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Governance Policy Failures and the Institutional Corruption: Barriers to Sustainable Development & Implications for Economic Growth

Syed Razi Hasnain — 2026-01-22

Persistent governance failures and institutional corruption remain central obstacles to sustainable development in Pakistan. Despite repeated reform initiatives, weak regulatory enforcement, bureaucratic inefficiency, and political interference continue to undermine institutional performance and economic stability. This study examines how governance policy failures and institutional corruption operate as structural barriers to sustainable development and long-term economic growth in Pakistan. Drawing upon Institutional Theory and Principal–Agent frameworks, the research conceptualizes corruption as a systemic governance dysfunction embedded within institutional design and accountability mechanisms. Using a mixed-method approach, the study analyzes longitudinal data from the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators, Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, and Pakistan’s macroeconomic performance indicators over the past two decades. The quantitative analysis identifies a significant negative relationship between governance effectiveness, rule of law, regulatory quality, and sustainable economic growth. Complementary qualitative policy analysis highlights how regulatory capture, politicized bureaucracy, inconsistent development planning, and weak oversight institutions distort resource allocation and reduce public trust. The findings suggest that institutional corruption in Pakistan does not merely increase transaction costs but structurally impedes investment, weakens fiscal management, and reinforces cycles of economic vulnerability. The study argues that sustainable development in Pakistan requires institutional restructuring centered on transparency, digital governance reforms, strengthened accountability frameworks, and policy continuity beyond electoral cycles by empirically situating governance quality within Pakistan’s development trajectory, this research contributes to regional political economy scholarship and offers policy-relevant insights for institutional reform in emerging economies facing similar structural constraints.

Keywords: Accountability, Corruption, Governance, Institutional, Policy, Reform, Transparency.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18714912

Pakistan’s Political Paradox: Elected Governments, Unelected Power

Uzma Malik — 2026-02-20

Pakistan’s Political Paradox: Elected Governments, Unelected Power examines the persistent asymmetry between formally elected civilian administrations and the dominant role of unelected institutions chiefly the military establishment in shaping policy and political outcomes. Tracing the historical roots from pre-independence military centrality through successive coups (1958, 1977, 1999) to contemporary hybrid arrangements, the study employs historical process tracing and a qualitative case-study approach to analyze post-2008 developments, including the 18th Amendment’s limited success in rebalancing power, the 2018 engineered elections, the 2022 ouster of Imran Khan, and the 2025 27th Constitutional Amendment that institutionalized military primacy via the Chief of Defence Forces role. Drawing on hybrid regime theory (tutelary democracy and competitive authoritarianism) combined with civil-military imbalance models, the article dissects informal and formal mechanisms of control political engineering, media capture, judicial alignments, bureaucratic influence, and economic leverage through military conglomerates that sustain tutelary oversight beneath an electoral façade. Contemporary manifestations reveal elected governments functioning as junior partners, subordinated in security, foreign affairs, and strategic economic domains, while systematic suppression of opposition and institutional capture erode democratic substance. The analysis concludes that this adaptive hybridity ensures short-term regime stability but perpetuates long-term fragility, democratic backsliding, and governance inefficiency. Sustainable resolution requires structural reforms to establish genuine civilian supremacy, including defense oversight, economic demilitarization, judicial independence, and societal consensus against tutelary guardianship. Absent such transformation, Pakistan risks deeper authoritarian consolidation amid mounting internal and external pressures.

Keywords: Pakistan, Civil-Military Relations, Hybrid Regime, Tutelary Democracy, Military Establishment, Democratic Backsliding

Democracy on Trial: A Historical Analysis of Pakistan’s Political Struggles

Asifa Zafar — 2026-02-20

Pakistan's democratic journey since independence in 1947 has been characterized by persistent fragility, marked by repeated military interventions, institutional weaknesses, and civil-military imbalances that have kept the polity perpetually "on trial." Founded with aspirations for parliamentary governance, the country experienced direct military rule for nearly half its history through regimes under Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf, interspersed with short-lived civilian interludes undermined by elite fragmentation, regional disparities, and authoritarian tendencies. Early failures in constitution-making and leadership crises paved the way for the 1958 coup, while subsequent cycles revealed patterns of populist civilian experiments (e.g., Bhutto's 1973 Constitution) followed by Islamization and controlled democratization under Zia. The post-1999 era shifted toward hybrid or tutelary regimes, where elections persist but military influence dominates security, foreign policy, and institutional oversight evident in the 2008–present transitions, Imran Khan's 2022 ouster, disputed 2024 elections, and the 2025 27th Constitutional Amendment formalizing greater military primacy. Through qualitative historical analysis of secondary sources, this article traces these recurring "trials" of democratic institutions, highlighting structural asymmetries rooted in colonial legacies, praetorian traditions, and geopolitical factors. It argues that while incremental reforms like the 18th Amendment demonstrate resilience, enduring tutelage and adaptive authoritarian mechanisms continue to erode civilian supremacy, rendering sustainable democracy elusive in this post-colonial context. The analysis underscores the need for genuine civil-military equilibrium to break cycles of instability and foster inclusive, accountable governance.

Keywords: Pakistan Democracy, Military Interventions, Civil-Military Relations, Hybrid Regime, Democratic Backsliding, Constitutional Amendments

Leadership Crisis or Systemic Failure? Understanding Pakistan’s Politics

Dr. Farhat Nasim — 2026-02-20

This article critically examines Pakistan's enduring political instability since 1947, interrogating whether its root causes lie primarily in a leadership crisis characterized by dynastic dominance, personalistic rule, corruption, and the absence of visionary, accountable leaders or in systemic failures embedded in institutional weaknesses, civil-military imbalances, electoral manipulations, elite capture, and economic dependencies. Drawing on historical-comparative analysis and thematic synthesis, the study traces the evolution of Pakistan's polity through military coups, short-lived civilian governments, and hybrid regimes, highlighting key patterns of elite fragmentation, regional tensions, and persistent civil-military asymmetry. The leadership crisis perspective is substantiated through evidence of post-Jinnah vacuums, failures during the 1988-1999 democratic alternation, and recent polarization under figures like Imran Khan, demonstrating how self-interested leadership erodes civilian authority and invites military intervention. Conversely, the systemic failure perspective reveals how structural constraints overdeveloped military prerogatives, weak institutions, and patronage politics systematically produce and sustain dysfunctional leadership, as illustrated by hybrid regime dynamics from 2018-2022, post-2022 unrest, and elite capture perpetuating inequality. The analysis concludes that these dimensions are not mutually exclusive but reciprocally reinforcing, creating a self-sustaining cycle of instability that demands simultaneous reforms in leadership selection and institutional architecture to achieve genuine democratic consolidation and national resilience.

Keywords: Pakistan politics, leadership crisis, systemic failure, civil-military imbalance, hybrid regime, elite capture

Beyond Secularization: Cognitive Acceleration and the Structural Incompatibility of Traditional Theology

Umar Wyne — 2026-02-20

Over the past three centuries, the relationship between theology and knowledge has undergone profound structural transformation. While secularization theory has traditionally interpreted rising non-religiosity as institutional decline or ideological atheism, this paper proposes an alternative diagnostic framework. It argues that the contemporary moment is characterized not merely by disbelief but by an epistemic recalibration driven by cognitive acceleration. Tracing the historical differentiation of theology from empirical explanation since the Scientific Revolution, the study situates the present era within a longer trajectory of rationalization and disenchantment. However, unlike earlier phases of modernization, the twenty-first century introduces unprecedented acceleration through advances in neuroscience, molecular genetics, and artificial intelligence. These developments reshape explanatory expectations by privileging mechanistic coherence, algorithmic modeling, and biological intervention. The paper advances the concept of a “relatability crisis” to describe the increasing friction between inherited theological metaphysics and dominant scientific paradigms. It suggests that what is often interpreted as the spread of atheism may instead reflect structural incompatibility between metaphysical grammar and accelerated epistemic regimes. The study remains diagnostic rather than prescriptive, contributing to debates in secularization theory, philosophy of religion, and intellectual history by reframing non-religiosity as a question of epistemic compatibility rather than ideological rejection.

Keywords: Secularization; Epistemic Acceleration; Theology; Artificial Intelligence; Neuroscience; Metaphysical Plausibility; Modernity

Influence of Body Parts Measurements with Low and High Risk of Obesity Using Male Human Body Fat Percentage

Mir Ghulam Hyder Talpur — 2026-02-20

There are many indicators of the body that inform about the health of a person. In these indicators, Body-Fat-Percentage (BFP) is an important factor that classifies the low and high risk of obesity. Obesity is one of the silent killer illnesses that make people lazy and unable to perform their daily routine work smoothly. BFP factor distinguishes the status of normal and obese persons. In this study, we identified that all body measurements including density and age have significant differences between Low and High risk of obesity. Human body measurement factors are density (den), age, weight (w), height (h), neck (n), chest (c), abdomen (abd), hip, thigh (t), knee (K), ankle (A), biceps (b), forearm (f), and wrist (w) body measures. Screening of data was performed by removing outliers using Box-Whisker plots from all factors. Box-Whisker plot constructed through R software using package ggplot2. Comparison of body parts measurements based on Low-Risk and High-Risk using two-sample t-tests done through SPSS software.

Keywords: Body fat percentage, density, two-sample t-test, heatmap, obesity

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18709199

Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy: Pathways to Lasting Peace in Contemporary International Relations

Shafique Husssain Wassan — 2026-02-18

This article examines the role of conflict resolution and diplomacy as pathways to lasting peace in contemporary international relations amid rising multipolarity, hybrid conflicts, and institutional challenges. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from realism, liberalism, constructivism, and peace studies, it reviews the evolution of diplomatic practices from traditional negotiations to preventive, track-II, digital, and hybrid modalities and analyzes conflict resolution mechanisms like mediation, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding through comparative case studies of Ukraine-Russia talks, Gaza ceasefire processes, Ethiopia-Eritrea reconciliation, and Colombia's accord. Findings highlight success factors such as inclusive mediation, third-party neutrality, sustained dialogue, and norm-building, contrasted with failures driven by power asymmetries, spoilers, and enforcement gaps. The study argues that effective diplomacy, when combined with transformative and inclusive approaches, transcends negative peace to achieve positive, sustainable structures despite geopolitical fragmentation. It addresses contemporary dynamics like the erosion of multilateralism and the rise of regional actors, offering policy implications for adaptive strategies in states, international organizations, and mediators to promote durable peace in an era of interconnected threats.

Keywords: Conflict Resolution, Diplomacy, Lasting Peace, Multipolarity, Inclusive Mediation, Positive Peace

Punjab Punjabi and Saraiki

Professor Dr. Mujahida Butt — 2026-02-17

Every human being has a language and he needs it to communicate his feelings. It acts as a tool for verbal expression of one’s thoughts, feelings, emotions and social relations. Our communication system establishes on the basis of two organs e.g., tongue and brain. Instead of being a collection of words, language can be defined as a means of communication and connection in the society. Linguistics is the way to explore languages and their development. Language always depicts social change, history, continuity and cultural identity. Punjabi and Saraiki have deep historical roots in Punjab from so many centuries. Both have evolved over centuries ad shaped the religion. Punjabi has two scripts i.e., Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi. Saraiki is spoken mostly in southern Punjab and surrounding areas. There are some concepts regarding Saraiki, some linguists consider Saraiki a dialect of Punjabi while others recognize it as an in dependent language. Historically both Punjabi ad Saraiki have been influenced by classical and regional Languages. This article also highlights the importance of orthography and standardization particularly in case of Saraiki and Punjabi. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that language is closely tied to identity and religion. Language communities preserve traditions, spirituality and construct social themes. Issues of spellings, scripts, representation and phonetic accuracy remain central to the development of standardized written form. Literary Production and linguistic preservation is essential by orthographic practices. In conclusion, Punjabi, Saraiki represent not only linguistics but also culture, entities, shaped by historical process and social interaction. Their mutual influences illustrate dynamic nature of language. Linguistic study of both enhance understanding of regional recognition, cultural identity and wide framework.

Keywords: Language, Linguistics, Communication, Punjabi, Saraiki, Orthography, Standardization, Dialects, Cultural Identity

Exploring National Identity in Single National Curriculum English Textbooks of Punjab, Pakistan

Fatiha Wajahat — 2026-02-19

This study examines how implicature is utilized in Grade 5 English textbooks within Pakistan’s Single National Curriculum, with an emphasis on the ways language shape’s national identity and nurtures a sense of belonging among young learners. Using a qualitative approach, the research looks at both conventional implicature and direct language references to understand how language aids in cultivating nationalism. Through a thorough content analysis, the study highlights how linguistic tools like word choice and sentence structures are key in fostering students' perceptions of national pride, patriotism, and cultural values. The findings indicate that the textbooks serve a dual role: not only do they promote language skills, but they also encourage national unity and identity. By embedding both explicit and subtle messages about national symbols, historical moments, and national heroes, the textbooks help create a collective sense of pride and unity among students. This research emphasizes the significance of thoughtfully crafted educational materials that go beyond enhancing academic performance, also contributing to identity development and social cohesion. The study offers important insights for educators, policymakers, and curriculum designers, suggesting ways to create textbooks that foster national unity and cultural awareness, while also strengthening students' language proficiency.

Keywords: Conventional Implicature, Explicit Examples, English Language Learners ELL, Language Proficiency, Nationalism, National Identity, Textbooks

Changing Dynamic of Maritime Security: A Critical Study of Melting the Arctic Ocean

Eman Fatima — 2026-02-17

This qualitative study aims to comprehend the issue of changing dynamics of maritime security in the Arctic due to the climate change. Melting of ice has now become one of the most preeminent issues in the Arctic which; now; requires international attention. The region is strategically transforming due to the environmental damage, increase resources competition and the interests of several non-Arctic states; this phenomenon in evolving the maritime security dynamic by opening of new routes and economic potential. Multipolarity in Arctic has made governance much more difficult due to difference in interests and policies of states. The threat to maritime security has been affecting the human security in many aspects and can lead towards a devastating situation in near future. Melting Arctic requires cooperation of state and non-state actors; measures like confidence-building, crisis management and regulations through International and reginal organizations can help. This paper contributes to United Nations SDGs which promote responsible consumption, climate action, protection of life, and international partnership; crucial for the region. The study recommends the ruling out of underlying reasons behind melting Arctic to protect the region from any conflictual situation in future.

Keywords: Arctic region, Climate change, Environmental degradation, Human security, International Law, Maritime security, Multilateral organizations

Impact of Influencer Marketing on the Buying Behavior of Youth

Ayesha Ishfaq — 2026-01-17

Influencer marketing is when businesses collaborate with internet influencers to sell their goods. Because influencers have sizable internet and social media followings, other influencer marketing partnerships are less tangible. Some individuals have millions or even hundreds of thousands of followers. Many of them will still probably seem like regular individuals. They might only have a thousand followers, or in certain situations, even less. These are the people who create the most engaging social media posts, depending on their area of expertise. They produce the most thrilling films, publish the most exquisite content, and conduct the most engaging and educational online discussions. This thesis aims to investigate the popularity of Instagram influencers, the effectiveness of influencer marketing in promoting a particular product, and the potential of influencer marketing in the marketing industry. The study also looks at the causes behind consumers buying behavior, consumer attraction towards products. To accomplish this study's goals, we used quantitative data using an objective approach. Survey questionnaire was conduct from the students of different universities two private sector universities (University of Management and Technology, University of Central Punjab) and two government universities (The University of Punjab, Government College & University). Sample size for this study was 600 which is divided as on 150 from each university. All our hypothesis were supported. Influencer marketing has a major positive impact on young people's purchasing decisions and greatly increases product promotion. Purchase intent is boosted by the opinions of influencers, strong post interaction, and encouraging audience comments. Youth judgements are also greatly influenced by the kind and quality of information.

Keywords: Influencer Marketing, Consumer Buying Behavior, Social Media, Youth, Pakistan.

An Empirical Analysis of Socio-Economic Determinants of Rural-to-Urban Migration: Evidence from Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Fazal Karim — 2026-02-16

The present study is conducted in Peshawar to reveal the socio-economic factors that causes rural to urban migration. The sample size of 100 is selected from both regions of Peshawar such as Hayatabad and Warsakroad. Structure questionnaire is used for the collection of the data, for data analysis SPSS software is employed and a non-probability sampling method is applied. The study concludes that shortage of economic facilities, inadequate education, marriage family disputes, traditional authorities influence in each issue common public. Lack of medical services is basic causes which encourage the people to migrate to developed town and cities. The research propose that examine the migration from rural to urban regions and also make available major facilities of life to rural inhabitants such as employment education infrastructure and health services that can overcome this issue

Keywords: Empirical Analysis, Socio-Economic Determinants, Rural, Urban, Migration, Peshawar

Impact of Paid and Unpaid Tuition on Students' Academic Performance

Dr. Bushra Salahuddin — 2026-02-15

The rising cost of education has created a significant financial burden on students and families in Pakistan. The dichotomy between students who can secure tuition fees and those facing unpaid balances presents a critical yet under-researched determinant of academic achievement. This study empirically investigates the impact of paid and unpaid tuition on the academic performance of higher secondary school students in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive design, data were collected from a stratified random sample of 1,186 students (635 male, 551 female) drawn from public and private higher secondary institutions. A validated survey instrument measured tuition payment status (paid/unpaid) and academic performance (self-reported grades converted to a 5-point GPA scale). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-sample t-tests, chi-square test, and Cohen's d effect size. The sample comprised 682 students (57.5%) with paid tuition and 504 students (42.5%) with unpaid tuition. Students with paid tuition demonstrated significantly above-average performance (M=4.12, SD=0.48) compared to the benchmark of 3.50, t(681)=34.21, p<0.001. Students with unpaid tuition scored significantly lower than paid-tuition peers (M=3.72, SD=0.53), t(1184)=13.64, p<0.001, d=0.79 (medium-large effect). A significant association existed between gender and payment status, χ²(1)=30.42, p<0.001, with male students (64.9%) more likely to have paid tuition than female students (49.0%).Tuition payment status is a significant determinant of academic performance. Paid tuition enables academic success; unpaid tuition constitutes a substantial barrier operating through psychosocial stress, cognitive load depletion, institutional sanctions, and competing time demands. The medium-large effect size underscores meaningful real-world impact. Targeted scholarship programs, emergency grant aid, flexible payment plans, reform of punitive institutional policies, and targeted support for female students are urgently needed.

Keywords: Paid Tuition, Unpaid Tuition, Academic Performance, Financial Stress, Higher Secondary Education, Educational Equity, Gender Disparity, Pakistan

The Transformative Role of AI-Powered E-Monitoring in Enhancing Employee Accountability within Higher Education Institutions

Dr. Humera Shaikh — 2026-01-31

This research paper investigates the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Electronic Monitoring (E-Monitoring) systems on employee accountability within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Rapid technological advancements have introduced sophisticated surveillance tools, moving beyond traditional physical oversight to digital scrutiny of administrative, academic, and support staff. While proponents argue that AI-E-Monitoring fosters transparency, efficiency, and measurable accountability, critics raise concerns regarding privacy erosion, psychological stress, and potential algorithmic bias. This study aims to empirically analyze the relationship between the perceived effectiveness of AI-E-Monitoring implementation and three key dimensions of employee accountability: Task Completion Adherence (TCA), Ethical Compliance Behavior (ECB), and Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB). Utilizing a quantitative approach, data was collected from a sample of 450 HEI employees across various functional roles. The data was analyzed using both SPSS (for descriptive statistics, reliability, and regression analysis) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS (for testing the complex research model and hypotheses). The findings reveal a significant positive impact of perceived effective AI-E-Monitoring on both TCA and ECB. However, a significant negative correlation was observed between AI-E-Monitoring and OCB, suggesting a detrimental effect on discretionary, helpful workplace behaviors. The developed AI-E-Monitoring Accountability Model (AI-EAM), grounded in Agency Theory and Social Exchange Theory, provides valuable insights for HEI leadership seeking to maximize accountability benefits while mitigating negative consequences, emphasizing the critical need for transparent policies, fair application, and a focus on procedural justice.

Keywords: AI-Powered E-Monitoring, Employee Accountability, Higher Education Institutions, Task Completion Adherence, Ethical Compliance Behavior, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, PLS-SEM, SPSS, Agency Theory.

A Research Study of the Economic and Financial Ijtihādāt in Fatawa Haqqania

Muhammad Abu Bakar Saqi — 2026-02-14

When the ijtihādī opinions of Mawlānā ‘Abd al-Ḥaqq Ḥaqqānī in the field of economics and finance are examined, it becomes evident that his thought reflects profound juristic insight and a distinguished standing in Islamic jurisprudence. In every economic and financial issue, he directly relies on the authoritative sources of the Ḥanafī School such as al-Hidāyah, Badā ’iʿ al-Ṣanā’ iʿ, Fatḥ al-Qadīr, and Fatāwā al-‘Ālamgīriyyah. He does not base his conclusions on personal inclination; rather, he grounds his opinions firmly in established legal principles and textual evidence.In addressing any juristic question, he first clarifies the nature of the issue, its operative cause (‘illah), and its Shar‘ī dimensions. He then presents the evidences of the Ḥanafī jurists and applies them thoughtfully to contemporary economic systems. His distinction lies in harmonizing classical legal principles, universal maxims, and the objectives of Sharī‘ah with the demands of changing times. Thus, he avoids both rigid traditionalism and unwarranted leniency, offering balanced, well-researched ijtihādī opinions that combine scholarly authority, authenticity, and relevance to modern realities.

Keyword: Fatawa Haqqaniyya, Mushārakah, Muḍārabah, livelihood, economics, ijtihādī opinions, and analytical review

Examining the Effect of Head Teachers’ Emotional Intelligence on School Performance in District Gujrat

Dr. Khalid Saleem — 2026-02-14

The current research addressed the impact of emotional intelligence of head teachers on the performance of schools in the primary level in District Gujrat. The study design was a quantitative, correlational research design where all the primary school heads in the district were the target population with 100 representatives chosen through purposive sampling. Two structured scales were used to collect the data; the Primary School Heads Emotional Intelligence Scale that measured five dimensions of emotional intelligence including; self-awareness, managing emotions, motivating oneself, empathy, and social skills and the Primary School Performance Observation Schedule that evaluated schools’ performance in terms of student admission, retention and dropout, co-curricular activities, school cleanliness, and classroom achievement. The levels of emotional intelligence and school performance were determined using descriptive statistics whereas the Pearson correlation analysis was applied to determine the relationship between the two. The results found out that primary school head teachers have moderate to high emotional intelligence with motivating oneself and social skills being the most powerful dimensions. The overall performance of the school was moderate with the comparatively better performance in student admission and classroom achievement as compared to the co-curricular activities and student retention. It was also shown in the results that there was a significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence of the head teachers and all school performance dimensions, and overall emotional intelligence was most correlated with overall school performance. The research paper finds that the emotional intelligence leadership style is very important in improving the academic and organizational outcomes of school performance. It is advisable that emotional intelligence should be incorporated in leadership training, evaluation and professional development programs to enhance effective reduced-schools.

Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Head Teachers, School Performance, Primary Schools, Educational Leadership

Study of Workplace Aggression, Employee Dissent, Organizational Cynicism and Job Performance: A Moderation Analysis with Organizational Commitment

Dr. Abdul Wahab Memon — 2026-02-14

The study has been conducted to identify the impact of Workplace Aggression, Employee Dissent, and Organizational Cynicism on Job Performance. Further, this study checked the moderating impact of Organizational Commitment between Workplace Aggression, Employee Dissent, Organizational Cynicism and job Performance. The population was 1050 consisting on male and female teachers of Govt. colleges of Sukkur region, Sindh. From this population 280 respondants were selected. The data has been evaluated through SPSS and AMOS. The results of the hypotheses showed that Workplace Aggression, Employee Dissent, and Organizational Cynicism are negatively impacts on Job Performance whereas Organizational Commitment moderates positively in these relationships. So it has been concluded that Organizations that foster a culture of high Organizational Commitment may be better equipped to handle Workplace Aggression, Employee Dissent, and Organizational Cynicism and their negative effects on Job Performance.

Keywords: Workplace Aggression, Employee Dissent, Organizational Cynicism, Job Performance, Organizational Commitment

Can Track 2 Deliver? Informal Engagement and Pakistan’s Search for Stability with Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan

Rana Usman Mansha — 2026-02-13

The present return of the Taliban to power after U.S. forces evacuated Afghanistan was seen as an opportunity by Pakistan to stabilise relations through shared religious, cultural and historic affinities. These expectations have remained unmet, and there are persistent border tensions and cross-border militancy. Pakistan’s primary security concern is centred on continued cross-border militant activities originating from Afghan soil. There is a structural mismatch between Pakistan’s conventional diplomatic approach and the Taliban’s ideologically driven and informal regime, which has proved to have limited effectiveness in state-to-state formal diplomacy. Therefore, there is room for track 2 diplomacy through religious scholars, tribal leaders, business communities and academics. By assessing these supplementary diplomatic means in the post-2021 era, this paper seeks to evaluate the importance of such engagements in bringing about behavioural restraint and improved bilateral relations. The study finds that in a constrained policy environment, although Track 2 diplomacy alone cannot produce decisive security outcomes, but it plays a facilitative and incremental role in crisis management when it is integrated into a broader policy framework. To a certain extent, this approach can serve as a pragmatic tool for managing Pakistan’s security challenge related to Afghanistan.

Keywords: Pakistan–Afghanistan relations; Track 2 diplomacy; informal engagement; cross-border militancy; conflict management; regional security.

Observing Power, Unlearning Authority, and Resisting Anthropocentrism: A Critical Discourse and Socio-Cognitive Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s “The Bird Came Down the Walk”

Aisha Bibi — 2026-02-14

Emily Dickinson’s poem “The Bird Came Down the Walk” is frequently viewed as a serene nature lyric focused on perceptual awareness and psychological insight. This analysis, however, reinterprets the poem as a nuanced yet continuous critique of anthropocentrism. Utilizing Critical

Discourse Analysis through Fairclough’s three-dimensional approach and van Dijk’s sociocognitive framework, the examination investigates how metaphor of violence, surveillance, paternalism, and flight convey the conflicts between human control and nonhuman autonomy. A detailed, line-by-line analysis uncovers the speaker’s shifting mental models, revealing the fragility of human-centered beliefs regarding authority, understanding, and moral superiority. The bird’s defiance against domestication and scrutiny ultimately challenges the speaker’s epistemic power, highlighting the ethical constraints of human perception. By combining CDA with close reading techniques, this analysis positions Dickinson’s poem as not only an artistic work but also a venue for ideological struggle, thereby broadening the use of CDA within the field of literary discourse analysis.

Keywords: Critical Discourse Analysis; Socio-Cognitive Model; Metaphor; Ideology; Anthropocentrism; Power; Paternalism;

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18638425

Examining the Impact of Human Resource Information System on Organizational Performance: Mediating Effect of Employees Performance

Arfan Saeed — 2026-02-13

Human resource is the key that drive the organization towards the success but for this, personnel should be skilled, properly deployed and effectively controlled. SIS and HRMIS were introduced by the GOP for the said purpose. This study examined the impact of HRIS on the organizational performance with mediating effect of adaptive performance in the school education department. Stratified sampling technique was used to collect the data. Total 333 proper questionnaire were received for data analysis. Initially factorization was run on HRIS and in total 4 factors were derived. Smart PLS was used for further data analysis. It was found that operational efficiency & decision support has positive but insignificant impact on organizational performance. User engagement & satisfaction also have insignificant impact on organizational performance. Process optimization & cost reduction has positive and significant impact on organizational performance. Time & cost efficiency also has positive and significant impact on the organizational performance. It was observed a significant relationship between adaptive performance and organizational performance. Indirect effect of adaptive performance was found statistically insignificant between operational efficiency & decision support on organizational performance. Indirect effect of adaptive performance was also found statistically insignificant between User engagement & satisfaction on organizational performance. Adaptive performance mediates the relationship of Process optimization & cost reduction and organizational performance. Time & cost efficiency mediates the relationship of process optimization & cost reduction and organizational performance.

Keywords. HRIS, Adaptive Performance and Organizational Performance

Self Esteem and Life Satisfaction among University Teachers: A Correlational Study

Faiza Abdul Khaliq — 2026-02-12

Life satisfaction is an impotent phenomenon, where self esteem is fundamental and core value for prediction of life satisfaction. The present study determined to explore the relationship between self esteem and life satisfaction. A 120 sample of university teachers with age of 25 to 28 (M = 33.84, SD = 5.69) were included in the study. In present study using a correlation survey research design, where The Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, et al., 1985) and Self esteem Scale (Rosenberg,1965) were used in the current study. Findings of the present study showed that there is a positive correlation between self esteem and life satisfaction. Moreover, self esteem is a good predictor of life satisfaction. Self esteem helps with the life satisfaction. The results of present study showed that there is a positive relationship between self esteem and life satisfaction. Additionally, the individuals with higher rate of self-esteem also have the high level of satisfaction in their lives.

Keywords. Self Esteem and Life Satisfaction

Demystifying Patriarchal Authority: The Politics of Women’s Oppression in Muna Masyari’s Damar Kambang

Sania Gul — 2026-02-12

Patriarchy is a social-cultural order in which men are the dominant entities in the social, political, economic, and family institutions, and women are the sub-ordinate and marginalized beings. Employing feminist theoretical approach proposed by Walby, this paper offers a critical examination of patriarchal power, and the politics of women oppression under patriarchal system as reflected in Damar Kambang by Muna Masyari. Damar Kambang is the story of patriarchal social order in which gendered power relations are legitimized by cultural norms, family structures and moral ideologies. It demonstrates how the social consent and cultural legitimacy reproduces gender inequality and challenges the issue of gender inequality as political by preempting the experiences of women living in oppressive structures. The novelist, Masyari, unveils the different degrees of female oppression which include forced silence, economic dependency and psychological oppression, all of which enhance male dominance. She does not only criticize acts of violence on a personal level perpetrated against women but also questions and critiques the patriarchal structure that allows this violence to thrive. The research findings reveal that patriarchy dominates the bodies, voices and life choices of women. And the novel is a powerful literary intervention that challenges the patriarchal hegemony and contributes greatly to feminist discourses of gender, power, and oppression.

Keywords: Muna Masyari, Damar Kambang, Patriarchal Authority, Women’s Oppression, Gendered Power Relations, Feminist Criticism

AI-Driven Beauty Filters and Their Impact on Beauty Perception and Self-Esteem: A Survey of Instagram and TikTok Users

Muhammad Husnain — 2026-02-12

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have popularized AI-driven filters, enabling users to enhance their appearance digitally. This study investigates the impact of AI filter usage on perceived beauty, confidence, and self-esteem among young adults aged 18–30. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 165 active social media users using structured questionnaires, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Likert-scale items on beauty perception and filter use. Results show that AI filters significantly enhance perceived beauty and confidence, but also negatively affect self-esteem and mental well-being. These findings indicate that while digital enhancements provide short-term satisfaction, they may contribute to long-term psychological strain, body dissatisfaction, and distorted self-perception. The study highlights the need for digital literacy, self-awareness, and responsible social media use.

Keywords: AI filters, social media, beauty perception, self-esteem, Instagram, TikTok

The Role of Digital Marketing Strategy in Enhancing Organizational Outcomes in the Real Estate Sector of Islamabad: The Mediating Role of Customer Satisfaction

Asiya Bano — 2026-02-12

This study examines the influence of Digital Marketing Strategy on Organizational Outcomes in the real estate sector of Islamabad, Pakistan, focusing on the mediating role of Customer Satisfaction. As digital marketing continues to redefine customer interactions and organizational performance, understanding its mechanisms is essential for achieving sustained business success. The research employs a robust methodology, using surveys distributed to 60 participants, including both employees and customers from three prominent real estate agencies in Islamabad. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Smart Partial Least Squares, and Bootstrapping techniques. The results demonstrate that Digital Marketing Strategy significantly improves Customer Satisfaction, which, in turn, enhances Organizational Outcomes. Moreover, Customer Satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between Digital Marketing Strategy and Organizational Outcomes, emphasizing the critical role of customer-centric digital strategies in fostering business growth. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between digital marketing, customer satisfaction, and organizational performance, offering a novel framework for real estate agencies in Islamabad and contributing to the broader understanding of digital marketing’s impact in emerging markets.

Keywords: Digital Marketing Strategy, Customer Satisfaction, Organizational Outcomes, Mediation, Real Estate, Pakistan, Bootstrapping

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18620917

Working Women’s Perception about Impact of their Work on Children Socialization in Tehsil Takht Bhai, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Waqar Ali Khan (corresponding author) — 2026-02-12

Women's participation in the workforce is essential for the development of any country, and the role of women in Pakistan is changing rapidly. This change is having a profound effect on child socialization. The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of women’s working outside the home, particularly on child socialization, as perceived by the women’s themselves. In this study, purposive sampling technique was used to involve ten working women from Tehsil Takht Bhai, Pakistan and findings analyzed by the method of thematic analysis. Eleven key themes emerged from this analysis: The results indicate that working reduces the quality and amount of time women spend with their children hence communication, emotional closeness and relationship, communication and interpersonal skills, and developmental areas including independence and sense of responsibility is impacted. women’s reported concerns about children's increased aggression, regression, feelings of insecurity, and higher academic performance. The study also highlighted the importance of resources and opportunities to improve the academic performance of their children. This study concluded that working women’s need support from family and employer for better development of their children. In addition, it is important to respect the triple role of women in society and ensure employment benefits for working women, so that women can better fulfill their responsibilities. This research highlights the importance of women's participation in the workforce not only for economic development, but also for the betterment of the family and society.

Key words: Working Women’s, Perception, Socialization, Qualitative, Pakistan

Transformative Leadership of an IBA-Recruited Head Teacher: School Improvement Initiatives in Rural Khairpur, Sindh

Javed Ali Rajpar — 2026-02-12

Purpose: This research explores the performance and transformative leadership programs of head teachers who are hired using Sukkur IBA University Testing Services (STS) merit-based system in Sindh, Pakistan. The key aim is to assess how these non-seniority-based leaders negotiate the systemic issues of the rural education system to trigger an environment of school improvement.

Methods: The research uses a qualitative instrumental case study design, and it is based on Government Branch High School X located in the Basti Tehsil of District Khairpur. Semi-structured interviews with 29 stakeholders, consisting of head teachers, staff members, students, parents, chairmen of School Management Committee (SMC), and Taluka Education Officers (TEOs) were used to collect data. Triangulation was done by document analysis of school registers, cash books and visitor records.

Findings: The research finds that the IBA-appointed head teacher (HT1) was able to institute critical reforms in four areas, including functionalizing infrastructure (solar power, washrooms), systematizing academics (weekly testing, multimedia use), mobilizing community resources (land and furniture donations), and creating a role-model leadership culture. Although there were persistent shortages of resources and early opposition by the community, the merit-based recruitment led to the much better punctuality of teachers and their interaction with the students.

Implications: The results imply that third party merit testing to professionalize the school leadership cadres is working well to avoid political patronage. Nevertheless, the paper notes that because of the contractual character of these appointments, it leads to a kind of a contractual paradox, in which job insecurity leads to short-term excellence but long-term professional anxiety.

Keywords: Head Teacher Performance, School Improvement, Sindh Education Reforms, Merit-based Recruitment, Transformative Leadership, Rural Education.

Political Stability and Security Challenges: Implications for Governance in Pakistan

Maryam Bibi — 2026-02-12

Political stability in Pakistan has been persistently undermined by governance deficits and complex security challenges. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2024, Pakistan ranked among the five most terrorism-affected countries, with militant violence resurging particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Official security data indicate that over 1,500 terrorism-related incidents were reported in 2023, resulting in significant civilian and security-force casualties. These security pressures coincide with chronic political instability, characterized by frequent government changes, contested elections, and weakened civilian institutions. The World Bank reports that governance indicators particularly political stability and rule of law have remained in the lowest quartile globally for much of the past decade. This nexus of insecurity and political polarization constrains policy continuity, economic reform, and public service delivery, thereby eroding public trust in state institutions. Addressing Pakistan’s governance challenges requires integrated reforms that strengthen democratic institutions, enhance civilian oversight of security, and link counter-terrorism efforts with inclusive socio-economic development.

Keywords: Political Instability, Security Challenges, Governance in Pakistan

Traditional Mechanism and Folklore's/Myths & their role in Natural Resource Management

Mehdi Abul Hasan — 2026-02-10

This research investigates the pivotal role of traditional mechanisms, indigenous folklore, and myths in the sustainable management of natural resources in the Gilgit region of northern Pakistan. Based on ethnographic fieldwork including in-depth interviews, participant observation, and oral histories the study documents longstanding indigenous practices such as equitable water distribution through kuhls (traditional irrigation channels), regulated forest and pasture use, wildlife conservation norms, and community-based disaster preparedness in fragile high-altitude ecosystems. Folklore and myths, featuring elements like peri (fairies), mountain spirits, sacred animals (e.g., ibex as divine mounts), and shamanistic traditions (bitan), function as powerful cultural tools that embed ecological ethics, taboos, moral codes, and guidelines promoting restraint, communal equity, and harmony with nature. These narratives have historically transmitted adaptive knowledge across generations while fostering social cohesion and collective environmental stewardship. However, rapid modernization driven by Western scientific dominance, state-centric policies, climate change pressures, urbanization, youth out-migration, formal education, and market economies is causing these time-honored systems to fade swiftly. The erosion risks losing resilient strategies suited to Himalayan vulnerabilities. The article advocates for the systematic documentation and integration of this vanishing traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary conservation frameworks to promote inclusive, culturally grounded, and truly sustainable resource management.

Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, Traditional ecological knowledge, Folklore and myths, Natural resource management, Gilgit-Baltistan

A Research Study of the Theological Discussions in Tibyan-ul-Furqan by Allama Ghulam Rasool Saeedi

Muhammad Farooq — 2026-02-10

Allama Ghulam Rasool Saeedi rendered extensive services in the field of Islamic scholarship and authorship. Among the few scholars who adopted a balanced and moderate approach in their writings, Allama Saeedi occupies a distinguished position. His final scholarly work, Tibyan-ul-Furqan fi Tafsir al-Qur’an, is a concise Qur’anic commentary consisting of six volumes. He successfully completed the first four volumes, and while working on the fifth volume, he had reached approximately five hundred pages, covering the exegesis up to Surah Ya-Sin, when the appointed time decreed by Allah arrived. It is regarded as a blessing of Surah Ya-Sin that his long-cherished wish was fulfilled: he desired to pass away on a Thursday night, so that he might be counted among those who attain the status of martyrdom by divine decree (shahadat-e-hukmi). Consequently, Tibyan-ul-Furqan could not be completed.Explaining the motivation behind writing this tafsir, Allama Saeedi writes:“After completing the commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari, I resolved to compose a concise tafsir on the pattern of Tibyan al-Qur’an, and I proposed the name Tibyan-ul-Furqan for it.”Earlier, he had authored a detailed Qur’anic commentary entitled Tibyan al-Qur’an in twelve large volumes, along with a translation titled Nur al-Qur’an.The tafsir Tibyan-ul-Furqan is distinguished by its multidimensional uniqueness. Particularly in its theological discussions, it instills intellectual tranquility and spiritual reassurance, while strengthening beliefs related to Tawhid (Divine Oneness), Risalah (Prophethood), and core Islamic doctrines. This research study presents an analytical review of the theological discussions found in Tibyan-ul-Furqan.

Keyword: Tibyan-ul-Furqan, Theological Discussions, Divine Oneness (Tawhid), Prophethood (Risalah), Belief in the Hereafter, Belief in Angels.

Accountability vs. Support: Rethinking the Role of Standardized Testing in Teacher Evaluation

Dr. Najma Begum — 2026-02-10

The present research study has attempted to undertake a critical examination of systemic tensions within contemporary education systems. In the context, it has attempted to provide an in-depth analysis of the relationship between test-based accountability and supportive evaluation frameworks. The primary focus of the attention is, therefore, on the global reliance on standardized testing. This reliance has become a principal mechanism for holding educators and institutions accountable for student outcomes. The study has, however, challenged the core assumption that such testing would ensure educational quality or equity. It has, moreover, attempted to address a central paradox observed in many systems. This paradox relates to the co-existence of rigorous accountability goals and the consistent undermining of deeper instructional quality. The study, in this context, undertakes a systematic assessment of the unintended consequences associated with high-stakes testing regimes. The analysis, therefore, is grounded in a synthesis of international literature from diverse systemic. The synthesized framework has attempted to locate core deficiencies in current accountability models. The study finding reveals significant negative outcomes associated with these models. These outcomes include measurable curriculum narrowing and increased professional stress among educators. Furthermore, standardized test scores are observed to be heavily influenced by external socioeconomic factors. This influence has critically limited their validity as objective measures of teacher or school efficacy. The analysis also notes evidence from various assessment transitions. Shifts to more rigorous standards can, in fact, precipitate temporary declines in instructional quality as systems adapt. Therefore, the article has attempted to propose a strategic shift in policy orientation. This shift is toward a framework described as "intelligent accountability". This framework would prioritize professional responsibility and multidimensional evaluation over simplistic metrics. Recommended strategies include the formal integration of curriculum-embedded performance assessments. The incorporation of local qualitative indicators is also considered critical. The active involvement of teachers in assessment design and review processes is, therefore, deemed essential. By prioritizing formative feedback and capacity building, education systems can move from a culture of sanction to one of genuine support. Ultimately, accountability mechanisms should serve to strengthen the core pedagogical relationship. Reclaiming assessment would, therefore, require a renewed commitment to evaluating the whole child. It requires fostering classroom environments that inherently value: i) critical thinking, ii) creativity, and iii) collaborative problem-solving.

Keyword: Accountability, Standardized Testing, Teacher Evaluation, Classroom Environments

Do Green HRM Practices Improve Environmental Performance? The Mediating Role of Green OCB: Evidence from the Banking Sector of Pakistan

Sajid Iqbal Khan — 2026-02-10

This study examined the mediating role of green organizational citizenship behavior in relationship of green human resource management practices and environmental performance in banking sector of Pakistan. Drawing upon Ability Motivation Opportunity (AMO) Theory and Social Exchange Theory (SET), 357 banking professionals completed a survey questionnaire to undertake this cross-sectional study. The results from Hayes’ Process Macro 4 revealed that GHRM practices were the strong predictor of GOCB and environmental performance environmental performance. Further, this study also proved mediating role of green organizational citizenship behavior in relationship of green human resource management practices and environmental performance in banking sector of Pakistan. We have also discussed the results of this study in the light of previous studies followed by implications and directions for further research.

Key Words: Green Human Resource Practices, Environmental Performance Green organizational citizenship behavior, Banking Sector

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18598938

Common Chinese Peoples’ Perceptions About Sino-Pak Relations

Haseeb Hayat — 2026-02-10

This paper assesses the perception of common Chinese people about China Pakistan relations. What are the common people perceptions about China Pakistan relations, what are the sources of their information and what can be its implications? The paper utilized James Carey’s theory of transmission and ritual communication. It used questionnaire method to collect the responses of 100 Chinese people. The sample was representative of Gender, class and education level. The findings revealed that the perceptions of more than 90 percent respondents are based on state propelled diplomatic rhetoric (Transmission Communication). It also shows that people to people contact and cultural exchanges (Ritual Communication) is extremely limited. Moreover, the findings showed that the biggest sources of information for Chinese people to get information about Pakistan are state TV channels and Newspapers. Other options related to ritual communication (social media, colleagues) were chosen by a very small number of respondents. This paper is the first small step towards a vast, unexplored but extremely vital area of social research between Pakistan and China.

KEY WORDS: China Pakistan Relations, Common Chinese Perception, James Carey, Cross Cultures communication

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18598653

Academic Research: Colonized and Decolonized Approaches

Syed Farooq Aziz — 2026-02-10

This paper critically examines the transformation of academic research from colonial to decolonial paradigms, highlighting the shift from Eurocentric domination to epistemic inclusivity. During colonization, research served imperial agendas by privileging Western methodologies, marginalizing Indigenous epistemologies, and legitimizing cultural and intellectual hierarchies that reinforced political and economic control. It identifies key colonial approaches methodological dominance, priority disparity, colonial epistemology, cultural context neglect, and interpretive bias that collectively perpetuated cognitive imperialism. In contrast, the decolonial era redefined research as a tool for empowerment and equity, emphasizing methodological inclusivity, community-centered priorities, pluralistic epistemologies, cultural context integration, and interpretive reflexivity. Through this transformation, decolonial scholarship reclaims indigenous knowledge systems, validates multiple ways of knowing, and promotes intellectual sovereignty among formerly colonized communities. The study concludes that while both colonial and decolonial research share structural similarities in systematic inquiry and interpretation, their moral and epistemological orientations diverge significantly one serving domination, the other liberation. Ultimately, this evolution demonstrates that the true essence of research lies in democratizing knowledge and fostering global understanding through the recognition of diverse intellectual traditions.

Keywords: Colonial Research, Decolonial Methodology, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Epistemic Justice, Academic Imperialism

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18586784

Gender Socializing Agents: An Analysis of Character of Ijeoma in Under the Udala Trees

Rashida Bibi — 2026-02-09

Gender socialization deals with understanding human behavior concerning society. It is the perception of an individual developed by society to behave and perform a certain role in a social setting on the bases of biological anatomy. This study explores the role of socializing agent in the Under the Udala Trees (2015) by Okapranta. The study is focused on the role of agents of socialization during the socializing process. The phenomenon of socialization is being observed from the prospective of protagonist Ijeoma, in the novel. Ann Oakley’s Gender Socialization theory (1972) is applied on the novel. The theory states that an individual learns about his/her gender from society through different agents and she presented four main agents are family peer group institutions and media. The data is collected from the text of the novel through purposive sampling and is analyzed through content analysis. The study finds out the role of other socializing agents but particularly it brings to the surface the timing and miscommunication are the major aspects of failure socialization process.

Keywords: Gender, socializing, agents, behavior, individual

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18556938

Islamic Textual Foundations of Human Dignity: A Comparative Study of the Objectives of Sharīʿah and Global Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Muhammad Umer Farooq — 2026-02-08

This research concludes that artificial intelligence is neither inherently good nor evil; rather, its moral status is determined by the manner of its use and the values that guide it. Islamic Sharīʿah regards human dignity as an unconditional and fundamental value, and on this basis, it restricts any technology that reduces human beings to mere instruments.The significant convergence between global ethics of artificial intelligence and the Islamic objectives of Sharīʿah serves as evidence that human dignity is a universal moral value. However, the Islamic framework provides this value with a stronger, more stable, and transcendental foundation, offering exceptional guidance for addressing the ethical crises posed by modern technologies.If artificial intelligence is subordinated to the principle of human dignity, it can become a means of serving humanity. Conversely, if it is left unchecked in the name of utility and power, the same technology may lead to moral corruption and human degradation. The choice ultimately lies in human hands, not in those of

Keyword: Human Dignity, Islamic Texts, Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah, Global Ethics, and Artificial Intelligence, A Comparative Study

Analyzing Human Movement: A Biomechanical Perspective on Sports Injury Rehabilitation

Dr. Mehwish Manzoor (Corresponding Author) — 2026-02-08

Biomechanics, which examines human movement through the lens of mechanical principles, now plays a vital role in contemporary sports training and rehabilitation. By systematically analyzing movement patterns (kinematics), applied forces (kinetics), and neuromuscular function, biomechanical approaches support technical optimization, training load regulation, injury risk reduction, and scientifically grounded rehabilitation programs. This paper explores fundamental biomechanical theories and assessment techniques, explains their application in athletic performance enhancement and clinical rehabilitation settings, and highlights selected case scenarios, including sprint performance optimization, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention and recovery, and return-to-play strategies following hamstring strain. Particular attention is given to converting laboratory-based findings into practical, coach-oriented, and field-based interventions that enhance athletic performance while prioritizing long-term athlete health.

Keywords: Biomechanics, Movement, Rehabilitation, Motion Capture, Injury Prevention

Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability in Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda

Muhammad Waqas — 2026-02-08

This systematic literature review synthesizes the evolving body of research on the interplay between leadership, innovation, and sustainability in supply chains, drawing on 128 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025. The analysis reveals a significant surge in scholarly attention, particularly post-2020, driven by global pressures for resilience, circular economy adoption, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Leadership especially transformational and servant styles emerges as a critical catalyst that orchestrates innovative processes such as eco-innovation, reverse logistics, blockchain-enabled traceability, and AI-driven resource optimization, thereby embedding sustainability across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Transformational leadership inspires visionary, radical change and adaptive behaviors, while servant leadership fosters ethical stewardship, relational trust, and long-term stakeholder orientation, collectively enabling circular models, waste minimization, and resilience amid disruptions. Descriptive findings highlight methodological dominance of quantitative designs (50%), geographic concentration in developed economies (USA/Europe 60%), and sectoral focus on manufacturing (40%) and agri-food (25%), with notable under-representation of social sustainability, small and medium enterprises, and developing regions. Thematic synthesis identifies five interconnected clusters: leadership styles shaping supply chain dynamics, innovation pathways, sustainability pillars, antecedents and skills (empathy, trust, vision), and performance outcomes (efficiency, responsiveness, resilience). Despite robust evidence of leadership’s catalytic role, persistent gaps include limited longitudinal depth, cultural contingency models, and integrated frameworks for diverse contexts. The review advances prior work by explicitly bridging leadership with innovation as a pathway to holistic sustainability, offering both theoretical insight and a forward-looking agenda. It calls for methodological pluralism (qualitative and mixed-methods), empirical expansion into underrepresented sectors (e.g., healthcare) and geographies (e.g., Africa), theoretical integration with dynamic capabilities and relational views, and practical tools for leaders to assess and enhance innovation-sustainability alignment.

Keywords: Leadership Styles, Sustainable Innovation, Supply Chain Management, Circular Economy, Transformational Leadership, Servant Leadership

Historical Background of Hadith Studies in Lahore Universities

Hafiz Faisal Abbas — 2026-02-07

Lahore has long held a distinct identity in the subcontinent, and today Pakistan itself stands as a recognized presence in the world. In the Indo-Pak subcontinent, the history of the sciences of ḥadīth in Lahore represents a luminous chapter in the intellectual journey of Islamic civilization. When Arab traders and warriors brought the light of Islam to this region, the propagation of the Qur’an and the Sunnah formed the core of their message. In the early period, this region was directly connected with the Rightly Guided Caliphate and later with the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates. When Arab scholars and jurists arrived in the lands of Sindh and Multan, they brought with them the rich legacy of ḥadīth. For this reason, Sindh is regarded as the earliest center of ḥadīth education in the subcontinent. Subsequently, with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire, the prominence of ḥadīth increased within centers of learning and culture. Scholars began the formal teaching of ḥadīth in madrasahs and mosques, thereby strengthening its academic foundations. With the advent of Islam in the subcontinent, the illumination of the sciences of ḥadīth also entered this land. When Muḥammad bin Qāsim set foot on the soil of Sindh in 93 AH / 711 CE, Arab scholars and Qur’ān reciters accompanied him, giving primary importance to the teaching of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Sindh and Multan were among the regions where, in the early Islamic period, mosques and educational institutions laid the foundations for Qur’ānic and ḥadīth education. During this era, the acquisition of ḥadīth knowledge was largely facilitated through journeys to the sacred lands of Ḥijāz. Scholars and students traveled there, attended the transmission (samāʿ) of major ḥadīth collections such as Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, and then brought this knowledge back to the subcontinent. In the early centuries, Sindh, Multan, and later Delhi played a central role in the teaching and dissemination of the sciences of ḥadīth. Alongside these centers, Lahore also remained a significant bearer of the ḥadīth tradition. When the Ghaznavid dynasty established Lahore as its capital, madrasahs were founded where ḥadīth was taught alongside other Islamic sciences. During this period, the khānqāh (Sufi lodge) system also contributed to the promotion of ḥadīth. Eminent saints such as Ḥaḍrat ʿAlī Hujwīrī (Data Ganj Bakhsh) made the Prophetic traditions an integral part of their teachings, thereby firmly rooting the study and practice of ḥadīth in the religious and spiritual life of Lahore.

Keywords: Lahore's universities, madrasas, teaching, beginnings, evolution, analysis and research of Hadith sciences

Developing and Evaluating Digital Teaching-Learning Resources in Pakistani Higher Education: Evidence from a Meta-Analytic Review

Syed Izatullah — 2026-02-07

With increasingly generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and advanced digital technology tools becoming widespread in the higher education sector in Pakistan, the degree to which the technological adoption can have a substantive impact on student academic success has been a question to be answered. The current paper summarizes the empirical findings on the subject using a systematic meta-analysis as the aim is to inform the creation of evidence-based tools in digital teaching and learning. Systematic review was performed on quantitative studies that were published between 2002 and 2022 according to the PRISMA guidelines. Six qualified studies, which were carried out in Pakistani universities and a sample of 2568 individuals, were examined through a random-effects model to reveal the estimate of the standardized mean differences (Hedges g).

The overall effect size was g = 0.326 (p = 0.072) indicating a small positive correlation between the use of technology and academic success, but which does not achieve the traditional levels of statistical significance. The heterogeneity between studies was substantial (τ² = 0.14; I² = 99.03%), which means that there is large variation in the effectiveness of technology integration. Moderator analysis demonstrated that there was statistically significant effect of educational level (p < .001), with digital technologies providing stronger academic advantage to postgraduate (MPhil/PhD) groups compared to the undergraduate participants.

These findings challenge the belief that simple digital access multiplication is bound to be converted into improved learning performance, thus pointing out a long-standing gap between digital literacy and academic performance. To fill this gap, the study supports the paradigm shift to the interventions that are infrastructure based to pedagogy-based resource building. Particularly, it suggests designing strictly structured, scaffolded digital tools specifically suited to the needs of undergraduate students and the more open, less architectural research tools addressing the needs of postgraduate researchers, to make sure that future investments in educational technology are more about instructional design than about incidental digitalization.

Keywords: Academic Achievement, Digital Resources, Instructional Design, Meta-Analysis, Technology Integration.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18520358

Urbanization, Renewable Energy Expenditure, Economic Growth & Environmental Degradation in China

Zartashia Hameed — 2026-02-07

The examination of the link among urbanization, economic growth, environmental degradation, and renewable energy investment has become a matter of great concern in a rapidly developing country like China. This study utilized the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to explore both short-run and long-run relationships among these variables using annual time series data for the period 2014-2024. The results of the study showed that economic growth significantly and positively impacted CO₂ emissions. In other words, industrial activities are still the main source of environmental pollution. Urbanization also caused a sharp increase in emissions in the short term but the long-term coefficient turned negative, thus supporting the Urban Environmental Transition (UET) theory. Interestingly, the long-run coefficient for renewable energy was not only negative but also significant, indicating that the promotion of renewable energy through the development of corresponding infrastructure comes with less CO₂ emissions. China’s policy framework is characterized by a very fast adjustment mechanism as the Error Correction Term (ECT) of -0.94 shows that nearly 94% of disequilibria are corrected on an annual basis. Overall, these findings may be seen as evidence that China is on the right track in terms of sustainable development, as predicted by the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. In the end, continual innovation and public involvement will play a most significant role in helping China achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2060, thus leading other developing countries that have the same aim of combining growth and sustainability.

Keywords: Urbanization; Economic Growth; Renewable Energy Investment; CO₂ Emissions; Environmental Degradation; China

Lexicalized Autonomy of Desire and Survival: A Feminist Stylistic and Cognitive Metaphor Analysis of Female Independence and Prostitution in Coelho’s Novel “Eleven Minutes”

Adnan Jamshaid — 2026-02-07

The speech of independence reshapes the choice of moral grammar. Maria Coelho’s protagonist of the novel “Eleven Minutes” is in search of true love and adventure transits into prostitution. Implied language presents readers with prostitutional diction, metaphorical conceptualization and gendered stylistic choices throughout the development of narrative. This qualitative research article aims to investigate the contribution of prostitutional linguistic construction and female independence by integrating Cognitive Metaphor Theory and Feminist Stylistics shaping the struggle between constraint and autonomy. Study also extends the analysis beyond fiction and analyzes the contemporary discourse about the modern independent women doomed to childlessness and singleness to resonate contemporary gender debate with Coelho’s Eleven Minutes. Study has explored the language mediation which has normalized prostitution for the construction of independence in the shape of sacrifice and empowerment by examining stylistic patterns and lexical choices legitimizing prostitution as both choice and work. There is an observable discursive negotiation through transitivity, modality and evaluative language with recurring cognitive metaphors framing freedom, prostitution and female body. Feminist stylistic markers reveal tensions between exploitation and self-determination while the conceptual metaphors maintain homeostasis between relational and emotional loss. Dominant conceptual metaphors such as freedom as transition, sex as labour and body as capital have been explored through Lakoff and Johnson’s Cognitive Metaphor Theory. The findings propose that Coelho’s Eleven Minutes has linguistically framed independence as empowerment encoding freedom within metaphorical and economic structures of isolation, exchange and emotional repression. Study concludes that the modern-day feminist discourse and Eleven Minutes makes it problematic and reflects contemporary ideals of female independence through cognitive and stylistic mechanisms which construct gendered experiences of loss, struggle and autonomy.

Keywords: Feminist Stylistics; Cognitive Metaphor Theory; Prostitution; Independence.

Introduction

Pakistan and the Climate Crisis: Aligning National Environmental Laws with Global Sustainability Standards

Adv Aitizaz khan — 2026-02-07

The present research study undertakes a critical examination. In the context, it attempts to provide an in-depth analysis of the alignment process between national environmental laws and global sustainability standards in Pakistan. The primary focus of the attention is on the legal and policy framework developed in response to the climate crisis. Pakistan in the context is characterized as a global epicenter of climate vulnerability. This characterization has been consistently noted in international reports. It exists despite a documented minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The study has challenged the prevailing assumption that policy development alone signifies effective climate governance. It has moreover attempted to address a central paradox observed in the national response. This paradox relates to the co-existence of advanced legislative instruments and persistent implementation failures on the ground. The study in the context undertakes a systematic assessment of the national legal architecture. This assessment includes constitutional provisions, federal statutes, and provincial adaptations. The analysis, therefore, is grounded in a theoretical synthesis. This synthesis integrates the principles of ‘Environmental Constitutionalism’ with the frameworks of ‘Resilience and Adaptation Theory’. The synthesized framework helps locate Pakistan’s core regulatory challenges. These challenges are observed not to be rooted in a lack of policy intention. They are rather rooted in a state of operational paralysis. This paralysis is noted to be generated by profound institutional and financial constraints. The framework, therefore, urges that the national pathway to sustainability is fundamentally undermined by a synergistic interaction. This interaction is between ‘governance fragmentation’ and a ‘financing chasm’.

The study finding further reveals a significant legal evolution. This evolution is particularly observed in the recent constitutional codification of environmental rights. However, the operationalization of these rights remains severely constrained. In the context, this constraint is noted to stem from structural barriers entrenched after the devolution of power. The study, furthermore, identifies a critical implementation gap. National strategies exist as comprehensive and well formulated documents. However, their translation into ground level action is frequently observed to be ineffective. This gap therefore, allows climate vulnerability to persist and intensify. It effectively transforms policy ambition into a form of institutional inertia. The article concludes that achieving meaningful climate resilience requires a fundamental strategic shift. This shift must move decisively from symbolic policy formulation toward enforceable and accountable action. It necessitates bridging the observed divide between legislative intent and administrative capacity.

Keywords: Pakistan, Climate Change, Environmental Law, Sustainability, Adaptation, Governance, Implementation Gap, Environmental Constitutionalism

Conflict Management or Power Politics: Turkish–Russian Engagement in Caucasian Security Dynamics

Mehwish Kaleem — 2026-02-07

This study analyzes Conflict Management or Power Politics: Turkish–Russian Engagement in Caucasian Security Dynamics. The research focuses on key diplomatic, economic, and military interactions to examine how cooperation and competition between Turkey and Russia shaped regional security dynamics. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study relies on secondary data drawn from academic literature, policy reports, books, journals, and credible news sources. A thematic analysis framework is employed to assess major developments, including diplomatic engagement, economic and energy cooperation, military interaction, crisis and normalization cycles, regional conflict management, strategic autonomy, and continuity and change in bilateral relations. The findings indicate that Turkish–Russian relations during the study period were characterized by managed competition, where pragmatic cooperation coexisted with persistent strategic rivalry. Diplomatic engagement primarily functioned as a mechanism for crisis management, while economic interdependence constrained prolonged confrontation without resolving underlying tensions. Military interaction and selective defense cooperation contributed to short-term stability but reinforced external influence and militarization in the Caucasus. The study also finds that Turkish–Russian engagement reduced the role of Western-led security frameworks, resulting in an externally managed and transactional regional security order. The study concludes that although Turkish–Russian relations helped contain large-scale violence in the Caucasus, they did not lead to durable peace. The regional security order that emerged between 2014 and 2022 remained fragile and dependent on continuous external management, leaving the Caucasus vulnerable to renewed instability. The research underscores the need for inclusive and preventive security approaches to achieve long-term stability in the region.

Keywords: Turkish–Russian relations; Caucasus security; Regional conflicts; Diplomatic Engagement; Economic and Energy Cooperation; Military interaction; Strategic Autonomy; Managed competition; 2014–2022

Exploring the Environmental Crisis in Central Asia: A Qualitative Analysis of Climate Change Impacts

Shabir Hussain — 2026-02-07

The Central Asian waters are drying up. Previously, the fishing communities were interconnected at a distance over an inland region by the Aral Sea which is now rusted ships left behind in sand. The Caspian, the largest enclosed water body of the world, falls back on an annual basis. These are not just environmental statistics but precursors of a great crisis that is transforming whole societies. The current qualitative document analysis will focus on the ways in which the effects of climate change in Central Asia have been portrayed and perceived by academic literature as well as policy frameworks and media discourse between 2015 and 2024. A thematic analysis of 47 documents was conducted in a systematic manner and five thematic themes were revealed, including catastrophic water bodies degradation as both physical reality and ecological metaphor, agricultural vulnerability, which endangers the lives of millions who depend on the land, human displacement and health implications, which makes climate change visually real, persistent gaps between policy promises and implementation realities, and the complex and contentious terrain of adaptation activities. What the analysis shows is that it is a place between the ever-accelerating environmental change and the insufficiency of response institutions, i.e., an environmental, social, economic, and deeply human crisis. This research provides subtle insights into the ways that various knowledge communities create and articulate climate change and what this means on a more effective, fair, and cohesive response. Keywords: climate change, Central Asia, water resources, food security, environmental degradation, qualitative analysis, human dimensions, environmental crisis, sustainability.

Keywords: Climate Change, Central Asia, Water Resources, Food Security, Environmental Degradation, Qualitative Analysis, Human Dimensions, Environmental Crisis, Sustainability

From Maoism to Make America Great Again: Authoritarian Imprints in Democratic Embrace

Dr. Arif Khan — 2026-02-04

Right-wing populism, exemplified by Trumpism and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, poses a significant challenge to democratic institutions worldwide. This article investigates the counterintuitive support for such populism among the Chinese diaspora, despite many members' historical experiences under Maoist authoritarianism and subsequent exposure to liberal democratic norms in host countries. Drawing on a large-scale dataset of nearly one million tweets from approximately 200 influential Chinese overseas opinion leaders between 2019 and early 2021, we develop and validate a novel computational measure of "authoritarian imprints" based on high-frequency linguistic patterns from China's Cultural Revolution discourse (1966–1976), including binary framings, leader worship, anti-elitism, and mass mobilization rhetoric. Regression analyses reveal strong positive associations between higher authoritarian imprint scores and pro-Trump/MAGA support, election denialism regarding 2020 results, and endorsement of anti-democratic or extra-constitutional actions, even after controlling for demographics, ideology, U.S. exposure, and alternative explanations like anti-China sentiment or economic factors. These findings illustrate how enduring discursive and psychological residues from authoritarian socialization make individuals more receptive to populist strongman narratives that echo familiar tropes, thereby sustaining threats to democratic norms in migrant communities. The study advances understanding of authoritarian persistence, cross-regime ideological transmission, and the mechanisms fueling populist appeal in diverse societies, with implications for safeguarding liberal democracy amid global polarization.

Keywords: Authoritarian Imprints, Chinese Diaspora, Trumpism, Cultural Revolution Discourse, Right-Wing Populism, Computational Text Analysis

Impact of Situational Leadership on the Work Performance of Secondary School Teachers

Dilshad — 2026-02-06

This study examines the effect of situational leadership and school environment on the work performance of female secondary school teachers residing in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Using a quantitative descriptive research design, data were obtained using a structured questionnaire from 270 teachers selected using a stratified sampling method. The results, described in terms of descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis, showed the significant and positive relationship between directive and supportive styles of leadership, school environment and teacher performance. What the study surmises is that the twin elements of adaptive leadership and a positive school environment are important enhancers of teacher effectiveness. It recommends specific leadership training for school heads and systematic improvements to the school infrastructure and psychosocial climate in order to maximise educational outcomes in the region.

Keywords: Situational Leadership, School Environment, Teacher performance, Secondary Education, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Directive Leadership, Supportive Leadership, Female Teachers.

The Impact of Universal Basic Income Programs on Labor Force Participation Rates and Entrepreneurial Activity in Developed Economies

Farhana Naz — 2026-02-06

Universal Basic Income (UBI) has become a well-known policy proposal in advanced economies, which resulted in considerable discussion concerning its possible impact on the labor market behavior and entrepreneurial processes. This paper investigated the effect of UBI programs and workforce participation rate as well as entrepreneurship in developed economies in a systematic literature review and meta-analytical review. In search of peer-reviewed articles, working papers, and official reports published in 2015-2024, the researcher performed an extensive search of the academic databases of JSTOR, EconLit, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The search strategy was based on the use of keywords like universal basic income, labor force participation, entrepreneurship, guaranteed income, and cash transfers with particular country names. The researcher used inclusion criteria that narrowed down to only the empirical study with a quantitative or mixed-method design reporting the results of labor market and entrepreneurship leading to the final sample of 45 studies. The extraction of data was based on critical variables such as sample sizes, program duration, program transfer amounts, labor participation rates, self-employment rates and new business formation statistics. Results showed that UBI initiatives did not have significant adverse effects on paid workforce participation with small positive effects on entrepreneurship especially in low-income groups and those with caregiving obligations. This study also found that UBI programs did not produce mass labor market exit or significantly increase the number of entrepreneurships in developed economies, implying some sensitive implementation implications to policymakers in both developed and developing settings.

Keywords: Universal Basic Income (UBI), policy proposal, advanced economies, impact, labor market behavior, entrepreneurial processes.

Leadership as Moral Architecture: A Transcendental Systems Perspective on Public Organizations

Muhammad Ajmal — 2026-02-06

This article conceptualizes leadership in public organizations as a form of moral architecture a systemically embedded process that shapes, sustains, and transforms the ethical foundations of collective action. Drawing on transcendental systems theory, it argues that effective leadership transcends transactional and transformational models by integrating moral purpose with systemic coherence. The transcendental systems perspective frames leadership as both a structural and value-generating force that aligns organizational goals with higher-order ethical imperatives. Through this lens, public leaders are not merely agents of efficiency or compliance but architects of meaning who design moral ecosystems capable of fostering justice, trust, and legitimacy. The paper proposes a model of transcendental moral systems leadership, highlighting three interdependent dimensions: (1) ontological grounding anchoring leadership identity in moral being; (2) systemic integration embedding ethics within institutional structures and feedback loops; and (3) transcendence orienting organizational purpose toward the common good beyond immediate instrumental aims. By conceptualizing leadership as moral architecture, this framework offers a pathway for renewing public institutions in an era marked by complexity, distrust, and moral fragmentation.

Keywords: Moral Leadership; Public Administration; Transcendental Systems Theory; Ethical Governance; Organizational Ethics; Systems Thinking; Moral Architecture; Public Value; Institutional Legitimacy; Common Good

Non-Traditional Security Threats and the Reorientation of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy in South Asia (2012–2022)

Faiz Ahmed — 2026-02-05

This study investigates the transformation of Pakistan’s foreign policy in South Asia between 2012 and 2022, arguing that traditional security frameworks inadequately capture the dynamics shaping its regional engagement. The central research question explores how non-traditional security (NTS) threats including terrorism, economic vulnerability, energy and food insecurity, climate change, and cyber challenges have influenced Pakistan’s diplomatic behavior, and to what extent these threats have reoriented policy priorities. Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducts discourse analysis of official policy documents, foreign office statements, strategic speeches, and regional agreements, supplemented by secondary data from multilateral institutions and global security databases. The analysis reveals that Pakistan’s foreign policy has undergone a partial but significant recalibration: traditional military-centric strategies remain, yet diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation, and multilateral normative discourse increasingly reflect the securitization of non-traditional threats. This transformation is evident in shifts in India policy toward de-escalation, adaptive Afghanistan strategies in response to border and refugee dynamics, pursuit of geo-economic initiatives such as CPEC, and enhanced engagement in climate and counterterrorism diplomacy. The study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the limits of classical realism in explaining foreign policy in contexts dominated by transnational and non-military threats, offering a layered framework that integrates securitization theory with empirical analysis. Practically, the findings underscore the need for integrated security planning, strengthened institutional capacity, and enhanced regional cooperation mechanisms to effectively address evolving security challenges in South Asia.

Keywords: Non-Traditional Security, Securitization Theory, Pakistan Foreign Policy, South Asian Regional Security, Geo-economics and Diplomacy

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18501056

Investigating Wealth Expropriation through Strategic Debt Issuance: The Bondholder-Shareholder Conflict in Highly Leveraged Firms

Beenish Kayani — 2026-02-05

The current study has discussed the wealth expropriation through the strategic debt issuance in high leveraged companies that are listed in the Pakistan Stock Exchange through the bond holder-shareholder conflict. The research design that the researcher adopts is the quantitative research design which involved the secondary data of 150 non-financial firms in the year 2025. The regression analysis was conducted in terms of panel data to get the relationship between the decision to issue debt and transfer of bondholder wealth. The key variables that were addressed were the abnormal returns on bond, leverage, and asset substitution values, and the dividend patterns payouts whereas controlling key firm-specific attributes such as size, profitability, and growth potential. The fixed and random effect models were employed in the research, and this was complemented by the high diagnostic tests that ensured reliability. The results indicated that strategic debt issue was highly negatively associated with bondholder wealth, indicating that the amount of wealth expropriation in high-leverage Pakistani firms is high. The findings have revealed that the other claim holders have overstepped their residual claim position by paying out excessive dividends and substituting the risky assets in reaction to the new debt problems. The study was able to offer empirical evidence to the agency theory on the corporate debt market in Pakistan and the study has indicated that the conflicts of interest in highly leveraged capital structure needs to be reduced through more effective systems of bondholder protection and regulatory interventions.

Keywords: Wealth Expropriation, Strategic Debt Issuance, High Leveraged Companies, Pakistan Stock Exchange, Bond Holder-Shareholder Conflict

Architectural Responses to Extreme Heat: Designing For 50°C Cities of Punjab, Pakistan

Nijah Akram (Corresponding Author) — 2026-02-05

This research employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate architectural responses to extreme heat in Punjab, Pakistan's hottest regions experiencing temperatures exceeding 50°C. The study selected three severely affected cities-Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan-through purposive sampling based on recorded peak temperatures, heat wave frequency, and urban vulnerability. Data collection involved structured surveys administered to 180 residents to assess thermal discomfort levels, existing cooling strategies, and heat-related health impacts during Punjab's brutal summer months. The researcher conducted systematic observations using thermal imaging cameras and data loggers to measure surface temperatures, indoor thermal conditions, and heat stress patterns across 120 residential buildings constructed with traditional brick and concrete during May-July peak heat period. Semi-structured interviews with 35 residents explored their coping mechanisms, traditional cooling practices like roof watering and use of thatched shelters, and daily adaptations during extreme heat events. Additionally, the study engaged 12 local masons (rajis), 8 traditional builders, and 6 meteorological experts through focus group discussions to understand vernacular construction wisdom and indigenous cooling systems specific to Punjab's hot-arid plains. Climatic data analysis involved examining temperature records, dust storm patterns, and monsoon cycles from Pakistan Meteorological Department stations across southern Punjab. The researcher analyzed historical Punjabi architecture including thick-walled havelis, underground basements (tahkhanas), and ventilation towers through documentation studies. Four contextually appropriate design prototypes incorporating passive cooling, reflective materials, and traditional shading devices were developed and presented to communities through participatory workshops for validation and feedback.

Keywords: Architectural Responses, Extreme Heat, Hottest Regions, Multan, Bahawalpur, And Rahim Yar Khan, Heat Wave Frequency

Exploring The Legal Framework for Regulating Cryptocurrencies in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities

Ali Hassan (Corresponding Author) — 2026-02-05

The current study has discussed the common law that governs the regulation of cryptocurrencies in Pakistan, the challenges, and opportunities in the current regulatory regime. The research design being qualitative is based on secondary sources of data including legal documents, government policy papers, the State Bank of Pakistan circulars and guidelines, academic journals, and international reports. The content and thematic analysis methods is are applied to find major regulatory issues, legal gaps, and possible opportunities associated with regulating the crypto-currency in Pakistan. A comparative analysis framework was used in comparison with the international practices by analyzing how Pakistan has addressed it. The results indicated high regulatory uncertainty, lack of wholesome and all-encompassing governance structure, enforcement issues as well as financial crimes & money laundering. Nonetheless, the research also determined possibilities of economic development, financial integration & inclusion, and advancement of technologies as well as the creation of income based on proper regulation. The study has highlighted the imbalance between regulation and security considerations as well as technological innovation & advancements. Although such restrictions as the dynamism of cryptocurrency technology and the lack of extensive case law exist, this research offered some important insights regarding the legal framework of cryptocurrencies in Pakistan. The academic study also highlights the national need of a clear legal framework for Pakistan to ensure that the benefits of cryptocurrency can be harnessed and its associated risks are mitigated, and therefore proposed that clear regulations, stakeholder inclusion and upskilling, and legal as well as economic enablement efforts should be instituted.

Keywords: Financial Regulation, Cryptocurrencies, Regulatory Environment, Money Laundering, Financial Inclusion

Understanding Student Learning Outcomes-Based Assessment: Perspectives of Secondary School Teachers in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan

Shumaila — 2026-02-05

This study explores secondary school teachers’ perceptions, understanding, and practical experiences with students’ learning outcomes-based assessment in Skardu. Guided by a qualitative, phenomenological design, the research focuses on how teachers interpret students’ learning outcomes-based assessment, how they apply them in daily classroom practices, and what challenges they face during implementation. Eleven public-school teachers with a minimum of three years of secondary-level teaching experience were selected through purposive sampling from district Skardu. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews conducted in Urdu to ensure comfort and clarity. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that most teachers possessed only a partial understanding of SLO-based assessment, with younger teachers showing slightly better awareness due to recent training exposure. Actual classroom practices remain a blend of traditional written exams and emerging activity-based methods. Significant challenges emerged, including large class sizes, weak student readiness, language barriers, limited parental support, lack of training, uneven workload distribution, and restricted technological resources. Teachers emphasized the urgent need for continuous professional development, improved foundational skills at the primary level, accessible teaching resources, smaller class sizes, and better planning support. Overall, the study concludes that although teachers are motivated to implement student learning outcomes-based assessment, successful and consistent application requires systematic support, capacity-building programs, and strong collaboration among teachers, schools, parents, and policymakers.

Key Words: Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), Outcome-Based Assessment, Secondary School, Teacher Perceptions, Assessment Practices, Conceptual Understanding

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18501297

Language, Power, and Racial Identity in Mohsin Hamid’s The Last White Man: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Sonia Bibi — 2026-02-05

This study applies Norman Fairclough’s Three-Dimensional Model of Critical Discourse Analysis to examine how language constructs and negotiates power and racial identity in Mohsin Hamid’s The Last White Man (2022). Adopting a qualitative approach, the analysis focuses on selected textual excerpts to identify key linguistic features such as evaluative lexical choices, imagery, and narrative framing across textual, discursive, and social dimensions. The findings reveal that racial transformation in the novel is linguistically mediated through patterns of negative evaluation, spatial metaphor, and shifting narrative perspective, which contribute to the representation of whiteness as normative and privilege-bearing, while blackness is associated with marginalization and insecurity. The study demonstrates that identity is portrayed as fluid and socially constructed, with language functioning as an ideological mechanism that shapes perception, reinforces power hierarchies, and normalizes exclusion. By foregrounding systematic linguistic analysis rather than thematic interpretation, the research highlights the role of literary discourse as a site where dominant racial ideologies are both reproduced and contested.

Keywords: Critical Discourse Analysis, Language, Power, Racial Identity, Fairclough, Mohsin Hamid

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18496815

Nonlinear Relationship between Income and Pollution: Evidence from the Environmental Kuznets Curve in East Asia & Pacific countries

Fazal Karim — 2026-02-05

This study empirically investigates the nonlinear relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation in EAP countries within the framework of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Using panel data for 3 EAP countries spanning 1981–2015, we examine the impact of per capita income and its square alongside forest area, foreign direct investment (FDI), population density, urbanization, and trade openness on carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach are employed to explore long-run and short-run dynamics. The results confirm the existence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between income and pollution, validating the EKC hypothesis. Forest area and urbanization significantly reduce CO₂ emissions in the long run, while FDI and trade openness exhibit mixed effects. The findings highlight the need for coordinated economic and environmental policies to ensure sustainable development in EAP economies.

Keywords: Environmental Kuznets Curve, CO₂ Emissions, Economic Growth, ARDL, Developing Countries, Nonlinear Relationship

Postcolonial Legacies: Migration, Identity, and Belonging in Modern English Novels

Dr. Noor Jehan — 2026-02-04

The present research study undertakes a critical examination. In the context, it attempts to provide an in‑depth analysis that has been observed in the literary representation of postcolonial identity within modern English novels. The primary focus of this attention is, therefore on migration and the ensuing crisis of belonging in the works of contemporary Pakistani and Pakistani‑diasporic authors. However, the study challenges explanatory reliance on monolithic cultural or geopolitical categorizations. It has moreover attempted to address a central paradox in relation to the co‑existence of a deeply rooted historical trauma and a dynamically evolving, aspirational transnational subjectivity. The study in the context undertakes a systematic assessment of the internal narrative and discursive pathologies that fracture identity formation from within. The analysis, therefore, is grounded in a theoretical synthesis. This synthesis would help integrate the concept of the ‘Hybrid Subject’ postulated from ‘Postcolonial Theory’ with a diagnostic framework of ‘Internal Narrative Pathologies’. The synthesized framework helps locate the representational failure of the postcolonial self. The failure is rather not in cultural or historical absence but in representational paralysis. This paralysis has been generated by the subject’s own sophisticated interstitial positionality. The framework, therefore, urges that the efficacy of the narrative Subject has been in‑fact undermined by a synergistic interaction between ‘historical haunting’ and ‘discursive overload’.

The study finding reveals an inherent structural contradiction. The contradiction observed in fact exists within the conception of the “Postcolonial Subject” itself. Pakistani Anglophone fiction, in the context has been operating a sophisticated discursive apparatus. This narrative apparatus is specifically reflected in its sustained engagement with themes of Partition, diaspora, and global scrutiny. However, the operationalization of this apparatus would essentially remain inert. In the context, this has particularly been observed at several critical juncture(s). The immobilization is in‑fact rooted in the “Representational Rigor Paradox”. Though narrative complexity and theoretical sophistication have denoted a mature literary tradition; however, the protagonist’s sense of coherent self‑hood has remained fragile. The study, furthermore, has identified an accelerating “jurisdictional cacophony” of identity. The historical devolution of the self, followed by the enactment of transnational migration, has virtually created a blurred and contested psychic space. The division has evidently fragmented the national subject into several competing narrative silo(s). It therefore, allows the monolithic ‘Global Discourse’ to exploit not only inter‑cultural divisions but also the procedural technicalities of belonging. The exploitation terra‑transforms the domestic subject’s psychic space into a safe sanctuary that is unintentionally engineered by historical legacy and narrative design.

Keywords: Pakistani Anglophone Fiction, Postcolonial Identity, Migration, Hybridity, Partition, Diaspora, Narrative Pathology, Historical Haunting, Discursive Overload, Representational Rigor Paradox

Lack of Professional Librarians in Gilgit-Baltistan: Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Era

Asif Ali — 2026-02-04

Libraries play a crucial role in education, research, and cultural preservation. Their effectiveness depends not only on infrastructure but also on the presence of trained professionals. In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), the Shortage of professional librarians has historically constrained the development of libraries. This paper analyzes the key factors contributing to this gap, such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient financial support, and the scarcity of locally trained Library and Information Science (LIS) graduates. It also highlights recent positive trends, including the increasing number of GB students pursuing LIS degrees, with many graduates from GB now working in libraries across Pakistan. These developments suggest that with sustained support and strategic policies, libraries in GB can evolve into modern knowledge centers capable of meeting the educational and cultural needs of the region in the digital era.

Keywords: Gilgit-Baltistan, Professional Librarians, Library Development, Digital Era, Library Services.

Clientelism and Democratic Consolidation in Pakistan: Challenges to Accountability and Political Modernization

Husnain Naseer — 2026-02-02

This article looks at the undermining of democratic consolidation in Pakistan through clientelism by looking at the civilian transition as of 2008 without involving the military takeovers. It explores patronage network in Punjab province to determine their different influences on vertical accountability and bureaucratic modernization. Nevertheless, the fragility of Pakistan democracy stands despite the occasional change to the civilian rule since the patron-client relationship system is so entrenched that individual loyalty is given preferential treatment over programmatic politics. Clientelist has continued to exist within the leading political parties and it is a systematic way of removing institutional accountability and creating a skewed representative relationship between citizens and the state. The research design of this work is based on a qualitative approach, which presupposes the use of semi-structured interviews with 50 national and provincial legislators and ethnographic observation of the activities of constitutions politics in 2019-2023. The thematic analysis has conducted in order to determine the distribution pattern of patronage and their institutional implications. The results indicate that clientelism undermines democratic consolidation in that it replaces performance-based legitimacy with personalized exchange policies that make legislators put constituency service over oversight of the legislature. The mechanized undermining of bureaucratic neutrality is carried out through politically oriented transfers whereas electoral competition resorts to selective allocation of the state resources and not the supply of public goods. The overpowering presence of kinship-based biraderi networks strengthens the traditional systems of authority, which hindering the formation of programmatic party platforms needed to bring about political modernization. Therefore, the accountability mechanisms are still superficial because citizens are willing to judge the representatives on the access to patronage, but not on policy performance. To isolate bureaucracy to political influence, institutional reforms must increase civil service protection and implement merit-based hiring. The political parties will have to embrace transparent selection criteria of candidates and in-house democratic processes. Moreover, considerable dependency of citizens on clientelist networks can be gradually diminished by increasing formal social safety nets by using state institutions instead of patronage brokers.

Keywords: Patronage networks, Vertical accountability, Bureaucratic neutrality, Electoral competition, Institutional reform

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18461185

Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on HRM Functions of Pakistani Textile Industry: A Qualitative Study

Kashif Lodhi — 2026-01-31

The purpose of this quantitative research is to explore role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Human Resource Management functions in Pakistani Textile Industry that plays a significant role to for the country’s economic development. The research addresses the central question: This research question tries to know the changes that may occur in the HRM functions in the context of the Pakistani Textile Industry due to the integration of artificial intelligence. Using both qualitative and quantitative instruments, the study measures the current state of AI integration, reviews the impact of AI on particular dimensions of HRM, and identifies witnessed advantages and drawbacks. The research is underpinned by two theoretical models namely Resource-Based View (RBV) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). In the realisation of these objectives, the study establishes a positive relationship between the use of AI and enhanced HRM results in areas such as recruitment, training and evaluation. But of course, issues like the problems caused by the algorithms and the workers’ loss of jobs due to AI app development appear. Implications for HRM textiles industry, suggested for future research and; ethical AI practice are the last points of the study.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Human Resource Management, Pakistani Textile Industry, Economic, Development

Cultural Dichotomies: Navigating the Complexities of Sexual Norms in Pakistan and United States of America

Adnan Jamshaid — 2026-01-30

Judith Butler believes in the social construction of masculine and feminine roles instead of their biological fixation. According to Zora Voyce the sexual pleasure happens within instead of inside of partner’s genitals. To further enlighten the scholastic strata this research aims to study complexity of interplay among socio-political, religious, ideological and cultural contexts with specific consideration to Pakistan and the United States of America (USA). The study has utilized a comparative approach which examines the discussion of topics related to sexuality for their policing and celebration within the respective countries. The patriarchal values and Islamic traditions are deep rooted in Pakistan that considers the subject of sexuality as a taboo as the societal expectations constrain the discussion of basic sex education and LGBTQ+ issues for religious interpretations and legal restrictions. Burning issues like sexual repression, gender-based violence and honor killings are exacerbated due to limited media representation and formal sex education. On the contrary, USA’s paradigm is liberal taking sexuality as a facet of freedom and personal identity supported by inclusive laws, media normalization, educational reforms and societal support. Discourse encourages and consent is available for sexual minorities for sexual health and gender identity. Openness faces contradiction as well as there exist conservative voices within the American society who resist inclusive reforms and advocate abstinence-only education. The approach of this research is multidisciplinary which draws from gender studies, sociology, religious studies and psychology. The research aims to highlight shaping of sexual ideologies through cultural values; assessment of sexual discourse dependence on the law and religion; and proposing of solutions for inclusive, cultural and ethically sensitive sex education. In a nutshell, the research will bridge literature gaps for culture, mutual understanding, enhanced reason for educational reforms and global sexual equity.

Keywords: Dichotomies, Sex Education, Gender Identity and Sexual Ideologies.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18434155

Dying Declarations; Assessing Its Probative Value under Legal Systems of United Kingdom, United States of America, India & Pakistan

Johar Wajahat — 2026-01-30

Evidence is regarded as an eye and ears of justice. Without apt appreciation of evidence justice can’t be dispersed spiritually. Evidence is vital for conducting both types of litigations either civil or criminal. Dying Declaration is considered as vivacious form of evidence as asserted by person himself. Research endeavors to understand the scope of the declaration's applicability as far as perquisites are concerned, its basis in criminal justice system along with its evidentiary worth for forming base for conviction. Recognition of Dying declaration in other criminal justice systems of developed countries is also taken into account for true understanding its efficacy and sanitizing the criminal justice system of Pakistan. Qualitative research methods i.e. available relevant provisions, research articles, case laws and literature available for other countries are studied in depth. Efforts are made to develop understandings about the cannons of recognition, acceptance and legitimacy of dying declaration as a valid piece of evidence. The multi-dimensional and diverse approaches of legal frameworks of stated countries are taken into consideration in context with admissibility of Dying Declaration, Declarant death & transactions causing the death, Competency of Declarant & to assess the probative value of deathbed Declaration.

Keywords: Criminal justice, Competency, Dying Declaration, Corroborative evidence, evidentiary value, Deathbed declaration & Conviction

Socio-Economic and Political Effects of FATA-KP Merger on local people: A Case study of Bajaur District

Hamza Muhammad — 2026-01-29

This study is an effort to determine the socio-political impact of merging federally administrated tribal areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study address particularly the Bajaur district. These regions of Pakistan border with Afghanistan. The federally administered tribal areas remain economically and educationally underdeveloped thanks to the form of government that has been the leading cause of violence in the area. This study is about the positive as well as the negative socio-political impact on the local people of the Bajaur district of the FATA-KP merger. The study is based on two types of data. Primary data is collected through a questionnaire from the local people and interview with some college professors by the researcher himself. The second type is secondary data which is the past official records. The study will show how many people are in favor of the merger and how many are against it and why these people are against it. In the last, the researcher will conclude with certain solutions on how to overcome the hurdles and negative aspects of the FATA-KP merger.

Keywords: FATA, Socio-Political Impact, Merger, KP, Bajaur District, Opinion

Effects of Urban Expansion on Vegetation and Water Bodies in Nawabshah City, Sindh, Pakistan

Ubaidullah Machhi — 2026-01-20

Urbanization has become a significant basis of environmental change, especially in cities that are fast developing as in the case of developing countries. Nawabshah, which is the fifth biggest city in Sindh province, Pakistan has had great spatial development in the last thirty years and this has caused great change in land use and land cover specially, change in vegetation and water. This paper examines spatio-temporal changes of urban expansion and its effects on vegetation and water bodies in Nawabshah city between 1990 and 2024 based on multi-temporal imageries of Landsat and remote sensing (RS) technology that are combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Supervised classification was used to determine the land use which was classified under built-up areas, vegetation and agriculture, open areas and water bodies. Changes were measured by statistical analysis such as descriptive statistics, ANOVA and urban expansion intensity (UEI). It was found that the built-up area has expanded 4.57 km² in 1990 to 11.27 km² in 2024, the vegetation and agriculture area had decreased from 41.48 km² to 29.65 km², and the water bodies had also decreased from 1.23 km² to 0.68 km². The disadvantages of urbanization in terms of ecological effects, such as the loss of habitat, the decrease in the green cover and water stress are highlighted in these changes. The paper highlights that there is a need to be sustainable in planning urban centers, growth and conservation of green infrastructure in order to reduce environmental degradation in the rapidly growing urban centers.

Keywords: Urban expansion, Vegetation loss, Water bodies, Remote Sensing, GIS, Nawabshah

Examining the Influence of Teachers’ Academic Qualifications on Beliefs Regarding the Importance of Continuous Professional Development Programs

Dr. Mobeen Ul Islam — 2026-01-27

This study looks into how teachers' views about the value of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs are influenced by their educational background. The study looks at how teachers with Intermediate, Bachelor, Master, M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees perceive CPD as a crucial tool for improving professional knowledge, instructional quality, career growth, and adaptability to educational innovations. A structured questionnaire measuring beliefs across four CPD dimensions was used to gather data from 517 teachers using a quantitative, descriptive-comparative design. The results show that teachers of all qualifications have favorable opinions about CPD, and that their strength and concentration grow in tandem with their academic achievement. Across all groups, professional knowledge and skill development were given the highest priority, while more qualified teachers placed a higher priority on adjusting to changes in the educational system. The findings indicate that academic preparation has a significant impact on teachers' engagement, capacity for reflection, and motivation for lifelong professional learning. They also highlight the need for differentiated CPD programs that are tailored to teachers' qualifications.

Keywords: Teachers’ Academic Qualifications, Beliefs, Professional Development Programs, Professional Learning

Work-life balance and Burnout among Lawyers in Pakistan: Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence

Marrium Akbar — 2026-01-29

The study was focused on determining the relationship between Emotional intelligence, Work-life balance and burnout, along with exploring the direct effect of predictor (Work-life balance) on the outcome variable (Burnout) as well as aimed to explore the Impact of Emotional Intelligence as a moderator amid Work-life balance and burnout. This research was conducted because of limited Research on Pakistani Lawyers and the challenging nature of their legal work. The present study encompasses framework and model including Job Demand resource model. A Cross-sectional, Quantitative study design was used and through snowballing and purposive sampling, substantial data of 301 was gathered from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Multan, Lahore, Karachi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to draw meaningful analysis. The findings of the study revealed there is a significant positive correlation between Emotional Intelligence and Work-life balance whereas a significant negative correlation between Emotional intelligence and burnout as well as amid Work-life balance and burnout. Findings also stated that Work-life balance negatively predicted Burnout. Results also indicated that Emotional Intelligence acts as a significant moderator between Burnout and Work-life balance. Overall, the study highlights and brings attention to the significance of Emotional Intelligence in improving Work-life balance, hence reducing burnout and helps individuals balance personal and professional life.

Keywords. Emotional Intelligence, Work-life balance, Burnout, Pakistani Lawyers, Occupational Stress.

Pakistan's Relations with China: A Deepening Strategic Partnership

Khalil Ahmad — 2026-01-28

Pakistan-China relations have evolved from a Cold War-era strategic alignment into a comprehensive, multi-dimensional strategic partnership characterized by deep political, economic, military, and diplomatic convergence. Rooted in early diplomatic recognition (1951), the 1963 border agreement, wartime support in 1965 and 1971, nuclear and missile cooperation in the 1970s–1980s, and post-9/11 continuity, the relationship reached a transformative phase with the 2013 launch of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. CPEC has delivered substantial benefits adding over 13,000 MW of power capacity, generating more than 261,000 jobs, modernizing transport infrastructure, and positioning Gwadar as a strategic node while military exercises (e.g., Shaheen and Warrior series), intelligence sharing, and defense production (e.g., JF-17 jets) have strengthened Pakistan’s deterrence capabilities. China’s consistent diplomatic support on Kashmir, NSG membership, and UNSC vetoes, reciprocated by Pakistan’s backing on Xinjiang, BRI, and the One-China policy, reinforces mutual reliability. However, asymmetries persist: Pakistan faces mounting debt exposure (China as a major creditor), security risks to Chinese nationals, localized resistance in Balochistan, and constrained negotiating leverage. In the post-2021 Afghanistan transition and intensified U.S.-China rivalry, the partnership functions as a counter-India axis and stabilizing quadrilateral with Afghanistan and Iran, yet risks over-dependence and regional polarization. This article provides a holistic assessment of the partnership’s drivers, benefits, costs, and future trajectories, arguing that while it remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, sustainable deepening requires greater transparency, local inclusion, and strategic diversification to balance gains against emerging dependencies in a contested regional order.

Keywords: Pakistan–China Relations, CPEC, Strategic Partnership, Geopolitical Balancing, Debt Sustainability, Regional Implications

Violent Media Exposure and Its Effects on Overall Empathy in Pakistani Gen Z University Students

Saad Asim — 2026-01-27

The purpose of this research is to highlight the link between violent media consumption and overall empathy. With the rise of violent content in different forms of media like video games, movies, social media and TV shows, and the ease in accessibility of this content, concerns have started to rise about the potential impact of this type of content on our emotional sensitivity and emphatic responses. A sample of 30 Pakistani generation Z university students was selected through purposive sampling to fill a questionnaire through google forms. This study follows a quantitative, correlational and cross-sectional research design. Violent media exposure was measured through the Content-based Media Exposure scale (C-ME), and overall empathy was measured using the Interactive Reactivity Index (IRI), by measuring the scores of Perspective taking and Emphatic Concern, and then adding them together. Desensitization Theory (Bushman & Anderson, 2009) and Empathy Erosion Hypothesis (Bushman & Anderson, 2009) were used as the framework for this study since they clearly explain how repeated exposure to violence may reduce emphatic responses. A weak positive correlation between violent media consumption and overall empathy was found (r = .14) through Pearson correlation in this research which was not statistically significant (p = .45). To better understand this relationship, it is suggested that other researchers may be done focusing on different age groups and demographics in the Pakistani context.

Keywords: violent media exposures, empathy, Pakistani, generation Z university students, desensitization, empathy erosion.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18393450

Talent Management Practices and Employer Branding in Emerging Markets

Naimat Ullah — 2026-01-26

This study investigates the relationship between talent management (TM) practices and employer branding (EB) in emerging markets, focusing on India, Brazil, and Vietnam. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research integrates survey data from 462 respondents (employees and HR managers) with 25 in-depth interviews to examine how TM practices attraction, development, retention, and deployment influence perceptions of employer attractiveness. Quantitative results reveal significant positive associations, with development practices emerging as the strongest predictor of overall EB strength (β = 0.42), followed by attraction. Employee engagement mediates this relationship, while sector (stronger in high-growth IT/services) and cultural collectivism moderate the TM-EB linkage. Qualitative findings highlight the importance of culturally adapted relational strategies and CSR integration in enhancing EB credibility amid institutional voids and talent scarcity. Compared to developed-market contexts, emerging economies exhibit greater emphasis on economic benefits and career growth in shaping employer perceptions. The study extends resource-based view and signaling theories by demonstrating how TM practices function as inimitable resources and credible signals in high-uncertainty environments. Practically, the findings guide HR managers to prioritize localized development and authentic branding to improve attraction, engagement, and retention, while offering policymakers insights for addressing skill gaps through education and diaspora policies. Despite limitations such as cross-sectional data and selected country focus, the research underscores integrated TM-EB strategies as vital for competitive advantage in dynamic emerging markets.

Keywords: Talent Management, Employer Branding, Emerging Markets, Employee Engagement, Cultural Moderation, Human Capital Strategy.

Skill Development Policies in Punjab and Their Impact on Women’s Empowerment

Dr. Munazza Mubarak — 2026-01-20

This study examines the skill development policies in Punjab, Pakistan, and their multifaceted impact on women's empowerment, focusing on economic, social, and psychological dimensions. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, it analyzes key provincial institutions (TEVTA, PVTC, PSDF) and initiatives including the Punjab Women Development Policy 2018, Mein Digital digital skills program, and recent Chief Minister-led trainings under Hunarmand Naujawan. Findings reveal significant enrollment growth among women (approaching 44% in some programs), with positive economic outcomes such as increased employment, income from freelancing and entrepreneurship, and reduced dependency. Non-economic benefits include enhanced decision-making authority, self-confidence, household status, and community roles, though gains are tempered by socio-cultural norms, mobility barriers, rural-urban divides, and implementation gaps. Quantitative comparisons and qualitative narratives highlight stronger impacts in urban areas compared to rural/Southern Punjab, underscoring the need for targeted reforms. The research concludes that while Punjab's policies offer a promising model for gender-responsive TVET, holistic enhancements addressing barriers and scaling successful interventions are essential for transformative, inclusive empowerment aligned with national and global gender equality goals.

Keywords: Women's Empowerment, Skill Development, Punjab Pakistan, Gender-Responsive TVET, Digital Skills, Rural Women

AI as Academic Ally? Perceptions of LIS Students on ChatGPT and Academic Performance in Punjab, Pakistan

Hamza Saleem — 2026-01-25

In today's digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping higher education by transforming how students learn and complete academic work. A prominent example is OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a conversational AI tool launched in late 2022 that quickly gained widespread use. This study investigates how Library and Information Science (LIS) students in Punjab, Pakistan perceive ChatGPT and how these perceptions relate to their academic performance. A quantitative survey was conducted with 291 LIS students from four universities in Punjab, selected via stratified sampling. Data were collected through an online questionnaire covering four constructs: perceived ChatGPT capabilities, satisfaction with ChatGPT, study outcomes from using ChatGPT, and self-reported academic performance. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were applied using SPSS (v25). The findings indicate that students generally have a positive perception of ChatGPT, valuing its ability to provide instant information and assist in tasks like writing, summarizing, translating, and problem-solving. Students reported high satisfaction with the tool’s accuracy and ease of use, and agreed that ChatGPT helps them learn more efficiently. All key variables were positively inter-correlated, and perception of ChatGPT was significantly associated with higher academic performance. In particular, the extent to which ChatGPT improved students’ study outcomes (e.g. completing assignments on time, understanding concepts) emerged as the strongest predictor of their academic success. These results provide insights for educators and policymakers on integrating AI tools in academia. The study underscores the need for ethical use and information literacy training so that students can leverage ChatGPT’s benefits while mitigating risks like over-reliance and academic dishonesty.

Keywords: ChatGPT; Artificial Intelligence; LIS students; Academic performance; Student perception

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18368102

Predictors of Sports Achievement Motivation among Student-Athletes: The Interplay of Administrative and Social Factors

Dr. Sardar Nasir Sohail Khan — 2026-01-24

Understanding the factors that drive sports achievement motivation is vital for developing successful student-athletes. This study investigated the predictors of sports achievement motivation, focusing on the interplay of administrative and social factors, among university-level athletes in Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting quantitative data from 760 student-athletes (483 male, 277 female) participating in various sports across public and private universities in the all-Pakistan Inter-Varsity Sports competitions. The findings conclusively support the hypothesized relationships. Bivariate correlation analysis revealed statistically significant positive associations between administrative factors, social factors, parental support, and sports achievement motivation. Multiple regression analysis further demonstrated that, when considered together, these three factors form a significant predictive model. Among them, social factors emerged as the most influential unique predictor. This research provides empirical evidence that fostering a supportive ecosystem comprising effective administrative structures, a positive social environment, and active parental encouragement is crucial for enhancing the competitive drive and achievement motivation of athletes in the inter-varsity sports context.

Keywords: Sports Achievement Motivation, Administrative Factors, Social Factors, Parental Support, Student-Athletes, Pakistan, Inter-Varsity Sports.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18361242

The Governance Gap: Distinguishing Administrative Collapse from Fiscal Mismanagement in Pakistan’s Public Sector Regional Focus: Pakistan (2014–2026)

Dr Hina Anis Fatima — 2026-01-23

This research investigates the causal relationship between structural governance deficits and the emergence of liquidity crises within Pakistan’s public sector. Utilizing a comparative institutional analysis, the study examines the "Governance Gap" through the lens of Public Choice Theory and the Soft Budget Constraint framework. The methodology employs a qualitative multi-case study approach, analyzing fiscal data from selected State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and provincial treasury departments during periods of high liquidity stress (2020–2025). Findings indicate that while financial mismanagement characterized by revenue forecasting errors and suboptimal debt-servicing triggered initial cash-flow volatility, it was rarely the primary driver of sustained insolvency. Instead, chronic liquidity shortfalls, particularly the "Circular Debt" phenomenon in the energy sector, are rooted in administrative collapse, defined by executive overrides and the subversion of meritocratic bureaucratic norms. The paper contributes a "Decoupling Matrix" to assist Pakistani policymakers in distinguishing between remediable technical errors and systemic governance pathologies.

Keywords: Pakistan Public Sector, Circular Debt, Institutional Governance, Fiscal Liquidity, IMF Structural Reforms.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18350893

Use Of Artificial Intelligence at Higher Education Level: A Descriptive Survey

Farida Batool — 2026-01-16

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming the concept of higher education through augmentation of pedagogic, epistemic and administrative functions. AI technologies (intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, virtual assistants, and automated assessment tools) in question provide the opportunity of a personalized experience in learning, increased student engagement, and aid in data-driven decision-making. The current research aims at examining the issue of AI application on tertiary level with a specific focus on the applications, benefits, and the challenges associated with it. The wave of a descriptive survey design will be conducted whereby the targeted respondents will be students, faculty, and administrators of chosen universities. The data will be collected through the use of structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, and later analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics to outline trends within the adoption and usage rates and perception of AI efficacy. This study aims to uncover the impact of AI tools on the achievement of academics, the instruction methods, and the efficiency of educational institutions, and the challenges to successful implementation. The emergent results are also likely to inform the current positions of AI adoption in higher education, highlight areas that require improvement, and to provide recommendations that should be made to policy makers, educators, and technology developers to streamline AI-based educational processes. This study will contribute to the improved comprehension of technology enhanced learning by assessing the adoption and the effects of AI and assist in devising innovative learners centered teaching and instruction methods.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, higher education, adaptive learning, intelligent tutoring systems, academic performance, technology-enhanced learning.

Between Symbolic Inclusion and Structural Exclusion: A Critical Analysis of Governance, Capability Deprivation, and the Marginalization of Visually Impaired Artists and Sportspersons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Rahman Said — 2026-01-22

Despite growing international and national commitments toward disability inclusion, visually impaired persons in Pakistan particularly those engaged in arts and sports continue to experience profound structural exclusion. This study critically examines the challenges faced by visually impaired artists and sportspersons in accessing inclusive opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with a specific focus on governance failures, institutional practices, and capability deprivation. Drawing on qualitative data generated through in-depth interviews with visually impaired individuals, trainers, and institutional stakeholders, the study reveals that disability-inclusive policies in Pakistan largely remain symbolic in nature. Weak implementation mechanisms, fragmented institutional coordination, inaccessible infrastructures, and persistent charity-based approaches undermine the conversion of individual talent into recognized social and professional opportunities. Using the Capability Approach and the Social Model of Disability as theoretical lenses, the paper argues that exclusion is not primarily rooted in impairment but in systemic deprivation of enabling conditions. The findings further highlight intersectional dimensions of exclusion, particularly along gender and regional lines. The study contributes to social work and social policy scholarship by exposing the disjuncture between policy commitments and lived realities and by calling for a shift from symbolic inclusion toward rights-based, capability-enhancing governance frameworks for visually impaired persons in Pakistan.

Keywords: Visual impairment; disability inclusion; capability approach; governance; arts and sports; social policy; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Pakistan

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18343058

Digitalization and Automation in Cotton Spinning: A Review of Industry 4.0 Applications

Muhammad Qamar Tousif — 2026-01-22

The advancement of industry 4.0 has significantly transformed the textile sector by introducing digitalization and automation into manufacturing process. Cotton spinning being a fundamental stage of textile manufacturing is increasingly adopting industry 4.0 technologies to improve productivity, yarn quality and operational efficiency. These technologies include the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, automation, robotics and smart monitoring systems. Their application across different spinning processes enables real-time data exchange, enhanced product control, reduced fiber damage and increased production output. This review paper examines and synthesizes existing literature on the implementation of industry 4.0 in cotton spinning, highlighting both technological advancements and their industrial impact. Despite the significant benefits, challenges such as high initial investment costs, complex system integration, data management issues, and the requirement for the skilled manpower remain major barriers to widespread adoption. Overall the review indicates that Industry 4.0 plays a crucial role in the transition of conventional spinning mills toward smart, efficient and data driven manufacturing systems.

Keywords: Industry 4.0, Cotton Spinning, Textile Industry, Automation, Optimization, Internet of Things, Robotics, Digitalization, Working Efficiency, Cloud Computing, Big Data

Women’s Victimization in Post-War Afghanistan: A Feminist Analysis of Abawi’s The Secret Sky (A Novel of Forbidden Love in Afghanistan)

Muhammad Tahir — 2026-01-22

This research analyses Atia Abawi’s The Secret Sky (A Novel of Forbidden Love in Afghanistan) from the perspective of feminism in the backdrop of the contemporary Afghan situation. It mainly uses Betty Friedan’s views in her book The Feminine Mystique, especially how she examined women’s experiences in post-war scenario and advocated for their rights, including opportunities for education, employment, and an end to gender-based discrimination. Moreover, the researcher also elaborated aspects of the texts engaging with debates developed by Chandra Talpade Mohanty and Sara Suleri regarding the situation and experiences of women in the global south/third world (South-Asia). Mohanty is highly critical of the representations of women from the third world, especially when Western feminists generalize their grievances. Sara Suleri also bases her critique of western feminism on the lived experiences of South-Asian women. Arguing on these theoretical grounds, this research claims that marginalizing women in the name of religion, societal norms, traditions, and cultural codes should be regarded illegitimate. The female protagonist in the selected work is vulnerable and victim of men’s cruelty. The aim here is to identify the major factors that contribute to the denial of the post-war agency to Afghan women and afflict their lives. In this aspect, the research is also cognizant of the ways women have been brutally treated at the hands of fundamentalists in post-war Afghan society. This research study is highly significant for future researchers in other areas of feminist studies, specifically as it sets the path to look at issues of patriarchy, oppressive societal norms, honor-killing, regressive traditions, and culture, and how these elements are used as constructs to marginalize and victimize women in the contemporary Afghanistan.

Keywords: Feminism, Abawi, The Secret Sky, Betty Friedan, Sara Suleri, Mohanty

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18344989

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relationship in the Limelight of Current Defense Deal; Dawn of a New Era

Aisha Cheema — 2026-01-22

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have strong historical, cultural, religious and strategic ties, which have led to the history of mutual respect and co-operation in the bilateral relationship. The two countries have over the decades established a close relationship that has taken place in the political, economic and military fronts. One of the main aspects of such relations is the mutual defense accord according to which two countries have also undertaken to defend one another in the domain of regional security and defense cooperation. This has seen a mutual military training, intelligence, and training programs and has seen an interest in common interest in stability within the region, countering terrorism and preserving Holy sites of the Islam religion. Pakistan has been historically giving military skills and manpower to help Saudi Arabia enhance its defense, whereas Saudi Arabia has given Pakistan economic and diplomatic help whenever the nation was in serious need. This long term partnership does not only enhance the security framework of the Muslim world but also highlights the strategic relevance of co-operation among Islamic states in responding to typical threats and promoting peace within the region. It has also, however, brought up a number of questions. What are the historical basis of Pak-Saudi Arabia bilateral relationship? What does either of the countries play and what is their role in case of an attack on the other country? How has Pakistan aided Saudi Arabia in defense and regional security and stability in the Middle East and South Asia under mutual defense agreement? Will Pakistan go to the extent of deploying their nuclear weapons in the interests of Riyadh and what will become of Saudi Arabia and the surrounding of Pakistan? Notably, what is the perception of the United States towards this development?

Keywords: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Bilateral Relationship, Defense Deal, Middle East, Security Framework

Naturalization By Investment: A Critical Analysis and the Issue of Stateless Refugees

Minahil Saleem — 2026-01-15

Naturalization by investment (NBI) is one of the modes through which states confer nationality to individuals Jus sanguinis to the stateless individuals who cross international borders in the pursuit of protection by seeking refuge in neighboring states. This research study explores the potential of NBI in achieving international recognition due to the risk of financial crimes attached to it i.e, affluent people might exploit NBI to avoid prosecution in their state of origin. To do so, they invest their illegal money to buy a new nationality and thereafter relocate. As for the stateless refugees who are in dire need of nationality, this study highlights the obligations upon host states regarding the protection of basic human rights of the. Nationality being the universal and the basic right of all individuals (including refugees), this research offers a unique perspective for the investment-led naturalization of stateless refugees. Highlighting international criticism against Naturalization by investment (NBI) schemes due to illicit financial flows and missing genuine link, this study analyzes the status of nationality conferred through monetary investment under the international law and further argues that NBI can get international recognition, if nationality is conferred through non-monetary investment. Since, stateless refugees might not be that affluent to buy a citizenship, this research explores how non-monetary investment such as investment via Human Capital can conform to state’s aspiration for offering investment citizenship. The study proposes that the global challenge of statelessness which the UNHCR had envisioned to resolve by 2024 couldn’t be tackled properly without addressing the plight of stateless refugees. Previous jurisprudence on the protection of stateless refugees is insufficient and largely unexplored. Therefore, this research provides an equitable solution to address the protection needs of stateless refugees in conformity with international law and current state practices.

Keywords: Naturalization by Investment, illegal financial flows, Nationality, Stateless Refugees, Human

The Unseen Classroom Challenge: Maping Student Experiences and Faculty Interventions on Bullying in Pakistani Higher Education

Mehvish Manzoor — 2026-01-21

This qualitative study is a research on the ongoing reality of bullying in higher education institutions in Punjab, Pakistan; disproving the false notion that bullying reduces as age advances. The study examines the prevalence, manifestations, effects, and institutional reaction to bullying through semi-structured interviews with 75 people (50 students and 25 teachers) in five universities. The results indicate that 58.7 percent of students have experienced bullying, with most of the bullying being verbal harassment (49.3 percent) and cyber-bullying. The research reveals that there has been a major shift in the bullying patterns at the university scale whereby physical aggression has been replaced by more advanced psychological and online bullying. According to both students and teachers, the consequences are severe such as psychological distress (92% of teachers, 84% of students) and academic disengagement and social isolation. In spite of these effects, the study reveals some important lapses in the systems: 8 out of 10 students have stated that they did not receive any anti-bullying programs organized on university level, and the number of teachers that have reported that they were unprepared and lacked support to take action regarding bullying cases was also 8 out of 10. The paper ends with evidence-based suggestions of extensive institutional changes, which encompass the compulsory training, open-line reporting and built-in mental health support systems, specific to the Pakistani higher learning environment.

Keywords: Bullying, Higher Education, Pakistan, Student Victimization, Faculty Intervention, Cyber-bullying, Institutional Response, Qualitative Research.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18323651

Customer Participation Behaviour and Brand Equity: The Moderating Role of Fraud Prevention in Digital Banking

Iram Arshad — 2026-01-20

The online shift in the banking sector makes more consumers desire online services. Consequently, the participation opportunities are increased, yet the amount of fraud is also higher. Two are important motives, which are securing the value of the brand and ensuring security through the customer participation behavior (CPB). We consider the Pakistani banking industry and the role of fraud prevention (FP) between customer participation behavior (CPB) and brand equity (BE) in this study. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) demonstrates that consumer involvement is one of the driving forces of secure digital interactions and strategic brand progress based on the study. The study employs structural equation modelling as the method of testing the alleged relationships based on survey data of consumers of digital banks. With the introduction of fraud protection to the customer-brand structure, the study contributes conceptual richness to the current body of literature on co-creation of services and branding. It tells banks in poor nations how to use participatory fraud prevention tactics to establish trust, retain people engaged, and strengthen their brand positioning.

Keywords: Customer participation, fraud prevention, brand equity, digital banking, Pakistan, UTAUT

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18317380

A Research Review of Natural Resources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Muhammad Ibrahim Shah — 2026-01-20

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which is a province in the northwestern part of Pakistan, is blessed with a vast array of natural resources, which has been very instrumental in the socio-economic development of this province. The given research review is the analysis of the great natural resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa such as the water resources, forests, minerals, agriculture and energy potential. Mountainous topography and river systems especially the Indus and its tributaries present the province with a lot of possibilities of irrigation, hydropower generation and providing fresh water. KP also has forest resources, which is beneficial in biodiversity conservation as well as climate control and livelihoods of local communities although deforestation and illegal logging are a big problem. The other important resource of the province is the mineral resources (marble, limestone, chromite, coal, and gemstones). Although they are widespread, poor infrastructure, primitive methods of extracting them, and issues of poor governance restrain their maximum use. The provincial economy depends on agriculture, which is encouraged by fertile valleys and favorable climatic factors, but it is limited by such factors as water shortage, soil erosion, and inefficiency of modern farming techniques. Also, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has significant potential of renewable energy particularly hydropower, solar energy and wind energy which is underutilized owing to policy, technical as well as financial constraints. This review evaluates critically the available literature, government documents and policy frameworks in an effort to bring out the potential and the challenges related to the management of natural resources in KP. It highlights sustainable resource management, good governance, involvement of the community and environmentally friendly policies. The paper concludes that strategic planning, investment in the modern technology, and adherence to the sustainable development goals are necessary to make natural resources productive in ensuring the long-term economic development, environmental sustainability, and social welfare at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Keywords: Natural Resources, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sustainable Development, Resource Management, Renewable Energy

Strategic Imperative of Ai: Ethical Consideration, Perceived Risk, Ubiquity and Behavioral Intention

Mehreen Sultan — 2026-01-20

This study investigates the multifaceted dynamics influencing the actual usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by integrating ethical considerations, perceived risk, perceived ubiquity, and behavioral intention within the framework of technology adoption theories. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the research explores how ethical reflection moderates, and behavioral intention mediates, the relationships among these constructs. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 340 respondents in Lahore, Pakistan, using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that perceived risk exerts a significant negative effect, whereas perceived ubiquity positively influences actual AI usage. Behavioral intention mediates both relationships, highlighting intention as a key pathway linking user perceptions and behavior. Furthermore, ethical consideration moderates these associations, diminishing the adverse impact of perceived risk while amplifying the positive influence of ubiquity, demonstrating that ethical transparency and fairness enhance user confidence and adoption. The study contributes theoretically by extending behavioral and ethical models of AI adoption and provides practical insights for policymakers and organizations to promote responsible, trust-based AI integration in developing economies. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Ethical Consideration, Perceived Risk, Perceived Ubiquity, Behavioral Intention, Technology Adoption, Pakistan, PLS-SEM

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18316654

Evaluation of Anticancer, Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic activity of Silver Nanoparticles using leaf extract of Grewia asiatica

Muhammad Ateeb* — 2026-01-20

Diabetes and cancer are two severe, multifaceted, and long-lasting diseases. Each year, diabetes mellitus and cancer claim the lives of about 11 million individuals. Recently, metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs), which were produced utilizing plant extracts in an ecologically benign way, have appeared as a superior choice for the management of these deadly illnesses. The current study investigated the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties of greenly generated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Grewia asiatica Linn (G. asiatica), a leaf extract from the Malvaceae family. The results indicate the color transition of the DPPH solution from purple to yellow, with the crude extracts exhibiting robust antioxidant activity (78.68% ± 0.02) and the nanoparticles demonstrating even higher activity (81.62% ± 0.02) against DPPH. Furthermore, with IC50 values of 177.3 μg/ml, 99.8 μg/ml, and 73 μg/ml, respectively, AgNPs efficiently prevent the development of human breast (MCF-7), cervical (HeLa), and liver (HepG2) cancer cells at exceptionally low doses. Additionally, the AgNPs exhibited superior anti-diabetic activity, as demonstrated by alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibition assays (85.03% ± 0.02 and 75.15± 0.01 accordingly). AgNPs were therefore shown to be a potent α-glucosidase inhibitor, a free radical scavenger, and an efficient medicinal substance that targets human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7). To determine the nanoparticles' anticancer and antidiabetic actions, further research is necessary.

Keywords: Grewiaasiatica, alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, MTT assay.

Exploring the Mediating Role of Job Security and Career Development in Digital Technology's Influence on Gig Worker Engagement

Qudsia Amjad Awan — 2026-01-20

This study examines the effects of Digital Literacy and Job Security on Employee Participation in the Gig Economy, incorporating Pattern in Gig Economy (uncertainty), Career Growth, and Job Autonomy as mediators, and Managerial Support as a moderating construct. Data were collected from employees in Pakistan and analyzed using SPSS for descriptive and preliminary analysis, followed by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for hypothesis testing. Results indicate that Digital Literacy significantly enhances Career Growth and reduces uncertainty, while Job Security strengthens Job Autonomy and mitigates uncertainty. Both Career Growth and Job Autonomy positively influence participation, whereas uncertainty exerts a negative effect. Mediation and moderation analyses confirm indirect effects and the amplifying role of Managerial Support. The findings extend the Self-Determination Theory and suggest practical measures such as digital up skilling, job security initiatives, and supportive management. Policy recommendations include increased investment in education and vocational training, as demonstrated by China’s success in reducing youth unemployment, to curb unemployment, poverty, and economic instability in Pakistan.

Keywords: Digital Literacy, Gig Economy, Job Security, Career Growth, Job Autonomy, Managerial Support, PLS-SEM, Pakistan.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18313352

Women at the Margins: A Feminist Critique of Patriarchal Domination in Sabyn Javeri’s, Nobody Killed Her

Arhamna Azam — 2026-01-20

“Patriarchy is a societal system that prioritizes male dominance over females, profoundly impacting women’s lives by silencing and rendering them voiceless” (Qasim et al., 2024, p. 171). This paper provides a feminist analysis of patriarchal domination in the novel Nobody Killed Her by Sabyn Javeri. Using the feminist theory, the paper assesses how the novel illustrates the marginalization of women in the highly institutionalized gender politics and how patriarchy oppresses female voices, controls female bodies, and justifies gendered violence in the name of social morality. The novel reveals how the institutions like family, law, and the community work together in perpetuating male power making women susceptible to symbolic as well as physical erasure. Through foregrounding the lived conditions of women which they experience as oppressed and disposable, the novel questions the cultural norms and traditions that rationalize female oppression and absolve the systems of patriarchy. A close reading of the novel reveals that Nobody Killed Her does not only criticize acts of violence on a personal level perpetrated against women but also questions and challenges the structural circumstances that allow this violence to thrive. Finally, the novel by Javeri emphasizes its role in influencing the discussion of gender, power, and social justice.

Keywords: Feminism, Patriarchy, Gender-based Violence, Women’s Marginalization, Domestic Abuse, Silence and Voice.

Cyber-Security Beyond Borders: Unraveling Cross-Jurisdictional Legal Complexities in Cyberspace

Rubab Kanwal Shaikh — 2026-01-19

Establishing strong cyber-security is more important than ever in an increasingly interconnected world, where practically every part of our lives is linked to digital networks. However, as cyber-attacks become more sophisticated and ubiquitous, combating them has become a difficult task. Navigating the legal difficulties that emerge when cyber incidents cross national borders is one of the most difficult tasks. Creating a cohesive strategy to tackle cybercrime is challenging because different nations have different laws, rules, and enforcement systems. Global cyber-security is compromised due to these cross-jurisdictional issues that make it more difficult to find, apprehend, and prosecute cybercriminals. This research paper has employed a qualitative doctrinal method. firstly, to provide a comprehensive overview of cyber-security, underscoring its importance in safeguarding digital infrastructure, sensitive data, and individuals in an interconnected world. Secondly, the study has explored legal, regulatory, and enforcement obstacles that emerge when cyber threats cross national boundaries, emphasizing the complexities of applying conventional legal frameworks to the digital landscape. Thirdly, the approach adopted in the paper enumerated Pakistan’s legal approach to cyber-security, analyzing its current laws, regulations, and challenges in adapting to global standards in the fight against cybercrime. This research finally concluded with certain recommendations for improving cross-border security efforts.

Key Words: Cyber-Security, Cybercrime, Cross-Border Security, Digital Infrastructure.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18301634

Relationship Among Parental Involvement, Children's Well-Being and Academic Achievement at Secondary School Level in Lahore, Pakistan

Hera Zain — 2026-01-19

This study examines the relationship among parental involvement, children’s good, and academic achievement among secondary school students in Lahore, Pakistan. Guided by a positivist paradigm, a quantitative research design was employed using an adapted version of the Global School- Based Student Health Survey. A sample of five hundred tenth- grade students was selected through simple random sampling from both public and private secondary schools. The instrument included demographic variables and particulars measuring parental involvement and wellbeing. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank- order correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS. Results indicated a largely significant positive relationship between parental involvement and children’s wellbeing, a significant negative association between parental involvement and academic achievement, and a non-significant relationship between good and academic achievement. The findings emphasize the critical part of parental engagement in shaping children’s psychological good, while suggesting that academic performance may be told by fresh external and contextual factors. Implications for parents, schools, and policymakers highlight the need for cooperative strategies to enhance children’s holistic development. Future research should explore wider geographical surrounds, include schoolteacher perspectives, and incorporate mixed- method approaches to gain deeper perceptivity into the dynamics between parental involvement and students’ issues.

Keywords: Parental involvement, wellbeing, mental health, academic achievement, secondary education.

Vulnerability to Empowerment: Digital Literacy as A Shield for Women Against Cyber Harassment

Rehana Anjum — 2026-01-19

Digital literacy encompasses knowledge, skills, and viewpoints that equip individuals to navigate safely and confidently in a progressively digital environment. In today's digital era, women face various cyber threats like harassment, stalking, identity theft, and unauthorized sharing of personal information. These Challenges hinder their online engagement, thereby limiting their access to educational, professional, and personal growth opportunities. Digital literacy is the crucial yet unexplored mechanism in overcoming these challenges, empowering women to navigate the internet securely, protect their digital identities, and uphold their rights. In Pakistan, cybercrimes are dealt with in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 which incorporates various provisions to protect women against cyber threats like offenses against the dignity of a natural person, cyber-stalking, unauthorized use of identity information, unauthorized access to intimate images, etc. however, the effectiveness of these legal safeguards is constrained by a deficiency in awareness, accessibility and implementation. This research has employed qualitative doctrinal methodology. Firstly, it aimed to develop a clear understanding of cyber threats encountered by women. Secondly, the study investigated the multi-faceted role of digital literacy in empowering women against cyber threats. Thirdly, this research examined the relationship between digital literacy and Pakistan’s legal framework with special reference to the principal provisions of PECA. Fourthly, instant Research formulated strategies to bridge the gap through targeted digital literacy programs, enhanced legal education, and policy reforms. Finally, the research concluded with recommendations to promote gender-responsive policies ensuring women's empowerment.

Key Words: Digital-literacy, Cyber-threats, PECA, Policy-reforms, Cyber harassment.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18296456

Exploring the Experiences of Female Students Regarding Cyber Bullying and Academic Performance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Muhammad Asim Attique — 2026-01-18

This study investigates the lived experiences of female university students regarding cyber bullying and its effects on academic performance in the age of artificial intelligence. Cyber bullying has emerged as a serious challenge in higher education, particularly as universities increasingly rely on AI-mediated learning environments such as learning management systems, online assessments, and digital communication platforms. The purpose of this paper was to explore how female students experience cyber bullying in these environments and how such experiences influence their academic engagement and performance. The research focused on the central objective of understanding the personal, emotional, and academic consequences of cyber bullying within AI-supported educational settings. Data were collected at the University of Narowal using a qualitative research design. The study population consisted of female university students and a purposive sample of n=20 participants were selected based on their experiences with online learning and cyber bullying. Semi-structured interviews were used as the primary data collection method. The data were analyzed using manual thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and sub-themes. The findings showed that female students experienced cyber bullying in the form of online harassment, social exclusion, and misuse of digital and AI-based academic platforms. These experiences led to anxiety, reduced self-confidence, fear of online participation, and decreased academic motivation. Many participants reported that cyber bullying negatively affected their concentration, class participation, and overall academic performance. The study also found limited institutional support and a lack of effective reporting mechanisms. This research contributes to our understanding of the intersection between gender, cyber bullying, and AI-mediated education. It highlights the need for stronger institutional policies, supportive systems, and ethical AI design to ensure safe and inclusive learning environments for female students.

Keywords: Cyber bullying, Academic Performance, Artificial Intelligence

Understanding Cyber Victimization: Risk Patterns Among University Students in Pakistan

Husnain Hameed Awan — 2026-01-18

This study investigates the prevalence, patterns and consequences of cybercrime victimization among university students in Lahore, Pakistan, emphasizing the psychological impact and systemic barriers to reporting. Drawing on data from 150 students across four major universities, the study employs a mixed-methods approach grounded in Routine Activity Theory, Victim Facilitation Theory and Broken Windows Theory. Findings reveal that 45.3% of students have experienced cybercrime, yet 59.8% did not report it, primarily due to institutional mistrust and cultural stigma. Emotional consequences such as anxiety, anger and fear were common, while gender disparities highlighted the heightened vulnerability of female students. Instagram and WhatsApp emerged as the riskiest platforms due to algorithmic exposure and encryption loopholes. The study concludes with policy recommendations for universities, law enforcement and digital platforms, emphasizing workshops, anonymous reporting channels and identity verification protocols. The research underscores the need for comprehensive cyber safety frameworks in developing nations.

Keywords: Cybercrime, Social Media, University Students, Lahore, Victimization, Routine Activity Theory, Psychological Impact, Institutional Barriers, Cybersecurity, Gender

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18288462

Impact of Cyber Bullying On the Academic Performance of Female Students at University Level

Soha Naseem — 2026-01-17

Bullying is a form of control that is described as hostile behavior or repeated threats by others, as well as a real or perceived power imbalance between the victim and the bully. External bullying includes social exclusion (e.g., you never connect with us, you are not welcome, etc.) and the spread of rumors. The majority of academics concur that bullying is defined as an intentional act of aggression intended to cause injury to another person and to create an imbalance of power between the victim and the aggressor. The fact that internet users between the ages of 12 and 30 typically use mobile and internet communication tools as their main communication channels is another noteworthy characteristic. Ironically, these new forms of engagement and communication have led to the harmful practice known as cyber bullying, which involves using electronic communication to harass and harass people. It is well acknowledged that bullying has disastrous consequences regardless of whether people "label" themselves as bullies or victims. These can include low self-esteem, despair, anxiety, loneliness, and insecurity, as well as more severe situations that could lead to suicide. This study investigates how cyber bullying affects student academic achievement. It will look into the problems and ethical issues of integrating cyber bullying into educational institutions, as well as students' perceptions of potential hurdles. Using a quantitative methodologies approach to determine the influence of bullying on their learning experiences. The findings will seek to fill a gap in the existing knowledge by providing practical insights into how bullying can interfere with student involvement in academic activities and academic success. The study will also enlighten educational practitioners and policymakers on the benefits and problems of cyber bullying, as well as how to resolve issues through root cause analysis. Finally, the study will help to design more effective and efficient anti-cyber bullying instructional tools, hence improving learning outcomes across a wide range of educational institutions.

Impact of Transformational Leadership Styles on Teachers Innovation and Knowledge Sharing at University Of Narowal

Nida Javed — 2026-01-17

The purpose of the study is to focus on the impact of transformational leadership (TL) on faculty performance within the University of Narowal, specifically in the area of creativity and knowledge-sharing practices. The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design, and 150 faculty members (permanent and visiting) working in social and natural science departments were surveyed using Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X), knowledge sharing scale, and innovation scales. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure proportional representation between departments and academic ranks. The correlation, regression, mediation analysis, and descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS. The alpha of Cronbach and associated measures were used to determine content validity and reliability of the constructs. The findings showed that transformational leadership is an effective predictor of innovation among faculty members. Those teachers who were exposed to a high level of TL by their department heads showed more exposure to new teaching practices, research, and problem-solving practices. Specifically, product and process innovation were both significantly positively correlated with TL. Additionally, the knowledge sharing was also identified to play an important mediator role in the TL-innovation relationship. The faculty innovation had a strong predictive relationship with TL, which explained 40 percent of the variance. The investigation presents the evidence on the Pakistani context of higher education and outlines the need to develop TL capabilities of the heads of departments. The cultures of innovation and knowledge-sharing can be improved in universities by strengthening training, mentoring, and institutional support.

Exploring the Impact of Managerial Leadership on Students Academic Progress at the University of Narowal

Amina Nawaz — 2026-01-17

This research was carried out to investigate the impact of managerial leadership style on academic progress of students in University of Narowal. The study concentrated on three main leadership styles namely; transformational, transactional and laissez faire and then examined their impact of the students’ Grade Point Average (GPA), course completion and retention. This study employed a survey research design and 200 students with different academic levels in different departments were surveyed using designed questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, multiple regression and logistic regression were used to investigate the relationship between leadership practices and academic progress. To understand the moderating impact of gender, academic year and department of study on perceived and effective leadership, demographic variables such as gender, academic year and study discipline were considered. The results reveal that transformational leadership was the single largest contributor to student academic progress. Students who perceived their leadership being more transformational reported higher levels of engagement, motivation, and self-efficacy and these were manifested in enhanced GPA scores, course completion on schedule and students' retention. Leaders were seen to develop a supportive, participative, and motivating climate (academically oriented) with mentorship, acknowledgment, and a common sense of direction (vision). These practices are linked to the active involvement of the students in their learning, and this involvement leads to effective critical thinking, problem solving skills and university progress. Transactional leadership was found to work moderately well by supplying structure, clear expectations and progress related rewards. Although transactional leadership was effective in controlling and improving behavior in the short term, it may not be as effective as transformational leadership at inspiring students to higher levels of motivation and engagement. Laissez faire leadership (least active management by faculty with few involvement and passive decision making) was negatively related to students' academic progress (lower GPAs, delayed course completion, and greater repetition). This contributes to the lack of support and lack of involvement being directly associated with poor student progress.

Leveraging Mudarabah in Islamic Banking and Finance in Pakistan through Quran and Sunnah Al-Naba (78:10-11) and Prophet Mudarabah Model

Abdul Samad bin Alhaj Mohammad Ramzan — 2026-01-17

This research proposal aims to promote the development of Mudarabah-based financing products in Islamic banking and/or in Islamic finance through an investor(s), fostering risk-sharing and entrepreneurship in Pakistan’s economy. Mudarabah, a Shariah-compliant partnership, offers a unique opportunity for banks and Investors to support businesses while sharing risks and rewards. However, its implementation has been limited due to lack of awareness, regulatory hurdles, and risk aversion.

This study seeks to explore the concept of Mudarabah through the lens of the Qur’an and Sunnah, analyzing how its values of experience (Qavi), trust (Amanah), justice (‘Adl), and cooperation (Ta‘awun) can inform modern Islamic banking and Financial models. The proposed framework will address regulatory and operational challenges, encourage Shariah-compliant entrepreneurship, and promote sustainable financial inclusion. By enhancing Mudarabah-based financing, Islamic banks and financial institutions can contribute to Pakistan’s economic development, job creation, and sustainable growth, aligning with the UN’s sustainable development goals and Islamic finance principles

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18283851

Servant Leadership: A Driving Force to Employee Empowerment, Trust and performance: Mediation and moderation Perspectives

Iram Arshad — 2026-01-17

The study is directed at how servant leadership can affect the performance of employees, empowerment and trust that have job satisfaction, psychological safety and employee engagement as intermediate factors. The moderating variable that supports such associations is also covered in the paper through servant leadership as a role model. Data were collected between the employees who represented various spheres of organizations as a result of the structured questionnaire. According to the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) findings, servant leadership positively influences employee outcome through the mediators both directly and indirectly. Important factors that encouraged engagement and performance were found to be jobs satisfaction and psychological safety. The moderating effect of servant leadership as a role model also enhanced the trust and level of empowerment. The findings can be applied to the literature of leadership and organizational behavior because the researchers have proved that servant leadership promotes positive work climate that translates to higher levels of employee commitment and performance in contemporary organizations.

Keywords: Servant leadership, Job satisfaction, psychological safety, Employee engagement, Employee performance, Servant leadership role modeling

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18282871

The Rise of Chinese investment in Pakistan; Development or Track to Economic Subordination?

Muhammad Saifullah — 2026-01-17

Economic horizons in the Global South have been transformed by the emergence of Chinese investment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) especially in countries that have been strategically oriented such as Pakistan. Although this is usually packaged as development partners, Chinese investment casts very critical challenges to the way their companies operate, how they conduct business in the market, and how well they conform to the interests of the host country. This paper will look at the economic effects of Chinese investment into Pakistan and assess whether their activities are neo-imperialism characteristics like those that were once practiced by the western multinationals in Africa and Latin America. The study examines two major dimensions based on a qualitative document study analysis which consists of how the Chinese Investment(s) together with their operating companies affect the labor market and the local industries in Pakistan and how their conduct compares to the historical examples of economic imperialism. The results show that Chinese companies are overrepresented in the strategic managerial positions with the local employees holding minor and low paying jobs. Also, the Chinese Investment has taken over markets through the national support and foreign influence and this has led to the crowding out of the local businesses and reduced the competitiveness of the Pakistani industries. Comparative study of the African and Latin American experience suggests that the Chinese Investment does not eliminate the exploitative systems of Latin American and African experience, instead it replicates them. These are labor hierarchies, monopolies and false corporate social responsibility. The paper finds that unless policy frameworks are strong, Chinese Investment risks will entrench the economic dependency in Pakistan and not bring equitable development in the country.

Keywords: Investment, MNC’s, Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Monopolistic Tendencies

Japan’s Nation Branding Strategy Through “Cool Japan” Campaign and Its Acceptance Among Pakistani Youth

Alisha Shafiq — 2026-01-16

This study explores Japan’s cultural diplomacy with a focus on its nation branding strategy through the “Cool Japan” campaign and its reception among Pakistani youth. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of public diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and nation branding, the research examines how Japan employs anime, manga, video games, and cuisine to construct a favorable global image. Using a mixed-method approach, including qualitative analysis and a quantitative survey of 190 Pakistani youth, the findings reveal a high degree of awareness and positive perceptions of Japanese culture. The majority of participants reported frequent engagement with Japanese cultural products, which significantly influenced their interest in Japan, lifestyle choices, and desire for cultural exchange. Results confirm that Japan’s cultural diplomacy is highly effective in shaping positive attitudes abroad. Furthermore, the study highlights valuable lessons for Pakistan to strengthen its own cultural promotion strategies.

Keywords: Nation Branding, Cultural Diplomacy, Public Diplomacy, Cool Japan Campaign, Japanese Culture, Pakistani Youth

Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) Hypothesis and Co2 Emissions: An Empirical Study of MENA Developing Countries

Fazal Karim — 2026-01-16

This study examines the impact of per capita income, its square, forest area, FDI inflows, population density, urbanization, and trade openness on CO2 emissions in MENA developing countries. Using 35 years of data (1981–2015) from the WDI, stationary was tested with the ADF test, and the ARDL bounds testing approach was applied. Results show that all variables significantly reduce CO2 emissions in both the short and long run. Unit root tests indicate that CO2 emissions and per capita GDP are occasionally co-integrated, supporting the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. The findings highlight that higher income and FDI contribute to emission reduction, while coordinated environmental and economic policies are essential for sustainable development in developing MENA countries. Similarly, the findings show that developing countries need to bring into line a well-coordinated environmental and economic policy mix that would ensure greater output. Similarly, at the same time look after their environment from deprivation and pollution.

Keywords: Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) Hypothesis, CO2 Emissions, Population Density, Urbanization, Trade Openness

The Relationship between Basic Psychological Needs, Psychological Capital and Life Satisfaction Among University Students

Syed Shah Ali Abbas — 2026-01-16

Psychological capital (hope, optimism, resilience, self-efficacy) refers to the psychological capacity of an individual that can be assessed, enhanced, and effectively utilized to enhance performance. Self-determination theory posits existence of fundamental needs (autonomy, relatedness, competency need) that must be fulfilled to enhance psychological well-being and ensure wholesome development (Ryan and Deci 2000). Maladjustment and even psychopathology are said to occur when these demands are not met i.e., causing psychological needs frustration (Vansteenkiste and Ryan 2013). Life satisfaction can be interpreted as the summit of joy experienced across life domains (Salvatore and Mun˜oz Sastre, 2001). Our purpose of research was to find the relationship between basic psychological need satisfaction/frustration, compound psychological capital and satisfaction with life Satisfaction of university students. We collected data from 353 participants (university students). Basic Psychological need satisfaction and frustration scale (BPNSFS), compound psychological capital (CPC-12) and satisfaction with life scale was used for data collection. We found positively significant correlation between PsyCap (hope, optimism, resilience, self-efficacy) and life satisfaction. Our findings indicate that basic psychological need satisfaction is significantly and positively correlated with psychological capital and life satisfaction. While frustrating these needs is negatively correlated with PsyCap and life satisfaction (except for positive relationship of autonomy frustration with hope, optimism, resilience, self-efficacy, life satisfaction and positive relationship between relatedness frustration and competence frustration with resilience).

Keywords: Basic Psychological Needs, Psychological Capital, Life Satisfaction, University Students, Student Well-being

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18271333

The Future of Learning with AI: A Systematic Review on Transforming Student Education and Competencies

Asif Iqbal — 2026-01-16

Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) has evolved into a substantial research field, generating a diverse body of literature with varied perspectives and applications. This review synthesizes empirical studies published between 2014 and 2024, examining AIED’s integration across secondary and higher education with a focus on pedagogical strategies and tools, ethical considerations, institutional collaboration, and the application of machine learning models in teaching, learning, and assessment. An initial mapping of 4,076 research articles, refined through an in-depth analysis of 62 selected studies, provides a robust conceptual framework of the current knowledge landscape. The findings highlight AIED’s transformative role in secondary and higher education by enhancing pedagogy, addressing ethical challenges, fostering institutional collaboration, and leveraging machine learning applications. These insights provide strategic direction for teachers, administrators, and policymakers in shaping effective, ethical, and inclusive integration of AIED in education. Future research should emphasize enhancing explainable AI, mitigating ethical risks, and evaluating AI tools in diverse real-world classroom contexts.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence in Education, Machine Learning Models, Ethical Challenge, pedagogical strategies, Explainable AI, Secondary and Higher Education

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18270365

Energy Harvesting Textiles

Dr. Qamar Tusief Awan — 2026-01-16

Energy harvesting textiles (EHTs) are intelligent fabrics that are designed to harness various sources of available energy like solar rays, mechanical motion, temperature differences, and electromagnetic waves. With their potential to convert various sources of energy, EHTs can be used for self-sustaining wearable technology devices, healthcare monitoring and even sustainable fashion technology. The current literature review provides a compilation of recent advancements in energy harvesting technology, materials, and processing. Also, various key considerations for energy efficiency, robustness, and processing costs are reviewed.

Keywords: Energy Harvesting Textiles, Smart Fabrics, Wearable Electronics, Nanomaterials, Sustainability

Gender Mainstreaming to Prevent Radicalization & Extremism: A Case Study of Women's Seminaries in Pakistan

Dr. Tehmina Aslam (Corresponding Author) — 2026-01-15

Females seeking education in religious seminaries feel marginalized and driven towards radicalization and extremism in a society that is prejudiced in favour of females who seek education from schools and colleges delivering worldly knowledge Western education, such as science, mathematics, and English. Pakistan’s constitution encourages Western education and awards such learners with rewards such as representation at the national decision and policy-making level, as compared to female students from religious seminaries. This study aims to find ways to represent females (who have sought education at religious seminaries) at the national level to mainstream them, thereby preventing their slide towards radicalization and extremism. Through the use of the qualitative research paradigm, an exploratory study would be conducted by administering structured, standardized, and open-ended interviews to female students and their teachers at religious seminaries, as well as to some legislators who can initiate necessary legislation, if and when required. Thematic analysis would be conducted, and the findings would be organized. The conclusion drawn would address the ways female who studied at religious seminaries would get a chance to be mainstreamed as a measure to prevent any possibility of their being swayed to radicalization and extremism.

Keywords: Gender Mainstreaming, Prevent Radicalization, Extremism, Women's Seminaries, Pakistan

Assessment and Optimization of Advanced Treatment Processes for the Removal of Pharmaceuticals and Microplastics in Potable Water Reuse Systems

Dr. Abdullah — 2026-01-15

Use of drinkable water has been the last resort in eradicating water shortage in places where water stress is rife. Nevertheless, the sustainability of potable reuse systems is under attack by emerging sources of pollution including pharmaceuticals and microplastics. The adsorption of a pharmaceutical on activated carbon adsorption (GAC and PAC) will be used to measure the performance of the advanced treatment processes such as reverse osmosis (RO), advanced oxidation process (AOPs), and adsorption of pharmaceuticals and microplastics in treated wastewater on the adsorption process. The analysis of the optimization strategies is also conducted through the mixture of different technologies of treatment used in the study. The findings indicate that RO had the best removal efficiencies of pharmaceuticals and microplastics and especially the larger ones. OZs, particularly ozonation and UV/H 2 O 2 were convenient in degradation of pharmaceuticals but the degradation also depended on the compound. Activated carbon adsorption was found to be enticing with hydrophobic pharmaceuticals and not microplastics. The combined regime in RO-Ozone treatment and the GAC adsorption produced the most favorable overall cumulative elimination of the pharmaceuticals and microplastics. Even though that energy consumption and operation in these technologies is costly, the integrated system emerged the most suitable when used in systems of reusing potable water. The article demonstrates a possibility of the treatment of reclaimed water safety with the support of advanced treatment technologies and the necessity to conduct further studies that can contribute to the optimization of work by the treatment and the removal of the flaws of functioning.

Keywords: Assessment, Optimization, Advanced Treatment Processes, Pharmaceuticals, Microplastics, Potable Water Reuse Systems

Recognition Has a Nationality: How Power, Color, and Credibility Shape Organizational Quality Management

Usman Rehmat — 2026-01-14

Recognition and credibility are nothing more than niceties in any given workplace. They are currencies that drive facilitation and safeguarding of employee morale and organizational break/bound shifts of effective systems of quality management. Employees who feel they are appreciated and recognized for their direct contributions appreciate more encourage innovation, and rally organizational goals more. However, in many organizations around the world, particularly in the developing and transitioning economies, the ideal remains the desired. Here and now, recognition is more often than not about systemic inequities and deficiencies of power, country of passport, color of skin, immigration, managerial favouritism and, in general, the equity of recognition. This paper examines the systemic inequities of management, loss of employee motivation, and gaps in the systems of quality management, caused by practices of appropriation of credit, exertion of authority, and power of identity. We take a mixed approach in order to create a broad perspective. We juxtapose the hard quantitative data of a time-lagged survey, analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), with qualitative auto-ethnographic narratives, and the global workforce statistics. Our findings present recognition injustice as a strong predictor for psychological damage, work disconnection, and turnover intention. Conversely, consistent ethical leadership along with transparent and fair human resource systems reinforces a strong mitigating effect. From this research, we offer a significant contribution to the HRM literature regarding recognition injustice as an issue of structural injustice, as opposed to being an issue of manager incivility, an inter-personal issue, or an issue of systemic incivility within the organization. We conclude with an imperative: Organizations and regulators need to move away from ambiguous ideas and implement regulatory, defensible, evidence-based recognition structures that, in an ethical and quality assurance framework, make recognition governance a standard for operational compliance.

Keywords: Recognition injustice; Credit theft; Power abuse; Ethical leadership; Structural Equation Modelling; Auto-ethnography; Nationality bias; Quality management; HRM; Structural violence; Psychological safety; Workplace discrimination; Global inequality; Managerial favouritism; Employee disengagement

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18247109

Examining stewardship in family firms, exploring the role of growth, career, and autonomy on the Accountant’s psychological intention to stay

Adeel Qaiser — 2026-01-14

Purpose: The present research examines how professional accountants’ growth orientation, career opportunities, and autonomy form psychological ownership and their intention to stay, eventually nurturing stewardship behavior in the family-owned firms. Furthermore, it explores the organizational settings rather than family identification permits stewardship in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach: Based on a self-administered cross-sectional survey of 396 practicing accountants employed in family firms. Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the hypotheses among the accountant’s growth, career, autonomy, psychological ownership, intention to stay, and ultimately stewardship behavior.

Findings: Overall, the results indicate that growth orientation, career opportunities, and professional autonomy significantly strengthen psychological ownership and intention to stay, ultimately strengthening stewardship behavior. Furthermore, results present that stewardship among non-family accountants emerges from workplace arrangements and psychological environments that nurture identification, obligation, accountability, and sustained affiliation.

Practical implications: Family firms can augment stewardship by nurturing growth orientation environments, proposing obvious career pathways, and allowing expressive autonomy. Such practices support retaining proficient accountants, diminish agency-driven propensities, and ensure long-term organizational stability.

Originality/value: The present research advances stewardship theory by signifying that such behavior in family-owned firms is empowered through structural and psychological tools rather than intrinsic family association. Furthermore, it contributes novel insights on how professional accountants, an overlooked population, yield stewardship-affiliated behaviors within the institutional setting of emerging economies.

Keywords: Accountants, growth, career, and autonomy

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18240308

Causes and Effects of Extra-Marital Relationships in Tehsil Taxila: An Analytical Study

Shoaib Akhtar — 2026-01-14

This study examines the causes and effects of extra-marital relationships among married couples in Tehsil Taxila, Pakistan. Through a mixed-methods approach involving a structured questionnaire (N=200) and qualitative insights, the research identifies key socio-psychological drivers including lack of emotional intimacy, unresolved conflicts, boredom, desire for novelty, and peer pressure alongside significant economic factors such as financial stress, dependency imbalances, and misuse of family resources. These interconnected vulnerabilities severely undermine marital stability, leading to the irreversible breakdown of trust, frequent separation or divorce, and profound psychological distress, with women and children disproportionately affected. The consequences extend to the community level, eroding social cohesion through stigma and division, threatening Islamic marital sanctity, and imposing wider societal costs through economic, legal, and health burdens. The findings underscore the urgent need for culturally and religiously sensitive interventions that promote emotional connectivity, financial responsibility, and adherence to Islamic values to safeguard marital harmony and family integrity in this conservative socio-cultural context.

Keywords: Extra-Marital Relationships, Marital Stability, Socio-Psychological Causes, Economic Factors, Emotional Intimacy, Tehsil Taxila, Islamic Perspective, Social Cohesion