The Indus Journal of Social Sciences is a peer-reviewed journal published biannually (2 issues per year) by Indus Publishers. It publishes high-quality research in the field of social sciences and promotes scholarly dialogue between research and practice. The journal’s scope includes economics, business, management, sociology, political science, psychology, education, and anthropology.
Urdu Translation and Validation of the Questionnaire for Suicidal Ideation (QSI)
Suicidal ideation is a critical public health concern and a key proximal risk factor for suicide attempts and deaths. The accurate assessment of suicidal ideation is essential for early intervention, clinical monitoring, and research. The Questionnaire for Suicidal Ideation (QSI) is a brief, self-report tool designed to measure suicidal thoughts without confounding factors such as preparatory behaviors or intent. The present study aimed to translate the QSI into Urdu and evaluate its psychometric properties in an Urdu-speaking adult population. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase I involved forward-backward translation, expert review, and cross-language validation using a bilingual sample (N = 60), demonstrating high cross-language equivalence (r = .880, p < .01) and test-retest reliability (r = .910, p < .01). Phase II involved empirical validation in a larger sample (N = 360), assessing internal consistency (α = .838), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). EFA supported a unidimensional factor structure, explaining 58% of the variance, while CFA confirmed excellent model fit (χ²/df = 1.078, CFI = .999, GFI = .986, RMSEA = .015), with all items loading significantly onto a single latent factor. The findings indicate that the Urdu version of the QSI (QSI-Urdu) is a reliable, valid, and culturally appropriate tool for assessing suicidal ideation in adult Urdu speakers. This adaptation provides a brief, psychometrically sound instrument for clinical screening, research, and longitudinal monitoring of suicidal thoughts in South Asian populations.
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The Dark Triad in Action: How Attention-Seeking and Narcissism Fuel Anti-Social Behaviour through Fragile Self-Esteem
This study explores the Dark Triad “in action” by examining how attention seeking and narcissism contribute to antisocial behavior among young adults in academic environments with the help of the Dark Triad theory. The model proposes that individuals who frequently engage in attention-seeking behaviors may possess deeper narcissistic tendencies, which ultimately translate into aggressive, manipulative, or socially disruptive behaviors. Fragile self-esteem is incorporated as a moderating variable to capture internal psychological vulnerabilities that may intensify these relationships. Data were collected from a sample of 400 students aged 18 to 24 enrolled in colleges and universities. The proposed conceptual model was tested using Smarts through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Overall, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how Dark Triad traits manifest in real-life settings and offers practical implications for identifying and managing antisocial behaviors among university students.
Revisiting Mens Rea in Modern Criminal Jurisprudence: Theory, Practice, and Reform
This article revisits mens rea in modern criminal jurisprudence, examining its theoretical foundations and practical challenges amid evolving forms of criminality. Using doctrinal and comparative analysis, the study finds growing ambiguity and overreliance on objective liability standards, advocating clearer statutory definitions and contextual reforms to preserve culpability and fairness Mens rea the mental element of criminal liability lies at the heart of criminal justice, shaping how culpability is assessed in both theory and practice. As societies evolve, so too do the contours of criminal law, creating new challenges in defining, proving, and applying mens rea. This article critically examines the mens rea doctrine in modern criminal jurisprudence, tracing its theoretical foundations, highlighting practical shortcomings, and exploring avenues for reform. Drawing on comparative perspectives and emerging legal challenges particularly in technology-driven crimes this research argues for principled adjustments to ensure fairness, clarity, and adaptability in criminal responsibility.
The Echo of Humanity: Gaza, Conscience, and the Age of Simultaneity
This paper introduces the Simultaneous Information–Dialectics Theory (SIDT)—a paradigm born from the evolution of the author’s earlier Cross-Country Cross-Continent Economic Development (CCC-CED) framework. What began as an economic model explaining how nations progress through simultaneous development of markets, institutions, and societies has transformed into an informational and moral theory explaining how humanity itself evolves through simultaneous awareness, empathy, and conscience. The bridge between these worlds is one word “Simultaneous”, the philosophical constant linking the movement of economies to the awakening of human consciousness. Through the lens of SIDT, this paper examines how the Gaza War (2023–2025) catalyzed a global moral awakening. The tragedy of Gaza became not a local crisis but a synchronized human experience in which billions witnessed, grieved, and judged together. SIDT proposes five interconnected mechanisms: Information Flow Synchrony, Dialectical Framing, Wide Bridges, Threshold Compression, and Repression Backfire to explain how information, when shared in real time, translates into collective moral action. The conceptual model demonstrates that information no longer diffuses linearly but resonates simultaneously, transforming suffering into solidarity and empathy into political consciousness. The findings reveal that Gaza’s pain redefined moral legitimacy across continents, collapsing traditional hierarchies of power and narrative control. As governments defended policy, the people defended humanity. This simultaneity of exposure, empathy, and moral awakening represents not merely a political shift but a civilizational evolution, the moment when information became conscience. The study concludes that the Simultaneous Information–Dialectics Theory redefines both governance and morality for the digital age. It challenges the United Nations, the European Union, and the global community to evolve from deliberating justice to delivering it in real time. SIDT thus stands as the moral successor of CCC-CED: where simultaneity once explained the rhythm of economic progress, it now explains the rhythm of human awakening. Information, when synchronized with compassion, becomes the architecture of global conscience and conscience, once awakened, cannot be silenced again.
Impact of Green Innovation Strategy and Digital Transformation on Sustainable Firm Performance with Mediating Role of GSCM Practices: An Empirical Investigation with PLS-SEM Modeling
The purpose of this research is to investigate the synergistic impacts of green supply chain management (GSCM) on green innovation strategy and digital transformation on sustainable performance. This is done in the context of the growing need for businesses to find a balance between sustainable development and digital transformation. PLS-SEM is used to evaluate the model, and the data used for the evaluation comes from a questionnaire survey that was sent out to manufacturing firms in Pakistan. Data was collected from 411 respondents. By examining and considering the role that green supply chain management (GSCM) plays as a mediator in the link between green innovation strategy and digital transformation on sustainable performance, the present research makes a contribution to the existing body of information on innovation and sustainability. Additionally, it adds to the development of new understanding about the mediating influence of GSCM practices on the interaction between green innovation strategy and digital transformation on sustainable performance, especially in the context of an economy that is still in the process of evolving.Both those who formulate policy and those who are in charge of administration at manufacturing firms will find that the ramifications of this research are significant. They may be used as a foundation for the creation of more efficient strategies and policies that will boost the capacities of businesses to produce innovations that might minimize environmental hazards and other negative consequences of climate change. These inventions could be used to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Role of Authentic Leadership in Post COVID 19 Era: A Study Examining Moderating Role of Procedural Justice and Emotional Demands
Organizational survival, growth, and sustainability depend on employees' positive attitudes and behavior toward the organizations and jobs. Factors such as authentic leadership style and procedural justice can affect procedural justice and emotional exhaustion. There are many studies on authentic leadership, but a few have examined the moderating effect of procedural justice and emotional demand. Thus we have developed and empirically tested a conceptual framework that, besides direct, mediating, and moderating relationships, also has a mediating-moderating relationship. COVID 19 has adversely effected the banking industry of Pakistan. To assess the influence of authentic leadership on employees’ wellbeing, we collected the data post COVID 19. We have focused on the banking sector of Karachi, as it is highly competitive with a high turnover intention. Pre-recruited enumerators distributed 450 non-randomly and received 415 questionnaires with a response rate of 92%, appropriate for a study of this magnitude post COVID 19 period. The study found that authentic leadership passively affects employee empowerment, reduces emotional exhaustion, and positively affects procedural justice. The results do not support the association between procedural justice and emotional exhaustion. At the same time, we found the procedural justice moderates authentic leadership and employee empowerment. The study also validated the moderating role of emotional exhaustion. But we could not find support on the mediating role of perceived justice on authentic leadership and emotional exhaustion.
Comparative Analysis of Users and Non-Users on Digital Finance: A Study of Perceived Risks and Benefits
Purpose: This study examines the influence of perceived risks and perceived benefits on attitudes towards digital finance and their subsequent impact on adoption intentions in Pakistan, comparing users and non-users. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 382 respondents split evenly between users and non-users of digital finance. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test hypothesized relationships derived from the perceived risk–benefit framework, incorporating five risk dimensions (security, financial, performance, psychological, and legal) and four benefit dimensions (economic benefit, convenience, seamless transaction, and perceived enjoyment). Multi-group analysis was used to assess differences between users and non-users. Findings: Results reveal distinct patterns between users and non-users. For users, economic benefit, convenience, seamless transactions, and perceived enjoyment significantly enhanced attitudes, while security, financial, and psychological risks reduced them. For non-users, all five risk factors (security, financial, performance, psychological, and legal) negatively affected attitudes, whereas only economic benefit and convenience showed positive effects. Attitude strongly predicted adoption intention for both groups. Originality/value: This study addresses contextual and empirical gaps by simultaneously examining an extended set of risk and benefit factors, incorporating psychological and legal risks, and integrating perceived enjoyment variables seldom studied in developing economies. By comparing users and non-users, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and technology developers aiming to enhance digital finance adoption in emerging markets.
Smartphone Addiction and Emotional Unavailability in Marriage: Perceived Neglect and Attachment Styles
The growing reliance on smartphones has altered patterns of emotional interaction within marital relationships. Although smartphones support communication, excessive or compulsive use may interfere with emotional presence and intimacy between spouses. The present study examined the relationship between smartphone addiction and emotional unavailability in marriages, focusing on the mediating role of perceived neglect and the moderating role of attachment styles. Using a cross-sectional correlational design, data were collected from 352 married adults residing in urban areas of Pakistan through standardized Urdu-adapted measures. Emotional unavailability was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct including emotional withdrawal, lack of emotional responsiveness, and avoidance of emotional intimacy. Results indicated that smartphone addiction was positively associated with emotional unavailability and its subdimensions. Perceived neglect partially mediated these relationships, suggesting that feelings of being ignored play a central role in emotional disengagement. Furthermore, attachment styles moderated the associations, such that anxious and avoidant attachment strengthened, while secure attachment weakened, the relationship between smartphone addiction and emotional unavailability. The findings highlight the emotional and relational implications of problematic smartphone use in marriages and underscore the importance of attachment-related vulnerabilities in shaping spouses’ emotional experiences.
Exploring the Identity Representation and Empowerment of Pakistani Women Athletes: An Ethnographic Study of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Islamabad
This study investigates the identity representation and empowerment of Pakistani women athletes through an ethnographic inquiry at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Islamabad. Employing Postcolonial Feminism, particularly Lila Abu-Lughod’s critique of Western-centric narratives of empowerment, the research examines how sociocultural norms, religious expectations, political structures, and economic constraints shape female athletes’ everyday experiences. Through participant observation and in-depth interviews, the study highlights how women navigate intersecting barriers such as restricted access to facilities, familial pressures, harassment, and structural inequalities in policy implementation. The findings reveal that while institutional neglect and gendered hierarchies persist, female athletes demonstrate resilience by negotiating agency within cultural frameworks, redefining empowerment through subtle forms of resistance, identity negotiation, and embodied performance. The paper contributes to anthropological scholarship by situating Pakistani women athletes in global feminist debates while offering policy recommendations that advocate for inclusive governance, equitable resource distribution, and women-led leadership in sports institutions.
Smart Supply Chain & Smart Technologies Adoption to Improve Operational Performance in Manufacturing Industry
In the competitive and progressive world where every company tries to maintain competitive advantage in order to adopt leadership position of the industry by implementing differentiation and cost leadership strategies. In this scenario, 4.0 Industry and adopted Smart Supply Chain as the most effective tool to decrease the overall Supply Chain expenses and increase the profit and improve company operations. Smart Supply Chain has become the essential requirement of every company which has also become an emerging strategic tool & essential facilitator for firms which pursue adaptation with the idea of resilience and sustained competitiveness that results the company to grow exponentially and meets societal and environmental requirements which helps to gain customer confidence and loyalty with the future aspect of relationship. Through content analysis, the model identifies the critical production-level and technology elements that affect a firm's capacity to develop responsive, ecologically sustainable, and digitally oriented supply chains.
Exploring Gender Stereotypes and Shared Presuppositions in Pakistani Social Media Memes
The research aims to examine how gender stereotypes in Pakistan are constructed, reinforced, and challenged through presuppositions in social media memes. The paper applies the Presupposition Theory by Stalnaker (1974) to ten viral Pakistani social media memes from Instagram and Facebook to identify the shared background assumptions that render these texts readable without any explanation. The findings reveal that Pakistani expectations of gender are expressed implicitly through implied cultural knowledge, encompassing the beliefs that women’s lives revolve around marriage, that emotional labour is an implicit expectation of women, and that fear of victimization by men structures women’s behaviour. These assumptions mirror social norms and serve as a tool of critique, especially in the feminist online community, which is dominated by humour and irony to confront patriarchy. The article reveals that memes are concise and powerful forms of discourse, which shape the common perception of gender relations through shared social experiences. These findings also contribute to the growing body of knowledge in digital pragmatics since they demonstrate that presupposition is an important tool for meaning-making in Pakistani online culture.
Impact of Transformational and Transactional Leadership on Employee Job Satisfaction in the Banking Sector
This paper discusses the role of transformational and transactional leadership styles in employee job satisfaction in the banking sector and this is with focus on the head office employees, who are key in making strategic decisions, developing their policies, and leading this company. With the current banking market being very competitive and heavily regulated, leadership within the organization has come in as a very important element in influencing employee attitudes, motivation and level of job satisfaction. Such aspects, in their turn, have a great influence on the performance, the quality of the provided services, and retention of employees within the organization. Even though many studies have been conducted to establish the relationship between leadership and job satisfaction, empirical studies have not been conducted to simultaneously examine transformational and transactional leadership styles in banking head offices and particularly in developing economies. It is proposed that the given gap is filled in the current study that will examine the impact of these two leadership styles separately and in comparison, with the vision to finalize which of the two leadership styles is more effective and takes its toll on promoting a positive working environment at the strategic centre of banking institutions. The study is based on a quantitative type of research based on an integrated leadership and motivation framework. The structured questionnaire will be used to gather the data by conducting the interview to a set of employees in the head offices of the chosen banks. The analysis of the data will be based on the highly developed statistical methods to determine the power, direction, and significance of relationships among the leadership styles and the job satisfaction among the employees. The transformational leadership is rated based on the following dimensions such as idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration. In comparison, the transactional leadership is evaluated in terms of contingent rewarding systems and management-by- exception practices. Job satisfaction is assessed on several dimensions among the employees, including working conditions, recognition, management practices and career advancement opportunities and organizational support. The research has assumed that transformational leadership will exhibit greater and more advantageous impact of job satisfaction on employees compared to transactional leadership. This is because it focuses on vision, empowerment, building trust and personal development, which are essential in improving the well-being and interest of employees in banking institutions.
Aligning Tourism with Sustainable Development Goals: A Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Framework
Studies reveal that a multi-stakeholder collaboration framework (MSCF) exists in tourism governance, but in a fragmented, mandated regime and a structure of power and commitment to policy issues that perpetuates inequality. To strengthen procedural aspects of governance, participation is largely consultative, with limited influence for community and civil society actors. Therefore, partnership and dialogue legitimize pre-defined policy priorities and track a path that validates transformative governance outcomes. As a social phenomenon, stakeholders can institutionalize the rules and priorities that shape a destination’s development, and rather than being purely technical arrangements, these frameworks reflect relational processes, with actors' interests, benefits, and burdens being well allocated. This paper provides a critical discourse on the extent to which MSCF promotes sustainability, going beyond conventional presumptions related to collaboration. Using a qualitative case study approach, it draws on semi-structured interviews and policy document analysis to assess collaborative processes. In terms of outcomes, MSCFs pursue economic ends more effectively than social or environmental growth-oriented development priorities. Efficacy is more dependent on the intensity of cooperation, institutionalization of power sharing, accountability, and learning. This study contributes to the literature on collaboration for governance and sustainability by identifying the conditions under which MSCFs can deliver transformative sustainability outcomes.
The Impact of E-Learning Control Beliefs on Academic Performance: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy
This research examines how control of e-learning beliefs impacts academic performance through the mediating role of self-efficacy. Through social cognitive theory, it proposes that students who perceive greater control over their online learning environment develop stronger confidence in their academic abilities, which enhances the performance of student. Data were collected from 436 students and recent graduates of Pakistani higher education institutions with experience in mandatory online courses. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS 24 was applied to test the proposed relationships. The results show that control of e-learning beliefs significantly predicts both self-efficacy and academic performance. Self-efficacy also has a significant positive effect on academic performance and mediates the relationship between control beliefs and academic outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of psychological factors in online learning and suggest that strengthening learners’ sense of control and confidence can improve academic success in e-learning environments.
Gender Inclusivity as a Moderator in the Relationship between Organizational Justice and Employee Commitment Evidence from the Banking Sector of Eastern Zone, Afghanistan
he focus of this study is on the roles of gender inclusivity within the banking sector of Afghanistan's Eastern Zone and its impact on the relationship between organizational justice and employee commitment. Organizational justice theory and the three-component model of commitment are the primary frameworks used in this study. The study uses the quantitative cross-sectional research method. A structured questionnaire was administered to 200 employees of the banks, which included validated measuring instruments. The data was analyzed using SPSS and moderation analysis was carried out using Hayes’ PROCESS Macro. The study's results show that within the banking sector in Afghanistan, there is a positive correlation between organizational justice and employee commitment. However, this correlation is even stronger in banks that have higher gender inclusivity. The results show that employees are encouraged to remain committed to the organization when there are fair treatment policies in place and the organization is gender inclusive and fair. Without gender inclusivity, there is little to no correlation between organizational justice and employee commitment. Most importantly, this study fills a part of the organizational behavior literature by identifying gender inclusivity as a particular and significant contextual boundary condition within the relationship of the constructs of justice and commitment (or the justice and commitment relationship) within the context of the Eastern Zone of Afghanistan, which is a developing and culturally constrained environment. The findings show that banking institutions need to have gender inclusive practices in addition to justice policies to elevate employee commitment and organizational sustainability.
Factors Affecting the Sustainability Performance of Financial Institutions in Afghanistan: The Role of Green Finance
The concept of sustainable development has gained priority in the financial systems of the global world, especially among the weak economies that are faced by environmental degradation, social vulnerability and economic instability as significant challenges. Green finance practices are expected to encourage sustainable development by financial institutions through environmental, social, and economic goals, which are integrated in green finance. This paper discusses the impacts of economic and environmental aspect of green finance on the sustainability performance of financial institutions in Afghanistan with the social aspect as a mediating factor. Data was collected using quantitative research design where 200 employees in the Afghan banking industry were been used by having a structured questionnaire based on validated measures used in previous studies. Data analysis was done in SPSS whereby reliability analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis and mediation analysis were carried out. The findings show that the economic dimension and the environmental dimension of green finance have a positive and significant impact on the sustainability performance. Besides, these relationships are mediated by the social dimension to some extent. The results also add to the literature on green finance because it offers empirical evidence of a weak economy and has practical implications to policymakers and banking managers interested in enhancing sustainable finance practices in Afghanistan.
Exploring Private School Principal’s Role in School Turnaround: Insights from a Qualitative Case Study in Karachi
This qualitative case study explored the role of a private school’s principal leadership in the turn-around of a formerly underperforming school. The selected private school had exhibited a three-year trend of marked progress since leadership change. The purpose of the study was to identify and analyse the effectiveness of the strategies and decisions of the principal as the pedagogic leader to achieve institutional goals and student outcomes. The research utilized a qualitative exploratory research approach in an attempt to attain in-depth insights of the phenomenon. Semi-structured interviews were used as a tool to gather information from the principal and five teachers who had worked under both principals, the previous and the present. The interview findings were supported by classroom observations, general observations and document review revealing the effectiveness of leadership practices in school improvement. The research thus provides empirical support about the implications of the change of leadership at the selected private school.
A Qualitative Study of Cognitive Demand and Pedagogical Practice in Tehsil Kohat, Pakistan
Questioning is one of the key pedagogical processes by which the teachers direct learning, evaluate comprehension, and ensure cognitive processes in the classrooms. The study is a qualitative one that examines the questioning skill of teachers in government primary schools in Tehsil Kohat, Pakistan, specifically in the cognitive demand of the questions and their correspondence to the revised taxonomy of Bloom. The observations and semi-structured interviews were conducted in the classroom and using semi-structured interviews with twelve primary school teachers in ten government schools. Thematic analysis showed that lower-order questions related to factual recollection and fundamental understanding were significantly predominant, and higher-order questions based on analysis, evaluation, and creativity were quite few. The practice of questioning among teachers was also limited due to lack of wait-time, limited probing and evaluative feedback. Interviews also showed that time pressure, big classes, examination based courses, and profession training deficit all contributed significantly to questioning practices. The results indicate the disjunction between pedagogical possibilities of questioning and classroom implementation. The research adds context-specific data of the Pakistani primary education, as well as the importance of specific professional development aimed at increased-order questioning, dialogic instruction, and formative assessment practices.
Bridging Vision and Reality: A Critical, Comparative and Scenario-Based Evaluation of Pakistan’s Health Policy
This study uses a multifaceted framework that combines empirical evaluation scenario, forecasting and comparative analysis to critically assess Pakistan’s Health and Population Policy. The study highlights mainly focuses on strategic gaps in digital health infrastructure, equity implementation, financing and governance by comparing it to Bangladesh, Rwanda and India. Three conceivable futures—optimistic, status quo and regressive—are projected by a scenario analysis based on institutional capacity and policy implementation. Significant differences in health infrastructure, workforce distribution, budget utilization and climate resilience are revealed by ground-level analysis. The policy’s success depends on strategic execution, interprovincial coordination and adaptive learning that reflects global aspirations and SDG alignment.
Sino-Indian Nexus Within the Framework of Multi-Dimensional Policies
The 21st century has witnessed a significant shift in the dynamic of Sino-Indian relations, marked by a complex interplay of cooperation and competition. This paper examines the evolving policies of China and India towards each other, with a focus on the political dimensions of their bilateral relationship. As China rises as a global power, its policy towards India has become increasingly assertive, while India with its growing economic and military clench, is recalibrating its strategy towards the people’s republic of China PRC. Geographically, China and India are crucial to each other’s security and economic interests, with shared borders and overlapping spheres of influence in South Asia and the Indian. This study employed a qualitative methodology, drawing on primary sources including official documents, Speeches, and press releases, as well as secondary sources such as academic articles and books. Key developments in their relationship, including boundary disputes, agreements like the 2005 Border settlements, and high-profile visits such as Narendra Modi’s 2015 China visit and Xi Jinping’s 2014 India visit are analyzed. Important works consulted include “The Dragon on the World Stage” by Deng Xiaoping, “India- China Relations: “Post 9/11 Indian Foresight Policy Challenges and Opportunities” by Sodhir Kumsr Singh , “China and India Prospects for Peace” by Jonathn Holslage, “India and South Asia Economic Development in the Age of Globalization” by Anjum Siddiqui The Paper argues that while both countries have made efforts to strengthen economic ties, their continue to shape the trajectory of their relationship, with implications for regional stability and global governance.
Need Analysis of Free-lance Computer Courses to Enhance Economic Independence of Female Students at Higher Secondary Level
This study aimed to explore the need and effectiveness of freelance computer courses in promoting economic independence among female students at the higher secondary level. Specifically, it investigated students’ opinions regarding these courses and examined differences in perceptions among the participants. The population comprised female students enrolled at the higher secondary level, from which a sample of 1,390 students was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS-26. Findings revealed that students generally recognize the importance of freelance computer courses in enhancing economic independence, while notable differences in opinions were observed based on demographic and academic factors. The study underscores the significance of integrating practical computer and freelancing skills into higher secondary curricula to empower female students economically and socially.
A Pragmatic Analysis of Deixis in “The Midnight Library”
Multiverse fiction can be difficult to follow because it frequently shifts between different lives, places, and moments in time. Readers may easily feel disoriented when a narrative moves across parallel realities. This article examines how deictic expressions help readers remain oriented in such narratives, focusing on Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library (2020). The study analyzes three types of deixis such as personal, spatial, and temporal through close linguistic analysis within the framework of Critical Stylistics proposed by Jeffries (2010). While deixis has been widely studied in everyday language and in conventional narrative texts, its role in fiction where a single protagonist experiences multiple possible lives has received limited attention. The analysis shows that deixis in The Midnight Library does more than simply refer to people, places, or time. Personal pronouns, particularly I, reflect Nora’s psychological movement from despair towards acceptance. Spatial deixis, especially repeated references to the library, functions as a stable point in an otherwise shifting narrative world. Temporal deixis, including recurring references to midnight and the use of countdowns, creates rhythm and continuity across realities. These findings suggest that deictic choices play an important role in helping readers navigate complex multiverse narratives. The study highlights how understandable linguistic strategies support narrative coherence and sustain reader engagement in contemporary fiction that involves multiple realities.
Effects of School Leaders Behavior on Teachers Collaboration at Secondary Level
Educational institution more and more give to emphasized teacher collaboration to improve school effectiveness. This study investigated how teacher collaboration and leaders conduct relate to one another at the secondary level in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir the research was supported by theory of planned behavior which \illuminated how individuals intentions were shaped by attitudes and perception. A descriptive quantitative research design was adopted. Data was collected from 174 randomly selected female secondary school teachers across 57 school using a likert scales questionnaire developed by the researcher. The instruments measured teacher perceptions of their principal leadership behavior and the extent of teacher collaboration. Data was analyzed through SPSS using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Conclusion revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between leader’s behavior and teacher collaboration however demographics variables such as age academic qualification and teaching experiences did not show a significant impact on collaboration levels the study confirmed that supportive and participative leadership positively contributed to a collaborative school culture. These finding added to the existing body of literature by highlighting the importance of principal behavior in fostering teacher collaboration the study recommended leadership developments programs that promoted collaborative environments to improve institutional performance and teacher relationship. Future studies were recommended to investigate the long term effects of leadership conduct on student’s efficacy.
Friendship Self-Regulation through the Lens of Self-Determination Theory: A Study of University Students in Pakistan
Friendships play a crucial role in emotional well-being and identity development, especially during emerging adulthood. Rooted in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study explored how university students in Pakistan regulate their friendships across various demographic and contextual factors. Using the Friendship Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-F), data were collected from a sample of 315 university students to examine how motivational regulation styles (external, introjected, identified, and intrinsic) differed across gender, academic year, socioeconomic status (SES), and academic performance. Significant differences were found in friendship self-regulation scores across academic years, with fourth-year students reporting higher levels of autonomous motivation, particularly identified regulation and intrinsic motivation, than second-year students. Additionally, differences emerged based on gender, SES, and time spent on campus outside of class. The findings suggest that as students’ progress through university, their motivation in friendships becomes increasingly internalized, shaped by both individual development and cultural context. These insights provide a foundation for designing culturally sensitive interventions that promote authentic relational engagement and emotional maturity in Pakistani university settings.
Mitigating Salt Stress in Mustard (Brassica Juncea L.) through Foliar Application of Ascorbic Acid: Morphological, Physiological, and Biochemical Responses
Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is a member of the Brassicaceae family has great economic and medicinal importance. It is third important crop in world while in Pakistan it is second after the soya bean production. Excess amount of salt changes the soil composition and also effects soil microbial activity and plants roots are damage thus productivity of crop reduced. Ascorbic acid increases growth and productivity of mustard under the saline and normal conditions. The Experiment was conduct to check the use of ascorbic acid to alter negative effects of saltiness on mustard using two cultivar of mustard super Raya and Faisalabad mustard. The salt concentrations used were 0 mM and 100 mM of sodium chloride, applied by dissolving it in Hoagland’s solution after 10 days interval till vegetative stage. Ascorbic acid (AsA) was applied to the leaves at concentrations of 0 mM and 10 mM to counteract the harmful effects of salt stress. Statistical analysis showed that there was significant reduction in morphological parameters in both varieties under salt stress, while ascorbic acid treated plants exhibited an increase in morphological growth attributes. Saline conditions had significant decrease effects on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids (40%, 34%, 37%) in V1 (47%, 40%, 39%) in V2 while ascorbic acid application increased (34%, 32%, 29%) in V1 (56%, 40%, 34%) in V2 the content in the current research. Substantial increases were recorded by enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT and POD) in V1 and V2 and total soluble proteins, flavonoids, total soluble sugars content under salinity. There was significant increase in ROS production such as MDA and H2O2 under salt stress. While application of ascorbic acid showed remarkable decrease in MDA and H2O2 production. Salinity marked much increase in Na+ (40% and 40%) accumulation in leaf and root (52% and 55%) by thereby reducing K+ and Ca2+ level ions under stress or increase under treatment of foliarly applied ascorbic acid. In contrast, ascorbic acid application enhanced these nutrient uptakes of ions to maintain the ion balance in mustard cultivar under saline stress.
Emotional Regulation as a Predictor of Anger Management and Empathy in Police Officers: Evidence from Pakistan
Policing is a high-risk occupation of that kind where the exposure to stress is chronic, the interpersonal conflict is high, the emotionally evocative situations that demand effective behavioral control and professional composure are high. Emotional regulation has been recognized as a key psychological mechanism in the way people cope with emotional arousal and respond to stressful environments. However, there is limited empirical evidence studying its role in Pakistani law enforcement. The current study examined the emotional regulation as a predictor of anger management and empathy among police officers of Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey study was used with a purposive sampling of 100 serving police officers in Lahore. Standardized measures of self-report were used to reach emotional regulation, anger management, and empathy. Reliability analyses showed acceptable internal consistency for all scales. Pearson correlation analyses showed the emotional regulation was positive related to anger management (r = .315, p < .01) and empathy (r = .230, p < .05). The findings suggest that officers with higher levels of emotional regulatory capacities are reporting better anger management and higher levels of empathic responsiveness when in a professional context. These results provide support for the notion that emotional regulation reflects an important psychological competency beneath both emotional control and interpersonal sensitivity in policing. The study provides empirical evidence from a non-Western country and the need for structured emotional regulation training in police development programs to drive and improve adaptive behavioral outcomes and police-community relations.
The Formula for Employee Extra Efforts and Efficacy: Formal Training, Coaching, Reward and Commitment to Service Quality in the Hotel Industry
The main purpose of the study is to examine approaches for enhancing frontline employees’ CSQ is relatively scarce particularly, in the hotel industry context. This study investigates predicator formal training, Coaching, and reward on frontline employee’s CSQ in the hotel industry. Total 230 questionnaires were administrated to frontline employees and 295 usable questionnaires were received. Structural equation modeling used for data analysis- SmartPlS. Results of this showed that three predicators’ formal training, coaching, and reward has a positive relationship with a CSQ in the hotel industry. It is clear that formal training has significant influence more than coaching and reward. At the same time, the study investigates outcomes of CSQ such as extra efforts and job efficacy. The results outcomes showed that frontline employee CSQ enhances job efficacy and extra efforts. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
How Colonial Drainage Systems Reshaped Social Hierarchies in Lahore: Sanitation as Surveillance
The sanitation infrastructure that was introduced in South Asia during the British colonial era was often viewed as an intervention in the sphere of public health to control epidemics and enhance urban hygiene. But, in addition to its professional and medical purposes, sanitation was also a tool with the help of which colonial governments could control the population of cities and restructure the social space. This paper discusses the role of colonial drainage and sewerage systems in Lahore as the tools of control and management between the late nineteenth and the early twentieth century. The research uses the municipal documents, colonial administrative reports, urban planning documents, and historical maps to explore the ways in which the sanitation reforms reconfigured the space and strengthened the social hierarchies that existed in the colonial city. The discussion shows that the policies of sanitation were well connected to the colonial city control policies. The drainage systems, inspection systems, and sanitation laws provided colonial administrators with the ability to patrol the neighborhoods, provide hygiene standards, and categorize urban areas based on cleanliness. Such categories often overlapped with the socio-economic and professional boundaries, so the distribution of the sanitation facilities in Lahore was uneven. Elite local neighborhoods and residential zones in Europe were given a higher priority in terms of drainage systems and waste management systems, and the crowded native quarters and working areas were not uncommon in terms of being under increased surveillance and management control. In turn, the reforms in sanitation not only have a positive effect on the social health issues but also led to the spatial isolation and governmental control of the colonial urban populations. This analysis allows the development of a concept of sanitation as a variety of surveillance, which is why it contributes to a body of literature on colonial urban governance and environmental history. It emphasizes the role of infrastructural systems in the formation of the patterns of power, social differentiation, and urban control in colonial Punjab, which provides new perspectives on the political aspects of sanitation and public health policy in South Asian colonial cities.
Effect of Digital Competence on Academic Self-Efficacy of Undergraduate Students
The growing need of the digital competence within the educational environment leads to the reflection of its projected effects on the academic experiences of students. In line with this predicted relationship, this research has investigated the relationship between digital competence and the academic self-efficacy of undergraduate students. The researchers evaluated the beliefs of undergraduate students regarding digital competence and academic self-efficacy and investigated whether or not academic self-efficacy is influenced by digital competence. The data were gathered on a cross-sectional survey with the help of a quantitative research design of Ex Post Facto type. The tools were a 5-point Likert scale in order to assess the digital competence of students and their academic self-efficacy. The sample employed was 300 randomly selected students of a university in the public-sector. In the study, the results showed that most of the students had positive perceptions regarding their academic confidence and their ability to handle the digital tools. The findings also established that the impact of digital competence on the academic self-efficacy of undergraduate students is positive with a significant implication. The research suggested the provision of projects and orientation to the students, concentrating on the digital and technological skills. It was also suggested that these competencies should be incorporated in the curriculum to increase the digital competencies of undergraduate students.
Stress-Epenthesis Interactions in Pakistani English: An Optimality Theoretical Analysis
Pakistani English stands out among non-native English varieties, thanks to its own set of phonological quirks. Most of these come from the first languages of its speakers—Urdu, in particular, leaves a strong mark. One thing you see all the time? Vowel epenthesis. That’s just a fancy term for sticking in extra vowels to break up tricky consonant clusters, and it happens a lot. Then there’s the issue of stress—Pakistani English doesn’t always follow standard English patterns, putting the emphasis in places you might not expect. Here’s the thing, though: researchers usually look at these features on their own. Hardly anyone has zoomed in on how epenthesis and stress play off each other. That’s what this study does, using Optimality Theory as the framework. Epenthesis clearly changes syllable structure in Pakistani English, but no one’s really pinned down how that affects which syllables get stressed. Do these inserted vowels act like “real” vowels when it comes to stress, or do speakers avoid stressing them on purpose? And if they’re skipped over, what does that say about their place in the grammar of a second-language variety? To get at these questions, the study looks at real speech from people whose first language is Urdu. It picks out words where epenthesis happens and checks out the resulting stress patterns. The analysis leans on Optimality Theory to map out how different constraints—like avoiding complex clusters (*COMPLEX), resisting epenthesis (DEP-IO), and keeping prosodic structure in line (FOOTBINARITY, ALIGN-HEAD-RIGHT)—compete and interact. What comes out of the data is pretty clear: sometimes, Pakistani English speakers stress the epenthetic vowels to make the foot structure work; other times, they skip over them to keep the stress on the original, “real” vowels for contrast. This gives us fresh insight into how phonological grammar draws the line between what’s lexical and what’s epenthetic—a big question in Optimality Theory. By laying out the first formal OT account of how stress and epenthesis interact in Pakistani English, this study not only adds to what we know about PE phonology, but also pushes forward our understanding of constraint-based grammar in multilingual settings.
From Home to Classroom: How Parenting Styles and Parents’ Education Shape Students’ Academic Achievement
Academic performance is one of most crucial determinants of success during secondary school years, which is influenced by many factors such as parenting style and parental education. The present study aimed to find out the impact of parenting style and parents’ education on academic performance of secondary school students. All the male and female students of 10th class of Govt. and private schools in Sargodha city were the population of the study. Students were selected through multistage sampling and sample size for population were (N=300). Questionnaire was adapted from Black dog institute- measure of parental style (Parker et al., 1997) and (Robinson et al., 1995) to measure independent variables of the study. For data analysis frequencies, percentages mean, One-way ANOVA and two-way ANOVA was used to compare students’ achievement scores with respect to their parenting style. It was found that majority of parents have democratic style with their kids, the impact of the parenting style on achievement scores of students was not significant, the effect of the parenting style on achievement scores of secondary school students with respect to their gender, background and type of instruction were not significant. the impact of education of father on academic achievements of children at secondary level was significant students whose father is under graduated /graduated are better in academic achievements than all other students whose father’s education is secondary/higher secondary, middle, primary and whose father is uneducated, the impact of education of mother on academic scores of secondary school children in Sargodha city was significant students whose mother is under graduated /graduated are better in academic achievements than all other students whose mother’s education is middle. Parents may adapt democratic parenting style and avoid authoritarian and permissive parenting style.
Tourism Potential of District Torghar Concerning Buddhist Heritage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
District Torghar holds immense potential with regard to its rich Buddhist heritage. Nestled in the heart of cultural significance, the district boasts a history intertwined with the teachings and traditions of Buddhism. The ancient sites and artifacts scattered across Torghar provide a glimpse into a bygone era, offering a unique opportunity for cultural exploration and scholarly study. The present research focuses on the serene landscapes that house monasteries, stupas, and historical relics, fostering a connection to the profound spiritual roots of Buddhism. The preservation and promotion of District Torghar's Buddhist heritage not only contribute to the local economy through tourism but also serve as a bridge between the past and present, fostering a sense of cultural identity and understanding. As efforts continue to safeguard and showcase these cultural treasures, District Torghar stands poised to become a beacon for those seeking to explore and appreciate the enduring legacy of Buddhism in the region.
The Wakhi People of Gojal (Upper Hunza): Negotiating Tradition and Change
This research aims to study the social, cultural, and economic changes witnessed by the Wakhi community residing in the Gojal region of the northern part of Pakistan since the independence of the country in the year 1947. This study using the research method of field research, interview research, and library research attempts to find out the ways in which the Wakhi community adjusts to the contradictions between traditionalism and modernity with regard to aspects such as their practice of hospitality, their family structure, their behaviour, or the constitution of their politics, the effect of the Karakoram Highway, the effect of the tourism industry followed by the impact of the development schemes introduced by the Aga Khan Development Network, in addition to finding out the ways in which the Wakhi community still manages to preserve the fundamental features of its cultural identification despite the impact of the modernization forces, hybridity’s, and elements introduced by the outside forces into the country.
Decentralization of the Mughal Governance and Emergence of Gakhar Chief Muqarrab Khan: A Study of Gujrat
This study seeks to explore the political evolution of Gujrat during the mid-eighteenth century, as reflected by the rise of Gakhar leader Sultan Muqarrab Khan. It also seeks to contextualize this rise within the larger framework of Mughal decline and the rise of regional polities within Punjab. The rise of Gujrat as a politically important region is also linked to the invasion of Nadir Shah and subsequent political fragmentation of North India. The region was fertile ground because of its rich agricultural base and strategic location vis-à-vis the Chenab River. The research seeks to explore Muqarrab Khan’s consolidation of power and administration during a time of political flux and turbulence, which was reflected by Afghan invasions, tribal rivalries, and the rise of Sikh military federations. Special attention is given to Muqarrab Khan’s political alliance with Ahmad Shah Durrani. The historical narratives suggest that Muqarrab Khan’s rule was a transitional phase that linked Mughal administration to post-Mughal polity. It is argued that Muqarrab Khan’s rule resulted in an interlude of political stability within Gujrat, which impacted its subsequent incorporation into Sikh and colonial administrations. The research contributes to existing historical narratives on eighteenth-century Punjab by highlighting local leaders who are often overlooked within larger narratives of imperialism.
The Iran–Pakistan Strategic Shift: Energy Alliance or Security Gamble?
Iran Pakistan relationship has entered critical stage which is influenced by changing regional geopolitics, energy insecurity and multiple security interdependence. Bilateral engagement has traditionally been based on geographic proximity and low levels of strategic cooperation, but has lately been concentrated on energy collaboration, especially the proposed Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. This paper reviews whether the new partnership is a potential heinous energy alliance or a critical security issue. Through qualitative policy analysis and assessment of geopolitics, the study finds structural forces such as the acute energy shortage in Pakistan and the geopolitical necessity of Iran to diversify its export markets due to sanctions. Nevertheless, the deeper integration is held back by external sanctions regimes, financial constraints, infrastructural constraints, border insurgency, and competing regional alignments. The results indicate that, as much as energy diplomacy offers a sound economic platform on which collaboration can take place, security dilemmas, and geopolitical considerations that have not been resolved yet, could lead to the disintegration of long-term sustainability. During the sustainable bilateral engagement, a measured approach should be adopted by balancing between economic pragmatism and security risk control.
Role of Peer Teaching in Enhancing Academic Performance of Secondary School Students
This study was conducted to find out role of peer teaching in enhancing academic performance of secondary school students. The objectives of the study were: i) To identify the practices of peer teaching at secondary school level, ii) To assess the academic performance of students at secondary school level & iii) To examine the role of peer teaching in enhancing academic performance of secondary school students. The population of the study consisted of (513) secondary school Students of tehsil Kotli. The simple random sampling technique was used for the selection of the sample of Students (220). The study was descriptive in nature and survey method used to collect the data from the respondents. The researcher developed a five-point Likert scale questionnaire for collection of data. The present study holds great significance as it explores a student-centered teaching strategy that has the potential to transform traditional learning practices. In many educational contexts, teacher centered methods dominate the classroom, often resulting in limited student engagement and uneven academic achievement. By focusing on peer teaching, this study highlights an alternative approach that can foster active participation, mutual support, and a deeper understanding of academic content. For students, the study is valuable because it demonstrates how peer interactions can enhance learning outcomes, improve communication and problem-solving skills, and build confidence in a less intimidating environment. For teacher, it provides evidence of an effective supplementary method that not only increases student involvement but also help in identifying learning gaps more efficiently. At the institutional level, the study is significant as it suggests a cost effective, practical, and sustainable approach that can be adopted even in resource constrained schools. Furthermore, for policymakers and curriculum designers, it offers meaningful insights into the importance of integrating collaborative learning strategies into mainstream education, ensuring that learners are equipped with essential 21st century skills such as teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. Finally, for future researchers, the study lays a foundation for further exploration of peer assisted learning across different contexts, subjects, and educational levels, thereby contributing to the broader body of knowledge in the field of pedagogy and academic development.
Nexus among Financial Literacy, Financial Attitude, Financial Experience and ESG Investment in the Banking Sector of Pakistan
Purpose: This study aims to examine the role of financial literacy in shaping investors’ engagement in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments within the banking sector. Specifically, it investigates the direct effect of financial literacy on ESG investment, the mediating role of financial attitude, and the moderating effect of financial experience on the relationship between financial attitude and ESG investment. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative research design was employed. Data were collected from consumers of sustainable financial instruments and green financial products (e.g., green sukuk, green bonds, Renewable Energy Refinance Schemes, green loans, green mortgages, green funds, and sustainable agriculture financing) offered by the banking sector of Pakistan, including Meezan Bank, MCB Bank, and Habib Bank Limited (HBL). The data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4. Findings: The results indicate that financial literacy has a significant positive effect on ESG investment. Financial attitude partially mediates the relationship between financial literacy and ESG investment, indicating complementary mediation. Furthermore, financial experience significantly moderates the relationship between financial attitude and ESG investment, strengthening the association. Research Limitations/Implications: The study is limited to selected banks within Pakistan and focuses on specific sustainable financial products, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future research may extend the model to other sectors and geographical contexts to enhance external validity. Practical Implications: The findings suggest that policymakers and banking institutions should enhance financial literacy and foster positive financial attitudes among investors to promote ESG investment. Additionally, improving investors’ financial experience can further strengthen ESG-oriented investment behavior. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the growing literature on sustainable finance by integrating financial literacy, financial attitude, and financial experience into a comprehensive model explaining ESG investment behavior in the context of a developing economy.
Designing for the Interactive Screen: Shoppable CTV Advertising and Visual Communication Readiness in Pakistan
The emergence of shoppable Connected Television (CTV) advertising represents a convergence of visual design, interactive media, and digital commerce in contemporary advertising. In mature markets, shoppable CTV formats are transitioning from experimental to mainstream, enabling viewers to purchase products directly through their television screens without interrupting content consumption. However, this evolution presupposes a complex infrastructure of design literacy, interactive visual conventions, and technological readiness that does not uniformly exist across global markets. This paper examines shoppable CTV advertising from a visual communication and advertising design perspective, with particular attention to Pakistan as a case study in emerging market readiness. Drawing on Kress and van Leeuwen's (1996, 2001) multimodal discourse theory, Rogers' (2003) Diffusion of Innovations framework, and Norman's (2013) affordance theory, and informed by the technology leapfrogging literature in development economics (Steinmueller, 2001; Fong, 2009), the analysis investigates the visual communication demands of interactive television advertising and the degree to which Pakistan's current advertising design landscape is equipped to meet them. A conceptual comparative analysis of global CTV design conventions and the Pakistani advertising environment, grounded in secondary sources and industry data, reveals three critical gaps: multimodal design literacy, interactive visual signifier legibility, and e-commerce design integration. Rather than positioning Pakistan as simply behind global trends, the paper proposes a conceptual framework for design-informed CTV adoption that accounts for local visual culture, accelerated adoption through late-mover observation, and the specific communicative context of Pakistani audiences. The paper concludes with implications for advertising design practice, design education, and industry development.
Long Term Unemployment and Suicidal Ideation among Educated Adults: The Moderating Role of Gender
Prolonged unemployment is a chronic socioeconomic stressor that significantly heightens vulnerability to suicidal ideation, particularly among highly educated adults whose career trajectories and identity expectations remain unmet. This study examined the association between long term unemployment and suicidal ideation among adults aged 27 to 40 years with at least a bachelor’s degree. Gender was examined as a moderating factor, and depressive symptoms were tested as a mediator within a cross sectional correlational design. A community sample of 186 unemployed participants completed validated psychological scales, including the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire 9, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, InCharge Financial Distress Scale, and Brief Resilience Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that unemployment duration significantly predicted higher suicidal ideation. Male participants reported notably higher levels of suicidal ideation, and gender moderated the duration–ideation association, with the effect stronger among men. Depressive symptoms partially mediated this relationship, accounting for approximately forty one percent of the total effect. These findings highlight the need for gender responsive mental health screening, targeted psychosocial support, and employment reintegration strategies to mitigate suicide risk among long term unemployed educated adults.
The Ban on Student Unions in Pakistan: A Constitutional Violation of the Right to Association and Equality of Citizens
This article discusses the legal and constitutional aspects of the ban on student unions in Pakistan, which is a ban that has been in force since the Supreme Court issued its historic decision in Muhammad Ismail Qureshi and Others v M Awais Secretary General (IJT) and Others (1993 SCMR 1781). The paper contends that the ban amounts to a substantive contravention of Articles 4, 17, 25, and 25-A of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, and also Pakistan obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The ruling, which was made without observing the constitutionally defined process of banning political associations, was beyond the remit of the Supreme Court and it violated the separation of powers principle and the parliamentary supremacy. Comparative analysis of the student union systems in the United Kingdom, India, and the United States provides insight to the fact that the student political engagement is universally accepted as part of the civic development, democratic culture, and education right. Structural inequity continues to be ensured by the exclusion of students in the university governance institutions such as the Syndicate, Senate, Academic Council and Discipline Committee, which contravene the equality guarantee in Article 25. This paper suggests legislative change and remedial judicial review as the two main tools to reinstate the constitutional rights of students, and argues in favor of a legislative framework that is based on the Sindh Student Union Act 2022. The results have immense implications on constitutional jurisprudence, civic education policy and safeguarding of basic rights in Pakistan.
A Perspective on Murder of the Beloved in Browning’s Poems: “Porphyria’s Lover” and “My Last Duchess”
This paper examines the idea of the beloveds’ murder in Robert Browning’s poems “Porphyria’s Lover” and “My Last Duchess,” focusing on the psychological complexity of the speakers and Browning’s distinctive use of the dramatic monologue. Although Browning often presents life, death, and love through an apparently optimistic lens, these two poems reveal darker and unconventional dimensions of passion, possessiveness, and control. The study begins with a brief overview of Browning’s life and his contribution to the development of the dramatic monologue before moving to a close analysis of the selected texts. In “Porphyria’s Lover,” the speaker justifies the murder of Porphyria as a means of preserving a perfect moment of love, transforming death into an eternal union, while in “My Last Duchess,” the Duke’s calm yet revealing speech exposes jealousy, pride, and an obsessive desire for authority that culminates in the Duchess’s death. Through dramatic irony, Browning allows readers to perceive the moral and psychological distortions of the speakers more clearly than they perceive themselves. Ultimately, the paper argues that Browning redefines love by presenting it as both elevating and destructive, where devotion intertwined with ego and dominance results in the silencing—and ultimate annihilation—of the beloved.
Quantifying Drought Severity and Socio-Economic Exposure: An Integrated Risk Assessment Approach for Pakistan
Drought is one of the most long-lasting and multifactorial climate-related disasters that have a severe impact on the water security, agricultural performance, and socio-economic sustainability in the developing world. In Pakistan, climate variability has escalated drought cases in the country, thereby increasing vulnerabilities in arid and semi-arid areas. The proposed study will measure the severity of drought and determine the socio-economic exposure by applying a risk assessment framework. Drought patterns are examined with the use of hydro-climatic indicators, specifically, the Standardized Precipitation Index, on multiple time scales in order to capture variability in intensity and duration. The key indicators that are used in gauging socio-economic exposure are population density, poverty levels, agricultural dependency, and water resource accessibility. It follows a risk-based approach, whereby the drought risk is theorized as the interplay between the hazard, exposure and vulnerability. Spatial analysis is used to determine drought hotspots and areas with an increased socio-economic sensitivity. The results indicate that there is a strong spatial inhomogeneity in the severity and exposure of drought, with the southern and western areas having a higher level of risk because of compounded hydro-climatic stresses and socio-economic vulnerability. The research addresses the gap between the hydrological evaluation and the social vulnerability analysis to provide a data-based background in the drought risk governance. The findings are critical in the policy formulation by policymakers to develop specific interventions, improve climate resilience, and support sustainable water resource management in Pakistan.
Influence of Excessive Social Media Usage on Problem Solving Skills and Study Habits of University Students
This research paper has explored the impact of excessive use of social media in problem solving ability and study behavior of undergraduate students at the University of the Punjab. The study used the Uses and Gratifications and Time Displacement theories, and it was based on a quantitative descriptive survey design. The standardized tools were used to gather data among 204 students, namely Excessive Social Media Usage Scale, Problem-Solving Skills Abilities, and Study Habits. The statistical analysis based on the descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis showed that although excessive use of social media did not influence the problem-solving ability of students significantly, it had a negative impact on their study behaviors especially time management, concentration, and academic organization. There was a positive correlation between study habits and problem-solving skills. The research finds that moderate use of social media does not affect the cognitive performance, but unregulated use interferes with the academic patterns of the life. It is recommended to incorporate digital literacy and time management training in universities, in order to encourage balanced and productive media consumption.
Examining the Impact of Gamification on Private Secondary Grade Students' Engagement, Motivation, and Learning Outcomes in English: A Systematic Review
Addressed in this systematic review is the constant challenge of maintaining a secondary grader’s engagement, motivation, and positively fulfilling the learning outcomes while teaching the subject English. By fusing a large array of empirical research published between 2010 and 2025, the study critically evaluates the impact of the implementation and execution of gamification – the application of game design elements in non-game contexts or utilization of specific gamified apps – for students aged 11 to 18, who often struggle with distractions and need engaging, interactive methods. A systematic review of the literature was the methodology, focusing majorly on studies within the secondary grades or teaching English context to provide a multi-layered, age-and subject-specific analysis. Important and many enhancements in affective and academic outcomes were observed. Findings consistently demonstrate that with gamification, both engagement and motivation can be promoted through mechanisms that fulfill the psychological needs for competence, independence, and relatedness. This is as framed by Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Furthermore, it has been observed that gamified instruction leads to improved learning outcomes across separate skills, including grammar mastery, speaking eloquence and vocabulary acquisition. The effectiveness is heavily dependent on conditions such as teacher training, integration of specific design elements’ integration, how relatable the gamified instructions are, personalized paths and immediate feedback (e.g., in Quizizz or Duolingo) proving to be vital for sustaining intrinsic motivation compared to simple points and leaderboards (PBL). The review identifies critical gaps despite its incomplete efficacy: firstly, a lack of longitudinal studies over a widespread region and year range to confirm that positive results are seen even after the initial novelty effect , and secondly, significant implementation barriers related to adequate teacher training, resource constraints, mindset shift and the need for greater age-specificity in design. The integration of gamification in secondary grades to teach English, while powerful, requires a theoretically grounded instructional shift rather than mere technological adoption.