Journal of Social Sciences Research & Policy
AI, Strategic Competition, and the Future of Power Politics in South Asia (2022 - 2026): A Critical Analysis
This study critically examines the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), strategic competition, and evolving power dynamics in South Asia from 2022 to 2026. The rapid advancement of AI technologies has reshaped traditional understandings of power by integrating digital capabilities into military, economic, and political spheres. Regional actors, particularly India and Pakistan, are increasingly investing in AI-driven systems to strengthen national security, enhance economic performance, and achieve technological autonomy. The study argues that AI has intensified strategic rivalry while simultaneously generating new forms of asymmetry and limited cooperation. It highlights how emerging concepts such as technological sovereignty and digital innovation ecosystems are redefining regional geopolitics. Using a critical analytical approach, the research explores AI’s impact on deterrence stability, security dilemmas, and the broader regional order. It concludes that while AI offers significant opportunities, its unchecked development may heighten instability and transform the future of power politics in South Asia.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Social Sciences Research & Policy
Effect Of Executive Functioning On Positive Youth Development: The Role Of Family Dynamics
The present study aimed to assess the effect of executive functioning on positive youth development. And to find the mediating role of family dynamic between executive functioning and drug use among university students. The sample (n=370) with age range 18 to 29 years (M=21.94, SD=2.07) was drawn through simple random technique from different universities of Peshawar, KP. Participants were screened using Drug Abuse Screening (DAST-10). Executive functioning was measured according to selected domains of BRIEF-A (inhibit, shift, emotional control and self-monitoring). Family dynamic was assessed through SCORE-15 and Positive youth Development was measured through multidimensional scale of Positive youth Development. Different statistical analysis such as Descriptive statistics, Simple Linear Regression and Mediation analysis were used. Result of Pearson correlation coefficient indicated that DAST has significant negative correlation with Positive youth Development (r=-0.14, p<.05) while significant Positive relationship with impaired executive functioning (r=.25, p<.01) and impaired family dynamic. Moreover, in Simple Linear Regression impaired executive functioning is significant negative predictor of Positive youth Development. In Mediation analysis indirect analysis impaired executive functioning is significantly negatively predict Positive youth Development. While in indirect path impaired poor family dynamics significantly but negatively mediate the relationship between impaired executive functioning and Positive Youth Development. Poor family functioning was itself strong predictor of impaired executive function (β=-.09, p<.01), indicating that students with higher drug abuse tend to come from more dysfunctional families, which in turn to poor executive functioning and disturbed positive youth development. It is suggested that strength-based therapies are conventional and effective Therapeutic plan to use with universities student to maximize their potential and enhance their positive relationship with their families.
No War Against Nature: Protection of Environment During Armed Conflict under Islamic Law and International Humanitarian Law
This article examines the protection of the natural environment in the context of armed conflict from a dual normative perspective, namely Islamic legal tradition and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). It argues that environmental preservation has become an essential prerequisite for the survival and sustainability of human life in the contemporary world, particularly in light of increasing ecological degradation caused by industrial expansion, military activity, and the pursuit of economic and strategic interests. The study highlights that both legal systems, despite their distinct historical and doctrinal origins, converge on the principle that the natural environment must not be subjected to unnecessary destruction. From the perspective of IHL, the article analyses relevant treaty provisions, customary norms, and interpretive guidance, particularly the principles of distinction, proportionality, and military necessity, as well as the provisions of Additional Protocol I and the guidelines issued by the International Committee of the Red Cross. It demonstrates that modern IHL increasingly recognizes the natural environment as an object of protection during armed conflict, subject to specific limitations on the means and methods of warfare. In parallel, the article explores Islamic teachings derived from the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the practice of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and classical jurisprudence. It shows that Islamic legal thought establishes a strong ethical and legal framework for environmental stewardship, prohibiting wanton destruction of natural resources even in times of war, except to the extent justified by genuine military necessity. The article concludes that both Islamic law and IHL, despite their different foundations, reflect a shared normative commitment to environmental protection, thereby reinforcing the contemporary imperative of safeguarding the natural environment as a fundamental condition for human survival and dignity.
From Bureaucracy to Educational Governance: Unveiling the Mediating Role of Politics
Bureaucracy, as an administrative backbone, plays a significant role in shaping quality educational governance. The present study examines the intricate relationships among bureaucracy, politics, and educational governance within administrative systems. This study investigates the influence of bureaucracy on educational governance while also scrutinizing the potential mediating role of politics. The research is broadly categorized into three key variables. The data are gathered from retired employees who belong to different government institutes. The sample size used for this study was 189 respondents retired from different organizations across Pakistan, and a convenient sampling method was used. Through rigorous statistical analysis, the results demonstrate a substantial positive correlation between bureaucracy and educational governance. This reveals a noteworthy negative correlation between bureaucracy and politics. A comprehensive mediation analysis further revealed a significant indirect effect of bureaucracy on educational governance, mediated by politics. These findings underscore the paramount significance of efficient administrative mechanisms coupled with well-balanced political involvement for achieving optimal educational governance outcomes. By delving into the complex interplay among bureaucracy, politics, and educational governance, this study offers crucial insights that can inform effective policy-making and administration strategies,
From Rights to Reality: Disability Inclusion Gaps in Higher Education Policies Across the Global North and Global South
This study examines the gap between disability rights and their implementation in higher education policies across the Global North and Global South. It explores how structural exclusion and institutional discrimination shape access to education for students with disabilities. The analysis is guided by the Social Model of Disability and the Rights-Based Approach, which together explain disability as a product of social barriers and legal obligations. The study adopts a comparative qualitative design using secondary data from academic literature. It compares policy frameworks, institutional practices, and implementation outcomes in different regional contexts. The focus is on how formal rights are translated into real access within universities. Findings show that structural barriers persist in both contexts. These include inaccessible infrastructure, rigid admissions, limited curriculum flexibility, and weak support systems. In the Global North, legal frameworks are stronger, but delays, bureaucratic procedures, and uneven implementation reduce effectiveness. In the Global South, challenges are more severe due to weak enforcement, limited funding, and shortage of trained staff. The study concludes that legal rights alone do not ensure inclusion. Effective implementation depends on institutional capacity, funding, administrative efficiency, and academic culture. Strengthening enforcement, improving resources, and integrating disability rights into everyday university practice are essential for real inclusion. The study is limited by its reliance on secondary sources, which may not fully capture recent institutional changes or lived experiences of students.
Deepfake Dilemma: A Profound Threat to Trust and Authenticity in Media and Society
At a time when more and more applications and functionalities of artificial intelligence are being discovered, deepfake phenomena have become much more visible and, on occasions, a problem as well. The production of counterfeit visuals, movies, and audios that resemble real ones is one of the negative features of deep fake that may jeopardize a free society, citizens' privacy, and even national security. Coming into 2024, the whole world is still having to deal with the complicated repercussions and aftereffects of deep-fake technology and data manipulation. This paper attempts to shed some light on the area of deepfakes, trace their development, and examine their sweeping consequences for trust and authenticity in media and society. Besides, the paper tries to investigate the hidden agenda of creating deepfake videos, the use of technology, and identify solutions to limit their threats. The study encompasses, reports, and articles related to deep fake technology, its applications, and its societal and political impacts. The results shows that deepfakes can lead to psychological, financial and social harm, Study also indicates the positive impact of deep fake when used in art, academic and entertainment business.
A Multiculturalist Reading of Mohsin Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Exit West and Nadeem Aslam’s The Golden Legend
This paper explores Mohsin Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2007) and Exit West (2017), alongside Nadeem Aslam’s The Golden Legend (2017), through the lens of multiculturalist theory. These novels, written in the aftermath of global crises such as 9/11, the War on Terror, and the refugee crisis, interrogate the tensions between cultural pluralism, identity, and belonging in both Western and South Asian contexts. The methodology is grounded in close textual reading, informed by theoretical frameworks from Bhikhu Parekh, Charles Taylor, and Homi Bhabha, the study examines how Hamid and Aslam depict the fragility of multicultural coexistence, the politics of recognition, and the hybrid identities that emerge in transnational spaces. The analysis highlights Hamid’s allegorical and transnational approach to migration and identity, contrasted with Aslam’s realist portrayal of religious persecution and communal violence in Pakistan. Ultimately, the paper argues that these texts critique the limitations of Western liberal multiculturalism while simultaneously reimagining multiculturalism as a fragile but necessary mode of coexistence in a globalized world. By situating these novels within broader debates in postcolonial and multiculturalist literary criticism, the study contributes to ongoing discussions about cultural diversity, migration, and the politics of belonging in contemporary literature.
From Degradation to Sustainability: The Dual Role of Globalization and Energy Consumption in MINT Economies
This study examines the roles of globalization, energy use, information technology, and economic growth in shaping environmental sustainability in MINT economies. Using the load capacity factor as a sustainability indicator, the study analyzes annual panel data from 1993 to 2024. The empirical approach applies second-generation panel methods, including cross-sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity, CIPS unit-root tests, and Westerlund cointegration tests, followed by Driscoll-Kraay, FMOLS, and DOLS estimators. The study findings show that globalization, ICT, economic growth, and energy consumption initially decrease the load capacity factor, indicating pressure on environmental quality. However, in the long term, globalization and energy consumption become sustainability-enhancing, and ICT and economic growth continue to weaken ecological capacity. These study findings suggest that the MINT economies should pursue green globalization, cleaner energy systems, environmentally responsible digitalization, and resource-efficiency-based growth strategies. The study contributes to the globalization-energy-environment literature by shifting the focus to LCF- and MINT-specific sustainability dynamics.
Why Pakistani Youth Lack Access to Career Counselling: A Qualitative Study from Pakistan
Pakistan has a serious shortage of career counselling services at a time when most of its population is young and in need of support for entering the labour market. The official youth unemployment rate for the 15- to 24-year-old age group stands at 11.1 percent (Pakistan Economic Survey, 2023-24), yet no national policy requires educational institutions to provide career guidance. Existing research on career counselling in Pakistan is limited in scope and concentrated in a small number of urban universities. This study examines the structural, cultural, and institutional factors that contribute to the limited availability of career counselling to Pakistani youth aged fifteen to thirty. It draws on semi-structured interviews with 110 young people selected from Peshawar, Lahore, and Islamabad, and analyses the data using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006, 2019), guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory (Lent, Brown, and Hackett, 1994; Lent and Brown, 2020) and the career guidance policy framework of Watts and Fretwell (2004). Six themes emerged from the data: the absence of career counselling institutions and infrastructure; family-controlled career decision-making shaped by collectivist norms; gender-specific barriers to access; unequal access across cities and regions; concentration of aspirations in a narrow set of prestigious fields; and limited awareness combined with high cost. This study is the first large-scale qualitative investigation of career counselling barriers in Pakistan that covers multiple cities. It proposes a three-part policy framework built on legislative mandate, professional training of counsellors, and combined digital and physical service delivery, drawing on evidence from South Korea and India.
Portrayal of Women through the Lens of Media in Heinrich Boll’s The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum, in Parallel with the Modern World
This study explores the role of media in the construction of reality and victim shaming, and highlights the psychological complexities triggered by media in the case of Heinrich Böll’s novella’s character, Katharina Blum, and its comparison with different character assassination cases of Cheryl Araujo and Monica Lewinsky from around the globe. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of how the false representation by the media leads to the psychological discomfort of the victims through the novella The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum by Heinrich Böll, through the framework of Cultivation Theory. This research aims to fill the gap by demonstrating the role of media in shaping the mind and life of a sufferer and how this concept contributes to the formation of a marginalized society for females. The paper explores the story of a young girl, Katharina Blum, whose noble reputation has been ruined by the negative role of the media. Though plenty of work is present that shows the negative role of media, the depiction of the victim’s psychology, and more specifically, its comparison with different real-life international cases is still lacking. Therefore, this research offers a view of the impact of the negative portrayal of the victim, where the statement is supported by comparing the case with real-life incidents of Cheryl and Monica.
Warfare 6.0: AI Driven Threatcasting in Intelligence, COIN, and CT Strategies
Warfare 6.0 is the next generation of warfare. It will be defined by the shift from narrowed AI to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The integration of AGI with quantum computing, sentient programming, and advanced machine learning will transform threatcasting, a practice used in predictive intelligence and counter-insurgency. The study is based on existing literature and case studies. This study explores the broad-spectrum utility of AI driven threatcasting across kinetic and non-actions in intelligence, security, counter insurgency domains. The study poses that AI driven threatcasting will be useful in cyber, cognitive, intelligence, nuclear, counter-terrorism, and counter extremism domains. By ensuring real-time data analytics, actionable intelligence can be used to proactively mitigate any threat in the aforementioned domains. With tools like Neuro Cognitive Threat Analysis, quantum computing, and advanced machine learning (AML); threatcasting can be transformed into more applicable and actionable field.
The Effects of Land Insecurity on Food and Nutritional Security in Pakistan
In Pakistan, extensive land degradation, affecting three-fourths of the nation's land, poses a severe threat to food and nutrition security. Current global population is 9.7 billion and projected population to reach 9.7 billion in 2050. Land degradation, which includes issues like waterlogging, salinity, and erosion, has damaged approximately 68 million hectares nationwide, significantly impacting food production, nutritional value, and human health. Malnutrition, especially in children, remains a critical concern, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions such as bio-saline agriculture and diversified, nutritious crop cultivation to address the complex interplay between land degradation and nutrition security. This study aims to assess the current state of land degradation and its implications for food and nutrition security in Pakistan and examine the concept and causes of land insecurity in Pakistan. This research based on secondary data and published research paper, the main theme of this paper is that to investigate status of land degradation, food security and nutrition in Pakistan. Need sustainable multi-sectoral action for soil restoration, soil health, reducing stunting, and secure long-term food and nutrition security with strengthening agriculture sector. A shift toward diversified, nutrition-sensitive, and climate-resilient agriculture supported by soil health restoration, biosaline farming, and strengthened extension services is essential for sustainable food security and reduced land degradation.
Improving Attention Span of Students with Mild Intellectual Disability through Fun-Based Activities
This study investigated the effectiveness of fun-based activities in improving the attention span and classroom engagement of students with Mild Intellectual Disabilities (MID). Attention difficulties are among the most common learning barriers faced by children with intellectual disabilities, often affecting their academic performance, participation, and social interaction. The study was conducted in an inclusive public school serving children with special needs. A total of 12 Grade 3 students aged 8–12 years diagnosed with MID participated in the research. A classroom-based action research design was used, and a 10-day intervention program consisting of fun-based activities such as coloring, matching games, puzzles, block building, clap pattern games, and Simon Says was implemented. Data were collected using an observational checklist that measured students’ attention level, task completion, engagement, and social interaction. The collected data were analyzed descriptively by comparing students’ performance from Day 1 to Day 10. The findings revealed significant improvement in students’ attention span, classroom participation, and task completion. Students were able to maintain focus for longer periods, participate more actively, and demonstrate improved peer interaction and positive classroom behavior. The study concludes that fun-based activities provide an effective and practical strategy for enhancing attention and engagement among students with Mild Intellectual Disabilities. The research recommends integrating enjoyable and interactive learning activities into special and inclusive education classrooms to support cognitive and social development.
The Impact of the Right to Public Services Act on Governance in Khyber -Pakhtunkhwa: A Case Study of District Kohat
The Right to Public Services (RTPS) Act, enacted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan in 2014, represents a significant milestone in advancing governance, transparency, and accountability. The Act ensures the timely provision of essential public services to citizens, introduces accountability measures against negligent public officials, and empowers citizens to seek redress through grievance mechanisms. This research paper explores the implementation of the RTPS Act with a special focus on District Kohat as a case study. Drawing from secondary literature, official reports, and contextual analysis, the study evaluates the effectiveness of the Act in improving service delivery, identifies institutional challenges, and assesses citizen awareness and utilization of the law. Findings indicate that while the RTPS Act has improved service timelines and reduced petty corruption, challenges remain in enforcement, awareness, rural accessibility, and gender equity. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen citizen engagement, expand institutional capacity, and ensure equitable service delivery across KP.
Beyond Cash Transfers: Governance, Climate Stress, and the Structural Limits of Poverty Reduction in District Mohmand of Peripheral Pakistan
This research paper examines the role of conditional cash transfer program (CCTP) in reducing poverty in the governance, conflict, and climate-induced disaster affected area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, District Mohammad. Keeping in view the nature of the problem, the study employed mixed method research by including 341 households and 30 participants for interviews. CCTP plays significant role in addressing the practical and strategic needs of the beneficiaries such as water, food etc., that have stabilized their consumption capacity and promoted resilience against poverty, climate induced disasters and conflict-hit areas in the study area. The paper recommends a shift from project-based poverty alleviation toward integrated, governance-centered approaches that support social protection within climate-responsive and anticipatory participatory development frameworks. The case of Mohmand offers broader insights for rethinking poverty reduction strategies in crisis-affected regions across the Global South.
An Exploratory Study on the Levels and Dimensions of Science Process Skills Among Undergraduate Students in Higher Education Institutions
Science process skills play an important role in increasing scientific literacy and students’ critical thinking skills. The purpose of this study is to explore and evaluate the levels and dimensions of science process skills of undergraduate students at the Higher Education level. The recent study was based on quantitative in nature following a descriptive approach. Population of the current study was all the second semester undergraduate students of University of Malakand, Pakistan. A sample of 177 students was drawn using stratified sampling technique from seven departments which included three students from Pure Sciences, two students from Social Sciences and two students from Arts. After ensuring reliability and validity of the data, science process skill data were obtained using a questionnaire with a standardized form. The result showed that the level of science process skills that were possessed by undergraduate students was moderate (Grand Mean = 17.68). The results of Independent samples t-test showed that the difference in science process skills achievement between boys and girls was not statistically significant, t(175) = 0.956, p = 0.29. A one-way ANOVA analysis however revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between the academic disciplines, F(2, 174) = 5.48, p = 0.006. Students who were from Social Sciences had the highest marks (M = 18.66), students from Pure Science had the second highest marks (M = 17.41) and students from Arts had the lowest marks (M = 17.05). The study findings are that academic discipline has significant impact on science process skills, but there is no significant impact of gender on science process skills. The results of this study underscore the importance of inquiry teaching in all subjects of higher education and process-oriented teaching. This study serves as baseline data for the improvement of science education in the Pakistani Universities and also supplements the researcher's study on science process skills and academic achievement.
Role of Online Advertisement: Its Impact on Consumer Behavior
Online advertising has become the most effective tool for having greater influence on consumer’s buying behavior by providing instant access to product information, promotional offers, and interactive content. The chief purpose of this research is to assess the role of online advertisements and its impact on the behavior of the consumer. A quantitative research approach was employed, and required data sets were collected through online questionnaire using the Likert Scale (five point). Responses were gathered from a targeted group of internet users to analyze their perceptions, attitudes, and buying decisions related to online advertisements. The findings of the study show that people feel confident purchasing branded commodities and also provide more information about the product. Respondent has the convenience of online shopping increased the purchasing. The study also shows that the respondents have trust in the online shops promoted through advertisement. Moreover, people are satisfied with online shopping experience and social media ads help improve the lifestyle of the customer.
Ex-Juvenile Offenders' Experience of Imprisonment and Reintegration in Dir Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
This research focuses on the released juvenile offenders’ reintegration within Dir Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study uncovers prison experiences’ impact on juvenile offender’s reintegration. Adopting a qualitative phenomenological approach, the data is collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with forty-five juvenile offenders. Thematic analysis revealed prison experiences, significantly influencing the reintegration process. The juvenile offenders perceived their prison experiences as flawed, marked with challenges that adversely affected their reintegration process. The research findings emphasized the urgency to develop comprehensive reforms within the system of prisons, thereby advocating to improve and enhance the access to education, healthcare, vocational training, behavioral interventions, and robust planning of pre-release for juvenile offenders.
Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of Online Education Through Social Media: A Study of Learning Experiences, Digital Engagement, and Educational Challenges
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into online education has significantly transformed educational practices and students’ learning experiences through social media platforms. AI supported technologies increasingly influence how university students access academic content, communicate, collaborate, and engage in digital learning environments. This qualitative study explores the transformation of online education through social media by examining the learning experiences, digital engagement, and educational challenges of BS enrolled students in public universities. A qualitative research design was employed, and participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi structured interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis to identify major patterns and themes related to students’ experiences with AI integrated learning environments. The findings indicate that artificial intelligence enhances accessibility, supports personalized learning, and increases student engagement through flexible educational opportunities. However, participants also reported challenges including dependence on AI tools, reduced critical thinking, information credibility concerns, digital inequality, privacy issues, and information overload. The study further highlights changing communication patterns and reduced face to face interaction. The study concludes that effective integration of AI in higher education requires ethical implementation, institutional support, digital literacy, and balanced educational practices.
Employees’ Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence and Job Insecurity
The current paper analyzed the connection between the attitudes of employees towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) and job insecurity in Pakistan’s organizations. Artificial intelligence is the use of different automated systems in workplace which assist, perform, or replace human beings by taking decisions and doing tasks. This created job insecurity among employees as they think that they are replaceable anytime sooner. Basing the research on the TAM model, the JD-R model, and the study was quantitative and cross-sectional in design. It was hypothesized that negative attitudes towards AI would result in higher perceived job insecurity. A purposive sampling method was adopted to collect data from 300 employees employed in five different departments (HR, Marketing, Management, Finance, IT). Standardized tools included the Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence at Work (AAAW) Scale, with job insecurity measured by section A5 of the AAAW Scale. Results revealed a significant correlation between employee attitudes towards AI and job insecurity, with more negative attitudes towards AI related to higher perceived job insecurity. These findings indicate that organizational support serves as a psychological buffer during technological transition periods. The current research offers the recommendations for the future researches along with the organizations as well.
The Impact Of Macroeconomic Indicators On Firms Profitability In Pakistan
This study analyses the impact of macroeconomic and firm-specific variables on profitability of manufacturing firms in Pakistan from 2005 to 2022. The profitability analysis is performed through return on assets (ROA) and the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) is used for analyzing the effect of the variables in the various quantiles of profitability. The macroeconomic variables are real gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of inflation in producer prices (PPI), and real effective exchange rate (REER). Firm-specific variables are: the size of the firm, asset turnover, liquidity, and leverage. The results show that real GDP positively and significantly influences the profitability of all the firms at all quantiles. On the other hand, REER negatively impacts ROA, especially at higher quantiles. The effects of the firm specific variables on profitability are positive for firm size, asset turnover and liquidity, and it is significantly negative for leverage. The findings indicate that a stable macro-economic environment based on a regime of economic expansion, relatively stable inflation and moderation in exchange rate fluctuations is required for improving the profitability of the manufacturing sector in Pakistan. In addition, the companies should streamline the operation, enhance the liquidity management, and refrain from over-dependence on debt financing so as to achieve sustainable growth and competitiveness.
A Survey-Based Analysis of Digital Leadership and Employee Innovation Behaviour in Hybrid Work Environments
The rapid expansion of hybrid work environments has transformed organizational leadership practices and reshaped employee engagement in innovation-related activities. Focus of the study is empirical examination of digital leadership and employee innovation behaviour in hybrid workplace using a survey-based approach. The research focuses on how digitally competent leadership influences employees’ ability to generate, promote, and implement innovative ideas while working across virtual and physical settings. Data from employees of hybrid organizational structures using a structured questionnaire was collected. The findings indicate that digital leadership plays a significant role in encouraging employee creativity, adaptability, and knowledge-sharing practices. Leaders who effectively utilize digital tools, maintain transparent communication and foster trust-based interactions contribute positively to employees’ motivation to participate in innovative activities. The study further reveals that hybrid work environments create both opportunities and challenges for innovation, depending on the quality of digital coordination and organizational support mechanisms. Effective digital leadership was found to strengthen employee confidence, enhance collaborative problem-solving, and support continuous learning in distributed work settings. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on leadership and innovation management by highlighting the importance of leadership capabilities in digitally enabled workplaces. The study also provides practical insights for organizations seeking to improve employee innovation outcomes in evolving hybrid work models through strategic digital leadership practices.
Development and Validation of Attitudes and Practices Towards Online Feminism Scale
Current study aimeds to develop a tool for assessing attitudes towards online feminism. The study comprised of four phases. First phase extracted item pool from the obtained themes of attitude towards online feminism, which assessed attitudes and practices towards online feminism scale (OFS). Second phase evaluated items by subject matter experts to establish the face validity. Third phase carried out the development of online feminism scale (OFS) and determined its psychometric properties. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted performed on the sample of 200 social media users that resulted in a 32-items scale comprising of three subscales; pro feminist attitudes, anti-feminist attitudes, and feminist practices. The final phase of study determined convergent, discriminant, and contrasted group validity of OFS on the sample of 300 social media users (120 men; 180 women) such that their age ranges was from 17-30 years old (M = 22.13; SD = 3.61). The OFS subjected high internal consistency for full scale (α = .94) and for subscales that are; pro feminist attitudes (α = .93), anti-feminist attitude (α = .72) and feminist practices (α = .89). OFS thus yields a competitive factorial, convergent, discriminant, and contrasted group validity that proves it as psychometrically sound instrument.
Existential Crisis in James Joyce’s ‘Eveline’: A Rollo Mayan Interpretation
Every member of our society is aware that anxiety and sadness are pervasive, both from personal experience and from watching their peers. We are growing increasingly conscious of the less evident but no less significant causes of anxiety and depression, such as inner turmoil, psychological disorientation, and uncertainty about appropriate behaviour standards. These include the obvious causes of anxiety and depression, such as the threat of war, the uncontrolled atomic bomb, and the drastic political and economic upheavals. The study of the human condition with an emphasis on personal autonomy, responsibility, and choice is known as existential psychology (May, 1953). Rollo May established the groundwork for existential psychotherapy for years to come with his insightful and profound body of writing. His perceptive observations on the psychological, philosophical, and cultural conundrums facing modern people bring up issues that psychotherapists should continue to be aware of and address in their work. The ramifications of Rollo May's ideas for successful psychotherapy and existential psychology are examined in this article. In order to shed light on existential dilemmas from a general to a specific domain, we shall often cite Rollo Mays' model in this exclusive work. This study aims to understand the impact of existentialism on human psychology in order to facilitate an understanding of Eveline's character. The character of Eveline from James Joyce's collection Dubliners is the subject of this essay. This investigation uses qualitative and descriptive analysis to access the existential effects on human psychology while keeping in mind Rollo May's existential dilemma model. It highlights the resulting existialism, existential crisis, and the process of meaning-making and the development of a sense of responsibility in one's character.
Compulsive Social Media Use and Sleep Disturbances in University Students: Examining the Mediating Role of Emotional Self-Disclosure
The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between social media, sleep problems and disclosure of emotions among university students. The survey design employed was a cross-sectional design with 300 students between the ages of 18-26 years (50% female and 50% male) who filled out the Chen Internet Addiction Scale, Sleep Quality Scale and Distress Disclosure Index. Results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between problematic sleep and the use of social media (r = .286, p < .01), meaning more social media correlates with worse sleep outcomes. But no strong correlations were found between socio-demographic variables and emotional self-disclosure (r = .023, p > .05) and problematic sleep (r = -.024, p > .05) respectively, and between emotional self-disclosure and problematic sleep (r = -.139, p > .05). The emotional self-disclosure construct did not mediate the social media-sleep relationship (indirect effect β = .000, 95% CI [-.008, .005]). Results suggest that compulsive social media use is directly linked to sleep problems, even after controlling for emotional disclosure behaviors, indicating a need to intervene on decreasing nocturnal social media use, and not the role of disclosure behaviors.
The Last Seat Illusion: Uncovering the Hidden Psychology Behind Airline Booking Decisions
In the highly competitive and perishable-inventory environment of the commercial aviation sector, airlines increasingly deploy digital marketing tactics to stimulate immediate consumer action. This empirical study investigates the mechanisms through which specific digital stimuli-namely, the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and scarcity/urgency cues-influence airline booking intentions. Grounded in the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) paradigm and regret theory, the research proposes a dual-pathway model wherein these external stimuli do not drive purchases directly; rather, they operate by amplifying the consumer's internal psychological assessments. Specifically, we examine how FOMO and urgency cues heighten both perceived utilitarian value (the logical assessment of a favorable transaction) and hedonic value (the emotional thrill anticipating the travel experience). Furthermore, this study explores the critical boundary condition of time pressure, postulating that it moderates and intensifies the relationship between these internal value assessments and the final behavioral response. Data were collected from a sample of online airline consumers and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via SPSS and AMOS version 23 to test the hypothesized moderated-mediation framework. The findings aim to provide revenue managers with nuanced, actionable insights into optimizing digital conversion strategies, demonstrating how balancing ethical urgency with perceived value can effectively drive ticket sales without aggressive price cannibalization.
Climate Change and National Policy in Pakistan: Theory and Practice
The study aims to bridge the gap between climate policy promises and their actual implementation in the real world. National Policies are considered as a bridge that address the climate induced hazards in the country. Meanwhile National Determined Contributions are international commitments that Pakistan has to be fulfilled till 2035. The comparison of Pakistan’s climate policies performances with that of Denmark and Netherland can help move towards a more climate resilient strategies. The qualitative research method has used in the research. Moreover, comparative and descriptive analysis approach was employed. The climate policies of Pakistan are broader course of climate actions but findings show that perplexities like lack of climate awareness, poor coordination mechanism, mismatch between climate finance and policy ambitions, and low institutional capacities are existed that hinder effective implementation of policies. The strong institutional capacity, strengthening of coordination and more allocation of climate budget can help improve policy efficiency.
Do University Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Convert Entrepreneurial Education into Startup Action? Evidence from Karachi, Pakistan
The purpose of this research is to determine if an environment created by a university-based entrepreneurial system can cause entrepreneurial education to be converted into a student's or graduate's desire to start up and create a business. Using theoretical models for entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and ecosystems, the study examined how entrepreneurial education affects the outcome (desire and ability) of starting a new business; as well as whether entrepreneurial self-efficacy/mindset acts as a mediator between these two variables and whether the level of support for entrepreneurship within the ecosystem will moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial education and the desired and actual outcomes of creating a new business. A survey-based methodology was used in which 201 responses were received from both public and private universities in Karachi. Reliability, validity, correlation, mediation, and moderation analyses were conducted using procedures available through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings indicate that entrepreneurial education has a significant impact upon entrepreneurial self-efficacy/mindset and startup intention/creation. Additionally, entrepreneurial self-efficacy/mindset serves as a mediator in this relationship. Furthermore, while the support for entrepreneurship in the ecosystem did not have a significant moderate effect in this relationship, it had a positive direct association with startup outcomes.
The Role of Macroeconomic Policies on Income Inequality in Developing Countries
: Income inequality (INQ) is a major issue to overcome in order to meet SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), especially in developing countries where fiscal and monetary policy can have opposite distributional impact. Past research focused on the effects of fiscal or monetary policy on inequality, but little research has considered the joint effects of the two policies. The focus of this study is to examine the combined impact of government expenditure, real interest rate, exchange rate, per capita income, age dependency ratio and inflation on income inequality over 55 developing countries for the period 2000–2021. The empirical results, based on a two-step System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and panel quantile regression, show that income inequality is negatively related to government expenditure, exchange rate appreciation, per capita income and age dependency ratio. The results show that the real interest rates and inflation have positive coefficients but these effects are not statistically significant in the baseline model. The results also reveal heterogeneous policy effects as the impact of these macroeconomic variables depends on different levels of inequality, as suggested by quantile regression. The results offer a more comprehensive picture of the effect of macroeconomic policies on income distribution. Policy implications indicate that there is a need to increase targeted public expenditure, exchange rate management and demographic factors to help reduce the level of inequality in developing countries.
Women's Education Under Two Taliban Regimes: Resistance, Resilience and Remote Learning (1996–2024)
This study examines women’s education in Afghanistan under two Taliban regimes: 1996–2001 and 2021–2024. Using qualitative analysis of policy documents and reports from NGOs/UNESCO, it explores how women resisted, adapted, and sustained learning despite systemic bans. Under Taliban I, formal schooling for girls was prohibited, yet underground “home schools” and cross-border education in Pakistan/Iran emerged as acts of resistance. After 2021, Taliban II expanded restrictions to secondary and higher education, prompting new forms of resilience through remote learning. Online platforms, WhatsApp classes, and international scholarship programs became critical survival strategies. The paper argues that women’s education in Afghanistan cannot be understood only as victimhood; it reflects continuous resilience and tactical innovation against political suppression. Findings contribute to debates on education in conflict, gendered resistance, and the role of digital tools in safeguarding learning rights. The study concludes that remote learning, while limited, has redefined educational access and offers lessons for other contexts of educational exclusion.
The Rise of the Delhi Sultanate: From Conquest to Consolidation Amidst Mongol Onslaught (1192-1266 AD)
This paper examines the formative period of the Delhi Sultanate from 1192 AD to 1266 AD, tracing its evolution from military conquest to institutionalized statehood amid persistent internal discord and external threats. The study analyzes how successive rulers—Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, Iltutmish, Razia Sultana, and Nasir al-Din Mahmud—navigated the challenges of consolidating Turkish authority over northern India while confronting the destabilizing power of the Turkish nobility (Chahalgani) and the existential Mongol threat from Central Asia. The research demonstrates that Iltutmish emerged as the Sultanate's true architect, implementing foundational reforms including the formalization of the iqta system, creation of a loyal slave nobility, and securing caliphal recognition, which transformed a precarious occupation into a recognized sovereign monarchy. However, his death exposed the inherent instability of a power structure reliant on militarized slave elites, triggering succession crises and the tragic reign of Razia Sultana, whose capable rule was ultimately overwhelmed by aristocratic opposition to centralizing authority. The period's most defining crisis emerged from 1241 AD onwards, as Mongol invasions systematically eroded the western frontier. Lahore fell, Sindh was surrendered, and the frontier receded to the Beas River—not solely due to Mongol military superiority, but through treasonous alliances between Mongol commanders and disaffected Sultanate nobles. The Sultanate's survival is largely attributable to Ghiyas-ud-Din Balban, who as Naib during Nasir al-Din Mahmud's passive reign combined military repositioning, internal suppression, and pragmatic diplomacy with Hulagu's Ilkhanate to stave off catastrophic defeat. This survival came at the cost of significant territorial concessions, establishing a precedent that centralizing monarchy was essential to overcome the dual threats of aristocratic insurrection and foreign invasion—a lesson that would define Balban's subsequent reign.
Exploring Gender Differences in Child Labour: A Qualitative Study in Informal Work in District Swabi
This study explores gender differences in child labor within informal work settings in District Swabi using a qualitative research approach. The main objective of the study is to understand how boys and girls experience child labor differently in terms of type of work, access to education, working conditions, and future aspirations. A phenomenological research design was adopted to capture the lived experiences of child laborers. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants, including working boys and girls engaged in informal sectors such as domestic work, workshops, and agriculture. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal a clear gender-based division of labor, where boys are primarily involved in physically demanding and income-generating activities outside the home, while girls are largely confined to domestic and often invisible forms of work. The study also highlights significant gender disparities in education, with boys leaving school due to financial pressures and girls being denied education due to household responsibilities and cultural norms. Furthermore, the results indicate that boys face physical hardship and long working hours, whereas girls experience emotional stress, insecurity, and lack of recognition, particularly in domestic work environments. The study also identifies the critical role of parental decisions and societal expectations in shaping child labor practices. While poverty remains a key factor, deeply rooted cultural beliefs about gender roles further reinforce inequality. In terms of future aspirations, boys generally express a desire for better employment opportunities, whereas girls often have limited or uncertain expectations due to restricted opportunities. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that child labor in informal sectors is deeply gendered, requiring gender-sensitive policies and interventions. Addressing child labor effectively requires not only economic support for families but also efforts to challenge cultural norms and promote equal opportunities for both boys and girls.
Green Intellectual Capital and Institutional Pressures as Antecedents of Green Practices: Consequences for Environmental and Financial Performance in Italian Hotels
In the contemporary landscape marked by heightened environmental awareness, businesses face escalating expectations to embrace environmental sustainability. While prior studies have explored several antecedents of green practices (GPs) implementation, a critical study gap exists in understanding the empirical impact of green intellectual capital (GIC) and institutional pressures (IPs), as well as the subsequent impact of these practices on environmental and financial performance. This study aims to empirically investigate the role of each pillar of GIC and IPs in influencing organizations to implement GPs, and to unlock the subsequent impact of these practices on environmental performance (EP) and financial performance (FP). Deploying intellectual capital-based view theory and institutional theory, and using primary survey data from 203 Italy-based hotels, Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis shows that all pillars of GIC and IPs except for green human capital positively impact GPs adoption. The study also shows a positive contribution of these practices in enhancing EP and FP. The study contributes to the literature on GIC management, institutionalization, and GPs management. It offers managerial insights for managers to implement GPs through the development of GIC for improving EP and FP. The study also provides useful implications for policymakers to formulate stringent environmental regulations, improve legal prosecution, and provide financial incentives for sustainable initiatives.
Bridging Theory and Practice in 21st-Century Classrooms: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Learning Theories, Instructional Practices, and Student Achievement
This research examines the implementation and influence of various learning theories of Behaviourism, Cognitivism, Connectivism, and Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), in contemporary Pakistani classrooms to enhance the understanding of their contribution to student achievement. Although current scholarship has analysed these theories in isolation, there is a paucity of research offering a comparative analysis of their functioning in actual classroom settings, especially in developing nations like Pakistan. To fill this gap, the study looks at how teachers use these theories in the classroom and how those uses affect students' academic performance. A mixed-methods design is utilised to encompass both breadth and depth: Quantitatively, pre- and post-test achievement scores are gathered from students instructed using strategies based on the four theories, facilitating comparative analysis of learning gains; qualitatively, classroom observations, teacher interviews, and student focus group discussions offer insights into the lived experiences, challenges, and motivations related to theory-informed practices. This triangulation guarantees a comprehensive comprehension of both quantifiable learning outcomes and the actualities of the classroom. Theoretically, this study enhances educational discourse by integrating classical and contemporary learning theories within the context of a developing country. In a practical sense, it gives Pakistani teachers evidence-based information on how to mix strategies to boost motivation, engagement, and retention. At the policy level, the findings provide direction for curriculum developers and educational leaders in harmonising pedagogy with the varied needs of learners. This research ultimately highlights the convergence of theory-informed practices that can enhance student achievement and innovation in Pakistan's 21st-century classrooms.
Family Environment And Aggressive Behavior Among Secondary School Students
Aggressive behavior among secondary school students has become a growing concern due to its negative impact on students' academic performance, social adjustment, and psychological well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental relationships, family environment, and aggression among secondary school students. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and data were collected from 500 students enrolled in secondary schools of the Federal Government Educational Institutions in Rawalpindi and Chaklala regions. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information regarding students' perceptions of parental relationships, family environment, and aggressive behavior. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests of independence. The findings revealed a statistically significant association between parental relationships and student aggression (χ² = 28.36, p < .001). Students reporting poor parental relationships exhibited significantly higher levels of aggression compared to those reporting positive parental relationships. Similarly, a significant relationship was found between family environment and student aggression (χ² = 13.88, p < .001). Students from unfavorable family environments were more likely to demonstrate aggressive behavior than those from supportive and nurturing family environments. The study concludes that parental relationships and family environment play a crucial role in shaping students' behavioral outcomes. Positive family interactions and supportive home environments can serve as protective factors against aggression among adolescents. The study recommends that parents, educators, and policymakers work collaboratively to promote healthy family relationships and supportive home environments to reduce aggressive behavior among secondary school students.