Pakistan Social Sciences Review

Learners’ Perceptions of Use Your Own Device Practices and Targeted Learning Applications in Public Universities of Punjab, Pakistan

Maham Siddique — 2026-01-15

This study investigates university-level learners' attitudes toward the Use Your Own Device (UYOD) initiative and mobile learning applications in Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on its impact on academic purposes, study habits, and collaborative learning. Digitalisation of education is increasing, and UYOD provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for public universities with limited infrastructure. While it improves access to learning materials and autonomy, the potential for distractions is a concern in this local context. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used, collecting data from 1,051 students across nine divisions of Punjab using a 76-item structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. The survey assessed UYOD use, study habits, self-approbation, and collaborative learning. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics via SPSS.
Participants moderately used UYOD for academic purposes, showing positive study habits, self-approbation, and collaborative learning. However, concerns about distractions highlight the need for focused device integration. Future studies should incorporate longitudinal mixed methods to better understand UYOD’s long-term effects and address distractions in its integration.

The Role of Digitalization in Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Pakistan

Arooj Fatima — 2026-01-15

This study is examines the role of digitalization in promoting sustainable development goals in Pakistan, One of the most important aspects of the worldwide in change of government and other institutions is digitalization. Information and communication technology (ICT) is increasingly being used by Pakistani governments in the digital era of to improve efficiency, transparency, and public participations in decision-making processes. They are working to enhancing the SDGs in the areas of industry, education, health, and finance. This article conducts a comprehensive and relevant literature review of research completed between 2018 and 2025 to investigate the role of digitalization in furthering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This analysis highlights significant trends and knowledge gaps in the body of existing literatures while is offering insights into how digitalization can assist Pakistan in achieving the SDGs. Additionally, it is makes recommendations for future research and legislation to further sustainable development objectives are in Pakistan. Expanding the scope of future research to include many databases. Future research should using quantitative methods to determine public perceptions of how much digitization helps Pakistan accomplish SGDs.

Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Conventional Policing: A Case Study of Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan

Muhammad Arif Khan — 2026-01-15

This study examines the application of Artificial Intelligence in policing within the Islamabad Capital Territory, focusing on crime prevention, resource allocation, institutional performance, and emerging ethical concerns. Although AI-driven policing is expanding globally, its use in developing countries remains uneven and under- researched. In Pakistan, initiatives such as the Islamabad Safe City Project and the AI Sky Eye System mark major technological shifts, yet systematic evaluation is limited. A convergent mixed-method design was employed. Quantitative crime statistics from 2020–2025 were analyzed to compare trends before and after AI implementation, while qualitative data were collected through thirty semi-structured interviews and field observations at Safe City facilities. Results indicate a significant decline in crime rates, reduced police response times, and increased use of digital evidence following AI adoption. Despite operational gains, challenges related to data governance, accountability, and privacy persist. The study recommends legal frameworks, improved data governance, and ethics training.

Enhancing English Language Education: A Review of the Efficacy of AI-Driven Interactive Activity Design

Muhammad Khalid Shabbir Khan — 2026-01-20

This study investigated the effectiveness of AI-based interactive activities in Saudi undergraduate EFL preparatory programs, focusing on language proficiency, engagement, motivation, and ethical implementation within quasi-experimental classroom settings. While AI is increasingly integrated into education to provide personalized learning, empirical evidence from actual classroom implementations remains limited, as many studies prioritize technology adoption over measurable pedagogical outcomes. This gap highlights the need for a robust investigation into how AI-driven activities influence key learning dimensions in non-native environments. A mixed-methods design was employed involving 132 undergraduate students divided into experimental and control groups. Quantitative data were collected through proficiency tests, surveys, and learning analytics, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Results showed that the AI-based group achieved significantly higher gains in proficiency and motivation through adaptive feedback and task personalization. However, challenges related to teacher preparedness and data privacy were also identified. The study recommends embedding AI within established pedagogical frameworks and strengthening institutional support.

Changing Security Threats and Global Realities: An Analysis of U.S. Presidential Doctrines from Bush to Biden

Amina Shahid — 2026-01-20

Building Control: Evaluating the SBCA Building Approval Process: Procedural Red Tape and its link to Illegal Construction

Ashiq Hussain — 2026-01-22

This policy paper examines the approval regime of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and identifies a systemic “Compliance Conflict” at its core. It argues that excessive procedural delays—rather than weak regulation—are the primary drivers of illegal construction across Sindh’s major cities in 2025. Approval timelines that extend from the statutory 60 days to 18–24 months, combined with high financing costs, have made non-compliance economically rational for developers. The study highlights structural failures, including fragmented NOC processes, centralized decision-making, revenue-driven regularization practices, and weak on-site monitoring. It contends that illegal construction is a market response to state-induced administrative gridlock. The paper proposes a phased reform roadmap: short-term measures to restore data integrity and halt moral hazard, medium-term legislative and liability reforms to shift accountability, and long-term adoption of AI-enabled monitoring and infrastructure-linked zoning. Collectively, these reforms aim to transform SBCA from bureaucratic control to digital facilitation, restoring regulatory credibility and urban safety.