Journal of Development and Social Sciences

Environmental Pollution and Industrialization in Pakistani Short Fiction: An Eco-Stylistic Analysis

Muhammad Ajmal — 2025-07-01

The objective of this research is to analyze selected Pakistani short fiction which depicts environmental pollution and industrialization through a combined lens of ecocriticism and stylistics which is referred to as eco-stylistics. The research examines the language and narrative devices used by selected fiction writers for describing ecological and human-related issues. This research highlights the significant use of words and the employment of symbols in analyzing conflict between characters and nature. The arrangement of sentences spoken by the individuals and the character’s voice both portray the environmental conflict as well as the political side of it. A close reading of the selected stories by Tariq Rahman, Daniyal Mueenuddin, and Mohammed Hanif reveal that the environmental pollution is sometimes described in literal sense and sometimes is seen as a symbol of troubles in the society. The research shows that the novels and short stories also criticize industrial growth and the treatment of people towards nature. The research further focuses on the social and economic differences among individuals. The research is significant in adding to the growth of eco-stylistics as a theoretical and methodological strategy in South Asian literature. The study also gives fresh outlook on the ecological awareness from the perspective of Anglophone Pakistani fiction.

Impact of Corporate Governance on Firm Performance with Moderating Role of Leverage: A Study of Non-Financial Listed Firms on Pakistan Stock Exchange

Moazzam Ali — 2025-07-05

This study investigates the moderating role of leverage in the link between corporate governance variables and business performance using data from non-financial companies registered on the Pakistan Stock Exchange for the years 2018–2023. The findings show that performance is much enhanced by board size, independence, and experience, with firm size also having a substantial impact. As a moderating variable, leverage has a direct negative influence on performance, but it also mitigates the effects of governance variables like company age, board independence, and board meetings. The study emphasizes how crucial sound corporate governance is, as well as how leverage plays a complicated moderating role in influencing business performance. These results offer valuable perspectives for scholarly investigations and business operations in developing economies such as Pakistan.

Selling Authority: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Power Dynamics in Language Used in Pakistani Advertising Captions

Hafiza Mesbah — 2025-07-09

In today’s fast-moving consumer culture, advertising isn’t just about selling products—it’s about shaping minds. In Pakistan, the language used in advertising captions often goes unnoticed, yet it carries weight in how people see themselves, others, and the world around them. This study sets out to understand the hidden power dynamics in the language of Pakistani advertising and moreover,the choice of pronouns, emotional hooks, and cultural references that resonate with Pakistani audience. In a world where advertising shows not only what we buy but also how we think, the language in advertising captions has more than just a marketing message—related to power. This study explains how linguistic choices in contemporary Pakistani advertising captions overtly construct and reinforce power relations. For this study, we have taken a qualitative approach, using Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis model to closely examine advertising captions from Pakistani TV, print, and social media. Instead of just reading the words, we have focused on how they were used—looking at tone, pronouns, and cultural hints—to understand how power and influence quietly operate through language. Taking Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the research investigates how these brief but persuasive captions use authority, social positioning, gendered language, and cultural symbolism to influence consumer behavior and identity. By interpreting a diverse range of Urdu and English advertisements from television, social media, and billboards, this study puts light on the silent but potent strategies advertisers use to command attention and obedience. In doing so, it enlightens the ways language becomes a vehicle for power in everyday consumer culture. Moreover, the findings of this study reveal that even the simplest advertising captions carry subtle layers of power. Undoubtedly, Brands often use friendly, familiar language to sound close to the audience, but underneath, they maintain authority—shaping how people think, feel, and respond through culturally loaded and emotionally charged words.

Work Motivation and Organizational Commitment in Retail Market: Moderating Role of Personality Traits

Saba Fayaz — 2025-07-09

Retail is a thriving economic sector that boosts industry and organization development, economic stability, and success. Retail has become Pakistan's main economic asset. Pakistani industry shunned retail a few years ago. Retailers face obstacles, problems, and fierce rivalry. Any firm or industry succeeds due to its employees' motivation, involvement, loyalty, honesty, hard work, and performance. A correlational research design has been used to examine the moderating relationship among the variables. A cross-sectional survey methodology was used to obtain data from participants using questionnaires. The sample included N = 212 persons from the retail industry, including male and female employees aged 20 to 60 years. The purposive sampling method was used because it is suitable for research with specific objectives related to the population. Organizational commitment, recognized regulation, and external regulation were strongly correlated with extraversion. Agreement was strongly correlated with commitment, internal, integrated, recognizable, introjected, and external regulation. Awareness was linked to commitment, internal, integrated, recognizable, introjected, and external regulation. Neuroticism correlated strongly with regulation discovery. Openness influenced internal, integrated, acknowledged, introjected, and external regulation. Internal regulation, integrated, identified, introjected, external regulation, and amotivation were strongly correlated with commitment. Extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness strongly interact to affect job motivation. The findings revealed significant mean differences in agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness, commitment, and work motivation across various age groups. Research has shown that work motivation positively correlates with organizational commitment.

A Cross-Regional Study of Built Heritage Conservation in South Asia within the Global Heritage Discourse

Sana Younus — 2025-07-11

This paper explores the built heritage conservation perspectives around the globe while analysing the international charters and local practices in the South Asian region.The international charters provided extensive guidelines for the protection of heritage while following procedures. The implementation in diverse regional and cultural context still requires additional research and formulation of procedures. The study employed two phase qualitative methodology starting from the literature mapping for the synthesis of key trends and paradigms in global heritage discourse, highlighting the material-centric conservation to inclusive community engaged approaches for sustainability. The second stage analysis of global case studies to explore the operational challenges within the South Asian context. The finding reveals that in this part of the world the global heritage frameworks are embedded in conservation practice but facing severe issue due to the socio-cultural, political and historical factors in addition to the economic instability. The paper concludes with the recommendations for application of context-sensitive approach embedded with the traditional aspect and the global construct.

Impact of Good Governance on Dividend Payout Ratio: Moderated Mediation Effect of legal Origin and Corporate Reputation

Muhammad Naveed — 2025-07-12

This study investigates whether legal origin moderates the relationship between corporate governance and dividend payout policies, mediated by corporate reputation, among Fortune 500 firms (2014–2022). Corporate governance, reputation, and dividend payout significantly impact corporate finance. Nevertheless, their combined influence across legal systems, especially common-law versus civil-law jurisdictions, remains underexplored. This quantitative study analyzed panel data of 324 Fortune 500 companies, yielding 2,808 firm-year observations across common-law and civil-law countries. Corporate governance and financial data were collected from Bloomberg, reputation rankings from Fortune, and country-level controls from the World Bank. Statistical analysis involved panel regressions and moderated mediation models. Robustness checks employed alternative dividend measurements and verification tests. Common-law countries exhibited strong governance enhancing corporate reputation and subsequently increasing dividends. Conversely, civil-law jurisdictions demonstrated weaker governance impacts, diminished reputational influence, and lower dividend payouts. Common-law regulators and managers should reinforce governance standards to sustain dividends via reputation. Civil-law jurisdictions must improve investor protections and governance frameworks for similar effectiveness.

Investigating Environmental Performance and Competitive Advantage with the perspective of Green Supply Chain Management

Rana Umer Farooq — 2025-07-13

Green supply chain management is a modern practice adopted by manufacturing firms having greater influence on environmental sustainability. This study, based on the resource-based view theory, determine the impact of GSCM practices and moderating role of environment management system and firm size on environmental performance by leading towards the competitive advantage. Due to emerging demand of sustainable performance, organizations are struggling to improve their supply chain for getting competitive advantage Therefore, different parameters of supply chain along with implemented management systems is critically important to review. By quantitative cross-sectional approach and using questionnaire as a tool, purposive sample of 209 organizations of Punjab, Pakistan was taken to investigate the impact. It revealed that GSCM dimensions influence directly to the environmental performance and indirectly to the competitive advantage for large sized firms while this response is dull in case of small size firms while effective environment management system accelerates the strength of these relationships. This study contributes theoretically by providing a lens to judge the GSCM and EP relationship in the context of firm size and provide guidelines to industrial practitioners for implementing GSCM strategies in order to get long-term competitive advantage under the umbrella of environmental sustainability.

Demographic Moderators in the Work–Family Conflict and Cognitive Bandwidth Relationship: Evidence from Dual-Career Married Adults in Pakistan

Aqsa Abdul Khaliq — 2025-07-18

This study investigates how the relationship between work-family conflict (WFC) and cognitive bandwidth (CB) is moderated by gender, family system, employment type, years of marriage, and number of children among dual-career married adults in Pakistan.
Cognitive bandwidth is the limited mental capacity available to manage daily demands. In dual-career households, especially in collectivist societies like Pakistan, family dynamics can influence how WFC affects mental resources. However, limited research addresses these effects contextually. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, 400 married dual-career individuals were surveyed through purposive sampling. Standardized tools included the WFC Scale (Haslam et al., 2015) and a newly developed cognitive bandwidth scale. Demographic data were also collected. OLS regression with interaction terms tested moderation effects. Family system and number of children significantly moderated the WFC-CB relationship. Nuclear families and more children intensified the negative impact. Gender, employment type, and years of marriage were not significant. Culturally tailored workplace policies should support nuclear families with caregiving loads to preserve cognitive capacity and reduce burnout.

Impact of US Dollar Exchange Rate and Interest Rate Volatility on Stock Market Capitalization in Pakistan: Empirical Evidence from 2007 to 2016

Muhammad Ishaq Khan — 2025-07-19

This study examines the impact of US dollar exchange rate and interest rate volatility on Pakistan’s stock market capitalization during 2007–2016, focusing solely on annual macroeconomic indicators. In emerging economies like Pakistan, fluctuations in key macroeconomic indicators can significantly shape stock market performance. Despite extensive global research, limited evidence exists on their combined long- and short-run effects in the Pakistani context. The research adopts a quantitative time-series design using annual data from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (market capitalization), the State Bank of Pakistan (interest rates), and international financial databases (PKR/USD exchange rate). Key statistical tools include the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test for stationarity, Johansen cointegration for long-run relationships, Error Correction Model (ECM) for short-run dynamics, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), and Granger causality tests. The study models log-transformed variables and ensures robust diagnostics through multicollinearity and residual testing. Exchange rate volatility had a significant positive long-term impact on market capitalization, while interest rate volatility showed a weaker, negative effect. In the short run, only exchange rate movements were significant. Granger causality confirmed that both variables influence market capitalization, with 22% of disequilibrium corrected annually. Policymakers should prioritize exchange rate stability and adopt measured interest rate policies to support stock market growth and investor confidence.

From Occupation to Accountability: International Legal Remedies for the Kashmir Crisis

Syed Murad Ali Shah — 2025-07-21

This study critically examines the legal status of the Kashmir conflict through the lens of international law, emphasizing the right to self-determination, the role of international legal instruments, and the failure of global institutions, particularly the United Nations, in addressing this prolonged dispute. The research adopts systematic doctrinal legal approach to critically analyze the legal standing of Kashmir dispute under international law. The study intends to develop a legal case in support of the right to self-determination of people of Kashmir and evaluate the degree to which international legal norms have been respected, disregarded or infringed in this context. The study after detailed deliberation concludes that the revocation of Article 370 and ongoing military occupation by India in Jammu and Kashmir violate jus cogens norms, including the Geneva Conventions, the UN Charter, and the Genocide Convention. It not only highlights systemic human rights abuses and alleged crimes against humanity, but also advocates for legal recourse through the International Criminal Court and other judicial bodies. The work underscores that the Kashmir issue should be re-framed as a humanitarian crisis rather than a bilateral or territorial dispute. A forward-looking legal strategy is recommended, urging international judicial intervention to ensure accountability, uphold human dignity, and support the Kashmiri people's inalienable right to self-determination.

Human Capital and Labour Productivity: An Analytical Study

Samina Naz — 2025-07-21

Any business tends to improve its human resources in an attempt to get the most of its employees. The major interests of an entrepreneur include long-term survival and sustainability besides the attainment of the corporate goals. This paper aims to review how human capital contributes to labor productivity with particular respect to Pakistan. The age of employees, training, working time, wages and education you want to define are using to determine the human capital, which is one of the independent variables of our research, whereas the productivity of labour is the dependent one. To analyse this relationship, a cross-sectional study is conducted and 40 businesses in Multan are surveyed to obtain information. The paper applies Generalized Method Moments (GMM) approach in the study of influence of human capital on labor productivity. The results of the study showed that the coefficient in the labour productivity and employee education shows that the relationship between the two is good. The coefficient of Employee Wage is 0.006543 implying that the wages has a positive and significantly influence on labor productivity. The coefficient of training employees informs us that when there is an increase in one percent in the investment in training, results in a 0.10 percent increase in labor productivity. There is a negative relationship far as the variable of age among the employees and productivity of labour is concerned. Based on findings of the study the study recommends that both the government and business need to invest more in human capital to enable workers to exploit their talents and become more productive.

Social Workers’ Medical Social Services Units Practices: Challenges and Opportunities to Medical Social Officers in Sargodha Division

Nimra Shafi — 2025-07-22

This study aims to examine the challenges and opportunities to Medical Social Officers (MSOs) in Sargodha Division. MSOs are considered to be an integral part of healthcare system by providing clinical, social and emotional support to patients. This qualitative research was carried out by using interview guide and participants were selected using purposive sampling to assure relevance to the study goal. Data was collected from 12 MSOs when it reached to saturation. It has identifies key themes of Multiple faces of Challenges in Medical Services Units, Trainings or Capacity Building opportunities and Ethical Dilemmas and Medical Social Services Units Practices. It concludes that confronted challenges move around background education of MSOs, lack of collaboration of hospital administration, resources constraints and their professional growth. It is recommended that MSOs practices can be improved through advance training programs in alliance with current needs of the patients.

College Student Suicidal Ideation: Perceived Burden Someness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Hopelessness

Shagufta Perveen — 2025-07-22

Students subjected to academic stress, social isolation, and other mental health problems work together to increase the vulnerability for suicidal ideation. Current research examined the burdensomeness, combined with belongingness and hopelessness, serving as a link between risk factors and suicidal thoughts among students. Using a convenient sampling technique, a sample of 522 college students (n=259 females and n=263 males) was selected from Mansehra, Haripur, and Abbottabad. Data were gathered using the interpersonal need questionnaire with two subscales(i.e., Perceived Burdensomeness and Thwarted Belongingness), Beck Hopelessness scale, and suicidal ideation scale. The study results demonstrated that burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and hopelessness function as critical factors that link risk factors to suicidal ideation. Research results showed that perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and hopelessness displayed positive connections with suicidal thoughts. Research conclusions create critical requirements for developing programs that aim to eliminate suicidal thoughts among students. Education policy makers, along with other mental health professionals, should focus on solving problems with burdensomeness along with issues related to belongingness and feelings of hopelessness to support student mental health and overall well-being.

Evaluation of the Career Guidance Facilities in Secondary Schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Alam Zeb — 2025-07-23

Career guidance assists students in effective career planning at secondary level. It ensures the successful entry of secondary level students into future aspired careers. Therefore the study aimed to evaluate the career guidance facilities in secondary schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Objectives of the study were to evaluate the career guidance facilities in secondary schools and to develop strategies for development of career guidance facilities in secondary schools. Study’s design was quantitative nature. Its population was 30439 students. Study’s sample was 380 students, selected with simple random sampling. A questionnaire about career guidance facilities was developed, validated and pilot tested for the collection of data. Data were gathered with self-administered questionnaires and analyzed with using mean scores, standard deviations and the chi-square test. The study found the non-availability of career guidance facilities in schools. Services of trained career guides and assistance in subjects’ selection was not available. Career support, career planning mechanism and ssessment mechanism for identification of students’ interests was missing. The study recommended the provision of career guidance facilities in schools. Trained career guides may be appointed. Moreover, assistance in subjects’ selections for students and career orientations may be provided to students in secondary schools.

Psychological Detachment in Relation with Social Cyberloafing and Creativity among Higher Education Employees

Munaza Rehman — 2025-07-23

This study aimed to find out the relationship between social cyberloafing, psychological detachment, and creativity among higher education employees. Second objective was to find out mediating role of psychological detachment between social cyberloafing and creativity. Employees' various online behaviours have drawn more attention to social cyberloafing, which is the practice of using workplace internet resources for non-work-related, personal purposes. Therefore current study intended to explore social cyberloafing in the workplace, particularly among higher education employees who frequently deal with high levels of stress and cognitive demands. Quantitative research design along with the correlational survey research method was used. Sample of 322 faculty and administrative staff from the Hazara Division , were selected using convenient sampling technique. Standardized measures including the Social Cyberloafing Scale, Psychological Detachment Scale, and Self-Rated Creativity Scale were used to collect responses. Results revealed a significant positive correlation among the three variables. Psychological detachment was found to partially mediate the link between social cyberloafing and creativity. The findings highlight social cyberloafing as a potentially restorative activity that supports psychological wellbeing, social interaction, and workplace productivity.

Muted Voices and Omitted Truths: A Social Constructivist Analysis of Child Rape in Pakistani Media

Saba Fayaz — 2025-07-23

This research study on child rape is conducted from the social constructivist perspective about gender and sex in connection with the dynamics of power relations in the Pakistani social system. The study is conducted with intersectional methodology using the discourse theory to analyze media texts. CDA is conducted through textual-linguistic analysis and the media texts consists of all the opinion columns and editorials about the selected case study. Zainab Ansari rape case in January 2018 was selected for study. Newspaper articles (editorials and opinion columns) were selected for analysis because these texts present detailed discussion (nature of the problem, causes, effects, solutions and value judgments) about the phenomenon contrary to the news items in which the reporter is supposed to maintain neutrality about the factual description of the event. In our reviewed case, the victim girl was raped and murdered but media made prominent the murder more than the rape. Findings and results of the study lead to outline a new theory called Chance-Adventure-Complex (CAC) Theory of Child Rape. This theory transcends existing theoretical frameworks of rape and provides starting points for further sociological investigations in the phenomenon. Findings revealed that media discourses mainly remain superficial and hollow when describing child rape cases. The perpetrators’ descriptive details are dominantly omitted and the survived victims are muted in the media discourses.

AI Driven Defense in Europe: Shaping the Future of Military

Muhammad Usman Tanveer — 2025-07-23

This research examines the way Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing defense strategies among prominent European players France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, and the EU, with a focus on its military uses. The research confines its examination to state-level and EU-level. AI integration within European defense reflects evolving geopolitical priorities, ethical challenges, and new regulatory demands. Employing qualitative case study approach grounded in Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT), the research draws on official policy briefs and reports. Results show Germany and France dominating AI defense innovation, while the UK emphasizes ethical AI and NATO interoperability. Italy and Spain are emerging powers with growing public-private partnerships. The EU, lacking military capability, exerts normative influence through regulatory tools like the AI Act. These dynamics reshape regional defense cohesion and power relations. Future efforts will have to be focused on cooperative regulatory strategies, ethically sound innovation, and collective defense policies to optimize ethical AI militarization and strategic autonomy in Europe. Cooperative European defense initiatives and testing regulation frameworks need to be investigated in future research. Comparative analysis with Asia or North America like regional complexes would better convey how regional systems determine AI governance, innovation, and military integration worldwide.

The AI Assistant: Empowering Pakistan’s Teachers in Low Resource Schools

Erum Hafeez — 2025-07-26

This study explores the integration of mobile-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in a low-resource government school setting in Karachi, Pakistan. It specifically investigates how public sector teachers utilize generative AI technologies within the classroom environment. The research is grounded in the assumption that AI remains largely absent from Pakistan’s public education system, primarily due to infrastructural constraints and limited teacher training. As a response to this gap, the study implements a localized AI intervention in the Government Girls Lower Secondary School (GGLSS) in District Malir, Karachi. Using a qualitative case study approach, a field experiment was conducted involving 20 teachers. A structured 90-minute workshop introduced participants to mobile-friendly generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Meta AI. To support continued learning and real-time pedagogical assistance, a dedicated WhatsApp group was created for the participating teachers. Following the intervention, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted to capture firsthand experiences and reflections. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that 98% of the participants incorporated AI tools into their daily teaching practices. Approximately 70% reported improvements in lesson delivery and a noticeable reduction in workload. Teachers identified AI-assisted lesson planning and audio storytelling as the most impactful applications. The intervention also fostered increased technological confidence among teachers, which translated into higher student engagement in the classroom. This empirical case study suggests that scalable, mobile-based AI training can effectively support digital inclusion in Pakistan’s public education system. It highlights the transformative potential of low-cost, context-sensitive AI interventions in enhancing teaching quality and bridging the technological divide in under-resourced schools.

Relationship among Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment and Turnover Intentions of Secondary School Teachers

Amber Mustafa — 2025-07-28

This study aimed to examine the relationship among job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intentions of teachers at the secondary level, focusing specifically on government schools in Faisalabad. It excluded private and rural schools to maintain a clear scope. Job satisfaction and organizational commitment are critical factors influencing teacher retention, while turnover intention reflects the likelihood of leaving the profession. Understanding these dynamics can guide strategies to improve teacher stability and performance in educational institutions. A quantitative approach was used, employing the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) by Spector (1985), the Organizational Commitment Scale (OCS) by Meyer and Allen (1991), and the Turnover Intention Scale (TIS) by Roodt (2004). The sample comprised 289 secondary school teachers. Reliability coefficients were JS α=0.93, OC α=0.71, and TI α=0.75. Data were analyzed to explore differences based on gender and experience. Findings showed a strong positive link between job satisfaction and organizational commitment, while both had a weaker association with turnover intentions. Gender and teaching experience significantly influenced these relationships. Enhancing working conditions, recognizing teacher contributions, and providing opportunities for professional growth are vital for increasing satisfaction and reducing turnover intentions

Reconstructing the Past: The Medieval and Pre-Medieval Makran

Jahanzeb Khan — 2025-07-29

Makran, the gateway of Balochistan, is an ancient land and the only part of Balochistan that has been recorded in numerous chronicles of different times. The region has witnessed several invasions, starting with the Greeks and Persians, and continuing with the Arabs. Interestingly, it has been interpreted differently by historians of different powers. The medieval and pre-medieval Makran are highly connected in terms of discourse. Medieval writings not only sketch a wide picture of the contemporary realm but also connect it to the pre-medieval Makran in terms of socio-economic and political developments. A qualitative-based approach wasas used to analyze the literature developed on Makran in medieval and pre-medieval times. For the analysis of the extracted data, a conceptual analysis was used. The geo strategic and socio-economic realities of current Makran cannot be fully understood unless medieval and pre-medieval chronologies are critically evaluated.

Role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Students’ Psychomotor Learning at Elementary Level

Saira Shafique — 2025-07-29

The main objective of the study was to investigate how ICTs contribute to pupils’ psychomotor development in elementary schools. This survey-based study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods (QUAN-qual.), with a sample consisting of 96 elementary school teachers, and 288 elementary school children for a total sample size of 384 individuals. Research tools included questionnaires based on three parts: Part-1 Demographic; Part-2 Closed-ended; and part-three Open-ended questions from sampled respondents. Additionally an observation sheet was used for data collection specific to elementary class children. SPSS-24 was employed which involved utilizing relevant formulas such frequency measurement percentage measures standard deviation etc. thus enabling properly arranged results presented analyzed accurately according gathered statistics throughout this comprehensive investigation into role of ICT in students psychomotor learning found within elementary level environments across identified regions or locations examined by these researchers striving towards optimal outcomes possible under existing paradigms evaluated motivating continued progress forwards moving forward! The teachers and students surveyed agreed that recognizing use of ICT was a valid method. Overall, most respondents supported this approach.

Language as Ecology: A Comparative Analysis of Environmental Narratives in Khan’s Thinner Than Skin & in Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future

Rabia Mazhar — 2025-07-31

The research unravels the interrelations between the concept of ecology and language. The study explores the environmentalism in literary fiction. The research is based on ecological narratives in Khan’s Thinner Than Skin and Robinson’s The Ministry for the future. A deep comparative environmental analysis is conducted to explore different language discourses in selected novels . The study aims to find out destructive , beneficial and ambivalent language discourses to in order to mark the representation of ecological narratives in present study . For this regard , Stibbe’s model of Ecolinguistics is employed in both selected novel. The comparative qualitative study is used as research design for following research. Through purposive sampling and content analysis techniques, ecological language discourses are analyzed. The findings of the study shows in novel Thinner Than Skin , destructive environmental discourse is discussed broadly, while in novel , The Ministry for the future, ambivalent discourse is prominent.

An Analysis of the Factors Responsible for Dropout of Female Learners at University Level in Karachi Pakistan

Rabia Abdul Karim — 2025-07-31

This article analyzes the current situation of enrollment and drop outs of female students at University level in Karachi, Pakistan. It also highlights the factors responsible for dropout from the universities. This Study works on primary as well as secondary data. Phenomenological research is carried out to study the trends. Qualitative method is used in this study. Purposive sampling technique is used. This Study works on primary as well as secondary data. Data is collected from the female students Universities through interviews and structured questionnaire. Moreover, secondary data is collected from the university registrar. Obtained data is analyzed through percentages. Data for four years is used and analyzed. This study reveals that awareness about Female education has been increasing over the years. This has led to increased number of female enrollment at university level. However, there is still a very big gap between female and male students enrollment. Dropout rate in female students is more than the male students. Factors responsible for female dropouts includes privilege to male over female, harassment, increase in fee, low income of parents, early marriages, migrations, insensitivity towards gender harassment, increased transportation expense, family pressure, guideline deficit, weak counseling and placement without interest.

Application of ICT Resources by Prospective Teachers: A Qualitative Perspective

Safa Yasmeen — 2025-08-03

Research indicates that utilization of computer technology was under discussion across a prolonged timeframe, but there was very little information. The objective of the study was to explore the utilization of digital resources by prospective educators, investigate the role of ICT by prospective teachers, and identify the integration of ICT by prospective teachers. The study was designed using a qualitative research methodology. For the study, purposive sampling technique was used. Prospective Teachers were the population of the study. Datum was collected from 15 respondents using semi-structured interviews, and the data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The research identified that, the utilization of ICT in schools varied. A considerable number of formal institutions used it, while another significant group used it to a limited extent. A smaller number of schools were reported to be fully embracing the technology in all aspects of their operations. With the help of ICTs, students became more involved in classroom activities and their participation in various class works had increased. Therefore, the school administration should provide guidance on the pedagogical utilization of digital tools for effective instructions.

The Moderating Role of Sibling Relationships in the Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Marital Satisfaction

Zarwa Akram — 2025-08-04

This study examines how sibling relationship quality moderates the link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and marital satisfaction among married Pakistani adults. While ACEs are known to negatively affect marital satisfaction, protective factors like sibling bonds (warmth, trust, shared coping) may buffer this impact. A cross-sectional survey (N = 150) was conducted using purposive sampling. Measures included the ACE Questionnaire, Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-31), and Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale (LSRS). Moderated regression analysis was performed via SPSS v25. All scales showed reliable internal consistency (α > .70). Sibling relationship quality significantly moderated the ACEs-marital satisfaction link (p < .05). High sibling warmth mitigated the negative effects of ACEs on marital satisfaction. Therapists should assess sibling dynamics and incorporate sibling-based resilience strategies within trauma-informed couples therapy.

AI-Driven Servant Leadership: Enhancing Learning Ambidexterity and Resource Management in Higher Education

Nida Rahim — 2025-08-05

In this research, the effect of artificial intelligence-worked servant leadership on staff results in higher education organisations is investigated with a concentration on job sectors, work association, and work performance. It also examines how the moderate impact of AI-derived leadership practices facilitates employee work outcomes. Through an analysis of data gathered from academicians on professors as well as lecturers, this study employs a quantitative research approach to assess the relationships between AI-adopted servant leadership model, job resources, work engagement, burnout and job performance. Thus, the findings demonstrate that the index of AI-driven servant leadership positively increases job resources which, in return, improve work engagement and job performance respectively. Further, the analysis of moderated multiple mediator model provided a reasonable result showing that there is a moderation effect of AI-driven leadership on job resources and work engagement. These findings show the need for incorporation of the AI tools in leadership management to enhance the employee’s engagement and overall performance. The study establishes that the use of AI in servant leadership can lead to greater positive results on the employees, meaningful insights useful for higher learning institutions and other organisations willing to create a healthy working environment and improve organisational productivity.

Development And Validation of a Scale for the Assessment of Adjustment Issues in First Year Students

Fareeha Naseer — 2025-08-05

This study was aimed to develop a valid and reliable scale for assessment of adjustment that students face during transition from school to college. The transitions from school to college are a major change in early adulthood life, attending new institute is a chance to learn and experience new ways and opportunity for psychosocial development. College life is a new environment for students and it takes time for adjusting in it. For the construction of indigenous scale of adjustment problems interviews with open ended questions were conducted with 30 individual first year college girls in one to one session. After expert validation 36 items scale was constructed with 4 point rating scale. In this current research, Principle Component Analysis with Varimax Rotation was performed on 36 items and 2 factor solution was extracted named academic problems and social problems. This scale has satisfactory internal consistency was .70 and concurrent validity was .58. Universities and colleges should regularly administer the developed scale to assess the adjustment level of first-year students and identify those who may need psychological or academic support.

Assessing Teachers’ TPACK Readiness for Blended Learning at the Higher Education Level

Taseer Rehman Soomro — 2025-08-06

Today’s world is a global village where almost everything is being operated with the use of technology. People of today are more technologically smart, advanced and much aware than those of the past. Technological advancement has made our lives easier and education nowadays is quite different from what it was in the past. Keeping in view the significance of technological literacy in today’s world, this study was designed to analyze teachers’ readiness for blended learning at the higher education level on university teachers in the Islamabad region. This study followed a quantitative approach, with a sample of 520 university teachers selected through proportionate stratified sampling, ensuring equal sampling proportion from each subgroup by taking 10% from each group. A “Knowledge of Teaching and Technology” questionnaire based on the seven domains of Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) by Schmidt et al. (2009) was adapted to analyze blended learning readiness. Data was statistically analyzed using Cronbach's Alpha reliability, correlation, and mean. The findings, with a mean score of 4.06, showed that university teachers were highly ready to implement blended learning. The results reflected strong technological and pedagogical preparedness among the faculty. Considering these results, it is suggested that university teachers may be provided with more opportunities to explore new technologies that are integrated into the teaching and learning process worldwide by keeping their knowledge updated on innovative pedagogies which may ensure a conducive learning environment holistically.

Navigating Digital Accounting: Lived Experiences of University Students in Pakistan

Farhana Akmal — 2025-08-07

This study explores the factors influencing the adoption of accounting tools by university students in Pakistan and examines their impact on skill development, self-confidence, and employment potential. The investigation is delimited to undergraduate accounting students across four public-sector universities. With the growing digitalization of accounting practices, proficiency in accounting tools has become essential for future professionals. However, in developing contexts like Pakistan, the integration of such technologies in education remains inconsistent due to infrastructural and pedagogical limitations. A qualitative research design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 accounting students from four Pakistani universities. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 14 software to uncover the key enablers and barriers to tool adoption in academic settings. Students’ use of accounting software is driven by perceived usefulness, ease of use, access to technological infrastructure, and availability of training resources. Institutional support and instructor engagement emerged as critical facilitators. Adoption of accounting tools significantly enhanced students’ analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and professional confidence. Universities should invest in improving digital infrastructure and offer targeted training programs to encourage technology adoption. Faculty development initiatives should be prioritized to integrate practical tool-based learning into accounting curricula effectively.Accounting Tools

Guidance and Counseling Services for Students at Public Sector Universities: A Case of Gilgit-Baltistan

Farzeel Gohar — 2025-08-07

The focus of this study was to identify, how students of a public sector University get benefits from different guidance and counseling services provided by the organization during their academic life. This research further explored the challenges hindering the provision of guidance and counseling services in universities in Pakistan. The provision of effective guidance and counseling (G&C) services is crucial for supporting students' academic success, emotional well-being, and career development—particularly in regions facing unique socio-economic and geographic challenges. Gilgit-Baltistan, a remote and underrepresented area of Pakistan, presents a distinct context where students often confront psychological stress, limited exposure to career opportunities, and academic adjustment difficulties due to isolation, cultural constraints, and underdeveloped institutional support systems. The researcher selected a qualitative approach for data collection and data analysis, and case study design was selected and KIU (Karakoram International University) was the case. A number of 12 participants were selected using a convenient sampling technique, where semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. Through semi-structured interviews with faculty, heads of departments, and students from different departments. It was identified that there is a lack of proper planning, trained resource persons, financial aid, and infrastructure to provide such services. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness on behalf of the administration, teachers, and students. Furthermore, the administration does not pay adequate attention to providing such services. The researchers discussed issues related to trustworthiness, teacher’s attitude towards adaptation to new responsibilities, and the lack of human resources and infrastructure as some of the major hindrances in providing guidance and counseling services. It is recommended that proper planning, training, and awareness are necessary to make these services available for all students in universities in Pakistan. Univeristies should provide such awareness and trainings to students and staff.

Exploring the Relationship between Empathy, Prosocial Behavior and Birth Order among Adolescents and Young Adults

Daniya Abdul Maroof — 2025-08-08

This research investigated the relationship between empathy and prosocial behavior among adolescents and young adults, considering the role of birth order. In a world shaped by empathy and kindness, understanding what drives people to help others has never been more important. A quantitative, correlational survey design was employed, and data was collected from 226 participants (154 females, 72 males) aged 13–40 years using a convenience sampling technique. The Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) and Prosocial Behavior Scale were used to measure the variables. Two hypotheses were tested using correlational analysis and One-Way ANOVA via SPSS version 25. Results revealed a significant relationship between empathy, birth order, and prosocial behavior. However, no significant difference was found in empathy and prosocial behavior based on birth order. An important implication is that early evidence-based empathy training and positive parenting can nurture emotionally secure, prosocial individuals. Future research may benefit from using larger, more diverse samples to validate these findings.