Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): VOLUME 2024

The aim of the research is to determine how students' self-confidence and tolerance levels in teacher-centred learning environments relate to one another. By using both quantitative and qualitative data, the relationship between the variables was determined. The Concurrent Triangulation Method (CTM) was used in conjunction with the Mix Method Research (MMR) technique to conduct the investigation. Ten focus group conversations were used to gather qualitative data, while an existing interpersonal tolerance measure was used to obtain quantitative data. Student self-confidence has a Pearson chi-square value of 66.738 and a p-value of.004, whereas classroom activities have a Pearson chi-square value of 78.768 and a p-value of.005. Both the qualitative and quantitative statistics demonstrate that kids who are self-assured exhibit a high degree of tolerance. The majority of teachers are too preoccupied with lecturing the class to provide proper attention to the reading, discussion, Q&A period, and student presentations, all of which have a negative impact on the students' tolerance levels. Students find it difficult to comprehend the diverse behaviours of others in such situations. Students would be more tolerant the more questions they asked, and the teacher allowed them to ask.

The primary cause of the fast urbanization is the migration of people from rural to urban regions. In this study, individual migratory patterns were investigated in a socioeconomic setting. The purpose of the study was to shed light on how individuals migrate in response to shifting socioeconomic and demographic trends. The current study was carried out in Islamabad, one of Pakistan's metropolitan districts. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The only respondents included in this research were those who moved from rural to urban areas and began a family at least three years ago. Information was gathered on socioeconomic factors, such as age, work, health facilities, family income, and literacy. In addition, inquiries were made concerning their reasons for relocating, push and pull factors, and viewpoints on urbanization and its effects. The data analysis was done using the relevant statistical methods. The migratory behavior of most respondents is found to be mostly affected by "Pull Factors," with sixty-six percent of them being drawn to cities in search of a "better lifestyle." Three socioeconomic factors, age, income, and education, were shown to have the most effects on the respondents' attitudes regarding migration.

This review paper highlights the broad perspective of solar energy on Pakistani society, detailing its applicability in economic, geographic, sociological, political environment solidarity, and urban planning. With the world energy map changing to renewables, solar power offers a beacon of light for Pakistan, which is suffering from a severe fuel import-based energy crisis. The paper outlines the promise of solar energy to improve rural livelihoods, help alleviate energy poverty and encourage sustainable agricultural techniques. This paper examines how government policies can support foreign direct investment in the deployment of solar technologies and identifies barriers to implementation, such as financial constraints and technology awareness. With this, environmental benefits that it yields, such as attenuation of carbon emissions and ecological footprints, are laid strong while solar energy is made a part of urban planning initiatives besides smart city projects. The paper also highlights the importance of effective governance, financial assistance, and a creative policy framework to tap Pakistan's renewable potential efficiently. This paper is a call for necessary integrative thinking in long-term solar energy adoption that validates local agendas and achieves global development goals advocated on authoritative levels.

An English curriculum is a set of courses, lessons, and learning objectives that are designed to help students acquire the English language by fostering students' English writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. The article investigates the effectiveness of the Matriculation system and Cambridge Assessment International Education curricula in teaching English language skills to students in Pakistan. The objective of this research is to compare these two educational systems and evaluate which of these two curricula better supports language acquisition and meets the needs of learners. For this purpose, the study recorded a total of 100 responses, which were obtained through random sampling, comprising 50 students enrolled in the Matric curriculum in class 10 at a public school and 50 students enrolled in the CAIE curriculum in 11th Cambridge at a private school in Multan, Pakistan. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered via Google Forms to evaluate the effectiveness of both the Matric and CAIE curricula in developing students' English writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. The responses were then statistically analyzed by using SPSS. This study reveals that the CAIE curriculum effectively meets students' English language skills needs due to its improved learning environment. Future research should explore methods for implementing learning objectives.

The subject of the "Risk Appetite Framework" (RAF) is vast, and a cursory search yields an abundance of research articles covering its various aspects. However, there is a noticeable gap in the literature specifically addressing real-world challenges faced by Risk Managers in the effective implementation and enforcement of RAF. While general research offers valuable insights, it falls short in detailing practical obstacles. This paper aims to consolidate findings in a strictly professional environment, highlighting the hurdles risk managers often encounter, rendering an impaired risk management framework with limitations. The limiting factors in this regard may encompass lagged implementation of risk management framework following the finalization of strategic financial planning, risk culture, nebulous key risk indicators, and a holistic interpretation of risks that could stand the test of time. Despite these challenges, the implementation of RAF remains a highly productive activity, providing substantial benefits even when the framework adopted is not fully comprehensive. The purpose of this research is to better equip Risk Managers for the challenges they may face in drafting and executing an effective RAF. The paper categorizes these challenges into three key areas: preparation and implementation, enforcement, and reporting.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact that financial development has on sustainable development, together with the interaction of technical innovation, in 31 Asian economies throughout the period from 2003 to 2022. In the current study, sophisticated statistical models like Driscoll-Kraay (D-K) were utilised to make data analysis decisions. Based on the data, it is evident that sustainable development is negatively impacted by any financial progress. The data also suggests that technological innovation acts as a moderator in the relationship between financial development and sustainable development, which is another way in which it contributes to maintaining the relationship. 

Virtual reality is an interactive technology that holds the potential to revolutionize the education system. This potential is promising in the case of Special education. Education for children with disabilities has always been a limited approach. However, virtual reality has altered the dimensions. The study looks into the extent of VR in the realm of Special Education through the lens of literature. The research employed a PRISMA-based Systematic Literature Review for the meta-analysis of thirty articles identified during the 2021-2024 period. The Communication Affordance theory allows us to identify and analyze the themes of Immersion, multisensory interaction, and Metaverse as tools of education, as evidenced by the literature. The study suggests that virtual reality is an effective source of education through activity-based learning and enhances the physical, social and cognitive capabilities of students with disabilities.

Regional cooperation is essential for economic development in a world characterized by complex interdependence. The phenomenon of regional integration is very common these days, and the world witnesses various regional organizations, treaties, and agreements to ensure the optimal utilization of regional collective resources. This indicated that the future is in collective growth. Pakistan also focused on its regional integration lately. It has undergone a shift in its foreign policy from a security-centric state to economic initiatives commonly known as its Shared Economic Vision. This major shift in policy was observed after the capstone economic project of Pakistan CPEC in 2015, which was later confirmed by its National Security Policy (NSP) in 2022. Regional integrations can help countries to overcome the challenges of globalization and to reap the benefits of economic growth and development. Countries can promote regional cooperation by establishing regional trade agreements and regional infrastructure projects and cooperating on security and other issues. In this regard, this paper focuses on the importance of Pakistan's regional integration and the different projects/integrations it is undergoing to enhance its regional integration.

Language plays a significant role in determining what goes on in an individual's mind. Politicians use language insidiously and persuasively to impart their ideologies and to win the consent of the general masses. Moreover, they also use certain lexicons to otherize the others. Speeches are delivered by politicians for positive self-representation and negative others representation. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of political discourses. For this purpose, the speeches of three Pakistani politicians, namely Imran Khan, Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto, have been analysed from Sept. 2021 to May 2023. It is analysed how they exercise political rhetoric using different linguistic spins. The theoretical framework, including Paul Chilton (2004) Discourse Space Theory, is employed for this study. The data is taken from the YouTube channel of Pakistani news channels, namely ARY and SAMMA TV. The findings reveal that politicians make use of various discursive spins and rhetorical strategies to others.

This research paper aims to explore the main character's experience with Borderline Personality Disorder, stemming from distressing events in their past. The research seeks to analyze the underlying causes of the character's unstable personality and the resulting impact on their life. Borderline Personality Disorder is a psychological condition that often arises due to unstable relationships, experiences of physical or sexual abuse, and other traumatic events in life. The novel chosen for this research is Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow, published in 2016. To provide a theoretical foundation for this study and to examine the protagonist's life in the context of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), the researcher has adopted Linehan's (1993) Biosocial Theory of BPD. This theory is utilized to explore the portrayal of BPD in the main character of the novel. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, using textual evidence from the novel to support the analysis. Additionally, the method of character analysis has been applied, guided by Barnet's (1988) model, to comprehensively examine the protagonist's traits and better understand the causes and consequences of her disorder. The study concludes that due to BPD, the protagonist experiences significant psychological distress, including anxiety, nervousness, loneliness, mood swings, suicidal ideation, and self-harming behavior.

These days, due to the advancement of technologies, numerous ways of learning have been introduced including social media platforms, especially social apps, websites and Youtube channels for L2 learning. In this research, the main focus is on social media tools and their effectiveness in second language learning at the university level. The main objectives of this study were to find highly recommended and reliable tools, to find the learners' opinions about social apps, websites, and Youtube channels, and to find the tools of learners' perception about the development of social tools in second language learning. In this research, for the collection of data, a semi-structured questionnaire was utilized, and the population of this research included the students of the 2nd & 3rd semesters of BS level at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. The data was gathered from Eighty-six students in the English department and tabulated through SPSS version twenty-five. For the analysis of data, percentages, frequencies, mean, standard deviation, Independent sample T-test, and Non- non-parametric test were utilized. The results of the present study reveal that the majority of the students at the BS level utilize these tools for L2 learning, and these tools have a positive impact on students' performance. So, it is concluded that these tools should be utilized for second language learning at the university level, and this research would help the students, teachers, and institutions to understand the significance of social sites, apps, and YouTube channels for L2 learning.

The purpose of the current study was to measure the level of library anxiety among library and information science students in the universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The total number of populations was 532. The data were collected from a sample of 207 through stratified simple random sampling because of various programs in the LIS discipline. The study used a quantitative, descriptive survey method using the Library Anxiety Scale questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. The  AQAK library anxiety instrument was used to measure the respondents’ library anxiety level and significance differences with respect to respondents’ gender and their program of study. The overall status of the study also found that the respondents' library anxiety level with respect to ''Information resources' was higher among LIS students than other factors. This study also reported that no significant difference was found between male and female students with respect to library anxiety. However, the library anxiety mean score for the BS students was higher than that of M. Phil/MS students, but few differences were found between M.Phil/MS and MLIS students. This study suggests that updated information may be provided to the LIS students, and an information literacy program should be arranged for the newly enrolled students in LIS to decrease the level of library anxiety.

This research attempts to analyze Umm-e-Rumman Syed's Poetry collection from a feminist stylistic perspective to investigate various stylistic elements used for male and female characters. This anthology of poetry book Beautiful Inadequacies is written by an emerging Pakistani poetess, Umm-e-Rumman Syed, and was published in August 2020. This collection of poetry is divided into two parts, "Reminiscence of Adolescence" and "Reminiscence of Adolescence and Beyond," which portray life from age 13 to 17 and from 17 to 20, respectively, in a total of 130 poems (35-95). The present study aims to examine the cruel and unjust attitude of society toward women. The study employs Sara Mills's Feminist Stylistic theory (1995) to examine how women are presented in a text. This study uses textual analysis as a methodology to examine words, phrases/sentences, discourses, and themes of different selected poems from the proposed text. Moreover, the writer has used generic nouns, women as the marked form, endearment and diminutives at the level of the word, metaphors, transitivity choices, presupposition and inferences at the level of phrase/sentence, and fragmentation at the discourse level. The study concluded that different terms are used for women, which shows the lower, passive, dependent nature of women in society and also shows some hope, bravery, resistance, and self-realization. Meanwhile, men are shown as active actors in all their actions.

This study aimed to examine the role of adaptive coping strategies in enhancing speech rehabilitation outcomes for patients with progressive neurological disorders (PNDs) such as ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and MS, which often resulted in progressive speech impairment and reduced quality of life. Previous research highlighted the emotional and social challenges associated with PNDs, emphasizing the need for psychological support in rehabilitation programs. This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design with a sample of 120 adult PND patients undergoing speech therapy. Data were collected through self-reported surveys, including the Brief COPE Inventory, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life, and therapist-rated Speech Intelligibility Rating Scale. Findings revealed that problem-focused coping significantly predicted improved speech intelligibility, resilience, and quality of life, while emotion-focused coping showed moderate positive effects, particularly on quality of life. The interaction between coping strategies indicated that combining problem- and emotion-focused approaches produced the best outcomes. These results underscored the value of integrating adaptive coping techniques in speech therapy to support both functional and psychological rehabilitation. Future research should consider longitudinal studies and explore qualitative insights into patient experiences to further understand adaptive coping in PND rehabilitation.

Capitalizing on the use of e-learning platforms and digital libraries has emerged as one strategic way to bring students with physical disabilities caught up in present educational inequities. This study explores the role they play in improving accessibility, usability, and academic outcomes based on the Universal Design for Learning. The research also finds out there are things that do make a difference, namely closed captioning, screen readers, and remote access. Nevertheless, their effect is hindered by barriers such as poor accessibility features, absence of technical support, and socio-economic challenges. With a mixed method approach, this study gets the students', educators', and developers' pieces of the puzzle in evaluating the accessibility of these tools, uncovering challenges, and proposing improvements. However, results suggest that although much has been achieved, there is still a digital divide, and non-institutional policies have persisted. The strength of the study is that it emphasizes the importance of standardized accessibility features, a robust institutional framework, and global action to counter systemic barriers, which provide a blueprint for more inclusive education environments.

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the imposter phenomenon and self-handicapping behaviors among medical students (MBBS), with a focus on the moderating role of self-care. For this purpose, a sample of N=300 medical students (n=150 men and n=150 women) from private as well as government medical colleges of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore were assessed, and the data was collected via demographic form and three questionnaires measuring the study variables. The Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (Clance, 1985), Self-Handicapping Scale (Kaur & Raji, 2022), and Self-Compassion Scale Short-form's subscale named self-care (Raes et al., 2011) were used to measure one of the study variables. Correlational analysis, as well as regression and moderation analyses, were performed in order to explore the relationships between the study variables. The statistical analysis revealed that the imposter phenomenon positively correlated with self-handicapping. The interaction effect of the imposter phenomenon and self-care on self-handicapping came out to be significant. The moderator graph showed that self-care weakened the relationship between the imposter phenomenon and self-handicapping. Moreover, the t-test findings revealed that female medical students scored higher on all the study variables except self-care than their male counterparts.

This research paper basically analyzes the neophyte role of Artificial Intelligence in the defense domain and the ways through which this has been revolutionizing modern warfare with new operational and functional methods and tactics on the battlefield coupled with empowering decision-making processes outside the field. AI has been ingrained deeply into the veins of modern warfare at such a level that not only does it provide the facilities of an autonomous machine that works independently of human fallacious features but also enhances the potential of decision-making capabilities in order to analyze larger sets of data in a few minutes. Moreover, developments in AI and its integration in the military domain have led to the novice concept of ''Hyperwar,'' where automation of machines would eventually minimize human control over decisions. The effects of platforms under AI control would be multiplied by many folds, ultimately making it impossible for an enemy to execute a command or respond, known as the multiplier force effect. Not only will its application enhance the capacity and capability of weapons systems, but it also will alter the nature of warfare. This paper substantially investigates the unprecedented contingencies and how AI-based applications are putting three basic and integral aspects of the future of defense in danger, particularly Autonomous Weapons systems and modern warfare, Intelligence, reconnaissance, and national and international Security. However, few skeptics argue that the application of AI in the military domain requires a fundamental recalculation of what constitutes deterrence and military strength.

War is a bitter reality, and this bitter reality has been a topic of discussion in many pieces of literature throughout the ages. Decades of war and oppression have caused millions of Afghans to endure pain, trauma and death. It has produced nothing except broken limbs, broken families, and, sadly, broken dreams. The present study examined the social impact of war and how it is showcased in the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. A textual analysis was conducted, which portrayed how war affected the characters of the selected novel physically, psychologically, and economically. The findings revealed that war made all of them stand in one row, be it a wealthy business owner, an educated doctor or a poor shoemaker. All suffered equally and adversely. But despite all the atrocities, Afghan people have not let go of hope and want to see their beloved country shine again, as also portrayed in the ending of the selected novel.

The complex interplay between monetary policy, cash holdings, and their motives holds crucial importance for the economic stability, investment decisions, and financial resilience of a developing country like Pakistan. The nation is enduring a difficult period where it has a weak domestic currency, a burden of foreign debt and adverse exchange rates. Under this situation, corporate cash-holding decisions are highly influenced by monetary policy, making it crucial to explore the determinants of money demand by the business sector to extend monetary policy implications in Pakistan. In order to understand the wider effects of Pakistan's monetary policy, it is crucial to look into the elements that influence the demand for money inside the business sector. Therefore, the current study explores the determinants of money demand by the business sector for extending monetary policy applications in Pakistan and the non-linear association between cash holdings and their motives in order to assess if the priorities of business change with the change in the incidence of cash holding motives. The study used the panel quantile regression for 315 firms listed in the KSE index. The model is merited on its ability to address non-normal variables while handling the panel data sets. The results indicate that all the indicators of demand for cash by firms have a non-linear effect. Transaction and speculative motives have an inverted U-shaped effect, while precaution motives have U shaped effect.

In today's world, where nations are interconnected through media, the analysis of media discourse from different perspectives on societal issues has gained much currency. The present study analyzes the satirical representation of a newspaper cartoon to find out how these media persons utilize cartoons and the accompanying linguistic choices to affect readers' opinions and understandings. Guided by qualitative research methodology, the data for this study is collected in the form of one cartoon selected through purposive sampling from a Pakistani English newspaper i.e., Dawn. Taking insights from Barthes's (1957) theory of semiotics and Fairclough’s (1995) Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) model, the study utilizes an integrated framework for a fine-grain analysis of cartoon discourse. The intermingling of these two models of analysis has helped the researchers to highlight how newspaper cartoon discourse can be utilized to construct and highlight certain ideologies. The selected cartoon under the caption "OIC seeks global intervention to halt Gaza genocide," highlights the themes of victimization and powerlessness. By utilizing the signs of a man and a wooden log for the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) and Gaza, respectively, the cartoonist has evoked feelings of sympathy for the innocent killing of Palestinians. Hence, the study has found a logical connection between linguistic and semiotic systems to highlight the OIC's inefficacy and the world's indifference and hypocritical response towards the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Psychologists are no strangers to stress and burnout. However, they derive satisfaction from their work as they believe it to be helpful. Self-care practices help in this regard, acting as both a catalyst for satisfaction and a buffer against burnout and secondary trauma. However, research is limited on the role of self-care in protecting psychologists in Pakistan. The present study aimed to discover the effect of professional self-care on the professional quality of life, compassion satisfaction, and compassion fatigue, among practicing psychologists. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected through a purposive sampling technique from (N=138) psychologists in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The results indicated that all five factors of professional self-care measured in the scale were negatively associated with burnout and secondary traumatic stress and positively associated with compassion satisfaction. Further results indicated that personal demographics such as age and parental status, and work variables including work experience or supervision, had an impact on the professional quality of life. Overall, professional self-care strategies are an important shield against the negative effects of psychologists’ work. Further research would aid in providing a richer insight into the dynamics of self-care and its effect on Pakistani psychologists.

Previous research has exposed that non-suicidal self-harm and impulsivity are linked with psychological distress among incarcerated inmates in prisons. The current study investigated impulsivity, psychological distress and non-suicidal self-harm among emerging adult offenders incarcerated in Punjab, Pakistan prisons. A correlational research based on cross-sectional survey research design was conducted on a sample of N = 150 emerging adults incarcerated in Punjab Prisons in District Jail Faisalabad and Central Jail Gujranwala, Pakistan, via snowball sampling technique. The Impulsive Behavior Short Scale (I–8), DASS-21, and Suicidal Concern for Offenders in the Prison Environment (SCOPE-2) were used for data collection. The results indicated that impulsivity, psychological distress and non-suicidal self-harm have significant correlation. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that impulsivity was a significant predictor of psychological distress. Impulsive behaviour, non-suicidal self-harm and psychological distress can be attributed to a negative environment inside the prison environment.

The concept of deterrence has fundamentally changed in the contemporary digital age, as it is now geographically embedded in evolving social dynamics. Historically, deterrence operated primarily at a different level, aiming to deter adversaries from action through military or political power. In contrast, modern deterrence has expanded to include areas such as cyberspace and information operations. With state and non-state actors using social media to project their power and influence, it has become an essential platform for these new forms of deterrence. Additionally, as new challenges emerge, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify and target specific individuals. Many countries also face considerable difficulties in controlling the flow of information and combating disinformation. This study examines the pros and cons of deterrence in the digital age and suggests new strategies to achieve effective deterrence in the current environment.

Climate refugees refer to individuals who had to migrate from their birth origin as a result of floods, drought, rising sea levels or farms which were endowed with excessively salty soil to support crop production. Climate change has been forcing people to be climate refugees. This paper makes an effort to define climate refugees and emphasise their importance. In fulfilling the aim of this article, the doctrinal method helps to incorporate the important subject of climate refugees in Pakistan. This paper focuses on the possible displacement due to climate change in Pakistan, as discussed in the article. Notably, it seeks to focus on the fact that there is no specific legal provision in Pakistan that can address the issue of climate refugees. Furthermore, there are other judicial cases that the article recognizes did not give proper attention to this problem. It describes the difficulties that refugees in Pakistan experience caused by climate change. In order to address these challenges, the article calls for the immediate formation of a substantial legal reaction that will address the phenomenon of climate refugees. It outlines major parts of a possible law and emphasizes the importance of global solidarity and assistance in fighting this new-nascent problem. Lastly, it focuses on preventive legal undertaking and coordination to protect climate refugees in Pakistan.

Changes in global power distribution and rising threats and challenges globally along with the changes in global partnering systems have important implications for the South Asian region in terms of maintaining regional peace and stability. This study focuses on examining how changes on the international system level, including the leadership shift of China, the renewed vigour of India as one of the rising powers in South Asia, the shift of the U.S foreign policy and the role of multilateralism, are affecting security dynamics in South Asia. This paper discusses factors like enhanced strategic rivalry between the US and China, nuclearization of some existing and emerging conflicts, and the character of warfare in Afghanistan and Kashmir, which have a potential impact on the stability of this region(Smith & Jones, 1997). In this study, the political, economic and security angles describe how the changes in the world order have impacted the balance of power between the SAARC countries and examine the implications of the new world order for the stability of South Asia. According to the provided findings, the nature of a new kind of cooperation and diplomacy is present; however, the interactions of contemporary international and regional processes present some problems for the creation of stability in the long period. Finally, this paper provides recommendations on how the nations of South Asia and other world actors can prioritize and cultivate peace in an area that will be more influenced by shifts in global power, and competition between countries (Bukhari, Khan, & Haq, 2024).

Since the early 1950s, mainland China and the US have continued to compete for control of the western Pacific region. Washington maintains a strategic alliance with Seoul and Tokyo and enjoys close relations with Taipei. Conversely, China retains its claim over Taiwan as part of its territory. It enjoys leverage over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) thus, there are prospects of its being used as a bargaining tool with the US to trade-off for Taiwan. The study concludes that Pyongyang's nuclear capability has given it enough leverage over Beijing and Washington. Although DPRK and Taiwan are trying to retain their sovereign positions, in reality, they would be unable to survive without the intimate support from China and the US respectively. The study concludes that despite the claim that 'America is back', in the near term, the status quo in the western Pacific may prevail but in the long term, the situation might change in China's favour. The study suggests that to realize economic prosperity/sustainable peace in the region, China and the US will have to give up their hostile approach by signing a 'new social contract'. The study has been conducted from the prism of neorealism/ neoliberalism theory.

The critical issue that is discussed in the research paper is related to the phenomenon of climate change and its impact on urban and specifically island sustainability regarding the coastal, marine and groundwater systems. Coastal and island areas are the most sensitive to climate change since they are threatened by rising sea levels, severe weather, and jeopardized ecosystems necessary for people's livelihoods; therefore, the paper focuses on the effects of the identified environmental challenges. About 150 million people or 40% of the world's population live within 100 km of a coastline, which makes these areas significant for economic and environmental uses. This research explores the main risk drivers that compromise these areas, which arise from the impacts of sea levels on structures, cropland and freshwater sources. It also pays special attention to calling for wide-ranging efforts of adaptation to coastal impacts and flooding for the sustainable management of the coastal urban and islands in relation to other climate change challenges.

Social infrastructure is the backbone of a community that functions it, but in Pakistan public facilities are provided on a "population need" base, ignoring the "equally accessible for all" rule. In this study we evaluate the importance of Public transit, health, educational, Green spaces, worship places, law  & order facilities, and their accessibility for an inclusive, Livable, Independent, healthy, and civilized neighbourhood and a GIS-based method of Network analysis (service area analysis) tool is used to analyze the accessibility within an 800 m walking distance (standard of 20-Minute city concept) into social infrastructure of Peshawar's walled city, including 6 types of public facilities like hospitals & BHUs, schools, Parks & open spaces, Police stations, Mosques, and the Bus Rapid Transit Peshawar’s stations serving the settlement area. This tool quantifies the coverage area along the complex and irregular street network and identifies the facilities of maximum coverage by filling the walled city total area. We have health, Educational, and Mosques accessible within the 800 m walkable distance limit while the Parks and Police stations exceed the limit by 100 m and the BRT Peshawar station has a 1400 m walkable distance leading by 600m to reach the other side of the city. This analysis motivates improvement in spatial planning and resource distribution, and two Mini-Public Transit Service routes are proposed for the accessible, walkable, and sustainable walled City of Peshawar. The study may provide Urban Planners and development authorities a broad view of public facilities provisions and limitations within the heritage-rich settlement.

The motive of this study is to examine the impact of project management approaches on project performance in the IT sector of Pakistan. The study can be beneficial for the success of IT-based projects under the uncertain business environment and poor economic conditions in the country. In project management, different approaches traditional, agile, and hybrid are applied for increased project performance. The implementation of project management approaches will increase the project performance of the IT sector in Pakistan and enhance the capability of the software organization to achieve a competitive advantage. This study will also facilitate the project managers to adopt the best strategy for projects in this uncertain environment in Pakistan. The result will show the significant impact of agile and hybrid approaches on project performance and will improve the scope of project management in Pakistan. The study focuses on the changing environment how these approaches affect the performance measures of the projects and how the project managers can utilize the best one to enhance the performance of the project. The result of this research will support the IT industry of Pakistan and will bring innovation in this sector which encourages the business economy of the country.

The current research study sought to investigate the relationship between schizophrenia and violence and investigate the societal impact of this association in adults. The prevalence of schizophrenia has raised concerns about whether individuals with this mental illness are more prone to violent behavior. By conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature, and theories, the aim is to investigate the association between schizophrenia and violence. Moreover, it seeks to understand the implications of this association on society, such as public perception, and the stigma associated with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. The data was collected specifically from the diagnosed schizophrenics in the hospital setting and the sample participants were 91. The tools through which the data was collected were a demographic information sheet and a self-reported questionnaire. After the completion of the data collection, it was analyzed through the application of SPSS by using chi-square. By gaining insight into this complex relationship, the findings of this study proved the hypothesis that the individuals are affected and this contributes to the development of effective strategies and interventions that can reduce violence, enhance mental health care, and foster a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Human trafficking is a criminal act of modern society which threatens millions of people all over the world. According to the world situation of socio-economic conditions and geographical location, this scourge affects Pakistan more than any other nation. The purpose of this study is to establish a review of human trafficking in this country to the legal system, which will reveal some of the difficulties of implementing it and the country's recommendation on how the problem can be addressed adequately. The paper also looks at the International and domestic laws in relation to human trafficking in Pakistan and the effectiveness of each law. It also looks at the different issues that surround the fight against this crime, among them inadequate funding, corruption, and ignorance. In addition, the research also examines the grim consequences that tender victims of humans, both sexually and psychologically. In response to these issues and in order to mitigate and comb human trafficking effectively, the following has been recommended. These include enhancing legal measures, identification of victims, provision of assistance to victims, country's cooperation with international organizations, and combating social and economic factors that lead to vulnerability. This way, Pakistan can reduce the rates of human trafficking and protect its citizens if these recommendations are followed. This research will be of significant interest and utility to any government, police force and NGOs that are struggling to contain this world problem.

This study aims to explore the impact of smartphone addiction in relation to cyberbullying victimization, quality of life, and academic performance, among university students. The sample consisted of 310 students, ranging in age from 16 -26. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the sample. Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), Cyberbullying Scale (CBS), and World Health Organization Quality Of Life Scale-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) were used for data collection. The results indicated that there is a significant positive correlation between smartphone addiction and cyberbullying victimization (r = .62, p < .01), as well as significant negative correlations between cyberbullying victimization and quality of life (r = -.761, p < .01) and smartphone addiction and quality of life also (r = -.60, p < .01). The results further highlighted the significant distinctions in smartphone addiction and cyberbullying victimization between males and females, showing males have greater smartphone addiction and cyberbullying victimization than females. In addition, the results showed a weak association (η = 0.34) between smartphone addiction and income.

The research analyzes Big Data Analytics effects on organizational results through studies of business analytics capability improvement alongside better decision quality and sustainable product development outcomes. Organizations that utilize big data efficiently improve both their operational speed and their ability to process and utilize data which enables better decisions and innovative sustainable practices. Evidence shows that big data integration as a strategic business process component creates substantial organizational improvements which supply essential knowledge for professionals and academics alike. The research demonstrates strong evidence of performance gains yet points to the necessity for additional investigations about these relationships throughout different industry sectors.

This study examines non-traditional security threats in Pakistan between 2008 and 2024, with a focus on environmental, food, water, health, cyber, demographic, and energy security threats. While traditional security threats such as wars and terrorism are significant, this study highlights the growing importance of non-traditional threats caused by rapid socioeconomic developments, climate change, and advances in technology. Over the last decade and a half, Pakistan has faced significant challenges in managing these risks, which frequently conflict with and increase one another. Environmental degradation, water shortages, food insecurity, public health issues, and rising energy demand are all major concerns that threaten the country's long-term stability. Cyber-attacks, encouraged by the rise of the internet, have become an important concern, threatening both government systems and private data. Demographic changes, such as rapid growth in population, development, and migration, impose additional strain on existing assets and increase the risk of crises. The paper examines the implications of these challenges for Pakistan's national security and offers ideas for resolving them through coordinated policies and regional cooperation.

Gendered culture in higher education attracted due attention of researchers across the globe. It vividly shaped the academic environment, influenced women’s experiences and perpetuated inequalities. This research provides insights on the impact of gendered culture on women academicians’ career development in higher education of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). We aimed to highlight the gendered barriers they face in advancing their careers in higher education. We used quantitative epistemologies and employed a cross-sectional approach. We selected a sample of 30 women academics by means of simple random sampling technique and collected data by using questionnaire from one of the public sector universities of AJK. The findings revealed a mixed bag of findings, including disparities in representation, research productivity, promotion, and supervision as well as in familial responsibilities. Based on the findings, we conform the argument of Acker (1990) that higher education is gendered space where men’s hegemony contributes to maintain the gender segregation in the organization of higher education. It is suggested to immediate measures to elevate women academicians’ status in higher education of AJK.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between school climate and academic performance of students at the elementary level. The objectives were to: identify the dimensions of school climate; assess the academic performance of elementary-level students; examine the correlation between school climate and academic performance. The study employed a descriptive research design, utilizing a survey method. The population consisted of 3,048 female students from elementary schools in Tehsil Kotli. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 346 female students. A five-point Likert-scale questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.90 was used for data collection. Data were gathered through personal visits and analyzed using SPSS version 22, with statistical techniques including mean scores, frequency, standard deviation, percentage and Pearson's correlation. The study discovered a moderate and positive correlation between students' academic achievement and the school climate. Better academic results are associated with a pleasant school climate, underscoring the significance of preserving a nurturing and orderly learning environment to improve student achievement. It is recommended that, by promoting cultural safety and making sure that staff and students have safe access to facilities, schools may continue to provide a secure and encouraging environment. In order to improve the relationship between the home and the school, schools may also actively promote parental involvement through outreach initiatives and events.

This paper will explore the relationship between women political participation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) throughout the post-Musharraf democracy period which has been characterized by massive political reorganization and institutionalization changes in Pakistan. With the advent of the democratic government through the military rule, new vistas of involvement were made available to the women in KP, although there were still structural strains that curtailed their involvement. This study discusses how socio-cultural norms, patriarchal attitude and security issues interacted with changing political institutions to influence the role of women in electoral politics, party systems and the forums of decision making. In the analysis, the researcher will consider two major provincial governments, the Awami National Party (2008-2013), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (2013-2018) who have put forward the measures in a bid to foster gender inclusion. The ANP government was concentrated in the area of legislative changes and symbolic representation, whereas the PTI administration was more concentrated on the areas of strengthening the institutions, development of the local governments, and increased delivery of the public services. In spite of these, the substantive political empowerment of women was crippled by the lack of proper policy implementation, low mobility and economic dependency. The qualitative research through the help of policy documents, election reports and scholarly works can observe the progress and the further challenges of women in political field of KP. Women as Voters and Candidates: A Critical Analysis of Electoral Inclusion in KP under Post-Musharraf Democratic Governments.

The study aimed to explore the influence of transformational leadership behaviour of heads of pedagogical practices of teachers. Descriptive designed as opted for, and a survey was conducted to explore said phenomenon. All Government Secondary Schools of district Sargodha constituted the population. A sample of 234 teachers (130 male, 102 female) was selected. Pilot testing conducted showed Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.763. Findings showed that head teachers show a high level of transformational leadership behaviour. The status of pedagogical practices was found satisfactory, whereas females head showed more transformational behaviour than males. Male teachers showed more sophisticated pedagogical practices than female teachers. Significant correlation was found between transformational leadership behavior of head teachers and teachers’ pedagogical practices. Hence, it is recommended that head teachers should practice transformational leadership practices to improve pedagogical practices and the overall performance of teachers.

"China’s Global Image Making: The Belt and Road Initiative in the Islamic World" presents a profound exploration of how China meticulously crafts its global image through the lens of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Islamic nations. This scholarly work significantly enriches our understanding of the intricate interplay between media representation and geopolitical strategy, making substantial contributions to the fields of media studies, international communication, history, and political science.
The book is firmly anchored in established theories of soft power and image framing, illuminating the vital role of media in shaping national identities and influencing international relations. It asserts that China’s engagement with Islamic countries extends far beyond mere economic transactions; it is deeply embedded in the narratives constructed by regional media outlets. This theoretical foundation is essential for grasping the complexities of how China seeks to enhance its global standing. 
Employing a meticulous methodological approach, the study conducts a comprehensive longitudinal content analysis of over 43,000 articles from Islamic English news media published between 2009 and 2018. This extensive dataset allows for a nuanced examination of China’s portrayal in the media, revealing significant trends and shifts in coverage, particularly in the aftermath of the BRI’s launch. The depth of this methodology provides robust empirical evidence that supports assertions regarding China’s increasing visibility within Islamic media narratives.
The findings unveil a rich tapestry of perceptions regarding China in the Islamic world. For instance, while countries like Pakistan and Iran generally convey a favorable view of China, media in Turkey and Egypt adopt a more critical stance. This divergence can be traced back to historical ties, economic dependencies, and differing political contexts, underscoring the multifaceted nature of international communication.
A particularly striking revelation is the correlation between China’s economic initiatives and its media representation. The book illustrates that positive media coverage often coincides with economic collaboration and infrastructural investments under the BRI framework. However, it also confronts the challenges China faces, particularly concerning human rights and governance issues, which elicit critical responses in certain Islamic contexts. 
From a historical perspective, the work situates China’s current strategies within a broader narrative of Sino-Islamic relations. It traces the historical connections between China and various Islamic nations, demonstrating how these past interactions shape contemporary perceptions. This context is crucial for understanding the long-term implications of China’s investments and diplomatic efforts, framing them as part of a continuous historical narrative that influences current geopolitical dynamics.
Furthermore, the book provides valuable insights into the interplay between domestic politics and international relations. It examines how internal political factors within Islamic countries—such as governance challenges, public sentiment, and historical grievances—affect media portrayals of China. This exploration emphasizes the necessity of considering local political landscapes when evaluating international relations, particularly in regions where historical narratives significantly impact diplomatic engagements.
From the standpoint of international communication, the book highlights the intricate relationship between media narratives and diplomatic strategies. It posits that effective public diplomacy requires a nuanced understanding of local contexts and cultural sensitivities. The findings indicate that China’s image is not solely determined by its policies but is profoundly influenced by how these policies are perceived and reported in the media.
In conclusion, "China’s Global Image Making: The Belt and Road Initiative in the Islamic World" stands as an essential resource for scholars and practitioners in international communication, history, and political science. The rigorous analysis and insightful observations provide a comprehensive understanding of China’s evolving image within the Islamic world. This work not only deepens our comprehension of China’s role in global affairs but also serves as a vital reminder of the significant impact media narratives have on shaping international perceptions. It is a noteworthy contribution to the ongoing discourse on global communication strategies in today’s complex geopolitical landscape, making it indispensable for anyone interested in the intersections of media, history, and international relations.