Annals of Human and Social Sciences

The Impact of Social Responsibility on Sustainable Performance: Mediating Role of Green Leadership

Erum Gul — 2026-05-17

This study investigates the impact of social responsibility upon sustainable performance in banking sector with mediating role of green leadership. The social considerations are becoming part of core business and organizational operations and strategies in banking sector, as organizations are being called upon to incorporate them into their long-term sustainability. In order to examine the linkages among variables, this study used quantitative research technique by collecting data from employees in banking sector through structured questionnaires. The correlation and mediation procedures are used to analyze the relationships between social responsibility, green leadership, and sustainable performance. The results revealed that social responsibility has a positive significant impact upon sustainable performance by boosting the efficiency of the organization, satisfying the stakeholders, and strengthening competitiveness in long run. The findings also suggest that there is a significant mediation between social responsibility and sustainable performance through green leadership. The research highlights the standing of integrating responsible business practices with environmentally conscious leadership to enhance the organizational sustainability, competitive advantage, and long-term success

Industrial Value Added and Urbanisation Dynamics in South Asia: Panel Data Evidence Using the Driscoll–Kraay Estimator

Hafiz Muhammad Qasim — 2026-05-18

This study examines the macroeconomic determinants of urbanisation in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka from 1980 to 2024. Rapid urbanisation in South Asia is linked with industrialisation and economic transformation. Identifying its key drivers is important for sustainable urban development. The study uses a quantitative panel data approach based on annual secondary data from four South Asian countries. Urbanisation is the dependent variable, while industrial value added, GDP growth, trade openness, population density, population growth, and inflation are explanatory variables. The Fixed Effects Model with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors was applied after detecting heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and cross sectional dependence. Trade openness and inflation positively and significantly affect urbanisation, whereas population density has a negative effect. Industrial value added and GDP growth also influence urbanisation trends. Policymakers should encourage balanced industrial growth and effective urban planning to manage rapid urban expansion.

Economic Impact of Iran-US Conflict on Pakistan: Supply Chains, Inflation and Energy Security

Zainab Asif — 2026-05-21

This study analyzes the economic ramifications of the Iran-USA conflict on Pakistan with a particular emphasis on the impact on the supply chain, inflation and energy security issues. The research also unravels the impact of geopolitical turbulence in the Gulf region on global oil prices, shipping routes and international trade system as a whole and how this impacts the domestic economy in Pakistan. The higher the price of fuel, the higher the transportation and production cost, which causes inflation and decreases consumers' purchasing power. In addition, the disruption of sea transport and of energy supply causes uncertainty in energy production and the economy. This study is a qualitative research that utilizes secondary data obtained from report, journal, and international financial institutions. The results indicated that Pakistan's overreliance on energy import and import of foreign goods increases Pakistan's susceptibility to the conflicts of the region. The paper suggests that the policy changes, energy diversification, strategic stocks and regional economic cooperation are needed to mitigate economic vulnerability of Pakistan in the event of a geopolitical crisis policies.

Journal Writing and Its Effect on Reflective Practice and Critical Thinking of Prospective Teachers

Tanzela Bashir — 2026-05-21

The present study aimed to examine the effect of journal writing on the development of reflective practice and critical thinking of prospective teachers within the positivist paradigm. The researcher employed an A-B-A single subject research design. This study was experimental in nature. The population of the study was all comprised prospective teachers enrolled in the Department of Education at the University of Lahore. A purposive sampling technique was used to select eighteen students from the B.Ed. (Hons) Elementary 7th semester program. The intervention spanned 16 weeks and adhered to an A-B-A withdrawal structure, which was adapted from a fundamental time-series design. It consisted of three phases: an initial baseline period without any intervention, a treatment phase during which critical-thinking strategies were introduced, and a withdrawal phase that reverted to baseline conditions. Data were analyses by using inferential statistics, particularly a one-way repeated measures ANOVA, which remained suitable for exploring changes within subjects over several time intervals. The finding exposed a statistically significant increase in participants' critical-thinking scores during the intervention. On the base of these results, it is advisable for teacher education programme to integrate reflective journal writing, mentoring experiences, and peer feedback. Furthermore, professional development workshops and training sessions focused on plans for reflection and critical thinking could further improve the professional development of future educators.

The Impact of the Strait of Hormuz on Pakistan’s Oil Prices and Economic Stability: A Critical Analysis

Waqia Rahat — 2026-05-21

This paper examines the strategic and economic consequences of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on Pakistan's domestic oil prices and on the macroeconomic stability of the country. In Pakistan, where more than 85% of crude oil comes from abroad via the Strait of Hormuz, the price of gasoline has increased 20% as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The detachment between supply and demand created by this situation has led to inflation, currency depreciation, and outages; therefore, it is obvious that more effective energy planning and improved economic policy must take place. This research study is based on qualitative methodology is utilized in which the researcher has been utilized on historical, descriptive and analytical methods with data collected from both Secondary and primary resources. The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence that the Straits of Hormuz has on oil prices and overall stability of the economy in Pakistan. There are many reasons for high gasoline prices in Pakistan create issues with the country's trade balance and contribute to rising inflation within industry and for low-income households alike. Waterways in the region, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, are targets of regional conflicts, which could disrupt the transportation of resources, hence, it is critical for Pakistan to have multiple forms of energy at their disposal; develop alternative forms of energy; create s

Climate Change as a Global Challenge: Implications for SDG 13

Sheeza Ihsan — 2026-05-24

Climate change has become a major global development challenge with serious effects on the environment, economy, agriculture, public health and social stability. This study examines the worldwide impacts of climate change within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 13. The study uses a qualitative method and relies on both primary and secondary sources. Primary data include official organizational reports, while secondary sources include books, journal articles, newspaper articles and institutional publications. The study finds that climate change has increased global temperatures, glacier melt, sea-level rise and extreme weather events. These changes have damaged ecosystems, reduced agricultural output, threatened food and water security and increased health risks. The research also highlights economic losses, migration, displacement and social inequality, especially in vulnerable and low-income regions. The study identifies greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and fossil fuel dependence as major causes of modern climate change. It concludes that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a serious challenge to sustainable development. The study recommends renewable energy, reforestation, climate education, environmental protection and international cooperation as key responses.

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of Global Governance: A Critical Analysis of Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Frameworks

Muqadas Rasheed — 2026-05-24

This research examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and transformation of global governance, its opportunities, risks and regulatory challenges at international level. The research investigates how AI is revamping the governance structures, policy making procedures, international security and geopolitical relations between the states. Whilst AI provide vast opportunities in healthcare, innovation, administration and sustainable development, it also invents various problems such as cybersecurity threats, privacy issues, misinformation, algorithmic bias, ethical concerns and increasing inequality between the developed and developing countries. Regional frameworks, international organizations and major powers can play effective role in developing AI governance and regulatory policies. This study is significant because the omission of a integrated global regulatory framework has constructed the fragmented governance mechanism and has resulted in the increase of geopolitical competition between the major powers. This research uses qualitative research methodology based on analytical and descriptive approach. The data is collected through secondary sources such as academic journals, policy reports and official documents.

Psychosocial Factors of Cervical Cancer Vaccine Hesitancy in Parents

Zunaira — 2026-05-26

This study examines how do Psychosocial factors (Health belief, Illness Perception and Religious Attitude) tend to influence the level of cervical cancer vaccine hesitancy in parents. Despite the global implementation of HPV vaccine, uptake remains sub- optimal in Pakistan amid its recent national rollout, where parent’s skepticism driven by the misinformation, lack of trust and fear of infertility has hindered campaign success. A (Quantitative) Correlational research design was used. The parents (fathers=55, mothers=91) were recruited from community settings using snowball sampling Strategy. The standardized instruments was used such as the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear, Religious Attitude Scale and WHO SAGE Vaccine Hesitancy Scale, in addition to a demographic questionnaire. The results showed that parents who had a higher level of perceived seriousness of cervical cancer exhibited less vaccine hesitancy, specifically in terms of lack of confidence. Conversely, greater illness perceptions were linked with greater worries about vaccine-related harms, hinting at the multidimensional and complex nature of vaccine hesitancy. The relationship of psychosocial factors and vaccine hesitancy, however, was not significantly moderated by religious attitude. Culturally sensitive awareness programs, improved health communication and targeted community-based strategies may enhance vaccine acceptance and contribute to the preventions of cervical cancer in Pakistan.

From Greed to Generosity: Human Transformation in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

Rajendra Prasad Bhatt — 2026-05-28

This paper explores the theme of human transformation in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol by focusing on the journey of the protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge, from greed and selfishness to kindness and generosity. The study examines how the novelist presents the social and moral problems people faced during Victorian era through the representation of different characters and events. Scrooge initially ignores human and social values, lives an isolated life and runs only after the wealth. With the passage of time, when the spirit of his former partner Jacob Marley, the Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come visit to him, Scrooge realizes the negative consequences of his deeds and he gradually transforms himself into a caring and charitable person. Applying qualitative methodology with a textual analysis approach, this paper is trying to highlight the writer's message that transformation is possible when individuals realize their mistakes and desire to make themselves a good human being. This study analyses how the narrative demonstratives the issues of materialism, inequality, injustice and lack of humanity while emphasizing the importance of love, kindness, selflessness and moral values in human life. The research further argues that the transformation of the protagonist reflects a positive light for social reform and human welfare. The novelist concludes with the message that A Christmas Carol is a literary work of all times that encourages the audience to value generosity, compassion, and social responsibility over greed and selfishness.

The Role of Institutional Trust in Shaping Youth Political Participation in Pakistan: A Behaviouralist Analysis in the Context of SDG 16

Nayab Asghar — 2026-05-29

This study examines the role of institutional trust in shaping youth political participation in Pakistan through political behaviourism theory within the framework of SDG 16, which emphasizes peace, justice, and strong institutions. As a country with a large youth population, Pakistan’s democratic future depends on the political attitudes, perceptions, and participation patterns of its young citizens. However, political instability, governance challenges, concerns about corruption, and electoral transparency have undermined youth trust in political institutions, which has affected their engagement in formal democratic processes. Political behaviourism describes the impact that individuals’ beliefs, attitudes, and trust in political institutions have on political participation. To analyze this relationship, the study used a quantitative and descriptive research design. Data were collected from 400 respondents using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale using online and offline survey methods. The results show that although Pakistani youth generally display low trust in political institutions, they remain politically aware and actively engage through social media and alternative forms of political expression. The study recommends to strengthen transparency, accountability, civic education, and inclusive governance for the restoration of youth confidence in Pakistan and for the promotion of meaningful democratic participation.

Personality Matters: Investigating the Intersection of Personality and Quality of Life in Patients of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Zil-e-Huma Anjum — 2026-06-04

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. This disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. CAD also associated with mental health issues. The aim of this research is to investigate the link between patients' quality of life and D-type personality in those who have coronary artery disease (CAD). A qualitative correlational research design was employed to collect the data. A total of 210 patients (men=127 & women=83) with coronary artery disease selected through purposive sampling. The study utilized standardized Urdu versions of Type D Scale-14 (Denollet, 2005) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale brief form (WHO, 1996) to measure personality and quality of life. Findings indicated that Quality of life is correlated with facets of the type-D personality, with its subscales social inhibition and negative affectivity. Regression analysis revealed that gender, social inhibition (SI), and negative affectivity (NA) all adversely predicted quality of life and collectively accounted for 39% of the variance. Mean differences were observed in gender, where women scored more on Type-D personality, Negative Affectivity, and Social Inhibition, while men scored higher on Quality of Life. The study outcomes provided valuable insights into the psychological factors affecting coronary artery disease patients' quality of life. The research findings could aid in the development of preventative measures and methods for promoting mental health, which would help vulnerable people, avoid developing mental health problems in the first place as well as manage current psychological challenges.

Tax Avoidance and Financial Policy: Evidence from Corporate Firms

Abdul Qadir Bhatti — 2026-06-04

The present study examines the effects of tax avoidance on corporate financial decisions by analysing firms that cross traded G20 economies between 2012 and 2022. The concept of tax avoidance is proxied by the effective tax rate (ETR) and the financial policy is measured with the short term leverage and total debt. In the analysis, secondary data from DataStream is used. A fixed-effects model regression model is used to analyze the relationship between these variables using a Hausman test to select the model. The results are also confirmed with robustness by running two-step System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimations and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) estimations. It is found that companies with greater tax avoidance are more leveraged up. This positive association between tax avoidance and leverage holds true across all estimation methods thereby validating the findings. Overall, the study underscores the fact that corporate tax planning has a considerable impact on financing decisions and boosts the reliance on debt capital.

Global Power Politics and Developing Countries: Examining Dependency, Foreign Influence, and National Sovereignty

Hafsa Javed — 2026-06-05

This study examines the impact of global power politics on developing countries, with particular emphasis on economic dependency, political influence, and challenges to national sovereignty. The research investigates how major powers shape the political, economic, and strategic environments of developing states through foreign aid, loans, trade agreements, military cooperation, and diplomatic engagement. Drawing upon Dependency Theory and contemporary debates in international relations, the study explores the ways in which unequal power relations influence policy-making and development outcomes in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. A qualitative research methodology is employed, relying on secondary sources including academic literature, policy reports, government publications, and case studies. The findings reveal that powerful states and international institutions often exercise influence through economic assistance, debt arrangements, strategic partnerships, and technological dependence, which can limit the policy autonomy of developing countries. While foreign engagement may contribute to infrastructure development, investment, and technological advancement, excessive dependence can undermine sovereignty, increase debt burdens, and constrain sustainable development. The study concludes that developing countries can reduce vulnerability to external influence by strengthening domestic institutions, promoting economic diversification, enhancing regional cooperation, and pursuing balanced foreign policies. These measures are essential for achieving sustainable development, protecting national interests, and increasing resilience within an increasingly competitive global political order.

Translation and Validation of the English Version of the Interpersonal Difficulties Scale among Pakistani Adolescents and Young Adults

Samreen Afzal — 2026-06-06

Adolescent interpersonal difficulties are a significant psychosocial issue, especially in cultures where family expectations, peer relationships, emotional regulation, social norms, and digital engagement influence interpersonal functioning. The Interpersonal Difficulties Scale (IDS), originally developed in Urdu within the Pakistani cultural context, is a multidimensional measure of interpersonal difficulties. The present study translated the IDS from Urdu into English following International Test Commission guidelines and evaluated its psychometric properties among Pakistani adolescents. The final 59-item English IDS was administered to a gender-balanced sample of 500 Pakistani adolescents aged 18–19 years. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 29 and AMOS 24. Test–retest reliability over a two-week interval was satisfactory, with interclass correlation coefficients ranging from .84 to .91. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the original six-factor structure and showed acceptable to good model fit. Overall, the English IDS appears to be a reliable and culturally relevant instrument for assessing interpersonal difficulties among English-speaking adolescents.

Environmental Crime, Regulatory Evolution and Enforcement Challenges

Ahtesham Dhariwal — 2026-06-06

This study explores the environmental crime, the role law can play and challenges faced by regulatory agencies in implementation of environmental laws. The paper briefly discusses the environment, crimes specifically related to the environment and the enforcement challenges faced by different jurisdictions. Environment crime is illegal activities that degrade environment. It starts from exploitation of natural resources and ends in carelessness by natural and artificial person. Illegal logging, illicit trade of natural resources, fisheries crime, hazardous waste, and pollution etc. are the examples of environmental crimes. The study is exploratory in nature and analyse the theory. The research is based on the primary data such as the statutes and the secondary data, which are scholarly articles. It is found that weak enforcement is the result of insufficient data, unclear sanctions, infrequent prosecutions, corruption among bureaucrats particularly in developing countries, administrative penalties rather than criminal, limited resources, and lack of cross border cooperation.

Effectiveness of AI-Based Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) Using SpeakingPal to Enhance English Speaking Skills of ESL Learners: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Suhail Ahmed Sarhandi — 2026-06-09

This study examined the effectiveness of the AI-based SpeakingPal mobile application in improving English speaking proficiency among first-year undergraduate ESL learners. It was delimited to 60 female A2-B1 learners at one public-sector girls' degree college in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, and focused on fluency, pronunciation accuracy, communicative competence, and coherence and cohesion during an eight-week intervention. AI-supported Mobile-Assisted Language Learning offers repeated speaking practice, immediate feedback, and opportunities for autonomous learning beyond the classroom. However, controlled evidence concerning AI-based speaking applications remains limited in under-resourced South Asian higher-education contexts. This study addressed that gap by evaluating SpeakingPal under authentic classroom conditions. The study employed a quantitatively dominant mixed-method, quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control-group design. Using purposive sampling, 60 first-year undergraduate ESL learners were assigned through two intact classes to an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The experimental group used SpeakingPal for four approximately 30-minute sessions per week for eight weeks, whereas the control group received conventional speaking instruction for an equivalent period. Data were collected through a validated 20-point speaking rubric, a 20-item learner-engagement questionnaire, application-use records, and semi-structured interviews with 12 experimental-group participants. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired- and independent-samples t-tests, ANCOVA, and Cohen's d, while interview data were analysed thematically. Both groups improved, but the experimental group achieved substantially greater gains across all four speaking dimensions. Its mean post-test speaking score (M = 17.43, SD = 1.52) exceeded that of the control group (M = 13.27, SD = 1.84), t(58) = 9.71, p < .001, d = 2.51. The group effect remained significant after controlling for pre-test performance, F(1, 57) = 94.26, p < .001, partial eta squared = .62. Learners reported high engagement and perceived usefulness (M = 4.32/5.00), while interviews highlighted immediate feedback, reduced speaking anxiety, and greater autonomy, alongside connectivity and speech-recognition challenges. SpeakingPal should be integrated as a structured supplement to teacher-led ESL speaking instruction rather than as a replacement for classroom teaching. Institutions should support reliable internet access and learner access to compatible devices, while developers should improve speech-recognition accuracy for regional accents and low-bandwidth settings. Future studies should use larger and more diverse samples, longer interventions, longitudinal follow-up, and detailed usage analytics

Education Policy and the Pursuit of SDG 4 in South Asia: A Comparative Study of Bangladesh and Afghanistan

Batool Hassan — 2026-06-09

This paper compares the education policy in Bangladesh and Afghanistan in terms of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4: Quality Education). The study uses five analytical frameworks: human capital theory, the capability approach, the political economy analysis, gender and intersectionality, and new institutionalism to question the role of governance structures, ideological orientations, and aid architectures in mediating educational outcomes. Bangladesh is showing quantifiable access improvements and continuing quality gaps, but Afghanistan has been experiencing a disastrous backsliding after the Taliban returned in 2021, which has been endemic in blocking access to education by girls.

Climate Justice and Socioeconomic Inequalities among Flood Victims in Lahore

Javeria Islam — 2026-06-09

This study explores the link between climate justice and socio-economic inequalities through the experiences of the communities affected by the floods in Lahore, Pakistan. The study also examines how class, gender, and location shape people’s vulnerability, impact, and recovery. Pakistan contributes a very low percentage in global carbon emission, yet it is highly affected by climate change particularly by flood. This study used qualitative approach to collect data from the residents of Lahore. The participants were 16 residents (8 men and 8 women) who have been affected by flooding, using purposive sampling of residents who are from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and lived in both informal settlements near drains and planned gated communities. Each participant was interviewed individually, through an interview guide. Findings of the study showed that floods affect people differently based on their income, class, household locations. However, people from upper strata, and higher income are less affected. The study also highlights gender inequalities, with women facing increased responsibilities, health risks, and limited decision-making power, whereas men deal mainly with financial pressure. Moreover, post flood relief distribution also remains unequal and influenced by connections and documentation, leaving many vulnerable groups unsupported. Overall, the study shows that floods in Lahore are not just natural events but are shaped by social inequalities and governance issues. It suggests that there is a need for long-term, inclusive, and equitable strategies to address climate risks and support vulnerable communities. It is important to ensure gender-sensitive disaster management through gender participation in planning and decision-making process.

Impact of Self-Efficacy and Time Management Skills on Career Readiness of Final Year Students

Tania Nawaz — 2026-06-12

With of the growing rivalry in the job market, career readiness has become a major concern in higher education. This study examines how time management skills and self-efficacy affect final-year undergraduate students' readiness for the career. While time management skills include organizing, setting priorities, and efficiently using time for academic and professional development activities, self-efficacy represents people's confidence in their capacity to do job-related tasks. A causal-comparative survey design was used. Final-year undergraduate students from both public and private universities made up the group. Using stratified random sampling, a sample of 400 students was selected from the education, science, and social science departments. Standardized questionnaires of efficacy were adopted from (Najwa Husniyatin Nadhiroh, 2025). Career Readiness was adopted from (Sheerad Sahid, 2024), and Time Management Skills is an instrument developed by (Britton & Tesser, 1991) The instrument was validated through expert opinion to establish content validity, and construct validity was confirmed through exploratory factor analysis, while reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis, correlation analysis, and descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that career readiness is significantly positively predicted by self-efficacy and time management skills. In order to improve students' readiness for career transitions, the study emphasizes the significance of cultivating psychological confidence and efficient time management skills. Institutions of higher learning are advised to incorporate career development programs that emphasize time management instruction and the improvement of self-efficacy.

Ethical Leadership in Secondary Schools: A Phenomenological Inquiry into Head Teachers' Lived Experiences and Barriers

Waneeba Javed — 2026-06-14

Ethical leadership is a key area for quality school leadership. This study aims to explore the lived experience of secondary school head teachers of ethical leadership and the obstacles they face in their practice. It was a qualitative study with a phenomenological research design. Eight public secondary school head teachers from Gujranwala, Punjab, were selected as the sample through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews based on a self-developed interview guide. Interviews were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis. Results indicated that ethical leadership is a value-based activity that helps in fostering fairness, honesty, transparency, accountability, integrity, and role modelling. The study also revealed political and community interferences, limited resources, socio-cultural expectations of seniority and gender, and professional obligations as barriers to the emergence of ethical leadership. It is concluded that ethical leadership can serve as a transformative institutional resource to support ethical school climate and ongoing school improvement.

Hereditary Load and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Comparative Analysis of Risk Patterns in Pakistan

Nigar Fatima — 2026-06-15

The etiology of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is a complicated set of genetic, hereditary, and environmental factors. The high consanguinity and diverse socioeconomic settings in Pakistan produce a distinct epidemiological picture of NDDs, but there is limited comparative data on how such variables vary between distinct diagnostic groups. These are crucial determinants to consider in the sense of regional genetic counseling and resource allocation within the domain of the population health. The aim of the research was to investigate the socio-demographic variables and the hereditary load of four distinct groups of NDDs among a sample of Pakistani patients in a clinical cohort, which included Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Down Syndrome (DS), and Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD). The epidemiological cross-sectional design was applied and a sample of 80 children and adolescents (11-18 years old) was used. The participants were stratified into four diagnostic groups (n=20 each). Gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and a more detailed family history (consanguinity and hereditary clusters) data were gathered using structured clinical interview and medical record. Chi-square tests of independence and descriptive modeling were used to statistically analyze data to determine significant risk patterns. The correlation between family history and diagnostic category was found to be of a very high significance (p =.007) with the IDD group having the highest hereditary burden (100%) and ASD group having the lowest (60%). Gender differences were also significant with males being dominant in ASD and females dominant in IDD. Conversely, no significant differences were found between socioeconomic status and personal forms of NDDs (p = .690) suggesting that the disorders are distributed across the socioeconomic continuum in this cohort. The findings emphasize the power of genetics in Intellectual Developmental Disorders among Pakistani population which is likely to be related to local marriages arrangements. Even though SES does not appear to be a significant predictor of NDD type, the significant gender and heredity differences imply that there is a need to take certain public health actions. These results underpin the concept of enhanced genetic screening and culturally sensitive family counseling in order to minimize the NDDs burden in Pakistan.

Gaslighting, Emotional Invalidation and Well-Being in Married Individuals

Aalaaf Noor — 2026-06-19

The present study investigated the relationship between gaslighting, perceived emotional invalidation, and well-being among married individuals. Gaslighting and emotional invalidation were examined as independent variables, while well-being was treated as the outcome variable. The study aimed to determine whether harmful relational experiences within marriage are associated with reduced psychological well-being. A correlational research design was employed, and data were collected from married individuals using standardized self-report measures, including the Gaslight Questionnaire Urdu version, Perceived Invalidation of Emotion Scale, and WHO-5 Well-being Index Urdu version. The instruments demonstrated excellent internal consistency in the present study. Pearson’s product-moment correlation analysis revealed that gaslighting had a significant negative correlation with well-being (r = –.62), indicating that higher gaslighting was associated with lower well-being. Similarly, perceived emotional invalidation by a spouse was significantly and negatively correlated with well-being (r = –.61). Multiple linear regression analysis further showed that gaslighting and emotional invalidation significantly predicted well-being, collectively explaining 41.7% variance in well-being, F (2,147) = 54.19. Individually, both gaslighting (β = –.32, p < .001) and emotional invalidation (β = –.33, p < .001) emerged as significant negative predictors. Overall, the findings highlight the detrimental role of gaslighting and emotional invalidation in marital relationships and emphasize the importance of emotional validation, psychological safety, and healthy communication for promoting well-being among married individuals.

Realignment in the Middle East: Assessing The Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) and its Implications for Gulf Order

Mukhtiar Ali — 2026-06-20

This research paper aims to investigate the geopolitical implications of the Saudi–Pakistan strategic mutual defence Agreement (SMDA) in the security archetype of Middle-East and South Asia. . This development is not created in the vacuum of Middle East; it was designed due to the Israel assertiveness and flagrant attacks on Gulf States and elsewhere in Middle East. The Saudi-Pakistan defence pact is a qualitative study represents a profound reordering of alignments in the geopolitical sphere of Gulf and South Asian regions. The core phrase of this pact echoes collective-defence language reminiscent of NATO’s article 5, vowing that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both. This research examines a three-folder consequences on three regions simultaneously by discussing the impacts on Middle Eastern sphere: Gulf security and Iran–Israel balance, South Asian sphere: India–Pakistan rivalry and regional order, and Great-power sphere: shifting roles of the US and China. To what extent this defence pact will bring security deterrence in the volatile Middle Eastern and South Asian regional conflicts and how will big power’s influence increase/decrease in the region, this study draws Defensive Realism as a theoretical model to achieve research objects. By drawing geopolitical dynamics, the paper argues that the defence pact contributes to a new evolving forms of regional interdependence and indicates a gradual transformation of security orders across the Gulf and South Asian regions.

India–United States Strategic Convergence in the Indian Ocean Regions: Implications for Pakistan’s Maritime Security

Amjad Khan — 2026-06-20

The purpose of this study is to examine the evolving dynamics of India–U.S. relations and their impact on Pakistan's security environment. The study covers the period from the Cold War era to the present. The Indian Ocean is a strategically important region due to its significance for energy transit, maritime routes, Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), and geostrategic location. In the contemporary era, competition among major powers has further increased the region's strategic importance. Security agreements, joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic convergence between India and the United States have gradually strengthened their strategic partnership. The rise of China and the revival of the Quad have further reinforced this cooperation. This partnership has influenced the regional security architecture, altered the balance of power, and generated security concerns among regional states. This study is based on a qualitative research design and includes research articles, books, policy documents, and strategic reports, so that the trends, patterns, and impacts between India and the US can be understood and identified properly. The results of this research show that the relationship between India and the US has been changed into a strong strategic partnership. The prominent characteristics of this partnership are maritime cooperation and diplomatic convergence. Moreover, this partnership has changed the regional balance of power. These changes can create challenges regarding Gwadar Port and CPEC and other securities. It is recommended that Pakistan should strengthen its naval capabilities and must establish a system of maritime surveillance. Pakistan should also adopt active diplomatic relations along with develop and increase strong partnerships with close friendly countries.

Development and Preliminary Validation of the Women College Teachers Professional Development Needs Questionnaire: A Tool for Assessing Continuous Professional Development Practices

Shamaila Bukhari — 2026-06-24

This study developed and preliminarily validated the Women College Teachers' Professional Development Needs Questionnaire (WCTPDNQ) and applied it to assess continuous professional development (CPD) practices among women college teachers in Punjab, Pakistan. A pragmatic sequential explanatory mixed-method design was used. Quantitative data were obtained from 300 valid responses from public sector women's colleges in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur divisions after stratified random sampling and data screening. Qualitative data were collected through 30 semi-structured interviews to explain the quantitative patterns. The questionnaire was aligned with Guskey's professional development evaluation logic and comprised five factors: Professional Development Needs, Barriers and Challenges, Institutional Support, Participation in CPD Activities, and Impact on Teaching and Student Outcomes. Fourteen experts reviewed the instrument for content validity. Most domains produced acceptable to high content validity evidence; however, the Barriers and Challenges factor required further item refinement. The overall reliability of the 30-item instrument was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = .935). Descriptive findings showed strong professional development needs (M = 4.02), positive institutional support (M = 3.96), moderate CPD participation (M = 3.71), positive perceived teaching impact (M = 3.89), and noticeable barriers (M = 2.83). Professional Development Needs significantly predicted CPD Participation (beta = .502, R² = .252, p < .001), while Institutional Support strongly predicted Teaching Impact (beta = .737, R² = .544, p < .001). The study concludes that women college teachers recognize strong CPD needs, but institutional structures, flexible access, and gender-sensitive support are required to translate this awareness into sustained professional participation. Further exploration and confirmatory factor analyses are recommended before claiming full construct validation of the WCTPDNQ.