International Journal of Politics & Social Sciences Review (IJPSSR)

An Analysis of the Information-Seeking Behavior of Teachers in Special Education Institutes in Lahore: Needs, Practices and Challenges

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this article is to elucidate and analyze the information-seeking behavior of educators in special education institutions in Lahore. It aims to investigate the characteristics of information-seeking behavior and the obstacles that special education teachers encounter in accessing pertinent information. This research was conducted in four phases. In the initial phase, a comprehensive review of relevant literature was undertaken to comprehend the theoretical and methodological aspects of the study. The survey method was selected for data collection in the second phase. A questionnaire was adapted and administered to all respondents from public sector special education institutions (schools and colleges) in Lahore. The response rate was 44.6%. The questionnaire comprised 83 questions designed to identify specific facts relevant to the research. The total population size was 480, and the sample size was 214, as determined by the Morgan and Krejcie (1970) table for sample determination. A simple random sampling technique utilizing the lottery method was employed. 480 questionnaires were distributed, and the teachers were instructed to complete them manually, with 214 questionnaires submitted. In the third phase, the collected data were tabulated and analyzed to derive conclusions. In the final phase, conclusions were drawn, accompanied by recommendations. It was determined that special education teachers rely on specific sources and employ particular techniques for teaching, and their information needs differ from those of general education teachers.

Gilgit-Baltistan: Constitutional Status Swung Between Hope and Dream

Asif Abbas, Shoaib Malik, Mushahid Hussain — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A huge variety of discussions and arguments over Gilgit–Baltistan‘s constitutional status have existed for a long time in political quarters but still no fruitful result has come out. The rest of the provinces, Gilgit Baltistan is not properly incorporated into Pakistan, even all of its major function is governed and administered by Islamabad. This makes the situation unclear and releases a gap in the power of constitutional status which remained an outstanding issue from day one to the present now. During the partition of the sub-continent of India in 1947, Gilgit Baltistan was part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Maharaja of Kashmir made an instrument of accession with the state of India in October 1947 which is a false instrument of accession by Pakistan and having no proof of such accession being made. This decision caused a series of tensions between India and Pakistan by having a situation of dialogue. On this decision, both the two world majors narrated the entire part of Jammu and Kashmir to their part. The situation further got aggravated and triggered when the local people of Gilgit Baltistan decided to rebel against the Maharaja, forces and took control of the area and made it part of Pakistan. The people of Gilgit raised the flag of Pakistan and made an interim government under the supervision of Shah Raess Khan. On 16 November 1947, Sardar Alam arrived as a Pakistan political agent for Giglit. On 6 April 1948, the Giglit agency was made part of the northwest frontier province KPK, to oversee the affairs of the Giglit agency and include the states within it. Baltistan was also part of the Giglit agency and was under the control of political agents named as residents at that time.

Central Rimland: Chessboard for China-US Cold War

Abdul Muhaymin Farooq, Dr. Anwar Ali, Dr. Bilal Bin Liaqat, Dr. Ghulam Mustafa — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The aims of this research is to explain the US's interest to preserve its hegemony, as well to which length it may lead to achieve interest through strategic maneuvering in the Central Rimland region The Central Rimland region has emerged as flashpoint for the strategic and political maneuvering with the emergence of china as economic power in the East. This article discloses the dynamics of the Rimland introduced and used by the Halford Mackinder in his geopolitical theories highlighting the significance of the heartland and the Rimland encompass the Eastern Europe, Middle East and Central Asia. US containment policies towards Rimland to counter China’s rise illuminate the reminiscence and the complexities of the new Cold War. This article probes the developments and the implications of this maneuvering guided by US-China rivalry. It raises the question regarding reliable credibility of India and the intensity of instability in result of the US strategic maneuvering and United States’ Anti-China China Neighboring Allies. Further, this article aims to foster severe concerns regarding South Asian Third World or developing states about United States obnoxious conspiratorial face in order to meet its interests. This article begot through secondary data collection, drawing from a range of scholarly articles, books, policy documents, and reputable news sources as well editorials.

Adoption of AI for Talent Acquisition in the IT industry of Pakistan

Sh. M. Fakhre Alam Siddiqui, Hammad Zafar, Rimsha Siddiqui — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The adaptation and use of artificial intelligence has exponentially increased overtime and that is not limited to any single industry. Companies have incorporated AI to streamline and enhance their Talent Acquisition processes. The objective of the research was to examine the effect of perceived value on adoption of AI in talent Acquisition and to identify the function of moderating variable of HR Readiness in relation with intention to adopt AI. A structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was circulated amongst employees of IT department and the HR department in IT companies of Pakistan. A total of 70 responses were collected. The research paper used the Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM) as it concentrates on the intention of recent technology and how it talks about the concern of prospective adapters. To develop and evaluate the data, Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used on the SMART PLS software. In this research, purposive sampling technique was used as the study revolved around gathering data from the selected individuals based on the predetermined criteria. The findings of the study showed that perceived value has a significant positive relationship with Adoption of AI, and HR Readiness as a moderating variable also has a positive significant relation with Adoption of AI. It is determined that AI technology has the potential to completely change the systems and not just in the IT industry but in several others as well. Companies must make sure that they monitor the AI tools being used in the TA process to ensure unbiased decisions in the recruitment process.

US-China Trade War: Economic Implications on South Asia

Marwa Riaz, Ahmad Raza, Zaheer Ahmed, Dr. Imran Wakil — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The bilateral US-China trade conflict has profoundly altered the Trade features of the entire global economy and bring prospects and risks for the South Asian region. This article aims to examine the complex effects of the trade war on the concerned area: The first section provides a background of the trade war; when it started and the main conditions of the war, which are tariffs, trade deficit, restrict ions on technology, and countermeasures. It situates the South Asia’s economic relationship mapping of countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and others discussing their trading partners with US and China and presence as a supply chain node. Trade effects are discussed, emphasizing trade diversion, which promoted exports in textiles and electronics; other effects relate to potential growth of the FDI as a result of where companies turned away from China. However, problems such as supply chain disruptions, and reliance on Chinese imports were witnessed as some of the main bottlenecks. These are geopolitical shifts, assertiveness/engagement of South Asia in the Indian Ocean strategy/Indo-Pacific strategy and increments in regional commerce through SAFTA apart from issues affecting the region such as inflation, volatility of currencies, and competition between SAFTA members. It gives more specifics by the country such as technology and pharma industries in India, textiles in Bangladesh, and economic issues of Pakistan in terms of CPEC. It reinforces the need for regional integration all through SAARC and BIMSTEC, the policies to be formulated for infrastructure growth, and with world bodies like WTO. With strategic recommendations at its end, it focuses on removing structural constraints and realizing opportunities that would help South Asia become a competitive region in global trading system in the post-trade war scenario.

A Corpus Analysis of SSC English Textbook Phrases of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Lexicographical Study

Zarhat Ali, Umme Habiba, Usama Subhan — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The planned study aims to do a corpus analysis of words from the secondary School certificates (SSC) English textbooks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with a Lexicographic approach. This study aims to provide insight into prevalent wording and usage patterns by evaluating the linguistic setting of these textbooks. The study will look into how phrase usage varies in a variety of textbook scenarios and subjects using a corpus-based methodology. Through a thorough analysis of the phrases covered in the SSC British educational program, this work aims to further lexicographic research. The study will make use of qualitative methods, such as term collection and evaluation from the corpus using specialized programs. The results have detected in light on the linguistic characteristics of the textbooks, which is beneficial to lexicographers, instructional designers, and instructors.

Communicative Dignity in Diplomatic Communication: A Peace Linguistics Corpus Analysis of Western and Eastern Press Releases on the Taliban Regime, 2021

Kaukab Saba, Dr. Wasima Shehzad, Dr. Naveed Khattak — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Communication is the foundation upon which diplomatic ties are established, developed, bolstered, weakened, or terminated (Pukallaus, 2021). The purpose of this study is to study and compare the communicative dignity in the diplomatic communication by Western and Eastern diplomats used for Taliban regime, 2021 under the lens of Peace Linguistics. The linguistic strategies presented by Gomes de Matos (2008) were explored in the corpus of press releases from The United States of America, The United Kingdom, Pakistan and China; the results showed that the language used by diplomats followed peace linguistics strategies. However, comparatively the Eastern corpus exhibited higher frequencies of positive lexical choices compared to the Western press releases. The communicative dignity in the Eastern corpus was also greater compared to the Western corpus, likely due to the Eastern countries being neighboring nations and more concerned about Afghanistan's stability. The previous studies in the field of Peace Linguistics have often borrowed frameworks from other disciplines for analysis however, the current study is exploratory in nature and introduces a peace linguistics analytical framework. The study is significant in highlighting the positive role of communicative dignity in diplomatic communication, ultimately contributing to harmonious diplomatic relationships and making this world a better place to live in.

Investor Sentiments and Bitcoin Volatility: Empirical Evidence from Cryptocurrency Market

Mubashir Zaman, Dr. Surayya Jamal, Humma Abid, Farhan Ahmad — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The present study goals to examine the impact of investors’ sentiment, such as overconfidence, optimism, pessimism, and reasonable investor expectations, on Bitcoin currency. Therefore, daily Bitcoin trading data was taken from CoinMarketCap. The data period consists of January 2023 to December 2024. The unit root stationary, GARCH (1,1) model and ordinary least square (OLS) regression test were used. The unit root stationary (ADF) test results reveal that all variables are stationary at level. The GARCH (1,1) model suggests that the lagged trading volume has a considerable positive influence on the current Bitcoin trade volume. Further GARCH (1,1) results demonstrate that optimism has a positive significant impact on and pessimism has a negative significant influence on Bitcoin exchange volume. Whereas ordinary least square regression (OLS) models also show that optimism has a positive significant impact and pessimism has a negative impact on Bitcoin trade volume. The study has various suggestions for stakeholders, investors, policymakers, and researchers.

Green Human Resources Management and its Effects on Economic Sustainability: Evidence from Turkish Banking Industry

Sarfraz Ali Malak, Tayyaba Gul, Muhammad Saeed, Abdul Wajid — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The importance of a sustainable economy and environmentally friendly practices emerged few years ago. This investigation focuses on the Turkish banking sector, examining the impact of green human resource management (GHRM) on long-term economic sustainability (ES). Four independent variables, green recruitment and selection, green training, green pay & green involvement, and one dependent variable ES are proposed for this study. 50 sample size studied in Turkish banks. It suggests that all scales have good reliability via Cronbach Alpha (0.823-0.876), composite reliability, and item loadings. Four hypotheses were proposed for this study. Regression analysis suggested that green recruitment and selection, green training and green pay have positive effect on ES (P<0.05). At the same time, green involvement has no positive effect (β=-0.139) and no significant effect on ES (P>0.05) in Turkish banks. This research provides complete GHRM practices that will help to increase the sustainability of economic performance and help Human resource managers in large corporations.

Teaching Strategies of Secondary School Teachers according to their Thinking Style Profiles in District Sialkot

Dr. Abdul Qayyum, Dr. Sidra Rizwan — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to analyze the preferred teaching strategies used by the secondary school teachers having different thinking style profiles. The study was conducted in District Sialkot of Pakistan. Altogether 4895 secondary school teachers of district Sialkot constituted the population of the study.550 teachers of both genders were conveniently taken as the sample of the study. Self-develop observation record was used to collect data from 18 teachers for the teaching strategies: Brain Storming, Asking questions, Attaining Concept, Will to Work, Making things familiar and vice versa, Group discussion, Text reading, Direct Lecturing, Learning by Inquiring, Assessment Procedure, Learning through Activities, Teaching by using Models, Homework, using Real Objects, Rewarding were used by the teachers in the classroom at secondary level, conveniently taken from all the four Tehsils of District Sialkot. Frequency distribution was used to analyze the data. The results showed that the Attaining Concept, Brain Storming, Group Discussion, Learning by Inquiring, Use of Real Objects, Learning through Activities and Rewarding, were teaching strategies preferred by the teachers having creative inclination, Direct Lecturing, homework, Assessment Procedure, and Text Reading were teaching strategies preferred by the teachers having less creative inclination and degree of freedom.

Pakhtun Culture and Policing: An Understanding of Pakhtunwali and Stereotypic Image of Police and their Far-reaching Consequences in District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Ibrahim, Mohammad Hussain, Shahid Khan, Khurshaid, Israr Ahmad, Rizwan Ul Haq — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Police service delivery is a cumbersome task which is often influenced by centuries old customs and traditions of Pakhtun culture. This study addresses the Pakhtun culture and stereotypical construct regarding police and their long lasting consequences in district Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. In this study, public perception, local understanding and folk wisdom about the desperate nature of police services have been explored. This study is qualitative in nature where data have been collected from community members belonging to different professions with the help of purposive sampling. The collected data have been analyzed with the help of narrative analysis. The study reflects the negative image of police among the local inhabitants of the Swat. Similarly, the cultural practices also intervene in their services. Police in the region are working under the influence of police rules and local culture, where, police feels themselves in the quagmire of century’s old customs and traditions. In most of the cases police services are getting influenced by local culture and folk wisdom respectively. It is, therefore, recommended in this study to arrange different sessions and to promote the ethos of community policing in the region. Along with, different programs and schemes shall be lunched in respective community to develop positive image of police in order to ensure effective policing.

Comparative Study of Classroom Management Practices at Public and Private Universities

Hafsa Shujat, Farah Abdul Qadir, Samreen Zehra — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study was to focus on the comparison of classroom management practices at public and private universities in Islamabad. The literature has been documented that teachers who properly organize and manage the classroom would support students' learning. The variables of classroom management practices include lesson planning, teaching methodology, communication practices, physical resources, managing student behavior, and time management. In this study, the researcher considered three variables; communication practices, physical resources, and behavior management practices. The objectives of this study were to a) compare the communication practices of teachers in public and private universities, b) compare the physical resources managed by the teachers in public and private universities, c) compare the behavior management practices of teachers in public and private universities, and d) investigate the difference among classroom management practices in public and private universities. The research design of the study was descriptive in nature. The population of the study includes 222 BS students and 19 teachers in the Faculty of Social Sciences in public and private universities of Islamabad. Universal sampling technique has been used to select the samples. A self-developed questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale and observation checklist has been used to analyze the perception of students on teachers' communication practices, physical resources, and behavior management practices. The data has been collected through personal visits and observation at the universities. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics such as Mean, frequency and percentage to compare the classroom management practices at public and private universities in Islamabad. This study found that there were similarities and difference between classroom management practices at public and private universities in Islamabad.

Digital Transformation in Traditional Retail: A Case Study of Urbane Artisan, Pakistan

Askar Hassan — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the digital transformation journey of Urbane Artisan, a traditional retail store in Lahore, Pakistan, renowned for its hand-stitched leather shoes and other handcrafted items. Facing challenges such as declining foot traffic and increasing competition from online marketplaces, Urbane Artisan embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation in January 2024. The transformation included launching an online storefront, adopting targeted social media marketing strategies, and integrating secure digital payment systems. Over the course of the year, these initiatives led to a 35% increase in overall sales, a 240% rise in website visits, and a 150% boost in social media followers. Furthermore, customer satisfaction improved dramatically—from 68% to 85%—with about 40% of online orders coming from new customers who had never visited the physical store. Data for this study were collected from business records, digital analytics, customer surveys, and semi-structured interviews with management, staff, and long-term patrons. The analysis demonstrates that digital tools can significantly expand a traditional retailer’s market reach and enhance customer engagement while preserving its heritage. The study concludes with practical recommendations for small traditional retailers in Pakistan and similar emerging markets, emphasizing a balanced approach that merges modern digital practices with a brand’s established identity. These insights offer a practical roadmap for retailers seeking to thrive in today’s dynamic digital landscape.

Ecological Discourse Analysis (2012) of the Notion of War in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms

Dr. Aneela Gill, Nasim Gul, Muhammad Ishtiaq — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The present research study explores A Farewell to Arms (1929) by Ernest Hemingway employing the framework of Borsdorf’s (2012) framework of Ecological Discourse Analysis (EDA). The study focuses to investigate how human and environmental ecologies interact during wartime, i.e. in the context of war. Through its exploration of the novel’s portrayal of the emotional and physical impact of conflict on characters and the corresponding degradation of natural landscapes, the study demonstrates the long-term ecological consequences of war on both people and environments. The narrative of A Farewell to Arms (1929) connects suffering sustained by both humans and ecosystems into one symbol that represents the enduring damage inflicted upon people and nature. Drawing from ecocritical theories, the paper shows how war disrupts and upsets the human lives and existence alongside damaging the natural environment and world, by revealing the extreme traumatic realities and the irreversible damage inflicted upon both. Using Ecological Discourse Analysis (2012) framework, the author studies how the novel, A Farewell to Arms (1929) communicates powerful insights about war-related suffering in humans alongside environmental devastation calling for a more holistic understanding of conflict that encompasses both human and ecological suffering. These findings enhance environmental humanities by demonstrating why literary analysis should investigate ecological trauma while illuminating the environmental effects of human aggression and possible pathways to ecological recovery.

Effectiveness of Digital Technology in Educational Institutions: Review for a Sustainable Model

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Digital technology has become a powerful tool in many areas like medicine, business, finance, communication, engineering, entertainment, and education. Today, schools and universities use digital tools extensively for teaching, testing, giving feedback, administration, supervision, and research. However, experts are increasingly worried about relying too much on digital technology in education. They question whether it will completely replace traditional teaching methods, be abandoned due to issues like lack of technical skills, energy shortages, financial limitations, cybersecurity threats, or damage to infrastructure from wars or natural disasters, or if combining digital and traditional methods is the best solution. Studies show mixed opinions: some support digital technology, others prefer traditional methods, and some suggest a blend of both. This study examines the heavy use of digital technology in schools, explores potential risks of depending solely on it, and proposes a sustainable model that combines digital and traditional tools for balanced, lifelong learning. The research is descriptive, using surveys of teaching faculty from selected educational institutions. Focus group discussions were also held with digital technology experts, educators, and leaders of prominent educational institutions. The collected data were analyzed statistically. The findings indicate that while digital technology offers many benefits, relying entirely on it carries risks to its sustainability. Therefore, it is recommended to develop a model that integrates both modern digital technology and traditional educational resources. A blended approach is suggested as the most suitable / sustainable for both developed and developing countries, especially for underprivileged communities. Future research should explore additional areas related to this issue.

Legal and Islamic Approach Towards Prisoners' Conjugal Rights in Pakistan

Saniya Mehfooz, Sadia Arshad, Asif Azam Jathol — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of the research is to examine the Islamic and legal approach towards prisoners’ conjugal rights in the Pakistani Jails. Though imprisoned individuals are deprived of their liberty but remain entitled to well-defined human rights recognized internationally, regionally and within national legal statutes. The study also explores the basic principles of Shari'ah law, as well as constitutional, statutory, and judicial perspectives on prisoners' conjugal rights and attempts to answer that either Islam recognized the conjugal rights or not? The objective of the research is achieved through qualitative means of research by analysing constitutional provisions, jail rules, international standards, various articles and human right reports etc. Study draws the conclusion that acknowledging conjugal rights of prisoners is essential not only to protect of their basic human rights and the enhancement of rehabilitation efforts but conjugal visits within prisons helps preserve family ties, reduce homosexuality, and protect prisoners from sexually transmitted diseases.

FATA Merger into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Advancing Gender Equality and Socio-Economic Parity

Haider Abbas — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in 2018 represents a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s efforts to integrate one of its most historically marginalized regions into the national socio-political and economic framework. This transition holds significant implications for gender mainstreaming and socio-economic equality, particularly as FATA had long been governed by the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), which perpetuated legal, social, and economic exclusions, especially for women. The merger offers the promise of extending KP's legal protections, such as laws on gender equality, alongside access to education, healthcare, and political participation for women. However, persistent security challenges, particularly from militant groups like the TTP, complicate the implementation of these reforms. The TTP’s resistance to integration has not only undermined governance structures but also exacerbated the vulnerability of women to violence and socio-economic marginalization. This paper adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a review of existing literature, analysis of policy documents, and interviews with local stakeholders to assess the impact of the merger on gender equality and socio-economic development. The literature suggests that while the merger provides a framework for addressing disparities, the entrenched cultural norms, ongoing insecurity, and slow implementation of legal and infrastructural reforms present significant barriers. This study highlights the need for targeted policies, robust governance, and a focus on women's empowerment to fully realize the transformative potential of the merger for FATA’s women and its overall socio-economic development.

Impact of Perceived Parenting Styles on Adolescent’s Self Esteem and Social Skills

Hina Jabbar, Qurat Ul Ain, Rimsha Irshad — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Parenting has significant impact in fostering self-esteem and social skills among children. The purpose of this study is to observes the impact of perceived parenting styles on adolescents’ self-esteem and social skills among a sample of 500 adolescents (250 male, 250 female) aged 11 to 22, drawn from various schools, colleges, and universities using a convenience sampling method. The Parental Authority Questionnaire, Social Competency Inventory, Social Interaction Checklist, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were employed for data collection. Results revealed no significant differences across demographic variables such as gender, age, family status and birth order. Pro-social orientation correlated positively with all variables. Social initiative was significantly associated with authoritative parenting styles, while social activity linked to self-esteem and the perceived benefits of social skills. Authoritative and authoritarian styles positively impacted self-esteem, whereas self-esteem showed no significant relationships with demographic factors. Notably, authoritative parenting styles exhibited significant differences related to adolescent age. Overall, the study underlines the critical role of parenting styles in shaping social competencies among adolescents.

Entrepreneurial Intentions: the Role of Human Capital, Social Networks and Context Factors in Shaping Entrepreneurial Aspirations ‘A Proposed Model for Empirical Analysis’

Dr. Azhar Khan, Dr. Sonia Sethi, Dr. Syed Noman Mustafa, Maryam Bibi — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research investigates how human capital, social networks, and context factors influences create entrepreneurial intention and proposes a full-fledged model for further empirical testing. Entrepreneurial intention is an important antecedent to actual entrepreneurial action, and entrepreneurial intention is key in understanding what fosters entrepreneurship. The study extracts critical attributes from three sets: human capital (education, skill, and experience); social capital (network size, mentoring, and community support); and contextual determinants (cultural attitudes and economic situations).

Complementing the Human Capital Theory, Social Capital Theory, Cultural Dimensions Theory, and Economic Context Theory, the paper analyzes how these theories not just integrate the studied variables but also interact to influence people's inclinations for participation in entrepreneurial activities. In particular, the view is that higher levels of education and stronger social networks have an enormous positive influence on entrepreneurial intention in the presence of varying cultural and economic conditions. The model proposed highlights the interconnectedness of these components, putting forward that enhancing human capital through education and skill development, together with enlarging social networks, can somehow influence the entrepreneurial ambitions. In addition, the model elaborates on cultural attitudes and economic factors in terms of generating entrepreneurial goals, particularly under heterogeneous settings.

This study contributes to the extant literature by highlighting a coherent framework that accommodates several theoretical perspectives on entrepreneurship. The proposed model then serves as a platform for future empirical research that will seek to confirm the indicated linkages and broaden the understanding of the complexities of entrepreneurial behavior in varying circumstances. The paper wraps up with practical recommendations for policy makers and educators to extend support for prospective entrepreneurs and suggestions for future research to track the model's implications across time and in diverse cultural and economic settings.

Impact of Urban Development on the Climate Change! A study of the Awareness, Suggestions, and Concerns of Pakistan Architectural Community about the Impact of C.B.D Punjab on the Climate of Lahore

Shahid Mahmood, Gul-E-Zahra Azhar, Kamran Ahmad — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Due to the urbanization, our cities are expanding. According to a study, the projection of the urban area by 2030 is 1.2 million km2 which is almost double that of an urban area in 2000 (Hassan et al., 2014). These expansions make our cities the most vulnerable part of this planet in terms of climate change. Besides all these issues urban expansion is still on its way and our city is becoming larger and larger. New urban planning models are practicing in our cities and one of them is the concept of CBD Central Business Districts which was introduced by ERNEST BURGESS in 1229 (Shell, 2016). Pakistan also followed this model and introduced its first CBD in the centre of Lahore. Central Business District of Punjab or CBD Punjab is Pakistan's first business district launched in Gulberg Lahore by the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA). With the permissible height of 750 ft, it’s a mixed used high Rise development over an area of 118 acres.(Brier & lia dwi jayanti, 2020). This study aims to highlight the level of awareness, concerns, and suggestions of Pakistan's architectural community about the climatic impact of C.B.D Punjab on the Climate of Lahore. This research work was done by using a quantitative research method in which I conducted a physical questionnaire based survey in Pakistan's Architectural Community with closed questions. The number of questionnaires was 21 calculated by using MINI TAB software and data analysis was done on SPSS software by using a descriptive stat test. According to the results, 70 % of Architects from the sample size have an idea about the Project of C.B.D Punjab. 60% of them got information about C.B.D Punjab from Friends and Seminars and 30% from social media. 60% of architects are concerned that the construction of C.B.D Punjab will contribute to an increase in the winter smoke of Lahore. 55% of architects are concerned that C.B.D Punjab cannot achieve its Sustainable Development Goals and 55% of architects are concerned that C.B.D Punjab authority will not be able to provide the road map for sustainable construction. 60% of architects are dissatisfied with security measures taken by C.B.D Punjab authority in the construction of C.B.D Punjab and 60% of architects are dissatisfied with the project's current progress. 85% of architects suggest that the government take the following measures to minimize the environmental impact of C.B.D Punjab like Add open green spaces, Develop bylaws for the use of sustainable materials, And Make policies to encourage the use of solar energy.

Impact of Research Bullying on Research Integrity: Causes of ill Research and Production of ill Researchers at University Level

Dr. Samra Afzal, Dr. Shazia Zamir, Dr. Muhammad Asghar Ali — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Present research explored bullying in research academic, its impact on research integrity and production of ill researchers and ill research. A qualitative research paradigm with an inductive approach was followed. The reflexive thematic analysis was conducted based on framework given by Braun and Clark (2006). A total of 20 participants were selected, 10 of whom were research supervisors and 10 were supervisees through purposive sampling technique. Results showed that bullying in research academic occurs in forms of conflict of interest, disrespect of supervisee and supervision, distributive injustice, ethical silences, fear of retribution, social injustice, biased behavior, ethical temptations and influencing policies negatively. Causes of compromised research integrity and quality are bullying and research quality, lack of training, external pressures, ethical leadership, power dynamics, quality vs quantity, lack of autonomy, and ethical dilemmas. Furthermore, causes of production of ill research are poorly designed research, ethical violations, lack of ethical considerations, lack of objectivity and bias, time constraints, lack of practical implications and societal needs. Results also revealed that causes of production of ill researchers are research slaves, irresponsible attitude towards research, dishonest conduct, lack of teamwork, disregard for ethical standards, rigid behavior and focus on quantity. Research implications include desirable research practices, international collaboration, mentoring, support for publication and publication interventions.

A Comparative Analysis of RTI Acts in India and Pakistan: Lessons Learnt and Way Forward

Syed Habib Ul Hassan Gillani (PMS-KP) — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In both India and Pakistan, the Right to Information (RTI) Acts are enacted laws focused on the same goal, transparency and accountability in one way or another, and a means to promote public access to records held by these authorities with an increased participatory role for the citizenry in a democracy. RTI laws have the potential to help reduce corruption, enhance governance, promote the economy, and bring about responsive and accountable institutions since they give citizens the legal right to access public information held by government bodies. These laws have the potential to enable citizens by giving them the tools to hold government actors accountable for their actions, generate more informed public discussions, and ultimately reinforce democracy. Yet, their full, effective implementation has faced grave challenges in both India and Pakistan. This paper aims to evaluate the existing state of RTI practices in India and Pakistan. More specifically, it seeks to assess the achievement of RTI Acts in improving citizens' access to information and to recognize the key factors that drive success or failure. It aims at providing a cross country analysis of how these laws are being executed in practical terms, ensuring that they are serving the intended purpose of more transparency, accountability and public engagement in the governance process. In addition, the study examines the obstacles to implementation, investigating issues such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, resource availability, political interference, public awareness, and government agency willingness to share information. A key finding of the study is that RTI laws are often not used due to administrative dysfunction, procedural barriers, and lack of public awareness, despite their potential to address a number of social problems. RTI laws are intended as a strong tool for citizens to procure information from government bodies, but many citizens found it difficult to file RTI requests, the study says. These challenges include unclear processes, slow turnaround times from government employees, the absence of adequate systems for processing requests and, in some instances, the deliberate obfuscation or delay in responding to requests for information. In addition, it stresses the need for a wholesome, institutional and strategic approach to ensure that the RTI laws are implemented and used, and that RTI legislation alone will not give citizens the right to information.

Based on the implications of the findings, this study makes a number of key recommendations. It ends with a call, among others, for strong, sustainable infrastructure to implement RTI laws. These reforms encompass the establishment of dedicated RTI units in government departments, the formulation of specific guidelines and standard operating procedures for processing requests, as well as the creation of an online system for citizens to file RTI requests and track their status accordingly.

Critical Review of the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model: Applications and Implications in Offender Rehabilitation

Rabia Siraj, Hina, Dr. Shaista Ali, Dr. Ghazala Yasmeen — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study critically evaluates the applications of the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model within rehabilitation settings, focusing on its role in reducing recidivism. As a fundamental concept in correctional psychology, the RNR model addresses the offenders' risk levels, criminogenic needs, and specific responsivity factors that are essential in reducing recidivism. A systematic review of studies published from 2018 onwards was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the RNR model across various settings, identifying its strengths, limitations, and areas for improvement. Findings indicate that the RNR model is generally effective in lowering recidivism rates and facilitating offender reintegration. However, challenges such as limited resources, inadequate practitioner training, and the need for enhanced collaborative treatment approaches were also reported. The study examines recent trends and adjustments to the RNR framework aimed at enhancing its efficacy in contemporary rehabilitation practices. Based on the findings, recommendations for future research and practice are proposed to further improve the RNR model’s impact on offender rehabilitation and reintegration.

Pakistani Universities as Social Enterprises: A Key to Socio-Economic Development

Sajeela Rabbani, Qurat ul Ain, Azka Nawaz — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Social enterprises are significant in addressing social issues and providing alternatives to the societal and economic needs. These are hybrid organizations with two institutional logics in the same entity and have complementary as well as competing logics of commercial purpose and welfare. Education, health and art usually depict social enterprising. Universities and degree awarding institutes being educational entities must address social needs. This study has opined about universities as social change agents and looked in to the evolution of hybridism and the challenges therein. Methodology is based on systematic review of literature of fifty articles from twenty two journals in the period 2000-2020. The cited literature comprised of three themes i.e. Social Entrepreneurship, Hybrid organizations and Higher Education in Pakistan. The paper has identified the challenges for theory and practice for addressing the ethics-performance paradoxes.

The Vanishing Heritage of Sheikhupura Fort: Causes, Condition, and Conservation

Rafia Gulzar, Saad Mujahid, Kabeer Ud Din Naseer — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mughal forts are renowned for their architectural grandeur, strategic significance, and cultural legacy, serving as enduring symbols of the empire’s power and aesthetic sophistication. Among these, the Sheikhupura Fort, located 35 km northwest of Lahore, stands as a remarkable yet underappreciated example. Built in the early 17th century by Emperor Jahangir, the fort was part of the royal hunting resort of Jahangirpura, situated near the iconic Hiran Minar. This region, once a dense forest famed for its wild antelope herds, was a favored recreational spot for the Mughal elite and a key stopover for imperial caravans. The fort not only exemplifies Mughal architectural brilliance but also encapsulates the historical transitions it endured under subsequent British and Sikh rule, ultimately falling into ruin in the modern era. Despite its historical and cultural importance, the fort has suffered from severe neglect, with its intricate fresco paintings and structural integrity damaged due to mishandling by locals and tourists, as well as the indifference of authorities. This paper examines the fort’s chronological evolution, its aesthetic transformations, and the factors contributing to its current state of decay. It also contrasts the fort’s neglect with the successful restoration and revenue generation of the nearby Hiran Minar, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts. By highlighting the fort’s historical significance and present deterioration, this study advocates for immediate action to preserve Sheikhupura Fort as a vital link to the Mughal Empire’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. The following paper is an attempt to understand and study in detail the changes fort went through, its glory in the form of Mughal Art, its demolition and the current undergoing process of its conservation.

Sweden and Finland from Neutrality to NATO: The Strategic Transformation of European Security

Natasha — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The political geography of Scandinavia has undergone remarkable transformations over the past century, pushing the states like Finland and Sweden into the spotlight of International relations discourse. This study examines the shifting dynamics of European security structures as a result of Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership. In May 2022, both countries revealed their plan of joining NATO. This was a radical turnaround in both states’ security and foreign policies, but a rational outcome of their European Union membership and strong association with NATO in the post–cold war period. Finland became a NATO member on April 4, 2023 and Sweden joined on March 7, 2024, broadening the alliance to 32 member states. The paper further analyzes that for both nations, the primary factor behind joining the NATO alliance was the necessity for enhanced strategic stability in response to Russian military aggression against Ukraine. Finnish and Swedish inclusion in NATO redefined the European security architecture and signified a turning point for these traditionally neutral and militarily nonaligned states who strived to balance cultural, political and economic relations with Russia and the West for decades. Moreover, it is arduous to comprehend the immediate change in their traditional military nonalignment position without taking into consideration the significant public outrage in both countries as a reaction to Russia’s unjustified aggression against Ukraine.