International Research Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Jlali Research Institute of Social Sciences, Lahore
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Primary Health Care in Nigeria: An Appraisal of the Effect of Foreign Donations
This study evaluates the impact of foreign donations on the development of Primary Health Care (PHC) services in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study assesses the effectiveness of foreign donations in improving access to essential healthcare services. The paper employed a comprehensive review of literature from a wide range of resources including official reports, academic journals, statistical bulletins, and online resources. In addition, qualitative methodology was applied. Two Local Government Areas were randomly selected in Bauchi State to elicit information from primary healthcare policy makers and policy implementers. The two LGAs are Darazo (Rural/Semi Urban) and Bauchi LGA (Urban). The study was limited to these locations due to cost and time. Furthermore, 10 Key Informant Interviews were conducted with policy makers and implementers, 8 were conducted with the Officers in Charge of the facilities visited. A checklist was used to capture the number by cadre mix of healthcare personnel in the selected PHCs. Qualitative content analysis was used to elicit meaningful data. The qualitative data are used alongside the comprehensive literature review in order to give full understanding of the issues under study. The findings suggest that foreign donations have contributed to the development of PHC services, but challenges such as inadequate coordination, insufficient infrastructure, and dependence on external funding hinder sustainability. The study set out to examine the amount and effect of foreign donations on the primary health care system in Nigeria. The paper combined qualitative methodology and analysis of literature to investigate the present state of primary healthcare, identify the setbacks to full development of primary healthcare in Nigeria and examined the effects of foreign donations on the primary health care system in Nigeria. Nigeria is ranked as a low middle-income economy and its spending on the health sector has not met the 15% stated in the Abuja Declaration by the African Union in 2024, Nigeria’s annual budget stood at 46 trillion naira, with about 4.13% of the overall budget going to the health sector. Across the five years between 2019-2024, budgetary allocation to the health sector have been increasing but was consistently less than the 15% minimum set at the Abuja declaration. This poor budgetary allocation to the health sector over the years necessitates foreign donations in health care delivery and improvement in Nigeria. The paper found that foreign donations have been increasing but have also led to the perpetuation of a non-committal attitude towards increasing domestic spending on health and the neglect of health system strengthening. Therefore, the paper recommends timely and steady increase in domestic funding for health along with the strengthening of the health system towards creating an effective primary health care system with or without foreign donations in Bauchi state. The study recommends that policymakers and stakeholders prioritize local ownership, improve coordination, and invest in infrastructure to ensure the long-term sustainability of PHC services. Primary Health Care (PHC) provides the most viable route towards achieving health related sustainable development goals (SDGs) and is crucial to the achievement of other SDGs and the study also identified challenges, including: Inadequate coordination among donors.
Primary, Health Care, Appraisal, Foreign Donations
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Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Recreational or Physical Exercise to Reduce Insomnia and Psychological Problem in Cancer Patient in Lahore
With 2.1 million new cases reported annually, breast cancer remains a major global health concern and the most common and deadly disease in women. It is responsible for one out of every four cancer-related deaths in Pakistan, with an incidence rate that is more than 4.5 times higher than the next most common cancer. Between 1990 and 2019, the number of cases of breast cancer in Pakistan rose by more than 300%, and the death rate rose by 200–300% during the same time. The present study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of recreational physical exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on alleviating psychological distress and insomnia in breast cancer patients. Forty individuals (n=40) were divided equally into four groups: two experimental groups and two control groups for psychological issues and insomnia. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to see if sleep quality and mental health got better before and after the intervention. The experimental group's PSQI scores dropped from 17.50 to 9.20 (p<0.000), which means that their sleep quality got a lot better, and their PHQ-9 scores dropped from 13.30 to 6.20 (p<0.000), which means that their psychological distress got a lot better. Conversely, no significant enhancement was observed in the control groups (p=0.89 for sleep quality and p=0.87 for psychological distress). Furthermore, post-intervention analysis indicated that the experimental group significantly surpassed the control group (p<0.000). These findings, supported by additional research, indicate that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), when combined with leisure and physical activities, effectively enhances mental health and sleep quality, thereby promoting the overall well-being of breast cancer patients.
sleep quality, insomnia, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Recreational and Physical exercises
Facadism: A Happy Medium to the Dichotomy of Demolition and Conservation
The conflict between urban development and heritage conservation remains a significant challenge in modern architectural practice. The preservation of historic structures plays a crucial role in safeguarding cultural and architectural heritage; however, this often comes into conflict with the demands of economic growth and urban expansion. Conversely, while demolition offers an opportunity for new development, it entails the significant cost of erasing historical continuity. Situated in between, Facadism has emerged as a controversial yet increasingly embraced architectural strategy that seeks to preserve the façade of a heritage building while integrating new construction behind it. Despite frequently facing criticism for its perceived superficiality and potential compromise of authenticity, facadism offers a negotiated middle ground that aims to balance the preservation of architectural heritage with contemporary functional and economic demands. This paper critically examines facadism as a potential 'happy medium' in the dichotomy of demolition and conservation. Through a structured literature review, it explores the origins, typologies, advantages, and limitations of facadism, along with the socio-cultural and urban conditions that justify its application. The analysis is supported by a series of cases that highlight the diverse outcomes of facadist interventions in different urban contexts. Ultimately, the paper argues for a nuanced understanding of facadism, not as a universally applicable solution, but as a context-dependent strategy within the broader discourse on adaptive reuse and heritage-led redevelopment.
Facadism, adaptive reuse, conservation, demolition, urban regeneration
Empowering Women through Sports: Pathways to Achieve SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
The current study will look into how far sports can be used as a transformational tool to address gender equality and reduce inequalities, as a part of SDGs 5 and 10. Precisely, the research assesses the impact of Access to Sports Opportunities (ASO) and Social Support and Inclusion (SSI) on Women Socio- Economic Empowerment (WSE), Self-Empowerment (SE) is the mediating construct, and Institutional Policy Support (IPS) is the moderating variable. The quantitative data was collected through a structured survey that was delivered to 309 female respondents living in Lahore, Pakistan, who represent both university and community-based athletes. The analysis that was conducted using the SmartPLS 4.0 showed that ASO and SSI contribute positively to WSE indirectly and directly via SE. Additionally, IPS enhanced the mediating role of SE, which emphasizes the central role of institutional structures and enabling policy in enabling gender empowerment in sports. The results suggest that the combination of sport access in women, empowerment, and inclusive policies enables that women get confident, become leaders, and economic agents. This study augments the theoretical discussion on empowerment by bringing together Social Role Theory and Empowerment Theory thus, placing sports as a multidimensional process of social inclusion and equality. Pragmatic implications suggest that policy-makers and schools and universities should give priority to gender-sensitive sports programs so as to ultimately empower women and bolster their social inclusion.
The Legacy of Caliph Abubakar Atiku (Sarkin Musulmi): A Study of His Life, Contributions, and Impact on the Sokoto Caliphate
This study examines the life, contributions, and impact of Caliph Abubakar Atiku, the second Caliph of the Sokoto Caliphate. Born in 1784, Abubakar Atiku was the child of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate. Abubakar Atiku played a significant role in the Caliphate's administration, serving as a foreign affairs officer and minister. He also fought several wars and was appointed as the Caliph in 1837. This study highlights Abubakar Atiku's contributions to the Sokoto Caliphate, including his military campaigns, administrative reforms, and diplomatic efforts. It also explores his legacy and impact on the Caliphate and its people. Caliph Abubakar Atiku was a remarkable leader who played a significant role in shaping the Sokoto Caliphate. His legacy is characterized by his bravery, justice, and generosity. As a scholar, military leader, and statesman, he contributed immensely to the growth and stability of the Caliphate. His impact on the educational, moral, military, and socioeconomic development of the Caliphate is still felt today.
Caliph Abubakar Atiku, Sokoto Caliphate, Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, Islamic leadership, Hausaland, Nigeria.
Social Support, Sexual Harassment, and General Self-Efficacy as Determinants of Self-Rated Performance among Women Volleyball Players in Pakistan
This research examines the role of social support (SS), sexual harassment (SH), and general self-efficacy (GSE) on self-rated performance (SRP) in female volleyball players in Pakistan. The study was based on the Social Exchange Theory and Self- Efficacy theory, and the quantitative survey method was used where 309 female volleyball players of various sports institutions in, Pakistan agreed to the survey. The analyses through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) showed that both the social support and self-efficacy have a substantial positive impact on SRP, with sexual harassment having a substantial negative impact. These results highlight the critical role of psychosocial and contextual determinants in the perceptions of female athletes in terms of performance. In theory, the research will expand the horizons of self-efficacy and social exchange theories to the context of sports performance among women, thus emphasizing the role played by psychological resources and safe environmental situations. In practice, the findings support the proposal of supportive infrastructures, confidence-enhancement programs, and zero-tolerance harassment practices to enhance greater participation and performance of female athletes in competitive sports. Despite the restrictions of the cross-sectional design and use of self-reported data, the study provides meaningful information to policy makers, sports administrators and researchers working on this issue in the future to enhance the performance and well-being of women in sports.
Social Support, Sexual Harassment, Self-Efficacy, Self-Rated Performance, Women Athletes, Sports Psychology, Pakistan
Assessment of Workplace Ostracism on Job Performance through the mediating role of Work Passion: Emotional Intelligence works as a moderator
The focus of the enquiry is to inspect the complex association between workplace ostracism and job performance, where work passion plays mediating role and the moderating impression of emotional intelligence on the employees of Water and Power Development Authority of Pakistan. Workplace ostracism, it is described as the action of excluding and neglecting others, has been recognized as a prevalent issue that has significant and wide-ranging aspect. The main goal of this investigation is to scrutinize the underlying processes by which workplace ostracism affects job performance and to inspect the potential mediation function of work passion in this association. Utilizing a broad spectrum of employees, this study adopts an inclusive framework that incorporates social and emotional aspects within the context of the workplace. At the core of inquiry lies the notion of work passion, which is characterized as a motivating factor that invigorates individuals in their occupational capacities. The exploration recommends that work passion plays a role as a mediator in the connection between workplace ostracism, and job performance. This helps to clarify the emotional and motivational mechanisms via ostracism affects work-related results. Furthermore, the study introduces the concept of emotional intelligence as a moderator, investigating its ability to mitigate the impacts of workplace ostracism on job performance. This study enhances the comprehension of workplace dynamics by adopting sophisticated statistical analyses and utilizing a multi-dimensional framework. It sheds light on the intricate mechanisms through which interpersonal dynamics influence employee performance. The results have in the field of human resources who aim to enhance well-being in the workplace and setting guidelines for improvement of hiring process of WAPDA with develop the understanding about performance improvement of the employees, increase employee engagement, and ultimately boost organizational effectiveness. Water and Power Development Authority is being studied through this research and findings of the study will help in policy makers to device policies for individuals (employees of WAPDA). Furthermore, the research highlights the significance of work passion and emotional intelligence as crucial elements in alleviating the adverse significances of workplace ostracism on employee outcomes. Data was collected through cross sectional having adopted questionnaire from simple random sampling of 500 employees of WAPDA that was coded using statistical techniques i.e. SPSS and PLS-SEM. SPSS used for descriptive analysis and PLS-SEM examined measurement model and structural model. The research is quantitative and deductive in nature. These restrictions underline the necessity of exercising caution when interpreting the data and point to directions for further study to fill the knowledge gaps about the dynamics of job performance.
Assessment of Workplace Ostracism on Job Performance through the mediating role of Knowledge Sharing: Emotional Intelligence works as a moderator
The study inspects the impact of performance of an employee at the ostracized workplace in the mediating role of knowledge sharing, where emotional intelligence is used as a moderator deployed at the main office of the Water and Power Development Authority, Pakistan. Based on conservation of resources theory, role of knowledge sharing and emotional intelligence accentuated the impact of performance on the job of prevailing ostracism at the place of work. Data was collected from 500 respondents through a simple random sampling method. Adopted structured questionnaires were used to gather data through E-mail. For result of the study, SPSS and Smart PLS were done to test the data for explore the associations and examined the hypothesized model. Results showed that the impact of workplace ostracism on job performance was significant and negative. This study improved the performance of an employee through knowledge sharing to mitigate the impact of ostracism at work. Furthermore, emotional intelligence moderated the relationship of workplace ostracism and job performance was found significant and positive. Regulators create a flexible atmosphere that will encourage job performance in ostracized environment. This study broadens its focus and has an impact on its conclusions. Due to methodological limitations resulting from the quantitative design and self-reported questionnaire data, subtle factors influencing attitudes and behaviors may be missed. Furthermore, the cross-sectional methodology makes longitudinal analysis difficult, and the study's narrow emphasis on Pakistan context limits its generalizability to a variety of cultural and socioeconomic circumstances. These restrictions underline the necessity of exercising caution when interpreting the data and point to directions for further study to fill the knowledge gaps about the dynamics of job performance.
EXPLORING CHINESE AID AND NIGERIA–CHINA RELATIONS
China's developmental aid to Nigeria and its effects on Nigerian relations are examined in this thesis. The study examines China's diplomatic and economic interactions with Africa since the 1950s. The main goal is to understand how Chinese aid has affected Nigeria's foreign policy and economy. The research identifies three phases in China-Africa relations: diplomatic ties during the African independence movements, China's 1971 UN Security Council membership, and economic liberalization and growth after the Maoist era. Chinese aid to Africa, which began in the 1950s, has risen, making China a key international development player. Nigeria is used to examine how Chinese funding has affected development and bilateral relations. The paper examines Chinese aid to Nigeria, its intentions, and its effects on Nigeria-China relations. It also emphasizes Nigeria's strategic importance to China due to its large oil reserves and growing Chinese involvement in the oil industry. Chinese aid has improved Nigeria's infrastructure, economy, and diplomatic relations, according to the theory. The risk of neo-colonialism and the viability of aid-driven programs are additional issues. This study analyzes data from books, journal articles, and policy papers to summarize the China-Nigeria relationship. It helps international development and foreign aid discourse by revealing China's foreign policy processes and their effects on Africa. This research is important for international relations and development policymakers, academics, and stakeholders. They stress strategic collaborations and the need for African nations to use foreign aid for sustainable development. The thesis concludes with recommendations to maximize Chinese aid and minimize its hazards to support Nigeria's long-term development goals.
The Impact of career resilience and task proficiency on career satisfaction and socially responsible human resource management
The current study proposes that nurse career satisfaction within public sector hospitals creates a unique opportunity for the public sector to enhance its social responsibility internally. A cross-sectional design with 250 responses was received. We recommend considering fundamental factors that may affect nurses’ satisfaction with their career development. The present study has a key focus on two most important factors (i.e., resilience and proficiency). All these factors are important for the hospital sector that desires to project itself as socially responsible and sustainable, while also ensuring the satisfaction of its stakeholders internally.
An Integrated Assessment of Smog Formation, Environmental Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies in Pakistan
Smog has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges in Pakistan, particularly in major urban centres like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Karachi. This paper examines the various causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies associated with smog formation in the country. The study identifies key contributing factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and agricultural practices such as crop residue burning. Meteorological phenomena, especially temperature inversions and stagnant wind conditions, further exacerbate smog concentration during the winter months. The agricultural sector is both a contributor to and a victim of smog, as pollutants degrade soil and water quality, damage crops, and disrupt livestock health and biodiversity. On the public health front, smog exposure leads to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, reduced lung function, and increased mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations. The review also evaluates existing monitoring and measurement systems, emphasising the role of continuous monitoring, mobile sensors, and satellite-based remote sensing in assessing air quality trends. Despite ongoing mitigation initiatives such as stricter vehicular emission standards, industrial regulation, and public awareness campaigns, implementation gaps persist due to inadequate enforcement and resource limitations. The findings indicate that there is an urgent need for an integrated, multi-sectoral approach that combines technological innovation, institutional strengthening, and public engagement to effectively combat smog and safeguard environmental and human health in Pakistan.
Smog, Air Pollution, Pakistan, Agriculture, Public Health, Environmental Monitoring, Mitigation Strategies
A Socio-Linguistic Analysis of Doctor-Patient Medical Interaction in Public and Private Hospital of Lahore
Effective doctor-patient communication is crucial for quality healthcare delivery, yet it often faces challenges in Pakistan’s public and private hospital settings. This study aimed to assess the specific issues affecting doctor-patient interaction, examine how demographics like age, gender, and education influence communication, and propose practical strategies to overcome these barriers. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, involving interviews with doctors and structured questionnaires filled by patients in Lahore’s hospitals. Findings revealed significant communication gaps due to language barriers, short consultation times, and cultural hesitations—especially among less-educated and female patients. While doctors acknowledged the importance of effective communication, many lacked formal training or time for patient engagement. Results emphasized that private hospitals showed relatively better communication practices than the public ones. The study recommends communication training for healthcare personnels, the use of visual aids, interpreters, and policies supporting culturally sensitive care. These measures are essential to building trust and improving treatment outcomes in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
doctor-patient communication, healthcare, language barriers, cultural competence, Pakistan hospitals
CORE MARKET SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, TECHNOLOGY, AND ENABLERS IN PAKISTAN: A QUANTITATIVE EXPLORATORY SURVEY STUDY
This study explored the status, effectiveness, and challenges of core market support infrastructure and enabling technologies in Pakistan. Using a quantitative exploratory survey design, data were collected from 280 respondents, including financial analysts, regulators, IT professionals, and institutional stakeholders. The research examines perceptions of infrastructure efficiency, digital integration, cybersecurity, and policy support within the capital market ecosystem. Results indicate that while Pakistan has made progress in digitizing financial services, market-support technologies remain fragmented, with inconsistent regulatory coordination and limited interoperability. The findings suggest that enhanced digital architecture, policy consistency, and public-private collaboration are crucial to strengthening Pakistan’s financial infrastructure and achieving inclusive capital market growth.
RECONSTRUCTING MEANING: THE INTERPRETIVE TURN IN DOCUMENTING HERITAGE THROUGH ARCHITECTURAL LENS
The paper explores the significance of interpretive documentation via architectural lens in documentation of heritage. It critiques how conventional documentation just emphasizes physical form, and aesthetics of built heritage while overlooking the cultural, ideological, symbolic meanings embedded within structures. Research argues that Architectural structures are not just physical entities but are in fact complex mediums through which societies express their purpose, identities, belief systems and historic memories. This paper also highlights how uncovering hidden meanings within architectural structures can shift our usual perceptions and deepen our understanding of them. It argues that architectural structures carry cultural, political, and ideological narratives that go beyond their physical form and aesthetic appeal. Conventional documentation often misses these points. By using interpretive approaches and methods we can uncover hidden stories, local traditions and myths that can give life to architectural elements. Furthermore, the paper highlights the transformative role of digital, which, when combined with interpretive methods, enhances accuracy, accessibility, and engagement. Together, these approaches propose a new framework for heritage documentation, one that values not only the visible aspects of buildings but also the intangible memories, beliefs, and identities they embody.
Attachment Patterns, Dating Violence, and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Psychological Distress in University Students
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between Attachment Styles, Dating Violence, Coping Responses and Psychological Distress through a Correlational Cross Sectional Research Design. Purposive sampling was utilized to gather data from N=400 participants by using the Urdu translated version of the Attachment Styles Questionnaire, Brief Cope Scale, Dating Violence Scale and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. It was hypothesized that there will be a positive relationship between anxious preoccupied attachment, fearful avoidant attachment, dismissive ambivalent attachment, verbal and physical violence, psychological violence, emotion focused coping responses and psychological distress and negative relationship between secure attachment, problem focused coping responses and psychological distress. Findings revealed that anxious- preoccupied attachment was positively related to depression, anxiety, and stress. Fearful-avoidant attachment is positively related to depression and stress, but negatively to anxiety. Secure attachment is negatively related to depression, anxiety and stress. Verbal and physical violence and psychological violence are positively related to depression anxiety and stress. Problem-focused coping is significantly positively related with depression, anxiety and stress. Regression analysis revealed that anxious preoccupied and fearful avoidant attachment are the significant positive predictors of depression. Verbal and physical violence and psychological violence are the significant positive predictors of anxiety. Avoidant coping is a significant negative predictor of stress. This study will have implication in designing interventions that promote healthy attachment and coping strategies among students.
attachment styles, dating violence, coping responses, psychological distress, university students
The Strategic Use of Translation in Cross-Cultural Marketing Campaigns
This research explores the use of translation in the advertisements of different global brands by unravelling the connection between language, cultural sensitivity, mechanisms of adaptation and impact that brand names apply in promoting the advertising communication through the international markets. It uses the Skopos Theory and compares various advertisement techniques used by five global brands, namely Pepsi, Lays, Sprite, Walls, and OPPO. These techniques include literal translation, adaptation and localization as well as transcreation. The analysis therefore compares global versus locally adjusted campaigns with the aim of analyzing the effectiveness of individual strategy to maintain the identity of the brand, and at the same time make them culturally relevant. The literary translations still maintain the literal meaning but they do not have the emotional impact. Contrary to it, transcreated and adapted versions can create a stronger cultural sense. This study investigates multi-dimensional and strategic translation in which linguistic, semiotic factors and cultural dimensions are taken into account. It sheds light on the dynamics of translation, as it appears in both the expression and the creation of engaging world stories that will be well placed in spreading the word across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Adaptation, Cross-Cultural, Localization, Marketing, Skopos Theory, Transcreation, Translation
Proposal for Converting Major Archaeological Sites of Pakistan into On-Spot Museum to Enhance Preservation
Pakistan has the privilege of having numerous archaeological sites spanning from prehistoric to historic eras, which hold great significance in understanding the legacy of our ancestors. These sites not only enrich our historical knowledge but also serve as valuable attractions for tourists. This research aims to explore the concept of on-spot museums and their possible application to archaeological sites in Pakistan. We argue that transforming sites into museums would emphasize the importance of Pakistan's archaeological heritage and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the public to preserve these sites for future generations. This collective effort towards preservation would represent a step towards the betterment of the nation, ensuring the conservation and appreciation of its rich cultural heritage. As a result, this research seeks to underline the potential benefits of converting archaeological sites into on-spot museums to promote historical understanding, tourism, and national pride.
Academic Procrastination and its Measurement: Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Academic Procrastination Scale in Pakistani Universities
This research examines Academic Procrastination among Pakistani university students using the validation of the Academic Procrastination Scale (APS) created by MeCloskey (2011). Academic procrastination as the voluntary postponing of academic tasks despite expecting adverse consequences, is a ubiquitous problem negatively impacting students' learning performance and psychological health. The study seeks to measure the construct validity and reliability of the APS via Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Cronbach's alpha. A sample consisting of 100 Government College University Faisalabad students was obtained using convenience sampling. The APS, a 25-item one-factor scale was applied with slight modifications to make it culturally relevant. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed using LISREL 8.80 to test the factor structure of the APS. Those items with factor loadings less than 0.40 (items 1, 8, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 25) were deleted to enhance model fit and quality of measurement thereby yielding a final 17-item scale. The new scale demonstrated good factor loadings between 0.46 and 0.81. Reliability analysis showed a very high internal consistency for the final APS of 0.89 for Cronbach's alpha indicating that the scale is measuring the construct of academic procrastination among Pakistani university students reliably. The results show the strong psychometric properties of the scale and ascertain its use in this population. This research adds to the body of literature on academic procrastination by testing an already existing scale in a Pakistani context, highlighting the psychological and environmental intricacies of procrastination, including stress, fear of failure, perfectionism, and distractions. It provides a valid measure for researchers and educators to use in understanding and addressing procrastination behaviors. Implications interventions that support effective time management, stress, and self-regulation skills to the adverse effects of procrastination on students' academic achievements and well-being.
Examining Peer Support in students at University Level: A confirmatory Factor Analysis for Peer Support Perception Scale (PSPS) In Higher Education in Pakistan
This study provides Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Peer Support Perception Scale (PSPS), developed by Nur Eva (2024), focusing on students from two universities in Pakistan. Peer support involves the sharing of knowledge, experience, and emotional, social, or practical assistance among students, which is essential for fostering academic success, psychological well-being, and social integration among university students worldwide. Given that the PSPS is still relatively new, validating its reliability and accuracy within the specific cultural and demographic context of Pakistani universities is necessary. This study examines the psychometric properties of the Peer Support Perception Scale (PSPS) develped by Nur Eva (2024) among a total sample of 100 university students, enrolled in two universities of Pakistan. The instrument includes four subscales, namely Informational Support(IS), Instrumental Support(InS), Companionship Support(CS), and Esteem Support(ES). Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and reliability analysis, the scale’s factor structure and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) were evaluated. Results showed that item 3 had a low factor loading value below the acceptable cutoff, and was therefore removed to improve the overall model fit. All other items demonstrated acceptable CFA loadings of 0.71 to 0.95 indicating strong associations with their respective factors. The reliability results revealed Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.84 for overall scale and for subscales (1) IS = 0.83, (2) InS= 0.79, (3) CS = 0.80 and (4) ES= 0.81, confirming excellent internal consistency. These findings indicate that the PSPS is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring peer support in university students, supporting its application in the Pakistani higher education context.
Socio-Economic Causes of Child Labor in District Kharan, Balochistan
Child labor is an increasing global problem, especially in developing nations. In Balochistan the district Kharan is particularly affected by this issue due to a number of factors that either intentionally or unwittingly contributes to the problem. Numerous adverse impacts of child labor disrupt the social fabric of society, and the government of Balochistan is alarmed by the rising numbers and is taking all necessary steps to battle this affliction. With the goal of examining the issue through a qualitative method to extract the true substance of the study this research aims to draw attention to the socioeconomic and political factors that contribute to child labor.
Privacy of Home to Privacy-by-Design: Article 14 of the Pakistani Constitution in the Age of AI Surveillance
The constitutional right to privacy is more than ever challenged as Pakistan moves beyond targeted interception to advanced surveillance using analytics. This paper holds the view that the concept of the informational privacy against AI-controlled state surveillance as the target of Article 14 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which has traditionally guaranteed the dignity of the person and the privacy of the home, should be interpreted dynamically. As a doctrinal approach, the paper considers the Supreme Court precedents and the constitutional rights to due process (Article10A) and information (Articles 19 & 19A). Other major laws that we consider are the Investigation for Fair Trial Act (2013) and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (2016). Based on these sources, we come up with a structured article 14 AI Surveillance Test which must have legal clarity, a legitimate purpose, necessity, data minimization, and independent oversight. The examples of the Safe City program on facial-recognition and telecom data retention under PECA demonstrate the application of the test and reflect severe constitutional flaws in the current regimes. Findings suggest that urgent legal and regulation changes are needed to make the surveillance technologies reflective of the fundamental rights of Pakistan, such that the security improvements should not compromise the constitutional rights.
AI surveillance, Article 14 (Pakistan), human dignity, privacy rights, Safe City projects, facial recognition, data retention, personal data protection
Educational Resilience to Non-Traditional Security Challenges in Pakistan: A Study of Madrassa Education’s Role in Religious Radicalization
As the primary educational institution in Islamic culture, Madrassas have always been revered in Muslim societies. However, during the 17th-century movements for Islamic reform in the Muslim world, the role of these madrassas expanded from mere educational institutions to become the nurturers of traditional Islamic ideas and responsible for social reforms. In Pakistan, Gen. Zia introduced a drastic change through his Madrassa reforms based on the Sargodha and Halepota reports. Since then, the madrassa curriculum was transformed to follow Islamic law (Sharia) strictly, and pushed for the return to the pure Islam that the early Muslims (Salaf) followed. Spreading new ideas in religious practices (bid‘a) was extremely opposed, initiating the politics of exclusion from Islam. This paper analyzes the contents of three books i.e., Behishti Zevar, Qanun-i-Shariat, and Fiqh al-Sunnah taught in some leading religious madrassas in Pakistan, and argues that these teachings are fostering religious radicalization in Pakistan. Instead of countering the non-traditional security challenges through education, the Pakistani state made religious madrassas cradles for religious radicalization.
Moral Injury and Perceived Distress followed by Burnout among Psychologists/Counsellors
Distress is a common response to moral injury. It is mostly linked with burnout among psychologists. Psychologists and counsellors experience distress, moral injury and burnout because of their clients. The aim of the current study is to investigate the interaction between moral injury, emotional distress, and burnout among psychologists is crucial as it sheds light on the unique challenges faced by mental health professionals in their daily work. The study explores the relationship between moral injury, distress, and burnout among psychologists. For data collection three reliable scales were used, namely Maslach Burnout Inventory, The Perceived Stress Scale and Moral Injury Outcome Scale. Sample included both male and female adolescents. Stratified random sampling technique was used to collect the data. Findings revealed that when the level of perceived distress increases the level of moral injury also increases. Similarly, increases in perceived distress are associated with increases in burnout. Findings also reveal that perceived stress is a significant predictor of moral injury, and both perceived stress and moral injury significantly predict burnout. The findings were examined.
Unraveling the Drivers and Consequences of Flow Experience in E-Commerce: A Consumer-Centric Perspective
A website is one of the most effective ways to communicate with consumers in the e-commerce setting. E-commerce is expanding at an explosive rate, and its related websites, known as the e-servicescape, are now heavily involved in fostering customer loyalty and drawing in new clients. However, due to the lack of empirical data that has been gathered and examined, the characteristics of the e-servicescape remain poorly understood. Thus, the goal of this work is to use flow theory to explore a conceptual model of the e-servicescape, flow experience, as well as purchasing intentions. A survey administered to 291 participants in Pakistan successfully operationalized a comprehensive, multi-item (28 items in total), multi-scale (five scales), and multi-dimensional measures of e-servicescape, layout/ functionality aesthetic appeal, financial security, and free shipping. The study demonstrates that the flow is significantly impacted by how customers interpret the e-servicescape aspects. Consequently, we found that the flow is positively influenced by the e-servicescape, which in turn affects customers behavioural intentions. The purpose of this study is to identify the fundamental issue in the interaction between the e-servicescape and customer behaviour, and to provide a new catalyst for defining the concept of the e-servicescape in Pakistani e-commerce sites. Lastly, the findings provide valuable insights into aspects that practitioners and theorists can focus on to refine their methods.
Climate and Governance at Crossroads: Economic Lessons from Pakistan’s 2025 Flood Crisis
The 2025 floods across Pakistan revealed the compounded risks arising from climate stressors and governance failures. Severe impacts were recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Karachi, and southern Punjab, where widespread displacement, loss of life, and destruction of infrastructure intensified existing socio-economic vulnerabilities. Beyond the human toll, the floods disrupted agricultural production, trade networks, and industrial activity, adding significant fiscal strain through reconstruction costs. This study adopts a secondary data analysis approach, drawing on government reports, economic assessments, academic literature, credible news outlets, satellite imagery, and official statistics to examine the disaster’s multi-dimensional impacts. Data were systematically analysed to trace recurring patterns and drivers of vulnerability, with attention to the interaction between climate stressors—such as glacial melt, erratic monsoon rainfall, and deforestation—and governance challenges, including weak enforcement of regulations, unplanned urbanisation, and institutional fragmentation. A comparative analysis of the 2010, 2022, and 2025 floods highlights persistent structural weaknesses and their role in shaping disaster outcomes. Findings underscore the framing of the 2025 floods as a climate–governance crisis, calling for integrated governance, stronger regulatory enforcement, and climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate recurring cycles of loss and recovery.
Eco-Discourse in Digital Transformation: A Corpus-Based Study of Green IT Narratives
The environmental impact of information technology (IT) must be evaluated with great urgency as digital transformation gains traction, and green IT and sustainable information systems (IS) are proving to be the most important answers to the issue of environmental degradation. The proposed study will involve a hybrid approach to corpus linguistics and critical discourse analysis (CDA) to examine the linguistic construction of sustainability in corporate sustainability reports, policy reports, and media articles on sustainability published between 2020 and 2025. Through metaphor analysis (e.g., journey and revolution), keywords (e.g. net-zero and circular economy), and markers of stance (e.g. net-zero and circular economy), we are able to uncover the ways these texts construct the responsibility and innovation towards digital sustainability. The results indicate that the discourse is swinging between corporate, regulatory, and media cynicism, and unveiling ideological conflict in which economic concerns are frequently placed above an environmentally responsible stance. The study bridges the existing void in ecolinguistic literature by showing how language plays a dominant role in creating green IT discourse and proposes ways in which policymakers and organizations can use rhetoric to reflect green environmental practices. The paper recommends open communication to curb greenwashing and create a digital future that is truly concerned with sustainability.
Understanding and Perceptions of Deviance Among University Athletes: A Social Control Perspective
This study aims to comprehensively explore the perceptions, understanding, and engagement of university athletes with deviant behaviors and social control mechanisms within the sports environment in Pakistan. Focusing on a critical gap in sports ethics research within this specific demographic, the study addresses how athletes identify various forms of deviance, their attitudes toward such behaviors, their awareness of institutional rules and disciplinary policies, and their perceptions of the fairness and effectiveness of these control measures. Furthermore, it seeks to gather athletes' suggestions for improving sports ethics and social control. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed, involving 101 university athletes (both male and female, representing diverse sports, demographical backgrounds, and experiences) recruited through a convenience sampling approach across various universities in Pakistan. Data were collected using an online Google Forms questionnaire consisting of five distinct instruments, each utilizing a 5-point Likert-type scale (ranging from "Strongly Disagree" to "Strongly Agree"). These questionnaires covered athletes' understanding of deviance (cheating, aggression, substance use, gamesmanship), attitudes toward deviant behavior, awareness of institutional rules, perceptions of social control policies, and suggestions for improvement. Ethical considerations including informed consent, anonymity, and confidentiality were strictly maintained. Data will be analyzed using SPSS Version 28, employing descriptive statistics to summarize responses and inferential statistics (e.g., one sample t-test) to explore difference of opinions of sample. This research is anticipated to provide valuable insights into the ethical landscape of university sports in Pakistan, informing targeted interventions and policy enhancements to foster a culture of integrity and fair play among student-athletes.
Role of Sports in Promoting Holistic Development of Students and Community Engagement in Educational Institutions of Punjab
This study examines the role of sports in promoting holistic development and community engagement among students in Punjab’s educational institutions, emphasizing physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual growth. Using a sample of 130 college student-athletes selected through simple random sampling, data collected via an online survey and analyzed with SPSS (v.26) revealed that sports participation enhances academic performance, leadership, resilience, emotional regulation, teamwork, and communication, while fostering civic responsibility, belonging, and positive social ties. The findings underscore the importance of institutional support—such as facilities, coaches, and recognition—in maximizing these benefits, concluding that integrating sports into education not only aids recreation but also cultivates well-rounded, responsible, and resilient citizens equipped with essential life skills.
Holistic Development, Community Engagement, Sports and Educational Institutions
Exploring Maternal Vaccine Hesitancy: A Qualitative Study of Mothers’ Beliefs
Maternal vaccine hesitancy—defined as delayed acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite availability—remains a complex, context dependent challenge that can undermine the protection of mothers, newborns, and communities. In low‑ and middle-income countries, including Pakistan, the legacy of infectious disease outbreaks, gaps in service quality, and structural barriers intersect with social norms and risk perceptions to shape maternal decision-making. Within this broader landscape, mothers often carry the emotional and moral burden of “getting it right” for the fetus and infant, making their beliefs, fears, and information ecologies critical to understand in depth. Vaccine decisions during pregnancy and early postpartum involve a distinctive calculus: mothers weigh uncertain risks to themselves and the baby against perceived benefits, under conditions of imperfect information and strong social influence. Our aim of the study was to explore the hesisitancy and beliefs of mothers about vaccine in rural areas. We conducted interviews of 12 mothers from a rural area , two interviews were not completed so we did not put that in the data saturation. Qualitative approach was used for this study. • smmery shows that Hesitancy is dynamic and relational, not a fixed refusal, a Safety for fetus/newborn, trust in messengers, and service experience drive decisions., Access frictions (queues, stock‑outs) are read as safety signals; convenience builds confidence, Two‑way, respectful counseling with clear after‑care guidance normalizes mild side‑effects and Engaging husbands/elders and trusted religious/community figures legitimizes acceptance.
Investigate the effects of Neuro-Linguistic Programming on University Level Novice Archery Players’ Performance
Over the past two decades, there has been a growing recognition of the psychological dimensions of sport, particularly the influence of athletes’ mental states on performance outcomes. Though Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) has been utilized with great success in business and clinical environments, its use in sport, particularly in sport involving skills, has not yet been reported. The current study sought to investigate the influence of Neuro-Linguistic Programming on the performance of novice female archery players at the university level. Using an experimental study design, the study utilized a 12-week intervention program. The volunteers were divided into experiment and control groups, both of which received a pre-test with a normal benchmarking instrument. The experiment group was taught NLP, whereas the control group went through standard training procedures. Upon completion of the intervention, both groups were assessed using the Archery Skill Precision Test (ASPT). Findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in the performance of the experimental group compared to the control group. The results suggest that Neuro-Linguistic Programming may enhance athletic performance by strengthening key psychological factors such as concentration, self-confidence, and motivation.