International Journal of Advanced Social Studies
International Journal of Advanced Social Studies is an open access double-blind peer-reviewed online journal published by Explore Scholar Publishing Group. Since the world is always changing, it's super important for us to keep up with new trends that affect us all, no matter where we live. This journal is a special place where experts from different fields come together to talk about important issues, share new ideas, and give us new ways to think about things.
Profitability Analysis of Dates in District Kech, Balochistan
Pakistan ranks seventh among the world’s leading date-producing countries, with Balochistan contributing 53% of national production (225,000 tons from 43.3 thousand hectares). District Kech alone accounts for 59% of the province’s total output. This study assessed the profitability of date cultivation using primary data from 80 farmers in Kech. Major date-producing areas include Turbat and Panjgoor for high-quality dates, while Begum Jangi leads in cultivated area and output, followed by Halini, Hussaini, Goknah, and others. The total cultivation cost was estimated at Rs. 69.9 thousand per acre. Key cost components included land preparation (Rs. 14.8 thousand), orchard establishment (Rs. 19.5 thousand), operational expenses (Rs. 45.8 thousand), and marketing (Rs. 31.8 thousand). Purchase of palm suckers represented the largest share of establishment costs, while transportation dominated marketing expenses. Average yield was 77.3 maunds per hectare, with trees aged 10–20 years being most productive. Washakar fetched the highest market price, followed by Begum Jangi and Konzenabad, whereas Halini was mainly used for producing hydrated dates (Chhuhara). Net returns were Rs. 13.7 thousand per acre, with a cost–benefit ratio of 1:2.98, indicating overall profitability. Marketing analysis showed a consumer price spread of Rs. 3.5 thousand per maund. Retailers received the highest share (42.1 paisa per rupee spent), followed by middlemen (35.9 paisa) and growers (22 paisa). Growers had the lowest cost–benefit ratio (1:0.27), highlighting inefficiencies in the marketing chain. Key challenges included poor farm-to-market infrastructure, high transportation costs, limited market facilities, inadequate irrigation, lack of processing units, and absence of cold storage facilities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tahira Sadaf, Ayesha Rouf, Nazia Tabasam, Neelam Rana (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Growth and Fiscal Consequences of Terrorism in Pakistan
This study empirically evaluates the growth and fiscal consequences of terrorism in Pakistan_ by assessing the terrorism and macroeconomic relation using different proxies for terrorism, i.e., incidents of terrorism, Injured Victims, and total Deaths from terrorist attacks_ by using annual time series data from 1981-2020. In this study, two models are used, i.e. model for proxies of terrorism and a model for terrorism index as well. The paper has quantified the short-run and long-run analysis by applying the Vector Auto Regressive Model (VAR) and Johansen Co-integration technique, respectively. In the short run, terrorism has negative implications for economic growth in Pakistan. The military spending showed a positive impact on the economic growth of Pakistan; an increase in defense expenditures will boost the country’s economy in the short run. In the long run, investment activities showed a direct relationship with the economic growth of Pakistan. While the intuition is that government spending on security measures improve law & order situation in the country, which boosts economic activity in Pakistan.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shahbaz Sarwar, Bilal Hassan, Agha Muhammad Yousaf (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Opportunity Differential in Early Childhood Development in Punjab, Pakistan: Role of Stunting
Persistent inequalities in Early Childhood Development (ECD) services pose a major challenge to equitable human development. These disparities can limit a child’s future potential and reinforce the cycle of poverty and inequality. The aim of this study is to examine the extent and sources of opportunity differentials in ECD in Punjab, Pakistan by analyzing how various socioeconomic and demographic factors affect children’s early access to essential ECD services. This study explores opportunity differentials in ECD among children aged 3 to 5 years in Punjab, Pakistan, using data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2017. Drawing upon the Human Opportunity Index (HOI) within the Equality of Opportunity framework, the research quantifies inequalities in access to key developmental opportunities such as literacy, cognitive skills, motor development and social behaviour. In second stage of analysis, Shapley decomposition analysis is utilized, to assess the circumstance based factors contribution in inequality of opportunity. The analysis reveals significant contribution of each circumstance factor to inequality. Stunting is found as the largest contributor of inequality in behaving well with others with 57.5% and 20.4% in reading skills. Early childhood education contributing 20.5% in word recognition, 40% in alphabet recognition, and 28.3% in being able to perform small tasks, followed by household wealth contributing 35.5 % to follow directions, 26.7% to get distracted,16.1% contribute to health in large proportion while child gender accounts for the smallest share. The study concludes that targeted policy interventions are urgently needed to reduce ECD disparities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hafiz Ghulam Mujaddad, Sundus Jameel (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluating Health Risks, Economic Costs and Gender Impacts of Pesticide Exposure in Cotton Production
The use of substantial amount of pesticides to control pests and disease in cotton production leads to creating an unhealthy working environment for farm workers. Health impacts and costs have different implications for men and women farm workers. The present study explores whether female workers experience higher vulnerability to pesticide residual effects than male farm workers. Cross-sectional data collected from four districts of Punjab, Pakistan were employed to compare the health repercussions, associated costs and determinants of health costs. The health cost function and multiple regression were used to find out the influence of various factors on health cost of male and female workers. Among the prevalent health impacts reported by farm workers commonly include flu/fever, skin irritations, nausea/vomiting and eye irritation. Health problems are more pronounced among pesticide applicators when compared with women workers and non-applicators. An evaluation of earnings per hour associated with pesticide exposure underscores a significant disparity among farm workers. Women cotton pickers earn roughly half of what pesticide applicators earn, and their earnings stand at less than four times those of non-applicators. Determinants of health cost include education, the use of PPE, access to healthcare facilities, duration of pesticide exposure and regional disparities, with a few exceptions. This study offers valuable guidance to policymakers to mitigate the health impacts of pesticide exposure among farm workers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Khuda Bakhsh, Kiran Sarwar, Muhammad Asim Yasin, Rafaqet Ali (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Exchange Rate, Budget Deficit and Money Supply on Economic Growth: An Analysis from Pakistan
As a small economy, Pakistan is actually or meaningfully feeble to the external shocks with its trade relations regarding trade. The economic strategy has a significant effect on the exchange rate policy for Pakistan. In this research, we have tried to highlight effects of exchange rate, budget deficit and money supply on economic growth of Pakistan by using data from 1986 to 2024. The economic growth was used as dependent variable. However, exchange rate, budget deficit, money supply and trade openness were taken as independent variables. The authors have used OLS regression model for this analysis. The findings showed that exchange rate has increased economic growth of Pakistan economy. Moreover, trade openness affected positively the growth of the economy. Finally, money supply has also increased the welfare of the economy. In addition to it, budget deficit has resulted in decreased growth in this analysis. The study suggested for more stable environment for increasing investment, production and economic growth. There should be more capital accumulation for more growth. Additionally, country must improve the volume of exports and trade to have more economic growth. Finally, there should be less domestic shocks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nazar Mahmood, Muhammad Nadeem Abbas, Alishba Zia, Waqar Hussain (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Dimensions in Korean Television Season The Legend of the Blue Sea
This study analyzes the temporal and spatial aspects of the Korean series The Legend of the Blue Sea, employing Gilles Deleuze’s theory of temporality to show that the series intertwines past, present, and future in a non-linear narrative, and challenges conventional notions of time and space. This study explores how the series presents time not as a mere succession of events but as a multiplicity of temporalities that coexist and interact. Furthermore, it delves into the double narrative script to investigate as how the series transcends traditional narrative forms by exploring how flashbacks and parallel timelines interact. Besides, the study offers a profound understanding of narrative structure, and character evolution aligning with Deleuze's philosophy of time as a multiplicity of coexisting temporalities. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of The Legend of the Blue Sea through Deleuze’s lens, and the research shows how the series’ narrative, and spatial dynamics collectively create a complex and multi-layered representation of time. The discussion showed an emergence of a beautiful correlation between dynamics of time and space featured through double narrative script.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maryam Shahzadi, Hina Rafique (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Analysis of Green Energy on Environmental Sustainability Framework in SAARC Countries
Growth of industry and reliance on nonrenewable forms of energy in the SAARC region have added to the problem of environmental degradation, which has also increased the costs of health and exposure to climate change. The shift to renewable energy, technological change and sustainable tourism is necessary to secure the economic well-being, preserve the natural resources and guarantee the safety of people. This article examines how green energy is correlated with technological innovation, tourism and sustainability in the SAARC countries between the year 2000 and 2023 using the ARDL estimation methodology in the STIRPAT model. The independent variables are the consumption of renewable and nonrenewable energy, industrial production, foreign direct investment, technological advancement, tourism, participation of the labor force and urbanization. The dependent variables have been the environmental degradation, economic growth and population health. Model 1 (Environmental Sustainability Model) results show that the renewable energy, foreign direct investment, tourism and technological innovation lessen environmental degradation, whereas industrial activity and use of fossil fuels aggravate the situation. Model 2 (Economic Sustainability Model) indicates that long-term economic growth is influenced by renewable energy, innovation, tourism and labor force participation, but non-renewable energy is positive in the short term. According to Model 3 (Social Sustainability Model), the development of renewable energy, technological advances and tourism have a beneficial impact on the population's health in contrast to industrialization and fossil fuels. The paper identifies the necessity of the SAARC economies to speed up the process of switching to renewable energy, enhance the innovation potential and incorporate sustainable tourism in national policy. It is based on the 3Ps theory (People, Planet, Profit) and highlights the importance of clean energy and technology as the key solution to the balance in the environment, social welfare, and economic stability of the region.
Copyright (c) 2025 Raja Kashif, Durdana Qaiser Gillani, Khalid Mahmood Mughal (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Transitivity-Driven Semantic Shifts and Ideological Mediation in the English Translation of Intizar Hussain’s Wo Jo Kho Gaye
This study investigates the dynamics of meaning transfer in literary translation through a comparative analysis of Intizar Hussain’s Wo Jo Kho Gaye (Hussain, 1990) and its English rendition. Employing Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) with a focus on transitivity processes, this study examines how linguistics choices shape semantic shifts between the source text (ST) and the target text (TT). For this, the study utilized a framework proposed by Halliday (1994) and Halliday and Matthiessen (2004), which is based on six process types—material, mental, relational, verbal, behavioral, and existential—that are identified and quantified in both texts. The results show that the ST comprises 348 material (39.01%), 238 relational (26.68%),146 verbal (16.36%), 145 mental (16.25%), 9 behavioral (1%), and 6 existential (0.67%) process, while the TT contains 400 material (40.12%), 287 relational (28.38%),144 mental (14.44%), 142 verbal (14.24%), 20 existential (2%), and 8 process (0.80%). These variations reflect subtle shifts in narrative emphasis and ideological framing. The translator’s strategic use of equivalence, paraphrasing, omission, loan words, and cultural substitutions further contributes to the reconfiguration of meaning. The findings underscore the pivotal role of transitivity in shaping textual interpretation and highlight the translator’s agency in negotiating cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ayesha Saddique (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Technological Diffusion, Absorption Capacity and Export Performance: An Empirical Analysis from the Selected Developing Countries
A country's absorption capacity plays a key role in attracting technological diffusion and improving its export performance. This study aims to investigate the role of technological diffusion and absorption capacity in expanding export performance in developing countries. The study uses panel data from developing countries from 2000 to 2020. The results of the fixed-effect analysis reveal a significant, positive role for both technological diffusion and absorption capacity in a country's export performance. The inflow of technology into a country results in technology spillovers and the transfer of advanced knowledge and skills into production. This advanced technology and production knowledge boost both productive capacity and volume, enabling countries to increase exports. Moreover, absorption capacity plays a key role in increasing export performance in developing countries. The results of the study indicate that technological diffusion positively affects export performance initially as absorption capacity increases. Unfortunately, absorption capacity in developing countries does not meet world standards, which is why technology adoption and export performance are lower. The study suggests that countries take the necessary measures to improve their absorption capacity by adopting new technologies and increasing exports.
Copyright (c) 2025 Baber Amin, Mirajul Haq, Tauqir Iftikhar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Manifestations and Coping Deficits: Investigating Variations in Perceived Parental Pressure, Exam Anxiety, and Emotional Well-Being among Secondary School Students
This paper has explored the perceived parental pressure, exam anxiety, and emotional well-being amongst secondary school children in Sargodha, Pakistan. The study’s objectives include to investigate the perceived levels of parental pressure, exam anxiety, and emotional well-being among secondary school students. Quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used, and 240 students (Grades 9 and 10) were sampled by using multistage sampling. Data collection was done using three research instruments, which included the Parental Pressure Scale, Exam Anxiety Scale, and Emotional Well-Being Scale. Those were descriptive statistical analyses (frequency, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviations). The findings showed that there was a lot of pressure on the parents, especially in terms of high-grade expectations. There was also extensive exam anxiety as students complained of psychological (e.g., worry, memory blanking) and physical (e.g., racing heart) symptoms. Although the overall outcome of the questions revealed that students were usually experiencing positive emotional well-being, including enjoying learning and being proud of their accomplishments, the academic stress and trouble with their personal life caused by schoolwork were also common. One of the major discoveries was the dual and sophisticated role of parental influence, which was a stressor, yet it was a support of personal passions to many. The research paper concludes that high parental expectations and exam anxiety are the major factors that put pressure on the emotional health of students. The report highlights the need for intervention measures and recommends that schools be given stress management programs, awareness workshops for parents, and curriculum changes that will promote a healthier balance between academic performance and mental health.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muqaddas Awais, Ghulam Muhammad Malik, Sahibzada Shamim-ur-Rasul (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Remittances on Female Labour Participation in Pakistan
This study examines how international remittances relate to women’s labour force participation in Pakistan using nationally representative HIES/PSLM 2018–19 microdata, We estimate logistic models to compare women in remittance-receiving and non-receiving households and, among recipients, test whether remittance size matters. Women in receiving households are 6–11 percentage points less likely to work, after controls and location fixed effects. Within recipient households, the relationship is negative and monotonic: as monthly log remittances rise from 8 to 16, the predicted probability of participation falls from about 17 to 5 percent. The intensity effect is strongest in rural areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and is insignificant in urban areas, Punjab, and Sindh. Results are consistent with an income effect and household bargaining that shift time toward non-market activities. Because the analysis is cross-sectional, remaining endogeneity cannot be ruled out. The findings inform policies that tie remittance income to flexible, decent work options for women.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hafiza Nosheen, Waqas Shair, Badar un Nisa, Abdullah Shakeel (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Examining the Nexus between Climate Change and Food Security in South Asian Economies: Evidence from Panel Data
Extreme climate change has become a serious concern, posing challenges to human and economic welfare across many developed and developing countries. Based on empirical observation, it is claimed that the devastating floods, along with the threat of droughts, can account for variations in food security between different countries. This study uses the data from 1973 to 2021 to check the relationship between climate change and food security in a panel of SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). Based on the statistical test diagnostics, we estimate a random effects model to examine the nexus between climate change and food security. Results indicated that land under cereal production, GDP per capita, and mean average temperature have a positive association. While Population growth and mean average rainfall have a negative association. Facing the issues of climate change, the governments of the economies under study may construct new dams to store water, which will also aid in flood control. Further, the increasing area of cultivation may boost the output level and cereal availability, which may help to sort out the main issue of food insecurity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shahbaz Sarwar, Amna Bibi, Sajjad Ahmad (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Chasing Efficiency without a Map: The Supply Chain Knowledge Crisis in Pakistani SMEs
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play vital role in contributing the Pakistan’s economy and comprised on their share in the GDP more than 40% and engaging around 80% of workforce other than agriculture. Although SMEs are integral part of the business ecosystem, many of them still have no aligned supply chain management (SCM) at international standards to manage and perform feats of managing complex logistics and procurement puzzles. This fence-sitting on the SCM literacy curve fast represents operational inefficiencies, unnecessary costs, and a loss of competitiveness for the business in the local and global arenas. This work examines the value of describing the supply chain knowledge limitations of Pakistani SMEs in operational performance SME case studies. Using selected literature and SME case studies, the study reveals significant knowledge gaps in critical SCM areas, including inventory management, procurement, logistics alignment, and SCM technology convergence. Findings indicated the gaps in SCM training, SCM systems, and SCM business model in the value chains and business niches of the targeted sectors, like textiles, food processing, and retail, are clear. The work outlines steps to incorporate SCM training gaps, SCM systems, and support models in the value chains and business niches of the targeted sectors, like textiles, food processing, and retail, which is clear. The work outlines steps to incorporate SCM training gaps, systems, and structured support models into the SCM business model of value chains and business niches targeted to the identified sectors, e.g., textiles, food processing, and retail. For Pakistani SMEs, closing the gap in their understanding of supply chain management can help improve operational efficiency, enhance sustainability, and boost global competitiveness.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Abdullah Tariq, Zafar Iqbal, Shoaib Akhtar, Shazia Khurshid, Muhammad Haseeb Raza (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
On Multiple Agreement in Urdu Language: A Cyclic-Agree Account
This study investigates morphosyntactic agreement in the Urdu language utilizing a qualitative descriptive approach, gathering naturalistic data, and employing a Cyclic Agree (Béjar & Rezac, 2009) as a theoretical framework. Focusing on compound verb constructions, double-object construction, and compound verb constructions, this study examines how agreement is constrained by case accessibility, clause structure, and probe-goal interactions. The data reveals that ergative subjects in perfective contexts are specifically opaque to agreement probes, which instead target accessible internal arguments—often yielding object-controlled agreement. Ditransitive constructions consistently support agreement with the head noun via syntactic binding, even in the absence of overt nominal presence, thereby supporting movement-based analyses. By applying Cyclic Agree to Urdu’s split-ergative alignment and complex clause architecture, the study contributes to broader typological and theoretical debates on agreement displacement, locality, and feature inheritance in South Asian languages.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fareah Afzal, Ali Haider (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Foreign Direct Inflows and Gender Inequality Nexus: An Analysis from Developing Countries
Foreign direct investment is generally regarded as beneficial for a nation’s overall growth. There are many positive influences of such investment on both the home and host economies. We have investigated the effect of gender inequality on foreign direct investment inflow in underdeveloped economies by using data from 2000 to 2024. Gender inequality with human capital, trade openness, population growth, and economic growth were taken as explanatory variables. The study results found that gender inequality in employment positively affected the foreign direct investment inflow in the developing economies. Results also showed that human capital, trade openness, and population growth contributed much towards foreign direct investment inflows. The findings suggested that multinationals should provide more jobs and higher wages for women. Moreover, there should be a better working environment for women in these nations. Finally, the Government should provide a more financially and politically stable environment for attracting more foreign direct investment from the host countries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Bilal Rafaqat, Ali Ahmad, Raja Adil Shahzad (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Gwadar Port on Economic Growth of Pakistan
This research analyzes the impact of Gwadar Port on the GDP of Pakistan, with particular emphasis on five important variables: foreign direct investment (FDI), labor participation, trade openness, tax collections, and environmental pressures. The study uses yearly time-series data covering the period between 2000 and 2025 and utilizes an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model. The findings show that all the explanatory variables are positively and significantly influencing GDP per capita, where FDI and labor force participation are the most significant contributors. Trade openness also positively influences GDP, confirming classical trade theory, and tax revenues underscore Gwadar's taxing significance. The positive CO2 emissions-GDP relation mirrors the Environmental Kuznets Curve, showing that growth is presently linked with environmental costs. Diagnostic tests establish the soundness of the model, and descriptive statistics show stability in GDP and labor participation but instability in FDI and emissions. The results are consistent with Hirschman's linkage theory and Krugman's core–periphery model, revealing Gwadar's revolutionary role in re-making Pakistan's economic geography. The research concludes that Gwadar Port is both a chance and a burden: it can fuel Pakistan's development and regional integration in trade, but inclusive and sustainable policies are required to cope with environmental and equity issues.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ayesha Sohail, Maria Sohail, Raja Muhammad Sohail (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
British-Period Heritage and Its Role in Eco-Tourism Development: A Case Study of the Galiyat Region, Abbottabad, Pakistan
The Galiyat region of northern Pakistan preserves one of South Asia’s most intact ensembles of British-period hill-station architecture, including churches, rest houses, and civic buildings embedded within Himalayan forests. Despite its exceptional cultural and ecological value, this heritage remains largely absent from formal tourism and conservation planning. This study investigates how Galiyat’s colonial-era architecture can serve as a catalyst for eco-tourism that integrates cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community participation. Extensive fieldwork was conducted across thirty-two British-period heritage sites, incorporating interviews with 150 stakeholders, including tourists, residents, and tour operators. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic framework, revealing that Galiyat’s heritage functions as a living landscape where architectural authenticity, adaptive reuse, community identity, and ecological interdependence converge. However, governance fragmentation and weak interpretation continue to constrain its sustainable development. In response, the research proposes the Eco-Heritage Development Model for the Galiyat Region (EHDM-G) a four-stage cyclical framework encompassing resource identification, community capacity building, eco-heritage product development, and policy integration. Anchored in environmental, cultural, and socio-economic dimensions, the model aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 15 (Life on Land). The study contributes a replicable framework for heritage-based eco-tourism planning in mountain regions, demonstrating how postcolonial landscapes can evolve into models of sustainable identity, community empowerment, and integrated heritage governance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tunveer Qureshi, Shakir Ullah, Abdul Samad, Ruth L. Young (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Financial Inclusion and Political Instability as Dual Forces Shaping Income Inequality in Pakistan
This study examines the role of instability in the political system and financial inclusion in the case of Pakistan. The data sample is from 1998 to 2023. The structural equation model (SEM) is employed to gauge the direct and indirect impacts of financial inclusion and political instability on the unequal distribution of wealth. The findings refer that financial inclusion is the key driver to reduce inequality to give access to financial services. While the political instability leads to an increase the inequality in society. The key findings highlight the importance of financial inclusion in reducing income inequality. This means that political stability is crucial for reducing income inequality. This study provides a comprehensive database and analysis. It offers evidence and insights for policymakers to achieve sustainable development and financial inclusion in Pakistan.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ghulam Ghouse (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Drivers of Crop Diversification: Understanding the Global and South Asian Shift from Cotton to Competing Crops
The cotton industry, which has traditionally served as one of the key drivers of economic growth in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, is currently undergoing a radical structural change. Cotton production has been falling in key areas like Pakistan, India, China, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa for the last 20 years. Instead, farmers are shifting their focus to growing other crops such as soybeans, pulses, and fruits and vegetables. This change is a good illustration of the complexity in relationships between economic, environmental, and institutional determinants. This review aims to synthesize global and South Asian research to identify the key factors driving the decline of cotton agriculture and the resulting migration of people. It explores how volatile commodity prices, changing climatic patterns, pest resistance, rising input prices, and evolving policy processes interact to shape decisions made by farmers. The analysis also explains the consequences of these changes to the rural economic systems, the sustainability of agro-ecological practices, and food security in general. In the end, it highlights potential research and policy pathways that may improve the resilience and competitiveness of cotton and alternative agricultural systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shahbaz Sharif Wahla, Burhan Ahmad, M. Amjed Iqbal, Hammad Badar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Behavioral Finance on Employee Productivity: Mediating Role of Financial Decision Making
This research aims to better comprehend the impact of behavioral finance on employee productivity by investigating the mediating effect of financial decision-making. A part of financial decision-making is the link between behavioral finance and employee productivity observed with the help of prospect theory, heuristic theory, and rational decision-making theory. In this research, the researcher initially constructed a theoretical framework and subsequently formulated hypotheses. The findings of this study have explained the positive and significant effect of behavioral finance on employee productivity, along with the significant positive mediating impact of financial decision-making on behavioral finance and employee productivity. After this, the research has described a positive and significant mediating impact of financial decision-making between behavioral finance and employee productivity; all hypotheses are positive and significant except that representativeness bias, overconfidence, and herding have no significant relationship. Keywords: behavioral finance, employee productivity, and financial decision-making
Copyright (c) 2025 Muzammil Khurshid, Muhammad Azeem, Mahnoor Asmat Ullah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Education Expenditure on Economic Growth: A Study of Selected ECO Countries
The relation between spending on education and economic growth has been a popular subject of research, where education as a human capital is an important aspect of human capital in the long-term development. This paper looks at how education expenditure affects the economic growth of some ECO nations from 1972 to 2014. Other macroeconomic variables like the participation of the labor force, household consumption, and foreign remittances are also factored in alongside education in order to have a holistic picture of their effects on growth. The secondary data has been used to analyze it, and the sources are reliable, such as the Pakistan survey, the WDI, and the SBP. The augmented Dickey-Fuller test was initially applied to test stationarity since time series data tend. Once the integration sequence of the variables had been verified, two sophisticated econometric tools were used, that is, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS). Such approaches are especially appropriate because they address the problems of endogeneity and serial correlation, giving superior estimates of both long-run and short-run relationships between education spending and economic growth. The results indicate that the positive and statistically significant effect of the expenditure on education on the economic growth is positive. It was also discovered that labor force participation has a positive influence on growth, implying that the higher the participation in productive work, the higher the economic output. Household final consumption spending and foreign remittances, on the other hand, harmed economic growth. Overuse lowers savings and investment, which are essential in long-term development. It is time that policymakers focus on investment in education, promote higher levels of participation in the labor market, and implement other policies to redirect remittances and consumption towards productive investments to achieve long-term growth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Shafique, Umar Ijaz Ahmed, Muhammad Rizwan, Mohsin Raza, Arqam Iqbal, Maryam Tahir, Farrukh Shahzad, Hafeez Nazar, Hassan Raza (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
This study investigates the syntactic architecture of Urdu relative clauses utilizing a mixed-methods approach. The study assimilates a corpus-based analysis with Kayne’s (1994) model. Accumulating naturally occurring Urdu data, this study categorizes relative clauses into subject relative clause, object relative clause, ergative relative clause, agentive relative clause, postpositional relative clause, and locative relative clause types, each introduced by distinct relativizers such as jo, jise, jinhon, jin se, and jahan. The results show that relativizers in Urdu are morphologically marked for number, gender, case, and function as probes that agree with their corresponding goals—particularly the head noun or embedded clause constituents. The study illustrates the role of ergative alignment in perfective structure, the syntactic integration of postpositional and locative relativizers, which encode relational and spatial semantics within clausal structures. This study demonstrates how relative clauses serve to discourse-level functions such as topicalization, focus, referential, and specificity. However, the findings suggest that Urdu employs a complex relativization strategy, equating typological properties in Indo-Aryan languages—Punjabi, Pashto, Persian, and Sanskrit—with principles of universal grammar. The study implicates second language pedagogy, computational parsing, and typological comparison, providing insights into clause accessibility, feature inheritance, and movement operations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Asad Ali, Naila Kanwal, Junaid Ashraf (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Institutional Quality, Industrialization, and Environmental Degradation: An Analysis from Selected Asian Countries
Environmental pollution is an important problem in both developing and developed economies. The worsening of the environment has to be a direct influence on the quality of human beings, or a danger to the existence of human life. The aim is to examine the factors causing environmental degradation in some selected Asian countries. We investigate the nexus between industrial production, economic growth, institutional quality, and environmental degradation in the selected economies in Asia from 2011 to 2020 by applying the GMM technique. Findings reveal that the increase in industrialization and economic growth increases environmental degradation. Moreover, institutional quality, energy consumption, trade openness, and labor force participation rate are the major causes of environmental degradation in these selected Asian countries. Energy policies should emphasize on supply of better quality energy by using other sources. There is also a need to enhance the efficient use of energy consumption. Some measures should be taken to enhance the growth of the agricultural sector to alleviate environmental pressure. Institutional quality should be improved.
Copyright (c) 2025 Durdana Qaiser Gillani, Khalid Mahmood Mughal, Sumra Khalid, Iqbal Javed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Energy Prices, Consumption, and Government Effectiveness on Manufacturing Output: Evidence from Pakistan
This study investigates the impacts of energy price, consumption, and government effectiveness on the yields of the manufacturing sector of Pakistan. The data is taken from 1998 to 2023. The Unit root and ADRL bound testing are used to estimate short and long run impacts of energy prices, consumption, and government effectiveness on manufacturing output along the control variables; growth domestic product growth, trade, raw material prices, foreign direct investment, covid-19 dummy. The results concluded that the foreign direct investment, gross domestic product growth, trade, energy consumption, and government effectiveness have a positive relationship with manufacturing output. While the raw material price, trade, energy prices, and COVID-19 dummy have negative associations with manufacturing output. In light of the high energy prices, energy consumption, and government effectiveness this study provides the policy suggestions based on finding that can be useful for the growth of the manufactured sector performance.
Nexus between Economic Growth and Environmental Degradation: An Analysis from Developing Countries
Naturally, human beings unceasingly search for change and are involved in small or huge commercial actions that are intended to achieve the fundamental needs and protect their interests in any credible way. Considering the significance of the environment, we have emphasized the economic factors, human development, and energy consumption affecting environmental degradation in developing nations. We have used data from 2001 to 2022 and employed the fixed effect method for the analysis. The study results showed that energy consumption and human development resulted in more environmental degradation in developing countries. The results also showed that economic growth and trade openness tended to increase environmental degradation. The study suggested more improvement in the environment in these economies. There should be more usage of safe and clean energy in production processes for a clean environment. Furthermore, the Government should provide more educational facilities and jobs to different segments of the population for their higher earnings and improved living standards. Finally, there is a dire need for more provision of energy resources for more growth, production, and welfare in these Asian countries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zeeshan Muhammad Yasir, Ahmad Jan Essa, Nishwa Khan, Durdana Qaiser Gillani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
IMF’s Policies, Social Spending and Human Development: An Analysis from South Asian Countries
IMF policies can considerably affect South Asian economies through lending, policy advice, and conditionality attached to financial assistance. The IMF's support, together with loans under the extensive credit facility, extended fund facility, and resilience and sustainability facility, can help stabilize the economies predominantly throughout periods of crisis. Though these policies can also lead to economic adjustments and reforms, which may affect positively and negatively the various sectors and segments of the population. Considering the effects of the IMF’s policies, we have checked the impact of social spending and trade on human development in some South Asian countries. Regression results showed that general Government health expenditures, education, and trade have enhanced human development in the South Asian countries. However, the real interest rate negatively affected the human development of the people in these countries because of the involvement of lending institutions. It is suggested that the Government should allocate more budget towards health and education in these economies. There should be a stable economic and political environment for attracting more investment from abroad. Moreover, there should be fewer conditions and policy interventions by the lending authorities. Finally, there is a need to diversify the economies, reshape their relationship with international financial institutions, and provide the population with sufficient amenities for uplifting their living standard.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zeeshan Muhammad Yasir, Nishwa Khan, Talat Munazza, Muhammad Bilal Rafaqat (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Critical Analysis of Judicial Structure of Pakistan’s Apex Court: Pre- and Post-26th Constitutional Amendment
Since Pakistan’s independence in 1947, the Supreme Court has undergone significant constitutional transformations, shaped by numerous amendments aimed at realizing the true spirit of the Constitution and the will of the state. The Constitution of 1973 established core objectives of constitutional supremacy, separation of powers, judicial autonomy, and the protection of fundamental rights. Within this framework, the 26th Constitutional Amendment stands as a landmark reform with profound implications for the judiciary’s structure and role. This study critically analyzes the procedural, structural, and functional impacts of the amendment. Key changes include fixing the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s tenure at three years, restructuring the Judicial Commission of Pakistan and the Parliamentary Committee, and introducing controversial grounds for the removal of the Chief Justice. Proponents argue these reforms enhance transparency, democratize judicial governance, and limit the concentration of authority. Critics, however, contend that they erode judicial independence, politicize appointments, and dilute the principle of separation of powers. Employing doctrinal and comparative methodology, this research evaluates the amendment through the lenses of separation of powers, rule of law, and judicial independence, drawing parallels with similar reforms in Hungary and Poland. Findings suggest that while the amendment may increase parliamentary oversight and accountability, it simultaneously risks political manipulation and undermines judicial impartiality. Notably, curtailing the Supreme Court’s Suo-Motu powers under Article 184(3), once a vital tool to protect fundamental rights, further complicates the balance between judicial activism and legislative authority. The study concludes that reforms must be guided by principles of merit-based appointments, financial autonomy, and transparent removal mechanisms. Without such safeguards, the 26th Amendment threatens to reverse decades of progress in strengthening judicial independence. This research contributes to constitutional scholarship by underscoring the urgent need for reforms that reinforce, rather than compromise, Pakistan’s democratic governance and judicial credibility.
Copyright (c) 2025 Haq Nawaz, Manual Selvaraj Bexci (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Artificial Intelligence Tools Usage on Students' Classroom Performance among Undergraduate Students: An Experimental Study
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools usage and classroom performance have shown a positive relationship in the present time. Despite recent history, AI has an increasing relationship with the classroom performance of students. This experimental study aims to explore the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) tools usage on students’ classroom performance among undergraduate level students in the Health and Physical Education (HPE) program. A sample of 24 first-semester students was selected using a convenience sampling technique. The experimental group received AI instruction tools with the help of ChatGPT, and the control group received traditional pedagogical instruction. Pre- and post-tests, along with MCQs MCQ-based questionnaire, were administered to assess performance, knowledge retention, critical thinking, motivation, and engagement of the understudies with the help of AI tools. This pretest-posttest design was employed to evaluate both the frequency of AI tool usage and the comparison of academic performance before and after a two-week AI-integrated instructional intervention. The study used quantitative measures and applied descriptive statistical tests, paired sample t-tests to determine significance. Result analysis has shown a significant improvement in both groups, by favoring the experimental group in terms of classroom performance and knowledge retention. Results indicated a notable improvement in both AI tool usage, student performance and comparison of academic performance, suggesting a positive impact of AI-based educational technologies. However, the study’s time series experimental design, short follow-up period and limited time represent limitations. To make research better, the effect of AI tools usage is related to long-term experimentation and exploring how different demographics can benefit from these interventions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Liaqat Ali, Aleena Chaudhry, Saeeda Samin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Fiscal Policy and Stock Returns: A Cointegration Analysis
The role of government intervention through fiscal policy is central to the functioning and development of an economy, particularly in influencing financial markets. This study examines the long-run and short-run relationship between fiscal policy instruments and stock market performance in Pakistan using annual time-series data from 1973 to 2008. Stock returns are analyzed in relation to key fiscal and macroeconomic variables, including government taxes, government expenditure, gross domestic product, inflation, and interest rates. Stationarity of the data is assessed using Augmented Dickey–Fuller and Phillips–Perron unit root tests, while the Johansen and Juselius cointegration approach is employed to investigate long-run relationships. The empirical findings reveal a significant negative relationship between government taxes and stock returns, indicating that higher taxation discourages equity market performance. Interest rates and inflation are also found to negatively affect stock returns. Government expenditure shows a positive but statistically insignificant relationship with stock returns, whereas economic growth, measured by GDP, positively influences stock market performance. The results highlight the importance of fiscal policy in shaping stock market dynamics.
Copyright (c) 2024 Farah Saeed, Baber Amin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Case Study of Knowledge Gap Analysis of Ginners in Punjab, Pakistan
This study addresses the knowledge gaps among ginners and also seeks to bridge them. Few studies have been undertaken in the ginning sector, especially in Punjab, Pakistan. It is pertinent to indicate that ginning industries are at the central place in the cotton value chain. The cotton ginning sector has suffered in the last few years. Ginning out Turn (GOT) is very low in Pakistan as compared to other countries. The existing ginning technology is obsolete and often results in the deterioration of fiber length during ginning. Improving the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the individuals involved in the cotton ginning sector will not only benefit the industry itself but also strengthen its forward and backward connections through the provision of effective extension services. A random sampling technique was used to determine the sample size. The study included only 50 ginners. An interview schedule was prepared to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS. Results showed that ginners had knowledge gap in assessing quality characteristics of cotton, managing operations involved in ginning process, management of problems, labor management, up gradation of machinery, business competitiveness, quality management, marketing strategies, knowledge of government policies, promotion of institutional linkages, transportation, storage, capacity of losses management, sources of information, packing and acquisition of technical expertise.
Copyright (c) 2024 Adeel Ahmad, Chris O. Igodan, Kathy Lechman, Ms. Maryam (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0