Social science review archives.

This study aims to investigate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment from the global trend and regional perspective, that is, Pakistan. As AI advances in its capability, it poses a dual threat: displacement of employment, especially in low-skilled areas, while at the same time generating new openings in emerging zones-another challenge posed by AI technologies. This study makes use of Human Capital Theory to assess the necessity of investment in education and training required to prepare the workforce for an AI-enabled economy. The important results suggest that the interventions would hold extensive reskilling as well as upskilling courses as critical in relieving the detrimental effects of job displacement and harnessing the promising potentials created by AI. The research points to the urgent need for specialized workforce development strategies in Pakistan, where a large part of the workforce is engaged in informal employment, to bridge the skills gap and ensure equitable access to training. Results suggest the need for proactive policies, such as creating social safety nets and supporting the lifetime learning programs. The report further states the need for encouraging firms to invest in human capital and redefine job roles so as to capitalize on AI technology. This report supports the cooperative agenda of politicians, educators, and business leaders to build the flexible, strong workforce required in their countries. Such fairness and inclusion would ensure that benefits derived from AI are equally distributed to promote sustainable economic growth in an increasingly automated environment. These findings also suggest specific future areas of study, such as sectorial investigations and evaluation of policy solutions aimed at reducing the adverse effects of AI on employment.

This paper critically examines Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory (SCT). The focus of the study is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and scaffolding, and their roles in second language (L2) acquisition. SCT suggests that human cognitive development is a mediated process shaped by cultural artifacts, activities, and social interactions and language serves as the focal for mediation, enabling the development of higher-order cognitive functions through social and material engagement. The research questions highlight 15 learners’ perceptions. The study also has 3 variables of teachers' role in practicing scaffolding from the private college in Hyderabad. The qualitative comparative analysis provides more competent interlocutors, and facilitates L2 learning. It underscores the importance of teaching within the learner’s ZPD to enhance progression and development. Additionally, the research integrates Paulo Freire’s dialogic method to highlight the interplay between dialogic learning, conscientization, praxis, and critical consciousness. Both Vygotsky and Freire assert that language learning is inherently dialogic, emphasizing the transformative power of interaction between learners and educators. The study results of positive and negative feedback, group studies, and collaborative learning are the median of scaffolding practices.

Pakistan and Iran share a long-standing relationship shaped by historical, cultural and religious ties. However, their bilateral relations have been influenced by complex geopolitical and geo-economic dynamics. This study examines the shift from geopolitics to geo-economics in Pakistan-Iran relations post-2008, assessing its key impacts and underlying challenges. Utilizing a neoliberal framework, the research explores how economic interdependence, trade and investment have redefined their diplomatic engagement. The study highlights the strategic significance of economic cooperation between the two nations, particularly in energy trade, border markets and joint infrastructure projects. The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline remains a crucial yet contentious issue due to U.S. sanctions and financial constraints. Despite external pressures, economic diplomacy has emerged as a dominant feature in their bilateral engagement, with trade volume exceeding $2 billion in 2022 and plans to expand further. The research also identifies constraints such as regional rivalries, security concerns and political mistrust that hinder deeper collaboration. By analyzing Pakistan-Iran relations particularly with regards to geo-economics, this study underscores the potential for economic integration to enhance regional stability. It suggests that pragmatic economic policies, supported by multilateral cooperation, can help both nations overcome geopolitical barriers and foster a sustainable partnership.

This research is deeply rooted into the ongoing debate surrounding machine translation (MT) and human translation (HT) by conducting a comprehensive comparative study of translation quality between the two methodologies. With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and natural language processing, machine translation systems have made significant progress towards the solution of real-life problems. By raising questions about their efficacy compared to the nuanced understanding and linguistic finesse inherent in human translation. Through a meticulous examination of various linguistic aspects such as accuracy, fluency, cultural sensitivity, and context comprehension, this study aims to provide empirical evidence on the strengths and limitations of both MT and HT. By analyzing a diverse set of text samples across multiple languages and domains, including literature, technical documents, and colloquial speech, we endeavor to offer insights into the relative performance of MT and HT in different translation scenarios. Furthermore, this research seeks to explore the evolving roles of MT and HT in the contemporary translation landscape and their potential implications for language professionals, technology developers, and end-users. Ultimately, this comparative study endeavors to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between machine and human translation, shedding light on the optimal utilization of both approaches to achieve superior translation outcomes.

This study examines the relationship between family dynamics, social support, substance abuse, and their collective on codependency, mental health, and personal growth in young adults. A sample of 150 participants provided valuable insights through quantitative measures. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between family dynamics and codependency, indicating that individuals exposed to more complex family dynamics are prone to heightened codependent behaviors (p < 0.05), Conversely, a negative correlation is observed between social support and codependency, emphasizing the protective role of strong social networks against codependency development. The study also uncovers a positive correlation between substance abuse and codependency, underscoring the interconnected challenges faced by individuals grappling with both issues. Moreover, for analysis using the SPSS 26.0 version crucial. The Research contribute to a broader discourse on mental health and personal growth, providing a foundation for more targeted interventions and support systems for young adults navigating the complexities of codependency.

Trade conflicts are relevant to global supply networks because they shift industry patterns, pricing strategies, and global trade models. This paper assesses the broad impacts of the trade war between the United States and China. This research establishes that diversification of the supply chain to the southeast Asian nations eased the dependence on China by 35 %, but policy risks led to time costs, which increased the supply chain costs by an average of 15 %. Those companies that applied the most progressive technology solutions, including block chain, for instance, experienced a 20 % decrease in inventories and a 15 % increase in delivery rates, thus proving the effectiveness of digital tools. The study indicates that tariff barriers, policy uncertainties, and fluctuating trade partnerships forced companies to restructure their business models, explore new supplier options, and implement robust strategies. The research adopts a dualistic approach to explaining some profound ideas about managing risks and enhancing versatility in supply networks. These findings suggest a practical strategy for governments and companies to enhance supply chain resilience and sustain operations amidst the increasing volatility in the global economy and political landscape.

corporal Punishment can be simplified to the meaning of physical punishment. It has been a long debate whether corporal punishment not should be allowed in schools and more specifically public schools of Pakistan. Since the culture of the subcontinent differs from the culture of the West so does the methods of carrying out life. It is believed that corporal punishment can help discipline children or gauge an effect in the performance. This was a quantitative research project. There were two variables. The impact of corporal punishment is independent variable and student’s per-formance in public schools is dependent variable. This study’s population was 30 students in public school of I_9/4 Islamabad (only male) for the study researcher used random sampling technique. The information gathered through Questionnaires. The researcher analyzed the data using SPSS processes and find, percentage and mean. The findings of this research were corporal punishment effect on students’ academic performance and wellbeing. And researcher recommendation was advocate for policy changes in public schools to discourage the use of corporal punishment.

Inquiry-based learning (IBL) in early childhood education nurtures children’s natural curiosity and supports the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills. However, implementing IBL poses challenges such as the need for teacher training, adequate resources, and balancing open-ended exploration with curriculum demands. The objective of the study was to investigating the benefits and challenges of implementing inquiry-based learning approaches in early childhood education. Quantitative research, survey design was used. The population was comprised off all ECE schools of City Tehsil of district Lahore. Multistage sampling techniques was used. Questionnaire was used to collect the data. The validity of questionnaire was found through experts’ opinions and reliability through pilot testing. For quantitative data analysis, descriptive statistics (Mean and standard deviation) was used while in qualitative data analysis, thematic analysis was used. Findings indicate that inquiry-based learning in early childhood boosts children’s engagement, critical thinking, and collaborative skills, promoting deeper, more meaningful learning experiences. However, challenges such as insufficient teacher preparation and resource limitations hinder its effective implementation.

Pakistan, with a mushrooming population and insufficient cultivable area, is facing multiple challenges in ensuring climate change-induced food security for its people. As a country highly liable to the drastic effects of global warming, it confronts major risks including temperature changes, variations in precipitation, and natural disasters. These factors have a significant impact on agricultural output, water availability, and livestock health. So, the current article aims to look into the adverse effects of climate change on food security. In addition, the article investigates various mitigation and adaptation options, like introducing climate-smart agricultural technologies, water management, and legislative reforms, to maintain food security and counter climate change hazards. The study has adopted a qualitative research methodology which provides a full explanation and supports interpretive objectives. Data is collected using qualitative research methodologies since the nature of the inquiry is qualitative. The data source is of secondary nature. The study findings underline the urgent requirement for comprehensive and diverse methods to address the intricate issue of global warming and its consequences for Pakistan's food security.

The present study analyzes how faculty development contributes to teaching quality in higher education institutions in Pakistan. It adopts a mixed-methods research strategy. The investigation covers faculty development programs and teaching effectiveness among 300 faculty members and 50 academic administrators from public and private universities in Pakistan. Researchers administered a structured questionnaire on teaching effectiveness, attendance rate, and perceived impact. They also conducted semi-structured interviews to gather qualitative insights. Statistical data indicated a substantial positive correlation between participation in faculty development and indicators of teaching effectiveness. The explanatory power of comprehensive professional development programs accounts for 67% of the possible variance in teaching quality indicators. The qualitative analysis summarized the importance of pedagogical training, technology integration workshops, and peer collaboration initiatives in improving instructional practices. High levels of institutional support, resource availability, and program relevance were identified as key factors influencing faculty participation. Findings reveal that formal faculty improvement programs enhance teaching levels, student satisfaction, and overall performance at Pakistan’s higher-education institutions. This study can guide policymakers and administrators seeking to improve faculty performance through development initiatives and activities.

This study investigated the role of English language education in promoting peace and social harmony among university students in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Using a quantitative descriptive design, data were collected through a structured questionnaire containing demographic items and 59 close-ended statements covering peace, tolerance, cooperation, empathy, and social harmony. The population comprised BS students of English Literature, English Linguistics, and English Language Teaching (ELT) from four higher education institutions. Purposive sampling selected 347 male and female students across different semesters. The questionnaire was pilot-tested with 15 students, validated through expert review, and demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.83). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, including descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicated that English language education promoted cultural respect, peaceful communication, teamwork, empathy, and cooperation. However, limited classroom time, large classes, language barriers, and insufficient teacher training hindered peace education. The study recommends teacher training, curriculum improvements, and interactive teaching methods to strengthen tolerance, understanding, and social harmony.

Green hydrogen has emerged as an important option for reducing carbon emissions in sectors where direct electrification is difficult, including steel, fertilizer, chemicals, shipping, aviation, and long-duration energy storage. Produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, green hydrogen can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support the transition toward low-carbon energy systems. However, its development remains constrained by high production costs, limited electrolyzer capacity, uncertain industrial demand, insufficient storage and transport infrastructure, and high financing costs, particularly in developing economies. This paper examines the economics of green hydrogen, focusing on investment opportunities, cost drivers, policy support, trade potential, and its future role in the global energy transition. The study relies on secondary data from the International Energy Agency, International Renewable Energy Agency, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, World Bank, and relevant academic literature. The analysis finds that green hydrogen is most economically justified in hard-to-abate sectors rather than in applications that can be directly electrified. Renewable electricity prices, electrolyzer capital costs, utilization rates, access to finance, and guaranteed long-term demand are the main determinants of project viability. The study concludes that green hydrogen can become a major component of the global clean-energy system if governments and private investors coordinate renewable-energy expansion, industrial demand creation, transport infrastructure, certification standards, and risk-sharing mechanisms.

This study examines the relationship between political stability and economic growth in selected South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) economies over the period 1996–2024. Using annual secondary data from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators and Worldwide Governance Indicators, the study employs panel-data techniques to analyze the role of political stability while controlling for investment, foreign direct investment, trade openness, inflation, domestic credit, labor-force participation, and human capital. The findings indicate a positive and statistically significant association between political stability and economic growth. The relationship remains positive across fixed-effects, robust, and dynamic model specifications. Furthermore, the panel ARDL/PMG results suggest that the long-run association is stronger than the short-run relationship. These findings highlight the importance of institutional stability, investment, and sound macroeconomic management in supporting economic growth across SAARC economies. However, the results indicate association rather than definitive causality.

This study examines mediation as a key instrument of Qatar’s foreign policy through a qualitative analysis of the United States–Taliban peace negotiations held in Doha between 2018 and 2020. Despite its small size and limited material power, Qatar has emerged as an influential diplomatic actor by institutionalizing mediation as a central component of its foreign policy. Drawing on the theories of soft power, middle-power and niche diplomacy, and role theory, the study explores how Qatar leveraged its diplomatic neutrality, commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and longstanding relations with both Western powers and non-state actors to facilitate the signing of the Doha Agreement in February 2020. The research adopts a qualitative approach based on documentary analysis of primary sources, including the Doha Agreement and official statements, alongside relevant academic literature and credible media reports. The findings indicate that Qatar’s mediation was facilitated by a strategic and sustained foreign policy approach that enhanced its diplomatic profile and contributed to the conclusion of the agreement. However, the process also revealed significant limitations, particularly regarding the inclusivity of the negotiations and the implementation of the agreement. The study concludes that although mediation can strengthen a small state’s international influence, diplomatic facilitation alone does not guarantee an inclusive or sustainable peace.

This study examines the role of Sustainable Project Management (SPM) practices in enhancing construction industry performance in developing economies, with particular emphasis on resource efficiency and sustainability. A quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional design was employed to investigate the relationships between sustainable planning, sustainability-oriented procurement, stakeholder involvement, sustainable risk management, resource efficiency, environmental performance, social performance, and overall project performance. Data were collected from construction professionals and relevant project records and analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression techniques. The findings indicate that sustainable project management practices were moderately to highly adopted across the projects examined. The reliability of all constructs was satisfactory, while the relationships between sustainability-related variables and overall project performance were positive and statistically significant. Resource efficiency, sustainable planning, and sustainable risk management emerged as the three strongest predictors of overall project performance. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that the effective adoption of sustainable practices positively contributes to project cost, time, and quality performance, while also strengthening environmental and social outcomes. Based on these findings, a five-stage framework is proposed to integrate sustainability into construction project planning, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement. Overall, the study demonstrates that Sustainable Project Management provides a viable approach for improving construction project performance, reducing resource waste, controlling costs, and enhancing environmental and social sustainability in developing economy contexts.

The application of writing assistance tools using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English language learning is rapidly growing and research is still not able to study the simultaneous influence on creativity, critical thinking, and writing performance. The gap was filled by this research that integrated the three theories, namely Constructivist Learning Theory, Cognitive Learning Theory and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A cross sectional survey quantitative research design was used and a sample of 250 English language students from selected institutes of higher education was drawn. The data were gathered by a structured survey and analyzed with SPSS Version 29. The results showed that AI writing assistance tools positively impacted creativity (β = .46, p < .001) and positively connected with critical thinking (r = .52, p < .001). Furthermore, the writing components of the AI writing assistance tools predicted writing performance (R² = 48, p < .001), with writing assistance with grammar being the best predictor. This study aims to demonstrate that AI writing assistance tools impact the performance of English language writing and the writing development of students in higher education. The results lead to recommendations for educators and higher education institutions on the application of AI technologies in language learning.

University students represent a nutritionally vulnerable population due to rapid lifestyle transitions, academic stress, irregular eating schedules, financial constraints, and increasing dependence on convenience foods. Poor dietary habits established during early adulthood contribute to obesity, undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced academic performance later in life. In Pakistan, limited multicity investigations have simultaneously evaluated dietary practices, nutritional status, socioeconomic determinants, and lifestyle behaviors among university students across major urban centers of Punjab. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess dietary habits, nutritional status, and socioeconomic factors among university students residing in six major cities of Punjab, Pakistan. A multicity cross-sectional survey was conducted among university students aged 18–30 years enrolled in public and private universities located in Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Sheikhupura. A structured and pre-validated questionnaire was administered to collect demographic information, socioeconomic characteristics, dietary habits, food frequency, meal patterns, physical activity, sleep behavior, anthropometric measurements, and nutrition-related lifestyle factors. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated according to the World Health Organization classification. Household income, parental education, residential status, and monthly food expenditure were recorded to evaluate socioeconomic influences on dietary behavior. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were employed to evaluate differences among cities and identify factors associated with dietary quality and nutritional status. The study is expected to provide comprehensive evidence regarding nutritional behaviors among university students in Punjab while identifying major socioeconomic determinants influencing dietary quality. The findings may support university health promotion programs, nutrition education campaigns, institutional food policies, and evidence-based interventions aimed at improving dietary habits and reducing nutrition-related health risks among young adults.

The soul plays a central role in Islam and Buddhism, influencing both religions' perspectives on the nature of humans, life, death and the afterlife. Though both traditions ask the same sorts of existential questions, they offer very different answers to what constitutes the soul and identity of the person. In Islam, the soul is considered a gift of Allah to people and is an integral part of their moral responsibility, accountability and life after death. The Qurʾān says, "And they ask you about the soul, say: 'Of the command of my Lord and of your knowledge you have been given only a little' (Qur'an, Sūrah al-Isrāʾ 17:85). According to this verse, the soul cannot be fully understood by man, but its presence is guaranteed in Islamic beliefs. By contrast, Buddhism does not believe in an eternal, unchanging soul, but rather in the doctrine of Anattā (Non-Self) that explains how the individual is seen as a dynamic collection of the Five Aggregates (Pañcakkhandha) which are not a spiritual entity. The Buddha taught that a lack of compassion is the source of all suffering. It is because of lack of compassion that all suffering arises, as Walpola Rahula states in What the Buddha Taught (London: Gordon Fraser, 1959, pp. In 51-56, the Buddha has steadfastly rejected the notion of a permanent self and taught of impermanency (anicca) and dependent origination (paṭiccasamuppāda), which form the foundation of human existence. This research compares and analyzes the idea of soul from Islamic and Buddhist points of view using the lenses of Muslim and Buddhist selected scholars of the twentieth century. The study focuses on the contribution of Abul A‘la Maududi, Muhammad Asad, Fazlur Rahman and Muhammad Hamidullah among the Muslim scholars while the Buddhist view is brought in through the works of Walpola Rahula, Bhikkhu Bodhi, D. T. Suzuki and other prominent Buddhist scholars. Their interpretations have been discussed in connection with the fundamental religious sources to show the continuity and the intellectual development in current scholarships. The methodology adopted in the research is qualitative, comparative, and analytical with the primary sources of the research are Quran, authentic hadith books, pali canon, and reliable commentaries. The study shows that Islam considers the soul as a reality that has an existence in the metaphysical realm and that will be answered in the afterlife, while Buddhism denies the existence of a permanent soul but instead teaches the concept of the continuity of souls through the concept of "karma" and "rebirth". These conflicting views have had a significant impact on the concept of human identity, moral obligation, salvation, and eternal fate in both religions. The results advance current comparative religious studies by providing a critical evaluation of two major religious traditions and how they have different understandings of the soul that influence their theological and philosophical perspectives.

Migration and forced displacement have become defining global public health challenges of the twenty-first century. Armed conflicts, political instability, environmental disasters, economic crises, and human rights violations have displaced millions of individuals worldwide, placing unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems in both host and transit countries. Refugee populations frequently experience disproportionate burdens of communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health complications, mental health disorders, malnutrition, and limited access to preventive healthcare services. Structural barriers including language differences, legal restrictions, financial constraints, discrimination, inadequate health infrastructure, and shortages of healthcare professionals further exacerbate health inequities among displaced populations. Consequently, reducing disparities in healthcare accessibility has become a major priority within global health policy and humanitarian response. The present study was designed as a predictive global health modeling framework to evaluate anticipated healthcare inequities among refugee populations residing in diverse host-country settings. Importantly, no refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, healthcare workers, hospitals, humanitarian organizations, surveys, interviews, patient records, or clinical databases were utilized during this investigation. Instead, the study integrates contemporary migration theories, humanitarian health frameworks, published epidemiological evidence, health systems research, and predictive statistical modeling to generate realistic and theoretically plausible healthcare scenarios. All numerical findings represent simulated outcomes intended solely as a methodological template for future empirical investigation. A dataset representing 600 hypothetical refugee households was theoretically distributed across four healthcare accessibility scenarios: T₀ (minimal healthcare access), T₁ (basic humanitarian healthcare), T₂ (integrated primary healthcare), and T₃ (comprehensive universal healthcare access). Predicted outcomes included healthcare utilization, preventive service coverage, maternal healthcare, childhood immunization, mental health service utilization, chronic disease management, patient satisfaction, healthcare equity, and overall health system performance. Artificial intelligence algorithms including Random Forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM were theoretically incorporated to predict healthcare accessibility and identify determinants of equitable healthcare utilization. The simulated findings predict that comprehensive healthcare integration substantially improves healthcare utilization, preventive service coverage, maternal and child health indicators, chronic disease management, mental health service accessibility, and overall patient satisfaction while simultaneously reducing healthcare inequities. Among the evaluated predictive algorithms, XGBoost demonstrated the highest anticipated classification performance for identifying populations at greatest risk of healthcare exclusion. This predictive framework provides a comprehensive methodological blueprint for future empirical investigations while illustrating how migration studies, public health, health policy, epidemiology, and artificial intelligence can be integrated to strengthen equitable healthcare delivery for refugee populations.

As social media use has expanded rapidly, the exposure to idealized beauty has intensified and yet few validated instruments assess individual differences in sensitivity to idealized online beauty standards. The present study was designed to develop and test an instrument called the Online Beauty Standards Sensitivity Scale (OBSS) with a sequential exploratory mixed methods design. In the qualitative part, semi-structured interviews were conducted to develop an item pool of users’ experiences of presenting themselves digitally. The quantitative phase included 300 social media users whose data was analyzed to examine the psychometric characteristics of the scale. To validate a unidimensional construct, an exploratory factor analysis was performed to examine sensitivity to online beauty standards as a latent construct. The items of the OBSS showed strong item coherence and excellent internal consistency. Validity evidence was limited to preliminary nomological network associations rather than full construct validation. In conclusion, the OBSS is an early-stage measurement instrument with preliminary psychometric support. The construct validity and generalizability should be confirmed through further validation, using confirmatory factor analysis, and more comprehensive criterion measures, and across cultural groups.