International Journal of Social Science & Entrepreneurship
IJSSE is a peer-reviewed International journal of Social Science and Entrepreneurship with a key objective to provide the academic and industrial community a medium for presenting original high-quality research or extended version of previously published research related to (but not strictly limited to) its scope which covers the wider aspects of high-quality research. The Journal is presently recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan in the "Y" Category.
Impact of Human Resource Management Practices on Employee Satisfaction: A Comparative Study of Public and Private Healthcare Organizations in Pakistan
Employee satisfaction has become a determining factor of organizational effectiveness especially in the healthcare context where it is the workforce that directly impacts patient outcomes. This research project examines how Human Resource Management (HRM) practices, namely, compensation, leadership, and training, relate to employee satisfaction in both, public and private, healthcare institutions in Pakistan. Quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted and 50 healthcare professionals (doctors and nurses) working in tertiary hospitals in Karachi were used as primary data collection instruments. The data were analyzed by means of SPSS (Version 23), which included descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation, and multiple regression modeling and allowed to determine relationships between variables. The results demonstrate that all three HRM practices substantially affect the level of employee satisfaction with compensation being the most significant predictor ( 0.41, p < 0.01), and then leadership ( 0.35, p < 0.01), and training ( 0.29, p < 0.05). The regression model had a high explanatory power as it accounted 62% of variance in employee satisfaction. Surprisingly, there was no statistically significant difference between the employees of the public and the private sector (p > 0.05), which implies that the structure of the sector is similar between the two sectors. The research will add value to the existing literature in the field of HRM because it will provide empirical data in a developing country setting and the significance of HR strategic interventions in healthcare organizations. It offers practical information to policymakers and hospital administrators to improve workforce satisfaction and retention by implementing the best HR practices.
The Effectiveness of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997 in Addressing Industrial Pollution: A Critical Analysis of Implementation and Enforcement Challenges
The research assesses how well the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997 manages industrial pollution through critical evaluation and analysis of its application to provide insight into the current state of PEPA's environmental governance capacity. To accomplish this goal, the analysis incorporates a doctrinal-analytical approach based on statutory interpretation, case law and judicial precedent as well as the analysis of empirical evidence from government reports and peer-reviewed journal articles. The study examines key provisions of PEPA relevant to the controls on industrial pollution and the implementation of those provisions as evidenced by related case law and institutional performance measures; it also situates Pakistan's experience within the broader international environmental law literature. The results indicate that there exists a significant gap between what is crystalised in the PEPA as a regulatory framework and what is actually happening with regard to the PEPA's effectiveness, due largely to institutional inadequacy, economic constraints, political instability, low public awareness, and the devolutionary impact of the Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment. As such, the paper provides targeted policy recommendations to address the above-listed impediments to improving PEPA's implementation, as it relates to the enforcement of PEPA, inter-institutional coordination, and enhancing environmental constitutionalism through the newly adopted Article 9A. This study provides further evidence for expanding the emerging body of literature that examines issues related to environmental governance in developing nations, especially as they relate to South Asian jurisdictions dealing with the difficulties created by balancing industrialization with ecological sustainability.
Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997
Effective Utilization of Human Resource Management Practices to Increase Employee Productivity
In an increasingly competitive global business environment, organizations rely heavily on effective human resource management (HRM) practices to enhance employee productivity and sustain performance. This study examines the impact of key HRM practices—recruitment and selection, training and development, and reward and recognition—on employee productivity within the banking sector of Pakistan. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was adopted, and data were collected from 101 employees using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed a significant positive relationship between HRM practices and employee productivity, with reward and recognition showing the strongest influence. The findings are supported by theoretical perspectives such as the Resource-Based View (RBV) and the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity (AMO) framework. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from a developing economy and offers practical implications for HR professionals to design strategic HR systems aligned with organizational goals.
Rule of Law and Separation of Powers: A Comparative Analysis of Dicey and Montesquieu
The rule of law and the separation of powers are two fundamental principles of modern constitutionalism that have been influenced by the political thought of A.V. Dicey and Montesquieu. Dicey, a British jurist, emphasized the equality of all individuals before the law and the primacy of the law above arbitrary administrative authority. The legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government should be independent, according to French philosopher Montesquieu. The purpose of this essay is to examine the ways in which Dicey and Montesquieu influenced Western political systems, particularly those in the US, France, and the UK. It will also look at the shortcomings and difficulties of their theories in light of the development of human rights, judicial review, and the modern administrative state. The paper will argue that while Dicey and Montesquieu provided valuable insights into the nature and function of constitutional government, their ideas need to be adapted and updated to reflect the changing realities and demands of modern democracy.
Teachers' Use of Information and Communication Technology and Its Impact on Students' Academic Performance in Private Secondary Schools
Present study examines the relationship between the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by teachers, engagement of students and their academic performance in the schools of the state of the privatization. The proposed research is based on the social learning theory and investigates the role of ICT integration in student outcomes and the mediation role of student engagement. The research design adopted was the quantitative correlational and 70 teachers in five Karachi based schools (private secondary schools) were used to collect the data with the help of structured questionnaire. The SPSS was used to analyze the data with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression, and mediation analysis. The results found that the application of ICT by teachers is positively associated with student engagement and academic achievement in a significant way. In addition, it was also discovered that student involvement was strong with a significant impact on academic performance. There was mediation analysis that showed that student engagement acts as a complete mediator in ICT use and academic performance, indicating that ICT improves academic performance mainly through active student engagement. The research indicates the significance of the pedagogically meaningful ICT integration and the necessity of teacher training and institutional support that would improve student engagement and learning outcomes. These results are added to the existing literature on educational technology as they present context related evidence of Pakistan-based private secondary schools.
Barriers Teachers Face in Implementing Inclusive Practices in Their Classrooms in Mountainous Region of Pakistan
The geographical location of Gilgit Baltistan makes it difficult to reach. Prevalence of disability in Gilgit-Baltistan surpasses national averages, yet the educational architecture remains un-inclusive. Disabled people face challenges in leading a life of dignity. In recent times, Inclusive Education has emerged, not just a concept or a policy, but a fundamental human right. The study aims to identify barriers teachers face in implementing inclusive practices in their classrooms. Cultural values sometimes prevent families from reporting impairments. Physical infrastructure like ramps, accessible latrines, and transport systems are lacking or absent most times. The study combined in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and classroom observations. The sample consisted of 20 teachers, 10 parents, and 20 schools, selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques to ensure relevance and depth. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of complexity. From the fieldwork, four major categories of barriers emerged: physical and infrastructural barriers, social and cultural barriers, teacher training and capacity gaps, and policy and resource limitations. Each of these barriers interacts with the others, creating a cycle of exclusion that many children cannot escape. Four major areas of challenge teachers face emerged: Lack of Training and Preparedness, Managing Overcrowded and Diverse Classrooms, Limited Resources and Institutional Support, and Emotional Burdens, Burnout, and Resilience. Despite these challenges, some teachers demonstrated extraordinary creativity and commitment, finding small but meaningful ways to include children with disabilities. Three notable practices emerged: peer assisted learning, visual and hands on methods, personalized attention. Insights emerged from the study that teachers have high willingness and low preparedness. Second, systemic neglect amplifies challenges, and third, teachers hold transformative power, despite structural barriers, many take extraordinary steps to adapt their teaching and advocate for students. The study recommends schools build/retrofit ramps, railings, and accessible toilets using local low-cost materials and labor. Simple pedagogy and inclusion of visual/tactile scaffolds ensured in every lesson, and short cycles of practice-based training with follow-up coaching to be ensured for teachers. Need for ongoing training is explicit in findings. Future research should examine integrated sets of solutions instead of individual interventions.
Pakistan’s Ordeal at the Hands of the International Media
This study aims to examine the disinformation and negative propaganda warfare waged by adversary states against Pakistan and ascertain whether the warfare was impactful. In this warfare, the media is used to build narratives against Pakistan, portraying it as a promoter of terrorism, an unsafe nuclear arsenal holder, a possessor of a rogue army, etc. The purpose is to shape the Pakistani public’s opinion and international perception and, as a result, government policy in their favor. This study approached the problem through the agenda setting theory lens based on a seminal study by Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw (1972), one of the most valuable tools for investigating the influence of the mass media on public thinking and attitude. Interpretivism was the research paradigm adopted for this study, with a basic commitment to ontological relativism and epistemological subjectivism. Although this study was mainly involved in inductive reasoning, like most qualitative studies, it partly has a validating character. A purposive sampling method was adopted to recruit participants identified through snowballing. Based on guidance from the relevant literature for predominantly phenomenological studies, this research comprised a sample size of 15 interviewees with diverse backgrounds, comprising media academicians and journalists with international affairs backgrounds and defense analysts to complement the data from various aspects of the disinformation phenomenon. Based on five research questions, in-depth phenomenological interviewing was employed to collect data in line with this study's ontological stance and epistemological beliefs. The Thematic Analysis Method was used for data integration and analysis. Employing this method, 78 codes were identified from the interview data. These codes were segregated into 24 nodes and 18 child nodes based on similarity. The nodes were later clubbed into 5 themes. NVivo version 12 was used to compile the data graphically and assign it to visual presentations. This study identified eight potential impacts that disinformation recipients could have developed. Four of these potential impacts did not happen because of the significant moderators. The remaining four impacts were diluted to varying extents proportionate to the moderators’ significance.
The Role of AI in Ethical Leadership and Lifelong Learning Initiatives
This research examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to improve ethical leadership and lifelong learning programs in organizations. Data was collected using a convergent mixed-method design by carrying out 20 semi-structured interviews, three focus groups, and 200 survey participants in corporate, educational and governmental institutions that utilize AI in leadership development. Thematic analysis was employed in the analysis of qualitative data and the survey data were discussed statistically to determine the impact of AI on ethical decision-making, transparency, and lifelong learning. The evidence indicates that AI can enhance the ability of leaders to make transparent, accountable, and responsible decisions and provide personalized and adaptive learning paths to support ongoing professional development. Algorithms, less human discretion, and the lack of trust in AI results were recognized as the ethical issues by the participants. The study also builds on the theory by harmonizing AI, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning into one framework and provides a practical recommendation to organizations aiming to adopt AI in a responsible manner. These lessons provide the promise of AI in advancing inclusive, ethical, and adaptive leadership and the necessity to govern, be transparent, and be AI literate.
Copyright (c) 2025 Voyage Academic and Management Services (PVT.)
Social Construction of Disaster Risk and Preparedness: Institutional Narratives from Sindh
Traditionally, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and preparedness planning in Pakistan has been viewed through technocratic and hazard-oriented structures giving precedence to planning tools, response systems and infrastructural remedies. Although these methods are necessary, they do not pay much attention to the social and institutional mechanisms according to which the disaster risk and preparedness are perceived and regulated. This paper considers disaster risk and preparedness as socially constructed phenomena through the lenses of the institutional discourses that have been generated by the disaster management authorities in Sindh and one of the most disaster-prone provinces in Pakistan. The study is based on a qualitative, interpretivist research design and uses semi-structured interviews with disaster management officials, the analysis of disaster management plans, standard operating procedures, and policy documents, and a limited number of focus group discussions to provide the contexts of triangulation. Thematic and narrative analysis were also applied as the means of analysing the data in order to determine the prevailing patterns of meaning-making in institutional discourse. The results indicate that there are four interconnected institutional discourses that influence preparedness to disasters in Sindh. To start with, the catastrophes are depicted as extraordinary and externally imposed natural processes, which supports the sense of inescapability. Second, preparedness is mostly created in the form of documentation and procedural adherence which leads to symbolic rather than functional preparedness. Third, communities are placed mainly as passive beneficiaries, restricting the acknowledgment of the local knowledge and adaptive capacities. Lastly, the blame on the disaster risk is often transferred to climate change, geography, or population behaviour, which further depoliticises the governance of disaster and contributes to accountability spreading. Connecting the results to the social constructionist theory and the literature on disaster governance, the research shows that the failures in preparedness cannot be explained only by the factors that could be defined as technical or capacity-related but need to be considered as the results of the institutional discourse and power dynamics. The research has the potential to add to disaster literature by expanding the social constructionist approach to investigating the sub-national governance of DRR in a Global South setting, and it provides policy-implicated implications in terms of the shift towards less symbolic preparedness and more reflexive, inclusive, and functional approaches to disaster risk reduction.
Roadmap to Sustainable Cities: Embedding the Synergy of Sustainable Project Management and Renewable Energy Approaches
Although having lot of potential for renewable energy in various developing countries, still there are number of cities seemed majorly dependent on the various fossil fuels. This practice of being dependent on fossil fuel usually leads them to be more exposed to the climate challenges. This study is aimed to observe the integration of the Sustainable Practices in the conventional Project Management for bringing better governance and project delivery approach. The study focuses on the case of Karachi with some global comparisons of certain cities where the best practices have been adopted. For the purpose, the informed theoretical framework known for sustainable approaches was adopted for this study. These were the theories of Triple Bottom Line, Inclusive Stakeholder, Institutional Theory backed with the academic and professional PMI-GPM P5 standard and PRiSM methodology. Moreover, it is further grounded in a Qualitative study of peer-reviewed literature, institutional reports, widely accepted sustainability indexes of authentic sources, longitudinal data on the energy, and emissions trajectory of the Karachi as the Developing City. Results of the study reflect that the inadequate institutional coordination with fragmented governance, lack of stakeholder cohesion and inconsistent compliance of the policies at various levels are the precursors greatly contributing to insufficient adaptability of the renewable energy. Renewable contribution demonstrates just 5% out of total urban energy mix of Karachi. Looking at the ARCADIS index and relevant literature, a global comparison was also made to lighten up the understanding on integrated sustainable methods.The study provides the basic sense of direction for urban planners, project managers and especially for policymakers aiming for sustainable urban development with broader climate goals. Further, the findings support the targets of UN-SDG 11 referring Sustainable Cities and Communities leading to bring a sustainable impact.
Environmental Cost of Economic Development, Trade Openness, And FDI: Empirical Evidence from BRICS Economies
The balance between economic and ecological well-being has become one of the primary concerns of the governments in the world. The need to achieve sustainable growth is emphasized in the contemporary world economies and especially those that are underdeveloped. This paper investigates the dynamic impacts of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), economic growth (EG), the consumption of renewable energy (RE) and trade openness (TO) on the environmental degradation (CO2 emissions) in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). The analysis that will be conducted utilizes annual panel data covering the years 1995 to 2023 to implement the Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) methodology to analyse the short and long-term correlation. We are all paying the opportunity cost of economic development by accelerated environmental degradation all over the world. In order to curb the devastating realities of climate change and save nature, countries need to reshape their energy usage policies through renewable energy technologies and research, thus creating sustainable development in the world. The findings show that economic growth has a significant positive impact on the increase in CO2 emissions in the long-run and the use of renewable energy has significant positive impact on the reduction of the CO2 emissions in short and long-term. The effect of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is dynamic, increasing emissions over the short term and decreasing them significantly over time, therefore, supporting the Pollution Halo Hypothesis in the long term. The openness to trade showed a statistically significant yet insignificant positive impact on the long-term emissions. These findings bring about the need to develop renewable energy and wisely utilize foreign direct investment coupled with green growth strategies to reduce environmental degradation as well as develop the economy of the BRICS countries.
The Effectiveness of Technology-Enhanced Learning Tools, Including Virtual Labs and AI-Powered Platforms, in Improving STEM Education Outcomes Among Secondary School Students
of virtual laboratories and AI-guided platforms) can be used to improve the results of vocational training among students of secondary school concerning STEM education. The research design was a quasi experimental study which took three hundred forty students as experimental and control bands that were measured in terms of conceptual-understanding, problem asolving, retention, engagement, and teacher perceptions. Findings of quantitative analysis indicated high science and mathematics gain by the students who learned with the use of TEL tools as compared to their counterparts who were taught with the help of using typical methods and the effects size was very Denser with an approximation of 20 percent higher with their counterparts and retention of the students was high as well. The results of learning analytics were positive renders between the use of the platform and performance, and qualitative results were found when the drive to engage in learning, collaborate, and ask questions is more prevalent in the TEL classes. Teachers understood the pedagogical value of the tools, but they emphasized that it would be possible to achieve their adequate use only with the assistance of the professional development and support on a systemic level. The key point that the authors conclude is that virtual laboratory and artificial intelligence platforms can provide a scalable and affordable and pedagogically viable choice to STEM education, yet such issues as diversity, access, and teacher bandwidth need to be managed accordingly.
Determinants of food waste at household level in Punjab Pakistan
Food waste indicates a significant threat to the economy the environment and food security. Food waste is one of the most pressing sustainability concerns that need to be addressed. Consumer behavior patterns that contribute to food waste at household level had been observed in Pakistan. In order to prevent food waste at the regional and global levels, it is imperative to identify the causes of food. The goal of the current study was identified and analyzed the determinants of food waste at household levels and suggests recommendations to decrease food waste in households. For this purpose, the data was collected from 200 consumers through a convenience sampling technique using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data was collected through a convenience sampling technique. Logit regression model was used to analyze the data. Identification of food waste determinants is very helpful to optimize operations, minimize losses, and improve profitability. The study found gap between perceptions and practices. Despite awareness and negative perceptions of food waste, actual waste levels were influenced by practical constraints such as storage facilities, Taste, and product appearance. The study findings indicate that taste, food stock waste, left over waste, un appealing texture, over quantity production waste, educational effect, awareness regarding food waste, expiry date, product appearance, nutritional value, overcooked waste all these variables led to increase the food waste at household level. Only brand reputation negatively affects the food waste behavior of the respondents. The findings provide a solid foundation for developing targeted policies and interventions aimed at reducing household food waste. By understanding the determinants, policy makers can create specific strategies to address each factor, such as educational campaigns on food storage, policies encouraging portion control, and community programs promoting the use of leftovers.
Leadership for Sustainability: Examining the Role of Green Transformational Leadership in Fostering Employee Adaptability and Performance
Lime-transformational headship has gained more significance due to the growing use of sustainability-based processes in officialdoms and educational companies. Powerful individuals that advance ecological responsibility and support ecological ethics are actively involved in turning staff flexibility and ecological efficiency. Two hypotheses were formulated: to investigate how Lime-transformational headship influence the staff flexibility and performance within higher education companies. The study was conducted using a validated questionnaire as quantitative cross-sectional research. Multistage sampling was applied to obtain data among faculty and administrative personnel employed in Islamabad and Karachi, Pakistan, in HEC-recognized private and public universities. A total of 416 respondents were used to collect the data. Data analysis was conducted with the SPSS version 26 and SmartPLS 4. The results revealed that Lime- transformational headship has a wide scope of improving staff adaptive performance and ecological performance. When staff under headship develop good ecological commitment, vision and support, they will be better positioned to adjust to structural requirements and better placed to practice sustainable work. Lime-transformational direction is a real approach to ensuring sustainability and streamlining employee activity in the higher education companies. The toleration of this headship style may help the development of institutions, Lime work environment, and greater staff flexibility. Institutional leaders and officials are motivated to incorporate sustainable headship in order to be able to optimize productivity and environmental responsibility.
A Quantitative Study on the Relationship between Workload and Workstation of Secondary School Teachers in Rahim Yar Khan
This study surveyed the relationship between workload and workstations of secondary school teachers in the district of Rahim Yar Khan. The research objectives were to evaluate the nature and level of workloads undertaken by secondary school teachers, examine how teachers’ physical and mental health are affected by their workloads, and analyze their emotional well-being. A questionnaire was used as a research tool for this investigation. The study sample consisted of 575 teachers. The simple random sampling method was applied for data collection, and SPSS analyzed the data. Frequencies, means, and percentages were also evaluated. The majority of the respondents (81.2%) agreed that managing a large number of students is overwhelming, and they don’t have enough time for individual attention to the students. The findings revealed that teachers face various difficulties, which indirectly impact their performance, mental, physical, and emotional health, and work-life balance. The following suggestions were made based on the outcomes: it is essential to reduce the workload, strengthen administrative support, and utilize resources more wisely to promote teacher effectiveness and well-being. The current study is helpful for school administration and educational authorities to make policies and manage the workload and workstations of the teachers.
Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM Education: Analyzing the Role of Mentorship, Curriculum Design, and Policy Interventions in Encouraging Female Participation
Under-representation of women science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is a contemporary phenomenon of great concerns in every part of the globe despite the availability and subsequent acquisition of education. The paper goes further to elaborate how the gender gap in learning STEM can be bridged through mentorship, curriculum and policy interventions. With the data of other world systems, policy conversation, the discoveries told that girls tend to remain longer and construct their identity via organized mentorship programmes as opposed to bold curriculum models, particularly project based, practical application models that make girls more fascinated with, excel high in the school institution and more determined. Examples of gain of participation have been illustrated by giving benefits under participation learning through structural accountability in Title IX in the United States, Athena SWAN in the United Kingdom and Horizon 2020 in Europe, though it is found to have variable under different disciplines with engineering and computer science showing the most significant gaps. In addition to that, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the discrepancies, which correlate much with the fact that the proportion of women graduate among students was rising significantly in low middle-income and developing nations. The outcomes underline that the gains in the field of the eradication of the gender gap must be brought about by the multi-level strategies utilizing psychosocial supports, education reform, and responsibility concerning the policy. In so doing, there will be no guarantee that they are not just recruited to do STEM but also counseled and enabled to persevere and conquer the key domains.
Is Sustainable Food Consumption A Plausible Choice? A Study of Urban Gen Z Consumers in Pakistan
This study examines whether sustainable food consumption is a feasible and consistent behavior among urban Generation Z consumers in Pakistan. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), it investigates how awareness, trust, and social media influence shape young consumers’ intentions and purchasing patterns toward sustainable grocery products. A quantitative approach was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 Gen Z respondents aged 18–27 in Karachi. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26, with satisfactory reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.88). Correlation and regression analyses were performed to assess the strength of relationships among key variables. Results reveal that awareness (β = 0.6785, p < 0.001) and trust (β = 0.5921, p < 0.01) significantly influence purchase intention, while social media engagement (β = 0.5154, p < 0.05) also plays an important role. Price sensitivity showed an insignificant relationship (β = 0.1397, p = 0.224). The study also identified a meaningful intention–behavior gap (mean difference = 0.67, p < 0.001), largely attributed to high prices and limited product access. These results suggest that improving transparency, affordability, and digital engagement can encourage Gen Z to act upon their sustainability intentions. The study extends TPB by integrating social and contextual elements relevant to developing countries and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production. Keywords: , , ,, ,
Examining the Impact of Social Entrepreneurship Orientation on Service Delivery in Balochistan’s Public Healthcare Sector
Public healthcare systems in developing regions often face persistent service delivery deficiencies. Grounded in the Service-Dominant Logic (SDL) framework, this study investigates how Social Entrepreneurship Orientation (SEO) influences the performance of public healthcare institutions in Balochistan, Pakistan. Despite increasing scholarly focus on social entrepreneurship, limited empirical research has examined its relevance in public sector health systems of developing economies. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, this study analyzed data from 349 healthcare professionals through SmartPLS 4.0. The analysis confirmed a strong and positive association between Social Entrepreneurship Orientation (SEO) and service delivery. The distinct contribution of this research lies in applying the Service-Dominant Logic (SDL) framework within a resource-constrained and governance-challenged public health environment such as Balochistan. The findings demonstrate that SEO promotes innovation, adaptability, and citizen-centered service practices in public hospitals. Overall, the results extend the theoretical understanding of SDL and offer practical insights for policymakers seeking to improve institutional performance and healthcare service delivery in developing contexts.
Social Entrepreneurship Orientation (SEO)
Environmental Degradation and Macroeconomic Performance: Dynamic Evidence from N-11 Economies
This paper tests the relationships between economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI) and the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission in the Next Eleven (N-11) emerging economies between the years 1991 and 2022. The GMM estimator is utilized to overcome endogeneity as well as endure the persistence of the emissions in addition to jointly testing the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), Pollution Haven and Pollution Halo Hypotheses in a single empirical model. There is a strong structural persistence of CO2 emissions (lagged coefficient = 0.988, p < 0.05) which shows that there is an inertia in environmental degradation. It shows an inverted U-shaped pattern of EKC whereby the emissions rise with lower income (GDP = 0.0095, p < 0.05) and then decrease above the 14.19 level of log GDP income. The association of FDI with the emissions is nonlinear and exhibits U-shaped behavior, i.e. it decreases the CO2 emissions at lower levels of FDI (lnFDI = -0.066, p < 0.05) and thereafter increases the CO2 emissions at higher levels of FDI (lnFDI2 = 0.0016, p < 0.05). The results of these outcomes imply that economic development and FDI have some conditional environmental impacts that vary based on size and the capacity to regulate. The analysis highlights the need to have policies of green investment, technological innovation, and effective institutional structures in realizing sustainable low-carbon growth. Keywords: , , , , , , ,
Determinants Of Customer Satisfaction In The Decorative Paint Service Industry: Evidence From Karachi, Pakistan
Increasing evidence suggests that customer satisfaction is an important influencer of success in the services sector of Pakistan; however, there are few empirical studies examining the antecedents of customer satisfaction for specialised services like decorative paint services. This study, therefore, has investigated the impact of service quality, price equity, provider professionalism, technological implementation, and brand image on customer satisfaction in Karachi city. The main objectives were to identify significant predictors of satisfaction and to find their relative ranking. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire with 200 customers who recently received decorative painting services. Data were analysed with SPSS and were related to descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results showed that all five independent variables had a significant impact on customer satisfaction, explaining 55.1% of its variance. Service quality was found to be the best predictor, closely followed by provider professionalism and brand image. The findings are like those of prior studies in Pakistan, which express the necessity of professional training, transparent pricing, and technological improvement. The paper concludes the study, suggesting that paint service companies standardise their services and adopt innovative tools and a strong brand to increase customer trust and loyalty. The research study contributes to the literature by providing a localised framework for transforming service performance and customer satisfaction levels.
The Moderating Effect of Age on the Relationship Between Mental Health and Economic Decision-Making
The interconnectedness of human cognitive power and economic decision making is a proven spectacle. Different psychological factors of a healthy mind are key in sensible economic decision making, with relevance to SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). To assess the moderation effect of age on the relationship between mental health and economic decision making, hypothetically affecting decisions at different age groups. A total of 606 surveys were filled by different age groups. The hypothesis was tested using XGBoost, a robust machine learning model. Supplementary analytics composed the variables for mental health and economic decision making. The impact of mental health on economic decision making was modeled with interaction by age. The relationship is significantly proven, with a high influence of age indicating a strong moderating effect across age groups. Age-specific interventions are necessary. Designing and implementation of mental health and financial education programs tailoring different age groups are recommended, contributing to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) while advancing SDG 3 and SDG 8 and informing policy and practice
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequality.
The Red Sea as A Proxy Front: Iran’s Strategic Use of The Houthis and The Politics of Plausible Deniability (2023–2025)
The Red Sea has become one of the most strategically consequential maritime theaters in the 21st century, where regional rivalries, proxy warfare, and asymmetric operations converge to shape global economic and security outcomes. Between 2023 and 2025, this corridor became a critical arena for Iran’s regional power projection through its sponsorship of Yemen’s Houthi movement. During this period, 145 Houthis attacks including drone, missile and unmanned naval strikes on commercial vessels such as the Magic seas and Eternity C disrupted maritime traffic, caused a 50% decline in Suez Canal transit, and significantly raised insurance premiums. The study adopts a qualitative case study approach, applying proxy warfare theory and drawing on official reports, open-source intelligence, and secondary literature to trace how Iranian support shapes Houthi capabilities. The findings indicate that these operations undermine energy security, threaten freedom of navigation, and compel regional and international actors to recalibrate maritime strategies. Keywords: , , , , , , ,
CBDC vs Cryptocurrency in Pakistan: A Comparative Review
This analytical review examines Pakistan's dual-path approach to digital finance by assessing the policy tension between decentralized cryptocurrencies (CC) and a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Through a comprehensive analysis of grey literature and policy documents, the study identifies a significant ideological struggle between risk-averse financial institutions and a pro-innovative government faction. Our findings reveal that this conflict has led to a pragmatic, dual-track strategy: the formalization of the CC market via the Virtual Assets Ordinance 2025 and the parallel development of a state-controlled CBDC. The research quantifies the scale of the informal CC economy, estimating it involves 15-20 million Pakistanis and holds the potential to unlock $20-25 billion in dormant assets for the formal economy. Concurrently, the Digital Pakistani Rupee (CBDC) is projected to reduce the substantial direct costs of cash, estimated at Rs76 billion annually, and enhance financial inclusion for approximately 100 million unbanked adults. The study concludes that for this dual strategy to succeed, Pakistan must prioritize policy harmonization, a privacy-centric CBDC design, and a streamlined regulatory framework for virtual assets. This case offers critical lessons for developing nations navigating the trade-offs between financial innovation, stability, and inclusion
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The Role of Digital Human Resource Management on Organizational Adaptability and Sustainability in Emerging Economy
The research paper focused on the role of digital human resource management on organizational adaptability and sustainability in emerging economies in Karachi. This scientific study aims at examining null hypothesis which analyzes that there is no relationship between digital HRM and organization ability to be adaptable and sustainable in various organizations in Karachi. The research design is descriptive as we establish the association between dependent and independent variables. Our independent variable is Digital HRM which includes digital performance management, digital intensity, and digital transformation that are provided to organizations to improve their performance, adaptation capabilities and employee state optimization. A structured questionnaire is designed to collect approximately 100-sample size samples via online and by organizations visits. A survey forms were distributed using random sampling method among more than six different public and private sectors of Karachi. The research is quantitative in nature and analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation model (SEM) by using smart PLS. The findings show that digital HRM is positively and significantly correlated with organizational resilience. The study also revealed that adaptation capabilities are a strong mediator between digital HRM and organization resilience. The integration of digitalization’s of HRM practices significantly enhances the organization’s adaptability and productivity. The study included both quantitative and qualitative data and examined the relationship of digital HRM influences the organization’s resilience from the viewpoint of public and private sector in Karachi city.
The Effect of Mindset Influencers on social media Deviating Youth from Education in The Name of Entrepreneurship
This study examines the effect of mindset influencers on social media in deviating youth from education in the name of entrepreneurship. In this era, social media is a powerful platform, where the mindset of these influencers promoting entrepreneurship is a preferred lifestyle. Most of this content distracts youth from their educational goals, and they are drawn to these influencers on the promise of achieving quick financial success. A quantitative research design was employed, and students were selected from the Departments of Education and Psychology at the University of Karachi. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s table, a population of 300 and a sample of 169 participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire designed on a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using SPSS software with descriptive statistical techniques, including frequency analysis. The findings of this study indicate that constant exposure to mindset influencers of entrepreneurship on social media is distracting young people from their educational goals and interests. This study is relevant for teachers, parents, and policymakers, as it highlights the requirement for guidance programs, critical thinking strategies, parental support, and the importance of preserving the value of education in the digital age.
Exploring the Potential of Native Language in Micro-influencer Marketing: A Study of Engagement and Purchase Intention Among Pakistani Followers
This study investigates the effects of micro-influencers who speak the local language of their followers on engagement and buying behavior in Pakistan's multilingual digital landscape. The study is based on the theories of Parasocial Interaction and Source Credibility, shows that speaking in a language that one is comfortable with increases emotional resonance and trust, converting passive followers into engaged participants. The results of a survey of 310 social media users and data analysis using PLS-SEM demonstrate that native language material has a big but subtle impact on purchase intent while also considerably increasing engagement and parasocial relationships. Although engagement is increased by trust in the influencer, purchases are not always ensured. This study emphasises how language connects cultures and serves as more than just a means of communication. The findings provide crucial information for companies looking to run genuine, powerful influencer efforts in regions with a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
A Comparative Study of NADRA & FBR in Hyderabad and Bahawalpur: Citizens’ Perceptions of Accessibility, Institutional Effectiveness, Transparency in e-Government Services in Pakistan
Although e-government has become a vital component of delivering services to citizens through electronic means (e-services), its success primarily relies on citizens' perceptions of accessibility, institutional effectiveness, and transparency in these services, which can only be achieved through a series of reforms that strengthen over time. While countries recognized as global leaders, such as South Korea and Estonia, have established robust public trust by providing innovative developments and advancing digital progress, this level of trust remains less prevalent in developing states like Pakistan. This study presents a unique research focus that has been less explored in previous literature, aiming to understand the roles of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), as well as how citizens in Hyderabad and Bahawalpur perceive their services. The study emphasized investigating institutional challenges and evaluating how reforms shape citizen trust and the sustainable use of digital platforms from the demographic and geographical dynamics perspectives. This study applied a mixed-methods approach, combining the use of a standardized survey method (n=250) with expert focus group discussion, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was adopted to examine the causal relationship (H1–H5) and impact of reforms on citizens’ perceptions. The conclusions revealed policy-relevant insights into improving Pakistan’s e-Government frameworks with effectiveness, transparency, and accessibility.
Investigating the Application of Epstein’s Parental Involvement Model and its Impact on Student Achievement in District Pishin
This study has examined the application of Epstein’s Parental Involvement Model in the context of the secondary schools in District Pishin, Balochistan. The study has evaluated the multiple aspects of parental involvement, such as communication with the school, helping with study, academic goal setting, encouragement, and the provision of study resources. It has applied a quantitative research methodology whereby the information was gathered from 620 parents and 620 students (310 boys, 310 girls). The study has revolved around the rationale of stratified sampling, whereby the subgroups of a population were distinguished as boys, girls, and parents. The study has assessed each of the six dimensions of the Epstein framework and has determined that the core elements of the model, such as the school-home communication (R = 0.425, p < 0.01) and the supporting parenting practices (R = 0.442, p < 0.01), significantly influence academic achievement. Other factors, such as volunteering (R = 0.340) and decision-making (R = 0.288), have not produced a significant impact due to contextual obstacles like low parental literacy and cultural norms. This concludes that though the model offers a good theoretical source for parental involvement, its practice in the rural areas needs to be very sensitive to the circumstances and resources at hand.
Gender Differences in Self-Esteem among Employed and Unemployed Adults in Hyderabad City: A Comparative Study
The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of gender identity (i.e., being male or female) and employment status on the self-esteem of adults residing in Hyderabad city. For this purpose, 400 individuals aged 18 to 60 years were selected, including an unequal number of employed and unemployed men and women, so that the results could be compared appropriately during the analysis. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), an internationally recognized psychological scale, was used to assess the self-esteem level of these individuals. The data obtained were analyzed using the "Independent Samples T-test" to detect any significant difference in self-esteem scores between different groups. The results of the analysis revealed that there was no significant or statistically significant difference in self-esteem scores between employed men and women (p = .539). Similarly, there was no significant difference in self-esteem between unemployed men and women (p = .909). Overall, when all men and all women were compared, the mean score for men was slightly higher, but this difference was also statistically insignificant (p = .013). This means that gender or employment status in general does not have a profound effect on self-esteem. However, when the responses to individual questions were analyzed in detail, an interesting aspect emerged: unemployed men complained of feeling “useless” more intensely than women on one specific question (item 9). This suggests that, although there may be no difference in overall scores, certain emotional responses, especially negative feelings such as feeling useless, may be more intense in men. Such responses are likely linked to social pressures, cultural traditions, and the responsibilities associated with employment, which affect men more. Overall, the findings of this study highlight the fact that self-esteem is not a simple or one-dimensional concept but a complex and multifaceted psychological state, influenced not only by gender or job status but also by a number of deeper psychological, social, personal and cultural factors. Therefore, in the context of South Asian societies like Hyderabad, there is a need for culturally sensitive and gender-aware mental health interventions that can help improve individuals’ self-esteem by taking into account these hidden and deeper factors.
Impact of Textile Organizational Functional Capabilities on Sustainable Performance: A Moderating Empirical Assessment of Environmental Measures on Warehouse
Business sustainability highly depends on the capabilities of an organization. Marketing, technological development, and financial and operational efficiency are key competencies that significantly affect corporate sustainability efforts. Improper resource utilization, high emissions rate, and labour law violations are some of the foremost issues faced by the textile sector in Pakistan. Enhancing the above-mentioned core competencies can help textile firms achieve long-term sustainability goals. Thus, the study aims to analyze the role of operational, technological, marketing, and supply chain capabilities in attaining sustainable performance in the textile sector. Data was collected using convenience sampling techniques from 163 employees in the supply chain division of the garment industry. The collected data was tested through the Smart PLS analysis tool. Research findings suggest that organizational capabilities have a substantial effect on sustainable operations. Moreover, the outcomes of the research indicate that environmental measures moderate the connection between supply chain, operational, and financial capabilities in achieving sustainable performance. However, marketing and technology capabilities are not influenced by environmental factors. This research reduces the gap in identifying the impact of various organizational capabilities in achieving sustainable supply chain operations. Additionally, it will help textile firms formulate competitive strategies under the effective role of the environment to meet the company’s goals. Keywords: , , , ,
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