Journal of Social and Organizational Matters

The Influence of Mental Translation on Reading Comprehension in Second Language Learners

Ghulam Fatima, Rafique Ahmed Lakhan, Amina Bibi Bhatti — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research investigates the role of mental translation in second language (L2) reading comprehension among university students. Mental translation refers to the cognitive process in which learners translate texts from L2 into their native language (L1) to derive meaning. Although often considered a transitional strategy in early stages of L2 acquisition, it remains prevalent among university-level learners, raising questions about its efficacy and long-term implications on L2 proficiency. The study employed a mixed-method approach combining quantitative survey data from 300 L2 English learners across three universities in Pakistan and qualitative interviews with 20 participants. The research aimed to explore the frequency, perceived usefulness, and cognitive consequences of mental translation during reading tasks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and thematic coding. Findings suggest that while mental translation provides initial comprehension support, it may hinder direct L2 processing, leading to slower reading speeds and limited vocabulary acquisition. Most participants acknowledged reliance on L1 translation, especially when reading complex academic texts, despite advanced L2 proficiency. The study concludes that mental translation, though cognitively supportive, should be minimized in favor of direct L2 engagement. Policy recommendations include pedagogical strategies that foster L2 reading autonomy and cognitive flexibility, especially through inferencing skills, vocabulary-building, and metacognitive training.

Orientation of Knowledge Management strategies and their impact on Organizational Performance: Case of Micro Finance Institutions

Shama Sadaqat — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

It is common to refer to the SMEs as vital seeds for the breaking of the economic cycle of a country due to the ability of the business entities to create employment. Still, there have been reported failures; this is even when there has been a pervious investment of large amounts of resources in the sector over the last decade. In executing this endeavor, this paper seeks to examine the effects of KMS on the performance of SME financial institutions utilizing Resource Based View (RBV) theory of the enterprise, Organization Learning (OL), and Knowledge Based View (KBV) theories. According to the research carried out, it was realized that SMEs have managed to improve knowledge management through improvement in capacity development, availability of mentorship programs, enhanced application of modern technology, and consultations. Based on the study, it is suggested that SMEs should provide coverage to the training and enhance their training capacity using micro-finance services from Micro Finance Institutions and the other participants in the financial sector. The findings of this thesis can help SME owners in making appropriate business decisions, provided with the knowledge in this thesis, and would be useful to academicians, researchers, and readers willing to acquire knowledge.

From Service Delivery to Loyalty: How Perceived Quality Mediates the Airline Passenger Experience

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study relates to Pakistan's domestic aviation and deals with the relationship between the quality of service and perceived quality, on passenger satisfaction and loyalty. It also brings into perspective the mediation of passenger satisfaction. The theoretical frame of reference for this study is the theory of Expectation-Confirmation, and, to gather the data, a quantitative cross-sectional design was used. For this purpose, 382 passengers were surveyed from five major airlines operating at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data obtained through measurements based on validated scales. Results confirm that there is a direct significant effect of both Airline Service Quality (ASQ) and Perceived Quality (PQ) on Passenger Loyalty (PL). More significantly, passenger satisfaction mediates the relationship, playing a central psychological process through which service and perceived value influence loyalty behavior. All hypothesized paths are supported in the structural model with good indicator reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity, according to SmartPLS metrics. This study adds to the literature on service marketing by putting global service quality frameworks in the setting of a South Asian aviation environment and by emphasizing the emotional and cognitive dimensions of loyalty. The results indicate that the airlines should not only make operational improvements but also create a more satisfying experience for passengers if they are to enhance retention. The limitations and direction for future research are discussed to guide further academic and industry inquiry.

Exploring Writing Proficiency and Cognitive Engagement in Second Language Learners: Insights from Diverse Student Approaches

Rafique Ahmed Lakhan, Zahid Ali — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research investigates the complex relationship between writing expertise, cognitive thinking processes, and second language (L2) acquisition across diverse student populations. As globalization intensifies and English becomes a dominant academic and professional lingua franca, understanding how learners develop writing competence in a second language is essential. This study examines students from multilingual backgrounds to explore how their writing strategies, critical thinking abilities, and language proficiencies intersect and influence academic writing performance in English. Data were collected through surveys, writing tasks, and interviews with 200 students from different ethnic and educational backgrounds. Quantitative and qualitative methods were applied to analyze the relationship between cognitive strategies, language competence, and writing quality. The study revealed that students with high cognitive flexibility, metacognitive awareness, and strong first-language writing skills tend to perform better in second-language academic writing. Furthermore, writing performance correlates significantly with students’ ability to internalize grammatical structures and express abstract thoughts. These findings suggest that writing in a second language is not merely a linguistic exercise but an intellectual one, requiring strategic thinking and cross-linguistic skills. The research recommends integrating thinking skills training with writing instruction in L2 classrooms and developing assessment tools that evaluate both language and cognitive performance. The paper contributes to second language acquisition, educational psychology, and applied linguistics.

Project Management in the Digital World

Dr Sanaullah Aman — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The primary aim of this paper is to analyze the opportunities and challenges presented by project management in the digital world. It examines how emerging technologies, global collaboration, and data-driven practices alter traditional project delivery and identifies the benefits of enhanced efficiency and innovation as well as the obstacles of security, data management, skills, and integration. The goal is to provide a balanced understanding of how digital transformation affects project management. Project management has historically relied on well-established plan-driven methods characterized by sequential phases and detailed upfront planning. Over time, the rapid advancement of digital technologies, agile practices, and the globalization of teams has transformed how projects are delivered. This background addresses how conventional approaches are being upended by digitalization, requiring new tools and frameworks to cope with constant change. This study is based on a comprehensive analytical review of the scholarly literature and authoritative industry reports on project management and digital transformation. It synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed journals, reputable project management guides, and institutional white papers. Sources were selected through a systematic search of academic databases and industry publications, focusing on reliability and relevance and strictly excluding non-academic sources. The approach is predominantly qualitative and thematic, mapping key concepts and debates in current project management scholarship. The review finds that digital project management offers significant potential for improved collaboration, efficiency, and innovation. Digital platforms and agile methodologies enable real-time communication, automation of routine tasks, and data-driven insights, leading to more adaptive and effective project delivery. However, managing projects digitally also entails serious challenges: cyber threats require embedding security into project lifecycles; remote teams raise issues of trust and communication; skill gaps in new tools slow adoption; and the proliferation of software can overwhelm users. These findings highlight a complex landscape of gains and risks.

Role of Political Leadership in the Protection of Minorities' Rights of Pakistan

Sidra Awan , Tahira Mumta — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to examine how minority populations in Pakistan have long struggled to exercise their fundamental rights, emphasizing the necessity of strong political leadership to uphold and advance those rights. This study looks at how Pakistan's political leadership protects the rights of Ahmadis, Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs, among other minority groups. In-depth interviews with important stakeholders, such as legislators, human rights advocates, and leaders of minority groups, were conducted as part of a qualitative methodology. According to the report, Pakistan's political leadership has not always been consistent in upholding the rights of minorities; some have called for more safeguards, while others have continued to support discriminatory laws and practices. In order to guarantee the effective protection of minority rights, the findings also emphasize the significance of bolstering institutional institutions, such as the National Commission for Minorities. This study recommends the political leadership of Pakistan should prioritize inclusive governance practices, fortify institutional processes, and foster interfaith understanding and communication in order to better defend the rights of minorities, according to this report. The government should also pass and implement laws that forbid hate speech and discrimination against minority groups.

Role of Monetary and Fiscal Policy in Enhancing Exports Competitiveness: Evidence from Pakistan’s Trade Sector (1980–2023)

Ali Dino Mahar, Rafique Ahmed Chandio — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the role of monetary and fiscal policies in enhancing export competitiveness within Pakistan’s trade sector over the period 1980–2023. Export performance is a critical determinant of economic growth for developing economies, where macroeconomic stability, trade facilitation, and competitive exchange rates are essential to global integration. Using annual time-series data from the State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, and international sources, the study applies econometric techniques, including Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) tests, Johansen co-integration, and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach, to examine long-run and short-run dynamics between export competitiveness and macroeconomic indicators such as real interest rates, exchange rates, fiscal deficits, government spending, and export subsidies. Results indicate that stable monetary policy, maintaining a competitive exchange rate, and targeted fiscal interventions significantly improve export competitiveness. Conversely, persistent fiscal imbalances and volatile interest rates undermine trade performance by raising production costs and discouraging export-oriented investments. The findings underscore the importance of a coordinated monetary-fiscal framework to foster export growth and resilience, especially amid external shocks and global trade fluctuations. Policy recommendations include maintaining macroeconomic stability, adopting inflation-targeting regimes, rationalizing subsidies, and improving institutional coordination to bolster Pakistan’s export sector.

Listeners’ Profile of Buzz FM Radio 99.4 Jamshoro: An Analysis

Mohammad Mudasir Chandio — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This station really shapes how people in Sindh consume media by reaching out to a wide variety of listeners. We took a closer look at who’s tuning in—like their demographics, psychographics, and behaviors. We wanted to understand their listening habits, what kind of programs they prefer, and how engaged they really are. We gathered data from about 500 folks—students, professionals, and members of the community around Jamshoro and nearby areas. We used structured questionnaires and a stratified random sampling method to make sure we included a good mix of different socio-economic backgrounds. When we crunched the numbers using some statistical analyses—think descriptive stats, cross-tabulation, and regression modeling—we looked for connections between things like age, gender, occupation, education, and how often people listen, what they like, when they tune in, and how satisfied they feel about it all. Well, it turns out Buzz FM is mostly drawing in younger listeners, especially those in the 18–30 age range, with students making up the biggest chunk of the audience. They seem to really dig music programs, entertainment shows, and educational content. They’re not as popular, but still get some attention. This study really highlights the need for programming that speaks to the youth and content that comes from the community to keep those listeners coming back for more. We’ve also got some suggestions for Buzz FM on how they can better target their audience, mix up their content, and boost their community outreach.

Factors Influencing SMEs’ Adoption of Mobile Payments: The Mediating Role of Trust in Technology

Syed Yasoob Rizvi, Raheel Farooqi, Muhammad Sufyan Ramish, Muhammad Yasir — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to understand the factors contributing to the adoption of mobile payment systems among the users in Pakistan regarding factors that influence the technology and the relationship between Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Cost of Adoption (CA), and Security & Privacy Concerns (SPC) and Trust in Technology (TIT). The growing importance of digital financial solutions in new economies necessitates the study of trust development in technology to better promote its use among users. Data were collected from 220 respondents in mobile payment systems like Easypaisa, JazzCash, and Nayapay in Pakistan were gathered with the help of a structured questionnaire in urban areas. Purposive sampling technique was employed to make sure that relevant participants will be involved. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) conducted through SmartPLS was used to analyze the data. The findings show PU and PEU have positive and significant impacts on TIT, whereas CA and SPC have negative and significant effects. The result also shows a strong mediation between these independent variables and AI by TIT, and it proves its primary role in the decision making of users. These results indicate that trust is a pivotal channel via which perceptions concerning the usability of the system, its affordability, and security have been worked down to the intention of the active adoption. Their findings provide useful information to the fintech companies, the providers of mobile payments, and policymakers as well. By helping to make mobile payment platforms more convenient, valuable, and inexpensive, and having in place strong security and privacy measures, one can greatly increase the trust of the user and consequently their adoption. Awareness of these advantages and preemptive apportioning of the apprehensions of the users can also help in further enhancing the levels of adoption, particularly in a digitally developing economy such as Pakistan.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence Strategies in English Language Instruction: A Study of Undergraduate Students in Karachi's Private Universities

Hina Manzoor , Muhammad Mazhar Khan, Fouzia Malik, Naeem Akhtar — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The process of teaching and learning languages has undergone revolutionary changes as a result of the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into education. This quantitative study looks into how AI techniques are used and applied when teaching English to undergraduate students at Karachi's private universities. To find out how often AI tools are used, how effective they are thought to be, and how opinions vary across academic years and between students and professors, a structured survey was given to 50 instructors and 300 students at various universities. SPSS was used to perform statistical analyses, such as one-way ANOVA, independent samples t-tests, and descriptive statistics. The results showed that students actively use AI programs like Duolingo, Grammarly, and ChatGPT to improve their writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Though there was a substantial difference in perception scores between students and instructors (p < 0.05), indicating varying degrees of acceptance and trust, third-year students showed the greatest positive opinions of AI integration. The study highlights the necessity of curriculum modifications that strategically integrate AI tools as well as organized training programs for staff to promote more efficient and interesting English language instruction. These findings have important ramifications for future research in AI-enhanced teaching, teacher preparation, and educational policy.

Redefining The Entrepreneur: Qualitative Insights from Academic Discourse

Shujahat Ali, Wajahat Ali Ghulam, Muhammad Shabbir — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study attempts to discover the meaning of the word entrepreneur from a student’s perspective. In pursuit of the word entrepreneur throughout the literature, it has been revealed that an entrepreneur is a person who conceives an idea, creates a path to success, does whatever it takes to succeed, and tries to dominate the market. This is an ongoing activity that requires a mindset, compatibility, and persistence to fulfill people’s needs and attain calculative financial gains by considering risk factors. He is passionate and can move from one industry to another, depending on his knowledge, experience, and specialization. In view of our findings, an entrepreneur is an individual who arranges his business solely and invests money and resources to achieve profit and growth in the market. Six fundamental parts have been proposed for incorporation into the meaning of a businessman: advancement, opportunity acknowledgment, risk administration, activity, utilization of assets, and esteem. Some definitions of the term have been proposed, and the results indicate distinctive levels of advancement and entrepreneurial expression.

Relationship between General Cognitive Abilities of Secondary School Students

Zainab Qamar, Muhammad Aamir Hashmi — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sustainable Development Goal-4 (SDG4) emphasizes quality education by nurturing 21^st century skills like communication, collaboration, and information literacy, enhancing cognitive abilities of students. The main objectives of the study were to assess general cognitive abilities and to investigate the relationship among general cognitive abilities. The present study was quantitative in nature correlational research design. The study employed a two-stage sampling process to ensure a representative and diverse sample. In the first stage, simple random sampling was used to select three districts Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Kasur out of 36 districts, ensuring equal chances of selection. In the second stage, disproportionate stratified sampling refined the sample by selecting 20 schools from each district and randomly choosing 50 students aged 14–16 years from each school, ensuring balanced representation across gender and age groups. For general cognitive abilities researcher has designed an intelligence test specifically tailored for secondary-grade students aged between 14 to 16 years. The validity of the instrument was assured through expert reviews. To check the internal consistency of the instrument, pilot testing was done by collecting data from 60 students. The test standardization process was used to develop a semi-standardized test to measure the cognitive abilities of students. The researcher visited the selected districts physically for data collection. The collected data through test was analyzed by using item analysis. Data was also analyzed by using inferential statistics (Pearson Product Moment Correlation). Moderate correlations were observed between problem-solving and memory (r = 0.31), as well as between creativity and number facility (r = 0.22). Gender analysis indicated comparable levels of cognitive abilities among male and female students, while younger adolescents showed significant potential for growth. Based on these findings, the study recommends incorporating memory-enhancing activities and problem-solving exercises into the curriculum. Expanding future research to include longitudinal designs and diverse populations can further enhance understanding of these abilities and their implications for educational outcomes.

Accounting Information System and Financial Reporting Quality: Role of Internal Audit Effectiveness

Amir Fayyaz, Muhammad Ishtiaq, Faisal Anees — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Financial Reporting Quality (FRQ) has a great impact on the effective decision-making and business success due to enhance credibility. Hence, the main focus of this study is to judge the mediating role of Internal Audit Effectiveness (IAE) between Accounting Information System (AIS) and FRQ. Primary data has been taken through questionnaire under self-delivery and collection method. Based on a sample of 250 audit managers in Pakistani Textile Sector, the results indicate that the AIS helps to enhance IAQ and FRQ. The findings of current study are useful for academics, government and companies of textile sectors that prioritize transparency and accuracy in their financial reporting tend to be more successful in the long term, with better access to capital and stronger stakeholder relationships.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Cross-Selling in Retail Banking

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the relationship between Customer Relationship Management (CRM) implementation and cross-selling performance in Pakistan’s retail banking sector. Drawing on Relationship Marketing Theory and the Resource-Based View, a quantitative research design was adopted involving 210 Retail Bank Employees across major cities. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising Likert-scale items measuring CRM practices and perceived cross-sell outcomes. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation, and linear regression were employed using SPSS. Results indicate a statistically significant and moderately strong positive relationship between CRM effectiveness and cross-selling success (r = 0.658, p < 0.001; β = 0.598, R² = 0.433). The findings support the notion that CRM systems when effectively deployed enable banks to personalize offerings, enhance customer insights, and improve sales outcomes. However, the modest variance explained highlights the need for complementary factors such as employee training, integrated digital infrastructure, and customer trust. The study contributes to CRM literature in emerging markets and offers actionable recommendations for banking practitioners aiming to optimize CRM-Driven Cross-Sell strategies.

Linking Career Development to Job Satisfaction: A Study of Employees in the Banking Sector

Syed Muneer Ahmed Shah, Muhammad Shafique Kalwar, Shoukat Ali Mahar — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Employees job satisfaction has a substantial role in the banking sector due to various reasons, such as service-oriented competition and the high-pressure nature of the employees. This study investigates the effect of career development practices on employee’s job satisfaction in the private banking sector in the Sukkur region of Sindh province. The quantitative methods employed in the study involved collecting data from managers, operational managers, and junior staff using a convenience sampling technique. The study used a sample size of 320 to conclude the results. Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27/SmartPLS, the findings exert a positive and significant effect of career skill development, career support, career goal setting and career mentoring on employee’s job satisfaction. The findings of the study provide guidelines to policymakers and baking authorities to develop effective and employee’s friendly policies, which enhance employee satisfaction. Besides, the career development policies must be initiated to provide opportunities for employees to fulfil their career goals and dreams.

Sustainable Product Service System in Pakistan: Exploring the Barriers and Prospects for Adoption

Sajid Nazir , Saba Ali — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The current paper primarily intends to investigate the barriers encountered when implementing sustainable product–service systems (PSS) in the manufacturing sector for non-assembled products, considering both customer and provider perspectives. It also examines strategies manufacturing companies can adopt to address these challenges. The research employs an exploratory, case-based approach with an abductive methodology. Data were collected through 25 qualitative interviews conducted with individuals from various manufacturing industries. The interviews were carried out in two stages: an initial exploratory phase followed by semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analyzed using the proposed thematic analysis method. The findings are grouped into five overarching categories: three emerging from the providers’ perspective—characteristics of the manufacturing industry, customer and market awareness, and specific information requirements—and two from the customers’ perspective—core management practices and customer views on servitization. The results indicate that certain theories from existing literature cannot be directly applied to non-assembled products. Furthermore, the study offers new insights into managing several barriers not yet addressed in the current PSS literature.

Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Financial Performance: Evidence from SMEs in Quetta

Muhammad Shujjauddin, Khalida Durrani, Muhammad Ali, Ghina Saleem — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study explored the relationship between financial performance of businesses and CSR among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) working in Quetta city. Quetta, like other cities in Pakistan faces many societal issues, and SMEs can act in minimizing some of those issues. The population for the current study was the SME’s registered with SECP (Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan) operating in Quetta, City, with the sample of 278 SMEs. A self-administered questionnaire to measure CSR was employed to collect data from SMEs. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the impact of CSR practices on financial performance of SMEs of Quetta city. The results indicated that there is a significant impact of CSR on the financial performance of SMEs in Quetta. Furthermore, with the help of regression analysis the impact of each dimension of CSR (Economic, Philanthropic responsibilities, Legal Obligation and Ethical Responsibility) was studied. The results showed significant impact of Economic and Philanthropic responsibilities on financial performance, but Legal obligation and Ethical Responsibility showed a negative relationship with Financial Performance. This study further suggested that businesses must involve themselves in the CSR activities as it has a positive impact on the financial performance of businesses by contributing to their positive image building

Role of Career Traumas and Career Resources on Sustainable Organization Performances of the Service Sector of Pakistan

Rizwan Qaiser , Nosheen Pervaiz Awan, Anila Shahzadi — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A long-term employability or sustainable career spans multiple life domains and is a long-term, individual-level phenomenon, supported by employers through career development and work-life balance, leading to increased business performance. Long term employment maintains economic, environmental, and social performance, achieved through career development programs that foster employees' career growth and success. Theories such as Career Construction, Conservation Resource, and Social Exchange underpin this concept, highlighting the interconnectedness of career competencies, resources, and social exchanges in achieving sustainable careers and long-term employability, ultimately benefiting both employees and organizations. The results of this study have important consequences for professionals working in human resource development, career counselors, and educational institutions that offer higher education. For instance, educational institutions of higher learning could make use of the findings of this study to assist employees in making a smooth transition moving from contract to the long term sustainable organizational performance

Exploring The Impact of User-Generated Content on Digital Media Production and Consumption in Pakistan

Tanveer Hussain, Afnan Amin — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The research evaluates how user-generated content (UGC) affects digital media usage and content generation in Pakistan. The research examines UGC's effects on credibility and creativity and public opinion and crisis communication through the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DOI). The research used a quantitative survey method to collect data from 400 participants who were selected through purposive sampling based on their age range of 18 to 45 years and their residence in Punjab. SPSS is used to analyze the data through descriptive and inferential statistics which included Spearman’s correlation and independent samples t-tests. The study reveals that participants spent most of their daily time on UGC platforms with YouTube and Instagram being their preferred choices. The survey results show that users primarily consumed UGC for entertainment purposes (41%), as a source of information (20.3%) and for social interaction (20%). The research data represents that UGC frequency correlated weakly with reported opinion change at a significant level (ρ = 0.109, p =.029). The results show that content creators demonstrated significantly higher perceptions of UGC creative value than non-creators (t(398) = 2.219, p =.027; Cohen’s d = 1.007). The research findings indicate no significant connections between UGC frequency and perceptions of quality (ρ = –0.017, p =.729), credibility (ρ = –0.018, p =.723), or crisis understanding (ρ = –0.067, p =.181). The research shows that youth media routines include UGC but its cognitive and societal effects remain restricted or confined to specific contexts. The study suggests that Pakistan should improve digital literacy and content quality to maximize the potential of UGC in its media environment.

Freedom and Oppression in the Poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Habib Jalib – A Comparative Corpus Analysis

Maryam Sabir, Zafar Iqbal Bhatti — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study compares two poems written by Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Habib Jalib, and explores the theme of liberty and repression in the poetry works of the two authors through corpus linguistics’ tool such as AntConc. The poetry of Faiz is about the resistances of people in general and about social justice whereas the poetry of Jalib concentrates on the individual opposition to oppression. Qualitative method is used to conduct this study. Through the use of Key Word in Context (KWIC), the collocation, cluster and N-gram, the study identifies the recurring words and phrases concerning these themes in the works of both poets. The study identifies the peculiar language choice patterns followed by Faiz and Jalib to depict the resistance and it provides a new insight of understanding through integrating computers and literary analysis. Future researchers will benefit from this study by understanding how corpus tools might assist them produce their best work.

Measuring the Mood: Development of a Reliable School Ambiance Assessment Scale

Sehrish Khalid, Anila Inayat, Munazza Fiaz — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to develop and validate a reliable instrument for assessing school ambiance, which encompasses the physical, social, emotional, and organizational dimensions of the school environment. School ambiance plays a vital role in shaping students’ learning experiences, academic performance, and overall well-being; however, limited tools exist that comprehensively capture these multifaceted aspects. To address this gap, a questionnaire was designed following an extensive review of the literature on school climate and environmental factors. A pool of statements was carefully generated to reflect the major domains of ambiance, ensuring both conceptual clarity and content validity. The psychometric properties of the instrument were evaluated through reliability and validity analyses. Internal consistency, assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, demonstrated excellent reliability (α = .89). To further examine construct validity, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed, which extracted four distinct factors: Physical Environment, Social Environment, Academic Environment, and Administrative Support. The first three factors contributed nearly equally to the overall variance, while Administrative Support accounted for a smaller portion (14.10%). Despite this, all four components were theoretically sound and statistically well-defined, indicating a coherent structure. Overall, the findings confirm that the developed tool provides a valid and reliable measure of school ambiance. The scale offers educators, administrators, and researchers a systematic means of evaluating the school environment, facilitating evidence-based strategies for improvement.

Analyzing the Role of Gender Inequality and Structural Barriers Faced by Women Athletes in Pakistan

Rehan Mushtaq, Shafiq Qurban — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper is a critical analysis of the existing gender differences and infrastructural challenges that women athletes are facing in Pakistan. Based on the Radical theory (Feminism), Marxist Feminism, and Social Constructivism, the study surveys the scope by which the norms of patriarchy, institutional disregard, economic alienation, and a biased representation of women in the media limit female access and achievement in sports. It is based on a qualitative, explorative design, as semi-structured interviews were applied to speak with women in sports of various profiles, with sports reporters and representatives of institutions involved. Thematic analysis led to the identification of deep-seated socio-cultural resistance, lacking gender sensitive policies. Gender inequalities are experienced in terms of funding and structures, inequality within the infrastructural constraints, and symbolic expression in the media narratives. Nonetheless, several athletes have shown to be resilient by using grass-roots movements and online platforms to build visibility and power. The authors of the paper believe that an equitable sporting environment can be established through the practice of gender-responsive budgeting, infrastructure investment, media changes, and structural reforms in the governance of sports. Results become a piece of feminist work in the field of sport and provide policy prescriptions that can be implemented according to the global gender equality guidelines.

Revisiting Saka Nankana (1921): Potential Factors and Probable Effects

Munish Singh, Muhammad Hassan Rai, Mazhar Abbas — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Saka Nankana took place on February 20, 1921, when Mahant Narain Das and his mercenaries killed more than 200 Sikhs in a row over the custody of the Gurdwara Janam Asthan at Nankana Sahib. There is a general agreement among scholars who believe that the Sikhs sacrificed their lives in trying to free the Gurdwara from Mahant and his associates, who reportedly were alleged to have violated Janam Asthan’s sanctity by drinking alcohol and being involved in other immoral activities in its vicinity, and misusing its funds. However, Noori Kamboka’s thirty-six dholas challenge this narrative and reveal that the killing of the Sikhs was driven by economic factors (the Gurdwara land became valuable after canal irrigation), revenge (stemming from the Sheikhupura battle), and ego. A qualitative content analysis of the primary and secondary sources suggests that a combination of religious, economic, and personal enmity factors caused the massacre.

Visualizing Sleep Efficiency Patterns: Data to Insights

Kashaf Akbar, Itrat Batool Naqvi, Nahel Anwar — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to investigate the impact of various factors, including age, gender, and lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise, on sleep efficiency and patterns using a dataset collected from a study conducted in Morocco. The dataset comprises 386 participants, from 4 different age groups consisting of 2.9% adolescents, 22.9 % Young adults, 42.3% middle Adults, and 31.9% Late adults. Various statistical visualization tools of R programming language, like boxplots, scatterplots, grouping, correlation plots, pie charts, and mosaic plots, were used to analyze important patterns between these observed metrics. It was observed that sleep efficiency varies tremendously between age groups, ranging from 0.6 to 0.95, while sleep duration is constant throughout, ranging from 7 to 9 hours. Furthermore, on average, women struggle more with sleeping due to inconsistent sleep patterns shown through larger variations and outliers. Additionally, sleep efficiency had a significant relationship with age, Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep percentage, deep sleep percentage, alcohol consumption, smoking, and regular exercise. A very strong positive correlation was seen between sleep efficiency and deep sleep percentage (0.79) and a negative correlation between sleep efficiency and light sleep percentage (-0.82), awakenings (-0.57), and alcohol consumption (-0.45), respectively. Inactive lifestyles significantly impact sleep efficiency as indicated by greater Pearson residuals in the inactive groups, especially among females with low activity levels. These findings emphasize the significance of lifestyle factors on sleep quality and offer insights for enhancing sleep efficiency in various demographic groups.

Unpacking The Influence of Coaching Style Leadership on Startup Performance: The Serial Mediation of Entrepreneurial Passion and Entrepreneurial Satisfaction

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In an ever-changing environment of entrepreneurship in the current society, leadership is a key factor that dictates the destiny of startup success. The projected paper will analyze the relationship between Coaching Style Leadership (CSL) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Goal Setting Theory (GST) and Startup Performance (SUP). Particularly, it is concerned with the successive mediating effects Entrepreneurial Passion (EP), and Entrepreneurial Satisfaction (ES) in the correlation between CSL and SUP. Taking information on 272 new business starters at different incubation centers in Pakistan, the research uses quantitative methods to ensure that the model proposed is correct. The results demonstrate that CSL has a great role in boosting SUP, with the EP and ES playing a key mediating role. It is worth noting that the findings are congruent in ascertaining that EP and ES sequentially mediates the relationship between CSL and SUP, where the use of coaching style by leaders will ensure that the entrepreneurs demonstrate greater passion and satisfaction, which ultimately leads to better performance. The study adds to the existing body of literature on entrepreneurial leadership, indicating the associated psychological processes, in which the leadership behavior affects startup performance. Practical implications of using incubators, startup founders and policymakers are mentioned.

Predictive Role of Institutional Effectiveness on Students’ Learning Outcomes in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Punjab, Pakistan

Farasat Zahra, Muhammad Dilshad — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the predictive role of institutional effectiveness on students’ learning outcomes in higher education institutions. Research employs a cross-sectional research design; data was collected from a stratified sample of 1,129 final-year bachelor's degree students across 32 universities in Punjab. A researcher-created 70-question self-report questionnaire, covering students' perceptions of institutional effectiveness (including planning, management, climate, cost-effectiveness, and integrity) and student learning outcomes (personal development, academic achievement, and skill development), was used. Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed a significant positive correlation between institutional effectiveness and students' learning outcomes. Furthermore, institutional effectiveness was found to positively predict students' learning outcomes, explaining 87% of the variance. The findings underscore that higher effectiveness in academic institutions leads to better student learning. This implies that effective institutions, characterized by clear missions, continuous assessment, and responsiveness to stakeholders, enhance educational satisfaction and foster an environment conducive to student success.

The Triple-Layer Captures of Women Empowerment: Analysis with A Focus on Two Political Parties (PTI and ANP) In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2008-2023

Waleed Asghar, Shafiq Qurban — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Although Pakistan constitutionally guarantees gender equality and 33 percent female quotas in reserved seats, women in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) district lead less than one in ten village councils which has been frozen between the secular-nationalist (ANP, 2008-2013) and the Islamist-populist (PTI, 2013-2023) administrations. This article brings together feminist institutionalism and decolonial intersectionality as a means of questioning how the progressive party manifestos become systematically diluted at the point of implementation. Basing our arguments on 36 interviews of counter-stories, three gender-segregated focus groups, fifteen years of budget performance micro-data, and a fatwa corpus (2013-2022), we formulate the so-called triple-layer capture model:

structural--fiscal re-appropriation, ghost DWO posts, male parliament boards;
cultural--jirga no-objection certificates, 47 Deobandi fatwas, honour-based ATM-card patriarchy;
Intersectional--110km to nearest VAWC, landlessness, Christian/Hindu triple jeopardy.

Both parties achieved quota break through, but women never had more than 9 percent and less than 10 percent of the estimated domestic-violence cases taken to court as UC chairmen. Theoretically, we prove that the symbolic incorporation is not a policy failure, but a gendered balance result of inter-locking patriarchal infrastructures absorbing and neutralizing (regarding ideological wrapping) egalitarian rhetoric. Empirically, we provide the first intersectional audit of party gender policy failure at the frontier that was a post-colony. We have KP-based, costed blueprint-statutory 10% gender responsive budgeting, mobile VAWC caravans, and male-Alima counter-fatwa networks, which also provide a copycat strategy in the polity of patriarchy with quotas in motion and empowerment creating an impasse.

Examining the Relationship Between Principals’ Supportive Work Environment Practices and Teacher Burnout in Pakistani Public Schools

Muqaddas Mehmood, Sumaira Munawar, Iram Muzzamil — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Teacher burnout is a critical issue in educational systems worldwide, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. In Pakistan, public sector teachers are particularly vulnerable due to overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and high administrative pressures. School principals, as instructional and organizational leaders, play a pivotal role in shaping work environments that can either exacerbate or mitigate burnout. This study investigates the relationship between principals’ supportive work environment practices and teacher burnout among secondary school teachers in Pakistani public schools. Using a correlational research design, data were collected from 300 secondary school teachers in the district Lahore and Sheikhupura through the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Educators Survey (MBI-ES) and the Supportive Work Environment Practices Scale (SWEP). Results indicated a significant positive correlation (r = .56, p<.001) between supportive practices and burnout Findings suggest that principals’ recognition of teachers, workload management, and emotional support play a crucial role in reducing burnout.

Intolerance of Uncertainty, Social Anxiety, and Psychological Wellbeing Among University Students

Laiba Shaukat, Shaista Jabeen — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Intolerance of uncertainty is associated with negative cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty, social anxiety and psychological well-being among university students. Studying these relationships will help to understand the association between variables which influence individual well-being in different social contexts. A cross-sectional study was conducted, using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected from 280 university students using validated scales e.g., Intolerance of Uncertainty (IUS), Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) and Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the results. Intolerance of uncertainty was positively correlated with social anxiety (r= 0.40; p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with psychological well-being (r= -0.25; p<0.001). Social anxiety also showed a negative correlation with psychological well-being (r=-0.35; p<0.001). Intolerance of uncertainty and social anxiety were strong negative predictors of psychological well-being among university students. Social anxiety is associated with intolerance of uncertainty. Therefore, to avoid social anxiety it is important to avoid uncertainty. These variables can reduce psychological wellbeing of the individual.

Green Export Finance under Emerging Carbon Border Measures: A Pakistan-Centred Qualitative Study

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Carbon border measures and EU product sustainability rules are beginning to reshape export finance for developing country manufacturers. Focusing on Pakistan’s steel (direct CBAM exposure) and textiles/leather (indirect ESPR/DPP/CSDDD pressures), this paper examines how exporters, banks, and EU/UK buyers translate compliance efforts into cost and terms of capital. Using a multi-actor qualitative design (four focal interviews supplemented by documentary review) and cross-case patterning, we map the mechanism from verified evidence → bank recognition → pricing mechanics. Across cases, lenders respond not to sustainability narratives but to assurance-backed, decision-useful datasets: CBAM-template MRV (steel) and ESPR/DPP-aligned traceability plus effluent/chemical controls (textiles/leather). Where banks have embedded ESG fields in their models (ESRM-mature institutions), these datasets convert into basis-point step-downs, tenor extensions, and receivable-collateral relief. The largest and most consistent pricing effects occur when buyer risk-transfer instruments notably irrevocable payment approvals or sustainability-linked SCF tiers with auditable KPIs allow banks to price against the buyer’s risk. Pricing improved further as policy clarity increased (EU definitive-period CBAM; UK CBAM timing). Persistent frictions include assurance costs and data-plumbing gaps for SMEs; effective packages “stack” LTFF, Renewable-Energy refinance, and buyer-backed SCF in a single credit narrative. We contribute a Pakistan-specific, micro-level account of how regulation becomes finance, and offer actionable guidance for exporters, banks, buyers, and policymakers seeking to mobilize capital for compliance upgrades and decarbonization.

Exploring The Nexus Between Corporate Governance Mechanism and Stock Price Crash Risk: An Empirical Evidence of Emerging Economies

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to check the relationship between corporate governance and stock price crash risk. This study has been done in the context of Pakistan and India. The data was collected from two different economies, i.e. India and Pakistan. The reason for selecting these economies is these both economies are part of the SCO, and they are neighbouring countries with similar investment culture. The data was collected for 13 years from 2011 to 2023. The results show that corporate governance has a negative effect on stock price crash risk. When including information asymmetry as a control variable, the sign converts to positive, it shows that corporate governance itself doesn’t effect stock price crash. This study contributed in the literature in such a way that this is one of the studies where direct and indirect relationships have been tested.

How Organizational Culture Shapes the Link Between Perceived Support, Supervisor Backing, and Employee Engagement

Masheera Tahir — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research evaluates the effects of perceived organizational support (POS) and supervisor support (SS) on work engagement (WE) with organizational culture (OC) as the intervening variable. The paper applies Social Exchange Theory to explain how organizational and supervisory support function as important resources in promoting employees’ vigor, dedication, and absorption at work. While there is increasing global interest in engagement, empirical studies that explicitly position organizational culture in its contextual role have been scanty. This is more relevant in countries like Pakistan, where hierarchical and collectivist cultural tendencies dominate workplaces in forming employees’ perception of support. Under the positivist paradigm, this study adopts a quantitative research design and uses structured surveys to collect data from employees of healthcare and service organizations. Smart PLS 4 was used for hypothesis testing and moderation analysis. Findings indicated that POS and SS are significant positive predictors of work engagement; hence, they are very relevant antecedent factors that could ignite employee commitment and energy. The organizational culture variable significantly moderates both the relationships between POS and WE, as well as SS and WE. Moreover, supportive and constructive cultures enhance the effect of support on engagement, which, interestingly, does not directly significantly influence engagement itself. Therefore, culture does not play an absolute role but rather a contingent one. In theory, this paper also adds to the literature on engagement by inserting organizational culture as a boundary condition in the support-engagement relationship for better contextual influences. In practice, it gives clues about creating a supportive culture and developing relational competencies among supervisors for making employees highly engaged in Pakistani organizations. The limitations are big because the study has been conducted cross-sectionally and from a single city; hence, generalization is not possible. Future studies should take inspiration from this study and make it even more intense through long-term, multi-level, and cross-country analyses. This study implores firms in emerging economies to see support and culture as strategic implements for eliciting engagement, which therefore enhances employee performance and well-being on one side, and organizational resilience on the other.