pakistan with analysis of legislative gaps, inconsistencies in the judiciary and shortcomings in the operation. The study looks at main laws such as the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order (1984) and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016 and finds tremendous ambiguity in authentication requirements and chain-of- custody practices. The comparative analysis presented against the jurisdiction of the U.S., UK and India through the study reveals the shortfall of international standards in the uptake of digital forensics in the Pakistani jurisdiction. The results show that there is a continued reluctance of the judiciary towards admitting digital evidence, worsened by the lack of forensic facilities, poorly trained investigators and cybersecurity weaknesses. The discussion highlights the failure of such shortcomings in reasonably enjoying the right to a fair trial as enshrined in Article 10A of the Constitution of Pakistan, especially by defendants who might not have the means to contest technical evidence. The researchers end the research with recommendations that can be carried out based on the findings, such as legislative changes in admissibility over the rules, specialized training of judges and investigators and the creation of accredited forensic labs. In dealing with these systemic deficits, Pakistan will be able to place the evidentiary standards in line with the best practices in the world, thus making digital evidence a powerful instrument of justice instead of a legal uncertainty.

Keywords: Digital Evidence, Admissibility, Reliability, Criminal Trials, Pakistan, Qanun-e-Shahadat, PECA 2016, Digital Forensics, Judicial Training, Fair Trial Rights.

Border Fencing and Diplomacy: Pakistan’s Strategies toward Afghanistan and Iran

2025-08-05T20:17:24+00:00

This article examines Pakistan's significant foreign policy shift towards border hardening, manifested in the comprehensive fencing of its western frontiers with Afghanistan and Iran. For decades, these borders were characterized by a high degree of porosity, underpinning a security doctrine of "strategic depth." The recent, capital-intensive projects to erect physical barriers represent a paradigm shift in the nation's strategic calculus. The central thesis of this article is that while ostensibly similar security projects, Pakistan's bordering strategies and the associated cross-border diplomacy on the Afghan and Iranian frontiers are fundamentally divergent. The approach towards Afghanistan is characterized by unilateral securitization and diplomatic contestation rooted in historical sovereignty disputes, whereas the approach towards Iran is marked by cautious security cooperation and economic pragmatism, despite intermittent friction. Through a qualitative, comparative case study analysis of the Durand Line and the Goldsmid Line fencing projects, this article explores the drivers and implications of these divergent strategies. The analysis reveals that historical context, the specific nature of security threats, and the quality of bilateral relationships have compelled Pakistan to adopt two distinct models of border management, challenging the notion of a monolithic western border policy. This research provides a nuanced comparative analysis of a major development in South Asian geopolitics, contributing to the literature on border studies, foreign policy analysis, and regional security by deconstructing the complex interplay between physical infrastructure, national security, and international diplomacy.

Keywords: Pakistan, Border Fencing, Foreign Policy, Afghanistan, Iran, Durand Line, Securitization, Border Diplomacy, Strategic Depth

Ball Activity vs. ABA: A Comparative Study of Attending Skills in Children with ASD

2025-08-06T05:12:04+00:00

This study investigated the relative effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy alone versus a combined ABA and ball activity intervention in enhancing attending skills among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Lahore, Pakistan. Using a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design, twenty children aged 3–10 years were assigned to either the ABA-only group or the combined intervention group. Both groups demonstrated statistically significant within-group improvements in attending skills, with the ABA-only group showing a mean gain of 0.45 (p = .029) and the combined group exhibiting a more substantial mean gain of 2.35 (p < .001). However, between-group differences were not statistically significant, likely due to small sample size and greater variability in the combined group. The findings suggest that integrating structured motor-based activities such as ball play into traditional ABA sessions may enhance treatment outcomes. Further research with larger samples is recommended to confirm these preliminary findings and explore long-term effects.

Keywords: Ball Activity, ABA, Comparative Study, Attending Skills, Children

A study of language use on public signage, billboards and commercial advertisements in Pakistan

2025-08-06T07:46:18+00:00

This paper discusses the multi-plicity of language utilized on signs in the public domain, on billboards, and in commercials, especially, how linguistic options indicate social identity, power relationships, and cultural hybridity within the post-urban and semi-urban environments. In a multicultural society such like Pakistan where the English, Urdu and Regional languages coexist, the language spoken in the public places acts as a symbolic depiction of the values with the society, classes and even the consumerism. This study investigates the selection of language used in a mixture of methods that utilize both visual interpretation and field observations of signs, advertisements, and other forms of communications as well as the overall impact these decisions have on perception of the audience and overall accessibility. English is found to be favourably utilised in certain instances as a symbol of modernity and prestige whereas Urdu and local languages confirm localization messages in a bid to make them relatable. The research adds to the expanding body of literature regarding linguistic landscape documentation and asks critical questions concerning language tampering, inclusiveness, and representation of culture in mass media. It further reveals how commercial parties influence linguistic taste and collective minds by way of strategic language use.

Keywords: Linguistic landscape, billboards, urban public signage, multilingualism and language policy, commercial advertising, English in Pakistan, Sociolinguistics, urban communication, the symbolic power.

Game of Likert Scale: When and Where to Use

2025-08-06T07:56:49+00:00

Short questionnaire based surveys are a very useful gadget for data collection, in social and physical sciences. Relevant information on skills, behavior, psychometric traits, social differences, and ability can be collected and compared through short questionnaire surveys very easily. Gathering information through questionnaire comprises of two techniques; every question measures a different variable, and some questions are compound together into a single index. Collection of information is these two cases and its analysis can be done through a Likert scale proposed in 1932. Likert scale is a five point’s scale that measures the level of agreement and disagreement to a certain question called item. Each item individually is called Likert type item, while adding it to index a new unobservable latent variable is termed as Likert scale. In this paper the scale of measurements used for Likert type and Likert analysis is discussed and some statistical analysis is proposed.

Keywords: Likert Scale, Likert Type, Level of Measurements, Analysis, Psychology

Enforcing a Contract: The Legal Intricacies Involving Specific Performance in Pakistan

2025-08-07T09:32:51+00:00

Specific performance is an equitable and discretionary remedy that is granted by a court of law, which compels the party to perform his contractual obligations. In Pakistan, it is incorporated alongside other equitable remedies within the Specific Relief Act, 1887. It provides many different provisions that discuss the ins and outs of specific performance. It provides the mechanism of partial performance in a contract, to what extent the doctrine of frustration can impact specific performance, the parties to whom specific performance can or cannot be enforced against and the parties who can or cannot enforce specific performance. It also provides for particular circumstances in which specific enforcement can or cannot be enforced by particular parties, such as contracts for the sale or rent of moveable or immoveable properties. The most important principles however are that: specific performance is purely discretionary; it is highly dependent upon the facts and circumstances of a case. Hence, it need not be granted because it is lawful to do so, but only because it is just and equitable to do so. In fact, a court cannot grant it if it feels that it will cause injustice to both parties. Damages are not a bar to specific performance, provided the defendant is willing to give compensation in the first place. However, a subsequent suit for damages cannot be entertained if a suit for specific performance is dismissed. Additionally, specific performance can even be applied mutatis mutandis, to awards and directions contained in wills and codicils as well. The methodology used in this paper is doctrinal.

Keywords: Contract, Equity, Remedy, Equitable Remedy, Specific Performance

Afghan Refugee Entrepreneurs Facing Challenges: A Case Study of Peshawar, Pakistan

2025-08-07T09:45:56+00:00

This study aims to explore the multifaceted challenges faced by Afghan refugee entrepreneurs in Peshawar, Pakistan. The research focuses on identifying key social, economic, political, legal, and cultural barriers that affect their entrepreneurial efforts and overall integration into the local economy. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research gathers and analyzes data from relevant literature, field observations, and interviews with Afghan refugee entrepreneurs in Peshawar. This method allows for an in-depth understanding of their lived experiences and coping mechanisms within a complex socio-political context. Findings reveal that Afghan refugee entrepreneurs encounter several systemic challenges. Legal ambiguity and restrictive regulations hinder their ability to formalize and sustain businesses. Access to financial resources is limited, and many faces discriminatory practices in credit access and market entry. Cultural and language differences further complicate their integration into local business networks. Additionally, geopolitical tensions amplify their vulnerability, affecting both their stability and economic prospects. Despite these obstacles, many entrepreneurs exhibit resilience by relying on informal support networks and adapting strategies to sustain their ventures. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted policy interventions that support Afghan refugee entrepreneurs. Addressing legal, financial, and cultural barriers is essential for fostering inclusive economic participation and promoting social cohesion in host communities. Facilitating their integration not only benefits the refugees but also contributes to the broader development of local economies.

Keywords: Challenges, Facing, Afghan Refugees, Entrepreneurs, Peshawar

Comparative Analysis of Players in T-20 International Cricket Using Survival Analysis

2025-08-07T13:33:12+00:00

This research conducts a comparative examination of exponential and Weibull distributions for assessing batting performance in T20 international cricket, utilizing survival analysis techniques to measure player reliability. The investigation analyzes innings data from 10 top-tier batsmen (featuring prominent players like Babar Azam, David Warner, and Virat Kohli) obtained from ESPNcricinfo, applying maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to calibrate both distributions. Model comparison is performed using Akaike (AIC) and Bayesian (BIC) information criteria along with chi-square goodness-of-fit tests. Findings indicate that the exponential distribution, with its constant hazard function, offers better modeling accuracy for most batsmen, as evidenced by superior AIC/BIC scores and non-significant chi-square results (p > 0.05). Analysis of survival probabilities at critical run intervals (10, 30, 50, 80, and 100 runs) identifies Babar Azam as demonstrating exceptional consistency, showing a 75.6% likelihood of exceeding 10 runs and a 24.7% probability of achieving a half-century. Conditional probability analysis further reveals his superior conversion rate (57.1% chance of advancing from 30 to 50 runs) compared to more aggressive batsmen like Glenn Maxwell, who display greater performance fluctuation. While the Weibull distribution provides modeling flexibility, the study finds it overly complex for T20 batting performance data. The research highlights practical implementations for team management, including batting order optimization, in-game decision-making, and player skill development programs. These results emphasize the effectiveness of the exponential model in cricket performance analytics and recommend its incorporation into strategic planning for cricket teams.

Keywords: Survival Analysis, T20 Cricket, Exponential Distribution, Weibull Distribution, Batting Consistency, AIC/BIC, Maximum Likelihood Estimation, Babar Azam, Conditional Survival Probabilities, Player Performance

Exploring Social Skills Development and Their Impact on Students’ Belongingness Needs at the Secondary Level

2025-08-07T14:12:02+00:00

This study explored the development of social skills and the sense of belonging among secondary school students in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Social skills, including communication, cooperation, empathy, conflict resolution, and peer interaction, were considered essential in shaping students’ emotional experiences and relationships within the school environment. The research aimed to examine how these skills influence students’ feelings of acceptance, inclusion, and connectedness, which are vital for their personal development and academic involvement. A quantitative correlational research design was used. A sample of 400 students from 24 public secondary schools in Rawalpindi was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire adapted from the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS) and the School Belongingness Scale (SBS). Instrument validity was confirmed by expert review and a pilot study, while reliability was measured using Cronbach’s Alpha, which gave a score of 0.722. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation identified subgroup differences. Pearson’s correlation showed a significant positive link between social skills and belonging. Gender, environment, culture, and school climate influenced outcomes. Findings support promoting social-emotional learning to foster belonging and student growth.

Keywords: Social skills development, sense of belonging, secondary school students, communication, school climate, emotional well-being, student inclusion, Rawalpindi

Driving Sustainability Through AI: A Study on ChatGPT’s Influence on Green Entrepreneurial Processes

2025-08-07T15:32:47+00:00

This study examines the influence of ChatGPT adoption on green entrepreneurial behavior (GEB) through the mediating roles of green entrepreneurial self-efficacy (GESE), motivation (GEM), and intention (GEI). Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behavior, the research proposes a sequential mediation model to explore how AI tools like ChatGPT enhance sustainability-driven entrepreneurial actions. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 450 students in Gujranwala, Pakistan, through structured questionnaires. The results, analyzed using SPSS and Hayes’ PROCESS macro, confirmed all 10 direct and 11 indirect hypotheses. Key findings revealed that ChatGPT adoption significantly boosts GESE (β = 0.47, *p* < 0.001), GEM (β = 0.42, *p* < 0.001), and GEI (β = 0.51, *p* < 0.001), with GEI emerging as the strongest predictor of GEB (β = 0.34, *p* < 0.001). Mediation analysis demonstrated full mediation via GEI (β = 0.17, 95% CI [0.10, 0.25]), underscoring the critical role of intention in translating AI usage into sustainable practices. The study contributes to the literature by bridging AI and green entrepreneurship, offering theoretical insights into how technology enhances psychological drivers of eco-friendly ventures. Practical implications include integrating ChatGPT into entrepreneurship training and policymaking to foster sustainable startups. Limitations, such as the cross-sectional design and student sample, suggest future research should explore longitudinal data and diverse entrepreneurial populations. Overall, this study highlights ChatGPT’s transformative potential in advancing green entrepreneurship and achieving sustainability goals.

Keywords: ChatGPT; Green Entrepreneurship; Self-efficacy; Motivation; Intention; Sustainable Behavior; AI in Entrepreneurship

Spatial Assessment and Frequency Analysis of Noise Pollution and its Impact on Human Health: A Case Study of Iqbal Town-Lahore

2025-08-07T15:47:51+00:00

Noise pollution refers to unwanted or disturbing sound that adversely affects the health and quality of life for humans and other organisms. Noise impacts many aspects of the environment, including noise from transportation, industry, and neighbors. Human health is adversely affected by noise associated with transportation. Noise pollution distracts from routine work activity, depresses performance on various tasks, alters social behavior, and annoys. The primary aim of this study was to assess, the effect of noise pollution on human health, classify the different parameters contributing to heightened noise pollution, consequences in the shape of others disorders like; osteoporosis, annoyance, hypertension, hair fall, depression, etc., and how we can control this by some authenticated preventive measures. This was a cross-sectional survey that was conducted in the administrative division ofa Lahore Iqbal Town. The data was collected by digital noise meter (range 30db-100db). Almost 250 questionnaires were filled by population of Lahore including children, traffic wardens, old aged peoples and students. Research was completed using Arc Map 10.5 and Python, while the statistical data was analyzed with SPSS software. Using Python programming the three types of noise spectrum analysis using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) identified the major noise sources for an arbitrary series of frequencies. The high frequency noise was filtered by applying a low-pass filter, which allowed for the most impactful frequencies to be analyzed. To validate the filtering process, the original and post-filter spectra were compared. Arc GIS reveal that the noise pollution is maximum in Raiwind and minimum in Bakar Mandi. The results illustrate that noise pollution also represents a significant challenge, with 94.5% of participants recognizing noise pollution as a major problem. Complaints to the administration and police have been accepted to resolve the issue. Public education seems to be the best option according to the respondents; however, the government and NGOs can also aid in the process.

Keywords: Digital Noise Meter, SPSS, Decibel (db), GIS, Noise Pollution, Arc Map, Fast Fourier, Python Transform

Analyzing the Role of Agricultural Extension Agents in Transfer of Improved Technologies Regarding Citrus Production (Sweet Orange) In District Malakand

2025-08-07T18:05:53+00:00

This study examines the role of agricultural extension agents in facilitating the transfer of improved technologies for citrus (sweet orange) production in District Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Citrus farming is a vital economic activity in the region, yet productivity remains below potential due to inadequate dissemination of modern agricultural practices. The research aims to evaluate the linkage between citrus growers and the agricultural extension department, assess the effectiveness of extension services, identify key constraints in technology adoption, and propose recommendations for enhancing service delivery. A structured survey was conducted among 90 citrus growers from two major citrus-producing union councils, Palai and Wartair, using proportionate sampling. Data were analyzed through SPSS, employing frequency distributions and chi-square tests. The findings reveal that while most farmers were engaged in citrus cultivation, their access to and application of improved technologies are limited. Key issues include low literacy rates, insufficient extension agent visits, poor marketing knowledge, and financial constraints. The role of extension agents was found to be suboptimal, both in moral and mandatory dimensions. Farmers highlighted the need for frequent extension visits, training programs, and improved input availability. The study concludes with policy recommendations including enhanced training for extension agents, improved infrastructure support, the use of demonstration plots, and stronger institutional linkages to boost citrus productivity and farmer livelihoods.

Keywords: Agricultural Extension, Technology Transfer, Citrus Production, Sweet Orange, district Malakand

“Examining the Effects of Early Bilingual Education on English Language Development During the Critical Period in Pakistan”

2025-08-08T00:00:50+00:00

Bilingualism which refers to the instance of mastering two languages has emerged to be a common order in multilingual societies such as Pakistan. This paper will examine the role that early bilingual education plays in acquiring the English language at the critical period which is a time of vulnerability in childhood whereby the language acquisition process of the brain is understood. Based on Critical Period Hypothesis, this study will examine how exposure to both language mother tongue and English at very young age prepares children better to understand grammar, sounds, words and communicational prosperity. It also reviews the cognitive advantages of being a bilingual like critical thinking ability, analytical thinking, and cultural insight. In this research, it has been made clear that English is a second language but also a language of learning, since early education in Pakistan and far more in elite private and urban schools, it is a language of teaching. The research examines the data of the bilingual learners and educators in Kohat with a qualitative and quantitative approach to assess the practical effect of bilingual training at a very young age. It has been found that early bilingual education has a substantial positive impact on the level of language proficiency, cognitive learning and inter-cultural communication skills. It also proposes policy measures to incorporate structured bilingual in the primary level education so that the benefits of the critical period could be taken full advantage of. Findings of this study have something to do with the debates currently being made on language planning, bilingual education policy and English language pedagogy in Pakistan.

Keywords: Bilingualism, Critical Period Hypothesis, English Acquisition, Early Education, Pakistan, Language Learning, Cognitive Development, Kohat

The Underlying Causes of False Images of Hyper-reality and Consumerism as Presented in the Characters of the Novel “The Last White Man” by Mohsin Hamid

2025-08-08T11:24:36+00:00

The research analyzes the underlying causes of false images of Hyper-reality and consumerism in The Last White Man (2021).In the modern age, people of different backgrounds and communities have different set beliefs in which they depend upon. The Last White Man is not about community but people, the characteristic that has been portrayed by Mohsin Hamid is immensely detailed where the set of their beliefs are reflected throughout the text. The selected novel depicts the idea of transformation in which the main character of the novel transforms into a black skinned man. The set of belief and the people according to the world presented in the novel are off the view that black skinned color is not same as us. The other characters and the main character have been portrayed as white before they change their skin color. The belief that is set within their mind frame instigates them to decline the transformation. The characters, in the selected novel, reflect the idea of hyperreality proposed by Jean Baudrillard in 1981 in which he says that “reality does not exist, it has been replaced by signs and symbols that makes it difficult to differentiate with reality” (Baudrillard, 1981). The research proposes a deep insight into the characters, imagery, signs and symbols of the selected text written by Hamid. The study explored the elements of fake signs and symbols within the reality as proposed by Jean Baudrillard in his theory.

Keywords: Hyperreality, Consumerism, Capitalism, Transformation, Signs, Symbols, Reality, Baudrillard, Black, White

The Impact of Digital Competence on Social Media Practices among Agricultural Research Scientists at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan: An Analysis using Gratification Theory

2025-08-08T15:28:57+00:00

The increasing integration of digital technologies has reshaped professional landscapes including agricultural research where social media plays a crucial role in collaboration, knowledge dissemination and research outreach. This study examines the impact of digital competence on the social media practices of agricultural research scientists at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad using Gratification Theory as a framework. Specifically, it explores how these scientists use social media to achieve social gratifications with digital competence as a key factor. Their engagement in broadening networks, maintaining ties, enjoyment, and tension release and fulfilling information needs is empirically analyzed. A quantitative research design was employed and data were collected from 281 agricultural research scientists at AARI through a structured questionnaire. The findings indicate a positive relationship between digital competence and social media engagement particularly in expanding professional networks, maintaining connections, enhancing enjoyment, relieving tension and meeting information needs. However, challenges such as limited digital skills, privacy concerns and inadequate institutional support hinder optimal usage. The study highlights the critical role of digital competence in maximizing social media’s potential for agricultural research and underscores the need for institutional initiatives to bridge digital skill gaps. These insights offer valuable recommendations for fostering digital competence and leveraging social media to enhance research innovation and collaboration.

Keywords: Digital Competence; Social Media Practices; Agricultural Research; Agricultural Research Scientists; Gratification Theory; Ayub Agricultural Research Institute; AARI

Impact of Excessive AI Tool Usage on the Cognitive Abilities of Undergraduate Students: A Mixed Method Study

2025-08-08T15:50:31+00:00

This is a mixed-methods research that explores how the excessive usage of AI tools influences the cognitive skills of undergraduate students, including the perceived advantages and possible long-term outcomes. Using a sequential explanatory research design with quantitative survey (n=300) and qualitative interviews (n=45), the study exposes that there are highly relevant correlations between high AI dependency and lower critical thinking skills (17.3 percentage points lower scores) and worse memory retention (22 percent fewer concepts retailed). Although students noted that AI technologies were more efficient and accessible in terms of use, the qualitative data revealed problematic trends in cognitive offloading, a lack of motivation to engage in deep learning, and the beginning of a sort of solution paralysis when students cannot work without the help of technology. That fits with Cognitive Load Theory and Digital Dependency theories, which imply that unrestrained use of AI can cause a degradation of basic cognitive abilities due to decreased expenditure of mental effort. It is worth noting that differences across disciplines also occurred with humanities students recording the sharpest cognitive drops. One of the most important paradoxes of educational technologies that the study points out is that the tools that are being implemented to facilitate learning can damage equally the skills that they are trying to facilitate when being over-utilized. The findings have significant educational implications, arguing a middle-road approach to AI integration, retaining cognitive engagement and taking advantage of technological opportunities. The discussion provides three evidence-based concepts of a sustainable implementation, which are strategic scaffolding, metacognitive wrappers, and cognitive load calibration. Such limitations as the heterogeneity of the samples and the biases of self-reporting are mentioned, which can hint at further longitudinal and neurocognitive studies. The paper makes a contribution to an emerging body of research on the place of AI in education by offering an empirical demonstration of the cognitive tradeoffs associated with AI, and finally proposes pedagogically minded solutions to avoid the atrophy of critical mental abilities in the digital age.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Abilities, Critical Thinking, Memory Retention, Digital Dependency, Higher Education

Apparent Contradictions in the Verses of the Horizons and the Self: Objections and Responses

2025-08-08T22:33:51+00:00

This paper addresses the objections raised against Qur'anic verses related to Āyāt al-Āfāq wa al-Anfus (Signs in the horizons and within the self), which are often claimed to present internal contradictions or inconsistencies. Through a detailed analysis of selected verses and classical as well as modern exegetical sources, the article explores how these objections stem from misinterpretations, selective readings, or a lack of contextual understanding. It highlights how the Qur’an presents a holistic vision of divine signs that reinforce faith through reflection on both the external universe and the inner human reality. The study concludes that there is no real contradiction in these verses; instead, they represent complementary perspectives on divine reality, each reinforcing the other in demonstrating the oneness, wisdom, and power of Allah.

Keywords: Qur’anic Signs, Āyāt al-Āfāq, Āyāt al-Anfus, Qur’anic Exegesis, Apparent Contradictions, Islamic Theology, Divine Revelation, Contextual Interpretation, Objections on the Qur’an, Tafsir

Teachers’ Perspectives on Effectiveness of Activity-Based Learning for Boosting Students’ Motivation

2025-08-09T15:42:50+00:00

A teacher initiates activity-based learning as a process to enable understanding of students through activity-based engagement and motivation. The key purpose of this study was to understand teachers' views about Activity-Based Learning's implementation process in primary schools. The researchers have selected quantitative research as their method for this particular study. Seventy six primary school teachers were selected for the research sample that was collected through convenient random sampling. The data measurement tool was created using a five-point Likert scale. The descriptive analytical techniques involved frequency and percentage to examine data. Research findings showed that teaching through activities positively affected students’ motivation. Most of the surveyed female teachers actively supported teaching-learning strategy implementation in activity based learning at higher rates than their male counterparts. This study recommended that workshops with seminars need to be organized for teacher training programs that focus on implementing activity-based learning in primary classrooms.

Key Words: Activity-based learning, primary school teacher, teaching learning strategies, teachers’ perceptions, implementation and students’ motivation, primary school level.

Economic Development in the United States of America (Us): The Emerging Role of E-Commerce

2025-08-10T08:12:17+00:00

This article attempts to critically examine the multifaceted role of electronic commerce (e-commerce) in shaping the economic trajectory of the United States (U.S). The study particularly focuses on the period from 2000 to 2024. The study is grounded in ‘endogenous growth theory’, ‘structural transformation frameworks’, and ‘innovation diffusion models’. The mixed-methods approach allows the study to integrate longitudinal federal data, firm-level financial records, econometric modeling, and stakeholder interviews. The study’s findings reveals that e-commerce contributes significantly to GDP growth (0.05 pp increase per 1% sales share rise), accounting for 18% of aggregate productivity gains (2010–2022). In the context COVID-19 pandemic in particular accelerated this trend. The e-commerce penetration surged from 11.3% (Q1 2020) to 16.1% (Q4 2021). It reportedly generated $1.2B in California tax revenue that offset brick-and-mortar losses. However, benefits are unevenly distributed: a) sectoral reallocation shifted labor from traditional retail (−9% market share) toward logistics (+172% employment) and digital services (12% CAGR); b) intensifying job polarization; and c) spatial inequalities where urban counties capture 78% of revenues versus rural areas (12%). The adaptation rates have been modest in respect of the minority-owned enterprises (18% for Black-owned and 21% for Hispanic-owned firms). However, these groups remain marginalized within the e-commerce landscape. Acute market concentration (top 5 platforms: 72% share; Amazon: 38%) enables rent extraction and labor precarity ("digital Taylorism"). The environmental externalities include: 37% reported surge in packaging waste (2015–2023) and emission of 4.5 million metric tons of CO₂ annually from returns. The study’s policy recommendations target digital equity (broadband subsidies, SME platforms), antitrust modernization (data regulation), labor protections (portable benefits), and sustainability (eco-packaging mandates). The study concludes that unlocking the true potential of e-commerce’s development would require institutional complementarities to balance efficiency with equity.

Keywords: E-Commerce, Economic Development, Structural Transformation, COVID-19, Digital Inequality

A Systematic Review of Linked Data and RDF Adoption in Libraries: Benefits, Challenges and Best Practices

2025-08-10T09:06:55+00:00

The integration of Linked Data and the Resource Description Framework (RDF) has significantly transformed library cataloging and metadata management, promoting best practices for publishing structured data on the web. This systematic review explores the adoption rates, benefits, challenges, and best practices associated with Linked Data and RDF in libraries. It highlights the enhanced data interoperability and accessibility provided by RDF, which surpasses traditional systems like MARC. The review underscores the importance of RDF's flexible framework in representing complex bibliographic relationships, thus improving data integration and user discovery. However, adopting Linked Data and RDF involves challenges such as the complexity of cataloging, the need for tools and expertise, and the absence of standardized languages and ontologies. Ensuring data quality and compliance with national legislation further complicate implementation. To maximize benefits, libraries must adopt effective standards and best practices, such as using well-established ontologies like schema.org and Dublin Core, and providing Linked Data in various RDF serializations. Best practices include creating mappings from individual vocabularies to universal standards, and enriching metadata using external Linked Data sources. The review also examines the impact of Linked Data on library workflows and user discovery, noting improved cataloging efficiency and enhanced user experiences through interconnected and contextually relevant search results. Despite the significant benefits, challenges such as technical complexity, legal and ethical issues, and financial constraints remain. Future research should focus on developing robust standards, exploring innovative tools, and addressing the legal and ethical implications of Linked Data adoption in libraries.

Keywords: Linked Data; RDF; Metadata; Interoperability; Ontologies; Dublin Core; Metadata Enrichment

A Research review of the issue of the Infallibility of the Prophets in the context of the incident of Hazrat Dawud (AS)

2025-08-10T09:29:07+00:00

Allah created human beings as the most honored of all creations and sent prophets for their guidance. These prophets were chosen due to their purity, strength, and infallibility, as delivering divine messages without error required flawless character. The Qur’an repeatedly commands obedience to the prophets because their speech and actions are guided by divine revelation. Islamic belief holds that all prophets are infallible (ma‘soom) and protected from both major and minor sins before and after Prophethood. The misconception that prophets, such as Prophet Dawud (David), committed sins stems from Israelite narratives (Isra’iliyyat) that have infiltrated some Islamic commentaries. One such fabricated story claims that Prophet Dawud desired another man's wife and orchestrated the man's death. However, respected scholars like Ibne Kathir, Al-Alusi, and Imam Razi have firmly rejected these accounts, affirming that no authentic hadith supports them. Instead, they emphasize that the prophets’ trials were divine tests, not moral failings, and any ambiguity in the Qur’an should be left as such without interpreting it in a way that harms the prophets’ honor. All prophets are sinless, chosen servants of Allah, and accusing them of wrongdoing is contrary to Islamic belief and Qur’anic guidance.

Keywords: The infallibility of the prophets, Divine messages, Flawless character, Ma’soom, Prophet Dawud (David)

Bridging Philosophical Foundations and Computational Realities: Semantic Under-Specification from Frege to Large Language Models

2025-08-10T11:17:15+00:00

Semantic underspecification occurs when linguistic expressions carry partial meaning, requiring context for full understanding. It poses key challenges across philosophy, cognitive science, and NLP. This review identifies five developmental stages: (1) Classical theories by Frege, Russell, and Davidson created truth-conditional frameworks but encountered difficulties with indexical and belief contexts due to assumptions of full specification; (2) Formal models like QLF, MRS, and Hole Semantics introduced computational underspecification to handle structural ambiguities such as quantifier scope; (3) Cognitive studies show humans use underspecification strategically for efficiency, relying on pragmatic inference and semantic memory; (4) Hybrid neuro-symbolic models like UMR and Glue Semantics combined structural ambiguity resolution with neural inference but lacked uncertainty modeling; (5) Modern NLP research highlights gaps: LLMs can detect underspecification but often overcommit to deterministic interpretations, and multimodal systems do not effectively utilize context. Cross-linguistic entropy models suggest grammatical underspecification as a strategy for cognitive efficiency. To bridge human semantic flexibility enabled by incremental processing and pragmatic co-construction—with computational systems, we propose integrated neuro-symbolic architectures incorporating explicit uncertainty modeling, multimodal grounding, and entropy-aware design. This approach paves the way for AI to achieve human-like language understanding.

Keywords: Philosophical Foundations, Computational Realities, Semantic, Frege, Large Language Models

Role of Positive Reinforcement Strategies in Students Learning Performance at Elementary Level

2025-08-10T16:16:41+00:00

This study aims to investigate the different strategies of positive reinforcement implemented in schools, teacher’s opinions on these methods and their effects so as to shed some light into best practices that might be adhered from an educational perspective for higher student learning outcomes. The study involved a qualitative research design using purposive sampling, and 20 participants (consisting of teachers, administrators and educational experts) were interviewed by the use of semi-structured interviews. Educators see reinforcement as an important tool for increasing student involvement, motivation and academic achievement. Some of the key strategies included positive reinforcement in terms of praise, rewards and acknowledgement about desired behaviors has not only helped to develop a passion for learning but also allowed us to have an atmosphere full of mutual respect yet dynamic. Teachers agreed that positive reinforcement was the key to controlling behavior in a classroom and could instill pride and confidence into young people. If a student can be confident in the hard work and praise they have received, it will put them on excellent footing to constantly face academic challenges with determination for improvement while also demonstrating areas of overall strength. Moreover, reinforcement strategies can work as a lubricant for collaboration amongst students and make them feel they belong in the class. The research also highlights the measurable impact of incentivizing behavior, celebrating educational milestones and academic achievements that in turn deliver lasting improvements to student performance. This current study supports using systematic positive behavior support practices at all levels (universal through tertiary) in schools to develop a supportive and effective classroom for improving students' academic and social emotional development.

Keywords: Positive reinforcement strategies, student learning performance, elementary school, District Narowal, qualitative inquiry, pedagogical practice

Exploring AI-Enabled Educational Support Systems for Blind and Visually Impaired Students

2025-08-10T16:29:27+00:00

This study investigates the role of AI-enabled educational support systems in improving learning experiences for blind and visually impaired students. The research addresses three main questions: identifying current AI tools and their core functionalities, evaluating their effectiveness in addressing accessibility, engagement, affordability, and adaptability, and exploring their strengths, limitations, and potential improvements from the perspectives of students, educators, and accessibility experts. Recognizing the growing role of artificial intelligence in education, this study focuses on its potential to bridge learning gaps for one of the most underserved student populations. A qualitative research design was adopted, using purposive sampling to select 25 participants, including visually impaired students, educators, and technology specialists. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically to identify patterns and insights. The analysis revealed six key themes: accessibility enhancement, personalized learning, content accessibility, engagement and motivation, skill development, and challenges. Findings indicate that AI tools such as screen readers, real-time text recognition software, adaptive learning platforms, and automated content conversion technologies significantly improve content accessibility and personalize learning experiences. The study concludes that AI-enabled systems offer considerable benefits but require thoughtful integration with human support to maximize effectiveness and address emotional as well as academic needs. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on inclusive education technology by highlighting both the transformative potential and the limitations of AI for visually impaired learners. The findings provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, educators, and technology developers to create more equitable and effective educational environments.

Keywords: AI, Educational Support, Systems for Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Multimodal Semiotics of Protests and Political Movements in Pakistan (2022-2024)

2025-08-10T17:05:58+00:00

Despite the increasing frequency and impact of political protests in Pakistan from 2022 to 2024, limited academic attention has been given to their analysis through a multimodal semiotic lens, revealing a critical gap in political discourse and communication studies. This research seeks to investigate how various modes—verbal, gestural, postural, spatial, interactional, and visual—are strategically employed in political protests and movements to construct meaning, covey resistance, and mobilize public sentiment. The study adopts a qualitative descriptive approach, grounded in Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA). Data was collected from protest speeches, placards, video footage, and social media posts, particularly focusing on selected political figures and events between 2022 to 2024. The analysis examines how these materials utilize different semiotic resources and interact across modes through Resemiotization. Key contributions of this research include offering a comprehensive multimodal framework for analyzing political protests in Pakistan and demonstrating how protest leaders employ mode-specific strategies to shape ideological narratives. Additionally, the study enriches the existing body of knowledge by illustrating dynamic role of multimodal communication in illustrating the dynamic role of multimodal communication in contemporary political activism within the Pakistani context.

Keywords: Multimodal Discourse, Semiotic resources, Political protests.

Analysis of Peers and Class Fellows Contribution in English Language Learning At College Level

2025-08-11T12:33:58+00:00

This study investigates how peer interaction helps to enhance the English language proficiency of students at Girls Degree College (GGDC) Karak. The study uses a Mixed-Method approach to collect data from students and explains how peer learning affects different dimensions of language acquisition. Results of the study identify that peer interaction plays a significant role in enhancing students' vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and fluency. Students have claimed that peer work helped them practice the language more effectively and in a comfortable setting. Peer comments helped students improve their critical thinking ability and increase their level of confidence in using the language. Peer learning has been claimed to force many students to take ownership of learning more as they were able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Despite this, students continued to ask for teacher assistance in more complex grammar topics, indicating that although interactions with other students are important, teacher assistance remains essential for complex issues. The study presents the possibility of peer-learning as a wonderful complement to conventional methods of teaching, particularly where teacher assistance is not readily available. In general, the current study depicts how peer learning can evolve English proficiency extensive, foster collaboration, and construct a more engaging learning environment for students.

Keywords: Peer Learning, English Language Proficiency, Student Collaboration, Language Development, Peer Feedback, Educational Support, Language Acquisition.

Hashtag Politics: The Role of Twitter (X) in Shaping Political Narratives in Pakistan

2025-08-11T15:24:14+00:00

In recent years, Twitter (now X) has emerged as a powerful tool for shaping political narratives in Pakistan. Political leaders, parties, journalists, and citizens increasingly use hashtags to frame issues, mobilize supporters, and influence public opinion. These digital conversations often spill over into mainstream media, amplifying their reach and impact. Hashtag politics in Pakistan has become a dynamic arena where competing narratives ranging from governance performance and corruption allegations to nationalism and electoral campaigns are contested in real time. The platform enables both top-down political messaging and bottom-up grassroots activism, fostering political engagement across diverse demographics. However, it also intensifies political polarization, spreads disinformation, and reinforces echo chambers. This study examines the evolving role of Twitter in Pakistan’s political landscape, highlighting how the strategic use of hashtags can both strengthen democratic participation and shape the direction of national political discourse.

Keywords: Hashtag Politics, Twitter (X), Political Narratives, Pakistan

Improving Handgun Detection: A Review and Proposal for Knowledge Graph Integration

2025-08-11T17:53:07+00:00

Gun violence is a significant social issue, and in order to successfully identify firearms, advanced surveillance systems must be developed. Even with the introduction of deep learning algorithms like YOLO [5] and Faster R-CNN [61], it is still challenging to de- tect hidden weapons due to dynamic backdrops, shifting illumination, and partial object visibility. Even while current methods achieve high accuracy under ideal settings, they suffer significantly in real-world scenarios such object occlusion. Current handgun de- tection techniques are examined in this paper, which also divides them into deep learning and traditional approaches and identifies their drawbacks. We suggest combining knowl- edge graphs to tackle occlusion issues and false negatives by employing contextual and semantic links. Experimental validation demonstrates substantial improvements in preci- sion (94.1%) and F1-score (92.6%) compared to standalone deep learning models, with a 59% reduction in false negatives for occluded objects. The purpose of this study is to stim- ulate additional developments in reliable and all-encompassing firearm detection systems for public safety.

Keywords: Algorithms, CCTV, Deep Learning, Knowledge Graph, Handgun Detection, Object Detection, Review

Queering Motherhood: Transgender Identity and Alternative Kinship in the Vicks Ad Featuring Shreegauri Sawant

2025-08-11T18:18:21+00:00

This study explores how the Vicks advertisement 2017 called Touch of Care disrupts conventional notions of gender, motherhood, and kinship especially via its depiction of the figure of Shreegauri Sawant, a transgender activist and care giver. In conducting the study, the author will: (1) perform the analysis of how the appearance subverts traditional gender norms and biologically determined motherhood, (2) discuss transgender motherhood as caregiving, and (3) legitimize chosen family as a new mode of kinship. This study employs qualitative textual and critical discourse analysis to analyze the story, verbal and visual messages that are in the ad. Referring to the Queer Theory, especially the Judith Butler concept of gender performativity and David Eng interpretations of queer kinship, the article views the advertisement as a subversive action on heteronormative media culture. The outstanding contribution of the present study is that it determines the manner in which the advertisement queers motherhood giving importance to emotional care rather than biological determinism, which is what makes transgender motherhood identity valid. Also, it discusses how the advertisement spreads the idea about chosen family as a valid kinship system that conflicts with the social unease about queer families and promotes transgender parenthood on a wider scale.

Keywords: Transgender Motherhood, Queer Kinship, Gender Performativity, Media Representation, Indian Advertising

Investigating the Role of AI in Supporting Nursing Decision-Making and Practice

2025-08-12T11:36:18+00:00

This paper explores the position of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in assisting nursing practice and decision-making and considers its advantages, limitations, and future prospects in nursing. Based on mixed-methodology, the data was gathered among nurses working in hospitals and other healthcare facilities actively using AI-powered tools to include Clinical Decision Support Systems, predictive analytics to determine a patient deterioration process, and AI-powered triage systems. Quantitative results demonstrate that there were large changes in the speed of clinical decision-making, diagnostic accuracy, and distribution of work, so that nurses could spend more time on direct care of patients and complicated clinical reasoning. Qualitative insights point to the fact that such advantages depend on whether they integrate well into the established working practices, continuous AI literacy education, and in line with the ethical and relational values prioritized by nursing. Among the challenges recognized in the analysis, there are algorithmic bias, system integration, and long-term professional development that is required in order to make the use of AI effective and confident. The relational and intermittent nature of nursing as compared to other healthcare disciplines necessitates the use of AI systems that are context-sensitive, adaptable and that facilitate comprehensive care in patients. The discussion highlights the need to integrate AI in education across nursing and establish clear policy guidelines to ensure safe and equitable implementation and also explore ethical issues to enable a trustful relationship between practitioners. The paper findings are that the use of AI can be transformative in nursing, depending on how it will be implemented; strategic, ethical, and with the broader focus on augmenting and not substituting human expertise. Focusing on viewing AI as a collaborator in the nursing field, it is possible to use technological advances to reinforce the evidence-based practice and enhance patient outcomes and make the field of nursing stay true to the principles of caring and patient-centered care.

Keywords: AI in healthcare, Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Decision Support Systems, Ethical Considerations, Nursing Practice, Nursing Decision-Making, Patient Safety, Predictive Analytics, Workload Distribution

Climate Change Communication and Transboundary Water Politics: A Comparative Media Framing Analysis of the Indus Water Treaty in Pakistan and India

2025-08-12T13:46:30+00:00

This paper examines the manner in which Pakistani and Indian media represent the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in the bigger picture of climate change and transboundary water politics. The study will analyze the tone, thematic emphasis and narrative approaches of top newspapers in the two countries on times of increased levels of water-related tensions and extreme climate phenomena using comparative framing analysis. This research aims to reveal whether the media discourse serves to support cooperation or trigger the conflict discourse, and how the narrative of climate change is placed in such frames. The study will present the availability of perspectives contributing to the overall understanding of the impacts of media in shaping the public deliberation and perception of common natural resources in South Asia and it will do so through the integration of the vision of environmental communication, international relations studies and media studies.

Keywords: Climate Change Communication, Transboundary Water Politics, Indus Water Treaty, Media Framing, Pakistan, India

Artificial Intelligence and the Fight against Misinformation: Analyzing the Role of Digital Media in Shaping Public Perceptions in Pakistan

2025-08-12T14:04:03+00:00

The study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI and deepfake on the creation and proliferation of misinformation in Pakistan and the role of digital media ecosystems in cementing perceptions. The paper employs qualitative content analysis of 300 items (news articles, social-media posts, fact-checks, and civil-society reports) in the year 20232025 to identify priority areas of AI-enabled misinformation flows, platform affordances that can fuel misinformed content, and the ability of local fact-checkers and civil-society actors and limited populace awareness of fake-content detectors. The results reveal an active disinformation economy with political motives, platform architecture, and poor digital literacy exacerbating the ills of AI-facilitated misinformation. What the paper recommends by way of policy is to address the issue of platform accountability, capacity building of the fact-checkers, and media literacy interventions that are context-sensitive to the Pakistani socio-political environment.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Misinformation, Deepfake, Digital Media, Pakistan, Qualitative Content Analysis, Fact-Checking

Comparative Analysis of 1965 and Indo-Pak 2025 Conflict

2025-08-12T15:33:33+00:00

The main focus of this research paper is to comparatively analyze the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965 and 2025. Both the nations fought different wars on the Kashmir issue. 1965 war saw a significant tank battles between India and Pakistan. Similarly, 2025 war involved multi domain warfare including airstrikes, drone warfare, information and cyber operations. Similarly, conflict saw significant international diplomatic efforts. The main focus of this research is to analyze the warfare with both sides. Similarly, Pakistan economics situation during the conflicts of 1965 and 2025 also highlighted in this paper.

Keywords: Operations, Economy, Military, Navy, Air Force, Diplomacy, Pakistan, India.

Education and Women’s Property Rights: A Path to Empowerment

2025-08-12T17:48:13+00:00

This qualitative study explores the transformative impact of education on women's empowerment in property rights within Thana, Malakand District, Pakistan. Employing a phenomenological research design, the study delves into the nuanced experiences of women, emphasizing the multifaceted dimensions of education's influence on legal literacy, capacity building, social empowerment, financial independence, community and policy advocacy, generational impact, access to resources, and psychosocial well-being. The findings reveal education as a catalyst, empowering women with legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and advocacy abilities, challenging societal norms, fostering financial autonomy, and enabling active participation in community and policy advocacy. The generational impact of educated women and the psychosocial benefits of education are highlighted, affirming its role as a transformative force shaping the landscape of property rights. The study proposes policy implications, advocating for educational initiatives, community awareness programs, and legal reforms to ensure gender-inclusive property rights and foster generational empowerment.

Keywords: Education, Women Capacity Building, Financial Empowerment, Property Rights

Investigating the Karakoram Anomaly and Its Impacts on Water Supply in Pakistan

2025-08-13T05:42:15+00:00

The Karakoram Anomaly is that many glaciers in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range have either remained stable or even advanced over the last few decades. This is in contrast to the rest of the world's glaciers which, under the influence of global warming, are retreating. This research focuses on the unbalancing climatic, topographic, and glaciological factors of Pakistan’s water resources. It is based on a qualitative, integrative approach combining literature review, climate and hydrological data analysis, remote sensing imagery, and field observations conducted in Gilgit-Baltistan during 2022 and 2023. The results suggest that advanced winter precipitation from westerly disturbances, stable to cooler summer temperatures, and extensive debris cover, alongside high-altitude microclimatic shielding, glaciological factors have a positive impact on mass balance. Through examining river discharge records and while interviewing some stakeholders, the research shows that the glacier anomaly is the main reason why there are constant flows of water into the Indus Basin. This in turn sustains irrigation, hydropower, and domestic water supply. This stability, however, is fragile: any minor increase in temperature or precipitation could increase melt, change river systems, and increase the chances of floods or shortages during the dry season. The research focuses on the Karakoram Anomaly, describing the region’s climate-buffering capabilities and climate-change-induced threats while calling for higher inertia in the region’s water management policies. It highlights the need for Pakistan’s glacier advance monitoring, adaptive water management, and integrated resilience planning.

Keywords: Karakoram Anomaly, Deltas, climatic change, semi-arid regions, Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalaya (HKH), water-supply

The Paradox of Transgender: A Case Study of District Faisalabad

2025-08-13T11:00:25+00:00

Gender refers to the many ways we describe human sex traits. It helps us distinguish between men and women. Transgender describes people whose gender identity differs from their birth sex. They do not fit into male or female categories. Some individuals choose to live as transgender, modifying their lives accordingly. This paper explores the challenges faced by this group in Pakistan. The study highlights how the government fails to implement laws passed for this marginalised section of society. There is a need to provide health, education, and financial opportunities for this community. The primary focus of this study is to analyze the socio-economic challenges faced by transgender individuals and their living patterns in the Faisalabad district. The research employs a mixed-method approach. Both qualitative and quantitative research designs were adopted, involving semi-structured in-depth interviews. The researchers successfully conducted interviews with 15 transgender individuals. The results indicate that their marginalised status is mainly due to a lack of governmental support.

Keywords: Gender, Paradoxes, Transgender, Marginalised Community

Prophetic Principles for Global Interfaith Peace: A Comparative Study in the Context of the United Charter

2025-08-13T11:13:48+00:00

This research article reviews the prophetic principles of five major world religions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, in terms of global inter-faith peace by the United Nations (UN) Charter-related themes. Using sacred texts, historical practices, and contemporary interfaith endeavors to highlight shared ethical and spiritual values compatible with the UN Charter vision of creating conditions for peace, security, and human rights. Qualitative Comparative Analysis is used in this article to reveal aspects of theological, historical, and sociopolitical factors that are most important in conveying nuclear prophetic teachings that are inclusive enough to bring diverse religious communities closer together. The paper reviews the difficulties of cross-religious dialogue, stressing that religiously inspired peacebuilding generally occurs at the level of faith-based organizations, and grassroots action. These results indicate that prophetic values consistent with compassion, justice, and human dignity provide a strong basis to advance the cause of world peace in line with the UN Charter. It concludes by proposing a series of guidelines to assist policymakers, religious leaders, and members of interfaith organizations in conjunction with their efforts to secure sustainable peace.

KeyWords: Prophetic Principles, United Nations, Charter, Interfaith Harmony, Peace, Compassion, Justice, Human Dignity, Peacebuilding, Universal Brotherhood

Impact of Sales Promotion on Profitability of the Pharmaceutical Industry of Pakistan

2025-08-13T16:25:59+00:00

This study investigates the influence of sales promotion strategies on the profitability of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector, a highly competitive and regulated market. Using a quantitative research design, secondary data from 100 pharmaceutical firms was analyzed to examine key variables promotion frequency, discounts, advertising spending, sales volume, and customer acquisition rate while incorporating control variables such as firm size, market competition, and regulatory environment. Regression and moderation analyses revealed that customer acquisition significantly enhances profitability, while promotional frequency, discounts, and advertising have positive but statistically insignificant effects. Larger firms and competitive markets benefit more from promotions, whereas stringent regulatory environments enhance trust but can reduce promotional impact. The findings underscore the importance of aligning sales promotion strategies with organizational capacity, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks. Targeted advertising, strategic discounting, and high-value customer acquisition emerged as critical for sustainable growth. The study offers practical insights for managers and policymakers to design cost-effective, regulation-compliant promotional campaigns that strengthen market position and profitability.

Keywords: Sales Promotion, Profitability, Pharmaceutical Industry, Pakistan, Customer Acquisition, Advertising Effectiveness, Strategic Discounting, Firm Size, Market Competition

How to Develop Pak-China Relations in the Post Pak-India Conflict: How China Can Help Pakistan

2025-08-14T11:54:22+00:00

A multifaceted strategy, including favored economic cooperation, diplomatic and political cooperation, defense and strategic partnership focus, technical collaboration, and territorial integration is necessary to improve Pakistan-China relations in the wake of the Pak-India conflict. India is a growing Asian force that is pro-Western, which could pose security and economic problems for China as well as Pakistan. Pakistan faces new competitive dynamics as a result of India's defense expansion and technological developments, but its weak economy makes it more difficult for it to establish a balance of power with India. In the meantime, Pakistan's economic and security environment, as well as regional stability, are significantly impacted by the Pak-India conflict. In this regard, bolstering Pakistan-China ties might be extremely important for advancing Pakistan's security and development goals. Examining how to improve relations between China and Pakistan in the wake of the conflict between India and Pakistan is the primary goal of this research project. And how can China assist Pakistan?

Keywords: Strategic Partnership, CPEC, Security Cooperation, China and Pakistan.

Gender Quotas and Political Representation: A Comparative Evaluation Case Study of Pakistan

2025-08-14T15:20:27+00:00

This paper critically evaluates the impact of gender quotas on the substantive political representation of women in Pakistan. It is specifically concerned with the effects of gender quotas on women's empowerment to influence policy design and legislation. Although gender quotas have undeniably enhanced the numerical representation of women in Pakistan's political institutions, the real issue is whether such quotas have translated into women's political empowerment or they are no more than tokenism that brings about no substantial change. This study uses a mixed method approach, relying not only on documenting the historical trajectory of gender quota legislation but also on comparative data from countries with similar quota provisions, as well as a grounded analysis of the impediments to women's political agency in Pakistan. Through analyzing legislative data, party dynamics, and social and cultural barriers women face in politics, this paper examines how gender quotas often fail to translate into genuine political power. Ideally, these patriarchal predispositions, political emasculation through the party-list system, and the absence of a direct electoral mandate suppress women's capacity for effective political or policy decisions or contributions. Moreover, this study contextualizes the experience of gender quotas in Pakistan and compares these in international contexts such as Rwanda, India, and Sierra Leone, where quotas, coupled with institutional reforms and vigorous enforcement, have resulted in women's empowerment through politics. More generally, the results suggest that quotas are an essential part of a strategy to enhance female political representation but are only one part of a broader whole. This approach includes reforms like direct elections to reserved seats, political party-sponsored education programs for women, and gender-inclusive parliamentary practices. With attention to both the structural and cultural dimensions of gender inequality, Pakistan can progress toward substantial gender parity in its political system. The paper ends with policy recommendations for how the working of the gender quota can be improved in Pakistan and how women can be empowered politically, economically, and socially.

Keywords: Gender Quotas, Women’s Political Representation, Substantive Representation, Electoral Reforms, Gender Parity

From Dependency to Autonomy: Overcoming Cultural Barriers to Women’s Economic Rights in Pakistan

2025-08-14T17:55:09+00:00

This research analyzes cultural impediments perpetuating women's economic dependency in Pakistan and investigates avenues toward securing economic independence. Citing quantitative and qualitative data from demographic health surveys to case studies and institutional records it delineates socio-cultural restraints including patriarchal values, limited mobility, unpaid caregiving workloads, and limited financial and legal resource availability. Empirical evidence indicates that education, waged work, right of ownership, and information access greatly improve the empowerment of women. The study suggests integrated policy interventions such as enforcement of legal reform, financial inclusion, cultural sensitization campaigns, and infrastructural assistance. This study adds to knowledge by connecting cultural conditioning with structural reforms supporting the economic rights of women in Pakistan.

Keywords: Women’s Economic Rights, Cultural Barriers, Empowerment, Pakistan, Dependency, Autonomy

Comparative Analysis of the Influence of Teachers’ Pedagogical Skills on Student Outcomes in Higher Education

2025-08-15T09:12:19+00:00

This study investigates the relationship between teachers’ pedagogical skills and student achievement and engagement in higher education institutions. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from a sample of 178 respondents, employing a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Inferential analysis was performed through the Mann–Whitney U Test for group comparisons and Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation to examine relationships between variables. Findings revealed a significant positive association between teachers’ pedagogical competencies and students’ classroom engagement and academic performance. The study underscores the importance of continuous professional development to enhance pedagogical skills, thereby improving learning outcomes. Recommendations are offered for policymakers, higher education institutions and teacher training programs to prioritize skill-based pedagogical approaches.

Keywords: Pedagogical skills, student engagement, higher education, teaching methods, learning outcomes

Manufactured Enmity: The Role of AI-Generated Deepfakes in Spreading Islamophobic Propaganda: A Case Study Approach

2025-08-15T09:33:31+00:00

This paper asks how far AI-facilitated deepfakes are being used to push Islamophobic messaging, with a focus on how deepfakes can stabilize reality and become a force in defining how society thinks. With the help of a qualitative content analysis of a body of specifically chosen deepfake videos shared on different social media platforms in the period between 2022 and 2025, the study divines peculiarities of thematic patterns, framing schemes, and the overall political purposes that underlie this material. This discussion shows that deepfakes are often used to reinforce harmful stereotypes, create fabricated evidence to justify discriminatory speech and employ algorithmic amplification to disseminate them more extensively. The scenario highlights the ethical, social, and policy implications of deepfake generated Islamophobia and highlights the urgent need to establish strict regulatory systems, elaborate media-literacy strategies, and sophisticated A.I.-detection programs to address this exponentially growing digital menace.

Keywords: Deepfakes, Islamophobia, Disinformation, Social Media, Platform Governance, Case Study

Cognitive Linguistics and Metaphor Theory in Modern Advertising

2025-08-15T14:37:06+00:00

This study explores the role of cognitive linguistics and metaphor theory in modern advertising, examining how conceptual metaphors shape consumer perception and brand communication. Grounded in Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980) Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), the research investigates dominant metaphorical frameworks in contemporary advertisements, focusing on their persuasive and cognitive impact. While prior studies in advertising semiotics (Forceville, 1996; McQuarrie & Mick, 1996) have analyzed rhetorical devices, few apply cognitive linguistics to decode how metaphors align with consumers’ mental models in the digital advertising landscape. The study addresses this gap through a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative discourse analysis of 50 print and digital ads (2020–2024) with Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIPVU) to categorize orientational, ontological, and structural metaphors. Blending Theory (Fauconnier & Turner, 2002) and Relevance Theory (Sperber & Wilson, 1995) further elucidate how multimodal metaphors (text + image) optimize engagement. Findings reveal pervasive journey metaphors (e.g., Nike’s “Just Do It” framing progress) and container metaphors (e.g., tech ads urging users to “unlock potential”), with cultural variations between Western individualism and Eastern collectivism. The discussion highlights implications for advertisers, emphasizing how embodied cognition enhances emotional resonance, while also addressing ethical concerns about manipulative framing. Limitations include a focus on English-language ads, suggesting future cross cultural and neurolinguistics research. By bridging cognitive linguistics and advertising studies, this article advances theoretical and practical insights into metaphor-driven persuasion in the digital age.

Keywords: Cognitive Linguistics, Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), Advertising Rhetoric, Multimodal Metaphors, Consumer Cognition, Digital Advertising, Semiotics, Persuasion Techniques

Effects of Trade-Based Money Laundering on Banking Sector

2025-08-15T16:00:12+00:00

Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) is one of the most intricate and underreported forms of illicit financial activity, posing substantial risks to global banking systems. This study investigates the effect of TBML on the banking sector, focusing on how increasing occurrences influence share prices i.e. a proxy for investor confidence, and overall bank valuation. Using a quantitative design, secondary financial data from publicly listed banks were analysed, incorporating variables such as Earnings Per Share (EPS), Dividend Yield, and TBML event occurrences. Econometric techniques, including descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression in EViews, were employed to assess causal relationships between financial indicators and stock performance. Findings reveal that TBML incidents have a statistically significant long-term negative impact, driven by market inefficiencies, information asymmetry, and delayed regulatory disclosures. The study addresses a critical gap in financial crime literature and calls for enhanced regulatory transparency, investor education, and robust compliance measures to mitigate systemic risks.

Keywords:

Trade-Based Money Laundering, Banks, Banking Sector, Stock Price, Earnings Per Share, Dividend Yield, Market Confidence, Pakistan.

Explore The Impact of Colonialism on English Literature Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness

2025-08-15T17:29:06+00:00

This paper aims to analyze Oriental and others' compositions as shown in Western Colonial Discourse by Conrad's Darkness Center (1899). The main purpose of this paper is to reveal biased, and miss proposed images of Africans in Western texts. The concept of "different" is used and is discussed in a special reference to Conrad's Darkness Center (1899). It reflects that Europeans are as good as "Occident," while they represent Africans the same as inferior Orientals. "Other" is a Western structure, a concept related to civilization to the East.

Keywords: Conrad, Heart of Darkness, Occident, Orient, Othering, Postcolonial

From Legislation to Implementation: Challenges in Translating Counter-Terrorism Policy into Practice

2025-08-15T18:13:14+00:00

This research paper explores the existing gap between the policy design and implementation of counter-terrorism (CT) by showing that a combination of bureaucratic hurdles, limitations in resources, and political influences systematically compromise the results of security in various national settings. By examining the case of the UK, Nigeria and Indonesia in a comparative case study method, owing to the different governance systems and the challenge of CT facing these countries, the research draws out common points of failure in implementation. The results show that not even well-developed legal frameworks are immune to institutional fragmentation (e.g., Nigeria: a 68 percent delay of counter-Boko Haram actions), protracted underfunding (e.g., Pakistan: an 82 percent unused amount of CT funds), and politicization (e.g., Hungary: a 41 percent decrease in effective capacity after manipulation of the budget). The paper uses three theoretical perspectives- Policy Implementation Theory, Institutional Analysis, and Securitization Theory to illustrate that these difficulties are structurally founded rather than coincidental, and that states of high threat have an implementation paradox (r = -.72, p < .01) in that the more the threats increase, the lower the compliance with the policy. The study is significant to the CT literature since it links the macro-level policy analysis to ground-level implementation dynamics, specifically with a focus on the overlooked micro-levels, including street-level bureaucracy and neighborhood trust. It provides ten evidence-based recommendations, such as inter-agency task forces, ring-fenced budgets, or community-led early warning systems; they are designed to break down context-specific barriers. The study refutes this assumption by contending that greater laws do not necessarily increase security by focusing on an implementation-centric paradigm in CT governance, and it is better to reduce vulnerability with measurable outcomes as a test of success.

Keywords: Counter-Terrorism, Policy Implementation, Bureaucratic Inefficiency, Resource Allocation, Securitization, Institutional Analysis, Terrorism Prevention

Rejection Sensitivity, Self Esteem and Social Support of Burned Victim

2025-08-15T19:45:50+00:00

The present study had two main objectives; first, to discover the relationships among rejection sensitivity, self-esteem and social support among burned victims; second, to find out the age and gender differences on rejection sensitivity, self-esteem and social support among burned victims. In the present study three instrument; rejection sensitivity Scale (Downey & Feldman, 1996), the self-esteem Scale (Rogers, 1981) and social support Scale Zimet., (Dahlem, Zimet & Farley,1988) were administered on a sample of (N=156) along with demographic sheet. Results of the study revealed non-significant negative correlation of rejection sensitivity with self-esteem, significant negative correlation of rejection sensitivity with social support and while self-esteem and social support shows non-significant positive correlation with each other among burned victims. Age, have non- significant negative correlation with rejection sensitivity and self-esteem whereas non-significant positive correlation with social support. Gender difference exists on self-esteem; mean score indicates female burned victim’s scores high on rejection sensitivity whereas male scores high on social support and self-esteem.

Keywords: Rejection, Sensitivity, Self Esteem, Social Support, Burned Victim

Textbooks against Terrorism: How Curriculum Design Shapes Vulnerability to Extremism in Pakistan

2025-08-16T11:08:39+00:00

This study focuses on the role of the state-owned school curricula in instilling extremist ideologies by using qualitative and critical discourse analysis to study the textbook content in Pakistan. Based on current statistics (2023-2024), the study establishes patterns of systematic militarization, religiosity as exclusivity, and anti-minority bias in history, Islamic, and social studies textbooks in different provinces. The results indicate that 87 percent of reviewed texts promote that war is the Islamic obligation, 92 percent of the reviewed texts include sectarian language against minority Muslim groups, and 89 percent of the reviewed texts delete Hindu and Sikh historical contributions. The regional differences are dramatic, as the curriculum of Balochistan promotes ethnonationalism and that of Punjab encourages the hatred towards India, and these patterns also correlate with the ways of extreme localism. The paper compares these results against the peace education standards of the UNESCO and how the pedagogical approach of Pakistan institutes a form of education that promotes Type 3 Violent Extremism in the formal school system. The contrast between Indonesia and Nigeria, and Pakistan reveals effective models of curriculum deradicalization as well as the special problems the latter faces: the strong influence of the military on education policy, opposition to the deradicalization effort among religious conservatives, and the dualistic system of madrassas and public schools. In the paper, the author contends that such piecemeal, province-based reforms, as a revised social studies curriculum in Sindh are sources of viable solutions making them work, as long as structural impediments, such as the lack of teacher training and the lobbying activities of textbook publishers, are overcome. Unless reformed with immediacy, Pakistani education system is likely to continue the loop of radicalization, as it presents violence as a sacred aspect and pluralism as a dangerous factor.

Keywords: Curriculum Reform, Violent Extremism, Textbook Analysis, Pakistan Education, Radicalization, Peace Education, Ideological Indoctrination, Sectarianism, Militarized Pedagogy, Comparative Education

Alienation and Fragmentation; A Modern Critical Analysis of Zulfikar Ghose's Poem “Disturbed Nights”

2025-08-17T00:40:41+00:00

This research study delves into the mental crisis of modern humans as they face alienation and fragmentation of psyche related to the industrial revolution and materialistic pursuits in their lives. This paper aims to provide a deep analysis of modern humans and their sufferings due to modern age technological developments through the poem, “Disturbed Nights” written by Zulfikar Ghose. Ghose in his poem tries to awake the anxious minds of modern men who are no more than puppets to the machines of the said age. Though, multitude of writings are out there that focus on the mental crisis and dilemma of modern world, but hardly any body of work can be found that demonstrates the diasporic consciousness and the multidimensional richness of South Asian poetry in general and Zulfikar Ghose in specific, as a blend of the effects of both modernism and colonialism on human’s mentality. Therefore, this poem is a masterpiece that mirrors the chaos and troubles of the modern age as well as the struggles of post-colonial humans dealing with the resulting alienation and fragmentation. This research tries to fill the gap by alluding to the sufferings of the diasporic community who experienced the traumas of colonialism and its aftermath in the form of alienation, fragmentation, isolation, disconnection, and mental crisis.

Keywords: Mental Crisis, Modern Humans, Alienation, Fragmentation, Diaspora, Disturbed Nights by Zulfikar Ghose.

Madness as Resistance: A Socio-Psychological Analysis of Non-Conformity in Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Manto’s Toba Tek Singh

2025-08-17T07:21:47+00:00

This paper investigates the concept of madness as a form of socio-psychological resistance in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Sadat Hassan Manto’s short story, “Toba Tek Singh”. Drawing upon the theoretical frameworks of Michel Foucault’s notion of madness, Emile Durkheim’s theory of anomie, and Branimir M. Rieger’s thought of madness in literature, this study examines political, psychological and social concepts of madness in conjunction with duality in social structures, human cognition and geographical boundaries. In both texts, madness emerges not simply as an aberration from reason or sanity but as a narrative tool that critiques widely accepted and oppressive norms, whether moral, social, or political. Through a comprehensive close reading, it has been argued that Dr. Jekyll’s descent into psychological duality due to the overt emphasis of Victorian values on upholding benevolent appearances and Bishan Singh’s refusal to conform to Partition’s binary nationalism represent acts of rebellion against systemic repression. The study culminates in the deduction that in both Victorian England and Partition-era South Asia, madness serves not as a collapse of reason, but as a radical form of non-conformity and existential dissension.

Keywords: Madness, Resistance, Non-conformity, Victorian Literature, Partition Literature, Postcolonial Literature, Socio-Psychological Analysis

Global Apathy and Human Rights Violations: A Critical Investigation

2025-08-17T09:38:49+00:00

Global apathy the widespread indifference toward critical issues like human rights violations, climate change, and humanitarian crises undermines collective action and perpetuates systemic injustices (Smith 2023). This phenomenon manifests at individual, institutional, and geopolitical levels, fueled by psychological detachment, media sensationalism, and economic self-interest (Johnson & Lee 2022). Case studies of ignored crises (e.g., Rwanda, Syria, Myanmar) reveal how apathy enables atrocities by normalizing inaction (Dallaire 2023). Political alliances and corporate interests often prioritize power over protection, while cultural relativism and nationalism further fracture global solidarity (Kissinger 2023). International legal frameworks, though robust in principle, suffer from enforcement gaps and politicization (Sikkink 2023). Grassroots movements and ethical media coverage demonstrate potential solutions by fostering accountability and empathy (Tarrow 2023). Overcoming apathy requires structural reforms, from UN Security Council veto abolition to corporate due diligence laws (Ruggie 2023). The COVID-19 pandemic and climate crises underscore the urgency of transforming indifference into coordinated action (Sachs 2023). Ultimately, combating apathy demands renewed political will, cross-border solidarity, and a redefinition of global responsibility (Guterres 2023). Without such shifts, systemic inequalities and human rights violations will persist unchecked (Weiss 2023).

Keywords: Global Apathy, Human Rights, Humanitarian Crisis, Collective Action, Systemic Injustice, Media Sensationalism, Political Alliances, Nationalism, International Law, Grassroots Movements, UN Reforms, Global Responsibility.

Exploring Body Image, Self-Objectification, Self-Esteem, and Psychological Problems in University Students

2025-08-17T17:08:09+00:00

The present study investigates the interrelationships among body image dissatisfaction, self-objectification, self-esteem, and psychological problems, specifically symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, among university students. Grounded in objectification theory and self-esteem frameworks, this study investigates how self-objectification and self-esteem mediate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and psychological outcomes. A sample of 300 university students participated by completing standardized self-report questionnaires measuring body image perception, self-objectification, global self-esteem, and psychological problems. The results revealed significant positive correlations between body image dissatisfaction, self-objectification, and psychological problems, and a negative correlation with self-esteem. Mediation analyses demonstrated that the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and psychological problems was significantly explained by self-objectification and self-esteem. These findings highlight the psychological vulnerability of university students facing appearance-related pressures and underscore the need for mental health interventions that target body image, promote self-worth, and reduce self-objectifying tendencies.

Keywords: Body image, self-objectification, self-esteem, psychological problems

Explore the Human Resources Challenges in the Higher Education Sphere

2025-08-17T19:12:54+00:00

Research study entitled "Addressing HR Challenges in Higher Education Institutions: Implications for Faculty Performance and Institutional Sustainability" examines HR challenges affecting HEIs and sustainable solutions to gain institutional efficiency. The goal was to detect important HR matters, study their consequences for faculty and institutional productivity and suggest implementable plans. This study is significant because it potentially closes a gap in the literature around HR development in the higher education sector, which is key to societal advancement and economic development. The study seeks to guide scholars and practitioners in adopting policies that will aid attracting and retaining top-tier faculty and staff by providing practical recommendations that can be adapted to the particular contexts of HEIs, boosting employee satisfaction, and facilitating professional development. The study adopts a qualitative research design to capture participants’ overall experiences, perceptions, and feelings regarding HR challenges being witnessed in HEIs currently. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 15 participants, including faculty members, administrative staff and HR managers, from different higher education institutions. They are: (1) invest in modern HR management technology (2) take continuous professional development seriously (3) focus on diversity and inclusion (4) support work-life balance (5) make cross-departmental collaboration easier (6) add recognition and reward systems. The focus is on improving institutional performance and creating culture of innovation and excellence in HEIs.

Keywords: Human Resource Challenges, Higher Education Institutions, Faculty Well-being

Analytical Study of the Reasons for Differences Among Leaders in Contemporary Political Disagreements in the Light of the Qur'an and Sunnah

2025-08-17T20:08:33+00:00

This paper gives a critical examination of the origins of disparities amongst the leaders in modern political conflicts in the context of the Quran and Sunnah. Political battles are not only the result of ideological difference but they are greatly affected by individual interests, institutional set-ups, social-economic interests, and pressure of the people. The paper has identified that most of the leaders are more concerned about their individual and group interests at the expense of the national good leading to segregation, suspicion and wars. In the Quran, consultation (shura), justice, and unity have been emphasized, and as an additional value, tolerance, humility, and collective decision-making can be seen in the Sunnah by means of practical examples. Nevertheless, the contemporary political sphere proves the absence of compliance with these principles, as media and, especially, social media can only exacerbate the conflict instead of resolving it. The study explores several aspects of political disputes and includes such aspects as ideology, personal reasons, organizational and party systems, socio-economic and interest factors, media and social pressure. Classical Islamic thought is used in the reference of Imam al-Mawardi, Imam Ibn Khaldun, Imam Ghazali, Imam Shafi an work, and Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya in order to gain a comparison of Islamic directions to modern realities. Their reflections also note that conflict is the reality of the human society and has to be dealt with wisdom, justice as well as respect. Moreover, the article holds the position that disagreement managed by way of consultation, knowledge and sincerity can result in growth, reform and unity. On the other hand, when their intentions are egoistic, unjust or politically engineered, they divide and weaken the government. These results highlight the fact that contemporary political leadership must invoke Islamic moral concepts of consultation, accountability and collective good to eliminate the destructive conflicts. Incorporation of Quranic injunctions and prophetic practices in the political behavior will enable leaders to change the differences into constructive dialogue that will advance national and collective interests. The approach is analytical and can be used in the academic discourse on Islamic political thought, and to provide practical solutions on how to go about leadership wrangles in the contemporary societies.

Keywords: Political disagreements, Leadership conflicts, Qur’an and Sunnah, Consultation (Shura), Organizational structures, Socio-economic interests, Islamic political thought

Pakistan-Afghanistan Relation: Analyzing Traditional and Non-Traditional Security Challenges Since 2021-2024

2025-08-18T04:41:26+00:00

This study examines the traditional and non-traditional security challenges to Pakistan from Afghanistan after the US withdrawal through the lens of neo-classical realism. Since the inception of Pakistan in 1947, the relationship of Afghanistan and Pakistan is marked by continuous disagreements and disputes leading to mistrust and enmity. This study analyzes the traditional security challenges like state sponsored terrorism and Duran Line issue as well as non-traditional security challenges being faced by Pakistan after US withdrawal. Using qualitative approach, data is collected from various primary and secondary sources including government reports, security reports by think-tanks, academic journals and expert interviews. The finding indicates that traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as terrorism, Durand Line issue, drug, water conflict, refugee crisis and smuggling of arms and drug trafficking are key irritants that are being faced by Pakistan, which is overshadowing the diplomatic efforts. This study discusses the status of both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, while the international and domestic factors which is shaping the behavior of the states. This research briefly discusses the Afghan perspective and proposes strategies to address these problems.

Keywords: Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations, Traditional Security Challenges, Non-Traditional Security, Regional Stability, Post-2021 Dynamics

Sports as a Catalyst for Personal Growth: Exploring HED Tournaments in Government Colleges

2025-08-18T07:46:00+00:00

This study investigates the impact of Higher Education Department (HED) sports tournaments on the development of leadership, teamwork, and social skills among male students. Utilizing a survey methodology, the research collected data from participants involved in HED sports tournaments to assess their perceptions of skill development resulting from their participation. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between sports participation and the enhancement of essential life skills. Specifically, a majority of participants reported improvements in leadership skills (75.44%), teamwork skills (77.76%), and social skills (66.27%). These results align with existing literature, underscoring the importance of sports as a vehicle for personal growth and development. The study offers practical recommendations for policymakers, educators, and sports practitioners to enhance the effectiveness of sports programs in fostering these skills. Additionally, it highlights the need for future research to explore the impact of sports participation on diverse populations and the long-term effects of such involvement. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of the role of sports in higher education and its potential to cultivate essential life skills among students.

Keywords: Higher Education Department (HED), Sports Tournaments, Sports Participation, Personal Growth

Impact of Reward system on Employee Motivation “A case study of selected Universities in Jalalabad Afghanistan”

2025-08-18T16:56:20+00:00

Employees are the main factors of success for any organization their fore it is necessary to motivate them with both financial and none financial reward system. This research paper is design to show the relationship between reward system and employee motivation in the selected university of Afghanistan Nangrahar province. In current study reward system is independent variable which is measured through financial and none financial reward, while employee motivation is dependent variable. Mixed research method were adopted and primary data were used by distributed questioner to the respondent for collection of data. The collected data were analysis through SPSS software, for checking the reliability and validity, descriptive statistics, and hypothesis testing. Result Reveal that all the hypothesis are accepted as the value of the created hypothesis are less than 0.05. Furthermore r = 0.364 shoe positive change in between reward system and employee motivation and indicate that one unit increase in reward system will bring 0.364 units change in motivation, for none financial reward r = 0.399 indicate positive change mean that one unit increase in non-financial reward will bring 0.399 units change in employee motivation similarly for financial reward r = 0.414 indicate positive change between financial reward and employee motivation

Keywords: Reward System, Financial Reward, None Financial Reward, Employee Motivation

Exploration of Media Framing Conflict of Peace and Polarizational Narratives: A Study through Critical Discourse Analysis

2025-08-18T22:24:34+00:00

This research uses Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine how the media presents conflicts through polarizing and peace-oriented narratives. In order to compare peace and polarizational narratives and assess their effects on public opinion and societal polarization, the study attempts to identify the most common framing techniques used in media coverage of conflicts. As a potent agenda-setter, the media has a big impact on how people view conflicts. Mixed-method approach is used to express the hidden agenda of Critical Discourse Analysis. The textual, discursive, and social practice analyses were driven by Fairclough's three-dimensional document analysis framework. Frequency counts, frame classification, and language analysis were all done using coding sheets. Analysis was done on a purposeful sample of 75 media texts, which included debates, editorials, and news stories. According to the report, media is dominated by polarizational frames (45%), which eclipse storylines that are focused on peace (37%). CDA demonstrates how linguistic techniques marginalize discourses of reconciliation while normalizing separation.

Keywords: Conflict Communication, CDA, Polarizational discourse, Peace narratives, Media framing.

The linguistic representation of gender ethnicity, and social class in Pakistan television drama

2025-08-19T12:23:49+00:00

The paper is a discourse analysis of the construction and negotiation of the identities of gender, ethnicity and social classes in Pakistani TV dramas and movies. Based on a mixed-method corpus of contemporary popular TV serial fare and feature films (2000-2025), the study employs the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and other sociolinguistic and methodological tools to study lexical choices, conversational routines, code -switching, dialect representation, politeness strategies, and reported speech. The research poses the question of how cinema and television discourse replicates, disrupts or Circumvents general social order and stereotyped roles of identity. Data is obtained through purposive sampling of interaction-indexing scenes of camera systematic observation (family, workplace, judiciary, city streets), transcribed into a search-able corpus, and coded qualitatively through recurrent linguistic patterns linked with gendered signifiers of social identity (gender, ethnic identity signals (e.g. Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi language traits), and embodiments of social status (formal vs. colloquial registers, lexical prestige). The results will aim to discover the discursive dynamics of how media enact social meanings, to trace the overlaps of language and power within the Pakistani audiovisual culture and to support development of media guidelines and media policy recommendations in the direction of new volume in representation. The paper makes a contribution to sociolinguistics, media studies, cultural studies as it develops a formula to read language in Pakistani screen narratives as ideologically loaded.

Keywords: Pakistan media; discourse analysis; critique; sociolinguistics; gendered representations; ethnicity; social group; code switching; drama TV; motion picture.