Journal of Social Sciences Review

Impact of Family Involvement on Academic Achievement at Higher Secondary Level

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This abstract discussed a study that investigated the impact of family involvement on academic achievement at the higher secondary level. The study collected data from 400 parents of higher secondary school students using a convenient sampling technique. The study aimed to understand how family involvement affects academic achievement among higher secondary school students and how parents can support their children's education to promote positive outcomes. The study showed that family involvement significantly impacts student academic achievement, including higher grades, improved attendance, and greater motivation to learn. The study also found that parents more involved in their children's education were more likely to provide academic resources and guidance, establish high academic expectations, and create a supportive home environment. The study suggests that schools and educators should encourage family involvement and provide resources to support parents in promoting their children's academic success. The findings of this study provide insights into the important role that family involvement plays in higher secondary students' academic achievement and the potential benefits of promoting greater family involvement in education.

Static Photography and Islamic Teachings: An Analysis of the Ideologies of Muslim Scholars

Muhamad Zaffar Iqbal Saeed, Khan Arif, Muhammad Muslim, Faizan Ahmed, Amna Bibi — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

With the advancements in science and technology, novel opportunities for improving human life style are on rise. These opportunities proures betterment in social and cultural spheres of life but at the same time, these serve as a gateway to many social, cultural and religious issues by posing serious threat to divine eastablished norms and religious values. Static Picturization is one the emerging businesses; many people are earning a living from it. The Holy Qur'an does not mention its sanctity, and in the hadith of the Prophet, the sayings of the Prophet have been mentioned at various places about the sanctity of photography. The issue under discussion will be a discussion about the Shariah status of photography. As time goes by, the problems regarding it are increasing day by day and new debates are getting origins. Islam is progressive religion that realize the vitality of industrial revolution and stresses to device methods in the light of Islamic Jurisprudence to elude all the conflicts and debates. It paves the way for a lay muslims to sail smooothly through the perilous and puzzling waves of modern era. Photos have become a part of life and it is necessary for a Muslim to do whatever he does within the realm of Sharia.

Impact of Classroom Management on students’ Academic Achievement at Secondary School Level in Peshawar

Safiullah, Hamid Ali Nadeem, Asma — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research paper was to determine the impact of classroom management on student’s academic achievement at the secondary school level in Peshawar. The study population comprised all secondary school teachers in Peshawar. The sample of the study was 240 Secondary School teachers, which were randomly selected. Students’ achievement scores were obtained from the class IX annual examination results of BISEP. The data was analyzed through the Pearson coefficient of correlation, and regression analysis was used to test of hypothesis. The study found a positive relationship between classroom management & students' achievements. It was also found that Teaching Learning Process and students' achievements were a positive relationship. It was confirmed that Classroom Rules play a positive role in the achievement level of the students. It was also indicated that rewards & punishments contribute towards the student's achievements. The study suggested that future researchers may take up the issue of classroom management at various other levels as well.

Impact of Reduction of Waste and Waste, Green Employee Behavior and Reduction of Resource Use on Environmental Strategy: Manufacturing Companies top management’s Perception

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the impact of reduction of waste and waste, green employee Behavior and reduction of resource use on environmental strategy in manufacturing companies of Sindh, Pakistan. Using a cross-sectional design and a sample of 220 firms, data was collected through face-to-face surveys conducted from August 1 to October 31, 2022. The questionnaire adopted in this study focused on including the reduction of waste and waste, green employee behavior and reduction of resource use. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings suggest that these variables have a positive and significant impact on environmental strategy, indicating that these variables can be valuable tools for promoting environmental strategy in the manufacturing sector of Sindh, Pakistan. These results have practical implications for manufacturing companies in Sindh, Pakistan, as it suggests that top management should prioritize the development of effective strategies to promote the reduction of waste and waste, green employee behavior and reduction of resource use in the future strategies.

The Effects of Social Media on Afghan Students Learning English Speaking and Reading Skills

Farid Ullah Khan, Zuha Rahman, Fazlur Rahman, Muhammad Iqbal Rana — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Social media (SM) not only serves as a means of entertainment but also plays a significant role in teaching, learning, and imparting new skills. As a result, a review has been proposed to determine the impact of SM sources on the improvement of English language proficiency at an intermediate level in Peshawar, Pakistan. This will be achieved by examining various articles and research papers on platforms such as Google Scholar and Research Gate. Among EFL instructors who must evolve outside the conventional methods of teaching where teachers used to complete most of the job, social media has garnered much respect and popularity. And speaking still gets less attention in conventional classrooms than writing and reading do. As a result, teaching speaking poses a significant challenge for both EFL teachers and students who exhibit poor oral achievement. Facebook and Google were the social networking sites most commonly used by college-level learners, according to the study's findings. The study also found that these sites had an impact on students' English language proficiency. As a result, the study suggests that its recommendations could benefit English teachers, curriculum developers, and textbook reviewers in promoting performance-based education. It is important to review what has been studied, what conclusions have been drawn, and what requires further attention. The study showed that social media can provide many advantages and functions in language learning, such as authentic input resources, low-stress practice spaces, opportunities for intercultural communication, and improved learner collaboration. However, the study also identified potential limitations of social media platforms, such as distractions and conflicting information. Finally, the study suggests several future research directions.

The Impact of Model Courts on the Criminal Justice System of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Case Study Based on Statistical Evaluation

Faisal Shahzad, Shah Nawaz, Mohammad Jan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The provision of inexpensive and expeditious justice is one of the constitutional responsibilities of the state, which is fulfilled through the instrument of the judiciary. In pursuance of the Expeditious Justice Initiative, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (hereinafter KP) established Model Courts in the province in 2019 with the purpose of introducing a time-bound criminal trial regime. The study in hand intends to evaluate the impact of Model Courts on reducing the pendency of criminal cases in KP. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire-based survey was designed, and data was collected from legal professionals as well as litigants. The study findings indicated that both legal professionals and litigants are satisfied with the establishment of the Model Courts and their functions, helping to adjudicate and dispose of the cases in efficient ways in the province. The study suggests that in order to evaluate the efficiency of statistical data regarding the outcome of the Model Courts in terms of its decisions, pendency, rate of conviction and acquittal and the ratio of reversal of its decisions on appeal, it is required to be rigorously analysed. The Model Courts have been used as a case study to bring about some positive changes in the contemporary criminal justice system of the province.

Academic Efficacy as Correlate of Students’ Performance: A Study on Adolescents of Lahore

Rabia Tabassum, Aimen Saleem, Mahvish Fatima Kashif — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study was aimed to investigate role of Academic efficacy (AE)as correlate of academic achievement. The study was designed on quantitative paradigm which included 12 dimensions of academic efficacy. The population of this study were 800 college students, including 400 male and 400 female, which were gathered by multistage sampling technique. Standardized research instrument was adopted for measuring academic efficacy, while the last exams percentage of students was used to measure the academic performance. Data was analyzed using t-test, and Pearson correlation r. Results indicated a significant correlation between Academic efficacy (AE)and academic performance. It is therefore recommended that the teachers and parents should play their role in enhancing students’ Academic efficacy (AE)to improve their quality of performance

Marketing Overload: The Impact of Information Overload on Brand Recall (A Case Study of Students of the University of Swat)

Abdur Rehman, Ishfaq Ahmad, Kashif Amin, Nayab Noor, Asim Rehman — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Marketers promote their products using a different medium to circulate their advertising message to customers in order to inform and persuade customers to buy their products. The emergence of new technology and social media platforms has made it much easier for marketers to reach more audiences than ever before. This excessive advertisement has emerged as a new phenomenon known as infobesity, advertising overload, or marketing overload. The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of Information overload on brand recall, for which a quantitative method was used with a sample size of 148 students and SPSS 21 for analysis of the data. The survey was conducted, and questionnaires were distributed among the students of the University of Swat. The study reveals that a negative and significant relationship exists between information overload and brand recall. This study also reveals that excessive bombardment in advertisements results in a decline in the effectiveness of the advertising message and goes against brand awareness and brand recall. The correlation analysis (r= -0.353, P<0.05) and regression analysis (beta = -0.415, P<0.05) reveal that information overload negatively impacts customer brand recall.

Consumer’s Perception towards Website Factors for Online Shopping and its Effect on Buying Behavior in Peshawar

Nayab Noor, Shahnila Yousaf, Kashif Amin, Ishfaq Ahmad, Syed Saddam Hussain — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The use of e-commerce is growing so rapidly around the globe and provides e-marketers with many emerging opportunities. Ife-marketers get awareness about those elements and aspects which can affect consumers’ buying behavior and the relationships between these factors. Then they can further develop their marketing strategies to convert potential customers into active ones and hold current online customers. The increasing use of the Internet by Pakistani customers provides developing prospects for online retailers. This paper focuses on factors that online Peshawari buyers keep in mind while buying online. This study found that website design, website reliability/fulfillment, website customer service, and website security/privacy are the four dominant factors that influence consumer perceptions of online purchasing. Online buyers have positive evaluations of website design and website reliability/fulfillment but negative evaluations of website security/privacy issues, which implies that security/privacy issues are important to most online buyers. Finally, the recommendations presented in this research may help foster the growth of Pakistani online marketing in the future.

The Interactional Effect of Rumination and Negative Cognitive Styles to Predict Depression

Shagufta Perveen , Gul Jabeen , Ibrahim Khan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Research on depressogenic cognition has already documented negative cognitive styles and rumination with reference to depressive symptoms. The present study intended to explore the gender differences and interaction effect of rumination and negative cognitive style in predicting depression. The major hypotheses tested were (1) the interaction of negative cognitive styles and SRR predicts depression and (2) gender base differences would exist with reference to RRS and NCS. Study results revealed that both the study variable were significant predictors of depression. Similarly, the interaction effect NCS x RRS significantly predicted depression in a positive direction. Exploring the gender differences, it was found that females experienced more depressed feelings accompanied by a higher magnitude of ruminative response and negative cognitive style.

Influence of Spiritual Leadership on Green Creativity Mediated by Employee Environmental Commitment

Shahbaz Hussain, Seema Afzal — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In the recent era of globalization, organizations need to avoid it, and environmental destruction has become an enormous challenge, especially when organizations face problems of environmental degradation. Because of this, researchers have paid considerable attention to understanding key determinants of green creativity (GC), an emerging area in the fields of sustainability and organizational behavior. Supporting social learning theory, this study examines the effect of spiritual leadership on employees' green creativity through the mediating mechanism of employee environmental commitment (EEC). Rationally, this study follows a post-positivist device and thus implements a quantitative research design approach. Multilevel data was collected from 405 employees working in universities and hospitals in Pakistan. Multilevel path analysis is applied by using Mplus. Our research reveals that spiritual leadership (SL) has a statistically positive effect on employee environmental commitment, which ultimately increases green creativity (GC). This research offers several solutions to save energy by turning off extra lights, garbage, and recycling so that we can overcome the losses we face in our daily lives.

Religious Tourism: Experiences of Sikh Yatris Visting Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan

Rabia Bashir, Khalil Ahmad — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Religious tourism is an important part of human culture and history. The Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan has become a popular destination for Sikh pilgrims to attend the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. This study investigated the experiences of Sikh Yatris traveling via the Kartarpur Corridor with respect to travel, logistics, living amenities, and performance of rituals. A total of 33 In-depth interviews were conducted during the period from June 2022 to July 2022 with purposively selected Sikh Yatris. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and NVIVO 11. Sikh Yatris, who visited Kartarpur, had wonderful experiences with logistics, living amenities, and the convenience of performing religious rituals. They reported feeling a strong spiritual connection to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara and expressed appreciation for the facilitation of their religious pilgrimage by the Pakistani government. Participants also reported enjoying the friendly and hospitable atmosphere in Pakistan and feeling safe and secure during their visit. This study contributes to understanding the role of religious tourism in promoting cultural exchange, interfaith dialogue, and regional stability, with the potential to normalize relations between India and Pakistan.

A Qualitative Study of the Psychological Effects of Covid-19 on Special Children of Pakistan: Examining the Impact of Financial and Home-Bound Challenges

Anjam Zaheer Hussain, Khuwaja Hisham Ul Hassan, Farhana Akmal — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of individuals around the world, including special children. In Pakistan, the pandemic has exacerbated existing financial and home-bound challenges faced by special children and their families. This qualitative study aimed to examine the psychological effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on special children in Pakistan and the ways in which financial and home-bound challenges have impacted their mental health. In-depth interviews and observation were used to gather data from participants. The findings revealed that the pandemic has resulted in increased stress and anxiety among special children, as well as decreased access to support and resources. The study highlights the importance of addressing the unique needs of special children and their families during times of crisis and provides insights into the strategies and support that can be implemented to mitigate the negative impacts of financial and home-bound challenges on their mental health. The results of this study contribute to the ongoing conversation about the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable populations and the need for targeted support during crisis situations.

Renewable Energy, Trade and Economic Growth on Nitrous Oxide Emission in G-7 Countries Using Panel ARDL Approach

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study's objective is to evaluate the influences of numerous variables, including trade openness, renewable energy, and gross domestic product, on nitrous oxide emissions from 1990 to 2022. The Kao and Pedroni result demonstrates that the variables are cointegrated. This study the relationships between renewable energy, GDP, and trade openness on CO2 emission in G-7 nations. Using the Panel ARDL approach, the results show that, in the long run, there is a positive and significant correlation between GDP and trade openness on nitrous oxide emission in G-7 countries. Additionally, there is an insignificant but positive link between renewable energy and N2O emissions. Our proposal to political leaders and government officials is that they should strongly encourage foreign investors to participate in the production of clean and renewable energy, such as green energy, rather than conventional energy, in order to both support the activities of our economy and promote environmental stability. The government has to impose rigorous environmental laws and regulations, as well as come up with incentives for people to follow those policies, in order to enhance the overall quality of the environment.

Technology Acceptance in Public Sector Universities: A Case Study of University of the Punjab

Waseem Subhani, Muqaddas Rehman, Waqas Baig — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Through the mediating role of behavioral intention and moderating role of experience, this study aims to determine that how well Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is accepted and used in public universities, such as evidence from the University of the Punjab by using the UTAUT model. Data is gathered from the 340 employees working in the different Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) departments in the University of the Punjab. The boundary conditions and mechanisms between UTAUT model and employee behavior were estimated using SEM. SEM strongly agreed that behavioral intention partially mediated the impact of the UTAUT model on employees’ behavior. We discovered that experience can increase the indirect effects of behavioral intention on employee behavior. The research limitation is a longitudinal study. The study results have implications for exploring how the UTAUT model affects employees' behavior within the organization. This is the first study to examine the mediating role of behavioral intention and the moderating effect of experience in determining the relationship between UTAUT model and employee behavior using multi-source data from the educational sector.

Teachers’ Perception regarding Implementation of Quality Assurance Practices at University level in Pakistan

Shahbaz Ali, Samina Ashraf — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Exploring the teachers’ perception regarding implementation of quality assurance practices at university level was the aim of the in hand research. The main objective was knowing about teachers’ awareness regarding components of quality assurance and their implementation at departments level in university of the Punjab. It was descriptive research based on cross-sectional survey design in nature by applying quantitative research approach. Population for the present study was comprised all public universities which were situated in Pakistan. Data was gathered from 300 teachers who were working in 36 departments of University of the Punjab who selected by applying purposive sampling technique via self-developed questionnaire. The gathered data was arranged, coded and entered into computer for analysis. Data was analyzed with the help of SPSS (V.22) software by applying inferential and descriptive statistics. It was found that majority of the teachers were well aware about written mission statement, quality assurance office at department level, and quality assurance office at university components but minority of them were not aware about quality assurance policy, quality manual, and hold of self-assessment periodically. It is recommended that HEC should advise university to arrange extra seminars, conferences and workshops at department/ institution level to reassure involvement for good practice of teaching and quality assurance practices.

Effectiveness of Female Head Teachers Managerial Skills in Improving Teachers Performance

Zahid Ullah, Muhammad Ismail Khan, Ruhma Farooqi, Danyal Khan, Nida — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This paper intends to examine public secondary school head teachers competencies and their influence on teacher’s instructional decisions as well the overall school culture. This research paper endeavor to unravel secondary school principal’s managerial competencies and their influence on the performance of secondary school principals and such influence will help to stimulate and transform sophisticated school environment that will make strengthen student’s cognitive, affective as well psychomotor domains. Current study will cover following objective: “To determine the effectiveness of head teacher’s managerial skills on teacher’s academic performance at secondary school level”. Research design utilized for this study is of descriptive qualitative nature. Respondents of the study were secondary school principals/head Masters and secondary school teachers. Population of this research composed of all the 83 females’ secondary and 37 higher secondary schools. Sample of the study extracted from the population were 60 principals/ head masters and 120 secondary school teachers. Through proper consultation the researchers developed data collection instrument titled: “Principals’ Managerial Skills Scale”. Mean, Standard deviation was employed as a statistical data analysis tools. Data analysis was followed by conclusion to render realistic recommendations for the establishment of sophisticated school management.

Effects of Structural Inequalities and Misleading Discourse of Social Policymakers on African American families in God Help the Child

Abrar Ahmed, Bilal Ahmed, Zafar Nazeer Awan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In sociological and anthropological studies of African American family formation and development, racial hierarchies, criminal violence, social policies, and systemic disparities are often ignored. This study emphasizes the gradual development of consequences of xenophobic attitude of the society that stigmatizes African American family culture in the United States. The prevalent approach in social sciences was to blame the victim on certain group membership or racial specification such as color, background, and physical traits. These structural inconsistencies have been undervalued or studied only occasionally and irregularly. This is qualitative study that analysis Toni Morrison’s Gold Help the Child in the light of a rethinking history, a postmodern notion. The textual analysis of the selected text reveals that that formative policy makers focused on Black people’s violence and individual level incongruities but ignored their fundamental problems and latent potentialities. The finding further shows that the lack of structural and systematic analysis misled the discourse of policy makers and more precisely often justified black violence that reflects cultural inferiority and unique experiences of legitimatizing all kinds of violence and negativity propogated against them.

Analyzing Spelling Errors Committed By English as a Second Language (ESL) Learners At Secondary School Level

Muhammad Imtiaz, Khawaja Hisham Ul Hassan, Farhana Akmal — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Analyzing spelling errors committed by English as a second language (ESL) learners at secondary school level was the major purpose of the present research. Deliberating which types of spelling errors do the English learners committed and what are the causes behind the committing spelling errors was the main purpose of the current research. It was case study research design based on cross-sectional survey design in nature by applying qualitative research approach. Population for the present study was comprised all students of 10^th class of the Govt. High school Kangan Pur which was situated in district Kasur. Data was collect from 45 students of the 10^th class which were selected by applying purposive sampling technique via structured group interview protocol. Interview protocol was pilot tested by different English teaching experts. On the bases of their instruction, interview protocol was modified for final application. Thematic analysis was done of the gathered information. It was covered that majority of the pupils committed omission, substitution, insertion, transition spelling errors. The most committed type of spelling error is ‘omission error’. They felt difficulty in writing correct spelling due to lack of vocabulary, reading habits, development of self-concept, motivation, spelling system. Moreover, mother tongue, education system, untrained English teacher, poor reading and listening skill of students, and proofreading are the causes of committing spelling errors. The major cause of committing spelling error by English as a second language (ESL) learners at secondary school level is native language.

Does Employee’s Green Commitments and Green Attitude Mediate the Relationship of Green HRM Practices and Pro-Environmental Behaviour: Evidence from TEVT Sector Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study explored how employees’ green commitments and attitudes strengthen the impact of Green Human Resource Management Practices (GHRMPs) on the Pro-environmental behavior (Pro-EB) of TEVT graduates & trainers at the workplace. The Technical Education and Vocational Training (TEVT) sector is now focusing on developing strategic, environmentally sustainable policies to develop their employee’s commitments & attitudes toward ecologically friendly activities. Using a convenient sampling technique, data was collected from 286 TEVT Trainers and TEVT graduates, and extracted results after applying PLS-SEM and Bootstrapping analysis showed that Green Human Resource Management Practices through Employee Green Commitments and Employee Green Attitude have a significant positive impact on pro-environmental behaviour. This study provides greater insight for policymakers on developing strong green commitments and attitudes among TEVT Trainers and graduates to achieve sustainable, environmentally friendly behavior at workplace and training institutes. Further in-depth analysis is therefore recommended based on PLS prediction (Q2) results by the addition of another variable.

Relationship between Autocratic Leadership Style and Teachers’ Job Performance in Secondary Schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Sher Bahadar, Hakim Ullah, Muhammad Ayaz — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study was intended to investigate the ‘Relationship between Autocratic Leadership Style and Teachers’ Job Performance’. The main objective of the study was, ‘To find out the relationship between autocratic leadership style and teachers’ job performance’. All secondary school teachers (SSTs) of the three chosen districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, i.e. Kohat, Peshawar and Buner were included in the target population of this research. Sample of this survey was selected from secondary schools of the three mentioned districts. The total number of secondary school teachers of the selected districts was 1092. Two closed ended research tools, Leadership Styles Questionnaire and Teachers’ Job Performance Questionnaire were developed. Reliability of total item correlation of the two questionnaires were found out using Cronbach’s Alpha which were 0.817 for Leadership Styles Questionnaire (LSQ) while 0.916 for Teachers’ Job Performance Questionnaire (TJPQ). On the basis of data analysis, the null hypothesis was rejected. Based on the findings of the study, secondary school heads (Headmasters and Principals) are recommended to help the teachers in classroom management, for improving their teaching skills, management skills, discipline, regularity and interpersonal skills. It is also recommended that special workshops, seminars and trainings on capacity building of the teachers may be arranged for enhancing their capabilities and overall improvement of the institutions.

Mobile Payment Adoption in Pakistan: Extending UTAUT with Islamic Religiosity

Muhammad Hassaan, Gang Li, Raheel Akhtar — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In recent years, mobile payments have increased around the world. However, limited studies have examined m-payment users' intentions and behaviors. Using the UTAUT framework, this study addresses this research gap by exploring the primary factors that influence users' behavior and intention toward mobile payments. An empirical cross-sectional survey was conducted in order to achieve the study's objectives. Three hundred and twenty-four samples from Pakistan were used to test the proposed conceptual model. The results indicate that performance expectation, social influence, effort expectation, and facilitating conditions are critical to predicting m-payment usage and behavior. There is also an association between Islamic religiosity and behavioral intentions.

The Role of Technology in English Language Learning in Online Classes at Tertiary Level

Choudhry Shahid, Muhammad Taimoor Gurmani, Saif Ur Rehman, Laiba Saif — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The primary objective of the study is to investigate the relationship between the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) factors and online applications usage for language learning. Additionally, the influence of gender and prior technology use practice have been investigated by the study. In order to comprehend the user's responses to the technology used for language learning, this study used a quantitative approach and a TAM questionnaire to collect data. The study's participants are one hundred undergraduate English as a second language students who took online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students' behavioral intentions, attitudes, and app use were found to be significantly positively correlated in the research results. Besides, a positive affiliation exists between the factors; seen usability, perceived use, genuine use, and behavior. In addition, the experience has been found to be positively correlated with TAM factors, whereas gender does not appear to be associated with any TAM factors. The study suggested using technology in the classroom to make learning a second language more fun for students.

The Influence of Shopping Motivation On Sustainable Consumption: A Study Related To Eco-Friendly Apparel

Samira Durrani, Maimoona Sohail, Muhammad Waqas Rana — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The influence of consumers' intentions to purchase eco-friendly clothing is examined, with the moderating effect of consumption value. Also examined were reasons for the disparity between consumer purchase intention and buying behavior regarding green apparel. A questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale was utilized to collect data. One hundred ninety-seven responses were found valid out of 384 for analysis. Smart PLS and SPSS were used to analyze the data. By the analysis found a significant impact of hedonic motivation and utilitarian motivation on green purchase intention with moderating impact on consumption value for the purchase behavior of the consumer. Gender and income were also found to have a controlling impact on the Hedonic and utilitarian motivation of consumers. The impact of consumer information availability, convenience to buy, and customized offerings of green textile brands for consumers’ motivation to buy. Also, consumer beliefs related to environmental issues, social and trends significantly impact the motivation of consumers to purchase green apparel. The study of post-purchase behavior based on consumption value has been a new concept that is added in this research paper on an existing study. The research will be useful to manufacturers in understanding how consumers will buy green clothing in a sustainable way that benefits both the environment and consumers.

Financial Technology and Performance of Islamic Vs. Traditional Banks in Pakistan: By Non-Parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)

Azeem Akhtar Bhatti, Ali Raza, Anila Devi, Mansoor Ali Jamali, Maryam Khokhar — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A strong banking system is essential for driving economic growth and improving social welfare, particularly in developing nations such as Pakistan. This is because the banking sector serves as the backbone of the economy. Therefore, stability and performance in the banking system are paramount for sustained progress and prosperity. Pakistan's banking system has undergone significant changes due to comprehensive reforms that were implemented following the 1990 financial crisis at the local level. As a result, the system has undergone a fundamental transformation. The primary objective of our study is to present novel findings on the current government of the country's banking Sector. To evaluate the performance levels of banks in Pakistan, we conducted a non-parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) that compared the performance of Islamic Vs. Traditional Banks. We calculated the shadow return on equity (SROE) by formulating a frontier cost function specification that is constrained by capitalization. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between performance and shadow return on equity using a panel vector auto regression (PVAR) framework. Lastly, we examined the scale economies within the banking Sector in Pakistan, and our results have significant implications for regulatory decision-making and analysis.

How Job Burnout Impacts the Goal-Focused Leader Behavior with the Mediating Role of Supervisor’s Bottom-line Mentality

Saima Zia, Muhammad Azeem Ahmad, Anum Tariq — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Research studies consistently demonstrate the impact of job burnout on workplace performance. By establishing and justifying the association between job burnout and goal-focused leader behavior (i.e., supervisory performance is one of the key factors in achieving organizational goals), the goal of the study is to expand the literature concerning the interaction between job burnout and workplace performance that leads to organizational goals. Hypothesizing bottom-line mentality (BLM) also plays an important role in clarifying why there is a relationship between job burnout and supervisor bottom-line mentality (BLM). It is proposed exclusively that GFLB (goal-focused leader behavior) is related to job burnout when supervisory BLM mediates that relationship. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and Smart-PLS (version 4.0.9.0) to determine how variables influence each other. PLS-SEM, the study assessed the relationship between the proposed theoretical model and 310 valid research questionnaires. Using validity and reliability assessments, the path model fits well with the quantitative data. Consequently, all hypotheses were supported, indicating the mediating role of the Supervisor's BLM.

A Study of Microaggression and its Psychological and Physiological Effects on Individuals from Marginalised Communities

Muhammad Nauman Khalid — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The psychological and physiological well-being of people is affected by an extensive range of circumstances. Although a single microaggression might appear innocuous, a lifetime of them can have a serious negative impact on someone's mental health. The research on microaggression and its psychological and physical impacts on people from marginalized communities in healthcare is reported in this publication. Two villages on AI reservations are involved in this community-based participatory study initiative. 130 adults participated in written surveys and interviews to gather data. More than one-third of the sample said they have come across a microaggression while interacting with their medical professionals. The self-reported histories of heart attacks, worse depressed symptoms, drug abuse, suicide cases, and preceding year hospitalization were all associated with complaints of microaggressions. In multivariate models, the connection between microaggressions and hospitalization (but just not a previous heart attack) seemed to be partially explained by assessments of depressive and drug abuse symptoms. In this research, microaggressions were linked to worse emotional and physiological health evaluations for Pakistani people living with a disease, undermining the principles of patient-centered care. Clinicians need to be aware of these subtly discriminatory behaviors, which are frequently unintentional.

Professional Development of Teachers for Technological Enhanced Learning: Experiences of Faculty

Asif Khan, Muhammad Nisar Ul Haq, Sadia Batool — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

IT Progress by human beings made them dependent on internet accessing sufficient online skills for teacher’s profession. Human progress in technology or ICT helps promotion of online teachers’ professional development. There is one solution for teachers to constantly refine their competencies adapting to recent problems with the help of Teachers' Professional Growth. TPD is a nonstop process to reflect, learn and take action for improved teaching practices that reflects a positive influence on learning of learners. Professionalism in distance learning teaching has been defined as a set of blended educational session. Its aim at finding teacher’s experience to deliver in workshop, visual exposure and their overall impression of the workshop in finding out the difference of experience among faculty members of diverse nature of faculties in KIU Gilgit. For data collection, the research-oriented questionnaire was distributed among target groups. It was descriptive study and quantitative in nature. For the data analysis statistical techniques mean and Standard Deviation were applied. The data analyses found that majority of the teachers have the positive attitude towards this capacity building workshop on Technological Enhanced Learning. This study found that arts and humanities faculty teachers scored capacity building workshop on Technological Enhanced Learning; as more effective.

The Chinese as an Emerging Linguistic Resource in the Education Sector of Pakistan

Javid Iqbal, Farzana Masroor — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Investment in a new language restructures the prevailing ideologies through its potential as an alternative resource in the future linguistic market. This resource modifies the learners’ existing identities with the imagined identities of this new resource. This study aims to explore how learning Chinese language evolved as an investment in the education sector of Pakistan to construct an alternative identity in the future linguistic market. Under thematic analysis, in-depth interviews of the stakeholders investing themselves at various levels in promoting, learning, and teaching Chinese were analyzed with power discourse as the theoretical framework. Darvin and Norton’s (2015) model of investment was used as analysis model to investigate how investing learners in Chinese is reshaping their current identities in a structured habitus of shifting ideologies. The findings show a corresponding relationship of Chinese with a powerful economy, innovative technologies, and higher education. The major themes focus on the Chinese as an alternative resource with better employment potential in the future job market. This serves as a better alternative linguistic resource to improve the learners’ social and economic capital. This is where learners of this language invest themselves at different levels of the education sector in Pakistan to re-envision their future identities.

Impact of Social Factors and Peer Tutoring on Writing Proficiency of EFL Learners in Pakistan at Secondary School Level

Khifza Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Bilal Ahmed — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the impact of social factors and peer tutoring on EFL students’ academic performance. In this research work, peer tutoring strategy was used to examine its effectiveness. Three dimensions of peer tutoring ‘reciprocal peer tutoring, class-wide peer tutoring and cross-age peer tutoring’ were used. The objectives of the study were to find the effectiveness of social factors and peer tutoring on writing fluency and accuracy of EFL learners and to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of peer tutoring in EFL writing skills. The population of the study consisted of the students of 9th and 10th grade from a private school in District Mansehra. A sample of 90 students was taken randomly and these students were divided into control group and experimental group. Quasi experimental design, “Pretest-Posttest Nonequivalent Groups Design” was used to collect data. Among 60 students in experimental group, students who achieved above average marks, were selected as peers. Then posttest was conducted to find the effectiveness of peer tutoring. The data was analyzed through computer software SPSS version 21. The results showed a significant difference in students’ achievement in writing skills in experimental group. It was recommended to practice this technique in classroom to achieve academic skills.

Investigating Teacher Educators’ Perceptions on Technology Integration in Teacher Preparation Programs

Zahid Ali, Nazir Ahmad, Hidayat Ur Rehman, Noor Ullah, Tehniyat Zahra — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The researchers focus on the TPACK framework, which is used to assess teachers' understanding of how to use technology in the classroom. The goal of the model is to define the skills and knowledge teachers need to effectively integrate technology into their lessons. Teacher educators’ can better prepare their students for the problems of the modern world by applying the TPACK. Teachers need to have a high level of the ability to integrate their knowledge of subject matter, pedagogy, with the integration of technology. In the Pakistani setting, there is still a lack of technological integration in educational settings. The purpose of this research was to determine how well teacher educators in Karachi, Pakistan, use TPACK and associated domains in their classrooms for the preparation of future teachers. Teacher educators from private teacher education institutions of Karachi were conveniently sampled for this quantitative survey research study. Data was analyzed using SPSS, and the study's measurement and structural models were put through their paces using Smart PLS. It is one of the more sophisticated programs for structural equation modeling that uses partial least squares (PLS-SEM). The study found that teachers educators' technology and technological pedagogical knowledge significantly effects on their TPACK in a positive way. Conclusions and suggestions for further research are provided for implementing the TPACK framework in teacher education programs and designing learning strategies for enhancing instructors' pedagogical skills in light of the study's findings.

Association between Organizational, Biomechanical, Hard Physical and Psychosocial Risk Factors and Job-related Musculoskeletal Problem Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review

Sofia Anwar, Saima Khurshid, Lubna Nasar, Asia Parveen — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Basic aim of this systematic review paper is to overview the ergonomics risk factors associated with jobs and enumerate the associations between risk factors such as organizational, psychosocial, biomechanical, hard physical job risk factor and work-related musculoskeletal problems. PRISMA methodology for paper selection is adopted and selects 103 papers from springer and Elsevier, published during 2001 to 2021. Books and review papers are excluded from the review. Ergonomics risk factors of MPD issues such as palm pain, hand-wrist pain, arm pain, shoulder stretching and pain, neck pain, lower back pain, back bent, knee pain and foot pain among the workers of various industries. Out of 103 studies, link between WMPD and biomechanical risk factors is 30%, with psychosocial risk factors is 30%, with organizational risk factors is 26% and with physical job is 14%. As review indicates the association of ergonomic risk factors with work related MPD. There must be ergonomic interventions to overcome these MPD issues. Training and exercises must be guided to employees. Correct posture, sitting and standing positions to avoid associated job risk must be communicated to employees. There must be effective communication among employees and management to take an effective decision to resolve ergonomic risk factors associated with jobs.

Analyzing the Pump Diesel and Gasoline Prices on Inflation in Pakistan: A New Evidence from Non-Linear ARDL

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Maintaining inflation is one of the prime goals of the macroeconomic policy executed through the country's central bank. The persistence of inflation is considered a serious problem in developing countries because it erodes the standard of living of the majority of people. Nowadays, researchers are showing interest in energy price shocks as one of the drivers of inflation. So, the present study examines the role of pump diesel and pump gasoline prices on inflation controlling real exchange deprecation and urbanization using NARDL from 1990 to 2020. The result shows that the pump domestic diesel prices and pump domestic gasoline prices have a positively asymmetric impact on inflation in Pakistan. In contrast, real exchange deprecation and urbanization positively affect inflation. This study recommended that the government decrease the dependence on imported energy and focus on cheaper and domestic energy resources to fulfil the growing energy demand.

Causes Associated with the Growing Number of Street Children in Urban Cities of Indonesia

Allahdad Lashari, Hammadullah Kakepoto, Zuhaib Ali, Muhammad Ibrar — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The central object of this research study was to find out the roots of the increasing number of street children in major urban cities of Indonesia. This research planned to find out the extent of poverty; domestic violence, family dysfunction, and wanted for freedom have increased the number of street children. The survey strategy used in this research, researchers used a survey strategy, the study target population consisted of street children working and living on the street. The interview and close-ended Questionnaire were used in this study to gather data from the respondents and out of three hundred and eighty-four (384) who were sampled three hundred eighty-one (381) of them responded, the total response rate was ninety-nine (99) percent. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for Data analysis. The research findings established that poverty, economic deprivation, low of home, domestic violence at home by parents, and family dysfunction have generally had an impact on street children. The former street children face difficulties and isolation due to stigma.

Impacts of Industrial Pollution on Human Health: A Case Study of S.I.T.E Area Karachi

Muhammad Faisal Hayat, Aamir Abbas — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Industrial pollution has adverse effects on the human health. The prevalence of several toxic and chemical substances emitted from industries affects human health badly. The present research study has mainly focused on analysing the socio-economic conditions, health issues and causal environmental factors associated with prevalent health problems of the respondents residing near the S.I.T.E area in Karachi. In order to analyse the impact of industrial pollution on human health, the researcher has obtained data from 150 study participants through a structured questionnaire based on five points Likert scale. Two different groups, factory workers and people residing near the industrial area are recruited for the collection of data. A sample size of 75 workers and 75 heads of the house residing within 2 K.M range of industrial area were recruited by using a systematic random sampling technique. The findings of the research study show that there is a significant relationship between air pollution and the prevalence of respiratory diseases. The main pollution sources in the study areas were industries, traffic congestion, and domestic and water pollution. It is suggested that mitigation strategies should be formulated to combat industrial pollution, and significant healthcare services should be provided to the people residing near the industrial areas.

Objective: The present research study has mainly focused to assess the socio-economic conditions, health issues and causal environmental factors associated with prevalent health problems of the respondents residing near the S.I.T.E area Karachi.

Methodology: In order to assess the impact of industrial pollution on human health the total 150 respondents were recruited for the data collection. Two different groups, factories workers and people residing near the industrial area were selected for the data collection. A sample size of 75 workers and 75 heads of the house residing within 2 K.M range of industrial area were recruited by using systematic random sampling technique.

Results: Findings of the research study show that there is a significant relationship between air pollution and prevalence of respiratory diseases. Main pollution sources in the study areas were industries, traffic congestion, domestic and water pollution. The respondents were facing some common, respiratory and serious diseases like Asthma, cardiovascular, high blood pressure, cancer, skin diseases and diarrhea as well.

Recommendation: It is suggested that mitigation strategies should be formulated to combat industrial pollution and significant health care services should be provided to these people residing near the industrial areas.

Language, Society and Gender: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Linguistic Variation in the Language of Men and Women in the Movie North Country

Muhammad Salman, Sulaiman Ahmad, Khushnood Arshad — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present research is the study of linguistic variations in the language of males and females in the movie North Country. By applying Robin Lakoff's deficit theory to the work, the research highlighted the difference based on hedging, tag questions, and intensifiers. Language variation in gender was a common topic in the 1970s, but till now not much empirical evidence is present to support Robin Lakoff’s theory, the research has provided a firm ground for the theory. The research study is a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the discourse of males and females in the movie "North Country." The research study findings in accordance with its objectives show how male and female's language differs from each other by providing empirical evidence, as males and females show different trends in the use of tag questions, hedging, and intensifiers. This is a highly significant study academically it will provide analyzed data with evidence to students of genderlect.

Exploring Sexual Harassment and Students' Academic Performance: A Case Study of Business Schools of Peshawar City

Fazaila Shad, Azhar Khan, Mansoor Ullah, Farah Nadir — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Business schools appear to be under-researched when it comes to sexual harassment. Because of the hesitancy of victims to report their experiences, sexual harassment in academia is often a hidden issue. In the last few years, the media and research have paid great attention to it, and the general public is becoming more aware of it. This research work aimed to find out the students' knowledge about sexual harassment, the types faced by students, and further, evaluate up to what extent sexual harassment impedes the academic performance of students. The study also aimed to find various elements leading to the sexual harassment experience of males and females in the classroom. The data of this qualitative study are collected through 30 semi-structured interviews from students of public and private business schools in Peshawar city. The study investigates the effect of sexual harassment on the academic performance of students. The results indicate that it affects the mental health and morale of students and it leads to dissatisfaction. Hence, there is a crucial need to develop sustainable systems to redress the structure through anti-sexual harassment policies.

Exploration of Language Functions as an Ideological State Apparatus in the Novel Lord of the Flies

Khalid, Sania Gul, Irfan Ullah — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies" explores the role of language in shaping societal norms, values, and power structures. The language used by the characters reflects their respective ideologies and contributes to the development of their positions. Language also reveals power dynamics and social hierarchies within the group, with characters who speak Standard English portrayed as more intelligent and civilised. The use of language perpetuates the dominant ideology of the group, with Jack using aggressive language to exert control over others while Ralph employs more collaborative and inclusive language. This paper demonstrates how language is not merely a means of communication but a tool for shaping and reinforcing societal norms, values, and power structures. Using language as an ideological state apparatus plays a significant role in shaping the characters' ideological positions and the dynamics within the group.

Causes and Consequences of Child Labour on Children’s Health: A Case Study of Afghan’s Refugee Child Labourer in Peshawar

Sheheryar Khan, Muhammad Ibrar — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study focuses on exploring the causes and consequences of child labour on children's health among Afghan’s refugees living in Peshawar. Data were collected from 100 child labour respondents through in-depth interviews from an area of research, and results were drawn through analysis to reach a conclusion. This study found that these child labour respondents have body aches, headaches and joint pain, skin disease, eye problems, coughing, and tiredness, are affected by large family size, facing harassment at the workplace that torcher them physically and mentally as there is no such mechanism that can cure their illness or address their harassment issue. Long working hours, less rest, and heavy loads affect their health negatively. Due to a lack of money and time, these children cannot visit doctors. Even if a doctor's check is free of cost, they do not purchase medicine. These children often rely upon homemade medicine, which is offered by their families. Therefore, this study found that health issues among child labour respondents are a common phenomenon, and treatment issues need to be resolved for their health and their future.

Overpopulation as a Social Catastrophe in Ireland: An Analysis of Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal from the Perspective of Malthusian Catastrophe

Maryam Farid, Sulaiman Ahmad, Khushnood Arshad — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The validity of Ireland’s tragedies fixes itself perfectly on the theory of Malthusian Catastrophe proposed by Thomas Robert Malthus. To prove how Ireland is driven to the Malthusian havoc rests upon proving how and why the Crown exploits the Irish and their country. That is tackled by inspecting Swift’s appeal to the government, A Modest Proposal, and convinces its audience that the ruin caused in Ireland is all in fact the blame of the Parliament, a panorama that Swift clasps onto in his essay. Swift’s claims from this literary piece are used to make explicit why he thought the British were to be blamed for the Malthusian decree of Ireland. Further, the paper meanders into the positive and preventative checks of Malthus’s doctrine aligning it with the absurd solution Swift presents in his essay. An impartial verdict regarding the so-called Ireland’s genocide conspiracy is dispensed. The reasons why Swift’s manuscript turns out a biting satire is picked apart and fiddled with. The researchers employ mammoth support from other research projects, Thomas Malthus’s own records, and also from the controversial masterpiece of Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal, and have penned down a carefully formulated chronological stream of evidence that wraps in its bearings the results of the research. The matrix grid of confirmations answers how the population surge was caused in Ireland equating in a Malthusian catastrophe, how do Malthus’s checks align with Swift’s grisly solution and why was his satiric solution so unsettling.

Socio-Economic Political Systems and the Sovereignty of Allah: An Analysis of Iqbal's Poem “Iblees Ki Majlis-e-Shura”

Fakhra Ghani, Hafsah Ayaz Qureshi, Syeda Ujala Zahid, Ayesha Hassan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

“Iblees Ki Majlis-e-Shura ” is a thought-provoking poem by Allama Iqbal that delves into the intersection between socio-economic-political systems and the sovereignty of Allah. Through an analysis of the poem, this paper explores Iqbal's perspective on the role of governance in promoting social justice and the importance of acknowledging the supremacy of Allah in shaping political systems. The poem presents a hypothetical scenario in which the devil, Iblees, convenes a council of advisors to discuss the best way to govern humanity. Iqbal uses this metaphor to critique the prevailing political systems of his time and argue for a system based on Islamic principles that prioritize justice and equality for all. Iqbal's poem highlights the need for leaders to be guided by a moral compass that reflects the values of Allah. He suggests that the pursuit of power and wealth at the expense of the poor and marginalized is antithetical to the sovereignty of Allah and will ultimately lead to societal collapse. Overall, this paper concludes that Iqbal's poem offers a compelling critique of contemporary socioeconomic political systems and provides a blueprint for a more just and equitable society based on the principles of Islamic governance.

The Role of Public Universities in Youth Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility: A Study of Social Sciences Faculty, University of Peshawar, Pakistan

Muhammad Ibrar, Aamir Jamal, Ayesha Gul — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present study aims to explore the role of public sector universities in the social responsibilities and civic engagement of youth in the faculty of social sciences, University of Peshawar, Pakistan. Using a quantitative survey involving systematic sampling methods, the study interviewed 180 social sciences at KP public universities. For the collection of data from the respondents, a self-administered questionnaire was used. The findings indicated that most of the participants of the study had never participated in any volunteer community service, or even signed up for a social issue. In the view of the participants, the role of you in society should be to advocate for positive change and peace. Participants advocated for peace and interfaith education, fostering linkages and capacity-building opportunities with the business and development sectors, as well as folklore, music and theatre at the country's public universities. The study recommendation includes; stimulating social responsibility and the opportunities for civic engagement for students at the country's public universities so that youth may involve effectively to the benefit of the wider community.

Work-Family Conflicts, Psychological Well-being and Quality of Life among Working Officials: A Comparative Study

Aqeel Ahmad Khan, Bisma Akhlaq, Aftab Hussain, Yasmin Akhtar — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The current study deals with the comparison of three variables among working officials, i.e. work-family conflict with psychological well-being and the quality of life of the employees. The participants of this study were officials belonging to different fields of life, such as doctors, teachers, lawyers and bankers. The sample of this study was (N=20) individuals screened out with higher levels of work-family conflicts out of the sample of (N=100) officials. Data was collected by using three scales. The level of work-family conflict was checked by administering WFC-Scale developed by Haslam et al. (2015). The level of psychological well-being was measured by using Psychological Well-being Scale developed by Ryff (1995), and the level of Quality of Life was measured by using the Quality of Life scale developed by WHO (1998). The collected data was analyzed by SPSS. The statistical analysis of the data showed that the overall level of WFC was higher among females as compared to male working officials. The quality of life was higher among males as compared with female working officials. The comparison also showed that the WFC was higher among unmarried officials, and the PW & QL was higher among married officials. Hence, the study concluded that female officials are suffering from more WFC instead of males.

US-China Growing Competition in Soft Power

Dost Muhammad Barrech, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The utilization of soft power, based on attraction and persuasion, is crucial for countries in the international arena, as it discourages the use of hard power. For China, soft power is just as pivotal as hard power in its efforts to dominate the world. Beijing's preoccupation with soft power is rapidly increasing, and it seeks to convince the world that it is a benign power and believes in soft power in foreign policy. China has now emerged as a rising power due to its strong economy, initiation of the Belt and Road Initiative BRI, the resolution of outstanding issues with neighboring states, rapid progress in technological development, and contribution to UN peacekeeping missions. Despite this, China's image in the West is not positive, and the US and its allies will continue to attempt to damage China's soft power image by criticizing its BRI, debt-trap policies, authoritarian regime, human rights violations, and labor exploitation in Africa. The competition for soft power dominance between the US and China is in full swing. Both states seek to continue their hegemony in the 21st century. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze and compare the utilization of soft power by China and the US, highlighting their respective soft power strategies.

Colonialism as a Profession: A Precursor of Moral Degradation in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness

Mudassar Khan, Usama Naseer, Asma Rahim — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examines the negative effects of colonialism as a profession on the European colonizers, particularly Mr Kurtz in the novella Heart of Darkness. The present study intends to analyze the idea that not only the African wilderness is responsible for the moral corruption of Mr Kurtz and his companions, but his profession is also a reasonable cause. The paper also explores how the narrator of the story, Marlow, who is also a part of the colonial system, distorts reality and blames only the African environment for the mental degradation of Mr Kurtz. In this regard, Frantz Fanon’s concept of violence is used to illustrate these problems in the given novella. The study concludes that although Marlow only reprehends the African wilderness for the moral collapse of Mr Kurtz, colonialism as a violent profession is also a substantial factor responsible for his extreme behaviour.

Challenges and Benefits of Multicultural Education for Promoting Equality in Diverse Classrooms

Farah Latif Naz, Afrina Afzal, Muhammad Hamid Nawaz Khan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Multicultural education is increasingly vital for equity in different classrooms. This study examines intercultural education's pros and cons from teachers' and students' perspectives. This study used easy sampling to choose 200 individuals from Lahore, Punjab educational institutions. Multicultural education promotes cultural awareness, empathy, and respect in pupils, which can improve diversity. Multicultural education improves critical thinking, brainstorming, and problem-solving in the classroom. Multicultural education enabled teachers and students to understand and appreciate diverse cultures, faiths, and languages and challenge their assumptions to see the world from different perspectives. Multicultural education also fosters camaraderie in varied classrooms. Multicultural education improved student connections and classroom inclusion. The study also found that teachers feel unprepared to teach in diverse classrooms and lack the resources to effectively integrate multicultural education. Students also say intercultural education overloaded information access. Some also view intercultural education as useless and uncomfortable since it discusses sensitive themes like culture and identity. This research reveals intercultural education's benefits and drawbacks in creating equality in heterogeneous classrooms. Further, instructors need more assistance and training to promote and execute multicultural education in classrooms and offer students with appropriate materials and advice. Despite these limitations, suggested promoting and emphasizing varied teaching approaches in classrooms.

A Conceptual Underpinnings on Appraising SWOT Analysis as the Conciliator Strategic Marketing Planning through Marketing Intelligence

Mehtab Begum Siddiqui, Anila Devi, Ali Raza, Ghulam Fiza Shah, Maryam Khokhar — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This paper is purposely prepared to explore the significance of marketing intelligence in primary marketing development, specifically with regard to SWOT analysis. It also aims to identify common issues associated with SWOT analysis and propose a systematic approach to addressing them. This topic has been widely discussed in the research field, and while there have been previous efforts to address it, there is still potential for further exploration and development. The paper is based on a comprehensive literature review, which suggests that pre-job assessment can have a positive impact on the effectiveness of primary marketing planning by evaluating the SWOT analysis. Optimistically, this paper will help marketing managers understand the standing of marketing intelligence, advertising vision and pre-job valuation in evolving operative primary promotion plans.

An Analysis of Qisas and Diyat Laws, Inadequately Encompassed the Islamic Gist as Fused in Judicial System of Pakistan

Johar Wajahat, Hira Shahjehan, Rafia Naz Ali — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Qisas and Diyat is product of Islamic jurisprudence. The laws in Pakistan with distinct applicability of conceptual approach of Qisas and Diyat laws in trails are inadequately addressed the purposes of criminal justice along with consequences of vast judicial discretion in Qisas and Diyat cases will not serve the purpose of administering justice. The Holy Quran hasn’t provided a dictionary definition of justice, but it establishes a conceptual approach to the principle of equilibrium, parity, righteousness, proper assessing, veracity, individual capacity and progress and the accepted mandate. The key form of justice is the egalitarianism of human personalities being valued as Human beings, evidently indicated in the Holy injunctions of and even stressed in the last Holy Sermon of (PBUH). The Qisas and Diyat laws, as pooled in Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, have not been argued and debated adequately and hence contain imperfections, tend to bring imbalance and introduce crimes like violence against women, vani, swara etc. The aim of the analysis is to address the shortcomings and loopholes prevailing in the criminal justice system by advancing solutions and concept clarity related to the institution of aqilah.

Apology Strategies in Hindko: An Explanatory Intercultural Research

Shahid Hussain Mir, Mahwish Ashiq, Muhammad Kamran — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Intercultural and cross-cultural studies play a significant role in understanding the influence of culture on communication, especially pragmatic communication in any language. The current study aims to explore the phenomenon of apology strategies used by Hindko speakers enrolled at the University of Kotli and the University of AJK Muzaffarabad. The data were collected through a Discourse Completion Test from 10 speakers of Hindko enrolled in various departments at the University of Kotli and UAJK Muzaffarabad. The Turkish language data were adopted as a reference from a research study conducted by Cetinavei (2012). The Hindko data were analyzed using the theoretical framework presented by Blum-Kulka et.al (1984). The findings of the research show that Hindko speakers show variation in using apology strategies. Hindko speakers use more direct explanation and denial strategies, whereas Turkish speakers use indirect responsibility and explanation strategies. Moreover, the analysis also shows that Hindko speakers use forgiveness strategies more frequently than other strategies like intensifying or taking responsibility. The research opens doors for future researchers to dig into the comparative aspects of the languages with other European languages.

The Worst to Best Hopes: An Appraisal of Pakistan-India Relations

Nighat Shaheen, Imran Ali, Muhammad Arif — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The relations between Pakistan and India share a critical relations history. Both the neighboring states fought major three wars in 1965, 1971 and 1998 (Kargil) and numerous medium and small-level clashes due to a number of different causes. The study founds Kashmir as the root cause as well as Line of Control (LOC) issues, interference in each other country affairs, political criticism and religious issues have been observed as misunderstandings between both countries. However, the leadership of both nations have a history to solve these issues through peaceful means but yet failed. This study relies on multiple sources i.e. primary and secondary through descriptive research methods. The study suggests that Pakistani and Indian delegates would do well to compromise their positions and build confidence between them as well as it will be necessary to retain some degree of flexibility with regard to the principles and points that are being negotiated.

Psychological Capital and Work Engagement: A Mediated Moderation Model of Positive Emotions and Emotional Intelligence

Hina Shahid, Muhammad Ali Ather, Sana Shahid, Zara Imran — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The current study sought to investigate and add critical consequences of work engagement to the literature on psychological capital in the healthcare sector of Pakistan. For better understanding of the mechanism, Positive Emotions (PE) is added as potential mediator between the relationship of psychological capital (PsyCap) and work engagement. Also, the moderating role of emotional intelligence is studied. A total of 370 registered nurses working in tertiary public and private hospitals of Lahore participated in the survey. Using convenience sampling technique, the data were collected through a standardized and structured questionnaire using cross-sectional time frame. Results revealed that PE partially mediated the relationship between PsyCap and work engagement. Moderation revealed a statistically significant moderation of EI between PsyCap and PE. Also, it was worth noting that mediating effect of positive emotions among psychological capital and work engagement was moderated by emotional intelligence at all three levels of moderation. Workplace interventions need to be developed and implemented to increase the psychological capital and work engagement of registered nurses. Findings from this research have implications for registered nurses and hospital management as well as the literature of positive psychology. The results underlined the vital role of sub dimensions of PsyCap, EI and PE in developing work engagement among registered nurses.

Impacts of Spirituality on Health Status of HIV/AIDS Infected People: A Study of HIV/AIDS Control Centers in District Gujrat and Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan

Iqra Shakeel, Afzaal Afzal, Aaqib Shahzad Alvi, Intisar Hussain — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Spirituality is a complex and multilayered construct that can incorporate the internal, external, personal, emotional and physical expression of the sacred expression. Spirituality refers to different prospects for different people, such as believing in a higher power, inner peace, finding a higher purpose in life, and connectedness with self, others and the natural world, among others. Spirituality has a significant association with the life of human beings and is a greater source of positive deeds, which has a great concern in an individual's personal, social, physical and economic situation. Throughout the world, especially in developing countries like Pakistan, individuals living with HIV face several stressors regarding the chronicity of their diseases and experience a very high level of post-traumatic stress. In this study, researchers examined the impacts of spirituality on the health condition of HIV patients by applying quantitative research methods & techniques. Data were collected from patients registered at HIV/AIDS control centres of districts Gujrat and Sargodha. Non-random convenience sampling techniques were applied, and primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Advanced statistical software SPSS-21 was used for empirical and reliable results. The findings of the study indicated that spirituality has significantly positive impacts on the psycho-social and physical health conditions of HIV patients.

An Analysis of the Right to Information Act 2013 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Shazia Sultan, Prof. Dr. Zahid Anwar — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The right to information is a powerful tool of good governance without which Transparency and Accountability remain a mere aspiration and an allegory. The basic purpose of this study is to analyze the importance of RTI in general and to provide an overview of the introduction of this basic human right in the conflicts-affected province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan in particular. RTI ACT of 2013 in KP was the first serious effort of the PTI provincial government in the country. For accomplishing this task, qualitative methodology with primary and secondary sources as an instrument for collecting data has been employed. Key informant interviews were conducted with members of the Provincial Assembly of KP and officials in the RTI Commission to record their opinion about RTI. The piece of study has highlighted the brief history of the efforts of introducing this law in Pakistan and analyzed the features, mechanism, and success extent of the RTI Act 2013 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The paper concludes that the Act was highly respected throughout the country, as it was ranked 3rd in all global RTI Acts as it met basic international requirements like clearly defining and enumerating information and exemption from disclosure.

Evolution of Self: Exploration of Personality Development in Kamila Shamsie's Selective Novel

Hafiz Muhammad Usman Dar, Quratul Ain Shafique, Yasmeen Khatoon — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The persona of Hasan in Kamila Shamsie’s novel In the City By the Sea is a complicated and multi-faceted character whose adventure from childhood to adulthood illustrates his cognitive and psychosocial improvement in the story. In this paper, we have analyzed Hasan's character focusing on his cognitive maturity and social development, discovering through his life experiences and relationships his idea of self and the world around him. Our discussion draws on Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, explaining the ways Hasan's conception of reality and truth undergoes evolution over time as he progresses from a concrete, sensorimotor awareness of the world to greater abstract, formal operational understanding. We additionally utilize Erikson's ideas on psychosocial development, especially the stage of identity versus identity confusion in his theory and the blossoming of Hasan's ego identity. The paper argues that Hasan's immediate life experiences and relationships play an essential function in shaping his idea of himself and the surrounding world. In conclusion, our research offers an insightful interpretation of Hasan's portrayal in the novel, exploring the functioning of cognitive and psychosocial growth at work in his progression from formative years to maturity. The current research highlights the utility of Piaget and Erikson's theories to interpret literary characters and unpack the interplay of both nature and nurture in comprehending the complex phenomenon of human development.

Assessing the Efficiency of Takaful and Insurance Companies in Emerging Markets

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research was conducted to compare and contrast the effectiveness of Takaful and Conventional insurance providers in developing markets like Pakistan. This was achieved by collecting and analyzing information from the databases of four Takaful and four traditional insurance providers covering 2012-2018. The technical, cost and allocative efficiencies were determined using data envelopment analysis. Total assets and employee count were inputs, while investment income, net premium revenue, and other income were measured as outcomes. Labour and asset costs were included in determining profitability. As of 2012, Pakistan's Takaful insurance sector was considered extremely technically efficient. Conventional insurance companies were more technically efficient than Takaful insurance companies throughout the review period, with an average technical efficiency score of 0.890 compared to 0.730 for Takaful insurance companies. Pak-Qatar General Takaful was found to be the most technically efficient (0.855), Pak-Qatar Family Takaful most allocative (0.703) and cost-efficient (0.597) among all Takaful insurance firms in Pakistan. On average the technical efficiency score is 0.810, allocative efficiency 0.490 and cost efficiency 0.407. Tobit regression estimates found that investment income, size of the firm and number of employees significantly affects the efficiency scores of insurance companies. Based on the above discussion the researcher concludes that conventional and Takaful insurance companies require to improve their technical, allocative and cost efficiencies.

An Evaluation of Early Childhood Education at Provincial Level: Policies, Practices, Issues, and Challenges in Baluchistan

Shazia Hameed, Naeem Akhtar — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The topic of this literature review article is "ECCE Policy and Practice in Baluchistan". The article aims to critically analyze the existing policy framework and ECCE practices in Baluchistan and identify improvement opportunities. It provides recommendations and strategies for increasing parental and community involvement in ECCE programs. Overall, the article aims to provide insights and recommendations for improving the quality of ECCE services in Baluchistan based on a thorough review and analysis of existing literature. It involves conducting a comprehensive search for relevant literature on ECCE policy and practice in Baluchistan, evaluating the quality and credibility of the sources, synthesizing the information, and identifying common themes, issues, and challenges related to the topic. The review and analysis of existing literature also involve analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the existing policy framework and ECCE practices in Baluchistan, evaluating the impact of ECCE services on child development and future education, and providing recommendations and strategies for improving the quality of ECCE services in Baluchistan based on the findings from the literature review. Overall, the review and analysis of existing literature is a crucial aspect of this article as it provides a comprehensive understanding of ECCE policy and practice in Baluchistan and informs recommendations for improvement.

Think How to Think: Studying the Relationship between Critical Thinking Skills and Academic Achievement of Learners at Higher Education

Asia Zulfqar, Anam Hayat — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this research was twofold; to identify the relationship between critical thinking skills and academic achievement of students and explore the teachers’ perceptions of students’ critical thinking skills in higher education. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were adopted to collect data from university students and teachers. A public sector university was involved through purposive sampling to collect data from teachers and students. A test was developed for students based on the literature on critical thinking skills. Academic achievement was measured through the CGPA of students. A total of 800 students appeared in the test. Simple linear regression was applied to map the relationship between students' critical thinking skills and academic achievement. To collect data from teachers, a semi-structured interview protocol was developed in line with the test content. In total, 20 teachers were involved in collecting data. Thematic analysis was carried out to analyze qualitative data. The results of linear regression showed that there was no relationship between critical thinking skills and the academic achievement of students. They mainly reported their teaching methods and strategies. They rated a moderate level of critical thinking skills of their students. These results were contrasted with available research in higher education.

University Women Leadership and Institutional Performance-Team Effectiveness: The Moderating Effect of Authenticity in Leadership

Mehnaz Begum, Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Idris — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This article aims to explore the lived experiences of six women leaders and their leadership practices for improving institutional performance at the university level. The article explains how authenticity in leadership attributes influences team effectiveness and institutional performance. The qualitative approach was adopted for this article. The population of the article was all university women leaders of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Sample was chosen from HoDs at the University of Swat. Data were collected from 06 university women leaders through in-depth interviews. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to approach the participants. Obtained results prove that university women leaders significantly improve institutional performance through their authentic leadership practices. Moreover, findings suggest that authenticity plays an imperative role in the improvement of team effectiveness.

Confronting the Destructive Impact of Bullying: The Harmful Consequences and Laws for Anti-Bullying Initiatives

Kashif Javed, Shumain Malik, Waqas Younus, Anum Shahid — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Bullying is a widespread phenomenon that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With the advancement of technology, cyber bullying has also become a growing concern among young people. The purpose of this research project is to examine the effects and consequences of bullying on youth and students, with a particular focus on Pakistan. The research aims to identify the reasons for bullying, its prevalence, and its impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole. The study uses a quantitative research methodology to gather data and analyze the findings. The research reveals that bullying is a common problem among school and college students in Pakistan, with a significant number of individuals reporting being victims of bullying at least once in their life. The most common forms of bullying reported are verbal and emotional abuse. The study also highlights the role of parental involvement, moral education, and the availability of safe spaces for young people in preventing bullying atmosphere. In extreme cases, bullying can even lead to suicide, as the victim may feel helpless and isolated. The research suggests that a combination of measures, including moral education, legislation, and strict laws, can help prevent bullying in Pakistan.

The Politics of Marginalization: Assessing the Influence of Inter-Party Marginalization on Women’s Political Empowerment in Balochistan, Pakistan

Muhammad Makki Kakar, Muhammad Rahim, Farooq Abdullah — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research paper delves into the dynamics of marginalization in politics by examining the impact of inter-party marginalization on the political empowerment of women in Balochistan, Pakistan. Given that women make up half of the population, their involvement in various spheres, particularly political development, holds significant importance. The study specifically focuses on women who are active in the political arena, representing eight political parties in Balochistan: ANP, BNP-Mengal, NP, HDP, PkMAP, PML-N, PPPP, and PTI. A sample of 400 respondents was carefully selected from these parties to gather insights into the political participation and empowerment of women in the region. The findings demonstrate a relationship between women's political affiliation with political parties in Balochistan and their marginalization within the realm of party politics. Furthermore, the study highlights the necessity for political parties to provide equal opportunities for women to participate in party politics and emphasizes the importance of fair and unrestricted political engagement. This research sheds light on the level of women's involvement in politics in Balochistan and underscores the potential for further advancements in empowering women through equal representation.

Dimensions of Res Judicata Applicability in Pakistan

Hafiz Abdul Rehman Saleem, Hamid Mukhtar, Imtiaz Ahmad Khan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Res judicata is a matter of public policy and right during any litigation. The doctrine is discussed in the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 (CPC 1908) with an exhaustive instance of applicability and inapplicability in Section 11. However, the explanation given in Section 11 appears in-exhaustive considering the broader spectrum of cases and scenarios. This manuscript consolidates the instances that complement section 11 to formulate the ever-exhaustive list of instances for the proper application of res judicata. The study conducted case-based research and extracted the rules formulated in the judicial decisions by the higher judiciary. The present research contemplates a better comprehension of the rules that can save the public right of litigation and also inhibit unnecessary instances of frivolous litigation.

The Impact of Socio-economic Status on Academic Achievement

Javeria Munir, Mehreen Faiza, Bakht Jamal, Sana Daud, Khurshed Iqbal — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzes how Socio-economic status (SES) affects student academic performance. The study examines how Socio-economic background affects academic performance. This study can help explain how SES affects academic achievement and guide educational policy and actions to close achievement inequalities.300 varied secondary school pupils was sampled. Parental income, education, and occupation were used to calculate Socio-economic status. Standardized tests and GPAs measured academic performance. Data analysis used correlation and regression analysis. The regression study explored how SES predicted academic outcomes while adjusting for other factors like family engagement and school resources. Correlation analysis examined the relationship between SES and academic achievement. The Socio-economic position appears to affect academic performance. Higher-Socio-economic students fare better academically. However, parental participation and school resources may buffer the SES-academic achievement association. This study suggests focused treatments for low-income students. Policymakers and educators may reduce the achievement gap and promote fair education by understanding how Socio-economic status affects academic performance.

Class Difference Leads to an Inferiority Complex: Discrimination and Inequality in The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

Saman Safdar, Umme Laila Naqvi, Afshan Naseem — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Aravind Adiga is one of the assertive Indian novelists who retaliate to the issues of social realism on the canvas of Indian literature. India gained its independence in 1947. Even after the decennary, millions of Indians worried about the lack of basic utilities and rights. The White Tiger is about a fascinating, angry and brutishly absurd voyage of protagonist Balram from an Indian village to a successful businessman. He was aggravated by the unethical society. The poor are aggregated with the chickens who are kept in the Rooster Coop. The White Tiger symbolizes power, freedom and individuality. The White Tiger is a metaphor used for Balram for its intelligence, but despite his intelligence, he is unable to pursue his education further because of the economic condition. He finds his way out of this darkness by murdering his master Ashok and stealing his money. The researcher has approached and analyzed Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger from the Speciesism perspective to develop the argument of the study. The research is precisely based upon speciesism given by Richard Ryder in 1970 on the principle of racism and sexism. Speciesism is discriminating against one group on the basis of their race and sex.

The Role of Economic and Political Factors in Shaping Consumers' Confidence in Pakistan

Nazneen Durrani, Kaneez Fatima, Jamil Ahmed — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Consumer confidence is an important determinant of economic growth. However, consumer confidence itself is determined by the economic and political situation of the country. This paper contributes to the literature by examining the role of economic and political factors in developing consumer confidence in Pakistan over the period from February 2012 to December 2020. Economic factors include GDP growth, inflation, interest rate, stock returns and exchange rate while elections, terror attacks and news are taken as political factors affecting Consumer confidence. Regression analysis is performed and models are estimated using the OLS. The results show that economic variables such as inflation and economic growth are statistically significant determinants of consumer confidence in Pakistan. However, when political variables are added to the model, the explanatory power of the model significantly increases. Political variables such as elections and terror attacks have a statistically significant impact on the confidence of Pakistani consumers. The findings of this paper imply that consumer confidence is an important determinant of economic well-being and business cycle fluctuations of a country itself determined by economic and political factors where political factors play a dominant role in Pakistan.

Epistemic Modal Verbs in the Field of Linguistics and Literature: A Corpus-Based Study

Ayesha Bashir, Irfan Ullah, Liaqat Iqbal — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Epistemic modality, a linguistic category, particularly deals with the interactive dimensions of various discourses. Epistemic modality in broad terms can be defined as any modal system that indicates the degree of assurance of what a speaker says. The present study identifies and analyzes the epistemic modal verbs EMVs in the dissertations of linguistics and literature. For this purpose, two sub-corpora of Ph.D. dissertations from the fields of linguistics and literature were constructed. The concordance tool AntConc3.5.8 was used to analyse the selected modal verbs. The most frequent epistemic modal auxiliaries used in both disciplines were found to be may, would and could. Interestingly, the EMVs were deployed by the researchers of linguistics more than twice as much used by the researchers of literature.

Impact of Negative Discrete Emotion on Subjective Career Success with Mediation Role of Proactive Career Behavior

Mubashir Ahmad, Syed Mohsin Ali Shah, Haider Khalil, Arif Hussain — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to investigate how (ANG) affects the (SCS), using the framework of affective event theory. Furthermore, the study seeks to shed light on the specific ways in which different aspects of (ANG) impact "(SCS)".by exploring the potential mediating role of (PCB). The study's primary objective is to provide light on how people might lessen (ANG's) deleterious effects on their (SCS) by investigating these pathways. Data from 415 individuals with jobs in the service industry in Pakistan was used to conduct statistical tests using a method called "structural equation modelling" (SEM). The study's results show that (ANG) significantly affects many facets of (SCS). Specifically, the findings show a negative direct effect of ANG on SCS, while also revealing a positive association between ANG & (PCB). Moreover, the research shows that PCB mediates the connection between ANG and SCS. Future studies should investigate the function of negative emotions and PCB, and SEFF as mediators of the SCS to fully comprehend its significance for both workers and employers. This problem may be alleviated and biases avoided by using an externally derived scale for a number of constructs.

Leading Successful Schools: Sharing the Wisdom (A Case Study into a Developing Country’s Perspective)

Rozina Sewani, Shabroz, Nazia Bibi — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Leading successful school Principals plays a vital role in the school environment. Successful school Principals as educational leaders dedicate significant time to educating school stakeholders on the primary objective of school reform. They provide structures that facilitate communication between schools and processes that enable school stakeholders to engage in truly participatory decision-making. The purpose of this study, which examined the role of successful school Principals’ educational leadership and management practices, was to determine how Principals' leadership and management practices facilitate the transition to a successful school. The research was conducted using the experiences of three school Principals. The data were gathered utilizing a qualitative case study methodology, which included semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings indicated that Principals of schools made significant changes to transform their institutions into successful schools. The findings of this study are significant because they shed light on the relative strengths and weaknesses of successful school Principals’ leadership and management practices in transforming schools, as well as on the additional support that Principals require to transform their schools. The study recommends the areas of schools as leading successful schools’ leadership and management practices in order for schools the concept of schools to be more approachable to school stakeholders.

Differential Effects of Performance versus Value-based Brand Betrayal on Hate and Unfavorable Consumer Behaviors

Maleeha Shahid Sameeni, Faisal Qadeer, Sana Shahid, Mehreen Khurram — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Despite existing studies on negative consumer-brand relationships, understanding of extreme negative states, such as brand betrayal and brand hate, is still in the infancy stage. The current study addresses this crucial gap by investigating the effect of brand betrayal on brand hate and subsequent consumer behaviors. Specifically, it examines the effect of two different forms of betrayal (i.e., performance versus value-based betrayal) in influencing brand hate and unfavorable consumer behaviors (i.e., vindictive complaining and boycotting). The study respondents were recruited and surveyed online via Prolific. The sample included 391 responses which were further divided into two groups, i.e., one who suffered from performance-based betrayal and the other from value-based betrayal. The findings reveal a significant positive association of brand betrayal with brand hate, vindictive complaining, and consumer boycott. Interestingly, the magnitude of the effects of value-based brand betrayal is greater than that of performance-based betrayal. Moreover, brand hate is significantly associated with vindictive complaining and consumer boycotts. The findings enrich negative consumer-brand relationship literature and provide managerial guidance for devising effective strategies for brand transgressions.

Farmer Response to Change in Irrigation Water Pricing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis

Tariq, Javid Iqbal, Zahoor-Ul -Haq — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The River Swat is one of Pakistan's interior rivers, lying in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Despite being semi-dry, the area is a significant grain and fruit-producing area. However, persistent drought in recent years, along with excessive water extraction, has resulted in a constant decline of water pouring into the Swat River's mainstream, resulting in serious deterioration of ecosystems along the river's lower reaches. Water pricing is the best tool to control the misuse of water resources and will lead to the optimum use of this very precious resource. 300 farmers were chosen randomly and a preliminary test of the quantitative questionnaire was conducted before data collection to ensure clarity. To analyze the quantitative dataset Multinomial Logistic Regression, a version of ordinary regression was used. Farmers in the study area who face a 100% rise in water prices were polled to gauge their reactions. The results reveal that factors that are "total land area", "age", "total farm income", "slight water shortage", & "presence of fruit plants" are statistically significant. According to the finding, many farmers reacted to the rise in irrigation water prices and they were ready to use irrigation water more efficiently. This study also observed and concluded that just raising the irrigation water price is not a realistic and permanent solution.

Consumers’ Protection Under Murabahah Sale Contract

Mohammad Zamin, Muhammad Jan, Mehnaz Begum, Rafia Naz Ali, Maryam Qasim — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Murabahah is one of the contracts of sale of goods by a person to another under an agreement whereby the seller obliges himself to disclose to the buyer the cost of goods sold to the buyer, whether that is on a cash basis or deferred payment. The seller has to disclose to the buyer the margin of profit included in the sale price of goods agreed to be sold. It is a cost-plus markup sale, which is the ideal sale contract under Islamic Law. The basic theme of this research paper is to highlight the significance of the contract of Murabahah as a simple contract for the protection of consumers and not as a model of financing, which is prevalent in today’s Islamic banks. It aims to highlight its role in different types of sale contracts and its application to the sale of some major commodities. Both aspects of Murabahah, i.e., Murabahah as a simple sale contract for the protection of consumers and Murabahah financing, are discussed. The paper aims to explain how a simple Murabahah Contract protects the interest of consumers better than any other sale contract.

Developing a Culture of Continuous Learning for Sustainable Job Performance: TEVT Sector as Learning Organization, Pakistan.

Muhammad Aamir Shaheen, Asghar Hayyat, Shoaib Aslam, Muhammad Arif Shahbaz — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the role of Technical Support (TS) and Leadership Support (LS) in enhancing Employee Performance (EP) through the development of a Culture of Continuous Learning (CCL) in the Technical Education and Vocational Training (TEVT) sector of southern Punjab. Data from 291 TEVT trainers were analyzed using Smart PLS4. The results show that TS and LS have a positive impact on CCL, leading to improved EP. Employee Engagement (EE) moderates these effects, revealing barriers such as overwhelmed employees, limited relevance of learning programs, and a perceived lack of support and recognition. To overcome these challenges, organizations can provide support structures like mentoring and coaching. These findings emphasize the importance of TS, LS, and CCL in enhancing EP in the TEVT sector and suggest further research to explore additional factors for improved employee performance in resource-constrained environments.

Examining US Strategic Interests in South Asia: A Decade-Long Study of Triangular Relations (US-Pakistan-India) in the Post-Cold War Era

Muhammad Manzoor Elahi, Ahmed Raza Khan, Aatir Rizvi — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study is devoted primarily to the security priorities of the US towards South Asia in the post-Soviet decade of the 1990s. Indeed, the world witnessed the end of Cold war with the demise of Communist USSR. The United States, therefore, nourished more enthusiastically its inherent desire of a ‘New World Order’. For this purpose, South Asia again became a ‘land of desire’ for Washington to consolidate its preponderance in the strategically vital region of Asia. The research, therefore, delves into a decade long post-cold war security environment of South Asia by analyzing the US policies towards India and Pakistan. The study uses a qualitative methodology that includes a systematic review of existing literature and primary sources, including official documents and statements to identify the important factors that have influenced US strategic partnerships in South Asia and concludes that contemporary Indo-US strategic partnership has its roots since the end of cold war.

Female Self-objectification and Identity in Fiction “Before She Sleeps” by Bina Shah

Afshan Naseem, Umme Laila Naqvi, Saman Safdar — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This novel is about women's objectification and identity through the concept of polyandry. This research highlights these types of problems related to women that are increasing in society day by day. This article aims to illustrate Polyandry and pain in women. They do not have the choice to live their life freely. They are like scapegoats in a patriarchal society. Polyandry is an ancient Greek word that means many men. It is first practiced in India. This article is wrapped with the viewpoints of some writers such as Tiwari, Goldstein, and Peter. This article presents a clear picture of Green City. Though it looks like a prosperous city yet it is proved a hell for women. In this regard, women chose an underground place to live named Panah. They deal with forty clients in order to win bread and butter. Men use different types of techniques to tempt women, such as whisky and champagne, to fulfill their purposes. Women in Panah provide them intimacy in the shame of lullaby, not sex. So, the study explains traumatic realities and also the relationship between agonies and physical distortion concerning the women characters, along with the concept of polyandry, which affects the life of women.

Academic Motivation and Engagement: A Correlational Study of Students’ Perspective at Secondary School Level

Noor Muhammad, Ahsaan Siddique, Sofia Jabeen, Muhammad Sohail AKhtar — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the quantitative correlational study was to investigate the association between students' academic motivation and academic engagement. This study included 600 10th-grade students who were selected at random from 20 secondary schools in the district Lahore. The data from selected students were gathered using two research instruments. The independent sample t-test, Pearson r, and linear regression were used to analyze the data. As r =.781 (p > 0.01), the findings demonstrated a strong and significant correlation between academic motivation and students' academic engagement. As a result, students' academic engagement was positively impacted by academic motivation. Academic motivation and academic engagement of students differed significantly by gender. Policy makers, teachers, and scholars are advised to pay particular consideration to each learner's level of academic engagement since it affects students' engagement with schoolwork.

Relationship between Leadership and Management Training and Enhancement of Principal’s Skills at Public Sector Secondary School Level

Muhammad Attaullah, Rahim Khan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research paper aimed to investigate the relationship between leadership and management training and the enhancement of skills of principals at the secondary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study was motivated by the recognition of the crucial role that principals play in the success of secondary schools and the importance of their leadership and management skills. The research involved a comprehensive review of the role of principals at the secondary school level, the importance of training and professional development, and the specific challenges faced by principals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In addition, the study involved the collection of data through a questionnaire from the trained secondary school principals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to gain insights into their experiences with leadership and management training and how it has enhanced their skills and abilities. Their input and impression provided support to find the gaps and improve further the training, its process and procedure. The results of the study provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of leadership and management training programs in enhancing the skills of principals at the secondary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The findings could also inform the development of policies and programs aimed at improving the quality of education in the region.

The Role of Marketing Ethics in Ensuring Clients' Satisfaction

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This quantitative research study investigates the role of marketing ethics in ensuring clients' satisfaction, with a sample size of 200 participants drawn from a specific population. The primary objective of this research is to examine the relationship between marketing ethics and clients' satisfaction levels. The study aims to determine whether ethical marketing practices positively influence clients' perception of an organization and their satisfaction with its products or services. To achieve this objective, a structured questionnaire was developed and administered to the selected sample. The questionnaire includes items that assess participants' awareness and perception of marketing ethics, as well as their satisfaction levels. The findings of the study were analyzed using statistical techniques, including correlation analysis and regression analysis, to explore the potential relationship between marketing ethics and client satisfaction. The results provided insights into the extent to which ethical marketing practices impact clients' satisfaction levels. The implications of this research are significant for organizations operating in diverse industries. In conclusion, this quantitative research study aims to fill a gap in the literature by examining the role of marketing ethics in ensuring clients' satisfaction. The findings provided valuable insights for organizations seeking to align their marketing practices with ethical standards and enhance their relationships with clients.

Addressing the Digital Divide: Access and Use of Technology in Education

Arfa Afzal, Saima Khan, Sana Daud, Zahoor Ahmad, Ayesha Butt — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The digital divide, characterized by disparities in access to and use of technology, presents a significant challenge in education. This study aims to investigate the impact of the digital divide on students' access to technology and its influence on their educational outcomes. A quantitative research methodology was employed, with a sample size of 400 students from diverse educational backgrounds. The study utilized survey questionnaires to gather data on internet access, device ownership, and technology use in education. The findings revealed variations in internet access across different age groups, with younger individuals having higher levels of access compared to older age groups. Additionally, disparities in household internet access were observed between rural and urban areas, with rural areas experiencing lower connectivity. Gender-based differences in personal device ownership were also evident, highlighting potential gender-related digital divides. Moreover, students from low-income households faced lower levels of internet access, indicating a socioeconomic divide in technology access. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of establishing technology resource centers in schools and fostering public-private partnerships to bridge the technology gap in education. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing insights into the digital divide and offering recommendations for addressing this issue in the field of education.

Impact of Methamphetamine (Ice) on the Socio-Economic Condition of Addicts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A Qualitative Study

Sameer Ul Khaliq Jan, Muhammad Ibrar, Anum Javed — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Methamphetamine is a toxic and powerful drug which is popularly known as 'ice' in Pakistan. The use of ice has increased in the last decade in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan. Objective: The objective of the current qualitative study was to explore the impact of methamphetamine on the social and economic condition of addicts in KP, Pakistan. Method: A total of 14 Anti Narcotic Force and Drug Rehabilitation Centers officials were selected through a purposive sampling technique, in Peshawar, Pakistan. For the collection of data, a self-designed interview guide was used. Results: The study found that the addicts faced multiple social and economic problems which includes social stigma, breakage of social relationships or isolation, selling of own valuables, stealing of valuables and becoming a drug peddler to finance his/her drug habit. Conclusions: The study recommends that the government may aware the public about the toxicity and misconceptions of methamphetamine use and family also may play a significant role in the prevention of methamphetamine use.

Legal Framework on Compensation for Wrongful Conviction in Pakistan: A Comparative Analysis with Washington and England Laws

Amina Aamer, Khaliq Ayub, Rimsha Khan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Wrongful convictions are a pervasive problem in Pakistan's criminal justice system, leaving victims without adequate redress for the injustices they have suffered which inevitably undermines the credibility of the country's criminal justice system. The objectives of the study at hand were to identify the key features of compensation frameworks, their effectiveness to redress the harms of wrongfully convicted persons and to recommend some appropriate legislative designs in the context of the criminal justice system in Pakistan. The qualitative research methodology was adopted and a comparative analysis of compensatory statutes of the US and UK has been taken into consideration. This study not only contributes to the literature on wrongful convictions and compensation but is also momentous for policymakers and legal practitioners, other stakeholders in Pakistan and other jurisdictions grappling with this issue. This study concludes streamlined monetary compensation, counseling and support services to redress the harms that are caused to innocent persons due to wrongful convictions. Additionally, the compensation process for wrongful convictions should be easily accessible, timely, and non-adversarial.

Centre-Province Relations in Pakistan: A Case Study of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2008-2013)

Rashid Ahmad, Yunas Khan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Pakistan is a multi-ethnic state, and as such, there has been a federal structure since its creation in 1947 to address ethnic issues effectively. The center-province relations have, however, suffered many ups and downs on certain issues, such as provincial autonomy and distribution of financial resources. The study in hand aims to investigate the relations between the Provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Federal Government of Pakistan at the center from 2008 to 2013. The focus here is on the PPPP-led government at the center and the ANP-led government in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The study proves that there was a significant improvement in the center-province relations in the case of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period under study. The introduction of the 18th Amendment to the constitution of Pakistan settled the longstanding issues of provincial autonomy and replaced the colonial name of the Province of North-West Frontier Province with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the financial sphere, the 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award was a major achievement that enhanced the provincial share in financial resources. However, differences in the net-hydel profit could not be settled.

Role of Functional Literacy and its Impact on Women’s Empowerment

Ruhma Farooqi, Muhammad Ismail Khan, Waqas Ahmad, Zahid Ullah, Sumera Imran — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research paper aims to elucidate the synergistic outcomes resulting from the integration of functional literacy initiatives with the objective of promoting women's empowerment in the District of Mardan. The research adopts a quantitative approach, with the primary objective of investigating the influence of functional literacy on women's empowerment and exploring its direct effects. The population of the study consisted of all five hundred female individuals enrolled in the functional literacy program in District Mardan. Hundred females were conveniently chosen from two union councils as a sample. In order to examine the data, descriptive statistics i.e. average and variability measured by the standard deviation were utilized. The results were tabulated along with corresponding interpretations. The primary outcome of the study indicated that knowledge of functional literacy positively influenced the lives of participants. Moreover, the research findings emphasized the crucial contribution of organizations in promoting women's empowerment through the facilitation of functional literacy. In order to build upon these discoveries, it is advised that future investigations delve into the incorporation of novel and advancing technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality within functional literacy initiatives. This exploration holds the potential for amplifying the influence of such programs on women's empowerment.

Existing Practices of Peace Education in Teacher Education Programs in Pakistan: Measuring Perceptions of Prospective Teachers

Bakht Jamal, Ayesha Kiran, Farah Latif Naz — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The researchers aimed to explore the practices of prospective teachers regarding peace education in teacher education programs in Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 500 prospective teachers from five public sector universities in Punjab, Pakistan were the population size while the sample respondents were 200 prospective teachers including 100 male and 100 female prospective teachers. The survey method was used to collect the data through a self-developed questionnaire based on 13 themes using a simple random sampling technique. The validity of the tool was properly ensured through experts' opinions and the instrument was also refined two times in the light of opinions received from experts. The reliability of Cronbach's Alpha value was found .88. The collected data was organized properly in the form of tables. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data such as frequency, mean score difference, standard deviation, percentage, t-value and p-value. The research concluded that the majority of the prospective teachers were hopeful about the practices of peace education but peace education is not presented in the curriculum of teacher education programs. Moreover, the male teachers' awareness was more as compared to female teachers.

Social Adjustment of Divorced Women: A Study of District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan

Irum Tahira, Tipu Sultan, Muqadas Javeed, Afzaal Afzal — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In recent decades, there is a significant increase in divorce rates throughout the world and particularly in poor and developing countries like Pakistan. In Pakistani society due to patriarchy, socio-cultural and religious reasons divorce is considered a taboo, which creates many long-lasting distresses for women in their social adjustment after the divorce. Therefore, the Social adjustment of divorced women is a social problem that raises many social and cultural questions in Pakistani society. The study is an attempt to find out the causes of divorce and to explore the social adjustment of divorced women in Pakistani society. Moreover, the influence of divorce on the personal lives of women and families is also comprehended. For this exploratory research snowball, a sampling technique is used to approach the respondents. In-depth interviews are conducted to collect the data. The thematic analysis is used to explore the phenomena. This research provides valuable insights into the reasons for divorce and the challenges faced by divorced women in their social adjustment in Pakistan. The research highlights the importance of societal support, acceptance and the socio-economic factors leading to divorce. Addressing the mentioned factors can promote healthier relationships and well-being among families.

Determinants of Brand Equity (Consumer Base Brand Equity): A Verification Approach on Mobile Sector

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Brand equity is an essential concept in marketing, representing the intangible value of an organization's brand. This study focuses on the mobile industry in Punjab, Pakistan, analyzing four determinants of brand equity: brand awareness, brand association, perceived quality, and brand loyalty. Conveniently sampling 350 respondents from major cities in Punjab, with a response rate of 94%, the research establishes four hypotheses. Data analysis, based on 34 items and utilizing Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .854, reveals that brand awareness and brand association have a positive and significant impact on brand equity. However, perceived quality has a negative and significant impact, while brand loyalty has a negative and insignificant impact. Notably, brand awareness emerges as the most influential determinant of brand equity in the mobile sector.

Climate Change and Food Security in Selected Developing Countries: Panel Data Analysis

Allah Ditta, Furrukh Bashir, Altaf Hussain, Muhammad Saeed Hashmi — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Climate change is causing more global warming today, which has an impact on every sector of the economy. In order to avoid financial damage as a result of climate change, it is necessary to validate the policies for policymakers and government authorities. The aim of this study is to measure the impact of climate change on food security in selected developing economies. The results indicate that climatic variations have a positive long-run impact on food security in selected developing countries due to extended growing seasons and fertilization effects. On the other hand, energy consumption and rapid urbanization are deteriorating the food security situation significantly over time due to the costlier energy and unplanned urban sprawl in most of the region. The study suggests that we need to learn from developed nations by using sustainable urbanization planning and liberalizing energy prices for agricultural consumption to fight hunger and food insecurity in these economies.

Women Political Empowerment in Makran

Sidrah Abdul Ghafoor, Mumtaz Ali, Farhana Umer — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Women's political participation is crucial for the promotion of gender equality and democratic governance. However, women are often underrepresented in political positions and face numerous barriers to participation. This paper aims to examine women's political empowerment and their participation in Makran division of Balochistan and identify strategies for promoting it. The study uses quantitative survey in which 310 questionnaires were distributed in three districts of Makran. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS software. The results show that the women in Makran are not empowered politically, but there is a good environment of politics and women have political awareness in the region. The findings of the present study have significant implications for civil society organizations, policymakers and women's rights advocates who are seeking to encourage women's political participation and gender equality.

Role of Marketing Ethics for Clients’ Satisfaction

Shayan Naveed, Ubaid ur Rehman Murtaza — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This abstract aims to explore the vital connection between marketing ethics and clients' satisfaction. Ethics in marketing refers to the moral principles and values that guide marketers in their decision-making processes and interactions with clients. One of the fundamental aspects of marketing ethics is the truthful and accurate representation of products or services. Misleading or deceptive marketing practices erode clients' trust and can lead to dissatisfaction. Additionally, marketers need to respect clients' privacy and handle their personal information with utmost care. Ethical data collection and usage practices not only protect clients' privacy rights but also contribute to their satisfaction. Moreover, corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays a vital role in marketing ethics. Clients are increasingly concerned about the social and environmental impact of the organizations they engage with. Ethical marketing involves incorporating CSR initiatives into business strategies, addressing societal concerns, and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. In conclusion, marketing ethics significantly influence clients' satisfaction by fostering trust, transparency, and fairness. Adhering to ethical principles in marketing ensures accurate product representation, respect for privacy, avoidance of manipulative tactics, and incorporation of CSR initiatives. Organizations that prioritize marketing ethics not only enhance clients' satisfaction but also establish long-term relationships, resulting in sustainable business growth.

Impact of Islamic Work Ethics on Organizational Citizenship Behavior: Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction in the Banking Sector of Quetta City

Sidrah Arif, Jameel Ahmad, Saubia Ramzan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Organizational efficiency and effectiveness depend upon the implementation of rules, regulations and policies devised by the organization. Basically, organizations follow ethics, prescribed by their various religion. Those Countries following Islam, mainly follow Islamic work ethics. Studying Islamic work ethics and their impact on several attitudes and behavior of employees need time. This study examines the impact of Islamic work ethics on organizational citizenship behavior and organizational commitment through the mediating mechanism of job satisfaction. During the process of data gathering, 294 questionnaires from public and private sector banks of Quetta City were collected. Among 294 respondents 223 male and 71 female respondents participated in the survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis and evaluation. Linear regression was used for hypothesis testing and Andrew F. Hayes Process Macro Four was utilized for studying the mediating effect. The findings of the study reveal that Islamic work ethics is positively and significantly related to organizational citizenship behavior and job satisfaction significantly mediates the relationship between Islamic work Ethics and organizational citizenship behavior.

Relationship of Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy Personality Traits with Social Media Addiction among Adults: Gender and Marital Status are in Focus

Aftab Hussain, Huda Khan, Imran AJaml, Yasmin Akhtar — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Personality characteristics such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy are considered dark triad features. These are linked with a range of negative outcomes. Social media usage is growing more and more popular every day. However, people's functionality declines with frequent usage of social media. The overall sample of the research was consisting of (N= 400) out of which (211 were female and 189 were male) ranging in age from 17 to 41 years recruited by consecutive sampling. Data was gathered by using the Social Media Addiction Scale developed by Tutgunl & Deniz (2015) and the Short Dark Triad Scale developed by Paulhus (2014). Results obtained by using bivariate correlation showed that all three traits of the Dark Personality Triad were positively correlated with social media addiction. Male respondents have a higher level of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy than female respondents, while female participants were a higher level of social media addiction than male participants. On the other hand, both genders scored equally on the narcissism dark personality triadThere was a slight difference in Machiavellianism and psychopathology scores among married and unmarried students. The unmarried students reported slightly higher scores on Machiavellianism and psychopathology traits. Lastly, the results also reported that use of social media addiction was higher among married students as compared with unmarried students.

Relationship between Classroom Environment and Moral Values of Secondary School Students

Muhammad Junaid, Rukhshanda Mushtaq, Asifa Iqbal — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the classroom environment of schools and the moral values of secondary school students. Specifically, the study focused on exploring the perceptions of secondary school teachers regarding the classroom environment and the levels of moral values exhibited by students. A sample of 1288 secondary school teachers was selected for the study, representing ten districts within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. To ensure comprehensive representation, the sample included 200 secondary school teachers from each district. The selection of teachers was carried out using a non-random approach, with 100 teachers chosen from rural areas and 100 teachers from urban areas within each district. This sampling strategy aimed to capture a diverse range of perspectives on the classroom environment and its impact on students' moral values. In order to examine the relationship between the classroom environment and students' moral values, a correlation analysis was conducted. The results of the analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the classroom environment and the moral values of students. This finding suggests that the classroom environment plays a significant role in shaping and influencing the development of students' moral values. The recommendations derived from the study offer practical implications for educators and policymakers to enhance the classroom environment and facilitate the cultivation of positive moral values among students.

Investigating the Problems Being Faced by the Judicial Libraries Users: A Quantitative Study Conducted in Malakand Division Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Haseeb Khan, Iqbal Hussain Asad, Adeel Ahmad — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Overall, judicial libraries play a critical role in supporting the legal profession, promoting access to justice, and preserving the history of the law and the judicial system. Therefore, the major aim of this research was to investigate the problems being faced by judicial library users in the Malakand division of KPK. To meet the objective of the research, the researcher employed a quantitative research design with a closed-ended survey questionnaire for the purpose of collecting data. The data were collected from Judges and Advocates. There were 310 participants who participated in this study. According to the statistics of the participants, there were 243 males and 67 females. The statistics suggest that the majority of the participants were males. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software, t-test, and ANOVA test. The problems found by the researcher include a lack of computer terminals in the digital library, libraries' Lack of prescribed textbooks, Slow internet speed, special skills required to use legal resources, Non-availability of law-related digital resources, Library Location of books very difficult, Lack of trained or professional staff in the library, Lack of knowledge regarding availability of electronic resources and services, No subscription for desired journals, Printing, and Scanning and photocopy problems, and Lack of OPAC facility.

Evaluate the Effectiveness of Online Learning Platforms in Facilitating Remote Education

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Online learning is one way for students to get the knowledge they need. Most schools around the world have switched to online learning, which means that students don't see each other as much. This study analyzed how these factors were associated with and impacted each other. a quantitative approach to gathering data and analysing the effectiveness of online learning platforms. A cross-sectional study design is used to collect data at a specific point in time. The sample consisted of 500 university students who have experienced remote education through online learning platforms. The sampling technique combination of convenience sampling and stratified random sampling. The primary data collection method was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to gather information about students' perceptions and experiences with online learning platforms. The questionnaire was developed based on a review of the existing literature on online learning effectiveness The test results indicated that all the variables had a positive effect on the effectiveness of online learning. This showed that the more effective online learning was, the more benefits and positive outcomes the student experienced. The result of this research showed that learning objectives could enable universities to increase the effectiveness of students' online learning by motivating students to join online classes and developing appropriate learning strategies for their individual needs.

Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Pakistan Article 184 (3) of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973

Muhammad Nadeem, Maryam Qasim, Shazia Ibrahim — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Supreme Court of Pakistan, under article 184 (3) of Pakistan, can act on its own or on the application of any person with the condition that if the SC considers that any of the rights mentioned in the Fundamental Rights Chapter, is violated and that rights involve the public importance. The invocation of the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, also known as Suo Motu under article 184 (3), is a buzzword known to all and sundry in the country. The excessive invocation of this article 184(3) generates a debate in the legal community about whether Apex Court is encroaching on the legislature and executive functions. The debate involves judicial activism and judicial restraint. One common objective exists that by taking excessive Suo motu, there is no appeal against the order of SC; hence fundamental rights of access to justice are violated, and on the other hand, the doctrine of separation of power though not expressly embodied in our Constitution but exist; that every organ of the State should remain within its sphere and mutual respect be given to every other organ of the State. Another restriction in taking Suo motu is the express word of article 184 (3) says that without the prejudice of the provisions of article 199, the SC can act.

Industrial Pollution Effects on the Lives of Residents: A Case Study of Korangi Industrial Area

Asif Z. Warsi, Abida Noreen, Qudsiya Irum, Maqsood Ahmed Brohi, Aamir Abbas — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid industrialization in the Korangi Industrial Area has led to increased levels of pollution, posing significant challenges to the lives and livelihoods of the residents. The release of harmful pollutants, such as toxic gases and industrial waste, has raised concerns about the health, environment, and socio-economic well-being of the local population. The present research study aims to explore the extent of pollution, its impact on the health and well-being of individuals, and the associated socio-economic consequences. By examining the case of Korangi Industrial Area, the study seeks to contribute to the understanding of industrial pollution's adverse effects on residents and provide recommendations for mitigating these effects. The present research study employed a quantitative technique. Data was collected through a survey based on five points Likert scale. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 150 residents from different areas within the Korangi Industrial Area of 2 Km in the surrounding. Data is analysed through SPSS 26 and results are presented in descriptive and inferential statistics. The present research study concludes that industrial pollution in the Korangi Industrial Area has severe detrimental effects on the lives of residents. The high levels of pollution adversely affect their health, well-being, and socio-economic conditions.

Curtailing the Impact of Abusive Supervision on Counter-productive Work Behaviors: Using Conservation of Resource Lens to Analyze the Moderating Role of Work Engagement

Shumaira Rahim, Faisal Azeem, Adil Paracha — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Destructive behaviors of leaders have the potential to cause severe damage to the organization by endangering the wellbeing of its internal stakeholders. Abusive supervision is one the most common type of destructive leadership that prevails within organizations and creates a high possibility for subordinates to respond negatively by demonstrating counter-productive work (CWB) behaviors. However, whether their high work engagement motivates them to lower their counterproductive work behaviors when they value their work, is overlooked in the literature. To answer this question, this study approached 304 junior doctors working in tertiary public hospitals, located in the provincial and federal capitals of Pakistan and analyzed the data using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS). The results supported the proposed hypotheses and suggested that interventions must be made to increase junior doctors' work engagement to reduce their CWB in the presence of abusive supervision. Moreover, the administration of the hospital must restrain the destructive behaviors of supervisors through strict monitoring and the creation of a grievance cell to protect the junior doctors from verbal abuse and exploitation from their seniors and enhance their engagement with work.

Effects of Long Working Hours on Family Relations: Evidences of Working Women in Pakistan

Mehreen Faiza, Muhammad Usman Ali, Apsara Majeed, Aamir Abbas — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing number of women entering the workforce in Pakistan has led to changes in family dynamics and raised concerns about the effects of long working hours on family relations. This research study aims to investigate the effects of long working hours on family relations among working women in Pakistan. The present research study has also explored the specific challenges faced by working women in Pakistan due to their long working hours and how it affects their relationships with their families. This study employed a quantitative method research design. Quantitative data is collected through structured questionnaires from working women of healthcare professionals, education and the banking sector to gain a rich understanding of their experiences, challenges and coping mechanisms. A sample of 250 study participants is selected through a purposive sampling technique considering factors such as occupation, industry, and work hours. The data is analyzed through the statistical tool SPSS 26 and presented in descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study concluded that working women in Pakistan face significant challenges due to their long working hours. These challenges include time constraints, increased stress, and difficulty in fulfilling family obligations. The demanding nature of their work schedules often leads to work-family conflicts, which can strain relationships within the family.

Is Is IT Revolution and Digitalization a Curse? A Comprehensive Model of Turnover Intention in the Private Banking Sector of Pakistan

Muhammad Naeem Shahid, Rabia Mumtaz, Tehseen Azhar, Shahid Mehmood, Jawad Khalil — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Digitalization decreases job satisfaction by increasing pressure, fear of job loss, and deteriorating work-life balance. The study investigates the nexus of customer incivility, workplace incivility, employee religious perception, digitalization, HRM practices, and employee turnover intention in the presence of practical commitment as a mediator and servant leadership as a moderator. Further, the current study also examines the relationship between practical commitment and employee turnover intention. Data was collected through a self-administrator questionnaire from frontline employees of private banks in Punjab, Pakistan. Data analysis was done through SPSS and PLS software. The current study results have revealed that WPI, CI, ERP, DEG, and HRM practices are significantly associated with employees’ job attitudes, such as EC and TI. Further, Effective commitment positively mediates relationships. Moreover, servant leadership successfully moderates the relationship between EC and TI. In light of the above results, the current study recommended that WPI, CI, ERP, DEG, and HRM practices are significant factors for the future success of the service sector in developing countries like Pakistan. The current study contributes to the literature on Change, IT revolution, digitalization, and its adverse effects through the lens of resource conservation theory to explain the phenomena of turnover intention framework, which is the uniqueness of the current study.

The Discrimination of Nurses in Healthcare Administration and Management: A Critical Analysis

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The current study is about the discriminatory attitudes and behaviors with nurses in healthcare management as a manager equal to the doctor which is not yet recognized by the doctors. The study was carried out employing the qualitative research methods in order to understand the research problem through the perspectives of affected population. The researchers chose to conduct this study to investigate the problem through the nurses’ perspectives. The sampling type was purposive whereby the research participants who have lived experiences are selected for the in-depth interviews. The sample size of the study is 5 nurses (male) serving as in the government hospitals. The researcher collected the data in natural settings from the targeted population. The researchers used thematic analysis for research findings of the study. All collected data were transcribed and coded to develop the categories and themes. The findings of the study reveal that the nurses are discriminated by the doctor community who are health administrators in government hospitals. This attitudes and behavior is manifested on different fronts such as politically, socially and professionally. Such an attitude diminishes the creativity and enthusiasm of the nurse medical practitioners due to the injustice on professional grounds. Although, nurses claim that they can be health administrators if government authorized them and put them into these key administrative positions to serve even better.

The Nexus between Fintech and Financial Stability; Moderated Mediated by Financial Inclusion and Economic Vulnerability: Evidence from Cross-country Analysis

Bushra Ayaz, Mustafa Afeef, Shahid Jan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Financial innovations are essential for fostering economic expansion. The outcomes of studies looking into this connection have been conflicting. No research to yet made an attempt to investigate the potential mediating function of financial inclusion in articulating the link between innovations and growth. In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of how income inequality might be addressed in developing, least developed, and low-income nations, this study makes a unique addition by looking at the joint dynamics among the four constructs. In order to promote financial inclusion and economic progress, the findings suggested that governments should make investments in the technology infrastructure that the financial sector may use to deliver financial services.

MPO: A Menace to Fundamental Rights - Unveiling the Abuses

Gohar Masood Qureshi, Anum Shahid, Shumain Malik — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research article delves into the enduring challenges faced by our country in ensuring the preservation of constitutional liberties, even long after the end of the British colonial era. Examining the notion of "might is right" prevalent in our society, we highlight the existing disparity between the Constitution's perceived strength and its practical application. By scrutinizing the principle of strict construction of laws, we explore how it poses significant threats to citizens' liberties. While stringent interpretation may appear necessary for national security and governance, it often leads to an unjust infringement upon individual rights. This study emphasizes the importance of imposing limitations on government requirements to safeguard against arbitrary deprivation of liberty. By advocating for due care, caution, and attention in the decision-making process, we aim to foster a more balanced approach that respects citizens' fundamental rights while ensuring effective governance. Through an in-depth analysis of relevant legal precedents, we propose alternative strategies and reforms that can mitigate the existing shortcomings in upholding constitutional liberties, promoting a society where justice and freedom prevail.

Effects of Teacher Teaching Approaches on Students Engagement and Comprehension at University Level

Muhmmad Mujtaba Haider, Raham Zaid, Sultan Akbar Shah — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Teachers influence academic engagement and lifelong achievement. However, little is known about whether instructional styles explain these associations or whether they differ across academic and "non-cognitive" outcomes. In classrooms, teacher-student interaction helps pupils learn. In this cross-sectional study of 229 university students, perceived teaching style and student engagement, curiosity, and comprehension are examined. Student Engagement Instrument and Curiosity and Comprehension Inventory were employed. Students perceived both Autonomous-supportive and controlling teaching approaches. However, students' ratings of teachers' support and control differed significantly (t (229)=3.942 and 4.774, respectively). Perceived autonomy support teaching style was moderately correlated with student engagement (r=.463), curiosity, and comprehension (r=.318). The findings explain how teaching style affects students' interest and classroom engagement.

Comparative Analysis of Consumer Laws in Pakistan and India

Tehseenullah Khan, Muhammad Hamza Zakir, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Consumer protection laws play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers in any country. This research paper presents a comparative analysis of consumer laws in Pakistan and India, aiming to explore the similarities, differences, strengths, and weaknesses of the respective legal frameworks. The study examines the historical development, legal provisions, enforcement mechanisms, remedies and compensation, consumer rights and responsibilities, consumer awareness, and education initiatives, as well as the challenges and gaps in consumer protection laws. The research methodology involves a comprehensive review of primary and secondary sources, including legislation, case law, scholarly articles, and reports. The paper begins with an introduction that provides the background and significance of consumer laws in Pakistan and India. It outlines the research objectives and scope, as well as the methodology employed in the study. The historical overview section traces the evolution of consumer protection in both countries, highlighting key milestones and legislative frameworks that have shaped the present legal landscape. Moreover, it identifies challenges and gaps in the implementation of consumer laws in Pakistan and India. It discusses issues related to consumer redressal, access to justice, and enforcement mechanisms.