Pakistan Social Sciences Review

The Final Straw: Unveiling the Causes of Women-Initiated Divorce in Lahore, Pakistan

2025-10-01T00:20:43+05:00

Women-Initiating Divorce in Pakistan is socially stigmatized and inadequately examined in mainstream discourse. The understudy phenomenon is increasing and profoundly changing the dynamics of the family system. This qualitative study explores and investigates the compelling reasons why Pakistani women chose legal divorce (Khula), ignoring the attached stigma as a last resort when no other option works and reconciliation becomes untenable. Deploying the qualitative research design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 divorce-initiator women in urban Lahore, using purposive sampling. The data were collected in accordance with all ethical considerations. The data have been transcribed, coded, and categorized. The emerging themes and findings of the study highlighted that chronic emotional neglect, contagious violence, rigid gender hierarchies, lack of spousal accountability, in-laws’ interference, and mismatched marriages are the most dominating reasons for filing for divorce by urban Pakistani women. Pre-marital counselling, establishing accessible support networks for resolving conflicts between couples, are essential for strengthening the marriage and family institute

Proxy Warfare and Strategic Divergence: Comparison between Conflicting Approaches of Iran and Israel to Warring in the Shadows in the Middle East

2025-10-02T15:08:36+05:00

The contemporary Middle East portrays an amazing picture of the application of proxy warfare which, in fact, has emerged there as a key tool of reciprocal, indirect statecraft allowing hostile states to shuffle conflict zones, pursue strategic goals, and project influence without resorting to direct military discourse. The June 2025 Iran-Israel war revealed the conflicting views of both states regarding geostrategic application of non-state actors and was a reflection of their different geopolitical goals, strategic philosophies, and ideological underpinnings. Since decades, Iran's foreign policy lie in the export of revolutionary doctrine and the development of transnational Shiite militias, such as the Popular Mobilization Forces and Hezbollah, which act as outreach vehicles across the region whereas Israel, in contrast, follows a technologically advanced and security-oriented approach and prefers using intelligence networks, secret alliances, and precise operations to neutralize threats and preserve its strategic edge. In this background, the instant study comparatively examines the motivations, methods of operation, and long-term effects of proxy engagement by both states and highlights the disparities in their definitions of success, the legal ambiguities surrounding state-proxy relationships, and the moral conundrums raised by exposing civilians to indirect conflict. It concludes that the complex and dynamic nature of proxy warfare is causing threat not only to the regional peace at large but would have the potential to disrupt global political order as well if the main reasons of hostility and friction in the Middle East remained unattended and unresolved.

Global and South Asian Environmental Challenges: An In-Depth Analysis of Balochistan’s Ecological and Socio-Economic Risks

2025-10-02T15:24:50+05:00

This study aims to examine global, regional, and provincial environmental challenges, with a specific focus on Balochistan, to identify key ecological risks and propose pathways for resilience. Environmental stress is unevenly distributed, and communities in the Global South face greater vulnerability to climate change, biodiversity loss, and weak governance. Balochistan exemplifies these challenges, where fragile ecosystems and socio-economic pressures converge, threatening food security, health, and livelihoods. A qualitative systematic literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed journals, books and conference proceedings published between 2018 and 2025. Sources were thematically analyzed across global, South Asian, and provincial contexts to identify patterns of risk and adaptation gaps. Findings highlight water depletion from over-extraction, desertification driven by overgrazing and deforestation, biodiversity loss, and increasing climate-induced disasters. Pollution and weak policy enforcement further worsen ecological and health conditions. Future strategies should integrate water management, sustainable agriculture, and climate-smart technologies, alongside governance reforms and community participation, to build resilience in Balochistan.

Factors Influencing Postpartum Mothers Satisfaction Level with Care Models in Rural Punjab, Pakistan

2025-10-02T15:30:31+05:00

Postpartum care is crucial time when a postpartum mother and her family start a new life after delivery. During postpartum period, postpartum mothers receive health care by health care providers until six weeks after delivery. This study measure the level of satisfaction of postpartum mothers about postpartum care models. The study Included 320 postpartum mothers by using cluster sampling on the base of cross-sectional design. The conclusions showed that postpartum mothers gave preference to hospital-based models because of the facilities in contrast to other models. Present study also indicated that postpartum mothers do not visit the hospitals for postpartum care. They were not satisfied with hospital-based models due to their expenses. Instead, in rural vicinities of Multan, postpartum care was associated with community based models due to Lady Health worker’s attitude and working style. At government and hospital level enhance postpartum care through effective postpartum care programs. At individual level enhance postpartum family planning.

Influence of Prosocial Behaviors, Mindfulness, and Perceived Prejudice on Team Cohesion among Women University Football Players in Punjab, Pakistan

2025-10-02T17:28:25+05:00

The purpose of this study is to investigate the direct relationships of prosocial behaviors, mindfulness, and perceived prejudice with team cohesion among women university football players in Punjab, Pakistan, drawing on social learning theory. Team cohesion is a fundamental element in competitive sports, especially women’s football, where social and cognitive factors strongly influence team performance and success. While prosocial behaviors and mindfulness strengthen cohesion, aggression shows mixed effects, and prejudice undermines unity. In this study, the total population consisted 857 of women football players actively involved in university level football teams. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 373 active women football players at public universities in Punjab through purposive sampling. Constructs were measured using validated scales, and the data were analyzed using SPSS-26 and Smart-PLS software. The findings reveal friendship quality (FQ→TC: β= 0.099, t> 1.207) and perceived prejudice (PP→TC: β= -0.022, t> 0.251) do not demonstrate a significant direct relationship with team cohesion. However, agreeableness, (AG→TC: β= 0.170, t< 4.903), self-transcendence (ST →TC: β= 0.598, t< 6.374), empathic concern (EC→TC: β= 0.156, t< 2.215), aggression (AGG→TC: β= -0.259, t> 3.269) and mindfulness (MF→TC: β= 0.413, t< 4.496), significantly and positively influence team cohesion. The outcomes showed that all the constructs used in this study are highly reliable and consistent as Cronbach Alpha's estimation is over the required level. This study extends the literature by emphasizing the focus on prosocial behaviors and mindfulness in fostering cohesion in women’s football players. The results suggest that coaches, Sports management Officials and sports policymakers should encourage prosocial development, integrate mindfulness-based practices, and actively address perceived prejudice and socio-cultural challenges. These measures can help strengthen team cohesion and create more supportive environments for women football players, particularly in developing country contexts such as Pakistan.

The Portrayal of Gender Equality through Empowered Females Characters in Pakistani Animated TV Shows

2025-10-03T11:56:27+05:00

The research aims to understand how Pakistani animated TV shows are portraying gender equality through empowered female characters. Animations are very motivating and it is believed that they enhance some of our cognitive demands of learning therefore 2D and 3D animated TV shows or videos are used globally to spread awareness among people about gender equality through showing powerful female characters. A qualitative research design has been adopted and through the critical discourse analysis of the animated TV shows, it has been analyzed that their content contains the concept of powerful female characters and hence contributes towards promoting gender equality. Hence, three animated TV shows “Quaid se Baten”, “Burqa Avengers”, and “team Muhafiz” were selected for the study and one episode of each animated TV show will be chosen through purposive sampling. The research shows that the portrayal of empowered female characters in Pakistani animated TV shows not only promote gender equality but also serve as a medium to inculcate progressive values in society. The study highlights the potential of Pakistani animated shows as a transformative force for gender equality and women empowerment. It is observed that rare studies are available in this domain while there is really big space available for social, mass communication and gender studies scholars to explore this domain as animated content is growing day by day and putting great impact on its viewers so animated content is being used to spread awareness about crucial topics.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Reliability Analysis of the Urdu Version of the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS-G)

2025-10-06T14:28:19+05:00

The objective of the present study was two folded. The first purpose of the study was to translate and adapt the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale – Generic Version (NPSS-G) into Urdu, the national language of Pakistan, and the second was to estimate its reliability. This study comprised of two phases. Initial stage focused on the translation and cultural adaptation of NPSS-G in context of Pakistani culture. In this phase, the NPSS-G was translated and adapted into Urdu following the stages of forward and backward translation. Cross-language validation was assessed using a bilingual group design. The total scores of both the adapted and original versions showed a significant correlation (r = .956**) at the .01 alpha level. In the second phase, the reliability of the Urdu version was established by administering it to a randomly selected sample of 324 participants aged 20 to 30 years from different educational institutes of the city of Lahore, Pakistan. Cronbach’s alpha for total psychological safety was found to be .938. The three subscales—Social Engagement, Compassion, and Body Sensation; also showed significant inter-scale correlations (p < .01). The test retest reliability (r=.671) was significant at .01 alpha level. The results show the Urdu NPSS-G is a consistent and accurate measure for gauging psychological safety. It offers up a foundation that does support indigenous research, also allowing applications within clinical, educational, plus organizational settings. It also lays the foundation so they can develop more culturally relevant indigenous scales in this domain inside Pakistan.

Comparative study of Gender differences in Parenting Style, Emotional self-Efficacy, and Life Satisfaction

2025-10-10T00:25:16+05:00

The aim of the study is to investigate the correlation between parenting style, emotional self-efficacy, and life satisfaction among adolescents in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The parenting style significantly influences the entire personality development of young children Researchers approached different Peshawar colleges and universities to choose participants using convenient sampling. Participants were 15–20 years old (Boys & Girls). This study used The Parental Authority, Emotional Self-Efficacy, and Life Satisfaction questionnaires. These were self-administered questionnaires. The results indicated the significant negative correlation between authoritarian parenting, emotional self-efficacy and life satisfaction among adolescents. The parental authority questionnaire revealed significant mean differences in the responses of boys and girls. Additionally, adolescents' emotional development and well-being are negatively impacted by authoritarian parenting. This study improves parenting style research by examining adolescents in an underrepresented cultural context. Collectivist policymakers should promote long-term research and culturally tailored strategies to strengthen adolescents’ emotional resilience and life satisfaction.

The Impact of the Punjab Defamation Act 2024 on Media Freedom and Accountability

2025-10-10T00:29:02+05:00

The paper examines the impact of the Punjab Defamation Act 2024 (PDA 2024) on freedom of media and accountability to the populace in Pakistan. The law was enacted on June 7, 2024. It attempts to combat both print and online fake news but it has been criticized due to special tribunals it establishes and massive fines of at least PKR 3 million. The study provided a qualitative and comparative legal analysis of PDA 2024 and the Defamation Ordinance 2002, the Pakistani Penal Code, and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 to compare the three laws. The results indicate that the legislation has unclear definitions and expedients and poses a threat to free speech and fair trials. The research advises to clarify the definitions of the law, provide fair trials, and consult the stakeholders in order that the freedom of the media and protection against defamation should have a balance.

Saying is Doing: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Pakistan Armed Forces’ Press Briefings Responding to Indian Attacks in May 2025

2025-10-14T11:54:17+05:00

The present study intends to examine how the Pakistan Armed Forces made and authorized national discourses by press conferences in the aftermath of the Indian strikes in May 2025. Exchange of hot words and strategical map between India and Pakistan has always been in news. The present study is based on the recent exchange of press releases on both sides in May 2025 when India attacked Pakistan. The study is based on the concepts of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and combines the three- dimensional model of Fairclough (1995) with the socio-cognitive analysis of van Dijk (1998) to understand how structures of language, discursive practices and mind interconnect to create ideological meanings. The data is comprised of ten official press conferences issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) during May 1-15, 2025. Thematic analysis indicates that the discursive strategies that the study recognizes are as follows: legitimization of self-defense, development of national unity, moral positioning and presenting India as an aggressor. The findings show that the discourse of the Armed Forces is not only communicative but also ideological in nature the speech is turned into a type of political action. The linguistic options like modality, metaphor and evaluative adjectives contributed to the maintenance of power, whereas the intertextual distribution of media allowed to maintain the interpretive domination. The analysis concludes that these press briefings were used as the instruments of power and identity construction in which language was a tactical instrument to maintain the legitimacy, influence the thinking of the masses and support the moral and national sovereignty of Pakistan. The study may be used as a base to study and understand the hidden meanings and stance of officials at national and international levels in future. It can further be used to unearth the global narratives of the world leaders in broader perspectives.

Impact of Social Anxiety and Marital Satisfaction on Quality of Romantic Relationship and Communication Patterns among Married People

2025-10-15T20:44:40+05:00

The purpose of this study was to investigate how social anxiety and marital happiness, together with gender variations, affect the quality of romantic relationships, fear of intimacy, and communication styles among married adults in Pakistan. Emotional intimacy and marital satisfaction are known to be weakened by social anxiety and intimacy fear, particularly in conservative cultural contexts where stigma around mental health is prevalent. The study used a quantitative correlational approach with a purposive sample of 200 married people from both urban and rural settings (100 men and 100 women). Standardized tools evaluated communication styles, romantic love, fear of intimacy, social anxiety, and marital satisfaction. The findings showed that social anxiety positively predicted poor communication and fear of intimacy while negatively linked with marital pleasure and relationship quality. A protective element that lessens intimacy anxieties and promotes healthy communication is marital pleasure. There were negligible and unimportant gender differences. To treat social anxiety and intimacy anxieties and increase relationship satisfaction in Pakistani couples, culturally sensitive couple-based therapies and psycho-educational interventions are advised.

Partition, Memory, and Trauma: Reimagining Post-Partition Identity in Sorayya Khan’s Five Queen’s Road

2025-10-15T20:49:15+05:00

This research article attempts to explore the psychological trauma of the Partition of India portrayed in Sorayya Khan’s novel, Five Queen’s Road (2009). This research is guided by the trauma theory presented by Judith Herman in her Trauma and Recovery (1997). Through textual analysis, this paper attempts to investigate the social and political environment of post-Partition Lahore where the story actualizes. Dina Lal, the protagonist converts to Islam after the Partition, as his birthplace, Lahore, happens to be in Muslim majority area, now Pakistan. He undergoes all the psychological trauma, marginalization, and victimization which were experienced by the people who went through the pangs of Partition. He loses his property, his sons migrate to India, his wife is abducted by unknown people, and ultimately he loses his own life by choosing his birthplace over migration. He is unable to understand the imaginary lines drawn between India and Pakistan. Through memory Khan has presented the trauma of millions of people affected by Partition.

Evolving Dynamics of Pakistan’s Higher Education: Emerging Trends and Future Directions

2025-10-15T20:51:44+05:00

This study critically examines the evolving dynamics of higher education in Pakistan, with a focus on emerging trends and their implications for future policy and practice. It argues that the sustainable development of higher education requires not only structural expansion but also a paradigm shift toward innovation, inclusivity, and industryacademia linkages. The higher education sector in Pakistan has witnessed rapid expansion and transformation over the past two decades, largely driven by globalization, technological innovation, and policy reforms under the Higher Education Commission (HEC). While the number of universities and student enrollment has grown substantially, issues of quality assurance, research productivity, and equitable access remain central challenges. Recent global and local developments such as digital learning platforms, artificial intelligence in education, international academic collaboration, and skill-based curricula are reshaping the educational landscape. The findings highlight that embracing digital transformation, fostering research culture, and aligning education with market-driven skills will be key determinants of Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.

Neo-Aristocracy in a Democracy: The Oligarchs of Pakistan’s Electorate

2025-10-17T17:18:31+05:00

Neo-Aristocrats are a group of diverse and elitist individuals with political ties and power as the modern equivalent of antiquated aristocracy. Electoral integrity is immersed in the politics of neo-feudalism, patronage, elitism, and bloodline politics and dynasticism. The objective of the study is to examine the traits and typologies of NeoAristocracy and how it exerts a disproportionate influence on electoral politics of Pakistan. The scope of this research is limited to case of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), specifically examining monopolization of elite candidacy. A qualitative case study method has been employed to see if electoral integrity is compromised when candidacy is elitist. The study’s significance lies in understanding the dynamics of political representation and a compromised electorate. The results indicate that elite capture of the electorate have lasting impacts on political stability, policy continuity, and governance expertise. Recommendations include transparent intra-party elections, and merit based open calls for candidacy with no barriers, to strengthen upward mobility to enhance electoral integrity.

Revisiting the Question of Women Representation in Politics: The Case of Electoral Reengineering and Malpractices in Pakistan

2025-10-20T08:53:44+05:00

The population and housing census of Pakistan 2023, reveals that half of the ratio of Pakistani population consists on women but unfortunately they are kept out of every important decision and policy making forums. The major reason of this is electoral design of women representation. Since Introduction of Indian Act 1935 in Indo-Pak Sub-continent till date, no clear formula is implemented as a clear road map of women representation in Pakistan. This paper highlights the incompatibility of electoral system of Pakistan under Majoritarian system to handle growing gender based issues in Pakistan. Methodologically, this paper is based on secondary resources and observes current and upcoming structure of national parliament in Pakistan. The paper concludes that many core reforms are needed to enhance effective women representation in state structure of Pakistan i.e. paradigm shift in the formula of electoral system on technical grounds and socio-political reforms on state and societal level to enhance civic sense.

Peace without Justice: Liberal Imperialism and the Gaza Peace Framework (2025)

2025-10-20T11:42:30+05:00

The 2025 Trump Peace Plan for Gaza is examined to demonstrate how this plan continues the pattern of foreign control under the guise of peace and development. Though the plan aims to bring stability and rebuilding, it mainly serves the interests of powerful elites and restricts Palestinian independence. The researcher employed a qualitative and interpretivist research approach from primary and secondary sources, i.e. White House text on Gaza, Reuters, POLITICO, The New York Times, and The Atlantic Council. It draws on the theoretical framework of Postcolonial Theory and Liberalism to examine the Trump Gaza Peace Plan 2025. The findings indicate that the plan creates economic dependence, foreign control, and limited political freedom, rather than real peace and justice. It uses humanitarian rhetoric to hide inequity and control. The paper recommends that unless local communities are fully involved and injustices corrected, such economic plans will repeat cycles of dependency and control.

The Impact of Remittances on Household Welfare in Pakistan: Evidence from HIES 2018–19 and PSLM 2019–20

2025-10-23T01:42:10+05:00

This study investigates the impact of international remittances on household welfare in Pakistan using nationally representative microdata from the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2018–19 and the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) 2019–20. Employing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Probit, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) techniques, the analysis examines three welfare dimensions—per capita consumption, poverty status, and asset ownership—while accounting for demographic and regional heterogeneity. Results reveal that remittance-receiving households spend 18–21 percent more on consumption, face an 8 percent lower probability of poverty, and exhibit reduced income inequality relative to non-recipient households. The effects are stronger among rural and female-headed households, highlighting the redistributive role of remittances. These findings are consistent with the New Economics of Labor Migration (NELM) framework and underline the importance of remittance flows as informal insurance and poverty-alleviation mechanisms. Policy recommendations include expanding digital-financial access, lowering transfer costs, and linking remittances to productive investments.

Bureaucratic Silence and the Surplus Competent: Examining the Moderating Role of Intra-Governmental Social Comparison on the Voice of Overqualified Public Servants

2025-10-29T16:40:23+05:00

This study looks at how peer social comparison (PSC) negatively modifies the relationship between employee voice behavior (EMB) and perceived overqualification (POQ) in Punjab, Pakistan's housing department. Employee Voice behavior has garnered ample attention in organizational behavior. The study investigates the influence of peer social comparison on overqualified employees’ voice behavior in public sector. Regression analysis was used to test the suggested model after 300 employees' data was gathered from Houisng, Urban Development & Public Health Engineering department, Government of Punjab using convenience sampling using cross sectional data. The results show that employee voice behavior is positively impacted by perceived overqualification; however, peer social comparison negatively moderates this relationship. These findings underscore the possible negative influence of peer comparison on employee engagement and offer fresh perspectives on the psychological factors influencing employee behavior. The study adds to the body of knowledge already available on organizational behavior and provides useful advice for HR managers, especially with regard to controlling overqualification and creating a positive work atmosphere in the public sector.

Bitter Harvest: An Eco-critical Study of Food and Environmental Devastation in The Land of Milk and Honey

2025-10-29T16:44:14+05:00

This research expounds the representation of food and environmental factors in contemporary fiction like Zhang’s The Land of Milk and Honey. It utilizes Morton’s ‘Cultures of Taste/ Theories of Appetite: Eating Romanticism’ as a theoretical basis. The study explores protagonist’s relationship with food and how food is centralized to depict degeneration of ecosystem and scarcity of resources. How the ethics of handling the environmental resources criticize the routinized real world capitalist practices and the representation of nature as an all-encompassing metaphor throughout the text. This study contributes to the present body of knowledge by engaging the ecological consciousness in the literary corpora and using an innovative framework for the research. The study elucidates how man as an extension of nature himself destroys it and as a result faces the music himself. Therefore, this study is a thought liberating endeavour to highlight the role of literature in environmental safeguard and preservation.

Beyond Brexit: The Relative Roles of Knowledge, National Identity, and Mass Media Visibility as Competing Determinants of UK Citizens’ Trust in EU Institutions

2025-10-31T18:53:31+05:00

The efficacy of democratic states depends on the level of trust the public have on state institutions, which is evident in case of Brexit. To understand such distrust the study investigates the determinants of Trust in EU institutes among UK citizens by employing quantitative research design. The Eurobarometer 90.3 survey was adopted to utilize the relevant data from only UK national respondents. Crosstabulation and correlation tests were performed for data analysis to determine the relationship between dependent (Trust in EU institutions) and independent variables (Political Knowledge, National Attachment, and Visibility in Mass Media). The findings suggested that political knowledge has a significant relationship with level of trust whereas there is insignificant relationship between Trust and both National Attachment and Visibility of Mass Media. These results raise a question regarding Euroscepticism emphasizing the impacts of nationalism and media and require further investigation into the significant determinants contributing towards lack of trust.

Digital Nights: A Study on Social Media Habits and Sleep Disorders among Pakistani University Students

2025-11-11T12:08:00+05:00

This study investigates the relationship between social media use and sleep quality among Pakistani university students, considering gender and residential variations. With the growing use of digital platforms, sleep disruption has emerged as a public health concern. Social media engagement before bedtime is increasingly linked to poor sleep health and emotional imbalance. A quantitative research design was adopted using simple random sampling. A total of 300 students (150 males and 150 females) from three public universities in Faisalabad participated. Data were collected using the Social Media Use Index, Social Media Addiction Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Statistical tools such as correlation, ANOVA, chi-square, and regression were used for analysis. Findings showed no significant relationship between overall or nighttime social media use and sleep quality. However, emotional engagement with social media was significantly associated with sleep disturbances among both genders. The study suggests promoting digital literacy and awareness campaigns to encourage healthy online habits and emotional regulation.

Time Spent on Social Media and its Impact on Academic Performance: Evidence from University Students in Sargodha, Pakistan

2025-11-13T16:31:05+05:00

This research aimed to investigate the use of social media influences on the academic performance of university students at the University of Sargodha in Pakistan, and in particular, the impact of social media on study habits, attendance, assignments, and academic performance in general. Social media has altered the learning and interaction of young people, bringing both opportunities and challenges in higher education. Its widespread adoption by students has brought issues of distraction, time management, and deteriorating academic performance, but it is also allowing collaboration and sharing of information. The quantitative design of the research was applied based on a structured questionnaire given to 122 university students using a method of convenience sampling. The Chi-square test was applied in analyzing the data to determine the relationship between the use of social media and academic performance. The results indicated that there was a statistically significant correlation between social media use and academic performance (2 = 234.622, 12, p =.001), according to which the use of social media leads to a decrease in concentration and academic achievements. Educators and policymakers are urged to lead a balanced, intentional, and goal-driven social media use to facilitate digital literacy, collaborative learning, and academic interaction.

Importance of Work - Life Balance its Relation with Employee’s Burnout and Mediation of Demographics: A Survey-Based Study of Hospitals of District Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan

2025-11-15T13:18:47+05:00

Employee burnout has become a critical challenge in the healthcare sector, particularly where professionals face continuous pressure and limited personal time. Work-life balance (WLB) plays a vital role in preventing emotional exhaustion and sustaining professional performance. However, the mediating influence of demographic factors on the WLB–burnout relationship remains underexplored in Pakistan’s (Dist Bhakkar) hospital context. The research paper is focused on the relationship between work-life balance (WLB) and employee burnout in public and private hospitals and impact of different demographic factors effecting the relation with focus in District Bhakkar, Punjab. Using methods like analysis after quantitative cross-sectional design, surveying and analyzing a sample of 250 healthcare professionals in District Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. we used regression and hierarchical regression analysis in order to analyze the direct, mediation effects of demographics to get insight of the effects with respect to Gender ,Education and Age. According to the findings, there is a substantial and inverse relationship between WLB and burnout. Demographic factors, especially age, gender, marital status, and dependency ratio, played an important role as mediators in the relationship. The effect of WLB on burnout was moderated by the support that an organization offers, and its most noticeable effect was in low WLB. Younger and female employees were reported to be in a more stressful working environment, but stress was better managed in flexible working arrangements and policies that are more supportive. To reduce burn out levels it is imperative to promote WLB practices and policies among healthcare employees. These policies should be tailored to absorb the demographic differences, with extensive support of leadership which brings in flexibility and recognition mechanisms ultimately strengthen organizational well-being and workforce sustainability.

The Association between Awe Experience and Self-Compassion among Educated Young Adults

2025-11-20T13:15:36+05:00

This study aimed to examine the relationship between awe experience and self- compassion among educated young adults aged 18–26 in Pakistan. Self-compassion is associated with emotional well-being, and awe, which is a self-transcendent emotion, has been linked to positive and negative psychological effects. According to the previous studies, awe can improve mindfulness and connectedness, but can also cause self- diminishment. These contradictory directions are critical to attain knowledge about mental health in young adults. It was a quantitative, correlational study that employed a sample of 300 educated young adults, including males (n=150) and females (n=150). The sample was chosen using convenience sampling. The respondents took the Awe Experience Scale and Self-Compassion Scale. The data were studied with the help of descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression analysis. The study analyzed the relationship through Pearson correlation statistical analysis and found that overall awe had a negative correlation with self-compassion. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that the self-loss component of awe negatively predicted self-compassion, and time perception positively predicted self-compassion, which demonstrates the two-fold influence of awe. The t-test indicated that negative awe generated more self-loss and accommodation than positive awe, but there was no difference in total awe scores. Further, non-medical students had more awe experiences when compared to medical students, and there were no notable differences in self-compassion between the two groups. Positive awe-inducing experiences should also be included in future interventions to enhance emotional regulation. It is suggested to replicate with diverse samples and experimental designs to make the causal pathways clearer.

Generative AI and Hyper-Personalization in Customer Experience: Empirical Evidence from Consumer Survey Data

2025-11-21T16:07:36+05:00

This study investigates how generative AI, including ChatGPT, reshapes customer-brand interaction in marketing, specifically focusing on the balance between personalization benefits and privacy concerns. Rapid advances in AI are revolutionizing digital communication and customer experience, raising ethical questions. Brands now use hyper-personalization, but consumer trust and data autonomy remain critical issues. Employing a quantitative approach, survey data were collected from 400 consumers engaged with AI-based marketing systems. Multiple regression and structural equation modeling were applied to assess relationships among perceived personalization, privacy concerns, trust, and brand engagement. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing quantified key trends. Findings indicate increased AI-driven personalization enhances customer engagement and satisfaction but heightens privacy fears. Consumer acceptance depends on transparency, consent, and control over personal data. Ethical design and responsible innovation are essential. Marketers and policymakers should foster transparency and empower users to sustain trust and balance innovation with consumer security.

Understanding Pakistan’s Political Rhetoric in the Global War on Terror: A Post-structural Discourse Analysis

2025-11-21T16:11:09+05:00

The purpose of this study is to offer a nuance understanding of Pakistan’s foreign policy in the post 9/11 context in the image of post-positivist tradition. Grounded in post-structural image and post-structural discourse analysis (PDA) this study endeavors to make sense of political rhetoric in the global war on terror. In the same vein, Pakistan’s narrative on the global war on terror is unfolded. Based on the primary text of a memoire by President Musharraf, the study develops a clear understanding of how the language of identity, security and morality was employed by the then military regime in Pakistan. It argues that such a narrative was pivotal to pave Pakistan’s way to participate in the global war on terror as and it was intelligible enough for the domestic and international audience. Finally, this study invites future researchers to employ the post-structural image in unfolding the complex world of politics.

Bridging the ‘Us’ and ‘Them’ Divide through Discursive Strategies: Muslim Scholars’ Religious Discourse for Peace and Conflict Resolution Aligned with UN SDG-16

2025-11-24T14:04:23+05:00

This study examines the unconventional discursive strategies used by selected Muslim scholars to bridge the boundaries between “Us” and “Them,” fostering a positive and moderate discourse for peace and conflict resolution among religiously diverse communities. Using a qualitative approach, the research analyzes speeches delivered in English through the framework of Positive Discourse Analysis (PDA), a sub-field of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). The speeches, collected through purposive sampling from YouTube, serve as secondary data. Findings reveal that the scholars employ inclusive and peace-oriented strategies such as positive lexical choices, inclusive pronouns, syntactic structures, rhetorical equalizers, metaphors of unity, and references to shared Abrahamic traditions. These strategies promote the positive representation of others and help soften rigid intergroup boundaries. By highlighting discourse that encourages non-violence, inclusivity, and mutual respect, the study aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16, which advocates peaceful and inclusive societies. The analysis underscores the role of moderate religious discourse in supporting social cohesion and conflict prevention.

Unpacking Jihadist Culture and Identity Reconstruction in Aslam's The Blind Man’s Garden

2025-11-24T14:10:42+05:00

This study looks at the consequences, concentrating on Jihadist culture after 9/11 and its portrayal in Nadeem Aslam's novel "The Blind Man's Garden." The 9/11 attacks played an important role to create a shift in world politics, and changed the Muslim-West relations and fueling prejudices of Muslims as extremists. The 'War on Terror' contributes to these factors by combining them with Western stereotypes. It explores the psychological aspects of Fanatical cruelty and calls for deculturalizing Islam, focusing on Aroosa Kanwal's theoretical framework on “Rethinking Muslim Identities, Beyond 9/11”, the study argues for an assessment of changing views on reconstructing Muslim identities in the context of present-day Pakistani English fiction. This study delves into Aslam's novel to better comprehend the complicated connections between world affairs, cultural depictions, and psychological components of extremism in present narratives. It emphasizes the significance of varied intellectual collaboration for an in-depth discussion on reconstructing Muslim identities that extends beyond the historic events of September 11th. Future researchers may expand this study by conducting comparative analyses across a wider range of Pakistani English novels to trace budding representations of Muslim identities in the post-9/11 era and broaden the discourse surrounding jihadist culture and identity reformation in contemporary literature

Exploring Reading Challenges Experienced by Pakistani Undergraduate Students: A Case Study of Sukkur IBA Computer Science Students with Proposed Suggestions

2025-11-25T19:12:47+05:00

This study attempts to explore the reading challenges faced by Pakistani EFL undergraduate students. The main purpose is to identify the reading difficulties encountered by students in reading and how those difficulties can be addressed. The study is qualitative in nature. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and reflective diaries from ten students enrolled in the first semester of Sukkur IBA University. Data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis and personal interpretation techniques to explore the challenges experienced by students. The results showed five major challenges experienced by the learners: a lack of required vocabulary to understand the text, weak grammatical knowledge, which hinders sentence comprehension, a lack of motivation, a lack of consistency in reading, and issues with reading material. The study recommends that the above challenges can be tackled by providing free choice to students for selecting reading material, and more exposure to reading multiple genres of reading. Based on the findings. To achieve this, the teacher's role is predominant in developing their reading abilities of the students