Annals of Human and Social Sciences

Environmental Crisis and Trauma in Faryal Ali Gauhar’s An Abundance of Wild Roses

2026-01-05T17:24:05+05:00

This study examines the representation of environmental trauma in Feryal Ali Gauhar’s An Abundance of Wild Roses with the objective of understanding how ecological disturbance shapes the emotional and psychological lives of a rural community. Grounded in environmental trauma theory and eco-criticism, the research challenges conventional trauma narratives that prioritize war or personal loss by foregrounding the slow, pervasive impact of environmental degradation. Employing a qualitative methodology based on close textual analysis, the study treats the landscape not as a passive backdrop but as an active force that materializes memory, fear, and collective anxiety through images of landslides, damaged soil, climatic irregularities, and social disruption. The findings reveal that environmental uncertainty produces sustained psychological instability, emotional withdrawal, and social fragmentation, particularly among communities whose livelihoods depend on the land. The study recommends ecological restoration, sustainable land management, community-centered environmental education, and responsive policy measures as essential strategies to address environmental trauma and promote long-term psychological and social resilience

Climate Change as Security Threat in Pakistan: The Rise of Eco-Geopolitics

2026-01-19T00:54:30+05:00

This paper explores the climate change-security nexus in Pakistan through the prism of eco-geopolitics. Climate change has been playing the role of a threat multiplier by aggravating the predisposition of socio-economic vulnerabilities, resource scarcity, and governance challenges. Although Pakistan has contributed very little to global emissions, recurring floods and glacial melt have posed heavy pressure on human, national, and regional security. In this respect, it is important to interpret it from a security perspective. A qualitative approach was applied going through policy documents and secondary literature on climate, security and geopolitics. The findings indicate that climate-induced disasters further deteriorate food and water insecurity and institutional strain to reshape the security landscape. Eco-geopolitics presents a broader framework than military-centric traditional security approaches. The paper concludes by calling for incorporating climate adaptation into national security planning, focusing on human security, and expanding regional cooperation on transboundary environmental challenges.

Reclaiming the Self: Lacanian Psychoanalysis and the Trauma of Identity in The Color Purple

2026-01-19T17:31:10+05:00

The paper makes a Lacanian psychoanalytical exploration of Alice Walker’s Color Purple in the context of trauma and construction of self and identity. The ways in which early trauma interferes with development of ego and forms subjectivity, and how experiences of violence, silences and symbolic exclusion experienced by Celie influence her transition into mirror stage and her relationship with the Other leading to the fractured sense of self which is characterized by lack and dispossessed desire are the focus of the research. Qualitative and interpretative textual approach is carried out to the application of Lacanian lens of misrecognition, desire, and symbolic order. Identity in the novel is not created through wholeness or resolution but as a negotiation carried on with trauma and deficit. Thus Lacanian psychoanalysis gives a fruitful basis of explaining literary representation of traumatized subjectivity, suggestive of more psychoanalytic exploration of literature on trauma and identity formation narratives.

Reluctant Policies for implementing Democracy Culture in Pakistan: A Way Forward

2026-01-27T23:22:01+05:00

The article discusses at the restrictive regulations and institutional obstacles which are compromised the progress of a democratic atmosphere in Pakistan. While legislative promises of a democratic leadership, the political landscape of Pakistan remains frequently damaged by armed interference, ineffective democratic organizations, including governing structures that encourage financial gain on citizen involvement. This investigation approach to research that draws secondary sources such as scholarly articles, legal documents, and research on policy. According to the results, insufficient democracy performance has been fuelled from lack of systems of transparency, deeply rooted dynastic as well as aristocratic systems, ballot rigging, money laundering, along with increased military's hold in decisions about politics, regardless of legal restrictions in this type of engagement. Such features, taken together, limit fair voting privileges that erode the ideals of democracy. It suggests a path ahead focused prioritizes increasing polling honesty, maintaining civic primacy, modernizing justice systems, reducing powerful control, but fostering integration into politics. Article contends which with no sign of true policies determination as well as administrative improvements, Pakistan's tradition of democracy is going to be unstable as organizational as opposed to substantive.

Relationship between Coping Mechanisms and Kinesiophobia Among Patients with Chronic Sciatica: A Closer Focus on The Mode of Treatment

2026-02-03T19:33:23+05:00

The objective of the current study is to explore coping mechanisms and pain dread experienced by individuals with sciatica. Sciatica, characterized by severe pain along the sciatic nerve, is a common symptom. People who suffer from chronic pain often have psychological problems. The restrictions and mobility problems that follow the pain reduce functioning, leading to further distress for the individual to cope with. The sample for this study (N=213) was taken from the clinics and rehabilitation centres of the Hazara division. Three scales of assessment: Visual Analog Scale (VAS-UV), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-UV), and Pain Cope Inventory (PCI-UV) were used. In the context of therapeutic methods, individuals with sciatica have different coping strategies and a dread of pain. In addition, coping and fear of pain are all affected by gender and mode of treatment. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive research and intervention for sciatica pain.

Effectiveness of NAB’s Anti-Corruption Strategies Under the PML-N Government (2013-2018)

2026-02-03T19:39:40+05:00

The objective of the study to analyze the role of NAB to combat corruption in Pakistan during PML-N government in 2013-2018. Pakistan is a developing country. Since independence, Pakistan is facing with its economic issue. The main reason for economic instability is corruption. This study reveals how corruption harms the economic condition of the country. NAB is an anti-corruption organization that works to combat corruption. Anti-corruption organizations, mainly NAB, are working to combat and minimize diseases from society. This study analyzes the functioning and challenges faced by NAB by means of a descriptive, analytical, and historical approach. This study employed qualitative research methodology. How can corruption be controlled by this institution. This study analyzed the NAB strategies that were beneficiary for measurable outcomes or remained silent due to political influence and institutional weakness during 2013 to 2018. There are many reasons for corruption but the lack of awareness about rules, laws and rights that are mentioned in constitution, and no one considers corruption is the violation of constitution as well as unethical

Economic Policies and Political Stability in Pakistan: A Comparative Analysis of PML-N and PTI Governments

2026-02-07T14:50:23+05:00

This study examines relationship between political stability and economic policies in Pakistan through a comparative analysis of the governments of PML-N (2013–2018) and PTI (2018–2022). The research analyzes how different economic policy approaches influenced governance, public confidence and political stability during these periods as the PML-N government adopted growth-oriented policies focused on infrastructure development, energy sector reforms and large-scale initiatives such as the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). While the PTI government focused on accountability, austerity measures and structural economic reforms under IMF programs. Using a qualitative and comparative research approach, the study relies on secondary data drawn from government economic reports, budget documents and academic literature. The findings indicate that consistent economic performance, effective policy implementation and strong institutions are essential for political stability. It is recommended that for long-term political stability in Pakistan, policy continuity as well as strengthening of institutions and balanced economic planning should be promoted at all costs

Eve An Ecocentric: An Ecofeminist Study of the Short Story Eve’s Diary by Mark Twain

2026-02-09T16:39:20+05:00

This paper aims to explore the stances of ecofeminism in Eve’s Diary. This study is important to give awareness to the masses as the nature is facing extreme hazards due to man’s disrupting efforts to serve him. The data is collected by careful reading, re-reading, note taking, classifying, and reducing the text of the short story for the qualitative analysis by focusing on the themes of ecofeminism. The study is wrapped around a blended theoretical frame by taking strands of ecocentricism by Val Plumwood (2002) and Karen Joyce Warren (1987). The analysis reveals that Eve is an ecocentric woman as she maintains a strong bond with nature, its objects and with animals. It is recommended to explore females’ voices in literature as they are taking steps to preserve nature and to empower themselves simultaneously, and to expose the ways through which nature and female are exploited of their rights in a male oriented society.

Online Engagement to Offline Empowerment: Exploring the Socio- economic, Cultural, and Psychological Challenges of Women Digital Entrepreneurship

2026-02-12T15:05:40+05:00

In Pakistan, women are increasingly using digital platforms for income-generation and to empower them financially. This research aims to investigate the use of social media as a source of women entrepreneurship and to explore the socio-economic, cultural, and psychological challenges they face in digital entrepreneurship. This study used a qualitative research design. Through the purposive sampling method, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The results suggest that social media has empowered women through low-cost entrepreneurial entry, expanded visibility, networking, and income generation. Increased economic independence, confidence, and decision-making power within households were also key findings of the study. Digital entrepreneurship motivated women for self-directed digital learning, health issues awareness, and mobilization of the family. Study concluded that social media platforms create meaningful opportunities for women's empowerment, but their transformative potential is constrained by socio-cultural and technical limitations. Targeted interventions in digital literacy, financial inclusion, and social support systems are crucial to sustaining and scaling women's digital empowerment.

Pain Catastrophizing and Death Anxiety in Patients with Breast Cancer

2026-02-13T14:51:59+05:00

The purpose of the present study was to assess the role of pain catastrophizing and death anxiety in patients with breast cancer. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effect of death anxiety in patients with breast cancer, to investigate the effect of pain catastrophizing in patients with breast cancer and to identify the relationship between death anxiety and pain catastrophizing in patients with breast cancer. Among numerous infections which are deadly tumor is one of these diseases. It is fundamentally the after effect of familiar up brings and spread of cells which are not ordinary. Pain catastrophizing is one of the most commonly cited factors that are powerfully linked with breast cancer fear. Death anxiety is a second factor, the most common system in breast cancer and commonly connected with anxiety. It is, consequently, necessary to recognize factors likely to manipulate the pain catastrophizing of patients in such a death anxiety situation. The sample comprised of 87 participates from Oncology department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. The sample of this study was determined by the using software, Daniel- Soper. Research process consisted of cross- sectional research design by using purposive sampling technique. First hypothesis of this research is pain catastrophizing and death anxiety would be positively correlated in patients with breast cancer. Second hypothesis, those patients who have low qualification would be lower on death anxiety and pain catastrophization then high qualified patients. The results of this study were that pain catastrophizing is positively correlated with death anxiety in breast cancer patients. This study also indicates that patients of breast cancer showing strong relation with pain catastrophizing and death anxiety. The level of pain catastrophizing and death anxiety is strongly linked with higher pain and anxiety those patients who have less qualified then higher qualified patients in breast cancer. Consequently, a clinical implication of this study is that the forecast of having higher levels of pain catastrophizing and death anxiety for the duration of a stressful persistent breast cancer treatment may possibly give therapeutic goals for organization not only on the whole reaction to cure but too the flow of cognitive and affectional proceedings that eventually persuade the patient’s cure experience and pain insight.

The Role of Soft Power in Modern Diplomacy A Case Study of Pakistan

2026-02-19T16:02:05+05:00

This study aims to investigate and highlight the role of soft power in modern diplomacy, focusing on international relations, exploring economic and intellectual influence to meet diplomatic goals. Soft power itself is an undermined paradigm and currently, it requires more understanding than ever, because unlike sophisticated coercive power, it strengthens a country’s image and makes its policies more acceptable globally, advocating the message of peace and prosperity not oppression and compellence. This study in particular explores Pakistan’s soft power strategies, enlightens its effectiveness in achieving foreign diplomacy objectives and discusses loopholes. Strengthening soft power can enhance Pakistan’s image at international level. This study demonstrates Pakistan’s soft power resources, initiatives and challenges making it clearer that what’s have been done so far in shaping the country’s global identity and what are the areas, still to focus on.

Improving Everyday Spatial Experiences in Informal Settlements by using Participatory Design Approach

2026-02-25T22:06:53+05:00

The study's primary focus is on women from lower income families, particularly those employed as housekeepers, nursing aides and cleaners in colleges, universities and schools. It also focuses on the difficulties they experience in their daily lives. In order to effectively work with women from this demographic group, a participatory design methodology is utilized, to examine different facets of co-designing including how specific tasks create specific types of results. Appropriate activities are also selected in order to create a favorable environment for the women to interact with the designers. The ultimate aim is to develop co-design solutions that improve the women's quality of life by minimizing their challenges. In addition, the paper identifies the importance of using co-design which not only strengthens the collaborative process but also creates compelling stories that provide enhanced benefit to the women. The concepts to be research are evaluated through a systematic literature review.

Verbal Gender Agreement in English and Haryanvi: A Comparative Morphosyntactic Study

2026-02-28T14:14:58+05:00

The study aims to evaluate verbal gender agreements in Pakistani English and Haryanvi languages through morphosyntactic analyses to determine how these two typologically distinct languages encode or resist the gender assignment system in verbal patterns. Gender plays a vital role in defining agreement structures within morphological and syntactic patterns. English determines less gender agreement through verbs, whereas Haryanvi have an overt and systematic system in which verbs form clearly modulate according to the gender of the subject or object. The study is descriptive and Corbett’s Gender Assignment System 2006 used as theoretical framework. The findings show that English verbs are not marked for gender and remain the same for masculine, feminine, or non-binary subjects, while Haryanvi verbs change form according to the subject’s gender, with endings like -ɑː for masculine and -i: for feminine. Future researchers can expand this study by examining additional Indo-Aryan varieties and using corpus-based, experimental, and sociolinguistic approaches to gain a deeper understanding of verbal gender agreement.

The Influence of School Leaderships’ Trust on Teachers’ Morale and Professional Development: A Qualitative Study

2026-03-01T20:04:36+05:00

This research explores the relationship between the school leadershp trust on morale and the professional development of teachers. A series of in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 teachers from 32 primary schools under FGEI(C/G) in Rawalpindi city. Further, in order to gather qualitative data for this research, a semi structure interview guide was used. This format allowed each participant the opportunity to provide their own unique perspective based upon their personal experiences in their individual school environments. Thematic analysis was used to interpret common themes with in the collected data. The research found that school leadership positively affects teacher morale and professionalism and that trust in school administrators acts as a mediating variable in this relationship. The results of this research support the notion that trust can be an effective mechanism in increasing professional behavior in teachers and that school administrators should take steps to establish a culture of trust between teachers and school administrators.

From Lived Experience to Clinical Insight: A Qualitative Study of Mental Health Experts’ and Bereaved Individuals’ Perspectives on Factors Leading to Prolonged Grief Disorder

2026-03-06T23:33:47+05:00

The Purpose of the research was to examine the causative factors linked to prolonged grief disorder (PGD) in bereaved adults who have lost a parent or both. The death of parents is very painful and has long-term negative effects including pain, sadness, grief, limitlessness and social isolation on individuals’ life. Bereaved people faced emotional and social issues due to that loss and after a certain time period, if mental health issues raised persistently, it may cause prolonged grief disorder. Qualitative research method was used in this research. Six Psychologists and Psychiatrists, and six bereaved people were interviewed semi-structured and the data were analysed thematically. The five main themes that were identified during the analysis were psychological symptoms, grief progression, family dynamics, protective factors, and socio-cultural and religious beliefs. Clinical evaluation and better treatment outcomes of bereaved people can be achieved by incorporation of family support, culturally sensitive and focused psychological interventions.

A Corpus-Based Study of Olfactory Representation in Victorian Fiction

2026-03-07T21:39:31+05:00

This paper explores the ideological construction of moral and physical decay using olfactory imagery in The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) by Oscar Wilde and in Dracula (1897) by Bram Stoker. Using a mixed-method model, the study uses the AntConc (Version 4.3.1) to perform a collocation analysis of the specific olfactory node words to determine statistically significant lexical groups. Through the juxtaposition of botanical excess that Aestheticism is linked with and the decay of the body that is associated with the Gothic, the paper will maintain that smell is a moral and biological diagnostic tool used to reveal the anxieties hidden behind the facades of Victorian respectability.