Qualitative Research Journal for Social Studies
The Qualitative Research Journal for Social Studies is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to advancing research, theory, and practice in the diverse fields of social sciences. Our mission is to promote critical inquiry into the structures, dynamics, and transformations of societies across the globe. We publish original research articles, theoretical papers, policy analyses, and reviews that engage with disciplines such as sociology, political science, anthropology, human geography, economics, and cultural studies. The journal encourages interdisciplinary approaches and innovative methodologies that explore pressing social issues, including inequality, governance, migration, identity, education, and social change. The Journal of Social Science and Society aims to foster scholarly exchange and contribute to evidence-based public discourse. We welcome contributions from both established scholars and emerging researchers from around the world.
EXPLORING TRANSITIVITY IN POETRY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE TYGER AND THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
This paper explores how grammatical decisions in Robert Frost's “The Road Not Taken” (1916) and William Blake’s “The Tyger”(1794) create the image of the human agent and the divine creator in the form of the systemic functional linguistics, specifically in the System of Transitivity. Past research has shown that transitivity patterns in poetry reveal other experiential meanings, ideologies and character psychologies; the study treats every clause as a unit of experience and categorises it into material, mental, relational, verbal, behavioural or existential processes, along with the respective participants and situations. The research follows a qualitative-quantitative, approach for the transitivity analyses of poems . Two canonical poems came to be chosen by means of purposive sampling because they thematise decision, selfhood and creation in different epochs of literature and with various philosophical leanings. Quantitative outcomes reveal that Frost has a higher percentage of mental and relational processes, foreshadows the speaker as Senser and Carrier deliberating and self-defining, where Blake is preoccupied by interrogative content and relational clauses that create a fear-inducing and partly hidden Actor/ identifier behind the creation of the Tyger. These trends affirm that transitivity is an influential tool to connect linguistic form and meanings about choice, uncertainty, and theological awe. It has a contribution to literary stylistics and SFL since it provides a grammatical, clause-by-clause, comparison between Romantic and Modernist poems, showing how the different ways of doing and sensing are grammatically constituted to produce the difference between an internal existential journey and a cosmic creation storey.
Transitivity, Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), Poetic discourse , agency, divine creation, clause-level analysis
Dr. Hafiz Abdul Haseeb Hakimi (Corresponding Author)
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
CRACKING IDEOLOGIES: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF TRUMP’S 20-POINT GAZA PEACE PROPOSAL 2025
This study explores Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace proposal through Fairclough's and Van Dijk’s frameworks of critical discourse analysis. The study examines how language is used to construct power, ideology, and representation of participants discussed in the proposal. Political participants are portrayed differently through discourse especially, Gaza, USA, Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinian people. Critical analysis of lexical choices, agency, syntactic and macro-ideological structures frame Gaza as a security threat, USA as prime authority and Israel as sub-authority. This discourse portrays Gaza as passive recipients and USA and Israel as authoritative peace makers. The findings reveal that peace is controlled, conditional, and governed by international bodies. This paper contributes to deeper understanding of people by revealing that peace proposals are not just for the sake of peace, rather those may reinforce dominant ideologies through language.
Ideology, Critical discourse analysis, Trump’s peace plan.
Abdul Haseeb Ezmi (Corresponding Author)
Comparison of Emily Dickinson and Kishwar Naheed with special reference to their selected poems “They shut me up like a prose” and “The grass is really like me” in Feminist Perspective”
In this paper, the poems of American English poet Emily Dickinson and Pakistani Urdu poet Kishwar Naheed in the context of feminism are analyzed. Emily Dickinson was considered as one of the great poet of nineteenth century who broke the traditional style and commanded a singular brilliance of style and integrity of vision while Kishwar Naheed as one of the great poet of twentieth century who wrote about woman rights by defying conventions. This study explores the cultural and social diversity as well as commonalities between two different countries in the context of feminism. This paper discusses the biography of two poets and compares them to analyze the differences and similarities between two totally opposite cultures. The poems “They shut me up like a prose” by Emily Dickinson and “The grass is really like me” that is translated from Urdu to English by Kishwar Naheed are selected. The study explores the elements of interests in the form of resemblance between the biographies of two poets and then the selected poems are discussed in feminist perspective. The study is beneficial for the students and researchers of literature and literary criticism as it provides a lot of knowledge and is advantageous for those who wants to analyze the life and poetry of Emily Dickinson and Kishwar Naheed and who wants to explore them in future.
Emily Dickinson, Kishwar Naheed, American poet, Pakistani poet, Feminism, Selected poems.
SOCIAL DIALECTS AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: A STUDY OF PRIMARY LEVEL ESL LEARNERS
The study investigates how social dialects affect second language acquisition in primary level ESL learners. The research examines teachers’ perceptions of how social dialects affect English language learning in the classroom. A quantitative research design was employed and data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using frequency tables and graphical representations to identify trends and patterns. The findings indicate that social dialects have a significant impact on learners’ progress and class participation. It has also been concluded that learners’ social and linguistic background influence their confidence and overall performance. The study suggests the need for greater awareness of social dialect variation in primary ESL classrooms and recommends adopting inclusive and dialect sensitive teaching strategies to enhance effective second language acquisition.
Social Dialect, SLA, Pakistani Learners.
Influence of Pakistani Fashion E-Magazines on Lifestyle Choices of Women: A Persuasive Linguistic Analysis
This study encompasses Pakistani fashion magazines online. The modern era of information technology has made many online fashion magazines convenient, less expensive, and widely available. There has previously been less research or no research which has studied persuasive strategies of top fashion magazines on the “digital plane”. The present research which is discourse analysis (DA) of famous national online fashion magazines of Pakistan gives awareness about female lifestyle choices in adopting specific fashion in dressing, accessories, home décor, self-care, and beauty embellishments in Pakistan. Research on online fashion magazines (DA) based specifically on the viewership or readership of the magazines is a new and less explored area of research in the Pakistani context. It discovers and assesses the articles through (DA) about lifestyle choices, including articles on fashion and the categories of beauty and self-care, health and fitness, home décor, and travelling, making a significant impact on the lives of the target audience in the name of fashion only. This study may also pave the path for related research emerging from deep understanding and awareness about the language of fashion magazines and empower females in shaping fashion identities according to their own choices and suitability.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Cyberbullying in Higher Education: Mental Health Consequences, Academic Outcomes, and Interventions—A Review of Literature
Cyber bullying has emerged as a serious social and psychological concern in Pakistan, particularly with the rapid expansion of internet access and social media use among students. This literature review examines the nature of cyber bullying, its impact on students’ mental health and academic achievement, and the interventions discussed in existing Pakistani and regional studies. Drawing on national research, policy reports, and empirical studies, the review highlights that cyber bullying commonly manifests through online harassment, humiliation, threats, and social exclusion. The literature consistently indicates a strong association between exposure to cyber bullying and adverse mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, emotional distress, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal. These psychological effects often translate into academic difficulties, including reduced concentration, declining performance, absenteeism, and disengagement from learning. The review further reveals that cultural norms, fear of stigma, lack of awareness, and weak reporting mechanisms often prevent victims in Pakistan from seeking timely support. Existing studies emphasize the need for multi-level interventions, including awareness programs, institutional policies, parental involvement, counselling services, and responsible digital practices. By synthesizing available literature, this study underscores the urgency of addressing cyber bullying as both an educational and mental health issue within the Pakistani context and highlights gaps that require further empirical exploration.
Cyberbullying, Mental Health, Academic Achievement.
WHEN GOLD OUTSHINES THE RUPEE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE DYNAMICS OF GOLD PRICE INFLATION IN PAKISTAN
Gold prices in Pakistan have rapidly escalated leading to pressing economic and social issues affecting consumers, investors, and the economic market as a whole. Due to fully domestic and global factors, the prices have escalated giving negative effects to all. Gold has traditionally been considered a safe-haven asset and a cultural icon, creating a further problem as prices have skyrocketed. Previous research has been done on Pakistan's gold market which utilizes macroeconomic studies and quantitative data, but there has been a lack of research considering the lived experiences and perceptions of the market. The objective of the study is to understand the phenomena of gold price escalation in Pakistan, while utilizing an exploratory, qualitative research design. The researcher utilizes a diverse set of participants including, but not limited to, gold investors, economists, traders, bankers, and consumers, in which data collection is completed through semi-structured interviews and focuses group discussions. The researcher provides a thematic analysis to describe and identify the qualitative data. The participants of the study identified a total of eight themes to be the most impactful; these factors included the macroeconomic conditions, as well as gold as a safe-haven asset, political and institutional inconsistency, cross market influences, social and cultural influences, market and supply limitations, behavioral and psychological influences, as well as social and economic disparity. The increase in the price of gold can be attributed to a number of different reasoned strategies and culturally driven practices. This drive for price inflation can be attributed to a rational, cultural, or irrational behavioral response to the factors influencing the economy. The study helps the investor, policymakers, and the financial institution understand and cope with the uncertainty and various frictions of the economy. This research, from a qualitative standpoint, offers the most comprehensive account of the behavior of the gold market in Pakistan.
Gold Prices, Macroeconomic Instability, Safe-Haven Investment, Behavioral Finance, Political Uncertainty, and Socio-Economic Factors.
شبهات وات حول التأثير اليهودي على الدين الإسلامي وتفنيد شبهاته
This article analyzes the claims of the orientalist W. Montgomery Watt concerning the alleged Jewish influence on Islam. Watt suggests that certain Islamic beliefs and practices developed from Jewish traditions, particularly during the Medinan period. This study critically examines these claims through evidence from the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and early Islamic sources. The analysis demonstrates that Watt’s arguments rely on selective historical interpretation and a limited understanding of Islamic teachings. The similarities between Islam and Judaism are shown to result from their common divine origin rather than from imitation or borrowing. The article concludes that Islam emerged as an independent revealed religion with its own theological and legal framework, and that Watt’s claims lack solid scholarly support.
حضور نبی کریمﷺکے ’’سفر معراج کی بابت‘‘ پرویز کا نکتہ نظر
The journey, mentioned in Quranic verse (17:1) is unversally admitted from the advent of Islam uptill now, to be the journey of the Holy Prophet, from Makkah to Jerusalem, in a single whole night. But Ghulam Ahmad Pervaiz, an upholder of anti sunnah and anti-hadith campaign in Pakistan, (and through translation even in foreign countries), latting upon novel ideas, says, that this verse, (17:1) pertains to the journey of migration, from Makkah to Yasrib (&, not to the journey from Makkah to Jerusalem). In this article, all the fallacious, faults, flaws and defects, have been reputed with sound orguments and profound evidences. The salient feature of this rebuttal, is to have been based on the Holy Quran, solely, or Ghulam Ahmad Pervaiz always threw challenge to his opponents, saying "Who so ever wants to rebut me, should do so, only and only one the basis of Holy Quran". So the researcher faced his challenge, & he left no stone unturned to repute his far-fetched "arguments" on the sole basis of Holy Quran. With Quranic arguments and evidences, the whimsical options of Ghulam Ahmad Pervaiz, have been falsified, only and solely on the basis of Holy Quran, and it has been proved that both the sacred places, mentioned in verse (17:1), have been built far-before the era of Ibraheem & Sulayman, who are mis-conceived to be the first and formost builder of these mosques.
Zulfiqar Ali,Prof. Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Din Qasmi
SEMANTIC CHANGE IN ONLINE SLANG: NEW MEANINGS OF OLD WORDS IN SOCIAL MEDIA ENGLISH
Language is living and changes all the time with society, culture, and technology. The most powerful propagator of current linguistic change is the social network that enabled English internet lingo to sprout through such dramatic speed. This paper explores the processes of semantic change of online slang in its trajectory from traditional English words to new meanings in social media. Based on theory of semantic change and the concurrent study in sociolinguistics, this research’s goal is to determine possible types of semantic change: metaphorical extension, broadening-narrowing-amelioration and contextualization that are most frequently observed in digital discourse. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive method, the research examines specific slang words used frequently in online interaction regarding how their traditional dictionary definitions are at variance with their meanings today as they appear in social media. The data are obtained from standard dictionaries and current on-line discourse. The results show that metaphorical extension and semantic generalization are the most frequent processes, reflecting the fact that social media users rely heavily on re-lexifying existing lexical items to signal new social, emotional and cultural facts. The research also reveals the role of online slang as an identity and group affiliation marker, especially among younger people. Together, the studies exhibit that SNSs provide a strong stimulus for word-meaning change in contemporary English. The study brings a new perspective on linguistic innovation in the digital age and reminds us of the need to include internet slang as one of its objects in linguistic, educational and lexicographical inquiries.
BACKWARD DESIGN IN PRACTICE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF LANGUAGE LEARNERS’ EXPERIENCES
This paper reports on a qualitative study conducted to explore university level English language learners’ perceptions of Backward Design in classroom practice. Although, several international studies have examined Backward Design and curriculum alignment, this is the first study to investigate learners’ experiences of Backward Design within the Pakistani higher education context. Data were collected through structured interviews with 15 undergraduate students enrolled in English language courses at a Pakistani university. The findings indicate that many learners appreciated Backward Designs’ emphasis on explicit outcomes and aligned assessments, reporting improved focus, clearer study strategies, and increased confidence when success criteria were transparent. However, Students initially noted a sense of strangeness, as they were not familiar with the Backward Design approach, and it took time for them to adjust to its emphasis on clearly defined outcomes and aligned tasks.
Backward Design; learner perceptions; English language classroom; thematic analysis; formative feedback.
SURVEY ON TIKTOK USAGE, SLEEP PATTERNS, AND ACADEMIC PRODUCTIVITY AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
The rise of TikTok has raised concerns about its effects on students’ sleep and academic performance. This study surveyed 250 university students in Sialkot to examine relationships between TikTok usage, sleep quality, and academic productivity. Results indicate that excessive TikTok use, particularly before bedtime, significantly disrupts sleep patterns and contributes to distraction, procrastination, and lower academic outcomes. Grounded in Uses and Gratifications Theory, the study highlights that while TikTok fulfills social and entertainment needs, excessive engagement produces unintended negative consequences. The findings underscore the need for awareness campaigns, sleep hygiene education, and structured study schedules to mitigate the adverse effects of social media on students’ health and academic success.
INTERPLAY OF MONITOR AND AFFECTIVE FILTER HYPOTHESES IN SPEAKING AND WRITING: AN ANALYSIS OF PAKISTANI ESL LEARNERS
This study aims to examine the interplay of monitor and affective filter hypothesis in speaking and writing among the Pakistani ESL learners. Although, the previous researches have significantly studied monitor and affective hypothesis but this study provides an understanding of the interdependence of monitor and affective hypothesis in learner’s speaking and writing. For this purpose, the research has adopted the qualitative approach and collected the spoken and written data for testing the monitor usage among the Pakistani ESL learners. To analyze the role of affective filter in the monitor usage, the researcher collected the data through semi-structured interviews with participants following an analysis of the speeches and writings of the learners. The spoken and written data were analyzed by applying monitor hypothesis while the interview data were analyzed through thematic analysis. So, the findings revealed the under usage of the monitor in speaking while effective usage in writing among the majority of the participants who had high affective filter. Then, there were the over-users of monitor in speaking and writing because they had a fear of making mistakes. Lastly, the optimal user of monitor who constituted the smallest group and the reasons for his optimal use of monitor were the high motivation and the management of high affective filter. The study suggests broader pedagogical implications for Pakistani ESL classrooms that along with linguistic competence, their performance in the real-life settings should also be emphasized.
CHOOSING BETWEEN GREEN PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM INDIVIDUAL ATTITUDES
This study examines how individuals choose between environmental protection and economic growth using data from the World Values Survey covering 66 countries. The analysis focuses on environmental priority as a binary individual choice and explores how demographic characteristics, socioeconomic position, employment, urban–rural residence, and subjective well-being shape this preference. The results show that education and subjective socioeconomic status are strong predictors of prioritizing environmental protection, while age and place of residence play a limited role once other factors are considered. Individuals with higher life satisfaction and financial satisfaction are more likely to support environmental protection, whereas unemployment and marital responsibilities reduce this likelihood. These findings highlight the importance of economic security and well-being in shaping public support for environmental policy. The study contributes to the literature by offering an integrated, individual-level perspective on the environment–growth trade-off across diverse national contexts.
Waqas Shair,Ghulam Mujtaba,Muhammad Asif,Badar un Nisa
CIRCULATING EXILE: TRANSLATION, IDENTITY, AND BELONGING IN IQBAL AND MAHMOUD DARWISH
The study aims to explore the Postcolonial elements in the Selected poems of Iqbal and Darwish. Specifically, it intends to analyze the postcolonial themes of exile, displacement, belonging, homelessness and consequences the sub-themes as sadness, loss and Identity crises in the Selected poems of two national poets of Pakistan and Palestine. Despite the different historical and cultural contexts, the chosen poems have expressed a recurrent discourse of exile, which links the experiences of colonized Muslim populations across national borders. The study highlights the quest of the oppressed Muslims of subcontinent and Palestine for home and identity. Edward Said’s concepts are used as a theoretical framework and methodology for the analysis of the poems. The research is qualitative in nature, moreover, textual analysis is used as a method of analysis.
UNDERSTANDING THE ROOTS OF EMOTIONAL VIOLENCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS: A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION
This research explores the prevalence, Causes, and consequences of emotional violence among secondary school students at Tehsil Taxila Rawalpindi, shedding light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of adolescent well-being. Emotional violence, encompassing verbal abuse, intimidation, and manipulation, can have profound and lasting effects on the psychological and social development of students. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collects data, interviews, and questionnaires to provide a thorough understanding of the dynamics of emotional violence in secondary schools. The study investigates the factors contributing to the perpetration and victimization of emotional violence, including individual characteristics, familial influences, and socio-cultural factors. Through the analysis of collected data, patterns, and trends in emotional violence are identified, allowing for a nuanced understanding of its dynamics. Additionally, the research assesses the impact of emotional violence on academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being of students. The thesis also delves into existing prevention and intervention strategies, evaluating their effectiveness and proposing evidence-based recommendations for mitigating emotional violence in secondary schools. By enhancing awareness and understanding of emotional violence, this research seeks to contribute to developing targeted interventions that foster a safe and supportive school environment conducive to positive social interactions and emotional well-being for all secondary school students. Ultimately, the findings aim to inform educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in the education system to create a more empathetic and inclusive educational environment.
TESS OF DURBEYFIELD AND ABSURDITY OF LIFE: AN EXISTENTIALIST LENS
The present article attempts to study Thomas Hardy’s Character Tess of Durbeyfield through the lens of Sartre’s Existentialism as discussed in his most popular book Being and Nothingness: An Essay on Phenomenological Ontology . This paper makes an effort to throw light on the treatment of Tess of Durbeyfield by her parents, men and society. To begin with, starter’s views are delineated and then the loss of connection between external and internal connection due to too much interference from external sources in the life of Tess of Durbeyfield. She remains in constant frustration and struggles in her life to fight the absurdity and meaninglessness in her life. she was able to understand the causes of her failure in her efforts at achieving harmony between external and internal self, therefore, she finally decides and chooses to suffer from pain and inward torment rather than taking refuge in the false self that is you are too weak ever to leave and chisel self respect and identity in this world of so called social constructs.
Absurdity; Hopelessness; Existence; Nothingness; Essence.
DETERMINANTS OF BANK INTEREST MARGINS: EVIDENCE FROM BANKING SECTOR OF PAKISTAN
This study aims to explore the determinants of net interest margin which is one of the most important variables of banking industry. It determines the efficiency and development of banking sector which in turn augment growth in the overall economy. 20 banks have been selected on the basis of availability of data for the period of 12 year from 2013-2024. Current study also takes into account the bank specific, industry specific and economy specific variables and builds an econometric model for analyzing these determinants of net interest margin. In order to test the proposed relationship ten hypotheses have been formulated indicating the proposed sign and strength of relationship. On the basis of panel fixed effect regression the variable of credit risk, default risk, degree of risk aversion, firm performance, market structure and inflation rate were significant while for the rest of variables no significant relationship was found. Thus out ten hypotheses formulated for the study 6 were accepted while the remaining four could not be accepted. On the basis of results of the study the variables considered as determinants have proved as important factor for the determination of interest margin and in order to modify, manipulate or adjust net interest margin. These factors can be manipulated accordingly so that the bank profitability and efficiency may increase which cause overall prosperity of financial sector and subsequently the overall economy.
Islamic Economic Reforms for Muslim States: Insights from the Prophetic Seerah and Sustainable Development Paradigms
This article addresses the need for comprehensive Islamic economic reforms across Muslim-majority nations in the context of positioning contemporary challenges within the realm of the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It argues that economic justice advocated by the Prophet was not a standalone moral imperative but an intertwined framework that involved spirituality, ethics, and worldly prosperity. The paper begins by grounding Islamic economic philosophy in the intellectual and historical sources of Islam, ranging from Qur'anic imperatives and early Prophetic commandments to classical literature produced by scholars and thinkers such as Abū Yūsuf, al-Māwardī, Ibn Khaldūn, and Ibn Taymiyyah. It then goes on to discuss how the Seerah is a working model of redistribution, prohibition of exploitation, control of the marketplace, sanctity of work, and respect for the environment ideals that remain highly relevant in the twenty-first century. The article also depicts how the maqāṣid al-sharīʿah (higher purposes of Islamic law), i.e., the preservation of wealth (ḥifẓ al-māl), overlap with modern-day sustainability agendas to offer an ethical response to exploitative global economic networks. In light of traditional Islamic institutions such as zakāt and waqf, as well as newer structures such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the article refers to mechanisms through which Muslim nations can implement reforms based on their own intellectual and spiritual traditions. Last but not least, it asserts that substantive change will require more than mere partial adoption of Islamic finance to wholesale transformation that incorporates Prophetic ethics into public finance, market regulation, welfare, and environmental management. It would not only renew economic justice and equity but also make Muslim societies leaders in sustainable development for the modern era.
Theological and Philosophical Dimensions of Atheism: An Evaluation of Sayyed Maududi’s Perspective
In the modern era, atheism has evolved beyond a mere intellectual stance into a well-organized civilizational movement—one that either completely denies the existence of God or adopts a skeptical attitude toward Him. During a time when Western materialism, scientism, and secular philosophies were challenging the very foundations of faith, Sayyed Abul A‘la Maududi’s critique of atheism emerged as one of the most systematic and intellectually grounded responses within Islamic scholarship against modern irreligious thought. According to Sayyed Maududi, atheism is not simply a philosophical deviation but a civilizational crisis that disconnects humanity from servitude to its Creator. His writings reaffirmed the supremacy of divine revelation over human reason and sought to reestablish harmony between intellect and faith. This study explores Maududi’s critical engagement with atheism and materialism, particularly his refutation of Darwin’s theory of evolution, Marxist dialectical materialism, and Western rationalism. Through an analytical study of major works such as Tanqīhāt, Tafhīmāt, and Tafhīm al-Qur’ān, it becomes evident that Sayyed Maududi played a pivotal role in reconstructing modern Islamic thought and exposing the moral and intellectual inconsistencies of atheistic ideologies. His concept of “Jāhiliyyat Khāliṣah” (Pure Ignorance) interprets modern Western civilization as a materialistic and sensory world deprived of divine revelation and dominated by skepticism and self-indulgence. The research employs a qualitative and analytical methodology. Primary sources include Maududi’s original writings, speeches, and articles, while secondary materials such as scholarly papers and contemporary analyses are also utilized. The study concludes that Sayyed Maududi’s critique of atheism is not merely theological polemic but a comprehensive intellectual and civilizational reconstruction, reminding modern humanity of the organic relationship between revelation, reason, morality, and truth. The research finally asserts that Sayyed Abul A‘la Maududi’s critique of atheism remains a foundational pillar of modern Islamic thought. His synthesis of faith and reason provides a holistic alternative to secularism, scientism, and the moral vacuum of the contemporary world. His vision of Islam as a divinely guided system of life continues to offer a lasting framework for moral integrity, spiritual insight, and intellectual coherence.
Hafiz Abdullah Muddassir,Dr Muhammad Rizwan Mahmood
CPEC and Marine Environmental Sustainability: Assessing the Ecological Impact of Port and Shipping Development in Gwadar
The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, has transformed Gwadar into a strategic maritime hub. While this development promises economic growth through trade, industrialization, and employment, it simultaneously threatens Pakistan’s fragile coastal ecosystems. This paper provides the first integrated legal-ecological assessment of Gwadar’s port expansion, critically examining the environmental consequences of dredging, shipping traffic, and industrial activity. It situates these impacts within Pakistan’s national legislation, including the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (1997), and international obligations under UNCLOS, MARPOL, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The analysis reveals persistent gaps in enforcement, institutional capacity, and stakeholder participation, underscoring the tension between economic ambition and ecological responsibility. The study concludes that sustainable port development under CPEC requires stronger regulatory compliance, regional cooperation, and the embedding of environmental safeguards into broader economic planning, positioning Gwadar as a test case for balancing Belt and Road growth with marine sustainability.
ISOLATION AND MADNESS IN MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN (1818), EMILY BRONTË’S WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1847), AND STEPHEN KING’S THE SHINING (1977)
In this paper, the thematic development of the theme of isolation and madness in Gothic literature will be analyzed by comparing three works of literature Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley, Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emily Bront, and The Shining (1977) by Stephen King. Through a reflexive thematic analysis, the study follows the transition of the Romantic Sublime isolationism to the Domestic Gothic and eventually to the Modern Psychological trap. The paper contends that over time the origin of the madness shifted with the development of the genre whereby it was the focus of an external scientific transgression to internal psychological and hereditary corruption. The evidence indicates that the "Gothic Space" has not only declined to the Arctic wastes, but to the lobbies of a hotel, but the severity of the "Internal Monster" has also escalated, as the society began to experience anxiety about the self and the family unit.
Isolation, Gothic tradition, Internal Monster and madness.
DETERMINANTS OF RESIDENTIAL LOCATION CHOICE IN THE TRI-CITIES OF SINDH
Rapid urbanization in Pakistan's Sindh province has intensified competition for residential spaces in interconnected urban clusters like Hyderabad, Kotri, and Jamshoro. This study explores the socio-economic and environmental factors influencing residents' location choices within these tri-cities, employing a quantitative survey of 350 households. Using multinomial logistic regression and ordinary least squares (OLS) models, the analysis identifies accessibility to services (β = 0.804, p < 0.001) and green spaces (β = 0.663, p < 0.001) as the strongest predictors of location preference scores, surpassing proximity to employment and pollution concerns. Descriptive profiles reveal that 45% of respondents prefer Hyderabad for its economic vibrancy, despite higher pollution levels (mean = 6.2/10). Comparative insights highlight Kotri's appeal for affordability amid industrial growth, while Jamshoro attracts education-oriented families. Findings align with Alonso's bid-rent theory, adapted to developing contexts, and address gaps in mid-sized South Asian urban dynamics. Policy implications include zoning reforms to enhance green infrastructure and equitable access, fostering sustainable development. Limitations encompass self-reported biases and exclusion of transient migrants. This research advances urban planning discourse by quantifying predictors in a polycentric tri-city framework.
Residential location choice, socio-economic determinants, environmental factors, tri-cities, Sindh, bid-rent theory, urban planning.
EXPLORING DIGITAL PUBLIC SERVICE THROUGH PUBLIC SERVICE LOGIC PERSPECTIVE: EVIDENCE FROM HEC PAKISTAN
During last century, most of the government around globe has initiated digital transformation of public service primarily for enhancing public service delivery, especially in developing nations where conventional bureaucratic structures frequently hamper efficiency and effectiveness. Utilizing the nexus between Public Service Logic (PSL) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research investigates the role of citizen feedback in enhancing digital public services, specifically through the case study of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan’s degree attestation system. The study is based on qualitative data derived from user interviews and online feedback to compare citizen experiences with digital and walk-in attestation services and also explore whether their experiences can add to any other user experience or not. The results indicate that digital system is better than the traditional walk-in process, which is still linked to delays and administrative frustration. The study does not find evidence of formal co-production or co-design; however, it illustrates that citizen feedback serves as an indirect yet significant contribution to public value creation by guiding future service enhancements and influencing user expectations. The study augments digital governance literature by positioning citizen feedback within a PSL framework, demonstrating that public value can develop incrementally through feedback loops rather than solely through fully institutionalized co-creation mechanisms. The results provide actionable insights for public service providers aiming to progress from basic digitization to enhanced citizen-centric service delivery.
Public Service Logic; digital public services; citizen feedback; public value; higher education governance; Pakistan.
Dr. Madiha Rehman Farooqi (Corrresponding Author)
"THE ROLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN SHAPING ENROLLMENT TRENDS IN STATISTICS AND ENHANCING JOB PROSPECTS IN PAKISTAN"
This study quantitatively investigates the role of higher education institutions in shaping enrollment trends in statistics programs and enhancing employment outcomes for statistics graduates in Pakistan. Using secondary data collected from public and private universities, the research analyzes enrollment patterns over multiple academic years and examines their relationship with institutional characteristics such as program availability, faculty strength, student–teacher ratios, and curriculum orientation. Additionally, graduate employment data are statistically evaluated to assess the impact of academic training in statistics on job prospects across sectors, including education, finance, government, and emerging data-driven industries. Descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and regression techniques are employed to identify significant factors influencing student enrollment and employability. The findings reveal that universities offering quantitatively rigorous curricula, applied statistical training, and exposure to statistical software show higher enrollment growth and improved graduate employment rates. Furthermore, a statistically significant association is observed between institutional investment in statistics education and positive labor market outcomes. The study underscores the importance of evidence-based academic planning and curriculum enhancement within higher education institutions to strengthen the relevance of statistics education and support workforce development in Pakistan.
Statistics Education, Higher Education Institutions, Enrollment Trends, Quantitative Analysis, Graduate Employability, Pakistan.
BULLISH MARKETS, BEARISH EXPORTS: AN EMPIRICAL INQUIRY INTO PAKISTAN’S ECONOMIC DIVERGENCE
This paper explores structural reasons for the discord between the economic fundamentals of Pakistan and the performance of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), focusing on the country's export sector. The author conducts a thematic analysis of the market, the macroeconomic and institutional frameworks, and identifies a ‘Dual Economy’ phenomenon. Although the PSX index shows a bullish trend, the driving PSX index construction constituents are non-export-oriented sectors (i.e. banking, energy, and fertilizers). These sectors are further driven by nominal market distorting variables (i.e. inflation and currency depreciation). The author argues that market growth is entirely liquidity driven. It has created a highly speculative market, rather than one that promotes industrial upgrading and export competitiveness. The author examines the institutional preoccupations of the bias towards the stability of the capital markets over the development of the real economy, regulatory capture, and the high costs of production on the export-oriented and SME sector, and argues that these created conditions that allow the capital market to function as an isolated financial loop. Therefore, the author argues that the PSX does not contribute to Pakistan's sustainable development. The author argues that unless the PSX is reformed to allow for export-linked capital market incursion, and the present speculative trading is restructured to allow for productive investment, the PSX will continue to be a narrow economic indicator of wealth for the elite of the country, and will offer little to the country’s economic resilience over the long run.
Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Export Competitiveness, Dual Economy, Financialization, Macroeconomic Instability.
ENGINEERING FACULTY PERCEPTIONS OF CHATGPT:OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN EDUCATION
This study investigates engineering faculty members’ perceptions of the ethical integration of ChatGPT, a generative AI tool, in teaching practices at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) in Balochistan, Pakistan. As AI technologies continue to shape the educational landscape, the ethical considerations surrounding their use, especially in technical fields like engineering, have become a significant focus. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, this study gathered data from 40 engineering faculty members across six departments to assess their awareness, perceived benefits, challenges, and training needs related to ChatGPT. The findings indicate high levels of awareness (85%) and usage (85%) of ChatGPT among faculty, with 75% reporting that it enhances student engagement and simplifies complex engineering concepts. Despite these positive perceptions, concerns regarding reliability, accuracy, and the potential for ChatGPT to undermine critical thinking and academic integrity were expressed by 57.5% of the respondents. These results highlight the dual nature of ChatGPT's role in education—offering significant educational benefits while presenting ethical challenges. The study underscores the need for comprehensive faculty training, clear institutional policies, and ethical guidelines to ensure responsible integration of AI tools in higher education. This research contributes to the growing discourse on AI in education, particularly in the context of engineering, by providing insights into the opportunities, risks, and strategies for promoting ethical AI use.
ECONOMIC EXPLOITATION AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY IN GEORGE ORWELL’S ANIMAL FARM: A MARXIST PERSPECTIVE
The research uses a Marxist perspective to examine George Orwell's Animal Farm: it focuses on economic exploitation and social inequality. The research investigates how the ruling pigs exploit the labor of other animals to consolidate their power and control over resources, and examines how social inequality is constructed and maintained through class divisions, hierarchical structures, and ideological manipulations. A qualitative approach, using literary analysis, thus interprets the text, informing the evidence through Orwell's narrative, character actions, dialogue, symbolic events, and relevant scholarly literature. It Emerges that the pigs establish themselves as a ruling elite, appropriating for themselves the best food, comfort, and decision-making privileges, while the laboring animals-class persons, such as Boxer and Clover-are compelled to work tirelessly day after day for the benefit of the ruling class. Propaganda, revision of the Seven Commandments, and persuasive slogans are used strategically to legitimize inequality and suppress dissent-the running themes underpinning Marxist concepts of false consciousness, surplus value, and class domination. The paper, in any case, demonstrates that the maintenance of social hierarchy is not solely done through economic controls but also through ideological manipulations which make the working animals accept subordination as natural or necessary. Animal Farm has remained a perpetual critique of oppression and class divisions, as well as an exploration of ideals being corrupted during a revolution in history and in society. This paper has addressed its importance in understanding power and class divisions and could be used to further studies in other subjects such as sociology and literary theory.
Oman in Arabic travel literature stands out as a distinctive stop that many Arab and Muslim travelers have documented. It has always enjoyed a strategic geographical location along maritime and overland trade routes, making it a significant destination for travelers, geographers, and historians. In Arabic travel literature, Oman represents a unique image of geographical, cultural, and religious diversity. Arab travelers have long admired its advancements in irrigation, agriculture, and trade, as well as its steadfast preservation of identity while remaining open to the outside world. This study presents a perspective suggesting that travel has helped humans discover their homeland—their planetary Earth—while also making them aware of their widespread presence across its regions. It highlights how humans have followed different paths, developed diverse languages, and embraced varied ways of life. Among these travelers were scholars and religious figures, as well as wanderers driven by a passion for exploration. Others were drawn by adventure, with risk-taking propelling them to uncover the unknown aspects of lands and peoples.
THE MORPHOLOGY OF PLURAL FORMATION IN DHAKNI URDU NOUNS: A LEXICAL PHONOLOGY AND MORPHOLOGY THEORY
This study investigates plural formation in Dhakni Urdu nouns within the framework of Lexical Phonology and Morphology (LPM). While Urdu pluralization has been described in traditional grammars, its interaction with phonological strata and lexical cycles remains underexplored. Drawing on elicited and naturally occurring speech data from seven Dhakni Urdu-speaking families in Gujranwala, Pakistan, the study analyzes 200 nouns using a qualitative descriptive approach. The findings reveal that plural formation in Urdu is governed by systematic morphophonemic alternations sensitive to gender, phonological endings, and lexical strata. Regular plural rules primarily operate at Stratum 3, whereas irregular and marked plurals show evidence of earlier lexical strata. Compound nouns display head-driven plural marking consistent with LPM cyclicity. The study demonstrates that Urdu pluralization is not merely suffixal but stratified, offering empirical support for the cross-linguistic applicability of LPM to Indo-Aryan languages.
Urdu morphology, Plural formation, Lexical Phonology and Morphology, Inflection.
Zeeshan Alam Khan (Corresponding Author)