The Social Sciences Spectrum (SSS) is an open-access, double-blind, peer-reviewed international journal that includes empirical research, theoretical articles, case studies, systematic literature reviews, and meta-analyses. It is approved by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and ranked in the Y-Category for 2024-2025. By keeping in view the mission of the Publisher; the Centre for Children Literacy and Lifelong Learning the SSS focuses on varied research topics of social sciences including the subjects Education, Sociology, Social Work, Economics, Political Science, International Relations, Anthropology, and Gender Studies, etc. For details, visit Aim & Scope The journal is multidisciplinary. We welcome submissions from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including education, library and information sciences, psychology, literacy studies, sociology, anthropology, historical, and cultural studies. Desk Review Time: 1 week (Average) Peer-review Process: 8 weeks (Average) Acceptance Rate: 71% Note: The Journal did not charge any submission fees from the authors, however, it is charging a minimal processing and publication fees from the authors after the completion of peer-review process. for detailed guidance visit Author Guidelines
Centre for Children Literacy and Lifelong Learning
Strengthening international legal frameworks for the prevention of child abuse: Challenges, gaps, and pathways for reform
One billion children are affected by child abuse annually around the globe, leading to long-term damage and enormous economic burden. This research discusses international legal frameworks, with emphasis on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the INSPIRE strategies. Based on evidence from the Global Status Report on Preventing Violence Against Children 2020 and elsewhere, it reports that 88% of nations have good laws prohibiting violence, but just 47% effectively enforce them. Corporal punishment is prohibited in 79% of countries, but it is fully enforced in only 30%. Support for national plans is low, particularly in developing countries, and threats online such as child sexual abuse material develop quicker than legislatures can keep pace. Vulnerable populations, like indigenous children and children with disabilities, become more vulnerable due to lax protections. The research compares sources to establish that these gaps exist and are urgent. Reform needs to involve well-funded plans, improved training for police and judges, more modern digital legislation, and increased child involvement. All can take action now to ensure Sustainable Development Goal 16.2 and safeguard children everywhere. Keywords: legal frameworks, CRC, INSPIRE, child abuse, enforcement gaps, national plans, vulnerable children, online exploitation, SDG 16.2.
Copyright (c) 2025 Social Sciences Spectrum
Artificial intelligence as the new security dilemma: A neorealist analysis
This paper evaluates the use of AI in military applications in autonomous weapons, intelligence surveillance reconnaissance, cyber warfare, and command-control systems, including its contribution to power distribution. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is an illustration of asymmetric AI approaches with Russia using mass-produced AI-powered drones to maintain a continuous aerial campaign and Ukraine deploying precision AI-controlled strikes and this is the way the new technologies are changing the modern war. The modern AI geopolitics is dominated by U.S.-China rivalry, and structural concerns support competition instead of collaboration. Russia engages in asymmetric policies that are combining AI and the nuclear doctrine, and the secondary powers are building regional capacity, increasing risks of proliferation. The entire structure of anarchic is a limiting factor in the successful governance of AI- there is a problem of verification (as well as enforcement) and relative gains (that do not allow full arms control). Even though there is still limited cooperation in existential risks, core competitive dynamics prevail, which requires policies to balance strategic hedging and selective cooperation.
When right feels wrong: Cognitive biases and the slide towards moral relativism
The present study examined how cognitive biases contribute to Unintentional Moral Relativism (UMR)—the inadvertent misapplication of moral standards despite an individual’s intent to act ethically. Using a between-group quasi-experimental design, three experiments were conducted with 70 undergraduate psychology students from a public university in Islamabad to investigate the contrast effect, framing effect, and numerosity bias in moral judgment. Participants evaluated ethically ambiguous scenarios under different priming and presentation conditions. Although group differences across the three phases were statistically insignificant, significant within-group differences emerged when justifications were introduced, indicating that the number of reasons provided influenced perceived ethicality. These findings suggest that contextual and cognitive factors subtly shape moral evaluations, even in cultures emphasising moral absolutes. The study highlights the need for cross-cultural exploration of cognitive biases in ethical decision-making and the development of indigenous theories to better understand moral reasoning in non-Western contexts.
Forms of address in Pakistani English: A sociolinguistic analysis of variation, usage and pragmatic functions
This study investigates patterns, frequency rates and pragmatic functions of address terms in the Pakistani English (PakE) i.e. a non-native variety of English. The research follows a corpus-based approach to investigate address terms used in formal and informal contexts and institutional settings through its own self-compiled PakE texts database. It applies AntConc software to reveal prevalent address terms before conducting a semantic analysis and comparing their utilization patterns against British and American English language patterns. Sociolinguistic interviews extend the research findings with cultural appropriateness analysis and pragmatic motivation data. The users of PakE incorporate address forms derived from both indigenous cultural traditions and colonial influences, thereby reflecting the multilingualism and hierarchical social structures characteristic of Pakistani society. This study develops World Englishes and pragmatics knowledge bases while generating practical learning benefits for Pakistani English language teaching practices.
Bridging gaps: Socio-Emotional development and academic achievement of students with visual impairments in inclusive and segregated schools of Punjab
The researcher examines the connection between the self-concept among the visually impaired learners and their academic performance in integrated and segregated learning institutions in Punjab in Pakistan. The mixed-method design was used that included semi-structured interviews, structured questionnaires, and standardized achievement tests. Self-esteem, peer relationships and psychological well-being were key variables and objective measures of academic success that comprised grades, attendance and test results. It found that Inclusive schools could have more opportunities to use in sociocultural integration and skill usage in real-life practice; yet, they are not necessarily equipped with specialized resources that could be found at segregated schools. On the other hand, in segregated schools there can be a higher level of personalized support and specialized equipment but students can be inadvertently deprived of the larger peer community. The implication of these findings is that resilience, peer acceptance, and positive interactions with the educator are some of the key determinants of success. Policy makers, therefore, need to look at making changes in policies, teacher training programs and school curricula to minimize systemic obstacles. Overall, the current results suggest that there should be the adoption of fair practices and uniform standards to students with visual impairments
Examining the impact of accreditation on teacher education quality in Pakistan: Institutional performance and pre-service teacher outcomes
Recent reports reveal that fewer than half of teacher-education programs in developing countries are formally accredited, raising concerns about accountability and instructional quality. This study explored how accreditation affects teacher-education quality in Pakistan through institutional performance, stakeholder perceptions, and pre-service teacher outcomes. Adopting a convergent mixed-methods design, data were gathered from 214 participants across 12 accredited institutions in four provinces, including 109 teacher-educators, 75 pre-service teachers, and 30 program heads. A 36-item survey measured perceived institutional performance and teaching outcomes, while interviews with 18 leaders provided contextual insights. Quantitative results showed notable improvements in institutional performance (M = 4.12, SD = 0.63) and pre-service outcomes (M = 4.01, SD = 0.64), with accreditation scores positively correlated with practicum performance (r = .62, p < .01). Qualitative findings highlighted strengthened documentation, leadership accountability, and quality-assurance awareness. The integrated analysis confirmed that accreditation enhances transparency and professional preparedness but identified gaps in digital pedagogy and post-accreditation monitoring. The study recommends ongoing quality evaluation, digital-competence development, and targeted resource support to sustain improvements. Its methodological framework offers a replicable model for assessing accreditation’s impact on teacher-education systems across the Global South.
Planning for resilience in Peshawar: Assessing urban growth infrastructure stress and governance reforms
Urbanization is reshaping cities across the Global South. Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, illustrates how rapid demographic growth, economic restructuring and regional conflicts have stimulated uncontrolled urban sprawl and transformed a historic city into a nascent megalopolis. This article offers a multidimensional analysis of the drivers and consequences of Peshawar’s urbanization. Drawing on recent peer‑reviewed literature, municipal master plans, environmental studies and policy reports, the article examines how population growth, internal migration, informal housing and infrastructural deficits interact with environmental degradation, public health risks and socio‑economic inequality. A mixed‑methods approach integrates geospatial data on land‑use change, air and noise pollution measurements, and solid‑waste management assessments evaluate the sustainability of urban growth. The analysis reveals that Peshawar’s built‑up area more than doubled between 1990 and 2020 while farmland and green belts shrank, that vehicle numbers and industrial activity escalated far more rapidly than population growth, and that air and noise pollution levels routinely exceed national and World Health Organization guidelines. The article argues that Peshawar’s leap toward megalopolis status has generated environmental, health and governance challenges that threaten the city’s livability. It concludes with recommendations for integrated urban planning, strict land‑use regulation, environmental governance and participatory climate‑resilient infrastructure.
Infrastructural Challenges and Policy Reforms
Digital social responsibility in the classroom: Preparing teachers to cultivate ethical online engagement
This study examines the role of teachers in promoting Digital Social Responsibility (DSR) within classroom settings, highlighting their impact on shaping ethical online behavior among students. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 200 teachers through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of qualitative data highlighted key areas including role modeling, curriculum integration, ethical awareness, and the need for ongoing professional development. The results showed that many teachers show responsible digital behavior and bring digital safety into their lessons. But problems remain. Not all students have equal access to technology. Many teachers do not get proper training. Moreover, online misconduct still happens. The study concludes that to cultivate effective, ethical, and inclusive digital learning environments, educational institutions must support teachers through targeted training, policy reforms, and equitable access to digital tools. These measures are essential for preparing students to become responsible digital citizens in an increasingly connected world.
Migration-driven Urbanisation in South Asia: Insights from Bhawanipatna town, Odisha, India
Present study examines the nature and magnitude of in-migration to Bhawanipatna town, a rapidly growing town in Kalahandi district, Odisha, India. This study assesses the contribution of urbanisation in this migration process for the historic town. Using secondary data source particularly Census data has been utilized to identify growth patterns. Methods like exponential models has been used to estimate population growth. With the lack of authentic data, population has been predicted for 2021 and 2031 which is crucial for addressing migration issues in the town, urban sprawl and potential risks related to resource depletion. The analysis reveals that migration significantly influence Bhawanipatna’s urban expansion, labour market dynamics and socio-economic development. The study underscore how rural-urban migration shaped by historical, social and economic factors, play a pivotal role in small town expansion. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to formulate inclusive urban development strategies that balance migration-driven growth with sustainable urban planning for the medium-sized town, Bhawanipatna. The research links the Bhawanipatna experience to the broader South Asian urban transition, calling for integrated planning approaches to harness migration as a tool for sustainable urban development.
Geometrical analysis of tomb of Shah Rukh-ne-Alam Multan
In this paper analysis of Tomb Architecture in South Punjab Area will highlight the importance of interaction of regular geometric shapes used in symmetrical way in Tomb of Shah Rukhne Alam Multan. The complex geometry has identified in design layouts and level plans of Tomb Architecture points to potential use of octagonal system. The tomb has octagonal shape which is derived from Gazzi Ilahi consists of intersections of many squares. As the geometrical patterns are the main essence of the tomb architecture. This research illustrates that how this multilevel largest brick and mud dome structure stands out without using concrete in it
Pakistan's threat perception in a complex South Asian security landscape
This study analyzes Pakistan's evolving threat perception within the complex and multifaceted security environment of South Asia. The paper first establishes the region's complex security foundation, tracing the roots of hostility from the Partition of British India and the subsequent wars with India, through the strategic alignments of the Cold War, and into the post-Cold War era marked by nuclearization. The core of the analysis focuses on Pakistan's central security concerns, categorized into: external threats such as; the sustained perceived danger from India and the long-term instability and cross-border spillover from the Afghan conflict. And internal threats such as; domestic challenges, including extremism, terrorism, and the destabilizing influence of non-state actors. The research examines how these perceptions translate into strategic and defense policies, encompassing Pakistan's nuclear doctrine, conventional force posture, and counterterrorism strategies. It further explores Pakistan's foreign policy, specifically its pivotal relationships with India, Afghanistan, China, and the United States. Finally, the study addresses contemporary security challenges, such as economic fragility, cybersecurity, and the growing concerns of environmental and human security. By synthesizing these variables, the paper concludes by summarizing key implications for regional stability and offering insights for future policy approaches in South Asia.
Impact of organizational culture on safety performance: Exploring the mediating role of safety attitudes in healthcare sector.
This study investigated the mediating role of safety attitudes in the relationship between organizational culture and safety performance among nurses. A cross-sectional quantitative design was used with purposive sampling, and data were gathered from 198 nurses working across five branches of Indus Hospital, Pakistan. Organizational culture was assessed using the Organizational Culture Assessment Questionnaire (OCAQ), safety attitudes were measured with the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ), and safety performance was evaluated across four dimensions: safety compliance and safety participation (Griffin & Neal, 2000), as well as safety outcomes and employee satisfaction (Fernandez et al., 2009). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26, with mediation tested through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings indicated significant positive associations among organizational culture, safety attitudes, and safety performance. Organizational culture positively predicted both safety attitudes and safety performance, while safety attitudes significantly enhanced safety performance. Importantly, safety attitudes mediated the relationship between organizational culture and safety performance. These results emphasize the role of safety attitudes as psychological pathway through which organizational culture shapes safety outcomes. The study contributes to occupational health and safety literature by offering evidence from the nursing context and provides practical implications for healthcare management to strengthen safety culture and promote safer practices.
Human rights in armed conflicts: Civilian protection under evolving warfare tactics
The main mission is to analyse the question that point out whether there is adequacy in existing legal instruments, such as Geneva Conventions and Customary International Law, in approaching the harm to civilians in the era of new tactics. The study as a whole hypothesizes that gaps that exist in enforcing, accountability and adaptability limit how those protections exist and are put into action. Using a qualitative approach, the research includes legal analysis, case studies from recent crises (i.e. Syria, Ukraine, Yemen) and experts interviews with legal academics, humanitarian works and military advisors. It is thanks to these practices that the possibility of establishing a comparative analysis of the way civilian protection norms are interpreted and applied in the light of different options of conflict of a specific nature is opened. The paper concludes with legal as well as policy proposals of enhancing legal protection of the civilian in conflict zones during modern times, which include: A clearer definition of what new challenges are contravening civilians, capacity enhancement, and international cooperation.
The gender-climate nexus in Pakistan: Assessing impacts and barriers to sustainable development
This study examines the impact of the gender‑climate nexus on sustainable development in Pakistan, highlighting implementation barriers and effectiveness factors. Grounded in sustainable development theory, it adopts a qualitative descriptive approach, using purposive sampling and semi‑structured interviews with key stakeholders including experts from government officials, GIZ Pakistan (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH), National Commission on Status of Women, academia, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supplemented by policy documents such as ccGAP and NCSW publications. Findings reveal that while Pakistan has gender‑inclusive climate policies, their impact remains limited due to structural patriarchy, governance gaps, insufficient gender‑responsive infrastructure, restricted access to green finance for women, and the marginalization of vulnerable subgroups. The study underscores the critical need for targeted financial instruments, gender‑sensitive disaster responses, inclusive governance, and capacity‑building to translate policy into practice. By identifying these obstacles and proposing strategic priorities, the research contributes toward realizing sustainable, gender‑equitable climate resilience in Pakistan.
Climate change diplomacy and the role of Pakistan in global environmental negotiations
The research aims to determine whether Pakistan has maintained its vulnerability to the impact of climate change in order to get greater commitments and resources in international agreements. Methods Using a mixed method approach, the research combines qualitative analysis of the policy documents and diplomatic-speaking statements and quantitative, statistical methods. Descriptive/Inferential are being used to study the voting patterns, frequency of participation and building of alliance for Pakistan its UNFCCC sessions from 00 to 2022. Regression models are used which measure correlations between negotiations by Pakistan and resulting international allocation of climate finance. Findings show levels of positioning of Pakistan as a key champion of climate justice and sought-after source of climate finance of loss and damage financing, but levels of overall bargaining power by Pakistan constrained by economic and political geopolitical factors. There is a significant correlation with the level of engagement Pakistan showing in diplomacy and results of the issuance of incremental climate finance commitment - the statistical analysis finds significant correlation between the level of Pakistan's engagement in negotiating degrees and results of issuing further commitments of climate finance.
A study to observe effects of performance appraisal on employee motivation, turnover and work-life-balance
A performance appraisal is a systemic approach and a routine procedure of measuring the performance of work and engagement of an individual as an employee with the known requirements of the work he/she is matched to. It is a subjective assessment of the strengths, challenges and weaknesses in an engagement of a worker, comparative value to his or her organization, and future growth opportunities. The present paper will be focused on the identification of the impact of performance appraisal on employee motivation, turnover and work-life-balance. The result indicates that good appraisal systems can help in the enhancement of motivation of the employees, balanced work-life experience and even help counteract the turnover rate at the workplace. The sample size of 100 teachers of public secondary schools in District Vehari was used to obtain data. The information was gathered using the questionnaire. The data was analysed using computer program SPSS (statistic package of social science). Gathering of data was conducted through the use of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results of the research revealed that the performance appraisal has a high effect on employee motivation, turnover and work-life-balance based on Gender and Teaching Experience.
Corporate philanthropy, board gender diversity, and real earnings management: Evidence from G7 firms
This study investigates whether corporate philanthropy can act as a safeguard against REM, and whether women’s participation on boards strengthens this relationship. Using panel data of publicly listed firms from G7 economies from 2010 to 2022, the study employs fixed-effects regression models to test the hypotheses. REM was measured through abnormal discretionary expenses, while corporate philanthropy was captured by total donations. Women’s participation was measured by the percentage of female directors on boards. The models also included market-to-book ratio, return on assets, board expertise, board size, governance score, shareholder score, corruption control, governance effectiveness, and political stability as controls. The results show that corporate philanthropy is negatively associated with REM, suggesting that genuine charitable giving helps reduce earnings manipulation. Women’s participation on boards also reduces REM, reinforcing the view that diverse boards strengthen ethical oversight. Importantly, the interaction term reveals that female directors enhance the effect of philanthropy indicating that philanthropy efforts become more credible and effective when supported by gender-diverse governance. The study concludes that philanthropy and board diversity serve as complementary mechanisms for promoting ethical corporate behavior. It is recommended that firms integrate philanthropy into long-term ethical strategies and policymakers strengthen gender diversity reforms to improve financial integrity.
Effective language teaching methods in online learning environments: A case study of Virtual University of Pakistan
The higher education landscape is continually evolving by imbibing technology and artificial intelligence for facilitating students’ needs, expectations and aspirations. While many institutions are adopting online frameworks for higher education, the online universities constantly need to reevaluate their systems to best facilitate students. One such re-evaluation is a need for language teaching programs offered by online universities. In this regard, this study aimed to explore students’ perceptions about the best language teaching method in online settings. For this purpose, that data was collected from the students enrolled in Virtual University of Pakistan’s BS English course Language Teaching Methods offered by the Department of English. The study included all students enrolled in the course. Qualitative data gathered through the Graded Discussion Board (GDB) i.e., 1190 posts were screened, coded and five themes were finalized. The findings of the study revealed that students preferred the communicative language teaching method. Moreover, they suggested its implementation at the university through collaboration projects, technological adaptation of latest applications and software and learner autonomy through a combination of both a/synchronous activities for improving their language skills.
Exploring the impact of self-compassion and personality traits on the association between relational betrayal trauma and posttraumatic growth in young adults
Research examined the mediating effect of self-compassion on the link between relational betrayal trauma (non-romantic) and posttraumatic growth. Research went on to examine the moderating influence of personality traits on the existing mediating relationship. The data was collected from students (M= 1.60; S. D= .49) of different public sector universities of Faisalabad currently enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. Purposive sampling method was used for collecting data. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20. Good psychometric characteristics were revealed for measured variables. Results demonstrated that the Big-five inventory (α = .74), relational betrayal trauma scale (α = .87), self-compassion scale (α = .76), and posttraumatic growth inventory (α = .89) were found reliable. It was confirmed by the findings that direct effect of relational betrayal trauma on the growth following trauma was fully and significantly bridged by self-compassion. The moderated mediation revealed that personality traits like agreeableness and conscientiousness moderates the relationship. Study helps the psychologist to gain insight about the importance of self-compassion which leads towards growth following trauma.
Digital Literacy as a right: Addressing gendered and structural barriers for minority girls in Pakistan
This study investigates the compounded digital literacy challenges faced by minority girls in Pakistan’s secondary schools. Adopting an intersectional and rights-based lens, it explores how overlapping factors like; gender, religion, ethnicity, and geographic marginality—interact to shape digital exclusion. A mixed-methods design was applied across 16 minority-serving schools in four provinces. Data were collected through student surveys (n=200), semi-structured interviews with educators (n=20), and ICT infrastructure assessments. Findings revealed low access to digital tools, inadequate teacher preparedness, and sociocultural restrictions on girls’ digital participation. Drawing on Crenshaw’s Intersectionality Theory and Sen’s Capability Approach, the study frames digital literacy as both a human right and a constrained capability. The paper calls for gender-responsive policies, inclusive teacher training, and community engagement strategies. This research offers novel empirical and theoretical insights to advance digital equity for marginalized girls in South Asia.
Stock market reactions to cryptocurrency legalization: An event study across five emerging economies
The core focus of this study is assessing the stock markets' reactions by studying pre- and post-legalization stats. Utilizing the event window strategy, this study will analyze the stock market behavior by using three windows to capture multiple periods, namely ±90 days, ±30 days, and ±15 days surrounding the legalization event. Descriptive, paired t-test, fixed effects regression, and variance analysis are applied to analyze the changes in market reaction post-event. The results unveil that changes in AR are statistically insignificant, suggesting no or limited impact of regulatory shifts on prices. While volatility shows significant responses, in India, volatility surges after the announcement, while in Brazil and South Africa, it reduces in the long run. Turkey exhibits a short-term decrease in volatility, and only Mexico remains unaffected. The study concludes a significant impact on market risk perception rather than returns. Findings can be productive for policymakers, investors, portfolio managers, and regulators, highlighting the requirement for clear and transparent regulation formation, along with keeping the mutual interests of stakeholders aligned in order to avoid any negative impact of risk perception and increasing uncertainty.
Debt, fertilizer mafias, and rising input costs: Structural barriers to farmer well-being in Punjab, Pakistan
This study examines how debt dependency, fertilizer cartels, and rising input costs affect farmer well-being in Punjab, the country’s primary food-producing region. A structured survey of 106 smallholder farmers, supported by descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and illustrative farmer narratives, reveals the depth of these constraints. Results show that nearly 69% of farmers strongly agreed that debt cycles reduce their household income, while 70% identified fertilizer mafias as a major source of exploitation. Rising seed prices (78%), diesel costs (56%), and labor expenses (41%) were further reported as significant burdens. Coping strategies such as borrowing from informal lenders (58%), reducing input use (46%), and reliance on non-farm wage labor (42%) highlight reactive rather than transformative responses, often reinforcing vulnerability. The findings underscore a poverty–vulnerability trap in which structural dependency and market capture prevent resilience-building and accelerate youth disengagement from agriculture. Policy implications include stronger regulation of fertilizer and seed markets, improved access to affordable credit and insurance, cooperative models for input and output markets, and measures to offset rising energy costs. Addressing these barriers is essential to safeguard smallholder livelihoods and Pakistan’s broader food security.
“Leveraging human capital for enhancing supply chain adaptability in volatile and dynamic markets”
Global supply chains have experienced severe disruptions in recent years, yet limited attention has been given to how internal organizational resources particularly human capital drive supply chain adaptability. Existing research has largely focused on resilience and sustainability, leaving a gap in understanding mechanisms through which human capital shapes adaptability, especially across its different dimensions and in emerging economy contexts. Grounded in Intellectual Capital-Based View (Martín-de Castro et al., 2019) and Dynamic Capabilities Theory (Teece, 2023) , this study examines effect of human capital on supply chain adaptability. Data from 200 manufacturing firms in Pakistan were analyzed using Smart-Partial Least Squares structural equation modeling. The saturated model demonstrated strong fit. Results affirms that human capital significantly enhances all three dimensions of adaptability. Conceptually, this study advances understanding of intellectual capital and dynamic capabilities by positioning human capital as a key enabler of adaptive supply chain performance. Empirically, it offers evidence from an emerging economy context. Practically, findings encourage managers to leverage skills, reputation, and creativity within their workforce to embed adaptability in supply chain strategies.
Integrating human resource management, social security, and climate resilience: Pathways to sustainable social protection systems in the era of climate change
This study aims to examine the interconnections between HRM, HRD, and social security in fostering climate resilience. It investigates how workforce management strategies, coupled with robust social protection policies, can jointly enhance sustainability and adaptive capacity within climate-impacted communities. Employing a mixed-methods design, the study utilizes quantitative statistical modeling, including multiple regression and structural equation modeling (SEM), to analyze data from national labor force surveys, climate vulnerability indices, and social protection program metrics. Supplementary qualitative interviews with policymakers and HR professionals provide contextual depth, triangulating quantitative findings. Findings are expected to reveal significant correlations between adaptive HR practices (e.g., climate-focused training, workforce reskilling) and improved social protection outcomes. Statistical models may demonstrate that integrated HRM-social security frameworks significantly reduce climate-related economic losses and enhance social resilience indicators (p < 0.05). The research hypothesizes the existence of HRD as an intermediate variable between the organizational adaptability and sustainable social protection performance. The study highlights the potential of redefining the phenomenon of applying HRM and social security in climate adaptation plans. The insights are useful in narrowing the gap between organizational and policy spheres and creating harmonized solutions to the socioeconomic problems of climate origin.
Interpersonal needs and psychological distress: The moderating role of social support
The current study aimed to explore the relationship between interpersonal needs, social support, and psychological distress in university students. The study also aimed to explore the moderating role of social support between interpersonal needs and psychological distress in university students. The data (N=300) was collected from university students using a purposive sampling technique and three questionnaires i-e (i) interpersonal needs questionnaire (ii) perceived social support questionnaire and (iii) depression anxiety stress scale-21 items. The results of the current study highlight that interpersonal needs have a negative relationship with social support whereas interpersonal needs have a positive relationship with psychological distress. The results also indicate that social support moderates the relationship between interpersonal needs and psychological distress in university students. Therefore, the finding suggests that social support is an important factor in maintaining psychological well-being, especially for individuals who have high levels of interpersonal needs. Therefore, researchers could focus on investigating the different types of social support that are most effective in buffering against psychological distress for people with high levels of interpersonal needs.
Exploring the socio-political impact of Eid-Milad-un-Nabi processions in Pothohar region: A transformation from piety to power"
The present study explores the origin of Eid-Milad -un-Nabi processions in Rawalpindi, with a focus to discuss how an occasion which was previously associated with religious piety converted into a show of power. The historical city of Rawalpindi used to house a mixture of many communities i.e., Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, and Christians. In 1896 the construction of the famous Jamia Masjid became a bone of contention between Sikhs and Muslims. After just a couple of decades, the chosen locality and surrounding areas witnessed a massacre, this incident of violence within the Pothohar region took the lives of hundreds of innocent people. This was the time when Muslims started the procession of Eid-Milad -un-Nabi, in which thousands of Muslims participated. It was observed as a deviation from mere religious piety to a show of power. This research would also explore how the Eid-Milad -un-Nabi procession presently serves socio political purposes and its conversion into a method to satisfy intrinsic political interests. This project aims to delve into how the Barelvis institutionalized Milad in their political activism, striving to reinstate piety within their political agendas and secure a prominent social space in society.
The role of health and safety measures in restoring tourist confidence
In this research, we examined how health and safety measures helped revive travelers’ trust in order to bring people back to hotels, guesthouses and rental homes across the world after major disruptions. By analyzing a unique dataset of 3.4 million booking observations on platforms such as Expedia, Booking.com, Airbnb, and 2,189 survey responses from travelers across 28 countries, we gained detailed insight into guests’ perceptions of safety that made them comfortable booking a trip. Our results suggest clear patterns emerged, and evidence shows that visible proof – like a formal safety certificate, post sanitation protocols, and transparent proof of communication – influenced traveler comfort and reservation behaviours. Likewise, our conjoint analysis found several generational gaps – with young guests more likely to embrace technology-based solutions like contactless check ins and app-based health forms, while older guests preferred more traditional methods like visible cleaning processes and mandated vaccinations for staff. Research based on 25,000 TripAdvisor reviews revealed that when travelers were assured that cleanliness was prioritized, we were all more prone to provide higher ratings and return again.
Rural slum vulnerabilities and learning poverty among children in Sindh: Moderating role of structural strain theory
This paper sought to explore the association between the vulnerabilities of rural slums and learning poverty among the children in Sindh, considering a moderating theory, Structural Strain Theory. Children residing in marginalized rural shanty areas persist to have incessant educational trifles which lead to a high rate of dropped out and acute illiteracy and in numeracy. This study used quantitative research design and data were received using structured questionnaires that were conducted to 384 respondents (parents/teachers/community representatives in the rural slum settlements selected). Stratification and random sampling was used to provide a balanced representative sample of different clusters in Sindh. Findings indicated that rural slums vulnerabilities such as poverty, poor infrastructure and financial constraints, as well as tenuous family situations played great roles in causing learning poverty among children. In addition, the modifying analysis showed that structural strain enhanced the negative effects of vulnerabilities, which indicates that systemic injustices worsen the process of educational deprivation in a slum setting. The results highlight the imperative of two-dimensional interventions in education and social transformation that is in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).
Nexus between environmental collapse and hardships faced by the people in flood-prone areas of South Punjab, Pakistan
This Study explores how the environmental collapse escalates human hardship in flood-prone areas by disrupting livelihoods and causing displacement, contaminated water, and food insecurity. This study used a qualitative approach, which was based on a phenomenological research design to obtain deep insight. The purposive sampling technique helped to recruit thirty participants (fifteen men and fifteen women) from flood-prone areas of District Rajanpur, South Punjab, Pakistan. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data and analyzed through thematic analysis. Results indicate that environmental collapse, in form of land degradation and soil erosion, deforestation and loss of natural buffers, inappropriate land use, pollution and waste management failures, and climate change and environmental loops, aggravates the occurrence and magnitude of floods that in turn cause complex hardships for local communities. Flood-affected participants reported experiencing displacement, loss of livelihood, food insecurity, and limited access to health services as ongoing challenges. Women emphasized extra roles in caregiving, lack of movement, and increased exposure to gender-based vulnerability and loss of kitchen gardening and small-scale farming. The research concludes that environmental collapse and human hardships are so closely connected that we need to create combined disaster management policies, which will incorporate ecological restoration with community-based resilience approaches.
The criminalization of human rights defenders: trends, tactics, and international responses
This research paper explores why this targeting of HRDs via both legal and extralegal action has increased and how the strategies aimed at invalidating their actions have evolved as well as whether international responses to this have been adequate. The central idea is to evaluate the use of criminalization as a repressive instrument and measure the performance level of the international systems in the protection of HRDs. The qualitative methodology is used in case studies of Latin America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, analysis of legal documents and interviews with the victims of repression and/or defenders, human rights lawyers, and human rights organizations at the international level. It is anticipated that the findings would unveil a tendency of the abuse of the legal systems through strategic suitcases, arbitrary arrest, surveillance, and online harassment targeting the efforts of human rights. Although organizations have passed condemnations and protective mandates by international bodies, they are usually limited by geopolitical concerns and enforcement abilities. The study ends by advancing that a firm global system of accountability is desired, protective efforts are required to be coordinated, and national law should be strengthened to secure the validity and security of HRDs all over.