Pakistan Social Sciences Review

Re-Emergence of Taliban in Afghanistan: A study of Socio-economic Impacts on Pakistan

Khawaja Muhammad Kaleem — 2026-03-01

This article examines the socioeconomic effects of the Taliban's comeback in Afghanistan on Pakistan, specifically with regard to commerce, refugee flows, and economic stability. The Taliban quickly reclaimed control of Afghanistan after the US withdrew in 2021, drastically changing the regional environment. Pakistan, Afghanistan's closest neighbour, has been directly impacted by societal pressures, disruptions in cross-border trade, and refugee movements. The study employs a qualitative research technique and draws from academic literature, government papers, policy assessments, scholar interviews, and pertinent media sources. This study examines how developments in Afghanistan inevitably affect Pakistan's socioeconomic sphere, especially after the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. This is due to the long and porous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as the shared language and cultural ties among border populations.

Factors Influencing Trust for Online Buying Behavior in Pakistan

Hamza Naeem Khan — 2026-03-03

This paper explores the effect of transaction security, data privacy, guaranteed return policy, and perceived web image on the development of online trust and the effect of the trust on online buying intention in Daraz.PK, one of the most popular e-commerce websites in Pakistan. Based on the previous study, this study fills a gap in the Pakistani context where the problem of trust and awareness is a constraint to the growth of online shopping. The correlational research design was applied in order to gather data on 500 respondents using a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. Reliability and regression analyses established that all the four factors have significant effect on online trust which has a strong positive influence on online buying intention. The results have emphasized the importance of trust-building factors in improving consumer confidence and increasing the use of e-commerce. It is recommended that businesses should concentrate on safe, privacy-aware and convenient online platforms to increase customer confidence and online shopping habits, which leads to economic development in Pakistan.

Transformational Leadership and Human Capital Development: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Sharing Behavior

Muhammad Alamgir — 2026-03-04

The current research examines the central role of the concept of transformational leadership in promoting the development of human capital within the higher learning institutions namely universities and colleges in South Punjab, Pakistan, by looking at the mediating role of knowledge sharing behavior. In a dynamic environment where educational and organizational capacity is yet to be matured, it is important to adopt efficient leadership styles to exploit potential of human resource. Based on the Social Exchange Theory and the Knowledge-Based View, the study assumes that inspirational motivation, personalized consideration, and intellectual stimulation by transformational leaders increase the willingness of employees to share both tacit and explicit knowledge, which will help sustain a learning process and grow their competencies needed to drive sustainability in human-capital development. The sample of 200 educational leaders of higher-education institutions and colleges in South Punjab working in the public sector was selected through the use of the structured questionnaire based on time-lagged survey design. Through the use of structural equation modelling (SEM), the research endeavored to examine the hypothesized connections between transformational leadership styles, knowledge-sharing behavior, and developmental results of human capital. The empirical evidence illustrates that knowledge-sharing behavior has been a very important mediator between transformational leadership and human-capital development. As a result, the research will contribute to the body of knowledge in the region by highlighting the role of creating knowledge ecosystems led by leadership as a conclusive approach in empowering the working population in the developing economies. The policy implications indicate that leadership development initiatives and organizational learning cultures can be hugely used to strengthen human capital that may lead to the improvement of the institutional effectiveness and socio-economic development of South Punjab.

The INL-Supported Curriculum Development Program of the Sindh Police: How Effectively Does It Meet the Needs of Police Officers?

Faizan Kirmani — 2026-03-04

The current research evaluates the extent to which the texts of the curriculum fulfill the professional needs of law enforcement personnel in matters of criminal investigation, procedural knowledge, and application of case law. The Curriculum Development Program, funded by the INL and carried out by the Sindh Police, was initiated with the objective of developing the capacity for investigation through the use of six specialized textbooks in response to the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s directive for the development of uniform handbooks for investigations. The qualitative survey was conducted with 100 randomly chosen police officers of Karachi Range, including Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, and Station House Officers, from 100 police stations of the city. A questionnaire and discussion with police officers measured the perception of police regarding the usability, comprehensibility, and applicability of the six curriculum books. However, they found it wanting in aspects pertaining to the integration of judicial precedents. The Handbook of Criminal Investigation was found to be legally correct but impractical for implementation in the field. Basic Investigation was found practical but wanting in aspects pertaining to case laws. Advance Investigation was found to bridge the theory and procedure gaps but was found to be crime-specific in nature. Forensic Investigation was found to provide insight but was lacking in aspects pertaining to admissibility of evidence. Criminal Law was found to be introductory in nature but lacking in-depth case laws. Police Station Working Module was found to be practical in nature but lacking in legal substance. Changes to the curriculum should include the analysis of case law at all procedural levels, merging legal theory with practical applications in the field. Future print versions should include precedents from judicial decisions without making the product less user-friendly, include guidelines for the admissibility of forensic evidence, and improve analytical strength to increase conviction rates.

Arousal Attenuates Directed Forgetting of Affective and Neutral English Words in an Item-Method Recognition Paradigm

Suleman Ahmad — 2026-03-06

This study examined whether item-method directed forgetting (DF) for English words is better explained by affective categories or item-level valence, arousal, and dominance (VAD). Directed forgetting is a laboratory model of intentional memory control, but it remains unclear whether forgetting varies more by emotional category of words or their emotional dimensions. This distinction has received limited direct testing. A quantitative experimental design was used with 67 Pakistani adults recruited through convenience sampling; after prespecified exclusions, 60 were analyzed. Participants studied positive, neutral, negative, and threatening words followed by remember or forget cues, then completed a recognition test. Category effects were tested with binomial logistic regression, and dimensional effects with weighted models. A robust DF effect emerged. It was largest for neutral words and smallest for threatening words. Arousal significantly weakened the forget effect, whereas valence and dominance did not. Future work should prioritize arousal-sensitive models and culturally grounded verbal stimuli.

Self-identified and Clinically Diagnosed Mental Health Issues due to Gender-Based Marginalization: Lived Experiences of Women from Pakistani Diaspora in Canada

Taalia Khan — 2026-03-08

The present study examines self-identified and clinically diagnosed mental health issues due to gender-based marginalization through the lived experiences of women from Pakistani diaspora in Canada. Pakistani women face deep-rooted and culturally supported gender biasness within their households under strict patriarchal hierarchies. The situation persists regardless of their geographic location in Pakistani households. For investigation, phenomenological approach under the qualitative research methodology and eight semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with participants living in most densely populated Pakistani neighborhoods across the major urban centers of Canada. As per participant responses conducted through thematic analysis, eight categories emerged: constant guilt, sleeplessness, self-doubt, tension, anxiety and panic attacks, validation, media reinforcement, obsessive-compulsive disorder and body-shaming. The findings highlighted that the present study is at the intersection of gender, migration, and racialization. The results suggest that participants face vulnerabilities due to migration challenges, social constraints, cultural gendered expectations and deep-rooted familial hierarchical structures. The study emphasizes on the need for social reforms that collectively converge migration challenges, cultural understanding, education and empowerment.

Climate Change and Environmental Ethics in Islam: A Global Responsibility Analyzing Islamic Teachings on Stewardship (Khilāfah) and Sustainability

Naseeruddin Mahar — 2026-03-09

Climate change is an existential threat to the well-being of the ecosystem, people, and stability across the globe. In the context of scientific analysis and policy-making, religious systems are still underrepresented in the literature, even though they can be used to mobilize billions of followers to act in an ethical manner towards the environment. The teachings of Islam being among the major religions of the world provide some of the foundations of environmental stewardship (khilafah), equity, and moderation (mizan). These principles not only encourage responsible consumption of the natural resources, but also have moral requirements to the planet and all forms of life. This study explores the ecology of Islamic environmental ethics, which primarily focuses on the ways in which classical and modern Islamic teachings could be considered in the global sustainability models. This paper examines the main Islamic texts such as the Quran, Prophetic traditions (hadith), and jurisprudential interpretation.

The Influence of Technology Orientation on Firm Performance: The Mediating Role of Dynamic Capabilities in a Dynamic Pharmaceutical Environment

Shehla Zaman — 2026-03-10

This study investigates how technology orientation influences firm performance through the mediating role of dynamic capabilities within Pakistan’s dynamic pharmaceutical environment. Although the Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capabilities View highlight the importance of strategic resources, limited empirical work integrates technology orientation with capability development. Rapid technological shifts in pharmaceuticals make this linkage critical. A quantitative approach was used, drawing data from 180 pharmaceutical firms. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) evaluated direct, indirect, and moderating relationships among technology orientation, dynamic capabilities, firm performance, and environmental dynamism. Technology orientation significantly improves firm performance both directly and by strengthening sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring capabilities. Dynamic capabilities also show a strong positive impact on performance. Environmental dynamism, however, does not significantly moderate the dynamic capabilities–performance relationship. Pharmaceutical firms should invest in both technological advancement and capability-building systems. Future studies should adopt longitudinal designs and cross-industry or cross-national comparisons.

From Silence to Testimony: Narrating Trauma and Memory of the 1971 War in Anam’s A Golden Age and Khan’s Noor

Muhammad Shahid — 2026-03-14

The Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 is one of the most traumatic events in the history of South Asia, which has deep psychological and emotional scars both for the people of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Literary narratives play a vital role in the reconstruction of memory and trauma and shaping collective memory. This article examines the comparative representation of memory and trauma in A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam and Noor by Sorayya Khan, focusing on how these novels recount the psychological and social trauma of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The study analyses the narratives through the theories of trauma by Judith Herman and Jeffrey Prager by underpinning the elements of trauma in the texts, by digging out the memory, silence, and guilt of the characters in both the novels. The article argues that through personal memory, individual trauma can bring about the collective trauma and collective consciousness. By comparing Pakistani and Bangladeshi literary representation, the article highlights the similarities and peculiarities of the two national narratives of the same event.

Factors Pushing Pakistan into a Federalist State: Mapping the Pre and Post-Partition History

Fayyaz Ahmad Hussain — 2026-03-15

The British was the only power that maintained effective control and unity over the entire subcontinent, but instead of establishing a single national government at all-India level, the British government preferred to rule over various provinces of India in isolation to each other owing to the socio-political, economic, linguistic, religious and cultural diversification present in length and breadth of this vast territorial region hence Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru believed that the unity infused by the British was only an administrative unity to maintain effective control over the territory and the region lacked true political unity. Mr. Jinnah too believed that India was never a country or a nation but a subcontinent of different nationalities hence diverse affiliations must be acknowledged and handled by all sides as a reality. Alongside, among the five provinces which constituted Pakistan in 1947, only Bengal was a Regulation Province and the rest were Non Regulation Provinces whereas Balochistan was not even a province but comprised of different types of territories, including a Chief Commissioner's Province. Other than having a common colonial ruler, these provinces did not have any common identity, except religion, and lacked an experience of living together which could be helpful in the process of nation building in the sovereign independent state of Pakistan. In the absence of such qualifications for nation building, it seemed desirable that the federal solution could be the best to create these with a passage of time hence the state moved forward accordingly, nevertheless, the separation of East Pakistan in 1971, and the resentment and unrest in the smaller provinces of the present day Pakistan, is viewed from the perspective of the problem of federalism. Based on this background, the instant study revisits the circumstances which were inherited by the state of Pakistan in 1947 and which necessitated that Pakistan ought to opt the federal form of government. It concludes that the failure to apply a well-designed and effective federal mechanism in the multiethnic state of Pakistan was responsible for many of the political upheavals and the ever-persistent problem of national integration in Pakistan.

Organizational Culture as a Moderator of Transformational Leadership Effectiveness in Public-Sector Universities

Ali Nisar — 2026-03-20

This paper examines the role of organizational culture in shaping the effectiveness of transformational leadership within public universities. Drawing upon transformational leadership theory and organizational culture literature, the study investigates whether organizational culture moderates the relationship between transformational leadership and two important faculty attitudes: job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Data was collected through a survey of 314 faculty members working in public sector universities in Islamabad and data was analyzed using PLS-SEM. The findings indicate that TL has significant positive effects on both JS and OCo among faculty members. Furthermore, OC is a significant moderator between TL and JS, suggesting that leadership behaviors are more effective in institutions characterized by supportive and collaborative cultures. However, the moderating effect of OC on the relationship between TL and OCo was not statistically significant. These findings highlight the importance of organizational context in understanding leadership effectiveness in higher education institutions. The study provides practical insights for university administrators seeking to strengthen faculty engagement by aligning leadership practices with supportive institutional cultures.

A Study to Investigate Students’ Attitude towards Research at University Level

Sadia Jabeen — 2026-03-22

Present study aimed to investigate students’ attitude towards research at university level. An attitude takes into account thoughts, feelings, and actions, as well as how they interact. A quantitative approach was employed to conduct present study. Researcher employed a survey research design to conduct the study. Population was comprised of all university students of Lahore city. Sample of the study was comprised of 200 male and female university students of one public and one private university on convenient basis. An instrument of the study was adapted by the researcher. Reliability of the scale was .804. Data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics to investigate students’ attitude towards research at university level. Findings of the study concluded that male and female students have a positive attitude towards research at university level. However, female students’ attitude towards research is tend to be more significance as compared to the male students at university level. Female students showed more interest in research at university level. Male and female students’ have significant difference regarding their attitude towards research based on their gender and degree program. However, an insignificant result was found among university students’ attitude towards research based on their age. Present study recommends to develop attitudes of university students towards research by practicing in class through giving short research projects and techniques.

The Mediating Role of Academician Interaction in the Relationship between Psychosocial Learning Environment, Social Media Use, and Student Engagement in Higher Education

Anfaal Shafiq — 2026-03-26

This study intends to investigate the mediating role of academic interactions in psychosocial learning environments, social media use, and student engagement. Multifaceted constructs like psychosocial learning environment, student engagement, and academic interactions that influence learning have also been lately manifested. However, the concept of academic interactions and social media use within the psychosocial learning environment and student engagement in Pakistan's higher education context is obscure. Utilizing the correlational design, 385 graduate students were randomly selected to examine the relationship between the psychosocial learning environment, social media use, and student engagement among university students from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The findings indicated a negative relationship between the psychosocial learning environment and student engagement and a positive association between social media use and student engagement among university students. The study offered a valuable vision for educators and policymakers to implement strategies that boost the quality of interfaces between students and educators.

Deciphering Iconographic Symbolism and Spatial Significance: An Evaluation of the Hazuri Bagh Baradari (1818–1819), Lahore's Sikh Architectural Heritage

Qudsia Asif — 2026-03-28

A country’s heritage not only gives it identity but builds a connection between its past and future generations. First, the study investigates the motivation behind the construction of Baradari in the core of Hazuri Bagh, a significant but arguable location of Lahore. Secondly, it highlights the ornamental details by attempting to understand the iconographic symbolism used within this historical monument. Ranjit Singh’s invasion resulted in establishing a Sikh estate in Punjab after the fall of Mughal Empire. The Baradari situated in Hazuri Bagh is an important architectural landmark belonging to that historical period of Subcontinent. The research adopts a qualitative research method based on literature review. It demonstrates that the placement of Baradari within Hazuri Bagh was not coincidental but strategic. It was carefully positioned between two distinguished Mughal monuments, Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, to establish Sikh sovereignty. Further, the analysis of iconographic elements reflects the hybrid nature of Sikh architecture, as they are not only aesthetically pleasing but represents cross-cultural interactions. Hence, Baradari’s location and iconography symbolize Ranjit Singh’s authority and cultural continuity respectively. More research is required to analyse and compare the Sikh architecture in Lahore with other cities of South Asia.

Shattering the Stalemate: Overcoming Structural Barriers to Upholding International Human Rights Law

Syed Muhammad Farrukh Bukhari — 2026-03-31

The United Nations-sponsored International Human Rights Law not only provides the normative structure of the much-celebrated human rights norms but also the means and tools to realize those rights. However, the implementation and enforcement of international human rights law are hindered by various lacunae within international law generally and, in particular, within the UN Treaty Enforcement System. Moreover, ideological rifts, particularly within the Islamic States, regarding the concept and nature of human rights have also impeded the enforcement of International Human Rights Law in its entirety. By adopting the mixed method approach based on qualitative and comparative design, the research concludes that human rights treaties have weak institutional mechanisms and procedures of enforcement, because of which they are not able to contribute with impact; therefore, the international community needs to revisit the whole system to remove these structural barriers and to make these available to all human beings in reality.

A Comparative Study of TVET Graduate Placement in Pakistan’s Labor Markets and Industries: Evidence from PTEVTA and STEVTA

Sadia Kanwal Elia — 2026-04-02

This study aimed at comparing the two main provincial TVET bodies in Pakistan, the Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA) and the Punjab Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (PTEVTA) and to find out how effective these institutions are in providing their graduates with skills relevant to the market that can assist them to get jobs, earn incomes, retain jobs and be aligned with the industry needs. The study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Quantitative data was collected from 300 graduates (150 from each TVET authority) utilizing survey questionnaires. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews from 40 participants (20 from each organization). The findings show that PTEVTA graduates are comparatively ahead of STEVTA graduates in terms of employment preparedness, income generation, employer satisfaction, and job retention, though the difference is marginal. Further, thematic analysis highlighted the significance of curriculum relevance, practical training, and employer engagement in enhancing workforce integration. By providing empirically supported information about provincial variation and the variables influencing vocational graduates' success, this study fills a significant gap in the literature on TVET in South Asia. Based on the study findings. policy makers are advised to provide competency-based training, integrate apprenticeship programs, strengthen industry ties, and regularly update curricula to increase the employability and economic opportunities of TVET graduates.

Colonial Impact on Regional Languages in Sindh: Exploring the Status of National and Official Languages of Pakistan

Nazia Koonj — 2026-04-05

Language loss among youth is a causal threat to the enrichment of society, identity, and cultural stability across the colonial societies of the world. In the context of empirical analysis and policymaking, ethnographic systems are still unexplored in the humanities discipline, even though multilingualism is advantageous and mobilized to act in an ethical manner towards a stable environment. Yet, some languages enjoy the status of dominance and hierarchy in multilingual settings across the globe, including Pakistan, due to their colonial impact. The study adopts semi-structured interviews from 20 participants from Karachi and Hyderabad setting of the Sindh, Pakistan, considering the urban and Rural settings of the context. Participants reflect on responses with colonial impact, which has its dominance on the regional languages of Pakistan.

Impact of Digital Training on Earnings: Evidence from Vulnerable Youth in Punjab’s IT Ecosystem

Fizza Malik — 2026-04-08

This research examines the impact of digital trainings on the extent to which incomes of Punjab Youth gets affected by undertaking such trainings. The background of the study is stemming from a sub theme of PIDE’s 38th Annual general Meeting and Conference, which embraced the effectiveness of digital trainings which are extended form the platform of PSDF (Punjab Skills Development Fund). The vulnerable youth are taken as sample participants to validate that whether enduring through such trainings, are they actually able to enhance their incomes and earnings or not? A Quantitative approach is used where the sample is divided into two groups; Digitally trained (Treatment group) and digitally untrained group (Control Group). The results derived do substantiate that digitally trained youth are exposed to better incomes. However, barriers to employment and accessing the trainings modules do impact incomes in a negative way. The study is crucial for policy makers who are designing such training programs to actually calculate and evaluate that which industry needs attention in tapping vulnerable youth who can equip and benefit themselves from such trainings and workshops. However, it is important to note that the story does not end here, but post training alignment in the form of job placements, entrepreneurial assistance and unequal job opportunities for women can pose a serious problem to this hypothesis testing.

An analysis of the role of Police in the Criminal Justice System of Pakistan

Ali Raza Laghari — 2026-04-08

This paper examines the role of police in the criminal justice system of Pakistan and provide a comprehensive understanding about this agency, determine the flaws and challenges faced by this institution influencing the effectiveness. Police is one of the most important pillar of the criminal justice system; assigned with maintaining law and order, prevent and detect crime, bring the criminal in the court of law so as citizens can live their life peacefully. In this regard qualitative research methodology has been applied. Based on the interviews, case studies, research articles, judgments of the superior courts; functions and perceptions in the context of law enforcement and relationship with general public have been discussed. In conclusion it appeared that political interference, lack of resources including forensic and other scientific technology, lack highly skilled persons and mixed duties are hurdles in the advancement of this institution. It has been suggested in the recommendations that by providing resources as per requirement of the nature of job institution of Police can be strengthened.

Teaching of Social Justice and Sustainable Development for inclusion: Improving Identity, Positionality and Reflexivity of Students with Hearing Impairment

Sahrish Nazir — 2026-04-10

The objectives of this quantitative research was to investigate how the identity of students with hearing impairment is influenced by social justice and sustainable development education, to analyze the positionality of hearing-impaired students in the context of inclusive education, to explore the role of reflexivity in the learning experiences of hearing-impaired students, to assess the impact of social justice and sustainable development education on the empowerment and agency of hearing-impaired students. The data was taken from (183) Teachers working in Government Special Education Schools and Centers in Punjab, and (164) Parents of students with hearing impairment. In order to get the responses from the participants, two self-developed and validated Questionnaire on five point Likert type scale (IPR for teachers r=.809 ) was used to collect data from teachers selected through stratified sampling technique. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. This research was very helpful in bringing new inclinations in Inclusion. The results indicate that the curricula with social justice perspectives enhance identity building, self-advocacy, and participation of students in inclusive education. The research has some suggestions on how teacher training, assistive technologies, and culturally responsive instruction can be used to comprehensively address the holistic growth of hearing-impaired students. Some of the recommendations are to incorporate Deaf culture in the curriculum, create leadership opportunities, and introduction of universal design of learning (UDL). This study recommends inclusive education policies and practices that empower students with hearing impairments and ensure their lifelong learning by aligning inclusive education with sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Trade Misinvoicing and Illicit Financial Outflows from Pakistan: Product Level PPML Gravity Estimates with a GVC Exposure Map

Nasir Ali — 2026-04-13

Illicit financial flows (IFFs) are difficult to observe directly; this paper develops a transparent, trade‑data screening framework for Pakistan that treats misinvoicing signals as upper‑bound risk proxies. Using UN Comtrade HS6 bilateral flows for 1995– 2024, we estimate product‑level PPML gravity models to generate conditional‑mean ‘expected trade’ benchmarks that accommodate zeros and heteroskedasticity. Robustness checks use BACI‑reconciled bilateral flows. We harmonize valuation by identifying CIF–FOB wedges to place imports and exports on a comparable basis, then construct directional discrepancy measures consistent with outward leakage (import overinvoicing and export underinvoicing). Results show an episodic, shock‑driven discrepancy pattern with a pronounced mid‑2010s spike and higher variance in recent years, rather than a smooth trend. Risk is highly concentrated in a small set of commodity/agri‑food sectors (notably cereals and oilseeds) and in specific partner– product clusters. Mapping HS products to input–output sectors links hotspots to GVC exposure, informing targeted customs risk management and audit prioritization.

Enhancing Students’ Problem-Solving Skill through Formative Assessment Practices: An Experimental Study

Tanveer Iqbal — 2026-04-20

Present study aimed to examine students’ problem-solving skill through formative assessment strategies at undergraduate level in the subject of research. A single subject research design was selected to conduct the experiment. Students enrolled in the subject of teaching of science. Experiment has three phases baseline, experiment and withdrawal phase. Students problem-solving skill in the subject of research was observed during baseline period, experimental phase and during withdrawal phase. Lesson plans were developed and different activities were planned to conduct the experiment. A test was developed to measure students’ problem-solving through formative assessment practices. Jigsaw and think-pair-share technique of formative assessment was applied to measure students’ problem-solving during experiment and withdrawal phase. Data were collected through intervention. Inferential statistical technique a repeated measures one-way ANOVA was applied to test the hypothesis. Study findings revealed a significant effect of students’ problem-solving in the subject of research was measured during intervention and withdrawal phase. Study recommends to apply formative assessment practices to improve students’ performance in the subject of research at undergraduate level.