Journal of Development and Social Sciences

Role of ChatGPT in Undergraduate Education: Benefits, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations

Muhammad Mehran, Ayesha Farooq — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This research focuses on benefits and challenges of using Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically ChatGPT, in undergraduate education at Government College University Lahore. AI technology is advancing, its use in educational settings has been increasing as well. ChatGPT is a high-level language model tool developed by AI, among the most influential tools of one branch in which Artificial Intelligence tool works. This tool uses a large dataset to create text that other humans have produced and it can be utilized for academic purpose. This research study used quantitative research methodology, questionnaires were distributed to gather information from students. The results show that ChatGPT can be a helpful tool for personalized learning, quick content creation, and easy access to information. At the same time, it presents challenges like cheating, misuse, and unequal access to technology. Future research should focus on how the use of AI tools impacts students' cognitive development and critical thinking skill, Investigate the long-term effects of AI tools on students' creative and problem-solving abilities, explore how AI technologies like ChatGPT can be integrated into diverse academic coursework and cultural settings and Study the effects of AI in areas with limited resources and accessibility to educational tools.

Challenging Boundaries in Harrow's The Ten Thousand Doors of January: A Postcolonial Feminist Study

Ayesha Khan, Dr. Sadia Waheed, Javeria Saleem — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This study examines Harrow's The Ten Thousand Doors of January (2019) through the lenses of Homi K. Bhabha and Simone de Beauvoir. Harrow uses fantasy to critique colonialisation and celebrate women's resistance. The role of women in fiction and adventure literature has often been marginalised and overlooked. The novel presents the parallel story of January Scaller and her mother, Adelaide Larson, as they navigate their path under the rule of Mr. Locke, an Englishman who created an archaeological society. The society of Locke collects antiques and crafts from other worlds and closes and destroys the doors they find. The research involves close textual analysis, guided by Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex (1949) and Homi K. Bhabha's hybridity and 'Third Space' theories. It analyses how January, as a mixed-race individual with black skin, faces exploitation in Locke's household and how her father has been subjected to Locke's insatiable colonial greed. It examines how January exists in an in-between space and how doors symbolize a third world where the world intersects. Boundaries dissolve, allowing January, Julian, and Adelaide to defy social constraints and redefine their identities. The present study concludes how Hybridity and the concept of 'the other' reveal the resistance and transformation of marginalized identities against colonial and societal constraints in The Ten Thousand Doors of January.

An Empirical Analysis of Demand Determinants for Women’s Apparel in Emerging Markets

Muhammad Ashan, Verdah Khan, Umair Nizami — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

With an eye toward economic, psychological, and cultural impacts especially in Karachi, this study seeks to pinpoint and examine main elements driving demand in Pakistan's women's apparel sector. Although the women's clothing market of Pakistan is growing, it is still difficult to forecast because of changing customer behavior impacted by cultural changes, economic variance, and changing digital trends. Strategic decisions and inventory control suffer inaccurate demand predictions. Survey data gathered from Karachi female consumers was a quantitative one. Examined in relation to income levels, brand loyalty, price sensitivity, and product preferences was regression analysis. Results show that main economic drivers are pricing policy and discretionary income. Purchasing behavior is greatly shaped by cultural inclination for simple and classic designs as well as by digital marketing and social media. High expenses prevent the acceptance of sustainable fashion even if environmental awareness is growing. Advice for clothing companies should be to use flexible pricing policies, stress distinctive brand identities, and improve online interaction. In the garment business, knowledge of demand elements helps to improve forecasting, competitiveness, and sustainable development.

Unveiling Gender Disparities: A Critical Review of PSDP Budget Allocations (2020-2025)

Saiqa Wahab, Zubaida Baloch, Memoona Noor — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This Study rigorously assessed gender specific budgetary allocations of Pakistan Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2020-2025, focusing on evaluating the degree and impact of women specific initiatives. The main aim was to understand how these initiatives and budget allocations empower women in Pakistani society. Using annual PSDP reports for documentary analysis, the research also examined allocations using gender-responsive budgeting framework to identify trends, sectoral gaps and funding patterns. The finding highlighted that, despite a slight increase in education and health allocation, funding for gender-specific initiatives is still shockingly low, accounting only for 0.04% of the total PSDP across five years. Overall, the study highlighted noticeable inequality of prioritization where education and health received the majority of funding, whereas economic empowerment, legal aid and rural based initiatives consistently receive low levels of funding. The study recommended at least a 5-10% increase on gender-based allocation for the total PSDP, in order to provide a radically higher budgetary allocation that could successfully promote women empowerment and gender equality.

Understanding Environmental Science: Evaluating Conceptual understanding of Prospective Science Teachers for Environmental Issues in higher Education

Tayyaba Muhammad Akram, Dr. Rizwan Akram Rana — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

Present study aimed to evaluates the understanding of prospective science teachers at undergraduate level about the concepts of environmental science. Environmental science understanding among prospective teachers is essential and significant for the society to make sustainability parameters best in practice. For this purose, data were collected using Tayyaba Environmental Science Academic Performance Test (TEAT). A survey-based research design was employed, with purposive sampling of 54 prospective science students. The sample included prospective science teachers with background of pre-medical and pre-engineering, with a focus on overall conceptual understanding, Factors of environmental issues and the impact of demographic factors such as CGPA, study hours, socioeconomic status and internet usage. A 60-item MCQ-based assessment tool “Tayyaba Environmental Science Academic Performance Test (TEAT)” was designed to evaluate prospective science teachers’ conceptual understanding about environmental issues . Data were analyzed through Descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results of descriptive statistics revealed that prospective science teachers achieved a moderate overall conceptual understanding (mean score = (M = 39.87, SD = 4.9), with significant variability across Factors. The highest mean score was observed in “Contribution of Environmental Sciences to Society” (M = 4.78, SD = 0.98), while the lowest was in “Human Environment and Resources” (M = 2.67, SD = 0.85). Inferential analyses showed no significant mean differences in conceptual understanding based on CGPA (F = 0.468, p = .798), study hours (F = 1.134, p = .355), socioeconomic status (F = 0.142, p = .868), or internet access (t = 1.15, p = .257). These findings highlight the importance of fostering environmental awareness and equipping future science teachers with the knowledge and skills to resolve environmental challenges. It is recommended that the short faculty training programs should be initiated to introduce experiential learning methods to teach science subjects like environmental sciences to strengthen compitesnes of teachers as well as students in improving conceptual understanding of Environmental issues to meet sustainable development goals (SDGS) in future.

Binge Watching, Para Social Relationships and Psycho Social well-Being in Early Adults

Kashmala Shaheen Shaker, Dr. Syeda Razia Bukhari — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This study aimed to examine the relationship between binge-watching, parasocial relationships, and psychosocial well-being in early adults, with a focus on the mediating role of parasocial relationships.The rise in binge-watching behavior among young adults has been associated with the formation of parasocial relationships, potentially impacting mental and social well-being. This study explores these interrelations in the context of early adulthood. Using a correlational research design, a purposive sample of 250 university students (88 males, 162 females; M = 1.65, SD = 0.48) aged 18–30 years was recruited from universities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Standardized scales were used to assess binge-watching engagement, parasocial interaction, and psychosocial well-being. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and mediation analysis. Binge-watching was positively correlated with parasocial relationships and negatively with psychosocial well-being. Parasocial relationships significantly mediated this relationship. Demographic variables showed no significant association. Interventions promoting balanced media use and emotional regulation are recommended to enhance psychosocial well-being in early adults. Data was collected from three universities only which was a limitation as the data cannot be generalised on students of other universities. Data was not collected from males and females equally. In further studies gender difference could be one dimension to be researched on. For future research, evaluation criteria can be altered in accordance with the sample, or the sample population might be given a brief introduction to the study.

AI-Powered Surveillance in China and Its Implications for Global Democracy

Munazzah Bukhari, Sadia Anwar — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This article explores how China's AI-powered surveillance system affects the world, emphasizing how AI reinforces authoritarian rule, stifles criticism, and shapes international standards. Through the integration of technology such as facial recognition, big data analytics, and predictive policing, China facilitates behavioral control and real-time surveillance through online filtering and the Social Credit System. In addition to strengthening control over domestic life, these instruments are disseminated internationally through programs like the Digital Silk Road, which puts democratic institutions at risk, particularly in nations with lax security.Using qualitative methods—including policy analysis, cross-case comparison, and content analysis—this study draws from primary sources like government documents and secondary sources such as academic research and investigative journalism. The article calls for international cooperation to promote ethical AI governance, strengthen legal and institutional protections, and support civil society and independent media in order to counter the spread of AI-enabled authoritarianism. The establishment of global standards for responsible AI use is crucial to upholding democratic values in the digital age. The findings demonstrate the widespread adoption of China's model in fragile democracies, raising serious concerns about privacy, freedom of expression, and democratic participation

Trade Barriers and Broken Supply Chains: Economic Fallout of Brexit

Asma Imtiaz, Dr. Muhammad Muzaffar — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

The aim of this Study is to explore the Economic Barrier as well as Broken supply chains that had create disturbance among UK and EU after the post-withdrawal from European Union. By examining economic factors, trade relations, labor markets as well as regulatory changes, the study indicates the complex and multi-faceted impacts of Brexit Agreement over UK’s Economy. To conduct this study Qualitative methodology has been used with respect to Analytical approach. The main inspiration of the research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Brexit has reshaped the economic landscape of UK as well as complexes for future regional economic stabilities. Therefore, this study recommends that United Kingdom as well as European Union needs to do negotiations among them because both regions are geographically linked to each other and for mutual security purposes some deals would take place for better relations. Through this both regions gain benefits strategically and economically from one another.

Understanding Procrastination Among Prospective Teachers in Public-Sector Universities: A Phenomenological Study

Zainab Mustafa, Munib Ul Muneer, Dr. Zarmina Usman — Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0500

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of procrastination among aspiring educators at Pakistani public universities in Lahore. Future teachers who procrastinate run serious risks to their academic performance and readiness for the workforce. Little is known about how cultural, institutional, and emotional factors interact to influence procrastination behaviors in developing nations, despite a wealth of research conducted in Western contexts. Six teacher-educators chosen by purposive sampling and eighteen aspiring teachers participated in in-depth interviews using a qualitative phenomenological design. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the data thematically. The results showed that emotional difficulties, ambiguous academic frameworks, peer normalization, technological distractions, and individual time management shortcomings all have an impact on procrastination. According to the participants, institutional impediments, emotional distress, and ingrained behaviors all contribute to long-term delays. In order to encourage proactive learning behaviors and professional development among aspiring teachers, it is recommended that teacher education programs incorporate training in emotional regulation, structured academic support, digital literacy development, and peer culture shifts.

Critical Thinking Pedagogy in Teacher Education: An Analysis of Instructional Practices in Pakistani Higher Education

Dr. Muhammad Jamil, Dr. Syed Asad Abbas Rizvi — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This qualitative study investigated teacher educators' critical thinking practices in the teacher education program of a public university in Pakistan. Critical thinking has been emphasized in Pakistani educational policies; however, its implementation remains a challenge in higher education. Five teacher educators were purposefully selected for non-participant observations in classrooms. To assess the implementation of critical thinking practices, a binary (yes/no) checklist was used across five categories: teaching strategies, student engagement, assessment methods, learning environment and institutional support. Multiple raters were used to validate observation. Findings revealed moderate overall implementation with substantial variation across categories and teachers. Teaching strategies and learning environmental practices were the most frequently implemented, whereas assessment practices, the least frequently observed. Teachers excelled in establishing inclusive environments but struggled with assessment methods and technology integration. Teacher education programs may establish explicit assessment frameworks, offer faculty development in critical thinking instruction and incorporate digital tools for collaborative knowledge construction.

The Explorative Study of Challenges Involved in Delivery of Justice in Sindh

Ghulam Shah, Professor Dr. Nabi Bakhsh Narejo, Zahid Ali — Sat, 03 May 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This study aims to explore the core challenges impeding the effective delivery of justice in Sindh, Pakistan. The primary objective is to identify institutional, procedural, and socio-political barriers within the judicial system. Despite the foundational role of the judiciary in ensuring fairness and accountability, the system in Sindh remains burdened by massive case backlogs, poor infrastructure, political interference, and limited access to legal aid. Employing a qualitative research approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with judges, lawyers, prosecutors, and police officers, complemented by documentary analysis of court records and policies. Findings reveal widespread delays due to outdated laws, inadequate staffing, and inefficient case management. The study underscores the urgent need for judicial reforms, including modernizing procedural laws, enhancing court infrastructure, integrating digital tools, and strengthening legal aid mechanisms. These steps are crucial for restoring public trust, improving judicial efficiency, and ensuring accessible and timely justice for all segments of society.

Exploring the Linguistic Capabilities and Limitations of AI for Endangered Language preservation

Majid Ali, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal Bhatti, Tanzila Abbas — Sat, 03 May 2025 00:00:00 +0500

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the crossway of semantics and computational linguistics, aiming how methods of computational linguistics support to understand the process of modeling meaning in natural language. This study opts a qualitative and exploratory approach to examine the capability of AI language models to cater the dimensions of semantics and pragmatics in the context of language documentation. For the current study, the data was collected through the different sources such as real world linguistics examples to understand the nature of the data. The published documentation of under sourced languages, such as digital archive (ELAR, DOBES) grammar and fields notes were also became the source for collecting the data. The data was analyze through thematic linguistic analysis. The study opted semantic and evaluation criteria to check the lexical accuracy in the form of synonyms and antonyms use. For pragmatic, the pragmatic evaluation was done to check the contextual interpretation and appropriateness of speech act. The study finds gap between semantic and pragmatic modeling in AI language system, having a greater disparity evident in under documented languages. On the basis of these findings researchers presented some recommendations for future researchers and scholars.

Pakistan Relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran: Comparative Analysis

Muhammad Waqas Anwar, Muhammad Saqib, Dr. Ghulam Mustafa — Sat, 03 May 2025 00:00:00 +0500

The purpose of this article is to comparatively analyze Pakistan’s bilateral relations with Iran and Saudi Arabia, focusing on diplomatic, economic, and security dimensions. Pakistan’s foreign policy is shaped by the necessity to balance two ideologically divergent yet regionally significant powers—Iran and Saudi Arabia. Historical, religious, and economic ties influence its relations with both countries, complicating its foreign policy decisions. A qualitative approach is used, relying solely on secondary sources including academic publications, policy papers, and official records. Content analysis identifies recurring themes and patterns in diplomatic strategies. Findings reveal Pakistan’s policy of strategic neutrality and mediation, shaped by geopolitical compulsions, economic dependence on Saudi Arabia, and border security cooperation with Iran. Despite sectarian tensions and competing regional influences, Pakistan continues to pursue a pragmatic foreign policy that seeks equilibrium between Tehran and Riyadh. To sustain this balance, Pakistan must institutionalize neutrality, strengthen regional diplomacy, and diversify energy and economic partnerships.

Political Instability and Exports Dynamics in Pakistan: A Time Series Approach

Naina Khan, Shoaib Iqbal — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This study examines the impact of political instability on Pakistan’s export performance from 1980 to 2022. It aims to identify how governance disruptions deter exports growth compared to regional economies. Pakistan has experienced substantial political instability, fluctuating between democratic and military rule since its independence. Its share in global exports is lagging behind bordering economies. Nations like Bangladesh and India have expanded global trade shares, whereas Pakistan’s exports remain constrained by policy unpredictability and institutional weaknesses. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach, we analyze short- and long-term effects. A composite political instability index incorporates Factors like the state of law and order, internal disputes, and government.. Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) tests verify data stationarity. Political instability establishes significant negative effects on exports both in short-run and long-run. Key transmission channels include disrupted supply chains, unpredictable trade policies, and deteriorating infrastructure. These factors collectively erode Pakistan’s export competitiveness in international markets. Building strong political institutions is critical to mitigating instability. Priority reforms should enhance transparency through open governance mechanisms, strengthen accountability via independent oversight bodies, and reinforce the rule of law with judicial reforms. Such institutional stabilization would create a predictable policy environment conducive to export growth.

Logistical Analysis of Traditional Red Brick Kiln Industry of North Sindh, Pakistan

Dr. Siraj Narejo, Dr. Akram Ali Shah, Dr. Muhammad Qabil Dayo — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This research paper purpose is to check impact of brick logistical supply chain management on the final house value. There are eight sreps to “finished house” starting with “procurement of clay” at kilns. Model is simple multiple linear regression using SPSS. North Sindh is traditionally and culturally very rich region. For them onstruction is also a fun activity. They want to construct houses , such research is need of time to tell them what factors are responsible for construction of their sweet home. Purposive sample randomly selected is used and only three districts of North Sindh are chosen i.e. Khairpur, Sukkur, and Larkana. Traditional red brick kilns are divided into three categories by scholar based on production level , infrastructure, land area and annual operating time. Sample of random 90 kilns , 100 households , 200 local middlemen , labour and brick sales men were taken. Data is all ordinal and interval. Focus is cross sectional brick industry chain management analysis. Value is added at end of each of the eight steps when clay goes through transformation into shape of final house. House demand is affected by the time, duration, cost, etc at each of eight steps of brick making. 10000 bricks is set as standard at each level. (house made of 10000 bricks). Clay cost is taken as base. Land, fuel, transporter, Jamadaar, kiln management and sales agent add value to clay gradually by making bricks. Highest value is added at stage when house is finally sold. Labour adds least value to 10000 brick house. In the end all costs of players are observed in final house sales price or value. Model is valid as at least two variables are significant at adjusted R2 value of 0.299. It means there is impact of brick logistical supply chain management on the final house value. It is recommended to increase value of labour that adds least value to 10000 brick house. BCR is least for small kilns so should not be taxed.

The Prevalence of Schizophrenia and Depression among Male Cannabis Users: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Sidra Shehzad, Fatima Fayyaz — Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This study examines the prevalence of depression and schizophrenia among male cannabis users in Islamabad, Pakistan. Cannabis use has been linked to various psychiatric disorders. This study hypothesized that longer cannabis use, younger age, and ethnic differences (Punjabi vs. Pashto speakers) are associated with higher rates of depression and schizophrenia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 50 male cannabis users aged 18-60. Demographic data were collected, and psychological assessments were done using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Data were analyzed using SPSS (v13), employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and independent sample t-tests. Long-term cannabis use and younger age were associated with higher depression and schizophrenia scores. Significant differences in usage patterns were found between Punjabi and Pashto speakers. Policymakers should develop targeted prevention and treatment programs for cannabis users, focusing on young adults and addressing ethnic variations to reduce psychiatric comorbidities.

Analyzing the Dimensions of Higher Education in Balochistan: A Student-Centric Approach

Sadia Zahra, Saqlain Haider — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This study examines the quality of higher education in Balochistan by analyzing student engagement, available facilities, and lecturer performance. Higher education in the region faces significant challenges, as students express dissatisfaction with their learning experience, institutional infrastructure, and faculty performance, which hinder academic growth and limit their potential contributions to society. A comprehensive survey was conducted among higher education students to evaluate their engagement, access to facilities, and perceptions of lecturer performance, alongside a review of student evaluation documents to assess faculty suitability. The findings reveal widespread dissatisfaction among students due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of facilities, and a mismatch between faculty expertise and teaching strategies. Immediate interventions are needed to improve the quality of higher education in Balochistan, including modernizing teaching methods, upgrading infrastructure, and hiring competent educators. Such measures are vital to empowering students to excel academically and make meaningful contributions to society.