Vol. 4 No. 4 (2025): FALL 2025

(October-December)

Published: 2025-12-30

Articles

Full Open Access
A Comparative Analysis of Social Interaction Anxiety Among University and College Students of Gujrat, Pakistan

Dr. Noreena Kausar, Ume Habiba, Shumaila Ilyas, Iram Naz

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.143
Social interaction anxiety (SIA) is increasingly recognized as a significant challenge among students, influencing academic achievement, social adjustment, and psychological well-being. In contexts such as Pakistan, cultural expectations, family pressures, and limited access to mental health services can further intensify these experiences. The study aimed to examine the prevalence and severity of SIA among university and college students in Gujrat, Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey design was employed with 400 participants, including 200 university students and 200 college students. Using a convenient sampling technique, data were collected using the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) along with a demographic questionnaire. The majority of university students (71.3%) experience low social interaction anxiety, and 70.5% college students reported low levels of social interaction anxiety. The findings show that university students reported slightly higher anxiety (M = 31.27, SD = 12.18) than college students (M = 29.40, SD = 9.61), but the difference was not significant (t = 1.70, p = .090). In other words, social anxiety was found to be a shared struggle across both groups. By situating these results in the unique sociocultural landscape of Gujrat, this study contributes to a limited but growing body of literature on student mental health in Pakistan. It underscores the importance of addressing social anxiety to improve students' academic and personal development.
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1-12
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Information-Sharing Practices in Islamabad and Rawalpindi Garment Firms: A Descriptive–Comparative Study

Muhammad Hafeez Ullah

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.148
This study examines and compares information-sharing practices among garment manufacturing firms in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, highlighting their role in strengthening supply chain coordination and competitiveness. Using a descriptive–comparative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 205 supply chain managers through a structured questionnaire. The survey assessed partner-accessible digital databases, forecast and production plan sharing, responsiveness to requirement changes, and perceived technological and organizational barriers. The results reveal significant differences between the two clusters. Firms in Islamabad reported greater use of digital tools, stronger engagement in collaborative forecasting, and faster communication of requirement changes. In contrast, Rawalpindi firms demonstrated slower adoption of digital systems and reported more pronounced challenges related to structural limitations, technology use, and organizational resistance. These gaps suggest that Islamabad firms are more advanced in leveraging information sharing for supply chain responsiveness and innovation, while Rawalpindi firms lag behind. Overall, the findings reinforce the importance of information sharing as a critical enabler of supply chain performance. The study recommends targeted interventions—such as investment in digital capacity, improved communication mechanisms, and supportive policy measures—to enhance collaboration and integration within Pakistan’s garment sector.
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13-24
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The Influence of Store Environment and Sales Promotion on Customer Retention: The Mediating Role of Perceived Value

Dr. Muhammad Asim Aziz, Dr. Amna Iftikhar, Dr. Usman Ahsan, Sajid Pervaiz

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.149
This research aims to examine how the store environment and sales promotions influence perceived value, as well as how perceived value affects customer retention. This research uses a quantitative approach to investigate the mediating function of perceived value. Data was collected via an online survey from a representative sample of consumers or prospective buyers of retail brands in the Pakistani retail industry. A sample of 316 persons for the research was obtained from participants in Pakistan using convenience sampling. This research is based on an empirical investigation conducted using a questionnaire survey of the retail sector in Pakistan. Data analysis was conducted via SPSS and AMOS. This paper used the theory of customer relationship management. This research offers empirical data about the influence of the store environment and sales promotion on perceived value. Perceived value acts as a partial mediator in the suggested connections. Moreover, perceived value favorably affects customer retention. This research adds to the little literature on the retail sector in Pakistan. The findings provide national retail store brands with essential insights for formulating branding and marketing strategies. The findings suggest that retail marketers should examine the significance of perceived value in affecting customer retention.
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25-44
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Illness Perceptions as a Predictor of Depression Among Hypertension Patients: The Moderating Role of Sense of Coherence

Manahil Akmal, Dr. Summayya Waseem, Wardah Ahmad Tahir, Syed Ali Raza Shah

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.150
Depression often manifests through prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily life. Among individuals with hypertension, perceptions about their illness can strongly influence emotional well-being and the development of depressive symptoms. The present study examined how illness perception relates to depression in hypertensive patients and explored whether a sense of coherence acts as a moderating factor in this relationship. Survey research design was used to collect the data. A purposive sample of 200 young adults (aged 23–30 years; M = 25.61, SD = 2.40), including both males and females, was selected. Data were gathered using three standardized tools: the Depression subscale of the DASS (Lovibond et al., 1995), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Broadbent et al., 2006), and Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence Scale (1978). Findings revealed significant relationship among study variables and also highlighted that sense of coherence moderated the relationship between illness perception and depression among hypertensive patients. The results highlight the importance of addressing psychosocial components within both medical and psychological interventions for hypertensive patients. Furthermore, it is recommended that healthcare training programs include education on the psychological management of chronic illnesses, while future research should explore these relationships through longitudinal approaches.
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45-54
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Health Problems and Socio-Economic Determinants of Female Home-based Bangle Worker in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

Dr. Shoukat Ali Mahar, Zubair Ahmed Pirzada, Ashique Ali Lashari, Abdul Shakoor Solangi, Waseem Ahmed Keerio

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.151
Bangles have been a significant attraction for women in many parts of the world, especially in sub-continent Women, especially married, who feel incomplete without bangle because they are considered a symbol of joy and happiness. The study aimed to find out the respondents' problems and investigate the impact of wages on socio-economic determinants, including health. The researcher used techniques such as frequencies, basic descriptive statistics, standard deviation, and mean for the analysis. The regression researcher used ordinary least square (OLS) methods to determine the significance between health and other variables. This study was carried out in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. Data were analyzed through Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) and STATA to investigate the correlation between variables and regression. Bangle worker faces several problems in small home-based work or bangle industry. There is no transportation facility, provision of health services, Medicare facility, and precaution measures for the women labor within the factory. Their wages are deducted when they have to do off during illness. They are also exposed to security threats as well as at different stages of bangle work. They suffer from eyesight vision and other diseases. This also happens to ensure the financial stability of household workers and their families working at homes It can be socially and economically workers are suffering from many problems due to the low salary and extra working hours they could not do any other works.
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55-64
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Seduction, Surveillance, and Subversion: A Gendered Study of Mossad’s Ideological Warfare through the Cases of Sylvia Rafael and Catherine Shakdam

Syed Rizwan Haider Bukhari , Dr. Tourkia Rebhi

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.152
The following research Article describes a gender centered account of the exemplary operational strategies of the Israeli intelligence facilitation firm the Mossad through the documented life of two women i.e., Sylvia Rafael and Catherine Perez-Shakdam. Based on archival information, memoirs, declassified records, and reliable media investigations, the paper will analyze the use of gender and identity construction and ideological orientation in human intelligence (HUMINT) operations. One of the participants of the Cold War, the undercover Israeli campaign after the Munich massacre was Sylvia Rafael who worked under the alias of a journalist to help locate the desired targets. Catherine Perez-Shakdam is a contemporary political commentator who was a contributor to Iranian state media, subsequently publicly denounced her religious identity, raising concerns with the manipulation and control of ideology and access. It does not make speculative conclusions, yet the paper presents patterns in the use of gendered identity in intelligence that can be verified. It forms part of the critical research in the field of intelligence in wondering how the traditional and non traditional facets of espionage become grown-up reliant on the performative identity within the notionally sensitive political set ups.
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65-73
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Income Inequality and Globalization: A New Perspective with Respect to Ethnic and Religious Diversification

Mirza Khawar Baig, Dr. Rao Muhammad Atif

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.126
Globalization impact on income inequality remains in debates since the advantages of liberalization had been realized by the world over mercantilism. The current study focuses on how globalization has impacted nation’s income inequality which are ethically and religiously homogeneous verses heterogeneous. The study examines relationships by using the data of 48 countries for the period of (1990-2022). The countries have been bifurcated in two groups; one with high ethnic and religious diversification and other with low. Driscoll-Kraay standard errors linear regression model was applied to examine the relationship. Our research disclosed unconventional findings; KOF-globalization positively influences the Gini-inequality in homogeneous countries but in heterogenous nations the relationship is inverse. Secondly, HDI and GDP per capita shows mere impacts as compared to Urbanization and Governance quality driving the inequality in real terms. Conclusively, higher ethnic-religious diversified nations look better off compared to less diversified nations in handling impact of globalization on inequality. As policy recommendation we urge countries to frame their counter-inequality policies by giving due weight to social demography. It warrants further investigation to dig deeper into contrasting relationships between globalization and income inequality in back drop of ethnic-religious diversification.
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74-92
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When Does Training Stick? The Moderating Role of Workplace Flexibility in Learning Transfer

Danish Khan, Dr. Faisal Sheraz, Khaliq Raza

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.153
The present study aims to investigate the association between Learning and Development Opportunities (LDO), transfer of learning for the retail/FMCG industry employees in GCC considering workplace flexibility as a moderator. The study is relevant for the central question of generalization from training to on-the-job-performance in settings with limited work context and high turnover. It provides an insight on the performance of L&D systems within a constrained operational framework though GCC retail and FMCG sectors, where N-Oil GDP contributions are quite substantial. It is found that the transfer of learning is a positive correlate of LDO, although the elaboration on this relationship can be stronger with elements related to workplace flexibility. To the extent that transferring training experiences is important, so too are high degrees of autonomy and task discretion. It also looks like no amount of training will close the gap between how you should be working and how you are working unless it happens under a manager who will let develop the tools they've learned. Based on the job demands-resources (JD-R) theory, we extend the current literature in showing that workplace flexibility is a significant resource for facilitating LCT. The research emphasises the importance of embedding flexibility in HR policies to promote effective training. Therefore, it ends with the practical implications for HR managers aiming at maximizing training inputs in retail/FMCG industry of GCC.
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63-107
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Teachers’ Attitudes, Knowledge, and Misconceptions about ADHD and Learning Disabilities in Schools

Sadaf Riaz, Dr. Sumbul Mujeeb, Rubaesha Wajid

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.156
This study seeks to examine the knowledge, attitude, and misconception of teachers towards Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities (LD) in mainstream schools in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. To conduct quantitative descriptive-correlational study, a sample of 200 primary and secondary school teachers was sampled, and respondent questions were utilized in the form of a structured questionnaire with questions evaluating factual knowledge and attitudes towards inclusion, as well as misconceptions. The findings show that the overall level of knowledge among teachers is moderate, and their attitudes towards students with ADHD and LD are somewhat positive, although the prevalence of misconceptions persists, especially in teachers who have not been trained and those who are only new to the teacher job market. The results indicate the existence of a direct connection between knowledge and attitudes; teachers with more knowledge are more empathetic and inclusive, whereas limited knowledge and misconceptions prevent proper classroom support. The research puts special emphasis on teacher education and lifelong professional learning as the key to the development of inclusive practices. Integrate neurodevelopmental disorder education and myth correction into teacher training, supported by mentorship and practical, job-based learning experiences. The research comes to the conclusion that not only are the attitudes of teachers are improved by their knowledge of ADHD and LD, but the overall objective of inclusive education is reinforced.
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108-126
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Corporate Governance as a Bridge: Examining the Impact of Political Intervention and Managerial Autonomy on Firm Performance in Pakistan

Soban Ali, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad, Fahad Asghar, Salma Elsetouhy

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.154
This study looks into the combined impact of the political intervention and managerial decision-making autonomy towards firm performance within the high politically volatile countries and environments, such as Pakistan, spotlighting the mediating role of corporate governance mechanisms (CGMs) in this relationship. While previous research has examined these factors solely, this study combined them into a mediation model to give an empirical stance using data collected from 175 firms through a questionnaire that targets managerial and top managerial staff. Findings of this research paper reveal that political intervention has a highly significant adverse impact on firm performance, both directly and indirectly, after weakened CGMs. Data was analyzed on SPSS through various tests, such as descriptive analysis, normality test, reliability, multiple regression, and Andrew F Hayes Process Model 4, for the purpose of testing mediation, and then Spearman correlation. In addition, managerial autonomy shows a positive impact, with CGMs fully mediating its relationship with firm financial performance. The results support the basis of the agency theory, resource dependency theory, and strategic choice theory, showing that good governance structures have the ability to reduce the negative impacts of political intervention and effects while increasing the advantages of managerial decision-making autonomy. This study offers theoretical contributions to corporate governance mechanisms, literature, and practical implications for leaders and policymakers of corporate entities aiming to improve firm performance outcomes in developing economies.
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127-140
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Early STEM Exposure and Career Aspirations: A Longitudinal Study of How Primary-Level STEM Activities Shape Students’ Future Academic and Professional Pathways

Farzana Jabeen Khoso, Zahid Hussain Sahito

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.155
The issues that were addressed by this longitudinal research design are the impacts of exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities in early age on academic achievement, self-efficacy and the career choice of students in the STEM fields. The study will involve the investigation of the impact of STEM engagement at an early age on the students’ academic performance and the aspiration of early school students on the career possibilities associated with STEM among a cohort of over five years. The results demonstrate that students that were exposed to frequent performances of STEM activities accrued a lot of self-efficacy and higher performance in the STEM subjects. Moreover, the study is able to come up with extremely good correlation between increased participation in the STEM activities and a subsequent increment in career goals in the future, more so in staggering STEM. The problem of the gender and racial difference was also touched upon, and female students and minority students turned out as more self-efficient and having more interests in the STEM-related professional world because of the earlier exposure. The study is also applicable to the available literature on the preliminary exposure of STEM and also provide a thought that can prove valuable to methodical educators and policymakers who can form a multidiverse and competent future STEM talent.
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141-160
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Navigating Media Capture: A Case Study on Activist Circumventing Strategies in Baluchistan (2018–2023)

Muhammad Akbar, Dr. Muhammad Riaz, Dr. Muhammad Rashid

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.166
This study examine that how freelance journalists and activists navigate the media capture environment in Baluchistan categorised by the surveillance, institutional control and systemic censorship. In the context of political economy of media theory this research examined which kind of circumventing strategies in the situation of information repression in Baluchistan between 2018-2023 has been employed. This period is important as at the time unusually the media capture and intensified security pressure was on peak in this region. By using semi structure interviews of the twelve activists and freelance journalists selected through snowball sampling and data was analysed through the thematic analysis approach. The findings of the research revealed that the activists and freelance journalists are using circumventing strategies to overcome the media capture such as using alternative media, encrypted messaging, engagement with diaspora networks, flexible communication behaviour and sophisticated surveillance avoidance techniques. Taken together, these findings illustrate how individuals in Baluchistan construct parallel information pathways that enable resistance within a tightly controlled media landscape. The study contributes to broader debates on media repression, digital activism, and communication resilience in conflict-prone environments, offering insights relevant to scholars, journalists, and human rights practitioners.
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161-173
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Performing Digital Citizenship in Teacher Education: Female Teacher Educators' Rights Claiming through Cyberspace in Punjab, Pakistan

Dr. Yaar Muhammad, Dr. Dawood Ahmad, Naima Qureshi

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.169
This paper examines how female teacher educators in Punjab, Pakistan, enact digital citizenship using rights-claiming practices in cyberspace. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, semi-structured interviews were held through Zoom with twenty-seven female participants. The NVivo 15 program with AI-assisted coding was used to analyse the data, employing constant comparative methods and theoretical sampling. It gave rise to three theoretical concepts: Negotiating digital professional presence, claiming pedagogical autonomy through digital acts, and resisting gendered digital surveillance. The results show that female teacher educators practice digital citizenship based on explicit and implicit rights claim-making through everyday digital activities to negotiate tensions among institutional callings, technological closings, and transformative openings. These practices cut across institutional, gendered, and national spaces and thus form a transversal space of cyberspace, which can be regarded as an intersection of professional and gendered identity. This research adds theoretical knowledge on the ways marginalised educational professionals practice performative rights-claiming practices, which develop the conceptualisation of digital citizenship outside of Western settings.
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174-189
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Social Media and Investment Scams: Examining Social Media Platforms as a Tool for Investment Scams among University Students in Pakistan

Mujtaba Rauf, Muhammad Moosa Naeem, Syed Majid Hussain

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.171
Investment scams on digital platforms have increased significantly and created heightened vulnerability among young and active users, specifically university students in Pakistan. This study aims to address the concerns related to social media platforms as they are used as financial guidance, as well as promoting misleading and fraudulent schemes. The study focused on two research questions: which social media platforms students perceive as trustworthy for investment-related information, and which they believe are associated with promoting investment scams. The study used a quantitative survey design, and data were collected from different public and private universities in Pakistan. The survey was suitable for study as it allows for a large data collection within a limited timeframe. The simple random sampling technique was used, and it ensured equal participation opportunities for all the students. A total of 288 responses were analysed using basic descriptive statistics to measure the frequencies and percentages. Findings revealed that scams related to promotions are mostly done on Facebook, followed by TikTok and WhatsApp, while students believe YouTube is the most trustworthy for investment guidance, followed by WhatsApp and Instagram. Facebook and Telegram were marked as the least trusted and reliable sources for investment information. Results indicate that there is a clear discrepancy between platform popularity, perceived trustworthiness, and perceived risk, highlighting the complex nature of students' digital financial exposure. Overall, the conclusion of the study is that the Pakistani university students are aware of platform-specific risks, but they encounter fake investment schemes frequently on these platforms in their daily routine.
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190-204
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Role of Social Media in Offsetting Gendered Discrimination: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Mehrab Moiz Awaan’s Podcast on YouTube

Sundas Faryal, Dr. Awais Bin Wasi

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.175
This study explores the multifaceted role of social media in the lives of transgender, focusing on how digital platforms such as you tube facilitate identity expression, community building and resistance against social stigma. The research uses qualitative methods to explore the discursive practices used by Mehrab Awan to challenge dominant narratives of patriarchy and marginalization. The finding reveals highlights the media capacity to give voice to marginalized gender identities, challenge patriarchy, correct misconception of transgender, and humanize gender diversity. Social media also create counter discourse against discrimination and enable to reconstruct identities. Overall, social media emerges as vital source where transgender individuals negotiate their identities, foster social support and resist hegemonic structures.
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205-211
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Social Predictors of Pragmatic Skills and Conversational Maxims in Children

Iqra Saeed, Dr. Hina Rana, Sharmeen Tarar

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.159
The study aimed to investigate the relationship among social predictors and pragmatic skills and conversational Maxims in children. For such purpose, children between age ranges 5-5.12 years and 6-6.12 years (N=66; males 33 and females 33) were selected from four private schools of Jhang Sadar( 2 Advanced and 2 less Advanced school systems).Cross sectional research design and purposive sampling were used for this study. Pearson moment correlation and independent sample t test were used to compute values. There was no notable relation found among social predictors and pragmatic skills and conversational maxims in children between ages 5 – 7 years. The relationship between social predictors and conversational maxims was only significant at Quantity subscale. Whereas the relationship between subscales of conversational maxims was significant at Quality and Relevance. And with Pragmatic skills’ subscales it was significant at Explanation and Knowledge. So, Quantity Maxim of Conversational implicatures predicts family system and types of schooling more significantly. Whereas Quality and Relevance of Conversational Implicatures predict subscales of Pragmatic skills ( Explanation and Relevance) more significantly. There was no prediction of overall scores of conversational Maxims and Pragmatic skills.
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212-224
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Exploring the Impact of Voice Search and Voice Commerce On Consumer Shopping Habits and Brand Interactions

Dr. Arman Khan, Dr. Asma Imdad, Khalil Ullah Safi, Fauzia Ahmed

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.176
The significant development of digital technologies has altered how consumers shop and interact with the brand, with voice search and voice commerce becoming the major forces of transformation. This paper examines how voice-enabled technologies affect the consumer search behavior, purchasing decision-making and brand interaction in an online space. A quantitative research design was used, where a structured questionnaire was used on 300 respondents that are active users of voice enabled platforms. The analysis of data was performed by means of the descriptive and inferential statistical methods to investigate the trends in the voice search frequency, voice commerce adoption, and consumer-brand interactions. The results indicate that a large percentage of customers often use voice search to explore the products as they prefer quick, conversational, and hands-free search of information. Voice commerce has become popular especially in repetition purchases, in reorders and non-involved products categories as it adds more convenience and facilities transactions. Voice-enabled platforms are viewed by consumers as enhancing brand awareness, personalization, and loyalty despite the medium being fairly adopted in product recommendations. The research also shows that as much as voice technologies are shaping the shopping behavior and brand interaction, they are complementary resources that should co-exist with the conventional digital interactions and not a total replacement. Altogether, the present study underscores the increasing importance of voice search and voice commerce in influencing consumer behavior and suggests that the brands must consider these technologies as part of their marketing strategy to increase engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty.
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225-236
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Xi Jinping Thought and Its Implications for South Asia: A Comparative Analysis of India and Pakistan

Imran Khan, Dr. Ahmad Farhan Saeed, Dr. Muhammad Sheharyar Khan

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.174
President Xi’s political thought (XPT) hybridizes Leninist essentials with the moral philosophies of Chinese intellectual heritage, particularly with Confucianism, forming a fused ideological structure. The paper conceptualized this synthesis as a New Mandate of Heaven that draws simultaneously on both traditional Chinese philosophies and philosophical underpinning of Marxism-Leninism. President Xi’s political thought is operationalized through five analytical dimensions: (1) political governance; (2) ideological foundations; (3) economic policy; (4) Chinese nationalism; and (5) global governance. Moreover, the paper examines its implications for the two nuclear South Asian states, Pakistan and India. The analysis concludes that Pakistan’s approach adopts a broadly receptive posture and aligns with XPT. In contrast, India’s policy is informed by a set of strategies that resist, perceiving XPT as a threat to its power projection in the region.
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237-250
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From Stigma to Support: Mental Health and Community Engagement in Pakistan

Khadija Tariq Khan, Muhammad Jazib Niaz

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.177
Mental health conditions are one of the greatest and increasing national health problems in Pakistan, and access to proper services is also critically low. This review synthesis summarizes the available evidence on psychiatric disorders prevalence, barriers to care in the form of structure and cultural factors, and how community-based interventions can help to close these gaps. The systematic search report was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, medRxiv, and institutional resources, including WHO and national reports, which were published between 2015 and 2025. The results have shown that approximately one-third of adults in Pakistan have a common mental disorder, with women and adolescents being their disproportionate victims. The lack of mental health professionals, low budgetary allocation and fragmented provincial governance are some of the limitations on the delivery of services. The stigma, supernatural explanatory beliefs and gender restrictive norms among the cultural barriers contribute more to discouragement of help seeking. With these obstacles, community-based interventions such as task-shifting to Lady Health Workers, digital mental health, school-based, and interaction with faith leaders show potential results. There is, however, limited evidence on sustainability, scalability, equity and cost-effectiveness. Developing community-based and culturally-sensitive mental health is the first step towards the provision of equitable and sustainable care in Pakistan.
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251-267
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Parental Involvement, Self-Concept Clarity, Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Adolescents

Farah Akbar, Farhan Hashmi, Muhammad Qaiser Arif

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.172
The present research studied the relationship between parental involvement, self-concept Clarity, emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents. It was hypothesized that there will be significant correlation between parental involvement, self-concept clarity, emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents. The sample was consisted of (n=200) adolescents including both girls and boys of age 12 to 17 years. Correlation research design was used in this study. The data was gathered through convenient sampling. Pearson product moment correlation analysis showed that parental involvement and self-concept clarity is negatively correlated to the emotional and behavioral problems, while parental involvement and self-concept clarity were positively correlated. Stepwise regression analysis showed that parental involvement and self-concept clarity were the negative predictors of emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents. Independent sample t-test showed the significant differences in the parental involvement, self-concept clarity, emotional and behavioral problems in terms of maternal profession of adolescents. Independent sample t-test also showed significant differences in the parental involvement, self-concept clarity, emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents in terms of home environment. ANOVA showed that there were significant differences in the parental involvement and self-concept clarity in terms of paternal profession and socioeconomic status. ANOVA also showed that there were significant differences found in the parental involvement and self-concept clarity in terms of maternal qualification of adolescents.
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268-276
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Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Engagement among Employees in the Corporate Sector of Pakistan: The Mediating Role of Organizational Pride

Muhammad Sajjad Shahid, Nida Iqbal Soomro, Komal Zehra, Aurang Zaib Ashraf Shami, Shah Jahan Ashraf

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.178
The objective of the study was to fill a gap in the literature by evaluating the mediating role of organizational pride between perceived corporate social responsibility and employee engagement among employees working in the corporate sector of Pakistan. For this purpose, the study adapted a cross-sectional correlational study design and a purposive sampling technique to collect data from employees of both genders, i.e., men and women with a minimum age of 18. The study utilized standardized instruments to measure the study variables. Throughout the study APA 7th edition ethical code of conduct was utilized. Out of 300 employees, only 247 completed the questionnaires, comprising 119 men and 128 women; others withdrew from the study. The data was entered into IBM SPSS version 26 for analysis purposes. The Pearson product-moment correlation indicated a significant relationship among study variables, i.e., perceived corporate social responsibility, organizational pride, and employee engagement. The mediation analysis demonstrated full mediation as perceived corporate social responsibility did not significantly predict the employee engagement, while the indirect effect via organizational pride remained statistically significant. The gender i.e., men and women differences with respect to study variables, i.e., perceived corporate social responsibility and organizational pride, were not significant; however, women scored significantly higher on the study variable employee engagement than their men counterparts. The findings provided important practical and theoretical implications.
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277-287
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Embedded Intentions in Expressions: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Doha Peace Agreement (DPA)

Salma Naz Khattak, Muhammad Ayaz, Maria Rehman

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.179
Doha Peace Agreement (DPA) was inked on 29 February 2021 to pave way for the United States (US) exit from Afghanistan after the war on terror for around twenty years and to secure guarantees from Afghan Taliban regarding not letting anyone or any group use Afghan soil for terrorism against the US and its allies. The US started withdrawing troops but Taliban advance towards Kabul ahead of the agreed time, forced President Ashraf Ghani to flee. Taliban took over Kabul on 15 August 2021 and once in total control did not initiate intra-Afghan dialogue and refused to form an inclusive government, violating its commitments. This study is aimed to explain the content of the DPA qualitatively using the Fairclough model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) for failing its objectives. The findings of the study highlight that USA framed a specific discourse in the agreement apparently objectifying the establishment of peace in Afghanistan as its core aim and justifying its decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. However, USA failed to realize the importance of a strong guarantor and defined guarantees in the agreement to ensure that once the Taliban are back in power, must adhere to the terms of the agreement. The agreement also neglected the issues of an inclusive government, women’s rights, and freedom of speech. The study has extending consequences on the U.S. hegemonic discourse about countering terrorism strategies and conflict resolution as it tends to fail in the case of Afghanistan because of the way the discourse of DPA was drafted.
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288-302
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Exploring the Influence of Socio-Cultural Barriers on Reproductive Health Decision- Making Among Working Women

Zainab Sagheer, Muhammad Hasnain Shah, Dr. Zarqa Azhar

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.181
The Socio-cultural influences are important in the reproductive health choice of working women that influence their autonomy, medical care access, and competency to take effective decisions. This qualitative research set out to examine the influence of socio-cultural barriers on reproductive health decision-making among working women and specifically the family expectations, cultural norms, work-related demands, and access to healthcare services. It was a qualitative research design, and the study gathered data using semi-structured and in-depth interviews with married working women with various educational, job, and socio-economic backgrounds. Researchers used convenience sampling of eligible women and thematic analysis to identify common patterns and themes in their reproductive health decision-making experiences. The results established that family norms especially, husband and in-law pressure had great impact on reproductive health choices. Although women were involved in the economy, their influence in decisions in the household was still not strong, and thus there was a lack of reproductive control. Social norms and cultural stigma around reproductive health enhanced silence and fear of being judged and waiting longer to seek healthcare services. Workplace inflexibility, fear of income loss, and limited reproductive health information restrict working women's decision-making. Socio-cultural, familial, and structural factors are interconnected, making reproductive health choices a collective, not solely individual, matter. The results indicate that the intervention should be context-specific, such as family and community awareness interventions, supportive work policies, and greater access to reproductive healthcare services, to promote the reproductive autonomy and well-being of women.
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303-312
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Impact of Perfectionism on Self-Efficacy and Academic Achievement among Young Adults: Moderating Role of Social Support

Syeda Qudsia Naqvi, Dr. Fayyaz Ahmed Anjum

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.182
The current research paper has investigated the connection between perfectionism, self-efficacy, and academic performance in young adults. Positive and negative aspects of perfectionism were taken into consideration to investigate the different effects they have on the psychological resources and performance of students. The study design was a quantitative, cross-sectional study, and the data were gathered using a sample of young adults which comprised of standardized self-report measure of perfectionism and self-efficacy and academic achievement was measured using cumulative grades. The hypotheses were tested by use of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression and independent sample t-tests. Findings showed that positive perfectionism had a strong correlation with the self-efficacy and academic performance, and negative perfectionism had an inverse relationship with these variables. Moreover, self-efficacy partially mediated the correlation between perfectionism and academic performance, which is essential to indicate the significance of self-efficacy in the transformation of perfectionistic dispositions into performance results. There were also gender variations whereby females scored higher in negative perfectionism and had a relatively lower academic self-efficacy compared to males. These results imply that the academic performance of young adults can be enhanced by means of interventions that enhance self-efficacy and adaptive perfectionistic characteristics. The research paper adds to the literature on perfectionism in the academic world and supports the significance of psychological strengths in academic success.
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313-334
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Perceived Psychosocial Learning Environment in Mathematics Classrooms: A Student Perspective

Dr. Mobeen Ul Islam, Dr. Nishat Zafar, Dr. Laraib

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.187
The current research explored the perception of the psychosocial learning environment among the students in the mathematics classrooms in secondary schools, and this research question specifically looked at whether there were gender differences in the perception of psychosocial learning environment. The quantitative and descriptive-comparative design was used, and the sample of 550 Grade 10 students ( 275 males and 275 females) in District Gujranwala public schools was used. The WIHIC (What Is Happening in This Class) questionnaire was modified to assess six dimensions of psychosocial environment, which were Student Cohesiveness, Teacher Support, Involvement, Task Orientation, Cooperation, and Equity. The analysis of the data with the help of the descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests showed that the overall perceptions of the students were even higher than it was perceived at the moderate level, and the greatest ratings were given to the Task Orientation and Student Cohesiveness. Gender comparisons revealed that female students had better perceptions on most dimensions especially on Cooperation, Task Orientation and Equity, and no significant difference between genders appeared with regards to Involvement. The research emphasizes the need to have a well-planned, interactive, and balanced classroom setting, and also to take into account gender views in order to increase learning and engagement levels of the students in mathematics.
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335-346
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Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing as a Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience: The Roles of Green Collaboration and Environmental Governance

Iftikhar Ahmad, Raisham Hayee, Muhammad Awais Khalid, Muhammad Ahsan Ali

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.188
There is a growing pressure in the environment and supply chain domain which has increased the importance of resilient and sustainable supply chains. This paper uses the Natural Resource-Based View and the Dynamic Capabilities Theory to discuss how Green Supply Chain Collaboration (GSC) and Organizational Environmental Governance (OEG) can foster Supply Chain Resilience (SCR), and Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing (ECM) holds a mediating role. The proposed model was estimated with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using survey data obtained on 270 respondents at the managerial level in manufacturing companies in Pakistan in the textile and apparel sectors, food processing, chemical, and light engineering sectors. The results indicate that GSC and OEG possess major direct impact on SCR, and positive impact on ECM, which is substantial. Further, ECM also contributes greatly to the supply chain resilience and partially mediates the associations between GSC and SCR, OEG and SCR, where the latter has a stronger mediating impact than the first. The findings support the significance of the fact that environmental cooperation and governance create the resilience mainly when it is converted into the practice of manufacturing. This research contributes to the resilience and sustainability literature by placing environmental conscious manufacturing as one of the key operational processes by which strategic environmental initiatives are converted into resilient supply chain performance giving managers and policymakers in the emerging manufacturing economies valuable insights.
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347-368
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Unravelling the Link Between Party System Fragmentation and Electoral Volatility: The Case of Pakistan (1970–2024)

Arooj Azeem, Adil Zaman, Aslam Khan, Fazeel Ashra Qaisrani

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.189
Electoral volatility and party system fragmentation are important features of the political party system. This study seeks to examine the role of party system fragmentation in the electoral volatility in Pakistan. The study examines the relationship between the Effective Number of Parties (ENP) and electoral volatility in Pakistan from 1970 to 2024 through a mixed-methods approach. The study uses the Pedersen index to quantify volatility and the Taagepera index of fragmentation to quantify the Effective Number of Parties. The findings showed that the relationship between volatility and fragmentation is not linear over time. Findings showed that the 1970s to 1990s and 2013 have high fragmentation. However, the electoral periods of 2018 and 2024 have high fragmentation but a fall in volatility, thus they nullify the idea that fragmentation necessarily leads to democratic pluralism. The study is an important contribution to the literature on party system fragmentation and electoral volatility in Pakistan.
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369-382
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The Role of Environmental Governance, Practices and Stakeholder Engagement for a Sustainable Development

Dr. Zubair Ahmad, Mamoona Islam

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.162
Can we build trust with help of Environmental governance, practices (Political ecology and Environmental policy) and stakeholder engagement? This research explores the current the role of Environmental governance indicators such as political ecology and environmental policy in building trust as rational and relational in the context of Pakistan with an empirical lens. Data were collected via an online survey distributed to Pakistani citizens through social media platforms and analyzed using quantitative statistical methods. Dave Trust equation is used for stakeholder engagement and building trust. This study offers practical recommendations for enhancing building trust in developing countries like Pakistan, providing valuable insights for policymakers and future researchers interested in the dynamics of public trust within the context of environmental governance.
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383-400
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Openness, Institutions, and Sectoral Dynamics in Pakistan's Water Stress

Ali Raza Zaidi, Dr. Muhammad Ali Nizamani, Dr. Rafiq Chandio

doi https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/FL25.436
Water stress is a big hurdle to sustainable development in Pakistan and the attainment of SDG 6. This study aims to analyze various economic, demographic and institutional indicators related to water stress in Pakistan with the help of World Bank data for the period 1999-2023 and based on the known statistical techniques to explore the relations between these indicators. The results indicate that agricultural output has a positive effect of 15.719 (p < 0.01) on water stress and population density has positive effect of 1.596 (p < 0.01) on agricultural output. Water stress also has a positive association with environmental policy stringency, 24.448 (p < 0.05). Similarly, lagged foreign direct investment has a positive and significant coefficient of 31.010 (p < 0.01). In contrast, trade openness has a negative coefficient of −1.190, which is not statistically significant (p > 0.10). The results reinforce the importance of efficiency in irrigation, of the implementation of environmental policy and of the introduction of sustainable water management into urban planning. The results, however, are difficult to generalize since limited provincial data exist. Further research is needed to explore regional variations for better and more regionally appropriate water policies.
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401-418

Vol. 4 No. 4 (2025): FALL 2025

Articles

A Comparative Analysis of Social Interaction Anxiety Among University and College Students of Gujrat, Pakistan

Information-Sharing Practices in Islamabad and Rawalpindi Garment Firms: A Descriptive–Comparative Study

The Influence of Store Environment and Sales Promotion on Customer Retention: The Mediating Role of Perceived Value

Illness Perceptions as a Predictor of Depression Among Hypertension Patients: The Moderating Role of Sense of Coherence

Health Problems and Socio-Economic Determinants of Female Home-based Bangle Worker in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

Seduction, Surveillance, and Subversion: A Gendered Study of Mossad’s Ideological Warfare through the Cases of Sylvia Rafael and Catherine Shakdam

Income Inequality and Globalization: A New Perspective with Respect to Ethnic and Religious Diversification

When Does Training Stick? The Moderating Role of Workplace Flexibility in Learning Transfer

Teachers’ Attitudes, Knowledge, and Misconceptions about ADHD and Learning Disabilities in Schools

Corporate Governance as a Bridge: Examining the Impact of Political Intervention and Managerial Autonomy on Firm Performance in Pakistan

Early STEM Exposure and Career Aspirations: A Longitudinal Study of How Primary-Level STEM Activities Shape Students’ Future Academic and Professional Pathways

Navigating Media Capture: A Case Study on Activist Circumventing Strategies in Baluchistan (2018–2023)

Performing Digital Citizenship in Teacher Education: Female Teacher Educators' Rights Claiming through Cyberspace in Punjab, Pakistan

Social Media and Investment Scams: Examining Social Media Platforms as a Tool for Investment Scams among University Students in Pakistan

Role of Social Media in Offsetting Gendered Discrimination: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Mehrab Moiz Awaan’s Podcast on YouTube

Social Predictors of Pragmatic Skills and Conversational Maxims in Children

Exploring the Impact of Voice Search and Voice Commerce On Consumer Shopping Habits and Brand Interactions

Xi Jinping Thought and Its Implications for South Asia: A Comparative Analysis of India and Pakistan

From Stigma to Support: Mental Health and Community Engagement in Pakistan

Parental Involvement, Self-Concept Clarity, Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Adolescents

Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Engagement among Employees in the Corporate Sector of Pakistan: The Mediating Role of Organizational Pride

Embedded Intentions in Expressions: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Doha Peace Agreement (DPA)

Exploring the Influence of Socio-Cultural Barriers on Reproductive Health Decision- Making Among Working Women

Impact of Perfectionism on Self-Efficacy and Academic Achievement among Young Adults: Moderating Role of Social Support

Perceived Psychosocial Learning Environment in Mathematics Classrooms: A Student Perspective

Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing as a Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience: The Roles of Green Collaboration and Environmental Governance

Unravelling the Link Between Party System Fragmentation and Electoral Volatility: The Case of Pakistan (1970–2024)

The Role of Environmental Governance, Practices and Stakeholder Engagement for a Sustainable Development

Openness, Institutions, and Sectoral Dynamics in Pakistan's Water Stress

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