Pakistan Social Sciences Review

Learners’ Perceptions of Use Your Own Device Practices and Targeted Learning Applications in Public Universities of Punjab, Pakistan

2026-01-17T13:00:24+05:00

This study investigates university-level learners' attitudes toward the Use Your Own Device (UYOD) initiative and mobile learning applications in Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on its impact on academic purposes, study habits, and collaborative learning. Digitalisation of education is increasing, and UYOD provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for public universities with limited infrastructure. While it improves access to learning materials and autonomy, the potential for distractions is a concern in this local context. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used, collecting data from 1,051 students across nine divisions of Punjab using a 76-item structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. The survey assessed UYOD use, study habits, self-approbation, and collaborative learning. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics via SPSS.
Participants moderately used UYOD for academic purposes, showing positive study habits, self-approbation, and collaborative learning. However, concerns about distractions highlight the need for focused device integration. Future studies should incorporate longitudinal mixed methods to better understand UYOD’s long-term effects and address distractions in its integration.

The Role of Digitalization in Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Pakistan

2026-01-17T13:03:29+05:00

This study is examines the role of digitalization in promoting sustainable development goals in Pakistan, One of the most important aspects of the worldwide in change of government and other institutions is digitalization. Information and communication technology (ICT) is increasingly being used by Pakistani governments in the digital era of to improve efficiency, transparency, and public participations in decision-making processes. They are working to enhancing the SDGs in the areas of industry, education, health, and finance. This article conducts a comprehensive and relevant literature review of research completed between 2018 and 2025 to investigate the role of digitalization in furthering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This analysis highlights significant trends and knowledge gaps in the body of existing literatures while is offering insights into how digitalization can assist Pakistan in achieving the SDGs. Additionally, it is makes recommendations for future research and legislation to further sustainable development objectives are in Pakistan. Expanding the scope of future research to include many databases. Future research should using quantitative methods to determine public perceptions of how much digitization helps Pakistan accomplish SGDs.

Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Conventional Policing: A Case Study of Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan

2026-01-16T18:47:06+05:00

This study examines the application of Artificial Intelligence in policing within the Islamabad Capital Territory, focusing on crime prevention, resource allocation, institutional performance, and emerging ethical concerns. Although AI-driven policing is expanding globally, its use in developing countries remains uneven and under- researched. In Pakistan, initiatives such as the Islamabad Safe City Project and the AI Sky Eye System mark major technological shifts, yet systematic evaluation is limited. A convergent mixed-method design was employed. Quantitative crime statistics from 2020–2025 were analyzed to compare trends before and after AI implementation, while qualitative data were collected through thirty semi-structured interviews and field observations at Safe City facilities. Results indicate a significant decline in crime rates, reduced police response times, and increased use of digital evidence following AI adoption. Despite operational gains, challenges related to data governance, accountability, and privacy persist. The study recommends legal frameworks, improved data governance, and ethics training.

Enhancing English Language Education: A Review of the Efficacy of AI-Driven Interactive Activity Design

2026-01-21T13:20:04+05:00

This study investigated the effectiveness of AI-based interactive activities in Saudi undergraduate EFL preparatory programs, focusing on language proficiency, engagement, motivation, and ethical implementation within quasi-experimental classroom settings. While AI is increasingly integrated into education to provide personalized learning, empirical evidence from actual classroom implementations remains limited, as many studies prioritize technology adoption over measurable pedagogical outcomes. This gap highlights the need for a robust investigation into how AI-driven activities influence key learning dimensions in non-native environments. A mixed-methods design was employed involving 132 undergraduate students divided into experimental and control groups. Quantitative data were collected through proficiency tests, surveys, and learning analytics, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Results showed that the AI-based group achieved significantly higher gains in proficiency and motivation through adaptive feedback and task personalization. However, challenges related to teacher preparedness and data privacy were also identified. The study recommends embedding AI within established pedagogical frameworks and strengthening institutional support.

Changing Security Threats and Global Realities: An Analysis of U.S. Presidential Doctrines from Bush to Biden

2026-01-21T13:27:55+05:00

Building Control: Evaluating the SBCA Building Approval Process: Procedural Red Tape and its link to Illegal Construction

2026-01-22T12:46:05+05:00

This policy paper examines the approval regime of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and identifies a systemic “Compliance Conflict” at its core. It argues that excessive procedural delays—rather than weak regulation—are the primary drivers of illegal construction across Sindh’s major cities in 2025. Approval timelines that extend from the statutory 60 days to 18–24 months, combined with high financing costs, have made non-compliance economically rational for developers. The study highlights structural failures, including fragmented NOC processes, centralized decision-making, revenue-driven regularization practices, and weak on-site monitoring. It contends that illegal construction is a market response to state-induced administrative gridlock. The paper proposes a phased reform roadmap: short-term measures to restore data integrity and halt moral hazard, medium-term legislative and liability reforms to shift accountability, and long-term adoption of AI-enabled monitoring and infrastructure-linked zoning. Collectively, these reforms aim to transform SBCA from bureaucratic control to digital facilitation, restoring regulatory credibility and urban safety.

Understanding Psychological Consequences after Early Parental Death: A Qualitative Exploration of Lived Experiences

2026-01-28T13:50:21+05:00

Parents are the first people with whom the child connects with. It is indeed a blessing in disguise. Children learn a lot of things from their parents like building trust, love, care, attention, support, and creating a sense of identity. So, losing a parent in itself a complex emotional experience. This study primarily focuses on those individuals who lost one or both of their parents in a very early age. The objective of this study was to explore the psychological well-being of the child after the loss of his parents. This study is qualitative in nature and research design was the interview guide. The total of 12 participants were recruited: 6 females and 6 males from Karachi, Pakistan. The results showed that there’s milder psychological problems in participants such as anxiety, stress, low self- perception, low self-esteem, future uncertainty, and more. The study clearly concluded that the ones who have faced the loss of their parents will have adverse impact on their psychological well-being. This study further recommended that surviving parents should be psychoeducated on children’s grief responses, early psychological screening can be done for the children to check the emotional and behavioral difficulties at an early age, and school teachers and counselors to be vigilant enough to recognize the signs of grief, emotional withdrawal, and behavioral issues.

The Federal - Unitary Debate in Pakistan: An Analytical Study of the State Structure

2026-01-28T13:54:19+05:00

This study aims to determine that which form of state is best suited for Pakistan among federalism or unitarism, and analyzes the historical and constitutional development of federalism in Pakistan while considering the important milestones like the 1973 Constitution and the 18th Amendment. The research also compares the federal system of Pakistan with other federal states to determine its efficiency. Qualitative approach is used in the research based on secondary data sources such as books, journal articles and constitutional texts. The results show that even with a federal constitution, Pakistan has been more of a centralized country given interventions by the military, Punjab political dominance and poor institutionary mechanisms. Though the 18th Amendment was expected to reinforce federalism but incomplete implementation has restricted advancement. While on the other side unitary form of state is not suitable for Pakistan by any means due to country’s ethnically, linguistically and regionally heterogeneous nature. The research holds the view that the federal model of cooperation, which guarantees actual devolution of power, fair distribution of resources and institutional independence, is necessary for political stability and national cohesion. Duly strengthening local government as well as participative policymaking are suggested for a viable federal system for Pakistan.

The Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationship between Bullying and Mental Health among University Students

2026-01-29T17:06:37+05:00

Bullying is a chronic psychosocial issue that persistently undermines the psychological welfare of students in higher education institutions. This study examined the association between bullying and mental health outcomes among university students, with resilience tested as a mediating factor. A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was employed, using a sample of 400 undergraduate and postgraduate students from a private university in Pakistan selected through purposive sampling. Standardized self-report measures were administered to assess bullying experiences, resilience, and mental health outcomes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression-based mediation analysis in SPSS. Findings indicated that bullying had a significant negative impact on mental health outcomes, meaning higher bullying exposure was linked with worse psychological health. Bullying was also significantly associated with lower resilience, whereas resilience showed a positive association with better mental health outcomes. Mediation results confirmed that resilience significantly and partially mediated the relationship between bullying and mental health. The study recommends implementing resilience-building programs, anti-bullying policies, and accessible mental health support services in universities.

Political Culture of Pakistan and Democratic Stability: A Critical Analysis

2026-01-29T17:13:18+05:00

This study explores the interdependence between Pakistan’s political culture and democracy. Democracy in Pakistan is not weak due to system only; it is highly affected by political culture and working of institutions. Due to deeply rooted problems, Pakistan has been unable to develop a proper democracy. This study shows that authoritarian past, elite control, patronage system, weak political parties and minimalist political involvement of youth make the democracy fragile and vulnerable. All these interrelated factors develop such environment where democracy remains unstable. Qualitative methodology has been acquired in this study. The findings show that democratic instability in Pakistan is due to social norms, political behavior and power structure which weakens the democratic values particularly rule of law, accountability and tolerance. Civil military relations, role of political parties, governance style and media are also considered important factors which influence democracy and public trust. The study also discusses that the increased youth political awareness and media scrutiny could be beneficial for democracy but there are some barriers including political polarization and interference of institutions. For strong and stable democracy in Pakistan, civic education, political participation and responsible media is necessary.

Geopolitical Determinants of Pakistan’s National Security: An Strategic Analysis

2026-02-03T02:00:06+05:00

This paper explores the geopolitical factors that influence national security in Pakistan based on a strategic and historical discussion of some of the major events and policy-making moments since 1947 to date. It also examines key stages such as the problems of Partition, the early alliances, wars with India, the loss of East Pakistan, the nuclearization, the Afghan war, the security environment post 9/11, and the modern problems of geo-economic programs, instability in the region, and hybrid warfare. Researcher used Qualitative method of research through secondary resources. The findings note that the security policies in Pakistan are mostly reactionary to the external geopolitical pressures with the necessity of having a balanced and adaptive national security approach in a regional and global environment that has become very complex.