Journal of Social & Organizational Matters

Contextual Learning as a Catalyst For Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation In Secondary School Students

Nadia Ali, Sumera Kulsoom, Zubair Younas — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This qualitative study investigates the influence of contextual learning on secondary school students' intrinsic motivation to learn. It is grounded in the interpretivist paradigm and uses a phenomenological research design. The aim was to understand how collaborative learning, self-reflection, and engagement with real-world scenarios impact students' internal desire to learn. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with secondary school students of Baluchistan, province of Pakistan. Data were analyzed thematically. The findings suggest that contextual learning is a powerful motivator. It fosters a sense of competence, personal satisfaction, and curiosity, which are the key drivers of intrinsic motivation. The study concludes that the more relevant the educational content is to students' lives and the more active participation they have in the learning experience, the more engaged and motivated they will be. A model of contextual learning that significantly enhances authentic motivation in adolescents is described.

Climate Wellness: Understanding the Impact on Human Health

Ayesha Liaqat — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Climate change is a critical global health challenge, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and exacerbating health disparities. With international initiatives aiming to cap the rise in global temperatures at 1.5 degrees Celsius.the urgency for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies is paramount. Despite these efforts, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have surged by 50% since 1990, intensifying the direct impact of climate change, especially in rural and underserved communities. Objectives were to identify the health effects of climate change, assess the vulnerability of specific populations, and propose community -driven interventions to mitigate these effects. Methods involved collecting qualitative data on greenhouse gas emissions, severe weather conditions , and the prevalence of climate-related illnesses. The study also investigated the mental health impacts of climate-induced stress and trauma, Especially affecting high-risk groups like young children, senior citizens,, and postpartum women. Findings indicate a notable rise in the prevalence of vector-borne and waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and heat-related illnesses within these communities, highlighting the multifaceted health risks linked with climate change. Higher global temperatures and severe weather conditions are linked to higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, while the mental health burden is reflected in increased cases of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Among postpartum women, exposure to climate -induced trauma elevates the risk of postpartum depression (15%), postpartum anxiety (20%), and post-traumatic stress disorder (40%). The study concludes that addressing climate-driven health issues requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating public health strategies with climate resilience measures. community-driven initiatives, such as climate –smart health education, sustainable resource management, and early warning systems, are essential to enhance adaptive capacity and promote sustainable development in line with sustainable development goal (SDG) 13.

Exploring The Impact of Mindfulness on Employee Work Engagement: The Mediating Role of The Emotional Strength and The Moderating Role of Work –Life Balance

Sitara Mir, Muhammad Qaiser Shafi — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The present research intends to investigate the impact of mindfulness on the work engagement of healthcare professionals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan, as the healthcare sector is an integrated part of the economy and responsible for public service. In the high stress setting of Pakistan’s healthcare sector, employee work engagement is critical for quality patient care, yet it remains a major challenge. This research paper explores the impact of mindfulness on work engagement among healthcare professionals, with a focus on the mediating role of emotional strength and the moderating influence of work-life balance Thus, the present study examines how workplace mindfulness influences emotional strength and employee engagement and inspects whether emotional stability mediates the relationship between mindfulness and work engagement. Moreover, the researcher also looks into the moderating effects of work-life balance on the relationship between emotional strength and work engagement. A causal study was conducted to accomplish the research goals. A structured questionnaire collected the primary data from 207 healthcare professionals. SPSS and SmartPLS software were used to conduct descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing. The findings showed that mindfulness positively influences workers’ emotional strength. Additionally, high levels of emotional strength positively influence employee engagement. The findings also confirmed the mediating effect of emotional stability on the relationship between mindfulness and employee engagement. Finally, the study found an insignificant moderating impact of work-life balance on the relationship between emotional strength and employee engagement. The research support SDG3 and SDG8 of UN`s sustainability goals.

Teachers’ Perceptions on Sufi Practices-A Study of the University of Sufism and Modern Sciences Bhitshah, Sindh, Pakistan

Arshad Saleem, Muhammad Munir Kayani — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this study, the views of the teaching faculty at the University of Sufism & Modern Sciences, Bhitshah, about the practices of Sufism have been investigated thoroughly. This study aims to unravel the pedagogical, philosophical, and spiritual paradigms of Sufi practices for developing a friendly, competitive, and progressive learning environment. It was a quantitative study. Thirty-three faculty members selected through the purposive sampling technique participated in the study. These were involved in lengthy, validated questions to provide insight into Sufi practices and their incorporation into teaching. Selection was based on age, experience, gender, and designation. There were four key variables: Sufi Practices (SP), Teaching Perception (TP), Integration (IN), and Social Impact (SI). Data was analyzed through SPSS 22 with descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed a positive, strong correlation among SP, TP, and IN, describing those Sufi practices engagement significantly enhanced teaching satisfaction with a sense of academic integration. On the other hand, the social impact had a moderate correlation with other variables. A remedy is suggested towards introducing these practices as part of the academic learning framework. The study reveals that the teachers widely comprehend Sufi philosophy and keep it in mind for spiritual development, emotional intelligence, and an open learning environment. However, most of the faculty members struggle to put these practices into daily teaching due to a lack of adequate training, facilities, and institutional backing for curriculum incorporation. The implications of this study are vast and have possibilities for broad utilization in teacher preparation, policy formation, and curriculum construction. Since the pre-primary level, the integration of Sufi values in education might empower the establishment of a more ethical, spiritually balanced, and morally balanced learning community.

External Debt and Economic Growth: Implications for Sustainable Development in Pakistan

Mubasher Ali, Mariam Zahid, Maria Idrees — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

External debt role in Pakistan economic growth has been analyzed in this paper. Over the years Pakistan has been relying on external debt financing and the purpose of this study was to investigate if external debt has positively contributed in the economic growth or has been a hurdle in the economic growth. The time period of data used in this research study was of 44 years (1977-2021). The data for the research study was extracted for multiple Pakistan Economic Surveys, World Bank Data Bank, International Monetary Funds. ARDL model was utilized in this study to explore the short run and long run relationship. Other variables that were incorporated to this study were Exports, Imports, Inflation and External Debt Servicing. External debt has a positive and contributing relation with Economic growth in Pakistan’s economy in both short run and long run whereas Exports also has a positive contribution towards Economic growth both in short run as well as long run.

Artificial Intelligence & Its Influence: Decoding The Consumer Mindset

Umm-e-Aimen Rauf, Maham Noor, Momina Asim, Arsalan Ahmed, Tehreem Shafi — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluates AI product purchasing decisions influenced by social media influencers through practical testing of ELM and the Source Credibility Model. The research evaluates customer product purchase choices concerning the four credibility elements alongside entertainment value informational value and influencer attractiveness. The structured conceptual model shows how credibility with entertainment components leads to central and peripheral processing whereas both informational value and attractiveness directly influence customer choices. The research shows that credibility features with entertainment value directly impact consumer purchasing behavior because they use the dual-path mechanism of the ELM. нада І Technology tools maintain existing features since customers rely on trust elements and emotional engagement factors when making decisions. The Source Credibility Model receives validation since experts with proven trustworthiness enable customers to adopt positive attitudes toward AI products. Emerging market tech firms together with marketers can utilize this study to determine successful strategies for AI marketing through credible influencers. Consumer acceptance increases from trustworthy emotional relationships more than from instrumental information combined with visual aesthetics. Future research should examine how AI marketing influences consumer behavior alongside changes in influencer disclosure transparency across various cultural contexts.

Impact of Job Satisfaction on Job Performance at different Career Positions: A Case Study of University Teachers in Skardu, Pakistan

. Sajida, Afshan Iram, Maria Mazhar, Wajeeha Sajjad — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Job satisfaction is a paramount in any organization, influencing employees’ morale, efficiency, and productivity. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of job satisfaction on job performance among different career positions. The study was conducted involving 100 faculty members belonging to different departments and working at different positions at the University of Baltistan, Skardu Gilgit Baltistan. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS and STATA. The logistic regression is used to check the impact of job satisfaction and job performance. The results of logistic regression showed a positive and significant relationship between job satisfaction and its various dimensions with job performance at different career positions. This means that job satisfaction through gratification in terms of job responsibility and tasks, pay, promotion/fringe benefits, work environment, supervision, co-workers, and technology has the ability to increase teacher’s performance irrespective of their career position at the university. Because, when they feel fulfilled and appreciated in their roles, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. The study findings suggest that the respective institute should focus on improving these dimensions of job satisfaction. Further research is recommended to investigate the long-term impact of job satisfaction on job performance and the productivity of an organization.

Impact of Financial Factors on Digital Economy: Assessing The Role of Government Intervention and Literacy Rate

Muhammad Muzammil Mateen, Wasim Abbas Shaheen, Noman Shafi, Waqas . — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the interplay between financial development, technological innovation, financial inclusion, financial globalization, government intervention, and literacy levels, and their collective impact on the digital economy in 44 Asian countries from 2003 to 2020. The findings reveal that financial development significantly enhances the digital economy by providing necessary infrastructure, increasing access to capital for tech firms, and fostering consumer confidence. Technological innovation is identified as a primary driver, with substantial investments in R&D and support for tech startups leading to robust digital economic growth. Financial inclusion profoundly impacts the digital economy by broadening access to financial services for underserved populations, thus enabling greater participation through digital banking and mobile money services. Financial globalization also positively affects the digital economy by integrating financial markets and facilitating cross-border transactions, enabling the transfer of capital, technology, and best practices. Government intervention serves as a critical mediator, with effective regulatory frameworks, supportive policies, and investments in digital infrastructure significantly enhancing the digital economy. However, excessive intervention may stifle innovation, emphasizing the need for balanced government involvement. Literacy levels moderate these impacts, with higher literacy rates enhancing individuals' capacity to utilize digital technologies effectively. Policy recommendations include strengthening financial systems, promoting technological R&D, enhancing financial inclusion, facilitating financial globalization, and achieving balanced government intervention. These strategies are crucial for fostering a conducive environment for digital economic growth and maximizing the benefits of financial development, technological innovation, financial inclusion, and globalization in the Asian region.

Evaluating the Integration of Critical Thinking Skills in Biology Instruction: A Qualitative Content Analysis of the Grade IX Pakistani Textbook

Muhammad Jamil, Afifa Marium, Farooq Ahmad — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to evaluate critical thinking in the Grade IX biology textbook. Qualitative content analysis was employed to explore the elements fostering critical thinking skills development in the textbook. Textbooks were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Qualitative content analysis was used for the textbook analysis with the facilitation of NVivo 15. The different strengths include the organization of learning objectives, visual presentation, and contextual application of biological concepts. Moreover, significant limitations were found, including lower-order skills assessment questions, linear scientific methodology, prescriptive real-world application, content-privileged memorization, and minimal epistemological discussion of competing scientific perspectives. This suggests that, as the textbook provides foundational knowledge for biology, there is insufficient scaffolding for critical thinking skills development through evidence-based evaluation, scientific argumentation, and independent enquiry. These findings contribute to curriculum development by highlighting the need for biology educational material to balance content acquisition with authentic opportunities for critical thinking skills development through higher cognitive engagement and enquiry-based learning methods.

Revisiting the Environmental Kuznets Curve: A Panel-Econometric Exploration of Green Innovation’s Mediating Role in the Nexus of Fintech, Green Finance, and Energy Transition (2000–2022)

Sher Khan, Wasim Abbas Shaheen, Usman Ullah, Waqas . — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study conducts an in-depth investigation into the environmental factors driving degradation and the role of innovations in fostering sustainable development, employing the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Using panel data from 60 countries over 22 years (2000–2022), the research applies advanced econometric techniques, including Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and Granger causality tests, to address endogeneity, heteroscedasticity, and serial correlation. The findings reveal that green finance, energy transition, and financial technology (fintech) significantly reduce environmental degradation, whereas inadequate waste management exacerbates it. Additionally, green innovation emerges as a critical mediator, enhancing the effectiveness of these factors in mitigating environmental harm. The study bridges key knowledge gaps, offering policymakers actionable insights into leveraging green finance, renewable energy, and fintech for sustainable development while underscoring the need for improved waste management strategies.

Judicial Activism and its Political Impacts: A Comparatively Analysis Pakistan and USA

Ammara T. Cheema, Ibtasam Zafar Butt, Iqra Latif — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the ways in which judicial activism influences public policy, upholds democratic norms, and addresses social and political issues in Pakistan and the US. Judicial activism, or the judiciary's proactive approach, has produced significant reforms in both countries. In the United States, landmark decisions such as Roev. Wade and Brown v. Board of Education have influenced social policy and civil rights. Following the attorneys' movement, judicial activism gained popularity in Pakistan, leading to the restoration of the judiciary and a renewed focus on the importance of the constitution. However, problems like judicial overreach, governmental interference, and political instability make the judiciary's job in Pakistan more difficult. The paper emphasizes that Pakistan's judiciary functions in a more unstable political environment, necessitating a careful balance between restraint and proactive action, whereas the US court has primarily shaped judicial activism through adherence to precedent and judicial independence.

The Effect of Career Development, Work Motivation, and Job Satisfaction on Employee Performance

Shakeel Ahmed Junejo, Ayaz Ali Jiskani, Sabtain Ali Lashari — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Employee performance is pivotal to the overall success and sustainability of an organization. As the dynamics of modern workplaces evolve, so too does the need to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing employee behavior and productivity. This research investigates the collective and individual impact of three significant workplace variables—career development, work motivation, and job satisfaction—on employee performance. Career development opportunities ensure growth potential, which contributes to employees' long-term engagement. Work motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, is essential for maintaining consistent performance levels. Simultaneously, job satisfaction reflects the extent to which employees' expectations align with organizational reality, significantly influencing retention and performance. This study utilizes a mixed-method approach incorporating both qualitative insights and quantitative data, collected through structured surveys across a cross-section of industries. Statistical techniques such as regression analysis and factor analysis are used to estimate relationships between variables. The findings demonstrate a strong positive correlation between these three factors and employee performance, with job satisfaction mediating the relationship between career development and motivation. The results underscore the importance of an integrated human resource strategy that fosters career growth, enhances motivation, and improves job satisfaction. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at organizational leaders and HR professionals to enhance workforce productivity sustainably.

Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan 2018-2019

Imran Khan, Shahbaz Ahmad, Maqbool Ahmad Awan — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study of the dynamics of civil-military relations in Pakistan following the emergence of a new political party after three decades of a two-party system in 2018 is a creative idea for research. The massive flow of information, as well as new modes of media and public engagement in the twenty-first century, has had a significant influence on Pakistanis, calling into question the military's lengthy involvement in Pakistani politics. Morris Janowitz's model of a 'constabulary force’ has given the idea of submission of the military to civilian authority as an ideal state of civil-military relations. It is an important model for the survival of Pakistan as a democratic nation and the military as a professional institution. This study has investigated the impact of the indirect involvement of the Pakistan army on the functioning of civil government, the democratic process, and the stability in the country. This paper systematically examines the working relationship of Imran Khan as Prime Minister of Pakistan with military leadership in his first year of power in the light of related issues of national and international politics. This work investigates Pakistan's prospects under a constabulary paradigm because its army has avoided direct involvement in politics and extended its role sitting behind the civilian faces after 2008. The Pakistani military has been working to promote the idea of non-interference in politics, which gives hope for Pakistan as a nation with rule of civilian supremacy. This paper also explains why the Pakistan army has avoided imposing martial law and instead created a new approach to manage political power in Pakistan.

Beyond Influence: The Behavioral Blueprint of Ethical and Sustainable Consumer Decision-Making

Sohaib Uz Zaman, Hina Asif , Syed Hasnain Alam — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Understanding how psychological and relational forces make decisions sustainable has now become more vital in the emerging ethical consumerism. Specifically, drawing what are termed bonding tactics, as well as trust, customer attitude, sustainable lifestyle and prosocial outcomes, in addition to decision paralysis as a cognitive moderator. This study explores this behavioral blueprint of ethical and sustainable consumer behavior. Thus, it borrows foundational theories including commitment trust theory (Liang & Wang, 2006) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) to study how relational marketing is translated into ethical action in the emerging economies of Pakistan. The method was a quantitative cross sectional one, where a structural equation modeling (SEM) was undertaken using SmartPLS 4.0. Meanwhile, data was collected from 400 people who are sustainability aware in urban and semi urban areas of Pakistan. The conceptual framework was validated through the tested 10 constructs and their interrelationships, such as mediation and moderation effects. It is found that financial and social bonding tactics have significant effects on trust that mediates consumer attitude and adoption of a sustainable lifestyle. TRU → CA → SL and CB → BI → PB were key supported paths with decision paralysis significantly limiting the path from sustainable lifestyle to consumer behaviour to just be carbonated, or to be feminist, but without actually saying so. Prosocial behavior variance was explained by the final model to the extent of 71%. Through this research, it is first theoretically and then practically widened on the ethical behavior model by incorporating cognitive boundaries, and then explored how managers can simplify ethical decisions. Future cross-cultural and longitudinal validations (Cruz-Cárdenas et al., 2025; Elsantil et al., 2025) are also recommended by it.

Enhancing Higher Education through Active Learning: Pedagogic Techniques and Student Perspectives

Imdad Ullah Khan, Abd Ullah, Imran Khan — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Fostering a secure and welcoming classroom environment is crucial for promoting active learning and student engagement. This study examines the implementation of active learning techniques in a small, public-sector university in northern Pakistan. Data was gathered from 150 students across various departments through random sampling. The majority of respondents were male, unmarried, and from nuclear families with parents employed in government jobs and residing in rural areas. Findings reveal that students consider group discussions and the use of multimedia as effective learning tools. Research has also indicated that teacher cooperation and a supportive learning environment are critical components in enhancing students' active learning. Additionally, it has been found that teachers' motivational strategies—like the use of inspirational quotes—have a positive effect on the learning outcomes of their students. The study demonstrated that students' active engagement in extracurricular activities and class is essential to effective learning. It was also found that audio-visual aids and instructional discussion events were beneficial for students' learning. The findings have ramifications for pedagogy at the postsecondary level with regard to enhancing student participation in the classroom and promoting active learning via the use of instructional techniques that promote secure and stimulating learning environments.

Pakistan's Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Policy: Implications for Gender Security in the Context of SDG 5

Sobia Hanif, Zeeshan Fida, Saman Sarfraz, Noor ul Huda — Sat, 03 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pakistan has been host to an estimated four million Afghan refugees for over four decades. However, in the wake of rising terrorism in the country, Pakistan announced the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) to address its security challenges. This study, nevertheless argues that the IFRP lacks a gender-sensitive approach. The plan, which disproportionately affects Afghan women refugees, contradicts with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which advocates for gender equality and women's rights. This study critically examines the implications of IFRP on Afghan refugee women, who face increased vulnerabilities upon forced repatriation. It employs the Feminist Security Studies (FSS) framework, to highlight gendered experiences of conflict and displacement faced by Afghan women refugees. Using a qualitative case study methodology, the research draws on interviews with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Pak-Afghan Youth Forum, Afghan female refugees, and women’s rights organizations. Secondary sources, including government reports, UNHCR data, and media publications, have also been utilized. The major findings arising from the study highlight the implications of IFRP for Afghan Women refugees who are likely to face gender-based violence, poverty, and social isolation upon return. Furthermore, access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for them remain severely limited under the repressive Taliban regime. As Pakistan seeks to adopt a balanced approach that preserves its national security while upholding humanitarian principles, it needs to reassess its repatriation plan by integrating gender-sensitive policies that protect vulnerable Afghan women and align with international human rights standards.

The Measurement of Education and Poverty: An Analysis of Pakistani Society

Muhammad Ali Panhyar, Abdul Hameed Kamal, Muhammad Bakhsh Lolai — Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Education and poverty are deeply interconnected in Pakistan, a country that continues to struggle with widespread poverty and low literacy rates. This study explores the relationship between education and poverty by assessing key indicators, methodologies, and estimation techniques to measure both phenomena. Education is a fundamental driver of economic growth and poverty alleviation; however, Pakistan faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, gender disparities, and socio-economic barriers that hinder access to quality education. This paper utilizes various measurement tools such as the Human Development Index (HDI), Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), and Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) to analyze the interplay between education and poverty. A thorough literature review presents global perspectives and Pakistan-specific challenges, highlighting how educational attainment can significantly reduce poverty levels. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, drawing data from national and international sources, and applies econometric modeling to evaluate the impact of education on poverty reduction. Findings suggest that targeted policies such as increased educational funding, vocational training programs, and female education incentives can drastically improve the socio-economic conditions of marginalized communities. The study concludes with policy recommendations for the Pakistani government and international stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions for poverty eradication through educational reforms.

Role of Managerial Competencies on Employee Performance Through Self-Efficacy and Perceived Organizational Support

Muhammad Kashif, Ghalib Atta — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The goal of this explanatory research is to provide more detail on the direct link, as well as the presence of a mediator and moderator, between employees' management abilities and performance at work. Previous researchers have successfully determined that a number of elements, including workers' managerial abilities, influence how well employees perform in the firm. Performance is the dependent variable in this study, and a few crucial competencies—communication, decision-making, organization, and professional ethics—have been selected as the independent variables. An attempt was made to determine whether or not self-efficacy mediates this association. While investigating the connection between abilities and performance, the moderating effect of perceived organizational support was also examined. Using the proportional stratified sampling approach, the study's population will comprise the administrative personnel of public sector universities in Pakistan's Punjab region. Quantitative research design will serve as the foundation for this study's technique. The available statistical tools, SPSS and AMOS, will be used to analyze the primary data, which was gathered by self-administered questionnaires. In the context of Pakistan, this study would be advantageous for the service industry, particularly the public sector educational sector. Researchers and policymakers who wish to examine performance using multiple factors in the same context or the same variables in different settings will also find it helpful.

Empowering Women through Legal Initiatives: A Study of Legal Reforms for Women Empowerment in Pakistan (2005–2024)

Sadaf Ashiq, Zahid Yaseen — Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article takes a critical look at the process and outcomes of the legal reform process for a women in Pakistan in the period of 2005-24. It analyses the impact of legislative interferences on the enhancement on women's socio-economic, political and legal status in a conventionally patriarchal society. The analysis is based on the review of legal documents, to include the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010), the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act (2016) and the range of family law reforms, with an assessment on how they have been implemented and how they have supported women’s rights and empowerment. Using a mixed-methods methodology, the research combines qualitative data and quantitative data. The findings reveals the areas of both success and ongoing challenges, including inadequate enforcement measures, social and cultural resistance and limited ecological knowledge among women. The analysis points that despite several legal reforms the situation women empowerment is facing multiple issues but "ideally there is need of a combination of policy effort, institutional commitment and public campaign". This work adds to the broader literature on gender justice and the delivery of development benefits through the law by providing policy prescriptions that would help in consolidating the relationship between the law and inclusive development and gender justice in Pakistan.

Impact Of Food Inflation 2024 On Food Consumption Pattern of Women of Reproductive Age (15-49yrs) In Rawalpindi / Islamabad

Khush Bakhat Tufail, Eesha Nusrat, Ayesha Wahid — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Inflation, a global issue, not only impacts the economy of a country but also influences the food consumption patterns of its people, particularly women. The continuously rising prices of food commodities compel the public to prioritize savings over consumption, which subsequently affects food intake, leading to decreased consumption among individuals. Pakistan, being a developing country, is undoubtedly experiencing the highest-ever price increases, adversely affecting the purchasing power of its consumers. To date, most research has not thoroughly explored the impact of food inflation on food consumption, especially among women. The main aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between food price inflation and its impact on the food consumption patterns of women, particularly in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A total of 106 participants completed an online questionnaire. Analysis of the results using SPSS revealed a mean age of 25.8 years (SD = 9.39). The study found that 48.1% reduced fruit intake, 45% reduced dairy intake, and 42% reduced meat consumption due to inflation. There was no significant association between employment status and consumption patterns (p = 0.274, 95% CI). The data suggest that inflation affects consumption patterns, with half of the population reducing their intake of fruits, meat, and milk due to rising prices. Further investigations should aim to establish a more comprehensive understanding of these relationships.

Breaking Barriers: Socio-Cultural and Economic Challenges in Girls’ Higher Education in Interior Sindh, Pakistan

Ghulam Fatima, Maria Bhutto, Rafique Ahmed — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to identify the socio-cultural and economic barriers faced by girls in Higher Education in interior Sindh, Pakistan. It also aims to find out possible solutions or strategies to overcome these barriers. Girls from interior Sindh do not have the equal opportunities as men. In interior Sindh there is discrimination when it comes to girls’ education. Girls face multiple barriers in their higher education due to certain social, cultural and economic challenges in Sindh. Therefore, mixed method approach was used to collect the data. The setting and participants used for data collection were consisting of the students and Female teachers of The Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University Sukkur. It is located in interior part of Sindh. Firstly, a questionnaire was adapted for female students in order to identify their socio-cultural and economic barriers. The number of responses were 66. Moreover, the semi-structured interviews were conducted from 6 female teachers to find out the possible strategies to overcome these barriers. The collected data covered the districts of interior Sindh such as Khairpur, Shikarpur, Sukkur and Ghotki. After analyzing the data, researchers found that the barriers that girls face in higher education are child marriage, gender discrimination, long-distance institutes and financial issues. The possible solutions to these challenges are community engagement and outreach, policy enforcement, mentorship and support networks, scholarships and financial aid, payment plans and installment options, sponsorships and public-private partnerships. This research is limited in interior parts of Sindh province only. Furthermore, it can also be conducted in different parts of other provinces with different audience in order to find out certain challenges and their possible solutions.