ACADEMIA International Journal for Social Sciences
ACADEMIA International Journal for Social Sciences (AIJSS) - HEC recognized Y Category Journal, the premier journal for academics, researchers, and enthusiasts that focus the subjects but not limit the fields of Archeology, Anthropology, Archival Studies, Economics, Econometrics, English Literature, Disaster Management, Accounting, Political Science, Public Administration, Defense and Strategic studies, International Relations, Management Science, Marketing, HR, Agriculture, Psychology including clinical, Industrial, and Developmental Psychology, Criminology, Philosophy, Sociology, Iqbal Studies/Iqbaliyat, Rural Development Studies, Social Work, Criminology, Library and Information Sciences, History, Demography and Population Studies, Ethnography, Conservation Studies, Religious Studies / Comparative Religion, Islamic Studies / Arabic Studies, Education, Special Education, Law and Legislature, Home Economics, Pakistan Studies, Peace & Conflict Studies, Behavioral Sciences, Women and Gender Studies, American /studies, Area Studies, Development Studies, Journalism, Mass Communication, Media Studies, Rural / Urban Studies, Women Studies. Announcement: Change in Publication Frequency Following the recommendation of the Editorial Board, we are pleased to announce that the journal has transitioned to a monthly publication schedule which was previously publishing on a quarterly basis. Effective from Oct, 2025 the journal will now publish monthly issues. This decision reflects our commitment to providing timely dissemination of high-quality research and to accommodating the growing volume of scholarly submissions. We thank our authors, reviewers, and readers for their continued support and look forward to serving the academic community with more frequent and impactful publications.
Mapping the Regulatory Quality in the nexus between Green Finance and Environmental Sustainability
The green finance instruments are seen as essential tool for an environmental sustainability but its global application appears to be varied depending on institutional setup. This paper systematically reviewed the literature and used bibliometric analysis to examine the central moderating role of the quality of regulation in the green finance – environment sustainability linkage. By assessing 163 papers published from 2004 to 2026, this study explores an intellectual mapping, theory foundations and dynamics, and future development path of this growing research area. Our results find a rapid rise of academic interest from 2022 onwards on this field, which are related to modern ESG regulation development, but it also appears that current literature has suffered from a conceptual disorder of governance concepts and obvious geographic imbalance as empirical studies are concentrated in China and some advanced countries. The whole literature shows that good quality of regulation which implies policy consistency, strong anti-greenwashing controls and unified sustainability disclosure standards is a prerequisite to enable green financial instruments being translated into real environmental impact. Finally, this paper draws a future research agenda on theoretical convergence on governance indices and empirical explorations in developing economies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Taimoor, Muhammad Kamran, Dr. Muhammad Sadiq Shahid (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Electronic Word of Mouth, Brand Image, and the Intention to Purchase Halal Cosmetics on Instagram: Evidence from University Students in Karachi, Pakistan
This paper aims at analysing the effects of electronic word-of-mouth and brand image on intention to purchase halal cosmetics products which are sold through Instagram. Moreover, this study further explores whether electronic word-of-mouth has any effect on the brand image, thus making brand image a pertinent explanatory variable besides electronic word-of-mouth. This is a quantitative and cross-sectional study. Data was collected from 121 participants who are residents of Karachi city and actively use Instagram, through a purposive sample selection technique. For the purpose of gathering data, a structured questionnaire based on Likert scale was administered and later subjected to various statistical tests including factor analysis, reliability test, classical assumptions, and multiple linear regression analysis through IBM SPSS Statistics Version 29. Mediation effect was tested by adopting bootstrap method through 5,000 re-samples and 95 percent bias-corrected confidence intervals through IBM SPSS AMOS Version 29. It can be seen from the results that both eWOM and brand image have a significant combined impact on the purchase intention towards halal cosmetics. Furthermore, the constructs individually also have a significant impact, and it is evident that eWOM affects brand image. From the bootstrapping analysis, it is evident that brand image partially mediates the relationship between eWOM and purchase intention, as there is significance for both indirect and direct effects. This study’s findings align with previous studies done on eWOM and brand image within other countries. The current study adds value by applying an existing model for eWOM and brand image in relation to halal cosmetics being bought from Instagram in Pakistan’s metro city. The current study contributes to the literature on halal consumption in South Asia.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aisha Kamil, Dr. Mohammad Shaiq (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Jagged Integration: A Thematic Analysis of Media and Information Literacy in Digital Pakistan Policy 2018
National digital policies are mostly regarded as blueprints for civic omission and governance ambition. Media and Information Literacy (MIL), as defined by UNESCO in 2013, is a set of five closely related competencies, Access, Analysis, Evaluation, Creation, and Action, most commonly agreed upon as fundamental in the strengthening of democratic resilience and increasing civic participation. (Buckingham, 2019; Frau-Meigs et al., 2017; Wilson et al., 2011). No prior study has undertaken a systematic evaluation dimension by dimension of the main national digital governance framework of Pakistan, i.e., the Digital Pakistan Policy 2018, vis-a-vis the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Framework. This study attempts to fill this gap through deductive qualitative thematic analysis of the entire policy document (Braun & Clarke, 2006; Schreier, 2012). The study uses Potter’s media literacy continuum (2014) and Hobbs’s civic media literacy framework (2010) as interpretive lenses. The study reveals a phenomenon, "jagged integration," which embodies the selective incorporation of provisions related to media and information literacy (MIL) that strengthens a techno-economic governance agenda lacking the critical, evaluative, and civic dimensions of MIL that UNESCO deems central. (UNESCO, 2013, 2020). Evidence-based policy recommendations that align with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 16 are proposed.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aamina Mehmood, Anam Khan, Shakeela Mahmood (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Teachers’ Perceptions of Strategies for Enhancing Reading and Comprehension Skills in Early Childhood Education
An important basis for later academic success is early reading comprehension and it is influenced by learner motivation and instructional practices. This research aims to investigate how motivation affects children’s reading. Exploring how persistence, interest and engagement interact with strategies that are well organized. It also aims to analyze the effects of selected teaching strategies which entails phonemic awareness, guided reading, vocabulary development, parental involvement and visual aids on children’s comprehension and reading in early childhood education. This study explored how early childhood teachers reported use of strategies for reading comprehension, their opinions on motivating students and the relationship between motivation, instructional practices and apparent outcomes of reading and comprehension. A quantitative survey was conducted, where data was collected from more than 100 early childhood teachers. The questionnaire consisted of items on student motivation, teaching strategies, parental participation and approved improvement in students’ comprehension of stories over time. All the data in this quantitative research were analyzed using SPSS(v25). Teachers practices and perception were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Pearson correlation analysis was used which analyzed the relationships among motivational factors and reading comprehension outcomes. Multiple Regression analysis assessed the predictive role of motivation and teaching strategies. Due to a binary response format and due to the inclusion of multiple constructs, reliability was interpreted construct wise. Research findings showed that teachers frequently used phonemic awareness activities, visual aids and guided reading to improve children’s comprehension and reading outcome. Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships among instructional strategies, engagement and student motivation with formative practices such as questioning strongly linked to apparent comprehension improvement. The multiple regression model was not statistically important and explained only a minor portion of the variance, signifying that the examined variables did not independently predict comprehension improvement when considered altogether. In conclusion, this study shows that while student motivation and instructional strategies are closely associated and observed as beneficial, they may not independently forecast improvement in reading comprehension. A central role is played by formative assessment practices, in particular monitoring and understanding through questioning. The conclusions show the significance of integrating effective instructional strategies with ongoing assessment and motivational support in early reading instruction.
Copyright (c) 2026 Melba Pereira, Sidney C. Pereira (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Beyond the Gunboats; India’s Asymmetrical Naval Strategy and the Security Dilemmas for Pakistan
The evolving geopolitical dynamics in the South Asian region have posed new challenges and threats to Pakistan’s security and stability. The country's security environment is not solely defined by traditional military threats. The non-traditional security challenges also pose multidimensional threats to the country's security and increase its internal vulnerabilities. India has developed a strong and formidable blue-water navy equipped with advanced aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, long-range surveillance systems, and a vast intelligence network to expand its security nexus. Today’s Indian naval strategy is not confined to its coastal areas and to guarding its waters with traditional gunboats; rather, it aims to neutralize threats well before they can affect it. In this regard, India has also employed asymmetrical tactics against Pakistan by exploiting its internal vulnerabilities. The Indian hybrid war strategy against Pakistan has adversely affected Pakistan’s internal socio-political environment, especially in Karachi and Balochistan. India has activated three faultlines in Pakistan, i.e., sectarian, ethnic, and subethnic faultlines, by backing the banned terrorist organization. 90% of Pakistan's trade, economic activity, and energy needs are met through its seaports. India knows that any traditional naval encirclement or asymmetrical engagement in the coastal cities, including Karachi and Gwadar in particular, or in other parts of the country in general, can cause strategic vulnerability. Therefore, India has waged a hybrid war against Pakistan by activating sectarian, ethnic, and sub-ethnic faultiness. RAW is backing non-state actors in Pakistan to stage insurgency, sabotage, and terrorism, especially in Balochistan and Karachi. These asymmetrical and hybrid strategies pose existential threats to Pakistan’s national security. This research explains and helps clarify the non-traditional security challenges Pakistan faces today due to India’s asymmetrical naval strategy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Syed Ali Raza Shah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Parasocial Relationships as a Predictor of Loneliness among University Students in Pakistan
Parasocial relationships (PSRs), one-sided emotional bonds with media figures, have become commonplace among Pakistani university students. Earlier work has gone back and forth on whether such bonds ease loneliness or instead grow out of it, but the question had rarely been tested outside Western settings. This study examined the intensity of PSR as a predictor of loneliness among Pakistani university students (N = 268), using the Celebrity Persona Identification Scale and the UCLA Loneliness Scale-Version 3, both of which showed strong reliability. On average, students reported moderate parasocial attachment and low-to-moderate loneliness. The two moved together rather than apart: parasocial intensity was positively and significantly correlated with loneliness (r = .336, p < .001) and predicted it in regression, accounting for about 11% of the variance. Men and women reported almost identical levels of parasocial intensity, with no significant gender difference. The positive direction fits the social-compensation view, that lonelier students seek out parasocial bonds, rather than the idea that a digital companion relieves loneliness. The implications for university mental-health support are discussed.
Copyright (c) 2026 Eesha Asif, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmmad, Dr. Jamal Abdul Nasir (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Development, and Poverty Reduction: Evaluating the Contribution of Social Enterprises to SDG 1, SDG 8, and SDG 10 in Pakistan
Social entrepreneurship has emerged as a transformative instrument of inclusive development and poverty alleviation in the Global South. Yet, its systemic contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Pakistan remains inadequately theorized and empirically underexplored. This study critically evaluates the role of social enterprises in advancing SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) within the institutional, regulatory, and socioeconomic context of Pakistan. Employing a qualitative research design, the study draws upon secondary data analysis, systematic document analysis, thematic analysis, comparative institutional analysis, and critical case study examination of prominent social enterprise models operating in Pakistan. The theoretical framework integrates New Public Governance, Collaborative Governance Theory, Public Value Theory, Social Innovation Theory, Institutional Theory, Hybrid Organizations Theory, Social Capital Theory, and the Social Enterprise Ecosystem Framework to construct a multi-layered analytical lens. The findings demonstrate that social enterprises in Pakistan contribute significantly to employment generation, financial inclusion, community empowerment, and the reduction of multidimensional poverty, particularly among women, youth, and rural communities. However, the study identifies critical institutional deficits, regulatory ambiguities, financing gaps, coordination failures, and capacity constraints that limit the scalability and systemic impact of social enterprise models. The study argues that social enterprises constitute a viable but underutilized complementary mechanism to state-led poverty reduction programs, capable of generating public value and advancing SDG localization when embedded within a coherent enabling governance ecosystem. Original theoretical contributions include a proposed Social Enterprise-SDG Nexus Framework for developing country contexts. Evidence-based policy recommendations are advanced for policymakers, public administrators, and development practitioners concerning regulatory reform, blended finance, ecosystem building, and social impact measurement.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Ali Raza Lashari, Dr. Mujeeb Rehman Abro, Dr. Nabiha Arain (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Parental Expectations on Students’ Academic Achievements. Comparative Analysis of Public and Private Higher Secondary Schools of District Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Parental expectations play an important role in shaping the academic lives of students. When parents encourage their children, express confidence in their abilities, and value education, students often become more motivated and committed to their studies. However, in geographically isolated and economically challenged areas, parental expectations may be influenced by poverty, limited educational awareness, and social responsibilities. The hilly areas of District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan present such a context where students face various educational difficulties, including lack of resources, transportation problems, and limited parental guidance. The present study aims to examine the impact of parental expectations on the academic achievement of secondary school students in the hilly areas of District Swat. The study seeks to explore how positive and negative parental expectations influence students’ motivation, learning behavior, confidence, and overall academic achievements. It also investigates whether differences exist in parental expectations based on socioeconomic background. A quantitative research approach will be used for this study. Data will be collected from secondary school students through a structured questionnaire, while students’ academic achievement will be measured through their examination results. The collected data will be analyzed statistically to identify the relationship between parental expectations and students’ academic achievement. The findings of the study are expected to highlight the significance of constructive parental expectations in improving students’ educational outcomes. The research may also help parents, teachers, school administrators, and policymakers understand the need for parental awareness and support in promoting academic success among students living in remote and mountainous regions. Furthermore, the study may contribute to educational research by providing insight into the unique challenges faced by students in the hilly areas of District Swat.
Copyright (c) 2026 Asif Ahmad Kamal, Dr. Farooq Nawaz Khan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Role of Financial Inclusion and Digital Finance in Reducing Poverty and Promoting Sustainable Economic Growth in Developing Economies.
This study examines the role of financial inclusion and digital finance in reducing poverty and promoting sustainable economic growth in developing economies, with a particular focus on Pakistan. Using panel data from 101 developing countries for 2010–2020 and Pakistan-specific data for 2013–2024, the study applies a System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) approach to analyze the relationships among financial inclusion, digital finance adoption, poverty, and economic growth. The findings show that financial inclusion has a positive effect on economic growth, while digital finance has an even stronger growth-enhancing impact and a direct poverty-reducing effect. Although financial inclusion alone does not directly reduce poverty in the short term, its indirect effects through economic growth and income inequality reduction are significant. The interaction between financial inclusion and digital finance further strengthens both growth and poverty alleviation outcomes. The study concludes that digital finance acts as a multiplier of financial inclusion, and policy efforts should prioritize digital infrastructure, financial literacy, consumer protection, and inclusive access to financial services.
System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM)
Copyright (c) 2026 Hina Shafiq, Zunair Habib, Ayesha Mustafa, Dildar Ali (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sindhi and Urdu Speaking Parents’ Attitude to Teach Mother Tongue to their Children in Creative Mind School (CMS) Sakrand
This study explores the attitudes of Sindhi and Urdu-speaking parents toward teaching their mother tongue to their children at Creative Mind School (CMS) Sakrand. Language is not only a means of communication but also a source of cultural identity, social values, and emotional attachment. In multilingual societies like Pakistan, the importance of preserving mother languages has become a significant educational and social concern. The main objective of this research is to examine how parents perceive the role of mother tongue education in their children’s learning, personality development, and cultural preservation. The study adopts a qualitative and quantitative approach by collecting data through questionnaires and interviews from Sindhi and Urdu-speaking parents of CMS Sakrand. The research investigates parents’ preferences regarding language use at home and school, their opinions about English-medium education, and the challenges they face in teaching their native language to their children. The findings of the study are expected to highlight the growing influence of dominant languages on local languages and the changing attitudes of parents toward mother tongue instruction. This research may help educators, policymakers, and parents understand the importance of promoting multilingual education while preserving linguistic and cultural identity among future generations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kashif Ali, Khan Punhal, Bakhtawar, Salahudin Keerio, Naveed Ali (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Shifting Tides: India's Blue Water Ambitions and the Traditional Security Challenges for Pakistan
The evolving geopolitical dynamics of the South Asian region have significantly enhanced the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Over the past two decades, India has embarked on an ambitious naval modernization program aimed at developing a formidable maritime force. This modernization seeks not only to safeguard India’s coastal frontiers but also to project power and exert control across the blue waters of the IOR. India’s objectives are being pursued through the expansion of indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, the acquisition of advanced naval platforms, the professional training of its maritime forces, and the enhancement of its strategic presence in the maritime domain. Alongside its conventional military buildup, India has made substantial investments in modernizing its force structure and has successfully advanced its nuclear triad. The completion of this triad signifies that while the development of sophisticated warheads constitutes one dimension of deterrence, their reliable and precise delivery capability completes the strategic equation. Pakistan perceives India’s expanding presence and naval ambitions in the IOR as a potential threat to its national security. Accordingly, this study examines the growing significance of the IOR in India’s strategic calculus and analyzes the consequent challenges for the littoral states, with a particular focus on Pakistan.
This research paper offers a critical and analytical study of Anwar Chaudhry's novel "Sanga," with a particular emphasis on its political dimensions. It explores how Chaudhry employs his narrative to reflect upon and critique the political landscape, using the setting of Punjab as a backdrop. The study compares the themes in "Sanga" with those found in other literary works and political analyses, examining how Chaudhry's depiction of political figures, parties, and social issues enhances the understanding of regional dynamics and public sentiment. By analyzing the novel's plot, characters, and thematic elements, the research highlights Chaudhry's approach to addressing socio-political concerns and commenting on issues of governance and social justice. The paper seeks to provide broader insights into Chaudhry's political perspective and the influence of his literary work on literature and political discourse.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yasmeen Hameed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Importance and Necessity of Hadith and the Sunnah of the Prophet
Obeying and following the sayings and actions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is just as obligatory for all Muslims today as it was for the noble Companions during the Prophet’s lifetime. Although the Holy Prophet ﷺ is no longer physically present among us, every saying and action of his life—his day and night routines, acts of worship and struggle, domestic life and public life, life in Makkah and life in Madinah, times of hardship and times of prosperity—in fact, his entire 63-year life—is available before us like an open book. So much so that every statement, action, and mannerism of the Holy Prophet ﷺ has been conveyed to us. There is no saying or action from the Prophet’s life that has not reached us. The responsibility of conveying every saying and action of the Holy Prophet ﷺ to us was fulfilled by his noble Companions. Regarding them, Allah Almighty states in the Holy Qur’an: (Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him). The noble Companions are that blessed group of people about whom Allah Almighty declared His pleasure while they were still in this world. The Holy Prophet ﷺ entrusted them with the responsibility of conveying all of his sayings and actions to others. The Companions did not assume this responsibility on their own; rather, the Prophet ﷺ himself instructed them, saying: … (text continues).“Convey from me to others, even if it is only a single verse.” The Holy Prophet ﷺ not only encouraged people to convey his message, but he also warned them to transmit only those things that he had actually said. One should not fabricate any statement from oneself and then attribute it to him. He warned that whoever does so will have Hell prepared for him, and Hell will be his abode. The Prophet ﷺ said:“Whoever deliberately tells a lie about me, let him take his seat in the Fire (Hell).”
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr.Rahmatullah Ahsan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigate the Impact of Behavioral Factors on Investment Decisions of Investors
Investment decision-making is not only based on financial information but is also influenced by psychological and behavioral factors. This study examines the impact of behavioral factors—overconfidence, herding, availability bias, self-control bias, and anchoring bias—on investors’ investment decisions. The main objectives are to find the relationship between behavioral factors and investment decisions and to study how these factors affect investors’ decisions. The study also tries to identify which behavioral factors have the strongest effect on investment decisions. The research questions are: (1) What is the relationship between behavioral factors and investment decisions of investors? and (2) How do behavioral factors affect investors’ investment decisions? A quantitative research design was used, and data were collected through an online survey from retail investors of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The population of the study was about 220,000 investors, and a sample of 506 valid responses was analyzed using convenience sampling. The results show that all behavioral factors have a positive and significant relationship with investment decisions. Regression analysis also shows that all behavioral factors significantly affect investment decisions, and overconfidence is the strongest factor. The model explains a good amount of change in investment decisions. The study concludes that investors are strongly influenced by behavioral biases, which can lead to irrational decisions. It is recommended that investors improve their financial knowledge, and financial institutions should provide training and awareness programs to help investors make better and more rational investment decisions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Syeda Afshan Gillani, Dr. Muhammad Nawaz (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Role of Artificial Intelligence and Student Learning in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study in District Gwadar
Despite Artificial Intelligence tools becoming central to academic life in universities worldwide, the experiences of students and faculty in resource-constrained and geographically peripheral settings remain largely unexplored (Schmidt et al., 2025). This qualitative research explores the role of AI in students’ learning in higher education institutions (HEIs) based in District Gwadar, Balochistan, Pakistan, which is strategically an important region of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but lacks digital infrastructure, and the institutions are not yet ready for it. The study will be based on a constructivist worldview and an interpretivist epistemology. It will employ a reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006, 2021) of 20 semi-structured interviews with 10 teachers and 10 students from the University of Gwadar and Gwadar Degree College.The analysis resulted in three main themes, namely, Accessibility of AI Tool and Its Relationship with Student Learning; AI-Engaged Academic Activities and Student Learning; and Faculty Preparedness towards AI and Student Learning. The results show that structural connectivity barriers limit access to AI for most students, that AI engagement is mostly informal, self-directed, and pedagogically unsupported, but that the faculty attitudinal disposition, in the absence of institutional policy, has become the principal determinant of whether students encounter AI as a guided educational resource. The contextual qualitative understanding from the study provides an alternative to literature dominated by quantitative studies. It has many implications for institutional policy, faculty development, and digital equity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mukhtar Bashir, Dr. Muhammad Usman Dar, Sarwan Kumar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Social Media on Higher Education Performance in Pakistan
Technology has transformed the way we live. Global internet has made inroads to every sphere of human life, today we cannot think of staying away from internet and global connectivity. Online learning applications, although have transformed the complete learning ecosystem, however, education performance especially in the sphere of higher education needs careful evaluation and examination. A unified scale therefore cannot quantify the effects of social media platforms and online learning on a particular education segment or bracket. The higher education performance of the students and professional of Pakistan, is dependent on many factors. Beyond economic and energy constraints which impede availability of low-cost power and access to internet, there are numerous other factors which need to be examined and analyzed to understand the impact of social media on higher education in Pakistan. Intensity of social media usage, digital literacy, access for exchange of information, performance expectancy and technology learning are some of the spheres which have direct bearing on academic performance. Hypothesis testing showed significant effect of time spent on social media, skillset developed during that time spent, frequency of social media use for academic purposes has significant relationship for higher education performance. Further the usage intensity develops the habit pattern of participation and questioning. Collaborative learning and peer competition also increase with the increased use of social media for higher education. Academic engagement enhances and a global community of learning is likely to formulate beyond barriers where reputable international standard institutes become within reach and academic discussion through social media with those forums enhances the higher education performance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shaheen Idrees , Dr. Fatima Agha Shah, Beenish Tariq (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Temporal Entanglements and Gendered Selves: Navigating Queer Temporality in A Tale for the Time Being
This paper will explore the novel A Tale for the Time Being (2013) by Ruth Ozeki in relation to queer temporality, as a means of exploring how digital interconnectedness and cultural displacement are remaking gender and identity in the present literary imagination. Inspired by the theoretical perspectives of Elizabeth Freeman and Jack Halberstam, this study contends that Ozeki uses queer temporality as a narrative device to destabilize linear, chrononormative notions of selfhood, in which her characters occupy fragmented, nonlinear temporalities, which resist fixed identity formations. This paper focuses on the relationship between the two protagonists, Nao Yasutani and Ruth, who are linked through Nao's handwritten diary, as a model of the possibility of identity formation outside of the framework of traditional time. This study takes a qualitative and textual approach informed by feminist and queer theory to examine the temporal entanglements that go beyond the individual and the nation that form Nao's experience of bullying, cultural dislocation, and existential self-discovery. These temporal ruptures are intensified by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which is a historical chronotope. The results show that digital landscapes are asynchronous spaces of identity transmission and make selfhood inherently relational, contingent, and always in process. Finally, this paper makes a unique and valuable addition to the literature of queer temporality, digital culture, and transnational feminist literary criticism by uncovering Ozeki's novel as a reconfiguration of the gendered self as an adaptable, intersubjective construct in the digital age.
Copyright (c) 2026 Malik Muhammad Iqbal, Dr. Shazia Rose (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Economic Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation on Employment, Productivity, and Sustainable Growth
This study examines the economic impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation on employment, productivity, and sustainable growth using panel data from 85 countries over 14 years (2010–2024). Employing fixed-effects regression and instrumental variables (2SLS) approaches to address endogeneity, we analyze macroeconomic and firm-level data from World Bank, IMF, and OECD databases. Results reveal a dual-nature relationship: AI adoption significantly enhances productivity (β = 0.542, p < 0.01) and sustainable growth (β = 0.285, p < 0.01) while reducing employment (β = -0.082, p < 0.01), particularly in agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Digital transformation exhibits positive effects across all dimensions, creating employment (β = 0.124, p < 0.01) while enhancing productivity (β = 0.398) and sustainable growth (β = 0.358). The AI-digital transformation interaction amplifies benefits, indicating synergistic effects. Low-income countries demonstrate stronger AI productivity gains (β = 0.612), while high-income countries show larger interaction effects (β = 0.148). Findings support balanced technology strategies integrating AI with comprehensive digital infrastructure, worker protection programs, and education reform to achieve inclusive, productive, and sustainable economic development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ihtesham ul haq, Shagufta Andleeb, Tabish Manzoor, Zunair Habib (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Transformative Power of Narrative Therapy in Bauby’s The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: A Study of Autopathography through White and Epston’s Perspective
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a heartrending tale of resilience and individual agency, showcasing the transformative and cathartic power of narrative therapy. Bauby (1997) inscribes his tale of a massive stroke by blinking his left eyelid, projecting his emotions, distress, and agitation through a detailed narration of everyday experiences. The given study investigates gradual changes and shifts in Bauby’s outlook as the memoir progresses. The study argues that Bauby externalizes disability as he regains individual agency through narrative therapy, seizing control over his condition and refusing to be defined synonymously with the disease. Through an imaginative butterfly-like mind, Bauby reincorporates a new identity, characterized by a phenomenal will. The research uses White and Epston’s concepts of Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends, locating various stages of narrative therapy in Bauby’s autopathography, and investigating each stage with respect to Bauby’s emotional state of mind and physical disability. The research argues that Bauby moves from denial to an eventual recognition of his disability, attaining the ultimate goal of asserting his identity against the constraints of the circumstances. The study concludes that Bauby transcends from denial to acceptance and acknowledgment through narrative therapy, aiding him to reclaim control amidst distressing medical constraints.
Copyright (c) 2026 Maryam Nawaz, Dr. Saira Akhter, Hina Akbar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Working Capital Management Strategies and Profitability under Monetary Tightening: Evidence from Listed Textile Spinning Firms in Pakistan
This study investigates the impact of aggressive and conservative working capital management (WCM) approach on the profitability of listed textile spinning firms in Pakistan during the period of monetary tightening. The theoretical underpinning is the Liquidity-Profitability Trade-Off Theory, Pecking Order Theory, Risk-Return Theory and Monetary Transmission Theory. It explores the impact of CCC and CR on the OPM and analyzes the moderating impact of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) policy rate on the WCM profitability relationship. The study employs quantitative panel-data techniques on a decade of data on listed textile spinning firms. Fixed-effects regression is used, supported by the Hausman specification test. The results indicate that the cash conversion cycle has a significantly negative relationship with profitability, i.e. Shorter operating cycles strengthen firms' financial performance. On the contrary, the current ratio has a significant positive impact on profitability, suggesting that the firm with greater liquidity enjoys better operating performance and financial strength. The analysis also reveals that the SBP policy rate has negative association with the profitability and significantly moderates WCM strategies and firm performance relation. That is, tight monetary conditions exacerbate the detrimental impacts of longer cash conversion cycles while improving the profitability advantages of high liquidity buffers. Thus, conservative working capital strategies offer better profitability sustainability during a period of high interest rates and credit constraints. These findings contribute to the working capital literature with an empirical evidence that the effects of liquidity management strategies are context-specific to existing monetary condition and the result offer practical policy implications for the corporate executives and the policy makers in developing economies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Kamran, Dr. Rehana Kouser (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Awareness of Human Paipiloma Virus and Cervical Cancer Amongst the Females of Entitled Workers
Objectives: According to the Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 20241,2, current estimates show that 5,008 women in Pakistan receive a cervical cancer diagnosis each year, and 3,197 of them pass away from the illness. In Pakistan, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44 and the third most common cancer overall. Cervical HPV-16/18 infection is thought to affect 0.5% of women in the general population at any given time, and HPVs 16 or 18 are responsible for 88.1% of invasive cervical malignancies. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in Social Security hospital, I-12 Islamabad. The data was gathered by using a questionnaire adapted from one of the similar studies3 and piloted at one of the referral units of this hospital. The population selected was families of the industrial workers that are entitled at this hospital. The data collection through questionnaire was performed by Women Medical Officers working in the health care facility and the data was entered in the SPSS version 28 for analysis and results. Sample size calculated by using open epi was 73 against the population of 61294 patients registered with the health care facility. Interviews were conducted between July to November 2025 at Social Security Hospital, I-12 Islamabad. Results: The findings reveal a significant gap in fundamental knowledge, with very low reported awareness of the HPV virus (5.5%) and cervical cancer (9.6%) among the respondents who answered these questions (N=73). Knowledge of the direct link between HPV and cancer is also low (12.3%). However, the survey participants demonstrated a relatively high perceived awareness of potential cervical cancer symptoms, particularly “vaginal bleeding after menopause” (89.0% of respondents believed it was a sign). This suggests that while specific etiological knowledge (HPV) is lacking, general symptom recognition is stronger. The data strongly indicates an urgent need for targeted public health campaigns to improve basic awareness of HPV, its link to cervical cancer, and its mode of transmission
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Salman, Tehreem Azfar, Asma Faisal (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sustainability vs. Affordability: How Passengers View Airline Pricing and Sustainability Effort
The present paper focuses on raising the question and discussing passengers' perceptions of Pakistani airlines regarding the linkage between ticket prices and sustainability programmes. The airlines around the world have begun adopting greener initiatives such as operating fuel-efficient aircraft, implementing carbon offset schemes, and modifying operations to reduce carbon emissions. The paper analyzes the drivers of sustainable awareness among passengers, how they see the affordability and perceived value in determining their willingness to pay for sustainable airline services. The quantitative and cross-sectional method was applied, and the study surveyed 160 airline passengers through a structured questionnaire, which employed a five-point Likert scale. Data was evaluated in SPSS relying on descriptive statistics, reliability, correlation, and regression analysis. Mediation and moderation data analyses examined the mediating role of perceived value and the moderating effect on income level. Findings indicate that passengers who learn more about the concept of sustainability are more willing to use greener services of airline companies. Still, affordability plays a large role that people desire to have sustainable solutions but not at the expense of overly pushing their finances. The research also concludes that perceived value partially defines the process of sustainability awareness into willingness-to-pay, and income level is what determines the extent to which affordability is important. Although the majority of passengers declare that they are in favor of environment-friendly aviation, most of them are not willing to pay the increased fares unless they can be able to see the changes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shahmir Butt, Nabeel Anjum, Dr. Shahid Mahmood (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Weight Pressure and Its Influence on Body Image and Social Physique Anxiety in University Football Players
The aim of this study is to examine the effects of weight pressure on body image and social physique anxiety (SPA) among university football players. In competitive sports, body weight and appearance are a major concern for athletes and that may have a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of the athletes. Athletes, for example in team sports such as football, may be put under pressure from teammates, coaches, and the sporting world in general to fit in with respect to body composition. The purpose of this study was to explore the weight pressure, body image dissatisfaction, and social physique anxiety relationships among male university football players. A cross-sectional survey design was used and the data was gathered from 160 male football players of public and private universities. The participants were selected by purposive sampling in which only those who were actively playing football in university were included in the study. Self-administered questionnaires were used to measure perceived weight pressure from coaches, teammates, and institutional practices, body image satisfaction, and social physique anxiety, with the Weight Pressures & Social Physique Anxiety Scale in Sport (WPSS) serving as a measure of perceived weight pressure. The results of the study demonstrated that there is a significant correlation between weight pressure and body image dissatisfaction among the University football players. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between weight pressure and social physique anxiety indicating that players who feel pressure about their weight are more prone to social physique anxiety, which is the feeling of anxiety about one's physical appearance and how they are judged by others. The results suggest that body image concerns and social physique anxiety are not isolated issues but are interrelated and exacerbated by weight pressures in the football environment. The results showed the importance of increasing the awareness and intervention in sports to tackle the psychological impacts of weight pressure. Coaches and sports organizations should strive to diminish unrealistic weight standards and to build a mental health environment that promotes self-acceptance and body positivity. Overall, the study highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses all aspects of an athlete's health, including their mental state, as well as their physical condition, in order to optimize their performance and overall satisfaction with their sport.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zia Ul Haq, Sajid Hussain, Zarnain Fatima, Kashif Mehmood (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sacred Spaces, Digital Grid: How Madrassa Students Navigate Smartphones in Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The intersection of digital Media Technologies and Madrassa students in the context of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is traditionally viewed through restrictive and top-down institutional frameworks. The blend of religious education and the encroachment of smartphones in such settings are creating a dynamic shift, influencing their educational, and social experiences. This research paper investigates the pattern and purpose of smartphone usage among the madrassa students, including the type of media accessibility and engagement. Utilizing the Uses and Gratification theory, a survey of 540 male students, selected through multistage stratified cluster from around 12 Madrassas, in three districts of Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Karak. Further, the data analysed through SPSS 16, results allow to bypass the reductive assumptions, treating young students as passive subjects vulnerable to external digital disruptions, but are agentic beings leverage smartphones to fulfill specific psychological, social and structural need. Asking for further deep dive into comparative studies and women usage pattern in ‘Madaris’.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Anwar Khan, Shabeer Ullah, Safi Ullah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Study Exploring the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health in Adulthood Based on Socio-Demographic Factors
This paper examined the long-term outcomes of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on mental health and coping mechanisms in adulthood with reference to gender variations and socioeconomic status of childhood. The respondents included in the study are students at the University of the Punjab who were sampled using structured questionnaire which measured childhood trauma, present mental health and coping behaviors. There were non-parametric statistical tests such as Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests carried out because the data is not normally distributed. The results indicated that childhood adversity was prevalent among the students. There was also a significant difference in the ACEs that are associated with domestic and community violence based on gender but there was not a significant difference in mental health outcomes in gender. There were differences in stress levels, anxiety and the choice of coping strategies, but there was no difference in overall coping and mental health levels between genders. There was no significant correlation between childhood socioeconomic status and ACE exposure, mental health outcomes, and coping mechanisms. Because of the results, it is stated that gender does not significantly affect the mental health of adults and their coping ability, although it affects the kind of childhood trauma that an individual experiences. Likewise, financial well-being in childhood is not a predictor of emotional well-being. These results demonstrate the necessity of the existence of trauma-informed and inclusive mental health intervention in the university, which would provide service to students irrespective of their gender or socioeconomic status.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zahid Hafeez, Muhammad Bilal, Fatima Batool, Aqsa mahnoor, Sara Tehreem, Sohail Abbas (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Who Manages the AI Manager? HR Governance, Employee Trust, and Workplace Outcomes in Autonomous Work Systems
Purpose: This study investigates how AI managerial autonomy affects employee trust and organizational justice, whether HR governance quality moderates these relationships, and whether trust mediates the effects of governance on employee outcomes (organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and turnover intention) in autonomous work systems. Design/Methodology/Approach: A time-lagged survey was conducted with 387 employees from 16 organizations across Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad (banking, telecom, manufacturing, IT). Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used with bootstrapped confidence intervals. A priori power analysis (G*Power) confirmed adequate sample size. Findings: AI managerial autonomy is negatively associated with employee trust (β = –0.31, p < .001) but shows no significant association with organizational justice (β = –0.09). HR governance quality moderates the AMA–trust relationship (β = 0.29, p < .001) but not the AMA–justice relationship (β = 0.07) Algorithmic transparency is the strongest governance predictor of trust (β = 0.44). Trust mediates governance effects on commitment (indirect β = 0.31), satisfaction (0.26), and turnover (–0.22). Sector heterogeneity is observed: manufacturing employees are most negatively affected. Originality: This study is one of the first to empirically examine who governs the AI manager. It advances the Human-AI Governance Framework (HAGF) by positioning HR governance as a moderating institutional mechanism, distinct from prior design focused frameworks. It also provides realistic non-significant justice findings, highlighting that trust, not justice, is the primary casualty of ungoverned algorithmic management.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Farah Naz, Attique Ur Reman, Dr. Sara Sohaib, Ruby Usman, Muhammad Zohaib Saleem (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Developmental Legacy of Deng Xiaoping’s Reform Strategy and China’s Economic Rise: Lessons and Implications for Governance, Institutional Reform, Industrial Development and Economic Growth in Pakistan
This paper will discuss the reform plan of Deng Xiaoping and its implications with references to the ruling and economic growth of Pakistan. The transformation of China which started in the 1978 was a succession of ideological leadership under Deng to a pragmatic reform with concentration of strong political leadership and slow economic liberalization. This paper suggests that these reforms would be successful not just due to the policies that were market oriented, but due to a combination of sequencing, institutional discipline and continuity of policies that was facilitated with sound governance. Conversely, the economic reform efforts in Pakistan had been sabotaged by political instability, poor institutions, divided authority, and short-term policymaking. The paper analyzes how the assets of the structure of governance determine the success or failure of economic reforms based on a qualitative comparative approach based on the political economy and institutional theory. The analysis indicates that economic liberalization without governance reforms have a few and short fall outcomes. Although Pakistan cannot follow a similar path to China in terms of politics, the paper finds some principles of strategy transferability, specifically governance-based reform, institutional strengthening, and the establishment of long-term commitment to the policies, which are useful in the case of Pakistan. The paper has concluded that the problem facing the development of Pakistan is as much political rather than economic and that sustainable development means the synchronization between economic reforms and stable structures of governance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Fawad Ali, Dr. Muhammad Suleman, Dr. Abdul Manan Tauqeer (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigating strategies for vocabulary improvement by reading short stories: An investigation at QUEST, Pakistan
This research investigates different vocabulary-improving strategies through the reading of short stories by BS English students at QUEST, Nawabshah. The main objective of this research is to know the vocabulary improving Strategiesfor language development. Data was collected and analysed using SPSS software. The results revealed that students can improve their reading skills through short stories to expand their vocabulary through regular English reading, correct pronunciation, and perfect accent, practice consistent spelling, master prepositions, conjunctions, and punctuation rules, and focus on tense consistency and conditional sentence construction. This study generated the most important recommendations to develop English vocabulary through short stories.
Copyright (c) 2026 Emaan Mansoor Channa, Dr. Abdullah Laghari, Nimra Lakho, Sania Mughal (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pros and Cons of Separation of East Pakistan
The article aims to sketch all the political events that ultimately resulted in the separation of East Pakistan. It analyzes the role of both internal and external actors that continuously added fuel to the fire, and the Bengalis took the final decision of having a separate homeland for themselves.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rakhshanda Munir (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Oscillation Between The Modern and the Postmodern: A Metamodernist Analysis of Mohsin Hamid’s “The Last White Man”
This paper explores Mohsin Hamid’s The Last White Man (2022) by applying the lens of metamodernism, analyzing how the novel oscillates between postmodernism and modernism. In The Last White Man, Mohsin Hamid builds a layer of the narrative that oscillates in a post-modern anti-identity deconstruction, as well as modernist existential motives. Such oscillation creates a metamodern foundation on the text neither fully giving in to the relativism and irony of postmodernism nor fully ascribing to the utopian values of modernism. Rather, the novel dwells in an in-between world which signals the presence of the two paradigms in the narrative consciousness. Based upon Vermeulen and Van den Akker’s (2010) theory of metamodernism and Allan McKee’s (2003) model of textual analysis, this research examines how the novel oscillates between modernism and postmodernism. This study demonstrates that The Last White Man reveals that strategies of metamodernism such as oscillation, ambivalence, relationality, and sincerity tempered by irony offer prolific ways of re-engaging with reality and meaning beyond the gridlocks of modernist certainty and postmodernist nihilism. The research also demonstrates how The Last White Man repossesses storytelling as a tool of both epistemological integrity and emotional truth, thereby proclaiming a metamodernist philosophy of sincerity after irony. This paper also aims to develop and chart understandings about societal transformation and changes. Furthermore, the research is very significant because it provides a breakaway from postmodernism. It is a great change that shows how society is moving forward and can be further developed and understood. It is a great progress in the field of social understanding and philosophy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mooneer Yousaf, Dr. Ali Ammar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0