Journal of Social Sciences Research & Policy
Social and Cultural Factors Shaping Public Attitudes towards HPV Vaccination in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
One of the most effective ways to prevent a human papillomavirus infection leading to cervical cancer disease is the use of the HPV vaccine. Though, the introduction of the vaccine remains at a very low level in a great number of conservative and poorly resourced areas. This study was undertaken to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and sociocultural factors that influence the acceptance of the HPV vaccine among adults in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. A quantitative cross, sectional study involving 200 respondents from different districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was conducted. The results pointed out that the participants had considerable gaps in their knowledge. Different statistical test has been applied for the scientific evaluation of the information Correlation analysis showed a very strong positive association between knowledge about HPV and attitudes toward acceptance of HPV vaccination, with Pearson correlation r = 0.937 and p < 0.001, indicating that higher knowledge was strongly linked to greater acceptance. The Pearson correlation values r = 0.417 and p < 0.05, confirming that socio cultural factors were having a significant positive relationship on the attitude acceptance of HPV vaccination. Chi square analysis additionally discovered a significant association between respondents’ level of education and willingness to vaccinate against HPV, with χ² = 44.767 and p = 0.001, demonstrating higher readiness for HPV vaccination among more educated individuals. A majority of respondents expressed disagreement regarding the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine. The vaccination decision was found to be under influence such as the cultural values, religious beliefs and the family decision. A vast proportion of respondents agreed that absence of information decreases vaccine acceptance, indicating continuous communication gaps. In nutshell, the study confirms that low knowledge, negative perceptions of vaccine safety, strong sociocultural influences, and limited trust in formal health information systems collectively contribute to low HPV vaccine acceptance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The findings concluded the need for culturally suitable advocacy campaigns, reinforced healthcare provider communication, and community-based engagement to improve HPV vaccine confidence and uptake in the region.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Social Sciences Research & Policy
Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies on Scientific Research
This study explores the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on scientific research quality and efficiency, focusing on students at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad (AIOU). The research employs a quantitative design, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from 169 participants. Both independent and dependent variables were operationalized, with AI-related factors considered as independent variables and research quality and efficiency as the dependent variable. Data was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis via SPSS, and the reliability of the scales was confirmed using Cronbach’s Alpha, which showed acceptable to excellent reliability (0.736 for AI-related scales and 0.867 for research quality scales). The study found a strong positive correlation between General Perception of AI and Current Use of AI, indicating that better perceptions of AI correlate with higher usage in research. Additionally, concerns about AI’s use were positively related to the perceived improvement in scientific research quality, suggesting that despite reservations, the technology is seen as beneficial in enhancing research processes. Regression analysis confirmed that AI has a significant impact on improving research quality and efficiency, with AI usage explaining a substantial portion of the variation in research outcomes. The study concludes with recommendations for increasing training in AI technologies, addressing ethical concerns, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to maximize AI’s benefits in research.
Energy Consumption, Power Transmission Losses, and Natural Resource Depletion: Implications for Environmental degradation in South Asia
This paper explores the long-run and short-run impacts of electric power consumption, power transmission and distribution losses, and natural resource depletion and economic growth in the environmental degradation of South Asia. Based on data on balanced panel, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh between 1990 and 2022, carbon dioxide emissions per capita is used as a proxy of environmental degradation. The panel unit roots tests are also used to show that there are mixed orders of integration between the variables, which supports the use of a panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) test. Kao cointegration test proves the existence of a long-run relationship of equilibrium. According to the long-run approximations of the pooled mean group estimator (PMG) estimator, it is clear that electric power consumption, transmission and distribution losses, depletion of natural resources and economic growth are major contributors to environmental degradation. Short-run outcomes also show that any disequilibrium in the long-run can be corrected slowly, and in the meantime, energy wastage and resource depleting activities have an immediate cost to the environment. The results indicate that efficiency of the power sector and sustainable management of resources are of extreme significance in reducing environmental degradation. The policy implications focus on the necessity of investing in the energy infrastructure, lowering electricity wastage, and using cleaner energy sources that will facilitate the growth of South Asia in an environmentally friendly manner.
Development and Validation of the Librarians' Perceptions of Factors influencing Library Service Quality (LPF-LSQ) Scale
This study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive, psychometrically sound scale to measure librarians' perceptions of the internal and external factors that influence Library Service Quality (LSQ)—a perspective missing from existing user-centric instruments like LibQUAL and SERVQUAL. The scale was developed through a multi-stage process: (1) Item generation from literature and expert consultations (60 initial items); (2) Content validation using Lawshe's Content Validity Ratio (CVR) with 33 experts; (3) A pilot study (n=308); (4) Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and (5) Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to establish the factor structure and model fit (n=309); and (6) Reliability testing using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability. The final LPF-LSQ scale consists of 34 items across seven distinct, reliable factors: Library Staff (5 items), Physical Environment (6 items), Leadership (6 items), Government Funding & Policies (4 items), Users’ Demand (5 items), Global Trends (4 items), and Library Location (4 items). All constructs demonstrated high reliability (α > 0.87) and good model fit (CFI = .925, RMSEA = .074). This is the first validated scale designed specifically to capture librarians' diagnostic perceptions of LSQ drivers. It provides library administrators and researchers with a powerful tool for internal assessment, strategic planning, and benchmarking to proactively enhance service quality.
Effects of Classroom Teachers' Motivational Practices on Students' Learning Outcomes in Higher Education
Motivation is a core determinant of students’ academic engagement, persistence, and learning outcomes in higher education. This study investigates the effects of classroom teachers’ motivational practices on students’ learning outcomes in selected higher education institutions of South Punjab. Using a quantitative descriptive correlational design, the research sampled 50 teachers and 120 students through cluster sampling. Two structured Likert-scale questionnaires measured motivational practices, motivational climate, and student learning outcomes. Data analysis through SPSS included frequencies, mean scores, standard deviations, t-tests, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Descriptive results showed that teachers frequently use motivational practices such as praise, constructive feedback, fairness, reinforcement, and encouragement. Students agreed that these practices significantly enhanced their academic performance, classroom participation, and overall motivation. Inferential statistics revealed a strong positive correlation (r = .71, p < .01) between motivational practices and learning outcomes. Gender-based differences in perceptions were statistically insignificant. The study concludes that motivational practices have a substantial positive effect on students’ learning outcomes. It recommends institutional support for motivational training, reflective teaching, student-centered pedagogy, and motivational assessments in higher education.
Exploring Sociocultural Factors Affecting Girls’ Participation in STEM Education at BS level In District Swabi
Even though gender inequality in STEM education is a global concern, things have not substantially changed in developing nations like Pakistan. The study on women’s participation in STEM education in the context of Pakistan is still somewhat narrow. Therefore, this study investigates the sociocultural factors affecting girls’ participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education at BS level in District Swabi. Previous studies show that the number of women in STEM fields is still disproportionately low, even after awareness campaigns and policy reforms. The objectives of the study are to explore sociocultural factors affecting girls’ preference for non-STEM over STEM. To explore sociocultural factors girls’ choice among STEM subjects and to find out issues faced by girls enrolled in STEM education. A qualitative research design was employed to explore sociocultural factors that affect girls’ participation in STEM education. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 female students enrolled in STEM fields. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes. Thematic analysis revealed that entrenched gender stereotypes regarding girls’ intelligence, lack of family encouragement, inadequate institution infrastructure, and weak pedagogical support lower girls’ expectancy of success in STEM, while supportive teachers, media portrayals, and personal curiosity increase perceived task value. Findings indicate that structural reforms alone are insufficient unless accompanied by shifts in sociocultural attitudes that position STEM as a male domain. Theoretical framework such as Expectancy- Value Theory provides a comprehensive lens for analyzing these influences. Policymakers, educators, and development professionals who want to improve gender parity in STEM and progress the country’s technical and socioeconomic development should consider the implications.
Homes That Teach Silence: Domestic Space as a Site of Female Moral Formation in Lion Women of Tehran
Space is increasingly recognized in contemporary feminist literary criticism as an active agency in constructing subjectivity, rather than a passive backdrop. This article looks at the Lion Women of Tehran and argues that household space serves as an educational location for the formation of female moral identity through silence, endurance, and emotional regulation. Drawing on feminist spatial theory, the study investigates how homes function as moral training contexts rather than just places of confinement. The story focuses on subtle processes of ethical training that often precede and replace overt resistance. This study contributes to feminist and postcolonial literary studies by shifting the focus away from conspicuous political resistance and toward quiet moral training within private places.
Exploring the Mental Health Challenges of Unemployment among Graduate Youth in District Lower Dir of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Unemployment among graduate youth is a critical socio-economic issue in Pakistan with numerous implications for mental health. This study examines the impact of unemployment on the mental health of unemployed graduate youth in the Lower Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. It explores various strategies for maintaining their well-being. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences and perceptions of the participants through semi-structured interviews with 16 graduated youth through convenience sampling who graduated during the previous 5 years. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. Findings from the study revealed that prolonged unemployment contributes to low self-esteem, frustration, depression, anxiety, and feelings of social exclusion. Participants also describe intense family pressure, loss of social status, uncertainty about the future, and difficulty finding a job despite graduation. The study fills a significant research gap in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It offers various implications for policy makers, universities, and mental health practitioners to foster resilience and mitigate the psychosocial scaring of graduate unemployment.
Adopting Circular Economy Principles in Hospitality: A Case Study of Peshawar, Pakistan
Tourism and hospitality are significant economic drivers but also contributors to environmental degradation. The circular economy (CE) offers a sustainable alternative to the sector’s prevailing linear “take-make-dispose” model by promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction. This study explores the adoption of CE principles in the hospitality industry of Peshawar, Pakistan, an emerging tourism market. We conducted qualitative interviews with managers of ten hotels and guesthouses to understand their awareness of CE, the initiatives they have implemented, and the benefits and challenges of CE adoption. The findings reveal that while participants recognize sustainability’s importance and have implemented select CE practices (particularly the “3Rs” of reduce, reuse, recycle), their understanding of CE is largely limited to these basic principles. Key initiatives identified include energy conservation (solar panel use), refurbishing with reclaimed materials, remanufacturing furniture, and repurposing waste items. Respondents reported benefits such as cost savings and reduced pollution, but also noted obstacles including limited knowledge, financial constraints, and lack of institutional support for implementing broader CE strategies. This paper discusses the implications of these findings in the context of extant literature and offers recommendations to strengthen circular practices in hospitality. It contributes to the nascent research on CE in tourism by providing insights from a developing country context. The study highlights the potential for circular practices to enhance sustainability in hospitality, while underscoring the need for greater awareness, supportive policies, and innovation to overcome current challenges.
Reserved Yet Excluded: an Analysis of Job Quota Policies and the Marginalization of Women with Disabilities in Kohat Division, Pakistan
The present study investigates the role of job quota implementation (independent variable) in shaping the social exclusion experienced by women with disabilities (dependent variable) in Kohat Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Utilizing a Quantitative, Cross-Sectional survey design, a sample of 370 respondents was proportionally selected across the districts of the division. Methodological rigor was ensured through coordination with district Social Welfare Offices to accurately identify eligible participants, while senior instructors facilitated the interpretation of responses from hearing- and speech-impaired respondents, enhancing the reliability and validity of the structured instrument. The study focused on women with physical, auditory, verbal, and stature-related disabilities, deliberately excluding individuals with intellectual impairments to maintain conceptual clarity. Internal consistency of the measurement scale was confirmed via Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.87. Bivariate relationships were examined using Chi-Square (χ²) tests, and Kendall’s Tau-b (Tb) assessed the strength and direction of associations. Analysis of the complete dataset revealed a statistically significant and non-spurious relationship between job quota and social exclusion (χ² = 25.706, p = .000; Tb = .264), indicating that the effect of quota policies persists independently of education. The findings underscore the critical influence of job quota provision on mitigating social exclusion, while also highlighting how educational attainment can modulate the intensity of exclusionary experiences, demonstrating the complex interplay between structural policy mechanisms and individual socio-demographic factors.
Does Institutional Quality Promote Export Diversification in Pakistan?
The study examines the impact of institutional quality on Pakistan’s export diversification. We measure export diversification through extensive and intensive margins of trade by using highly disaggregated data at the HS-6 digit level. We construct a composite index of institutional quality by using multiple indicators of institutional quality defined by the World Bank for Pakistan and its 69 trading partners over the period 2013-2024. The study applies gravity framework estimated using Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood (PPML) and Probit models for empirical evidence. The empirical evidence indicate that strong institutional environment in export destination markets significantly promotes export diversification in Pakistan. In contrast, institutional environment at domestic level primarily supports the intensive margin. We derive several policy implications based on empirical evidence. Pakistan should improve its domestic institutional environment to promote export performance, while greater emphasis should be placed on targeting export markets with well-established institutional frameworks, as such markets are more attractive and conducive for exporters. In addition, maintain market based exchange rate through appropriate macroprudential policies can further support export diversification. Moreover, the positive relationship between population growth in importing countries and export performance suggests that policymakers should prioritize labor intensive sectors that are more responsive to demographic trends. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers in Pakistan and offer broader lessons for developing economies on how to navigate bilateral trade relationships, expand market participation, and promote export performance in an increasingly uncertain global trade environment.
Impact of Muslim Religiosity on Emotional Issues Among University Students: Moderating Role of Life Satisfaction
Religiosity plays an important role in mental well-being, particularly within religious populations. This quantitative study examined the relationship between Muslim religiosity (intrinsic and extrinsic) and emotional issues among university students, with life satisfaction as a moderating variable. Data were collected from 400 male and female university students aged 18–35 from various universities in Karachi using a convenience sampling technique. Standardized instruments were used, including the Muslim Religiosity Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 21, employing Pearson correlation and regression techniques. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity. Intrinsic religiosity showed a significant negative association with psychological distress, whereas overall Muslim religiosity did not show a significant relationship with emotional issues. Intrinsic religiosity was also positively correlated with life satisfaction. However, life satisfaction did not significantly predict or moderate psychological distress. The study highlights the potential value of intrinsic religiosity in promoting mental well-being and suggests that religious concepts and therapeutic approaches may be beneficial in educational and clinical settings for addressing emotional issues among Muslim populations.
Disability and its Impacts on Mental Health in Pakistan: A Review
Disability puts negative impacts on mental health leading to tension, depression, anxiety and other behavioral problems for the persons with disabilities and the caregivers in Pakistan. The study is qualitative in nature and is based on the analysis of available literature regarding disability and its psychological impacts on mental health of family members. The study concludes that in Pakistan persons with disabilities are totally dependent on their family members because the government as well as private sector seldom provides services for their care at home. In the absence of such services, the family has to shoulder all the responsibilities of this vulnerable segment of society. The study recommends that in order to deal with problems faced by family members and caregivers of the persons with special disabilities, the government, private sector and philanthropists should join hands and resolve their issues. Moreover the people should also change their attitude towards them of society and should not make them stigmatized.. Mental health services should be provided to the family members of persons with disability so that they can better serve them. Furthermore, economic assistance, insurance and social security programs should be introduced for children with disabilities as well as their family members.
The Effect of Socioeconomic Factors on Higher Secondary Students’ Academic Grades
The current research examines the impact of socioeconomic determinants on the grades of higher secondary students. In particular, it discusses the correlation between parental education and academic achievement of students, evaluates the significance of family income on the academic achievement of students, and explores the role of home learning environment and parental involvement in determining the achievement of students. The study population was made up of higher secondary students and a sample population of 300 students was used in the study with purposive sampling. The structured questionnaire was used to obtain the information on the demographics of students, level of parental education, family income, learning environment at home and academic performance. The outcomes obtained were processed with the help of SPSS version 26 and applied descriptive and inferential statistics to identify the correlations and the degree of the impact of socioeconomic factors on the grades of students. The results indicate that parent education and family income can have a great impact on academic performance of students, and an enriched home learning environment and an active parent involvement is beneficial in increasing academic performance. The research indicates the need to combat the presence of socioeconomic differences and provide conducive environments in the homes to improve the academic performance of the students.
University Governance in Pakistan: Autonomy, Accountability, and Political Interference (2018–2024)
University governance plays a decisive role in shaping the quality, credibility, and sustainability of higher education systems. In Pakistan, the governance of public universities has remained a contested space where institutional autonomy, accountability mechanisms, and political influence often intersect in complex ways. This study examines university governance in Pakistan during the period 2018 - 2024, with a particular focus on how political interference affects administrative decision making, academic freedom, and overall institutional performance. The research argues that while formal governance frameworks emphasize autonomy and accountability, their effective implementation has been undermined by persistent political involvement in key areas such as appointments, promotions, financial management, and policy formulation. Such interference weakens merit-based governance, erodes academic independence, and compromises universities’ ability to function as autonomous centers of learning and research. At the same time, accountability mechanisms remain uneven, often applied selectively rather than systematically, further contributing to institutional inefficiency and mistrust. Using a qualitative research approach, the study draws on policy documents, higher education regulations, official reports, and interviews with academic and administrative stakeholders to analyze governance practices across selected public universities. The findings highlight a growing gap between governance ideals and institutional realities, revealing how political pressures reshape internal power structures and decision-making processes. This research contributes to the broader discourse on higher education governance in developing countries by offering a contextualized analysis of Pakistan’s experience. It concludes by emphasizing the need for governance reforms that strengthen institutional autonomy, ensure transparent accountability, and insulate universities from undue political influence in order to enhance academic excellence and institutional effectiveness.
Influence of School Culture on Pedagogical Practices in Private Schools of Lahore, Punjab
The concept of school culture incorporates leadership practices, shared values, and staff development systems, has emerged as key factor of pedagogical effectiveness and innovative teaching approaches in current academic landscape. Regardless of emerging prominence of this association, still the interconnection between school culture and instructional modernization and the process through which school culture effects the pedagogical practices of teachers are under researched. This paper was designed to examine the relationship between school culture and pedagogical practices of teachers. 100 school teachers were selected through convenient sampling technique from public and private schools of district Lahore. In data analysis, the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was applied to identify the statistical significance of relationship between school culture and pedagogical practices of teachers. Regression analysis was run to investigate that to what extent does the school culture predicts the pedagogical practices of teachers. The results showed that study indicated that there is a moderate positive correlation between school culture and pedagogical practices of teachers. The findings of the study revealed that improvements in school culture are directly associated with the effectiveness of pedagogical practices of teachers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Social Sciences Research & Policy
Exploring the Association Between Curriculum Content and Learning Objectives at The Primary Level ;An Analysis of Curriculum Mapping
This study examines the relationship between curriculum content, learning objectives, and student learning outcomes in primary education, with a particular focus on the role of curriculum mapping. Curriculum mapping serves as a critical tool to align instructional content with intended objectives, ensuring coherent and meaningful learning experiences for students. Employing a quantitative research design, survey data were collected from 250 primary school teachers in the Sukkur district. Reliability analysis confirmed the consistency of the instrument (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.828). The findings reveal a moderate positive correlation between curriculum content and learning objectives (r = 0.401), and a strong positive correlation between learning objectives and student learning outcomes (r = 0.608). Conversely, a weak negative correlation was observed between curriculum content and student learning outcomes (r = –0.188), suggesting that extensive or misaligned content may hinder achievement. Regression and ANOVA results further confirmed that curriculum content significantly predicts learning objectives, while its direct effect on student outcomes is limited. These results highlight the mediating role of instructional strategies and assessment practices in transforming curriculum design into improved learning outcomes. The study concludes that while curriculum content provides the foundation for learning, it must be carefully aligned with measurable objectives and supported by effective teaching and assessment practices. Key challenges identified include overly broad curriculum frameworks, unclear objectives, limited teacher training, and the pressure to cover content rather than prioritize depth of learning. To address these gaps, the study recommends streamlining curriculum content, clarifying objectives, strengthening teacher professional development, and promoting student-centered instructional approaches. Overall, this research contributes to the development of more coherent, balanced, and effective curriculum design in primary education, providing practical implications for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance student engagement and achievement.
Designing the Future: Integrating Creativity and Innovation Through Design-Based STEAM Learning
Design-Based STEAM learning emerged as a transformative pedagogical approach aimed at cultivating creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills among learners. This study examines how Design-Based STEAM learning enhances creative thinking and innovative capacities through an exploratory sequential mixed-method research design. The qualitative phase employed purposive sampling to select STEAM curriculum experts (n = 25) for semi-structured interviews, analyzed using thematic analysis. Insights from this phase informed the design of a quantitative questionnaire administered to trained STEAM teachers (n = 210) by using simple random sampling technique. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Validity, Reliability, Pilot testing of questionnaire was carried out. Correlation, and regression analysis were applied. It was indicated by results of the study that Design-Based STEAM learning significantly enhances creativity (β = .61, p < .001) and innovation skills (β = .54, p < .001) among learners. Triangulation of qualitative and quantitative findings strengthens the conclusions that Design-Based STEAM education based on prototyping, iterative design, and reflective inquiry is a powerful catalyst for inculcating creativity and innovation. Implications discussed for curriculum developers, teachers, and policymakers seeking to implement STEAM education.
Family and Institutional Barriers to Formal Education among Transgender Individuals in Tehsil Mardan, Pakistan
Access to formal education remains a persistent challenge for transgender individuals in Pakistan despite recent legal recognition of gender diversity. This study examines the family and institutional barriers that restrict educational participation among transgender individuals in Tehsil Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Drawing on quantitative data collected from transgender respondents, the research highlights how family rejection, violence, and withdrawal of emotional and financial support intersect with discriminatory practices within educational institutions. The findings demonstrate that exclusion from education is not an individual failure but a structurally produced outcome shaped by rigid gender norms, patriarchal family systems, and non-inclusive educational policies. By situating the experiences of transgender individuals within broader frameworks of social exclusion and gender regulation, this study contributes to limited empirical literature from Pakistan. The paper underscores the need for family-level sensitization and institutional reforms to ensure equitable access to education and social inclusion for transgender populations.
The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation in the Relationship between Stress, Social Support, and Craving Intensity in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder
In this study, the author discusses the ability of emotion regulation to mediate a potential relationship between perceived stress, social support, and the severity of craving in people with substance use disorder (SUD). A correlational cross-sectional study was conducted, and the sample group comprised 1200 individuals with SUD diagnoses in Pakistani rehabilitation centers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These questionnaires contained the PSS-10 (perceived stress), MSPSS (social support), DERS (emotion regulation difficulties), and OCDUS (craving intensity). Greater perceived stress was significantly related to emotion regulation difficulties (r =.52, p < .001) and craving intensity (r =.68, p < .001), and lower social support was inversely related to emotion regulation difficulties (r= -.46, p < .001) and craving intensity (r = -.26, p <.001). The importance of emotion regulation was supported by mediation analyses, and perceived stress was a major predictor of a poorer regulator of emotion, leading to a more significant level of craving, that is, it was revealed that there was some partial mediation. In the example of social support, the mediation was full, with support shedding light on the regulation of emotion, which, in turn, predicts the reduction of craving, implying that the protective qualities of social support are significantly mediated by alleviating the mechanisms of coping with emotions. These findings justify integrating the application of psychological skills training and social resource needs in the field of addiction management, making it clear that the intervention that implies an effort to decrease the level of stress, manage and regulate moods, and social support may lead to the overall reduction of cravings and a successful long-term post-treatment recovery in patients with SUD.
Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Responses to Taliban Governance in Afghanistan: Implications for Regional Stability and Security
The evolving political and security dynamics in Afghanistan have significantly shaped Pakistan’s foreign policy and regional interactions. Understanding these dynamics is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of Pakistan’s strategic, diplomatic, and security responses. This study examines Pakistan’s foreign policy and security strategies toward Afghanistan, focusing on strategic and security determinants, regional stability implications, and the effectiveness of diplomatic and security measures. It aims to explore how threat perception, power balancing, and pragmatic engagement influence policy formulation and regional outcomes. A qualitative approach was adopted using a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework. Ten peer-reviewed studies on Pakistan–Afghanistan relations, regional security, and policy effectiveness were systematically identified, screened, and analyzed. Thematic analysis was used to categorize findings into three main themes: strategic and security determinants of foreign policy, implications for regional stability, and effectiveness of diplomatic and security measures. The study finds that Pakistan’s foreign policy is predominantly security-driven, shaped by cross-border militancy, regional rivalries, and strategic calculation. Diplomatic and security measures mitigate immediate threats, but structural, governance, and regional coordination challenges limit long-term effectiveness. Pragmatic engagement with Afghanistan is necessary but insufficient for sustained stability. The study highlights a realist-based understanding of Pakistan’s foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of integrated, context-sensitive, and multilateral strategies to maintain sustainable regional stability.
The Use OF Questioning Technique In The Classroom
This study investigated the use of questioning techniques in secondary school classrooms through a comparative analysis of government and private institutions in D.I.Khan district. Employing a non-participant observation method over two weeks, the researcher collected data from four schools using two separate observation checklists designed to capture both teachers' questioning behavior and student response patterns among 9th-grade female students. The findings revealed distinct differences in classroom questioning dynamics between the two school systems, with teacher attitudes toward student-initiated questions varying considerably across institutions. The data further indicated patterns in question distribution among students, the dominance of high achievers in question-answer sessions, and the overall frequency of student questioning habits. Statistical analysis using chi-square tests examined the null hypotheses regarding comparable use of questioning techniques across public and private sectors, providing insight into pedagogical practices within these educational settings. The study contributes to understanding how questioning techniques function as instructional tools and how institutional context may shape these classroom interactions.
Reel or Real: A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Multimedia Content and Its Influence on Sustainable Learning in Digital Education Environments
The digital learning environment is growing to be more dependent on multimedia content, which includes videos, animations, and interactive images, to make the learning process more engaging and sustainable. Nonetheless, there is a dearth of empirical data that evaluates the effectiveness of these multimedia elements in causing reel (perceived) and real (actual, sustainable) learning results. This research paper attempts to discuss the effects of various types of multimedia content on the sustainable learning process within digital learning settings. It responds to the presence of gap in the assessment instruments that are thorough enough in context and designed to both assess perceived engagement and long-term learning retention. A sequential exploratory mixed-method research design with intention to use a sequential approach was adopted. The qualitative step entailed thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted on 20 university students in order to identify important multimedia learning constructs. These lessons helped to come up with an initial evaluation tool. The quantitative part involved a survey that was conducted on 412 undergraduate and graduate students taking virtual courses in three public universities. The study tested a 48-item scale of multimedia effectiveness, perceived engagement, cognitive load, and indicators of sustainable learning and verified it using SmartPLS 4 and confirmatory factor analysis. Results demonstrate that interactive multimedia has a strong positive influence on perceived engagement but may not necessarily be followed by more substantial sustainable learning. Better predictors of the retention of knowledge in the long term included static images and well-organized narration. The instrument validated proves to be highly relevant and reliable in digital education settings. This paper is a significant contribution to a context sensitive, and evaluation instrument of multimedia-based learning. The tool can assist teachers and policymakers in creating digital learning activities to promote authentic and sustainable learning and not a shallow interaction.
Ethical and Moral Values in Higher Education: A Mixed-Methods Study of Universities in Punjab
This study investigates the ethical and moral principles highlighted in higher education in Punjab, analysing the integration of these values into academic and social learning environments. A mixed-methods approach was utilised: a Thurstone scale-based survey was conducted with 95 university students to quantitatively evaluate their perceptions of fundamental ethical and moral principles, while semi-structured interviews yielded qualitative insights into their lived experiences. The results show that honesty, respect, responsibility, and social justice are the most important values. Interviews also showed that students were worried about the differences between what they learn in school and how it applies to their lives. These results together show how important colleges and universities are in teaching values that promote fairness, inclusion and responsible citizenship. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and curriculum developers to enhance ethical and moral education at the university level, ensuring that academic excellence is accompanied by the cultivation of socially responsible individuals.
Examining the Impact of Project-Based Learning on Students’ Academic Performance
In contemporary education, the traditional teaching techniques do not particularly involve students in active learning and training but instead fail to produce the necessary skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and group work. Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional approach that is student-oriented and requires students to learn real-world issues by working on practical projects, hence motivating them to participate actively, understand, and apply knowledge. This research project aimed at analyzing how Project-Based Learning influences the academic success, motivation, and interest of students. In particular, the analysis was supposed to identify whether students learning under PBL achieve higher academic scores as compared to those learning under the conventional lecture-based techniques. These objectives were accomplished using a true experimental research design. The population was comprised of all the students who were enrolled at the sampled secondary school and a sample of 60 randomly divided students was used to form two groups, with 30 students in the experimental group where they would be taught the PBL and 30 students in the control group where they would be taught the conventional instruction. The two groups were also evaluated based on pre-tests and post-tests to determine academic performance. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent sample t-test and gain score analysis) were applied to identify the performance between both groups and the significance of the difference. The results have shown that the experimental group scored significantly higher in post-test scores and mean gain than the control group. This shows that Project-Based Learning improves the learning experience of students both in terms of academic performance, their interest, and motivation better than the traditional approaches. On these findings it can be advised that schools should incorporate PBL in their instruction, offer training and resources to teachers, promote collaborative and student centred activity and tracking the project milestones to guarantee effective learning.
Economic Contributions of Medicinal Plants to Rural Livelihoods in Siran Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
This study examines the socioeconomic, cultural, and ecological aspects of herbal plant use in Siran Valley, focusing on their contribution to household livelihoods and potential for sustainable development. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative data from a household survey of 50 respondents with qualitative insights from interviews and field observations involving local traditional healers. Quantitative analysis described demographic characteristics, household size, education levels, livelihood sources, and the extent of reliance on herbal plants, while qualitative analysis explored harvesting practices, knowledge transmission, market access, and sustainability concerns. Findings reveal that herbal plants serve both as a primary source of income for some households and as a supplementary safety net for others, with multigenerational participation and medium-to-large household sizes supporting labor-intensive activities. The study also identifies challenges such as limited market access, dependence on intermediaries, insufficient price information, partial knowledge of sustainable harvesting, and minimal institutional support. Traditional knowledge plays a central role in guiding harvesting and medicinal use, though younger generations show declining engagement. The research highlights the economic and cultural importance of herbal plants, emphasizing the need for market development, capacity building, cultivation support, knowledge preservation, and stronger institutional engagement. These measures are essential to enhance income opportunities, ensure sustainable resource use, and safeguard the continuity of local medicinal traditions. The study provides a foundation for policy interventions and future research aimed at improving both livelihoods and ecological sustainability in rural communities.
Exploring the Socio-Political Factors Promoting Primary School Dropout in District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
School dropout produces inverse effects on the person, their entire family, and society. However, primary school dropout results in even more drastic consequences, including drug addiction and criminality. The current study intends to explore the social and political factors associated with primary school dropout. The study is conducted in the Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is a qualitative endeavor that elaborates the findings from a scholarly point of view. A sample size of 60 participants (dropped-out students) of primary schools, i.e., GPS (Government Primary School) Haji Baba, GGPS (Government Girls Primary School) Haji Baba, GPS Malookabad, GGPS Malookabad, GPS Raja Abad, and GGPS Watke, was selected for the study. To reach more precise information, data were collected through an interview guide. The data are presented to the readers through an interpretative paradigm. The current study finds that multiple factors pave the way for primary school dropout, of which social and political ones are more influential. More engaging among the social factors are poverty, unemployment, an ineffectual system of education, child labor, and lack of technological development and commercialization. Whereas, lack of educated political leadership, their undue interventions in educational institutions and recruitment processes, their lack of interest in educational and technological advancement, the state's lack of prioritization for education and sciences, and lack of the rule of law are the political dimensions that cause students to drop out from primary schools. The study recommends that, like tiny employment positions, the political leadership also needs to have appropriate qualifications and accountability. Moreover, the political intervention need to be minimized from recruitment processes. The researcher feels a need to explore the causes of political and governance failure that have created enormous problems for the state and its inhabitants.
The Ethics of Representation in Pakistan: Who Speaks, Who is Heard, Who is Silent in The Erstwhile Fata Region
This study examines the ethics of representation in the tribal districts of Khyber, Orakzai, and Bajaur, which were merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the 25th Constitutional Amendment. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on 63 semi-structured interviews, 12 focus group discussions, and discourse analysis of 410 news articles (2018–2025), along with parliamentary debates and post-merger policy frameworks. Grounded in postcolonial theory, epistemic justice, securitization, and symbolic power, the research explores who represents these districts, whose knowledge gains legitimacy, and whose voices remain marginalized. The findings reveal that centralized epistemic hierarchies within state institutions, urban academic spaces, and English-language media shape dominant narratives, while securitized discourses continue to frame frontier identities. Youth and women particularly face testimonial marginalization and hermeneutic exclusion in policy processes. The study argues that ethical representation requires redistribution of symbolic capital, participatory governance mechanisms, protection of dissent, and a decolonial approach in academia and media. Without epistemic justice, the political integration of the tribal districts remains incomplete.
Secondary School Teachers’ and Students’ Experiences in Overcrowded Classrooms
In Pakistan overcrowded classrooms are going to be one of the major issues and considered, a factor responsible for falling the education standard. This study sets out to investigate the “Secondary school teachers’ and students’ experiences in overcrowded classrooms”. The study adopts a qualitative research approach in which a case study design was adopted. It was conducted in four public sector school (two boys and Two Girls) from Lahore. Population consisted of teachers and students. Sample was taken from those classes which were consisting of above 60 students. The data generation process was obtained through in-depth-interviews from teachers and focus group interview from students. Major findings of the study were mostly classes at secondary school level are overcrowded. Teachers and students face a lot of problems due to high number of students in one class. These problems are: inadequate classroom space, less teacher-students’ interaction, issues related to safety and health, increased workload and inadequate teaching time, disruptive behavior by students and teachers’ attitude. The conclusions of the research also show the contributing factors to stressful experiences. These factors included lack of support from management, policy implementation, unsupportive parents, teacher training, professional development and lack of resources. The findings also showed that teachers tap into, mobilize and map out individual resources in order to manage overcrowded classrooms.
Taliban's Resurgence in Afghanistan: Root Causes and Consequences
Since their emergence in 1994, the Taliban have played a significant role in shaping the internal politics of Afghanistan and its relations with other countries. This study analyzes the major causes and wide-ranging effects of the Taliban’s return to power after the 2021 withdrawal of the United States Armed Forces. It also argues that their resurgence was not an isolated event. It was the result of internal failures in governance. These failures were combined with strategic miscalculations by external actors. Together, these factors contributed to the resurgence. The study uses qualitative and analytical methods. It is based on official reports, academic sources, and journalistic accounts. The research applies a cause-and-effect approach to identify the main internal and external factors. The post-2001 Afghan state faced serious internal weaknesses. Corruption was widespread, and many political groups were excluded from power. The security forces also depended heavily on foreign support. These problems reduced the government's legitimacy and created a power vacuum. Externally, the U.S.-led strategy focused mainly on military action. This approach alienated many local communities. At the same time, the peace process had major flaws. It strengthened the Taliban while weakening the position of the Afghan government. The group received external support and access to safe havens, which strengthened its position. The consequences were severe. At the domestic level, the takeover led to a serious decline in human rights. Women and girls were especially affected. It also intensified the humanitarian crisis. Regionally, the Taliban’s return has increased instability. It has encouraged militant groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and created new diplomatic challenges for neighbouring states. For Pakistan, the Taliban’s resurgence raises the risk of domestic terrorism. It also places additional pressure on the country’s fragile economy and may lead to greater political isolation. At the same time, regional rivals such as India may try to take advantage of instability along the border. The study concludes that lasting peace requires inclusive political settlements and legitimate governance. Military solutions imposed from outside cannot ensure sustainable stability.
Hybridization and Hegemony: A Critical Postcolonial Analysis of Urdu Slang in the Moth Smoke (2000) (2000)
This study deals with how resisting hegemonic power-formation can be achieved through language and cultural hybridization in the novel Moth Smoke (2000) (2000) by Mohsin Hamid. Using the theory of hybridity by Homi K. Bhabha, the paper explores how mixing of English and Urdu in the story alters the dominant discourses and reconstitutes the cultural identity in the postcolonial Pakistani society. The concept of hybridity proposed by him has had a broadly followed impact on postcolonial and cultural studies by helping to challenge the essentialist concept of fixed identity and culture. Rather, it underlines the negotiated, fluid and dynamic character of cultural interaction that is produced in those spaces constituted by the history of colonialism and the current globalization. In this research, the application of Urdu slang, local expressions and language patterns that are inbuilt with the culture are identified through a close textual examination of the novel as they are incorporated into the English text. These are linguistic features that serve to signify a hybrid identity, as they capture the lived experiences of Pakistani society in which there are several cultural forces at cross. This mixing of languages serves as a third space where meanings are re-negotiable and colonial languages of hierarchy integrated in language are covertly questioned. Moreover, the study addresses the way, in which Mohsin Hamid purposefully incorporates Urdu phrases in English prose, disrupts the cultural control of the colonial power and gives a voice to local cultural experiences. This ambiguity of the language adopted in the novel denotes the socio-cultural conflicts in urban Pakistan, especially the conflicts of the class, power and identity in post-colonial state. Through foregrounding these hybrid linguistic practices the text is represented as the reflection of the contemporary Pakistani culture and also criticizes the still-remaining effect of the colonial discourse on the national identity development. This study is relevant to the postcolonial literature theory by illustrating that the linguistic hybridity of the Pakistani English fiction establishes an influential negotiation zone amidst the global and local cultures.
Agrarian Resistance and Political Consciousness: A Socio-Historical Analysis of the Mazdoor Kissan Movement in Northern Hashtnagar Charsadda
This research examines the socio-political dynamics and social effects of the Mazdoor Kissan Movement (MKM), or the Workers/Peasants’ Party, in Northern Hashtnagar (Charsadda), Formed in 1968 as a revolutionary response to the exploitation of landless laborers by Khawaneen (feudal lords), the movement sought to challenge the traditional landlord-tenant relationship through the implementation of tenancy laws and rent control. Drawing on Marxist-Leninist theory, the study explores how variables such as poverty, marginalization, awareness, and landlord attitudes served as catalysts for peasant mobilization. The methodological framework employs a qualitative interview strategy to capture the perspectives of a predominantly illiterate or rudimentarily educated population, focusing on the movement's evolution from radical struggle to institutionalized political participation. The findings reveal that the MKM significantly enhanced social, economic, and political awareness, leading to the establishment of peasant courts, the abolition of forced labor, and the redistribution of land to the landless. However, the movement also faced considerable challenges, including bloody conflicts, internal factionalism, and the complex merger with the Communist Party of Pakistan following the ban on leftist politics and the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. Ultimately, the research highlights how the movement empowered the peasantry to demand state accountability and transformed the rural hierarchy, transitioning from an underground revolutionary force to a recognized entity within mainstream electoral politics in the area.
Security Implications of SCO for Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has emerged as a significant regional institution shaping the evolving security architecture of Eurasia. Since Pakistan’s accession as a full member in 2017, the organization has gained increasing relevance in Pakistan’s strategic calculus, particularly in the context of regional stability, counterterrorism cooperation, and geo-economic integration. This study examines the security implications of the SCO for Pakistan, focusing on both the opportunities it presents and the challenges it generates within the broader geopolitical environment of South and Central Asia. This paper presents the role of institutional mechanisms in the SCO, especially the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), multilateral security exercises, and intelligence sharing platforms in the struggle against transnational terrorism, militancy, narcotics trafficking, and other forms of non-traditional security threats in Pakistan. At the same time, the paper also points to a number of strategic threats facing Pakistan in the SCO. These issues are the geopolitical rivalry between the key powers, the availability of India as a competitor state in the region, the instability in Afghanistan, and the overall strategic competition between China, Russia, and the United States in Eurasia. Such dynamics complicate consensus-building within the organization and influence the effectiveness of multilateral security cooperation.
Association Between Social Constraints and Family Planning Practices in Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
This study investigates the social barriers influencing the adoption of family planning methods in Tehsil Timergara, District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A quantitative research design was used, and data were collected from 379 respondents through stratified random sampling procedure using a structured questionnaire. The study examines the relationship between social constraints and the adoption of family planning methods. Chi-square analysis was applied to determine the association between independent variable (social constraints) and dependent variable (family planning). The results indicate statistically significant associations between social barriers and family planning. The study concludes that social and cultural barriers remain critical determinants of family planning behavior in the study area. It recommends policy interventions focusing on male involvement, improved access to reproductive health services and community awareness, to expand family planning adoption.
Maize Market Integration in Pakistan: An Empirical Analysis Using Threshold Vector Error Correction Model (1991–2023)
Maize is one of the key cereal crops in Pakistan, which serves as a fundamental source of food for humans, and an important fodder and feed to cattle and poultry. This study has analyzed the degree of market integration in the Pakistani maize markets by applying the cointegration techniques, leaving out the use of sophisticated econometric analysis that takes into consideration the transaction costs. The current research uses the Threshold Vector Error Correction Model (TVECM), a more comprehensive method, to analyze important maize markets in the country with the data range of 1991-2023. The model incorporates the transaction costs by embracing non-linear, complicated dynamics of price adjustment and making it more accurate than traditional means. The major objective of the study is to determine the extent and size of market integration by collecting data on area, production, and growth indicators of maize in Pakistan. The results show that there is a strong long-term equilibrium between most of the market pairs, with the strong long-term integration between domestic markets, especially those grouped around the cities of Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Lahore; however, the inefficiencies in the short-run are still present, attributed to infrastructural drawbacks and regulatory barriers. There were 18 statistically significant threshold effects out of 28 market pairs analyzed. The findings significantly advance the academic knowledge on the agricultural markets in Pakistan and support the need to question the integration of the maize market to protect food availability, affordability, and accessibility. The paper also emphasizes that to achieve a competitive, resilient, and sustainable maize sector in Pakistan, there is a need to have an integrated approach that would include the development of infrastructure, policy changes, digital transformation, and international cooperation. The investment in the market infrastructure by the private sector in storage and transportation infrastructure of maize would tend to enhance efficiency in the market and reduce the spending by the government. This kind of approach will not only be beneficial to the producers and consumers but also contribute to the economic security and food security of Pakistan.
Strategic Leadership Practices and Administrative Support as Predictors of Teachers’ Professional Development and School Development
This study looks at how administrative support and strategic leadership practices are important indicators of teachers' professional growth and the development of schools as a whole. The importance of effective educational leadership in raising institutional performance and teaching quality is becoming more widely acknowledged. School administrators can foster a supportive environment that fosters teachers' professional development by implementing strategic leadership practices such as vision setting, strategic planning, resource management, and collaborative decision-making. Enhancing teachers' competencies and instructional effectiveness requires administrative support, which can take the form of mentoring, professional learning opportunities, constructive criticism, and the provision of instructional resources. The study explores the connection between these administrative and leadership practices and how they affect both the overall growth of schools and the professional development of teachers. The study emphasises the significance of supportive administrative structures and leadership tactics in enhancing teachers' abilities, drive, and involvement in lifelong learning. Additionally, the study investigates the ways in which enhanced teacher development advances school performance, organisational efficacy, and educational outcomes. The results highlight that schools are more likely to promote a culture of professional learning and institutional growth when they have strong strategic leadership and steady administrative support. By offering insights into how administrative procedures and leadership techniques can be applied to support teachers' professional growth and long-term school development, the study advances the field of educational administration. The findings highlight how crucial it is for educational institutions to develop supportive administrative procedures and leadership skills in order to improve teacher effectiveness and encourage ongoing systemic change.
AI-Driven Transformation for Continuous Professional Development: A Strategic Framework for the Pakistani Teacher Education
This study investigates the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an impetus for transforming Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in Pakistan's educational context. Traditionally restricted by geographical hurdles and resource restrictions, teacher education in Pakistan promises to profit from AI-driven customized instruction routes, real-time feedback processes, and automated skill-gap analysis. Based on the existing educational scenario in Pakistan, there is a push for AI in classrooms, but there is a severe shortage of empirical data on how these tools help teacher professional growth over time. However, there is a considerable research gap addressing the long-term efficacy of these AI technologies for increasing teacher performance in resource-constrained and linguistically diverse situations. This study explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in continuous professional development (CPD) among in-service educators, focusing on perceptions, usage patterns, and perceived instructional impact. A quantitative survey was administered to 127 teachers across various institutions, employing a 24-item Likert-scale questionnaire covering AI usage, perceived usefulness, motivation, and teaching impact. Descriptive statistics revealed strong agreement on AI’s role in enhancing professional learning efficiency (M = 3.98) and staying current with pedagogical trends (M = 3.91). Engagement and motivation items also scored highly (M = 3.68), while actual frequency of AI use showed more moderate responses (M = 3.29). Younger teachers (0–5 years of experience) reported higher mean scores in AI engagement compared to more experienced counterparts. However, regression analysis indicated that frequency of AI use, motivation, and classroom impact were not significant predictors of perceived improvements in student outcomes (R² = 0.125). The findings underscore the importance of not only adopting AI tools, but also ensuring their thoughtful, pedagogically aligned implementation. AI has a great potential to improve the process of CPD when combined with inclusive, competency-based, and ethically oriented professional learning systems.
Pathways to Safety: Locating Child Rights through Literary Narratives of Marginalized Childhoods
This study aims to make a comparative reading of Bina Shah’s Slum Child (2010) and Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger (2008) through the perspective of the United Nations 1989; Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The text of both novels highlight the experiences of marginalized children in South Asia, depicting how lack of resources, social barriers of caste and class, moreover ethnic biasness force such children toward exclusion and complete denial to rights of respect, education and protection. Slum Child is the story of Laila, a Christian girl born in the slums of Karachi who as a child struggles against the structural neglect and gender oppression. The White Tiger is a narration of the struggles of Balram Halwai who while living in Indian rural setup, faces the bitterness of labor and decides to change his social status. Through illegal enterprise he exploits others thus proving how servitude and exploitation influences childhood detrimentally and standardized injustice. By placing these stories within the theoretical framework of child rights convention, the study argues that literary narratives serve a purpose of a record of what authors feel and write about marginalized childhoods and how their rights can be protected in an unstructured settings. It is an alternate approach to highlight the issues of those who remain neglected in the mainstream social activities. By giving voice to the sufferings and resilience fictional works not only depict systemic violence but also suggest the possibilities of security and dignified upbringing of these children. In the contemporary era, where child protection has become a challenge on global level, South Asian novels offer critical insights into how communities can rethink safeguard and equality for children.