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.
BEYOND THE OFFICIAL RECORD: REIMAGINING THE 1971 PARTITION THROUGH THE COUNTER-NARRATIVE OF HUSAINI’S “KARIMA”
This research explores the short story of Aamer Hussein, which is closely read in the paper, is the one which narrates the fictional story of Karima the 1971 partitioning of Pakistan into Bangladesh that used to be East wing and Pakistan was the former Western Pakistan region in the united Pakistan. Utilizing Cara the notions of Cilano as they are presented in her book; National Identities in Pakistan: The 1971 War in the paper examines contemporary Pakistani Fiction (2011), as a theoretical framework in some aspects of this division and examines the theme of oppression in the migrants/refugees camps, the distinction in classes between the sons of the soil and the Bihari. Identity crisis, Muhajirs and violence in the 1971 partition. The article also examines Muslims nationalism slogan in pre-partition of subcontinent and expresses Muslim commitment towards this reason during partitions of 1947 and 1971. The paper describes that how, so that to cope with either the non-existence or lack of the state owned stories, the vacuum is filled with the fictional stories such as the ones of Karima and dwell upon different aspects of the historical events such as that of the 1971 partition uninhibitedly. By making all dilemmas and pains projected upon titular character of this paper describes the 1971 Partition as a tragic incident of the short story.
Partition 1971, Aamer Hussein, Fictional Narratives, Karima, State Narratives.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
RECONCEPTUALIZING ETHICAL LEADERSHIP WITHIN NEO-CHARISMATIC LEADERSHIP THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE: IMPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESS ETHICS AND ORGANIZATIONAL PRACTICE
This literature review combines sightings from more than a few academic fundamentals on ethical leadership comparing it with neo-charismatic leadership theories, and commenting on its implications for possible organizational outcomes and practices. It reconnoiters how ethical leadership is conceptualized and operationalized, drawing its progression through manifold theoretical standpoints. The study also draws linkages with key constructs such as corporate social responsibility (CSR), social entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship, and social entrepreneurship. Additionally, it highpoints the role of essential ethical principles such as transparency, integrity or veracity, and accountability in handling ethical policymaking within organizations. The evaluation accomplishes by observing models for socially accountable and maintainable business practices that poise ethical influence with profitability. Finally, this review aims to provide a holistic understanding of the current state and future guidelines of ethical leadership in business and social initiative settings.
Ethical Leadership, Ethical Principles, Business Ethics, Neo-charishmatic models, CSR, Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship.
منهج ابن حجر العسقلانى في عرض أحداث مولد النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم في من خلال الإصابة في تمييز الصحابة (دراسة تحليلية مقارنة)
This research paper examines the methodology of Imam al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in documenting and elucidating different events appeared during, before or after the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), through a comparative study. The analysis focuses on how Ibn Hajar treated this special event within his various works; most notably in his prominent book "Al Isabah fi Temyeez al Sahabah", while comparing his approach with that of other leading scholars of Seerah books like Al Seerah tun Nabaviye (Ibn a Ishaaq, Ibn Hisham, and Ibn Kaseer). The study highlights the distinctive characteristics of Ibn Hajar's integrative methodology, which combines the meticulous precision of a "Muhaddith" (scholar of Hadith) in scrutinizing asanid (chains of transmission) and critically evaluating narratives, with the depth of a historian who synthesizes multiple reports and weighs differing accounts. It investigates his handling of disputed issues related to the birth of holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his systematic approach to reconciling or preferring between various opinions based on the principles of Hadith criticism. The findings reveal that Ibn Hajar employed a comprehensive approach grounded in rigorous verification of textual sources (isnad criticism), broad utilization of biographical and historical materials, and logical analysis of contextual evidence. His methodology is distinguished by its balanced comparative analysis of narratives, its consideration of weaker reports when they could serve as corroborative evidence or be plausibly interpreted, and its clarity in stating the grading of narrations. This study contributes to highlighting an advanced model of Islamic historical research that synthesizes the methodologies of traditional Islamic sciences—Hadith, jurisprudence, and history—to arrive at an accurate understanding of historical events.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani; Birth of the Prophet (PBUH); Methodology of Hadith Scholars; Islamic History; Comparative Study; Narrative Criticism;
قرآنِ کریم میں سوالات (يسْأَلُونَكَ اور يَسْتَفْتُونَكَ) کا تجزیاتی، تقابلی مطالعہ: اثرِ ابنِ عباسؓ اور فخر رازی و مفتی محمد شفیعؒ کی تفسیری عبارات کے تناظر میں
This study provides an analytical, evaluative, and comparative examination of the occurrences of the Qur’anic expressions يسْأَلُونَكَ "they ask you" and يَسْتَفْتُونَكَ "they seek your ruling" throughout the Qur’an. These expressions appear in various contexts, sometimes posed by the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ and sometimes by disbelievers or general inquiries. The research highlights the numerical and interpretive discrepancies reported in classical and contemporary sources. The narration of Ibn Abbas رضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ indicates thirteen or fourteen questions posed by the Companions, as cited by earlier scholars such as Fakhr al-Razi, whereas Mufti Muhammad Shafi ‘(a later scholar) enumerates seventeen questions, encompassing both Companion and disbeliever inquiries. The study provides a comparative analysis of these sources, establishing correlations wherever possible, and examining the methodological and interpretive reasoning behind the counts. A tabular presentation details all eighteen questions, specifying the relevant Surah and Ayah, the form of inquiry يسْأَلُونَكَ or يَسْتَفْتُونَكَ and the identity of the questioner (Companion or disbeliever). This research adopts a strictly analytical approach, focusing on classification, enumeration, and source comparison, without delving into the detailed reasons of revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl). The primary aim is to provide clarity on the occurrence, distribution, and scholarly interpretation of these Qur’anic questions, highlighting both classical and contemporary perspectives and reconciling the numerical discrepancies where feasible.
Qur’anic Questions, Yasʾalūnaka, Yastaftūnaka, Ibn ʿAbbās, Fakhr al-Rāzī, Mufti Muhammad Shafiʿ, Comparative Tafsīr Analysis.
قرآن کریم میں حیوانات کی حرکات کا سائنسی اور اخلاقی تجزیہ
This article explores the depiction of animal behavior in the Holy Quran through both scientific and ethical lenses. The Holy Quran mentions various animals – such as the mule, donkey, horse, pig, monkey, elephant, snake, frog, hoopoe, crow, locust, fly, mosquito, and spider- not merely as creatures of the natural world but as signs (Ayat) pointing to divine wisdom and moral instruction. The study examines how the movements, habits and roles of these animals align with modern zoological findings and ethical teachings. By integrating classical Islamic exegesis (Tafsir) Hadith Literature, and contemporary scientific article. This paper aims to highlight the Quran’s profound understanding of animal behavior and its ethical implications for human responsibility compassion, and environmental stewardship.
Animal Behavior, Holy Qur’an, Islamic Ethics, Tafsīr and Ḥadīth, Zoology, Environmental Stewardship, Divine Signs (Āyāt)
مولانا حمداللہ جان ڈاگئ ؒ کی پشتو صوتی تفسیرمیں اختیار کردہ منہج، اسلوب اور علمی خصوصیات: سورۃ المائدۃ کی روشنی میں ایک تجزیاتی مطالعہ
This research study clearly shows that the methodological and audio-based exegesis of Maulana Hamdullah Jan is a well-organized, coherent, and systematic scholarly effort. It is not limited to traditional verse-by-verse explanation; rather, it integrates the principled, thematic, and relational aspects of the Qur’an, thereby presenting a comprehensive interpretive model. A notable feature of this exegesis is that Maulana Hamdullah Jan clarifies the reason for naming each surah, its subject, central theme, and overall message at the outset, which reveals the intellectual structure of the surah and aligns with the principles of Qur’anic coherence. The concise summary of each rukūʿ, its connection with the preceding rukūʿ, and the relationship of each surah with the previous one indicate that the Qur’an is a well-organized, coherent, and thematically unified book rather than a collection of isolated verses, and this approach effectively aids the understanding of the Qur’an’s internal order and coherence. Regarding theological issues (ʿilm al-kalām)—especially tawḥīd, prophethood, the Hereafter, predestination, and resolving doctrinal doubts—his discourse is characterized by balance, rational argumentation, and adherence to the primary texts, while also reflecting awareness of contemporary intellectual challenges. Thus, this exegesis facilitates the understanding of the Qur’an for the general reader, while providing valuable material for scholars and researchers in the fields of Qur’anic coherence, inter-verse relationships, and the principles of exegesis. Consequently, it can be concluded that Maulana Hamdullah Jan’s methodological and audio-based exegesis constitutes a significant contribution to contemporary Qur’anic scholarship.
Maulana Hamdullah Jan Dagai,Methodological Tafsir, Audio-Based Exegesis, Qur’anic Coherence, Thematic Interpretation, Surah Naming, Rukūʿ Summaries, Inter-Surah Relations, ʿIlm al-Kalām, Tawḥīd and Risālah, Contemporary Qur’anic Scholarship.
حیوانی غذاؤں میں الٰہی حکمت اور انسانی صحت: قرآن و جدید سائنس کی روشنی میں تحقیقی و تجزیاتی مطالعہ
This research paper provides an analytical study of the Qur’anic references to animal-based foods such as milk, meat, honey, and other products, highlighting them as divine provisions and signs of Allah’s wisdom. The Qur’an not only presents these foods as blessings for human sustenance but also emphasizes moderation and balance in their consumption. In this study, Qur’anic perspectives are examined in the light of modern scientific research, nutritional science, and biomedical findings to explore the significance of animal-derived foods for human health and survival. The analysis demonstrates that animal-based foods are rich in essential nutrients and play a vital role in maintaining physical well-being. Moreover, recent scientific discoveries validate the wisdom expressed in the Qur’an centuries ago, particularly regarding their nutritional benefits and the importance of dietary balance. Thus, this study reveals that divine wisdom and scientific facts are not contradictory but rather complementary, reinforcing the harmony between revelation and reason.
Qur’an, Divine Wisdom, Animal-Based Foods, Nutrition, Biomedical Science, Human Health, Balance, Moderation, Scientific Analysis.
اسلام میں امن، رواداری اور بین المذہب ہم آہنگی: قرآنی و نبوی اصول
This research article explores the foundational principles of peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony in Islam through the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah. The Qur’an, as a comprehensive divine code of life, establishes universal values that promote peaceful coexistence, justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity. It emphasizes the sanctity of human life, fairness in social dealings, forgiveness, and freedom of belief, as reflected in the principle “no compulsion in religion.” The study examines how these Qur’anic directives provide a framework for constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and balanced interaction among followers of different faiths. It also highlights the Prophet Muhammad’s practical model in fostering interfaith relations, particularly through treaties, ethical conduct, and inclusive community building. In the contemporary global context—where religious intolerance, extremism, and ideological polarization present serious challenges—the relevance of Qur’anic guidance becomes even more significant. The article argues that Islam fundamentally advocates mercy, justice, and social harmony, rejecting coercion and hostility based solely on religious differences. By revisiting authentic Islamic sources, this study demonstrates that the proper understanding and implementation of Qur’anic and Prophetic principles can contribute meaningfully to the development of a peaceful, pluralistic, and cooperative society. Ultimately, the research underscores that interfaith harmony is not merely a modern necessity but an intrinsic component of Islamic teachings rooted in divine revelation.
Peace, Tolerance, Interfaith Harmony, Qur’anic Teachings, Religious Freedom, Justice, Prophetic Sunnah.
INTEGRATING SOCIO-EMOTIONAL AND MORAL COMPETENCE THROUGH PLAY-BASED PEDAGOGY: AN INTERVENTION STUDY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Early childhood is a crucial period for developing social competence, emotional regulation, and moral reasoning. Despite global support for holistic early childhood education, empirically tested play-based interventions remain limited in Pakistan. Grounded in a constructivist framework emphasizing active, socially mediated learning (Piaget; Vygotsky), this mixed-methods quasi-experimental study evaluated an eight-week, daily implemented play-based integrated module for children aged 3–8 years in Lahore. A pre-test–post-test design was used, with data analyzed through descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. Inter-rater reliability indicated good consistency (Social ICC = .82; Emotional ICC = .79; Moral ICC = .76). Significant improvements were found in moral, emotional, and social development (p < .001), and gain score analysis confirmed domain-level differences, F(3,116) = 7.224, p < .001. Qualitative findings further revealed enhanced peer cooperation, emotional articulation, and moral reasoning. The results support integrating structured, culturally responsive play-based pedagogy within early childhood curricula in Pakistan.
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WORKPLACE STRESS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF COPING STYLES AND THE MODERATING INFLUENCE OF GENDER
Workplace stress is a pervasive and escalating concern within healthcare environments, posing serious risks to the psychological well-being of healthcare professionals. Chronic exposure to high workloads, emotional demands, time pressure, and organizational constraints often results in elevated psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. This study investigates the mediating role of coping styles in the relationship between workplace stress and psychological distress and examines gender as a moderating factor within this pathway. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, drawing data from 1,200 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and allied health staff, working in tertiary healthcare institutions. Validated instruments the Perceived Stress Scale, Brief COPE, and General Health Questionnaire were utilized to measure workplace stress, coping strategies, and psychological distress, respectively. Mediation and moderation analyses revealed that both adaptive and maladaptive coping styles significantly mediated the stress–distress relationship, while gender moderated the strength of these indirect effects. Female healthcare professionals reported higher stress levels and greater reliance on emotion-focused coping strategies compared to males. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating gender-sensitive coping interventions and stress management programs within healthcare organizations.
workplace stress, psychological distress, coping styles, gender differences, healthcare professionals.
FROM PENAFLEX TO PIXELS: A MULTIMODAL CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF THE SHIFTING LINGUISTIC LANDSCAPE IN PAKISTAN'S METROPOLITAN CENTRES
This research examines how parts of the linguistic landscape of Pakistan (LL) in metropolitan cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have changed in terms of traditional physical media, for example, from penaflex banners to digital pixels on screens and social media. Using multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this paper will examine how languages, images, and semiotic materials demonstrate power relations, glocalisation, and social stratifications in urban environments. Based on the 10 signs gathered in commercial areas and on digital platforms, the analysis shows that English is dominant at the elite level, transliterated terms are Urduized in semi-urban contexts, and the existence of a language of digital protest in environmental activism. The trend towards pixels enhances the underrepresented voices, which, in the case of Sindh, were the anti-canal movements, and reinforces stereotypes about genders in social media clips. Results underscore the role that globalization plays in local linguistics, where English serves as a marker of socioeconomic status, and digital LL brings together in resisting. The research will inform about the knowledge of glocalisation of language in postcolonial contexts and suggest a policy of linguistic equity and inclusive digital representation. The shift between the physical and digital LLC highlights the role of ideology, identity, and technology in the urban setting in Pakistan.
Gender stereotypes; Glocalisation; Linguistic landscape; Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis; Pakistan metropolitan centres; Social hierarchies.
A SEMIOTIC AND PSYCHOANALYTIC ANALYSIS OF VISUAL AND TEXTUAL REPRESENTATIONS IN OVERTON’S THE SILENT CHILD
The article provides a semiotic and psychoanalytic interpretation of an Academy Award winning short film The Silent Child (2017) by Chris Overton that emphasizes the way in which film signs and subconscious processes create meanings of deafness, emotional deprivation, and identity formation. The study is based on the triadic model of signs provided by Charles Sanders Peirce and psychoanalytic theories proposed by Freud, Lacan, and Winnicott, and the research issues How do silence, gesture, gaze, and the space elements of composition work as systems of expression in conveying psychological reality in Libby. Instead of shaping deafness as a medical inadequacy or narrative metaphor, the analysis previews the communication inequality and affective neglect as socially constructed states. With a keen focus on mise-en-scene, framing, colour, lighting, and sound design, the article shows how the film alters the concept of silence into the full-fledged semiotic space that expresses the trauma, desire, and resistance. Combining the semiotics and psychoanalytic film theory, this paper is relevant to current theoretical discussions in film studies and disability discourse by demonstrating how the linguistic implications of depriving the deaf children of language use can have both ethical and emotional implications.
Semiotics, Psychoanalysis, Disability Representation, Deafness, Trauma, Film Theory, Visual Culture.
Dr Katsiaryna Hurbik (Corresponding Author)
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’’الفتنہ‘‘ کا فقہی و معنوی اطلاق تفسیر تبیان القرآن کی روشنی میں
This research article provides a comprehensive analysis of the term Al-Fitna, focusing on its dual nature as a linguistic concept and a legal construct within the framework of Tafsir Tibyan-ul-Quran. The study investigates the semantic evolution of the word—from its root meaning of "refining gold by fire" to its broader Quranic applications involving trials of faith and civil strife. Furthermore, it delves into the juristic implications (Fiqh) as discussed by Allama Ghulam Rasool Saeedi, highlighting the distinction between individual trials and collective social disruptions. By synthesizing these perspectives, the article concludes that Tibyan-ul-Quran offers a balanced hermeneutical approach that reconciles the historical context of the revelations with contemporary socio-legal challenges, providing a clearer roadmap for understanding the boundaries of "Fitna" in modern Islamic jurisprudence.
Al-Fitna, Tibyan-ul-Quran, Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Semantics, Quranic Exegesis, Allama Ghulam Rasool Saeedi.
مسجد نبویؐ میں قائم صفہ کا تعلیمی کردار: تحقیقی مطالعہ
The Suffah established in Masjid al-Nabawi represents one of the earliest and most influential educational institutions in Islamic history. This research study explores the educational role of Suffah and critically examines the scholarly contributions of Ashab al-Suffah. Suffah was a shaded platform attached to the Prophet’s Mosque, where devoted companions resided and engaged in systematic learning under the direct supervision of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The study highlights how Suffah functioned as a center for religious education, focusing primarily on the teaching, memorization, interpretation, and writing of the Qur’an, as well as the preservation and practical application of Hadith. Ashab al-Suffah dedicated themselves to acquiring knowledge and implementing it in daily life, thereby setting a strong foundation for Islamic scholarship. The educational environment of Suffah emphasized simplicity, discipline, moral refinement, and spiritual development alongside intellectual growth. This research further discusses how the Prophet’s pedagogical methods at Suffah combined theory with practice, producing scholars, teachers, and missionaries who later played a vital role in spreading Islamic teachings. The study argues that Suffah was not merely a shelter for poor companions but a structured educational institution with a well-defined curriculum and objectives. The findings of this research demonstrate that the Suffah model provides timeless educational principles such as accessibility, character building, and experiential learning, which remain highly relevant for contemporary educational systems.
Mufti Naveed Ahmad Khan,Professor Dr. Fazal ilahi Khan,Sakhi Rehman
قرآن و حدیث میں جمالیات اور اس کے اظہار کی جہات
This research paper explores the concept of aesthetics and its various manifestations in the Qur’an and Hadith within the framework of Islamic thought. Islam, as a religion of natural disposition (dīn al-fiṭrah), establishes a balanced and harmonious relationship between the material and spiritual dimensions of human life. The study argues that Islamic teachings neither suppress human aesthetic inclinations nor allow unrestrained indulgence; rather, they regulate beauty through moral, spiritual, and legal boundaries. The Qur’an frequently draws attention to beauty in creation, order, proportion, and harmony, encouraging reflection on divine artistry as a means of strengthening faith. Similarly, the Prophetic traditions emphasize cleanliness, elegance, moderation, and excellence (iḥsān) in conduct, worship, and social interaction. The famous Hadith, “Indeed Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty,” serves as a foundational text for Islamic aesthetics, linking beauty with divine attributes and ethical responsibility. This paper analyzes how Islamic aesthetics transcend mere sensory pleasure and function as a means of moral refinement, spiritual elevation, and social harmony. It also examines the rejection of two extremes: materialistic indulgence that leads to moral decay, and excessive spiritual isolation (monasticism) that contradicts human nature and social obligations. By highlighting Qur’anic verses and selected Hadiths, the study demonstrates that aesthetics in Islam are purpose-driven, ethically grounded, and spiritually enriching. Ultimately, the paper establishes that Islamic aesthetics represent a comprehensive worldview in which beauty becomes a constructive force for individual character-building and collective well-being.
Mubashir Hassan,Prof. Dr. Mustafeez Ahmed Alvi
The Impact of Digital Media on English Language Learning at University Level
The rapid growth of digital media has significantly transformed English language learning in higher education. With the increasing integration of technology in university classrooms, digital media has become a vital tool for enhancing language instruction and learner engagement. This study examines the impact of digital media on English language learning at the university level, focusing on its influence on students’ language skills, motivation, autonomy, and overall learning experience. Digital media platforms such as social networking sites, mobile applications, online videos, podcasts, learning management systems, and virtual classrooms provide learners with access to authentic language input and interactive learning environments. These tools support the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills by enabling exposure to real-life language use and opportunities for meaningful communication beyond the traditional classroom. Furthermore, digital media encourages learner-centered approaches, promotes self-directed learning, and increases student motivation through flexible and engaging learning resources. However, the study also highlights several challenges associated with the use of digital media, including digital distraction, unequal access to technology, limited digital literacy, excessive use of informal language, and insufficient pedagogical training among instructors. By reviewing existing literature and theoretical perspectives, this research presents a balanced analysis of both the benefits and limitations of digital media in English language education. The findings suggest that while digital media has great potential to enhance English language learning at the university level, its effective integration requires careful planning, proper training, and pedagogical guidance to ensure meaningful and academically sound learning outcomes.
WHEN CARES BECOMES COERCION: A BIOPOLITICAL STUDY OF HANG KANG’S THE VEGETARIAN
This paper aims to examine Hang Kang’s The Vegetarian (2007) through the theoretical framework of biopolitics, as articulated by Michel Foucault to analyse the regulation of the female body within modern disciplinary societies. The paper argues Yeong-hye’s refusal to consume meat and her gradual withdrawal from human life which constitutes a radical challenge to biopolitical power that seeks to normalise discipline and medicalise nonconforming bodies. Rather than interpreting Yeong-hye’s action solely as a symptom of mental illness, this study reads her bodily resistance as a response to sustain patriarchal and institutional violence enacted through family authority, marital expectations and psychiatric intervention. Through close textual analysis of scenes involving surveillance forced feeding and medical confinement, the paper demonstrates how the novel exposes the violence embodied in practices presented as care and normalcy. By foregrounding the body as a sight of struggle The Vegetarian exposes of contemporary systems of authority which assert control over life, revealing how biopolitical control collapses the boundary between protection and coercion. This study can be further extended by applying the same theoretical framework to a comparative analysis of works by other female authors.
Zamreen Abbas,Dr. Sadia Rahim,Fatima Ameen
THE EVOLUTION OF ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY: HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS AND MODERN TRANSFORMATIONS
Islamic art is widely recognized as a historical and culturally significant form of artistic expression throughout the Islamic world, with calligraphy occupying a central position within it. Islamic calligraphy emerged during the period of the revelation of the Qur’an and has since been extensively used to adorn the interiors and exteriors of mosques and prominent Islamic architectural structures. This article aims to examine and highlight both traditional and contemporary Islamic calligraphy painting through the works of well-known calligraphers. Rooted in the Arabic language, Islamic calligraphy transforms sacred text into a distinctive visual art form expressed through both classical and modern painting practices. The study provides a brief historical overview of Islamic calligraphy and explores its diverse stylistic developments, including traditional Arabic scripts and contemporary interpretations. Calligraphers draw inspiration from Qur’anic verses, historical poetry, and spiritual texts, creating compositions characterized by intricate structures and overlapping letterforms. Whether executed in traditional or contemporary modes, Islamic calligraphy paintings convey movement, rhythm, and visual dynamism through expressive linear formations. The study concludes that both traditional and contemporary calligraphy paintings represent innovative artistic practices, distinguished by their unique scripts, evolving visual identities, and diverse materials. Through the creative application of sacred language, calligraphers continue to produce a rich and evolving artistic tradition known as contemporary Islamic calligraphy painting.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
پنجاب پولیس میں جدید ٹیکنالوجی: اسلامی تصور و تحفظِ عامہ کے تناظر میں تجزیاتی مطالعہ
The use of modern technology in the Punjab Police has become an indispensable tool for crime prevention, transparent investigation, public safety, and accountability. This research aims to examine how contemporary technological applications such as digital forensics, CCTV surveillance, e-record management, community policing, and data analytics affect police performance, officers’ psychological preparedness, and ethical conduct. Furthermore, the study provides a comparative analysis of these technological interventions in light of Islamic principles, including justice, ethics, citizen rights, and Shariah-compliant policing. The study adopts an analytical and comparative methodology, assessing the benefits, challenges, and implications of modern technology within the frameworks of legal standards, Islamic teachings, and contemporary psychological and social sciences theories. The findings indicate that technology not only enhances decision-making, case management, and operational efficiency but also strengthens public trust, accountability, and respect for citizens’ rights. Islamic ethical principles such as justice (ʿAdl), benevolence (Ihsan), accountability (Muhasaba), and moral training provide a normative framework for technology integration in policing. According to the Qur’an and Sunnah, law enforcement officers must uphold their responsibilities with integrity, respect human dignity, and ensure the equitable exercise of authority. The study demonstrates that modern technology and Islamic ethics are complementary: while technology improves operational efficiency, Islamic principles cultivate moral awareness, ethical conduct, and responsibility among officers. In conclusion, this research highlights that integrating modern technological tools within the Punjab Police, when guided by Islamic ethical and legal principles, offers a comprehensive and sustainable model for effective law enforcement. Such integration not only facilitates efficient crime control and administrative transparency but also promotes societal well-being and moral accountability, establishing a policing framework that is both technologically advanced and ethically grounded.
PAKISTAN’S DETERRENCE POSTURE AFTER MAY 2025 CONFLICT: RELEVANCE, LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE TRAJECTORIES
The May 2025 standoff between Pakistan and India is arguably one of the most significant post-nuclear crises in South Asia. It revealed the effectiveness, as well as the limited nature of deterrence in a multi-domain security setting. This paper re-evaluates the applicability of nuclear deterrence following the May 2025 episode by using a Pakistan-oriented analytical lens. It integrates knowledge of the classical theory of deterrence, stability-instability paradox, and the latest research on technological transformation in the modern military strategy. The study proposes that nuclear deterrence ensured high strategic stability, yet it was washed away at the conventional and sub-conventional levels. The commitment of India to use graded punitive military response and the corresponding proportionate and technologically adaptive response of Pakistan indicates a deterrence environment in transition. This landscape is built on the basis of asymmetries in the abilities, shifts in the doctrinal preferences, and the rapidity of the crisis emergence. Sub-conventional triggers continue to be a source of persistent instability due to outstanding political differences, rival threat statements, and momentum in diplomatic interactions. The paper concludes that crisis behaviour between the two states is still framed on the issue of deterrence. However, its performance is becoming more contingent and circumstantial upon technological, doctrinal, and political factors. In the case of Pakistan, contemporary and multi-domain deterrence will need recalibration to maintain future stability, as well as to maintain credible nuclear capabilities.
Deterrence; Crisis Stability; Pakistan–India Relations; Full-Spectrum Deterrence; Conventional Asymmetry; Subconventional Conflict; Multi-Domain Conflict; Escalation Management; Strategic Stability.
Dr. Fakhara Shahid (Corresponding Author)
عصرِ حاضر کے سماجی مسائل اور دعوتِ قرآن کی روشنی ان کا قرآنی حل: ایک تحقیقی مطالعہ
Modern societies are facing complex social challenges that threaten human well-being, social harmony, and moral stability. Among these issues are health crises, overpopulation, environmental pollution, family disintegration, and corruption in education. This study explores these contemporary social problems in the light of Qur’anic teachings, presenting the Qur’an as a comprehensive guide for both individual and collective life. The Qur’an emphasizes moderation, cleanliness, lawful consumption, and avoidance of excess as essential principles for maintaining physical and mental health. Regarding population growth, it rejects fear-based approaches and instead promotes trust in Allah, responsibility, and balanced family values. Environmental protection is presented as a moral and religious obligation, as humans are entrusted with stewardship of the earth. The Qur’an also provides a strong foundation for family life based on mutual respect, compassion, and moral responsibility. Furthermore, the Islamic concept of education extends beyond material success, aiming at moral development, spiritual awareness, and social responsibility. This study argues that the Qur’anic approach addresses the root causes of social problems by reforming human behavior, values, and priorities. Through the dissemination of Qur’anic guidance (Da‘wah al-Qur’an), societies can achieve peace, balance, and sustainable development. The research concludes that the Qur’an offers a holistic framework capable of resolving contemporary social challenges and guiding humanity toward a harmonious and ethically grounded civilization.
: Contemporary Social Issues, Qur’anic Guidance, Health and Environment, Family System, Moral Education, Da‘wah of the Qur’an, Social Reform.
ہندو مت اور اسلام کی اعتقادی تشکیلات کی فکری و نظریاتی اساسات اور فکری اثرات: تقابلی مطالعہ
This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the core doctrinal concepts in Hinduism and Islam, highlighting both the convergences and divergences in their belief systems. By examining foundational principles such as the nature of divinity, human purpose, ethical frameworks, and metaphysical postulates, the research explores how each tradition conceptualizes ultimate reality, moral responsibility, and spiritual fulfillment. Employing a theoretical and philosophical approach, the study situates these beliefs within historical, cultural, and theological contexts, offering insights into their underlying logic and implications for contemporary interfaith discourse. The analysis not only elucidates the distinctiveness of each tradition but also underscores the potential for meaningful dialogue based on mutual understanding of fundamental convictions.
Hinduism, Islam, Doctrinal Concepts, Comparative Study, Theology, Philosophy, Belief Systems, Interfaith Dialogue.
تصوف و روحانیت کی تدریس کےبنیادی ماخذ، تدریسی لائحہ عمل
Sufism and spirituality represent an essential dimension of Islamic teachings, primarily aimed at the purification of the soul, moral refinement, and attaining closeness to Allah. The primary sources for teaching Sufism include the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, the practices of the Companions and the Successors, and the writings of renowned Sufi scholars such as Ihya Ulum al-Din, Risala al-Qushayriyyah, Kashf al-Mahjub, and other ethical and spiritual works. In religious seminaries, the teaching of Sufism is generally conducted through the study of prescribed texts, spiritual guidance from teachers, and moral exhortation. While this approach emphasizes spiritual training, it often lacks critical and analytical engagement, pedagogical diversity, and relevance to contemporary intellectual contexts. At times, Sufism is reduced to outward rituals, ascetic practices, or the master–disciple relationship, which prevents a comprehensive understanding of its broader Islamic framework. Moreover, in addressing modern challenges such as materialism, moral decline, intellectual confusion, and spiritual emptiness, the practical, balanced, and reformative aspects of Sufism are not adequately incorporated into the teaching process. Although Madaris maintain that Sufism operates under the authority of Shariah, there remains a clear need for greater research depth and contemporary application within its pedagogical methodology.
Teaching; Methodology; Sufism; Islamic; Seminaries.
سلسلہ نقشبندیہ: تعارف ،امتیازات و اصطلاحات
The Naqshbandi Order is one of the most influential and widespread Sufi orders in the Islamic world. It traces its spiritual lineage to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, which distinguishes it from many other Sufi paths. The order is named after Khwaja Baha-ud-Din Naqshband (d. 1389), who systematized its teachings in Central Asia. One of the main distinguishing features of the Naqshbandi order is its emphasis on silent (khafi) remembrance of God, as opposed to the loud (jahri) dhikr practiced by many other Sufi orders. The Naqshbandiyya strongly stress strict adherence to the Sharia (Islamic law) and the Sunnah of the Prophet, considering inner spirituality inseparable from outward religious practice. Another key characteristic is the principle of “being outwardly with people and inwardly with God,” encouraging followers to remain socially active rather than withdrawing from the world. The Naqshbandi path is based on a set of spiritual principles which guide the seeker toward self-purification and constant awareness of God. These include vigilance of the heart, control of the ego, mindfulness of time, and continuous remembrance. Entry into the order requires sincere repentance, commitment to Islamic ethics, obedience to a qualified spiritual guide (shaykh), and consistency in spiritual practices۔ Through its balanced approach combining spirituality, discipline, and social responsibility.
Naqshbandiyya, Sufi order, Islamic Mysticism, Spiritual order.
Khalil Ahmad Yousufi (Corresponding author)
MAPPING HEGEMONY: DECOLONIAL KNOWLEDGE AND POLITICAL AESTHETICS IN SOUEIF’S THE MAP OF LOVE
This article analyses the strategies through which colonial hegemony is sustained through aesthetic forms of knowledge in Ahdaf Soueif’s The Map of Love. Using Walter Mignolo’s framework of decoloniality, the study shows the persistence of coloniality within modern forms of historiography, geographic mapping, and narrative formation. Mignolo insists that there should be plurality in knowledge, as one central approach creates hierarchies that bring one side to the light and hide the other. Soueif explains how imperial powers operate through epistemic binaries that have been centred in European systems of knowledge. These binaries privilege Eurocentric ways of understanding, recording and acting on the history and knowledge. Amal’s character is central to this intervention, who is narrating, mediating and repositioning the locus of enunciation. Through Amal’s character, the author challenges the colonial way of representation by enacting a form of epistemic disobedience. The article argues that Soueif’s use of aesthetics, archives, maps, translations, tapestries, journals, etc., as an epistemological practice, disrupts linear history, endorses border thinking and destabilises Eurocentric truths. In this regard, The Map of Love becomes a critique of modernity enforced by the colonisers. Moreover, it exposes the literary foundation of hegemony and insists on the persistent nature of the decolonial struggle through two different time periods: the colonial era and the postcolonial era.
Decoloniality; Coloniality; Political Aesthetics; Knowledge Production; Narrative Mediation; Mapping.
خطبات کے اسلوب میں منہج سیرت نگاری مسند سیرت رحمۃ للعالمین ﷺیونیورسٹی آف اوکاڑہ کی خطبات سیرت کے موضوع پر کتب کا جائزہ
In the modern era, while various styles of writing on the Seerah have emerged, the sermonic (khutbah-based) approach remains one of the oldest and most influential. Its importance lies in the fact that a speaker presents the essence of his knowledge directly to the audience, making it a powerful medium for guidance. The Seerah-oriented sermons have played a significant role in addressing fundamental religious, moral, and social issues. The sermons of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ whether delivered during Friday prayers, Hajj, or in the Farewell Sermon provide timeless teachings that go beyond the Muslim community and offer universal guidance for all humanity. These addresses deeply move the hearts, encouraging individuals to reform themselves and adopt higher moral standards. “Khutbat-e-Seerah” represent an intellectual continuity from the warmth of the pulpit to the vitality of the written page, connecting past wisdom with present understanding. Therefore, sermons of the Seerah and the books based upon them are not merely academic works; they are vital sources for the spiritual, intellectual, and civilizational survival of the Muslim community. Scholars who conveyed the Seerah from the pulpit and later preserved it in writing served as true intellectual representatives of the Prophetic mission, granting permanence to the Prophet’s message through the written word.
Methodology of Seerah; Writing Books; Khutbat-e-Seerah; Okara.
FAIR TRIALS ARTICLE 10-A CONSTITUTION OF PAKISTAN, ARTICLE 6 OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT 1998 & ARTICLE 6 OF THE ECHR
This article examines the scope and application of Article 10-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, which guarantees the fundamental right to a fair trial and due process. Introduced through the Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment, Article 10-A reflects Pakistan’s commitment to constitutionalism, judicial independence, and international human rights standards. The study analyzes how Pakistani courts have interpreted this provision, particularly in relation to the admissibility of unlawfully obtained evidence and procedural fairness. Drawing upon constitutional jurisprudence, comparative legal perspectives, and relevant case law, the article highlights the evolving judicial approach toward balancing individual rights with the interests of justice. Special attention is given to the influence of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the principles articulated in international legal systems. The discussion demonstrates that Pakistani courts increasingly emphasize transparency, equality of arms, and access to justice as essential components of a fair trial. However, inconsistencies in judicial reasoning and practical challenges in implementation continue to affect the effective realization of this right. The article argues that a coherent and principled application of Article 10-A is necessary to strengthen public confidence in the legal system and ensure constitutional supremacy. It concludes that sustained judicial training, legislative reforms, and adherence to international best practices are vital for embedding the right to fair trial within Pakistan’s legal framework and promoting the rule of law.
IMPACT OF BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAM ON HOUSEHOLD DEVELOPMENT IN PAKISTAN’S LOWEST INCOME BRACKET
This study assesses how household development differs between Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) recipient and non-recipient households in Pakistan’s bottom 40 percent. Using PSLM-HIES 2018-19 data (n=9,923), it constructs a Household-based Human Development Index (HHDI) by combining living standards, health, and education into a single 0–100 index. Living standards are measured through per-capita expenditure, health through under-five survival and child immunization, and education through mean years of schooling and enrolment. The study compares outcomes using descriptive statistics, OLS regressions with household and location controls, and propensity score matching (kernel) to improve comparability on observable characteristics. Results show that BISP recipient households have lower average HHDI scores than non-recipients, mainly due to lower living standards and weaker education outcomes, while health differences are small and not statistically significant. After adjustment, the gaps reduce but remain for HHDI and living standards, and education differences become smaller.
Waqas Shair,Sidra Raza,Badar un Nisa,Haleema Afzal
FROM TEXT TO TECHNOLOGY: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF DIGITAL HUMANITIES–BASED WRITING INSTRUCTION IN ESL CLASSROOMS
By incorporating Digital Humanities (DH) in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms, this paper has examined how the use of such tools can support writing skills in the study of students. With the rising need of English skills in our digitalized world, there are urgent demands of leaving behind conventional grammar-based model of instruction delivery and switching to technology-augmented pedagogies. Pre-tests and post-tests were conducted on two groups; experiment group and control group all composed of undergraduate students of ESL. The experimental group also got the training assistance of DH tools, whereas in the control group the traditional methods were used. The SPSS statistical analysis found that there was a remarkable difference in writing performance in the experimental group compared to results in content, organization, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics. It was a quasi- experimental study that was conducted on a sample associated with 44 undergraduate students that were split into an experimental group and a control group (n = 22 each). The control group was guided through the traditional learning techniques.
Digital Humanities, ESL (English as a Second Language), English Writing Skills, Technology-Enhanced Learning, Experimental Study, Writing Proficiency, Digital Tools in Language Learning.
THE ROLE OF TURNITIN IN MAINTAINING ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: A BACKGROUND STUDY ON LARGE UNIVERSITIES IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN
This study selected large size universities from Lahore, Pakistan to find out the role of one of the text matchings softwares “Turnitin” in maintaining the academic integrity. The major objective of this study was to explore the role of text matching software in maintaining academic integrity. One hundred and ninety-two faculty members from selected universities having instructor’s account of Turnitin who participated in this study through their responses. A Quantitative research design followed by survey method was opted to conduct this study and self developed questionnaire was used for data gathering. Results of the study enlightened that text matching software Turnitin is playing significant role in maintaining academic integrity. The use of text matching software (Turnitin) strengthens the academic integrity among academic institutions as well as maintains quality of work and improves writing skills among researchers. Significant positive effects of research skills, use of Turnitin, expectation of Turnitin were found on academic integrity while negative effect of training need was seen on academic integrity.
Text-matching software, Higher education, Pakistan, South Asia, Academic Integrity, Academic Dishonesty.