Pakistan Social Sciences Review

An Empirical Analysis of Savings and Investment Determinants in Pakistan: A Simultaneous Equation Modeling Approach

Abdul Rauf Jakhro, Saeed Anwar Marwat, Muhammad Shahbaz — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This study investigates the determinants of savings and investment in Pakistan from 1999 to 2023 using a simultaneous equation modeling approach. Using Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS), the analysis identifies significant factors influencing both savings and investment. For investment, foreign direct investment (FDI) emerges as the most significant determinant, exhibiting a strong positive effect, followed by GDP growth, which fosters a conducive environment for capital formation. In contrast, interest costs of borrowing are a negative driver for investment; hence borrowing cost needs to be regulated. Public debt has an almost insignificant positive effect and savings have a nil direct impact on investment. Remittances have a strong influence on the saving level as savings have a strongly positive impact; however investment and inflation negatively impact GDP growth has an insignificant relationship with savings. The models achieve quite strong explanatory power, with the R-squared values obtained for investment being 58.8% and 75.97% for savings, and pass key diagnostic tests for homoscedasticity and absence of serial correlation. Findings underscore the critical role of FDI in inducing investment and remittances in saving. Policymakers are advised to focus more on attracting FDI; maintaining economic growth; and mitigating the inflationary pressures to bolster Pakistan's savings and investment landscape.

Analysing the Effect of Green Intellectual Capital On Environmental Growth: The Mediating Role of Green Training and Improvement

Syeda Nazneen Waseem, Muhammad Talha Raza Sheikh — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This study examines the effect of GIC on environmental growth, with a particular focus on the mediating role of green training and improvement. By integrating intellectual capital theory and environmental management practices, the research explores how organizations leverage green knowledge, skills, and innovation to enhance sustainable development. Data was collected from 150 HR professionals, and Smart PLS software was used for data analysis. The findings confirm 12 key hypotheses, highlighting the positive impact of GIC on environmental growth through green training initiatives. The results further indicate that fostering green knowledge and skills significantly enhances an organization's environmental performance. This study underscores the importance of structured green training programs in bridging the gap between intellectual capital and sustainability. It's recommended that companies adopt a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability using simultaneously investing in green intellectual capital (GIC) and robust green training and development (GTD) packages.

Impact of Ambidextrous Leadership Style on Project Success: understanding the role of Innovative Work Behaviour and Workforce Agility in the Software Industry

Adnan Ahmed Khan, Hasina Khatoon, Aneeqa Akram — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

The purpose of our research is to examine the impact of ambidextrous leadership on project success through the mediating role of innovative work behaviour and workforce agility. During the last three decade, the significance of technology oriented projects has increased, particularly in the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, research on the antecedents of software projects has emerged as an interesting area for scholars. Data were collected from 324 software industry professionals in Pakistan using a purposive sampling technique to accomplish this purpose. The obtained data were analysed through SPSS. The findings show that ambidextrous leadership is positively associated with project success, while innovative work behaviour and workforce agility fully mediate this association. This research examined a new model to examine the effect of ambidextrous leadership on project success. Our research adds to the prevailing project management literature by empirically examining the intervening constructs (innovative work behaviour and workforce agility) between ambidextrous leadership and project success in the software industry. This research also provided an important recommendation at the end of the study.

Translation and Validation of Parent as Social Context Questionnaire

Syeda Asma Gillani, Palwasha Nasir Abbasi — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

The primary aim of this study was to assess the validity of the Urdu-translated version of the Parents as Social Context Questionnaire (PASCQ) for both mothers and fathers forms in a Pakistani adolescent population. The scale measures six dimensions of parenting, which are classified into supportive dimensions (i.e., affection, consistency, and encouragement of independence) and unsupportive dimensions (i.e., disapproval, disorganization, and pressure). The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted using AMOS-21 with respect to the factorial validity and model fit. It was found that the fit indices for the original models were inadequate, however, after removing the poor loading items and adding logically possible error covariances, the model fit significantly improved. Overall, the final models produced acceptable fit indices (CFI and IFI > .90, RMSEA < .08) and retained the multidimensional structure of the scale. These findings offer robust psychometric support for the application of the PASCQ in the context of Pakistani adolescents. The validated adaptation of the questionnaire is a welcome addition to the field with implications for future research involving parent–adolescent relationships and implementing interventions sensitive to the context of the family. Limitations include adolescent-specific population. The future recommendations incorporates obtaining sample from various demographics and investigating the stability of the construct over time.

A Linguistic Analysis of Code-Switching in Pakistani Billboard Advertisements

Hana Habib, Seham Fayyaz Khokhar, Amina Mustafa — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

The aim of this study is to analyze the sociolinguistic concept of code-switching in Pakistani billboard advertisements. The textual messages in billboard ads are usually drafted very carefully but sometimes there are messages which are used without considering the nature of the ad. The focus of the study is to identify the dominant language in billboards and the linguistic categories which are most commonly employed for code-switching. Forty-one billboards are examined out of which 20 are identified for code-switching and are further scrutinized for linguistic analysis. The qualitative method is used, and a descriptive approach is adopted for the textual analysis of billboard advertisements. The findings of the study indicate the dominance and prevalence of the English language over the Urdu language in billboard advertisements. In almost half of the billboards, advertisers used code-switching, and the English language is embedded in the Urdu language to make slogans interesting and appealing. Researchers are recommended to analyze the impact of such code switching advertising media on youth and on their daily linguistic practices.

Impact of Loneliness on Nomophobia among University Students: Mediating Role of Online Social Interaction and Moderating Role of Social Support

Marwa Khan, Javeria Israr, Palwasha Nasir Abbasi — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This study explored the relationship between loneliness and nomophobia among university students, investigating the mediating role of online social interaction (OSI) and the moderating role of social support. A sample of 300 participants was surveyed, and the results indicated a significant positive correlation between loneliness and nomophobia (r = .65, p < .001), suggesting that greater loneliness leads to higher levels of nomophobia. OSI was found to mediate this relationship (B = .29, p < .001), while social support moderated it (B = .18, p < .05), buffering the negative impact of loneliness on nomophobia. These findings emphasize that loneliness can intensify nomophobia through increased online social interaction, and that social support plays a key role in mitigating this effect. Based on these results, the recommendations included that interventions aimed at reducing nomophobia should focus on alleviating loneliness and enhancing social support networks among university students.

Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions: A Potential Threat to Israel

Umar Farooq, Muhammad Saqib, Dr. Ghulam Mustafa — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This article examines non-conventional threats to Israel’s security. The objective of this paper is to analyze how Iranian nuclear ambitions are threat to Israel’s sovereignty. In the 1950s, US provided nuclear reactor to Iran under the “Atoms for peace program” initiative. The nuclear ambition of Iran rises security concerns for Israel as the Iran has not good relations with Israel in the past. The Islamic Republic has ideological perspective related to Israel regardless of its political affiliation, Iranian leadership views Israel as a cornerstone of American hegemony. Although, Iran is not known as to possesses nuclear weapons but it the capability and ability to build nuclear weapons. For Israelis it would decrease their regional influence and limit Israel not to direct attack on Iranian proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis in the region. This research is based on qualitative data extracted from books, journal articles, websites and state officials’ opinions. Consequently, hostility between two middle eastern countries have considerably increased as the result of Iranian nuclear ambitions and perhaps the development of nuclear program. Particularly, Iran's pursuit of a nuclear program and possibly the development of nuclear weapons has raised tensions between the two nations. Deterrence combined with the preparedness and conventional military methods of the Israel Defense Forces. A direct bilateral resolution is improbable given the current tensions and mistrust between Israel and Iran. A multilateral strategy combining global stakeholders (such as the U.S., EU, Russia, and China) and regional powers (such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt) may instead offer an impartial forum to start a dialogue. The objective would be the establishment of a Middle East Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone (MENWFZ), a concept that has been put out in international forum but has never been implemented.

Critique of Class Distinction and Resistance: A Study of Guy de Maupassant’s The Necklace

Dr. Ayaz Muhammad Shah, Dr. Abdul Shakoor, Dr. Azim Ullah — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

The study aims to investigate class distinction in Maupassant’s The Necklace from the perspective of Marxism. Marx and Engels highlight that in capitalism, due to minimum state’s interference in the economic affairs, wealth concentrates in the few hands, resulting the sharp division of society into two classes: the rich and the poor. The former exploits the resources of the latter. All means of production and subsistence are in the hands of the few and majority just depends on them. This extreme disparity results in class conflicts. The Necklace also reveals the unequal distribution of wealth, and disparity between the two classes. It reflects class distinctions and resists the ideology of dominant class. The research uses qualitative research and textual analysis to highlight the aspects of class differences and resistance in the story. The topic under study has been broached for the first time, thus recommending a new vista for further research.

Romanticizing the Primitive Cultures and Anti-colonial Vision in D. H. Lawrence’s Post-war Fiction

Dr. Abdul Shakoor, Dr. Ayaz Muhammad Shah, Dr. Abrar Ahmad — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This paper aims to explore Lawrence’s preference for primitive cultures and his anti-colonial vision in his post-war fiction. His pre-war novels express his love for England. However, the onset of the First World War resulted in his disillusionment for European culture. In revulsion, he sought withdrawal from Europe and started idealizing the primitive modes of life. Thus, celebration of primitive societies is evident in his post-war novels. This discontent with deteriorating European civilization and glorification of foreign primitive cultures also led him to a decolonizing vision. Consequently, his post-War fiction presents a critique of colonialism and imperialism. This study has employed qualitative method, and textual analysis technique in order to trace celebration of Primitive Cultures and anti-colonial vision in Lawrence’s Post-war Fiction. Postcolonial theory has provided the basic framework for this study. They analysis proves that in Lawrence’s later novels his predilection for primitive societies is accompanied by his anti-colonial vision. Future researchers can attempt an in-depth analysis of Lawrence’s post-colonial and anarchist vision.

Environmental Justice Interventions and Poverty Alleviation in Climate-Vulnerable Regions: Evidence from South Asia

Saqib Munir, Khawaja Zeeshan Waheed, Saad Javaid — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This study explores how environmental justice interventions impact rural poverty reduction in seven South Asian countries from 1999 to 2023, focusing on gender and pro-poor linkages. Rural poverty in South Asia is exacerbated by structural inequalities, climate change, and limited access to resources. Environmental justice, including clean energy, sustainable water management, and agricultural innovations, is a critical pathway to poverty alleviation, yet its mechanisms remain understudied. Using panel data from World Governance Indicators (WGI) and World Development Indicators (WDI), the study employed advanced econometric techniques such as fixed effects and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) models to analyze causal relationships among key variables. Access to electricity emerged as the most significant driver of poverty reduction. GDP per capita strongly correlated with poverty alleviation, while climate impacts on agriculture and healthcare expenditure showed nuanced, context-dependent effects. Policymakers should integrate equitable resource distribution, sustainable development, and climate resilience into coordinated frameworks aligned with global sustainability goals. Micro-level and longitudinal studies are suggested for future research.

A Critical Review of Educational Research Methodologies: Approaches, Applications, and Implications

Shazia Hamid — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This paper presents a comprehensive critique of educational research methodologies and methods, highlighting their philosophical foundations, practical applications, strengths, and limitations. It systematically examines the three major research paradigms—qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods used in context of education. The paper explores the interpretive and critical approaches in qualitative research, experimental and observational techniques in quantitative studies, and various mixed methods designs such as concurrent triangulation and sequential approaches. Through critical evaluation, the study emphasizes the importance of aligning research questions with appropriate methodologies and discusses the ethical and epistemological considerations vital to educational research. The discussion also highlights the necessity of methodological literacy and ethical rigor for researchers, advocating for deliberate, well-informed design choices that enhance the credibility and applicability of educational research. Ultimately, the paper offers a balanced perspective on methodological pluralism and encourages thoughtful integration of diverse methods to address complex educational questions.

The Global Rivalry in Syria and the Security Dilemma in the Middle East

Sheikh Arslan Zafar, Dr. Humera Akhtar, Zunaira Shaukat — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This research examines the impact of significant global actors on the conflict's progress, emphasizing the roles of pivotal countries like Iran, Turkey, the United States, and Russia, including regional non-state actors in shaping Syria's path to instability, through research analysis of the complex elements and history of international competition in the Levant, highlighting how outside engagement has progressively transformed and extended Syria via an assessment of projection and diplomatic efforts. Due to its strategic position, rich resources, and cultural importance, Syria has drawn foreign involvement for centuries. It also evaluates the continuous influence of foreign powers on Syria’s political situation. Simultaneously, China's economic efforts pose difficulties for U.S. interests. Using a qualitative method, the study explores the reasons, tactics, and results of foreign involvement in Syria from the perspective of offensive realism. The results demonstrate how these interventions have altered regional power dynamics and intensified the ongoing crisis, particularly following the downfall of Assad’s regime. The research concludes by examining the effects of global rivalry on the region, as well as potential routes to lasting peace in Syria and why the arena will remain open for the influential players.

Parenting Dynamics and Adolescent Outcomes: Investigating the Role of Demographic Differences

Syeda Asma Gillani, Palwasha Nasir Abbasi, Shanza Aman Khan — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

The present study was intended to investigate demographic differences in parenting contexts as well as basic psychological needs and behavioral outcomes for adolescents. The research was based on the assumption propounded by Self-determining Theory. That is, gender, family system, mother's occupation and monthly income relate to the perception of adolescents about parenting, the need satisfaction of adolescents and the behavioral indicators. A total of 300 adolescents, aged between 13 and 17 years, were selected as sample units through stratified sampling technique. Data were taken from Parents as Social Context Questionnaire, Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Data were analyzed within the framework of cross-sectional, comparative research design. The findings showed that differences in mean across demographic groups were significantly different such that nuclear family adolescents were more positively influenced by parental involvement as compared to adolescents from one-parent families, as well as adolescents from high-income households, and mothers are working showed higher psychological need satisfaction and lesser behavioral difficulties. Recommendations incorporate that interventions are culturally specific parenting interventions and policies promoting economic stability and awareness among parents. Longitudinal studies should also look at the future basis of causality direction for interpretation enhancement.

Impact of Perceived Social Support and Psychological Resilience on Psychological Well-being among university students

Sadaf Asghar — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0500

The current study was directed towards the investigation about how perceived social support affects along with cognitive resilience on psychological well-being among the university students. For the purpose of data collection, a sample of university students was used for a quantitative correlational research design with standardized scales, namely the MSPSS, BRS, and Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale. The collected data showed the presence of significant positive correlations among variables. Moreover, regression analysis revealed that both perceived social support and psychological resilience could serve as significant predictors for psychological well-being. Thus, th3 recommendations incorporates reaffirming the role of both internal coping capacity and external relational resources in improving student mental and emotional well-being contexts.