Social Prism is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal committed to publishing high-quality research in the social sciences and related interdisciplinary fields. The journal provides a platform for researchers, scholars, and practitioners to share original research, reviews, and theoretical contributions that address contemporary social, economic, political, educational, and cultural issues. Through a rigorous double-blind peer-review process and open-access publishing model, Social Prism promotes academic excellence, global knowledge exchange, and evidence-based solutions for societal development.
Gomal Research Development and consultancy (SMC-Private) LTD
Impact of Training Effectiveness and Employee Competence on Quality Compliance Behavior in the Pharmaceutical Industry of Pakistan
Quality compliance remains an issue of great importance within the pharmaceutical industry where employee competence, knowledge, and skills play a direct role in the company’s performance and quality of the product. In this research, Training Effectiveness on Quality Compliance Behavior was studied in relation to the pharmaceutical industry of Pakistan while taking into consideration the mediating effect of Employee Competence and the moderating effect of Management Support. Quantitative research design has been used and a total of 190 participants from the pharmaceutical industry of Pakistan were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression analysis, bootstrap mediation and moderation analysis. It has been found that Training Effectiveness positively affected both Quality Compliance Behavior and Employee Competence. Employee Competence also positively impacted Quality Compliance Behavior. In addition, it has been observed that Employee Competence partially mediated the relationship between Training Effectiveness and Quality Compliance Behavior with an indirect effect of 0.256 and 95% confidence interval of (0.075, 0.463). The total impact of Training Effectiveness and Employee Competence accounted for 65.9% of the variance in Quality Compliance Behavior. However, the hypothesized moderation effect of Management Support on the relationship between Employee Competence and Quality Compliance Behavior was not significant. From the results of this study, it can be seen that effective and relevant training, together with the development of employee competence, has an important part to play in enhancing quality compliance behavior in the pharmaceutical industry.
Training Effectiveness, Employee Competence, Quality Compliance Behavior, Management Support, Pharmaceutical Industry, Moderated Mediation
Copyright (c) 2026 Mahak Tariq, Wajeeha Rafiq, Leena Tyyaba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Brand Evangelism as a Pathway to Repurchase Intention: The Roles of Brand Trust, Brand Love, and Brand Loyalty
The aim of this study is to investigate the mediating role of Brand Loyalty and Brand Evangelism in the relationship between Brand Trust and Brand Love to Repurchase Intention. While some studies have examined these constructs separately, there is little research that has combined them within a unified framework to explain the relationship between emotional and relational brand constructs and repeat purchase. Hence, the purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the process and mechanisms that would convert customer loyalty into becoming brand advocates and repeat customers. A quantitative, cross section research design was used. A structured questionnaire was administered to 300 consumers that was based on validated measurement scales. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4 was used to analyze the proposed model. The standard procedures of PLS-SEM were applied for reliability, validity, and structural relationships. The results showed that the Brand Trust has a significant effect on Brand Loyalty (β = 0.510; p<0.001), and Brand Love has a significant effect on Brand Loyalty (β = 0.411; p<0.001). Moreover, the level of Brand Loyalty significantly correlates with Brand Evangelism (β = 0.822, p < 0.001), and the level of Brand Evangelism significantly correlates with Repurchase Intention (β = 0.825, p < 0.001). The model accounted for 76.8% of the variance in Brand Loyalty, 67.5% of the variance in Brand Evangelism, and 68.1% of the variance in Repurchase Intention. The results offer practical implications for organizations that want to boost customer relationships, advocate behaviors, and build closer customer loyalty and repurchase intentions.
Brand Trust, Brand Love, Brand Loyalty, Brand Evangelism, Repurchase Intention, Consumer Behavior, PLS-SEM
Copyright (c) 2026 Sohaib Uz Zaman, Nida Jabeen, Syed Hasnain Alam, Muhammad Fahim Aamir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Teachers’ Perspectives on Students’ Psychosocial Needs and School Social Work in Public Secondary Schools: A Qualitative Study from Punjab, Pakistan
Adolescents in public secondary schools’ experience multiple psychosocial stresses arising from academic, socio-familial, peer relationships, and environmental factors. Teachers are the first responders to such problems, but they lack psychosocial skills. This study aimed to explore teachers’ perceptions of students’ psychosocial needs, existing gaps in responding to these needs, and how school social workers could intervene. The current qualitative descriptive study used a phenomenological inquiry design based on Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and a strength-based approach. The research procedure involved sixteen teachers from two urban and two rural public boys' secondary schools located in Bhakkar and Mianwali districts of Punjab province, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were held to obtain in-depth information from the participants. Each interview session lasted thirty to forty-five minutes and was conducted in the Urdu language. Data analysis was done using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis procedure and interpreted thematically. Five major themes emerged from the study, including multifaceted needs, behavioural and academic indicators of need, informal and limited teacher interventions, multiple system barriers, and appreciative perceptions of school social work. The findings highlight teachers’ limited understanding of students’ psychosocial needs and inadequate institutional mechanisms for addressing these needs. The study provides empirical evidence from four public secondary schools in the Punjab province.
Psychosocial needs, school social work, secondary education, teachers’ perceptions, Pakistan, qualitative study
Copyright (c) 2026 Abid Hussain, Farhat Ullah, Humera Manzoor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of Climate Change on National Security, Diplomacy, and Regional Cooperation: A Study of Pakistan
Climate change has evolved from a primarily environmental concern into a central determinant of national security, foreign policy, and regional order, particularly for states that combine high physical exposure with limited adaptive capacity. Pakistan exemplifies this condition: it contributes less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions yet ranks among the countries most severely affected by floods, glacial lake outburst floods, heatwaves, and droughts. This paper examines how climate change reshapes Pakistan's national security calculus, diplomatic posture, and prospects for regional cooperation in South Asia. Using a qualitative, exploratory research design, the study draws on secondary data from government policy documents, multilateral assessments, treaty texts, and peer-reviewed literature, analyzed through Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase thematic analysis. Five major themes emerge: climate change as a security multiplier, climate diplomacy as a form of strategic positioning, regional interdependence as both a source of tension and a platform for cooperation, the normative but weakly enforced influence of international climate agreements, and the entanglement of economic vulnerability with development policy. The findings indicate that environmental stress operates less as a direct trigger of conflict and more as a structural amplifier of pre-existing governance, economic, and social fragilities, while transboundary ecological interdependence in South Asia creates both friction and functional incentives for cooperation. The paper concludes that Pakistan's long-term security depends on integrating climate risk into national security planning, strengthening institutional coordination, and pursuing climate diplomacy as an instrument of both adaptation financing and regional confidence-building.
climate change, national security, climate diplomacy, regional cooperation, Pakistan, South Asia, non-traditional security, climate justice
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Waqas Khattak, Dr. Muhammad Ramzan Kolachi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Performance in the Manufacturing Sector of Pakistan: Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment and Moderating Role of Job Satisfaction and Organizational Trust
The aim of this study is to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee performance (EP) in the manufacturing firms of Karachi with the mediating role of organizational commitment (OC) and the moderating roles of job satisfaction (JS) and organizational trust (OT). The study's primary focus is on employees working in Karachi's manufacturing firms, and 90 responses were collected from the target population. The study's data is gathered using a nonprobability convenience sampling technique, which selects respondents based on their accessibility and willingness to participate rather than at random. To collect quantitative data, a survey method is used, which includes a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. To analyse the collected data and test the proposed relationships, the study used PLS-SEM technique. The research finding is that a corporate social responsibility has a strong positive impact on the organizational commitment, and OC positively impacts EP. Similarly, there is positive significant mediating role of OC between corporate social responsibility and EP. Additionally, organizational commitment and EP is mediated through job satisfaction and organizational trust. By doing so, the HR must collaborate with the operations managers to make safety a part of daily operations and performance appraisal system to ensure responsibility at every level. This not only helps to minimize accidents in the workplace, but also enhances employee confidence and image of the organization.
Employee Performance, Corporate Social Responsibility, Organizational Commitment, Organizational Trust, Job Satisfaction, Manufacturing Sector, Pakistan
Copyright (c) 2026 Hania Khan, Hammad Zafar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Positive Work Environment on Civic Virtue Behavior
A positive work environment plays a vital role in encouraging employees to exhibit positive workplace behaviors that contribute to organizational success. Among these behaviors, civic virtue reflects employees' voluntary participation in organizational affairs, concern for organizational well-being, and willingness to contribute beyond formal job responsibilities. This study aims to examine the impact ((Gotsis & Grimani) of a positive work environment on civic virtue behavior among employees in Pakistan's service sector. Specifically, it investigates the mediating role of psychological safety and the moderating role of organizational trust in this relationship. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory, the study proposes that supportive workplace conditions foster psychological safety, which encourages employees to actively engage in organizational activities. Furthermore, organizational trust is expected to strengthen the relationship between psychological safety and civic virtue behavior. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design (Xiaofeng Wang)will be employed, and data will be collected from approximately 350–450 employees working in the banking, healthcare, education, telecommunications, hospitality, and information technology sectors. The collected data will be analyzed using SPSS to test the proposed hypotheses through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings are expected to provide valuable theoretical and practical insights into how organizations can cultivate supportive and trustworthy work environments that enhance employee participation, organizational citizenship behavior, and overall organizational effectiveness in Pakistan's service sector.
Impact of Positive Work Environment on Civic Virtue Behavior: The Mediating Role of Psychological Safety and the Moderating Role of Organizational Trust
Copyright (c) 2026 Huma Azam, Wajih Ul Hassan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of QMS Practices on Human Factor Errors (Ground Crew) with the Mediation of Safety Compliance Behaviour and Moderation of Time Pressure in Aviation Maintenance Organizations of Pakistan
Background: Aviation maintenance is a safety-critical activity in which human-factor errors may arise from organizational, procedural, and operational conditions. Quality Management System practices may strengthen safety performance, but their relationship with human-factor errors and the roles of safety compliance and time pressure remain insufficiently understood in Pakistan. Objective: To examine the effect of QMS practices on Human Factor Errors among ground crew in Pakistani aviation maintenance organizations, and to assess the mediating role of Safety Compliance Behaviour and moderating role of Time Pressure. Methods: A quantitative, explanatory, cross-sectional study was conducted among 143 aviation maintenance personnel. Data were collected using a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire measuring QMS Practices, Safety Compliance Behaviour, Time Pressure, and Human Factor Errors. Data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, mediation, and moderation analyses. Results: QMS Practices significantly predicted Safety Compliance Behaviour (β = .884, p < .001; R² = .781). However, QMS Practices did not significantly predict Human Factor Errors (β = −.124, p = .142), and Safety Compliance Behaviour was not significantly associated with Human Factor Errors (β = −.098, p = .244). Mediation analysis was not significant. Time Pressure did not significantly moderate the proposed relationship (β = −.612, p = .116), but demonstrated a significant positive direct effect on Human Factor Errors (β = .854, p = .003). Conclusion: QMS practices strongly promote safety compliance but may not independently reduce human-factor errors. Effective error prevention should therefore combine QMS implementation with workload management, realistic scheduling, and broader human-factors interventions.
Quality Management Systems; Human Factor Errors; Safety Compliance Behaviour; Time Pressure; Aviation Maintenance
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Atif Ejaz, Muhammad Imran, Hussnain Raza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Breathing at Work: Assessing Occupational Airborne Exposure and Respiratory Health Risks in Manufacturing Workers
Background: Occupational exposure to airborne dust and particulate matter may adversely affect respiratory health among manufacturing workers. This study assessed the relationship between occupational airborne exposure, respiratory symptoms, and pulmonary function among manufacturing workers in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 manufacturing workers. Occupational exposure was assessed using PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, total dust, and respirable dust measurements. Participants were categorized into low-, moderate-, and high-exposure groups. Respiratory symptoms were assessed using a structured questionnaire, while pulmonary function was evaluated using spirometry. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using Pearson's chi-square test. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc testing was used to compare spirometric parameters across exposure groups. Pearson correlation was used to examine relationships between continuous exposure measurements and lung-function parameters. Results: Respiratory health impairment was significantly more prevalent among workers with higher exposure, increasing from 49.3% in the low-exposure group to 80.3% in the high-exposure group (p=0.001). Cough, phlegm, and wheezing were significantly associated with exposure category (p=0.003, p=0.026, and p=0.011, respectively). Mean FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC were significantly lower among highly exposed workers (p=0.002 and p=0.021, respectively), whereas FVC did not differ significantly. PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, total dust, and respirable dust were significantly and negatively correlated with FEV₁. Conclusion: Higher occupational airborne exposure was associated with increased respiratory symptoms, respiratory health impairment, and poorer pulmonary function. Strengthening workplace exposure controls, respiratory protection, and periodic respiratory health surveillance is warranted among manufacturing workers.
Occupational exposure; Airborne dust; Manufacturing workers; Respiratory health; Spirometry
Copyright (c) 2026 Babar Shahzad, Gulfam Hussain, Muhammad Ansar Mehmood, Mubashar Tariq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Effectiveness of E-Learning in Public Elementary Schools in District Centre Karachi with Reference to Instructional Design
The rapid development of digital technologies has significantly transformed educational practices, leading to the increasing adoption of e-learning in schools worldwide. In Pakistan, e-learning has emerged as an important alternative and supplementary mode of education, particularly in public elementary schools. However, the effectiveness of e-learning depends largely on the quality of instructional design, technological infrastructure, digital accessibility, and student engagement. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of e-learning in public elementary schools in District Central Karachi with reference to instructional design. Specifically, it investigated the relationship between instructional design and e-learning effectiveness and examined the predictive role of instructional design in enhancing students' learning experiences. A quantitative research design employing a descriptive survey method was adopted for the study. Data were collected from 80 students enrolled in public elementary schools in District Central Karachi through a structured questionnaire consisting of 13 items. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) through descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The findings indicated that students generally held positive perceptions regarding e-learning and instructional design. The reliability analysis demonstrated excellent internal consistency of the instrument (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.97). Furthermore, the results revealed a very strong positive relationship between instructional design and e-learning effectiveness (r = 0.92, p < 0.01). Regression analysis also confirmed that instructional design is a significant predictor of e-learning effectiveness. The study concludes that effective instructional design plays a crucial role in improving students' engagement, learning experiences, and the overall quality of e-learning in public elementary schools. It recommends strengthening instructional design practices and improving digital infrastructure to maximize the effectiveness of technology-enhanced education.
E-learning Effectiveness, Instructional Design, Public Elementary Schools, Student Engagement, Digital Learning
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Altamash, Dr. Muhammad Yousuf Sharjeel, Dr. Nuzhat Naz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Examining The Relationship between Firm Age, Financial Leverage and Dividend Policy in Pakistan’s Banking Sector
This study examines the effect of firm age, financial leverage, and earnings per share on dividend policy in Pakistan’s banking sector. Dividend policy is a critical financial decision for commercial banks because they must balance dividend distribution with retained earnings, liquidity, capital adequacy, regulatory obligations, and future growth requirements. The study employs a quantitative, explanatory research design and uses secondary data obtained from audited annual reports and financial statements of selected listed commercial banks in Pakistan. The sample consists of 50 bank-year observations covering five banks over the period 2015–2024. Dividend policy is measured through the dividend payout ratio, while firm age is measured in years since establishment. Financial leverage is measured as total liabilities divided by total assets, and earnings per share is included as an additional explanatory variable. The data are analysed using descriptive statistics and fixed-effects panel regression in EViews. The results show that the overall fixed-effects regression model is statistically significant (F = 12.512, p < .001), with an adjusted R-squared value of 0.310. This indicates that the study variables explain approximately 31.0% of the variation in dividend policy. Firm age has a significant positive effect on dividend policy (β = 0.0521, p < .001), indicating that more mature banks tend to distribute higher dividends. The quadratic age term has a significant negative effect (β = −0.0114, p < .001), while the cubic term is positive and significant (β = 0.0029, p < .001), demonstrating a nonlinear relationship between age and dividend payout. Financial leverage has a significant negative effect on dividend policy (β = −0.0284, p < .001), whereas earnings per share has a significant positive effect (β = 0.0386, p < .001). The study concludes that bank maturity, leverage, and profitability significantly shape dividend decisions in Pakistan’s banking sector.
Dividend policy; dividend payout ratio; firm age; financial leverage; earnings per share; Pakistan banking sector
Copyright (c) 2026 Faria Kamal, Muhammad Muzammil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Khat Chewing among Amoud University Students in Awdal Region, Somalia
Background: Khat is a stimulant obtained from the fresh leaves of the shrub Catha edulis, common in the horn of Africa and parts of Arabian Peninsula and has serious public health implications. The use of khat increased in Somaliland in the past decades and is associated with fewer opportunities for employment and education. Peer pressure and Cigarette smoking are observed to be connected with khat use and in universities students start chewing khat at a higher rate in the first year of university to enhance their coping capacities in view of the new environment, academic stress, separation from their families, and learning pressure. Objective: The study aims at finding the prevalence of khat chewing among Amoud University students and its associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted and a total of 1153 people were chosen for the sample using a two-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Ten departments (main sampling units) from Amoud University's undergraduate programs were chosen at random for the first stage. In the second stage, one section (secondary sample unit) from each year of study in each chosen program was randomly chosen (if there were more than one section). All of the male students in the chosen sections were included in the study. The World Health Organization (WHO) questionnaire for surveys on drug usage among students was use as bases for questionnaire development. The study excluded female students, to avoid response bias as stigma is associated with the females that chews Khat in Somalia. Results: Findings revealed that 29.4% (339/1153) of Amoud University students chew khat at least one time in their life. About 17% (196/1153) of total students are current chewers, of whom the majority started chewing khat regularly for less than a year. Those aged 24 years and above had the highest prevalence 39.2% (116/296). The rate of smokers who chew khat was 78% (213/270) and non-smokers 14.2% (125/881). Having friends who chew khat was associated with the chewing habit 44.5% (266/598) compared to those who do not have friends who chew khat 13.3 (74/555). Furthermore, having a father 34.2% (177/517), or siblings 40.2% (138/343) who chew khat was related to the person chewing khat. The chewing trend was not statistically significant between students in the different years from the first to the final-year students. Conclusion: The study indicates that khat chewing among university students is higher among Amoud students relative to studies conducted among university students in neighboring countries. In view of the high prevalence of khat use, educational institutions and the health sector should increase public health awareness about the multiple adverse health risks of this practice.
Khat, Associated Factors, University Students, Amoud University, Prevalence
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdifatah Haji Daud, Zahid Mahmood, Sadia Saleem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Artificial Intelligence and Contractual Remedies: Challenges for English Commercial Contract Law
Autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) systems increasingly negotiate, form and perform commercial contracts, acting with a degree of independent judgment that their deployers neither direct in detail nor reliably foresee. Existing scholarship has concentrated on the front end of this phenomenon — whether a contract is formed through an AI agent and to whom its acts are attributed. The remedial consequences of an autonomous breach have received comparatively little attention. This article examines the adequacy of English contractual remedies for loss caused by autonomous AI systems in business-to-business commercial contracts. Employing a doctrinal methodology grounded in case law, statute and contemporary legal literature, it argues that the principal remedial doctrines — the expectation measure, remoteness, causation, mitigation, the quantification of loss, agreed remedies and coercive relief — rest on assumptions of human foreseeability, human causal agency and human control that autonomous systems unsettle. It contends that these doctrines can largely accommodate autonomous breach, but only through a deliberate reorientation toward an assumption-of-responsibility analysis of remoteness and causation, supported by clearer treatment of agreed remedies and by the vindicatory dimension of contractual damages. It concludes that targeted doctrinal adaptation, rather than a bespoke statutory AI-liability regime, offers the most coherent route to certainty, fairness and commercial predictability.
artificial intelligence; autonomous agents; contractual remedies; remoteness; damages; assumption of responsibility; English commercial law
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Noman Parvez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Oil Price Uncertainty and Stock Market Returns in Pakistan: Investigating the Interactive Role of FDI and FPI in the KSE-100 Index
The uncertainty in oil prices is one of the most important threats to financial markets all over the world, especially in oil importing emerging economies like Pakistan. For this study, it was decided to study how oil price uncertainty affects the returns of Pakistani KSE-100 stocks, and how Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) moderate the effect of uncertainty on return on equities, and how macroeconomic factors mediate the effect of uncertainty on returns on KSE-100 stocks in Pakistan. The study employed Quantitative and explanatory research design and secondary time series data source was used including from Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), World Bank and International Oil Market (IOM) databases. Econometric methods such as regression analysis, ARDL modeling, moderation analysis and mediation testing were used to investigate the relationships between the variables and come up with results and insights. The results indicated that the degree of uncertainty in oil price has significant and negative impact on the KSE-100 stock market returns through the channel of macroeconomic instability and impact on investors' confidence. This study adds to the financial economics literature by linking the oil price uncertainty, foreign investment flows, and macroeconomics under one umbrella for the case study of Pakistan. The results have important policy, investment and regulatory implications for promoting market stability and sustainable investments in the presence of uncertainty.
Oil Price Uncertainty, KSE-100 Index, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI), Macroeconomic Factors, Stock Market Returns, Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Emerging Economies
Copyright (c) 2026 Huzaifa Saleem, Muhammad Muzammil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Follower to Consumer: Analyzing How Internet Celebrity Attributes Shape Brand Attitudes and Purchase Intentions across Different Socio-Economic Strata
The rapid expansion of the online influencer economy has transformed digital marketing by creating new opportunities to influence consumer purchasing behavior, particularly in emerging markets such as Pakistan. This study investigates the impact of Internet celebrity attributes on consumers' purchase intention by integrating the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework and Persuasion Theory. A cross-sectional quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 400 Pakistani digital consumers. The proposed model was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS. The findings reveal that four Internet celebrity attributes professionalism, credibility, interactivity, and attractiveness positively and significantly influence consumers' attitudes toward endorsed brands, with attractiveness emerging as the strongest predictor. Brand attitude was found to fully mediate the relationship between celebrity attributes and purchase intention, confirming its central role in the persuasion process. Furthermore, digital literacy significantly moderated the relationship between brand attitude and purchase intention, indicating that consumers with higher digital literacy respond more effectively to influencer marketing. However, perceived risk did not significantly moderate purchase intention, likely due to the widespread acceptance of Cash on Delivery (COD) in Pakistan. The study contributes to theory by validating the applicability of persuasion theories within an emerging digital economy and provides practical implications for digital marketers regarding influencer selection and strategies to enhance consumers' digital literacy for more effective marketing outcomes.
Internet Celebrity Attributes, Purchase Intention, Brand Attitude, Digital Literacy, Perceived Risk, Influencer Marketing, PLS-SEM, Cash on Delivery, S-O-R Framework, Pakistani E-commerce
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Asim Ali Khan, Hammad Zafar, Sheikh Muhammad Fakhar E Alam Siddiqui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Role of Personality Traits in Predicting Relationship Satisfaction and Conflict Resolution Styles among Married Couples
Background: The evolving social norms and the changing expectations in the relationships has transformed the dynamics of marital relationships today, leading towards new challenges including the increased rates of divorce. The keys to happy and stable marriages include higher marital satisfaction and good communication within couples especially in terms of conflict resolution, both of which can be influenced by several emotional, psychological and interpersonal factors. Objectives: The goal of this study was to explore whether Personality Traits can predict Relationship Satisfaction and Conflict Resolution Styles among married couples. Methods: The research utilized a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional and correlational design. A sample of 191 married participants, between the ages of 19 – 35 living Karachi, were recruited for the study. A demographic sheet along with the Big Five Inventory (BFI), Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI-32) and Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory (CRSI) were employed for the process of data collection. For the statistical analyses, Descriptive Statistics, Pearson’s Correlation and Multiple linear regression were conducted. Moreover, to confirm suitability of the scales, reliability analyses were also performed. Results: The statistical analysis revealed that Openness (β=0.27, t=3.83, p<0.05), Agreeableness (β=0.21, t=2.67, p<0.05) and Neuroticism (β=-0.23, t=-2.97, p<0.05) were the significant predictors of relationship satisfaction. While Openness (r=0.301, p<0.01) and Agreeableness (r=0.302, p<0.01) were positively correlated, neuroticism (r=-0.272, p<0.01) demonstrated a negative relationship. In addition, Conflict resolution Styles were significantly and solely predicted by Agreeableness with a negative association (β=- 0.30, t=-3.73, p<0.05). Neuroticism displayed a positive correlation with Conflict engagement (r=0.204, p<0.01) and Withdrawal (r=0.225 p<0.01), while Agreeableness was only positively correlated with Positive Problem-Solving (r=0.189, p<0.01). Conclusion: Though, certain limitations exist, the research offers valuable insights that could be useful in the fields of relationship counselling and education.
Relationship satisfaction, Conflict resolution styles, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, and Openness
Copyright (c) 2026 Sehar Abdul Aziz, Dr. Nooreen Begum https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AI Cybersecurity Capabilities and IoT Resilience: A Moderated Serial Mediation Model of Threat Detection Effectiveness and Incident Response Agility
While strategically deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) is critical for the security of Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems, organizations often face challenges in converting their AI investments into operational resilience. This study investigates a moderated serial mediation model, shedding light on how AI Cybersecurity Capabilities contribute to achieving IoT Resilience. Based on Resilience Engineering and Dynamic Capabilities theory, we hypothesize that AI Cybersecurity Capabilities as a reflective-formative higher-order construct consisting of Sensing, Learning, Automation, and Decision-Support can increase IoT Resilience by first supporting the operation of the Threat Detection Effectiveness (TDE) and then the Incident Response Agility (IRA) capabilities. Moreover, we hypothesize that Cybersecurity Governance (CSG) is a meta-capability with a unique moderating effect on each phase of the process. The results support the serial mediation pathway (β = 0.10, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.06, 0.15]) based on the survey data obtained from 327 senior cybersecurity executives in critical infrastructure sectors and analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with repeated indicators approach. Importantly, CSG moderates the indirect effect, and the serial mediation has a significant stronger effect in high-governance contexts (Index of Moderated Serial Mediation = 0.08, CI [0.04, 0.13]). This research provides a granular process-based cybersecurity value realization model, with suggestions and insights for Security Operations Centers and security governance committees at the board level.
AI Cybersecurity Capabilities, Incident Response Agility, IoT Resilience, Threat Detection Effectiveness, Cybersecurity Governance, Serial Mediation, PLS-SEM, Higher-Order Construct
Copyright (c) 2026 Bilal Qureshi, Mian Haseeb Mushtaq, Muhammad Shozab Mehdi, Sarfaraz Ahmed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reconstructing the Seat of Arbitration: Comparative Jurisprudence and a Quantitative Analysis of Enforcement under the New York Convention
The arbitral seat remains the juridical anchor of international arbitration, fixing the lex arbitri, the supervisory court, and the domestic-versus-foreign classification of an award under the New York Convention. Yet the seat's territorial premise has come under sustained pressure from the French delocalisation tradition, from divergent comparative jurisprudence in England, the United States, and Germany, and, more recently, from blockchain-based decentralised arbitration platforms that operate without any geographical nexus at all. This article develops a doctrinal account of that pressure, updated to reflect the England Arbitration Act 2025 (in force 1 August 2025), the UK Supreme Court's 2024 decision in UniCredit Bank GmbH v RusChemAlliance LLC, and France's 2025 arbitration-law reform proposal, before complementing the doctrinal analysis with an original quantitative component. Because no consolidated empirical dataset exists tracking enforcement outcomes across seats, the article constructs a hypothetical, simulated dataset of eighty illustrative arbitration-enforcement scenarios, calibrated to relationships the doctrinal literature hypothesises, and subjects it to Pearson correlation and multiple ordinary-least-squares regression analysis. The results presented throughout as an illustrative simulation rather than an empirical finding show annulment at the seat and the seat's underlying legal-certainty index as the strongest predictors of both enforcement success and enforcement speed, while the seat's territorial-versus-delocalised philosophical orientation, considered alone, shows no significant independent effect once these and other factors are controlled for. The article argues this pattern is consistent with, and helps sharpen, the doctrinal claim that the "battle of seats" between territorial and delocalised theory is less consequential in practice than the surrounding institutional architecture Model Law adoption, institutional administration, and judicial predictability surrounding whichever seat is chosen, and closes with a four-step framework for reconstructing the seat around this insight.
arbitral seat; New York Convention; delocalisation; lex arbitri; comparative arbitration law; annulment; enforcement; correlation and regression; English Arbitration Act 2025
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Azeem, Dr. Shazia Qureshi, Dr. Shahzada Aamir Mushtaq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Protecting Geographical Indications in Pakistan: Legal Gaps, Infringement Standards, and Comparative Lessons from China and the European Union
Geographical indications (GIs) protect signs that identify goods as originating from a particular territory where the quality, reputation, or other characteristics of the goods are essentially attributable to that place. For Pakistan, GI protection is not merely a technical branch of intellectual property law; it is connected with rural livelihoods, export branding, food quality, cultural heritage, and the collective rights of producer communities. This article critically examines Pakistan's Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act, 2020, with particular attention to two unresolved legal problems: the conflict between GIs and prior trademarks, and the determination of infringement where unauthorized users exploit the reputation of a protected geographical name. The discussion shows that the 2020 Act represents an important legislative achievement, especially after the long absence of a sui generis GI regime. However, the law remains incomplete because it does not provide detailed standards for priority, coexistence, honest concurrent use, consumer confusion, evocation, unfair advantage, or public enforcement. These deficiencies reduce the practical value of GI registration for dispersed farmers, artisans, and producer groups that often lack the financial capacity to monitor markets and litigate infringements. The article uses a doctrinal and comparative method, drawing on the Court of Justice of the European Union's evocation jurisprudence in Scotch Whisky Association v Klotz, China's mixed GI protection model, the EU's consolidated 2024 GI regulation, WIPO's 2025 data on global GI activity, and the still-unresolved India-Pakistan Basmati rice dispute currently pending before the European Commission. Its innovative contribution is the proposal of a Pakistan-specific four-stage infringement test, a structured GI-trademark coexistence matrix, and an institutional enforcement model linking IPO-Pakistan, Customs, provincial regulators, and producer organisations. The article concludes that Pakistan must move beyond registration-focused protection and develop a coordinated system of quality control, market surveillance, border enforcement, and community participation if its GI regime is to protect indigenous products effectively and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aneeqa Arshad, Dr. Shahzada Aamir Mushtaq, Dr. Muhammad Ali Safdar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Professional Development and School Head–Teacher Collaboration in Secondary Schools: Evidence from Sukkur Division, Sindh, Pakistan
The study was concerned with determining the relationship between professional development and collaboration among school heads and teachers at the secondary level of Sukkur Division, Sindh Province, Pakistan. Collaborative efforts by school heads and teachers are crucial in ensuring improvements in school leadership, teaching, and effectiveness of the school system as a whole. Quantitative research design along with a descriptive survey approach were used in conducting the research. The respondents in the study included 333 secondary school teachers and 152 school heads, selected through the stratified random sampling technique. Data was gathered using a structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire while SPSS was used in analyzing the data using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. Results showed that there was a positive and statistically significant influence of professional development on collaboration between school heads and teachers. Collaboration was found to be a significant predictor of a more collaborative school setting (β = .282, t = 3.595, p < .001). Thus, a greater collaboration among school heads and teachers results in enhanced collaborative practices in secondary schools. The study also reveals that professional development is very vital in ensuring that collaboration among school leaders and teachers is enhanced through improved communication, cooperation, trust, and decision-making processes. Moreover, the favorable perceptions held by school leaders and teachers suggest that professional development is an important tool that fosters collaboration in the schools. It is therefore suggested that the education authorities should develop professional development programs that foster collaborative leadership in secondary schools.
Professional development; School head–teacher collaboration; Secondary School Teacher; School effectiveness
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Hassan Veesar, Dr. Amjed Ali Arain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Climate Change as a Non-Kinetic Security Threat: A Global Analysis
Climate change has created one of the most dangerous forms of non-kinetic security of the 21st century. Climate change has the potential to affect every aspect of global security and stability beyond state and conventional military concerns. Climate change doesn’t operate like most other security concerns. Climate change acting as a threat multiplier has the potential to aggravate existing security concerns and create new security problems. Climate change does all of this through indirect and far-reaching effects. These changes affect political stability, economic growth, and sustainable development while decreasing the well-being of individuals. Climate change creates a wide range of security issues, all of which can be intensified or extended by climate change. Climate change has the potential to alter the global security landscape beyond state and conventional military concerns. The results show that climate change acts as a single independent cause of insecurity quite rarely. It tends to connect with several pre-existing structural shortcomings, weak governance, social and economic inequalities, political turmoil, and the fragility of both governance and institutional systems in a potential cumulative way to increase the degree of risk of prospective conflict, humanitarian crises, and disruption of economics. The article suggests that climate security be framed within the context of the multidimensional and multisectoral policy challenges of a comprehensive nature, which require integrated responses at varying levels of governance (national, regional, and global). The article concludes that confrontation with climate change necessitates the integration of an environmental sustainability lens within the framework of conflict resolution.
Climate Change, Non-Kinetic Security Threat, Threat Multiplier, Resource Scarcity
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Ibtasam Ali Shah, Ihtisham Arif, Ateeqa Saif https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Students’ Anxiety and its Causes in Oral Presentation at University Level: A Sequential Explanatory Mix Method Study
In recent decades, educational experts have increasingly expressed concern about the prevalence of anxiety among students during oral presentations. Academic achievement is seen as a critical factor in students' future prospects, but regrettably, the rate of engagement of students in oral presentation is reducing every day. The key objectives of the study were to evaluate students' anxiety in oral presentation at higher level and to investigate the reasons behind students' anxiety in oral presentation. This study followed a sequential explanatory approach within a mixed-methods framework. Both quatitative and Qualitative techniques were used to gather the data. A survey using a five-point rating system, having a considerable level of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.8), was developed for quantitative data gathering. The study targeted both male and female students from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) and Government Sadiq College, and Women's University of Bahawalpur (GSCWU). The total population of the study was consisted of 51746. Table of Krejci and Morgan (1970) was utilized in order to calculate the sample size. Out of the total population, 367 students were selected using simple random sampling technique. After quantitative data collection data was entered in SPSS version 20, the results indicated that female students exhibited a significant level of anxiety during oral presentations, primarily attributed to a fear of public speaking and a high significant level of anxiety. On the bases of quantitative findings, qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 students selected through purposive sampling. The qualitative data revealed several key reasons behind students' anxiety during oral presentations, including low self-confidence, fear of public speaking, fear of public judgment, communication gaps between students and teachers, and a lack of interest for oral presentations.
Oral Presentation; Students’ Anxiety; Higher Education; Causes of Anxiety; Mixed Methods
Copyright (c) 2026 Rimsha Shabbir Zia, Syeda Fatima Niaz, Faisal Shabbir Zia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reimagining Teacher Education in Pakistan: Challenges, Competencies and Policy Directions in the AI Era
The current study highlights the growth and changes of teacher training in Pakistan in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) from a problem, skill and policy perspective. The research findings reflect the empirical data collected from teacher education institutions, teacher education policies, and interviews with the stakeholders, which identify system problems such as outdated syllabus, faculty development, and access to digital technologies and inadequate facilities. The research also reveals that there are opportunities for implementing personalized learning, pedagogical practices can be more personalized and adaptive, and the there is an unmet need for data-driven insights, while teachers training continued as a traditional process with few innovations related to AI being adopted. Key skills for teachers to master in the age of AI, such as AI literacy, ethical considerations, data privacy management, and the development of inclusive digital learning spaces, are emphasized. Policy analysis reveals a need for focused, nationally agreed policies and a strong ‘need for coordination’ at the national and institutional public and private sector level building AI competencies into teacher training, and in qualified staff. To revolutionize teacher preparation in Pakistan, a robust research demand is needed which entails a combination of technological innovation, ethical protection and inclusive approaches. To move towards sustainable education reforms, all the above highlighted aspects need to be focused on AI literacy, equity, and institutional support, so that Pakistan's teachers can stay up to date with all the complexities of the digital transformation. Given the demand for AI in the future, this is relevant for policymakers, educators and researchers who are looking to adapt the learning curriculum/s to the needs of the era of AI.
Artificial intelligence, Competencies, Policy directions, Teacher education, Technological transformation, Training gaps
Copyright (c) 2026 Muqaddas Afzal, Somia Shabbir, Iram Naeem, Maleeha Nadeem Anjum, Bushra Mustafa Kamal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Four Decades of SAARC (1985–2025): From Aspirations to Institutional Stagnation - Diagnosing Bottlenecks and Pathways to Revitalization
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in 1985 to promote peace, economic cooperation, social development, and regional integration among the countries of South Asia. After four decades, SAARC is usually regarded as one of the least unified regional organizations of the world. It has introduced a number of important initiatives, such as the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), the SAARC Social Charter. It also promotes cooperation in areas such as education, disaster management, and health. But the overall institutional performance has remained limited by so far. Political tensions, particularly the tension and mistrust between India and Pakistan serves as the major barrier to effective working of SAARC. The requirement of unanimous decision-making, weak institutional capacity, and poor regional connectivity have also presented the implementation of many regional commitments. This study examines the evolution of SAARC over the past forty years since its establishment and to identify the major factors behind its institutional stagnation and to also explore the realistic options for its revitalization. Secondary data was collected from official SAARC documents, reports of international organizations, and peer-reviewed academic literature to collect evidences. The analysis is guided by New Regionalism, Liberal Institutionalism, and Hegemonic Stability Theory to explain the political mistrust, SAARC’s institutional weaknesses, and changing regional strategies that have affected regional cooperation. The study finds that SAARC's limited progress is not only due to any single factor; rather, it results from interconnected political, institutional, and economic challenges. It also argues that the rise of alternative regional frameworks, such as BIMSTEC and BBIN, has somewhat reduced SAARC's central role in South Asian regionalism. The paper proposes a practical way for revitalization strategy based on institutional reforms, flexible cooperation mechanisms, and complementary engagement with other regional initiatives. These measures can strengthen regional cooperation while alleviating SAARC as the only regional organization that collectively represents all South Asian states.
SAARC; Institutional Stagnation; South Asian Regionalism; India-Pakistan Relations; Power Asymmetry; Functional Cooperation; Regional Connectivity; Economic Integration; BIMSTEC; BBIN; Revitalization
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Ahmad Raza Khan, Anam Saleem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Leadership Styles and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: Employee Mindfulness in Pakistan’s Electronic Media Industry
The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of Charismatic and Transformational Leadership styles on Employees Organizational Citizenship Behavior in electronic Media Industry of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. The study is based upon the theory proposed by George Homans in 1958 called as the Social Exchange Theory and the main objective of the study in the expansion in our existing knowledge on the positive leadership styles i.e. Charismatic Leadership and Transformational Leadership. Charismatic Leadership style is describes as influencing the others by providing, responding to environmental and circumstantial indications and emphasizing on collective identity and also motivating the followers in intellectual and emotional manner. The transformational leadership is described as exhibiting consideration to the needs of their followers, paying attention to them, supporting the followers, coaching the followers and giving due care to them. The data was collected from a sample of 361 individuals working in the electronic media industry of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Pakistan. The results obtained after analyzing the data reveals that there is a positive relation among the Charismatic, Transformational Leadership style and Employees Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Employee Mindfulness partially mediates the relationship among the said variables. The current study is a noteworthy contribution in the field of management sciences as well as it multiple implications at various managerial levels and also at academic levels. In future, exploring the same study in cross cultural contexts would be very interesting whether it is applicable to other contexts or otherwise.
Charismatic Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Employee Mindfulness, Social Exchange
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Umar Qureshi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Somali University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Exposure to traumatic events is a significant risk factor for psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress. In conflict-affected countries such as Somalia, university students may be particularly vulnerable to trauma exposure and its mental health consequences. However, limited empirical research has examined this relationship among Somali university students. Aim: This study investigated the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and mental health problems among Somali undergraduate university students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed with a sample of 250 students aged 18–25 years, selected through stratified random sampling based on gender and university year. Data were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis, t-tests, and ANOVA were conducted using SPSS. Results: The findings revealed significant positive correlations between trauma exposure and depression (r = .510), anxiety (r = .549), and stress (r = .457). Regression analyses demonstrated that trauma significantly predicted depression (β = .510, p < .001), anxiety (β = .549, p < .001), and stress (β = .457, p < .001). No significant gender differences were observed in depression, anxiety, stress, or trauma levels. However, stress levels differed significantly across age groups and university years, with younger students and first-year students reporting higher stress levels. Conclusion: The study highlights the strong association between trauma exposure and psychological distress among Somali university students and underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions in academic settings.
PTSD; Trauma; Depression; Anxiety; Stress; Somali University Students
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdifatah Haji Daud, Hamze G. Dahir, Nimco Muhammad Omer, Abdul Sattar Ghaffari, Abdikafi Mohamud https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Political Opinion Formation among Youth through AI-Driven Digital Media Platforms: A Case Study of the University of Chitral
The rapid growth of AI-driven digital media has significantly transformed the ways how political communication works and how opinions are formed. Under transformation with the introduction of AI technologies, youth in Pakistan largely rely on digital media sites like Facebook, X (formerly twitter), Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and others for political information and participation purposes. While these media have created new opportunities for political information and participation, critics argue that they promote phenomena of echo chambers and selective exposure thereby rendering the societies polarized. This study is an attempt at exploring the tension between digital political mobilization and ideological polarization looking at the phenomenon from the perspectives of students of University of Chitral, a remote mountainous area in the northern regions of Pakistan. Using a qualitative exploratory design, data were collected from students of the University of Chitral through 24 semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis model. The major finding of the study reveals that AI-driven digital media usage among students of the University of Chitral acts as both sites of digital political mobilization as well as reinforcement leading to ideological polarization. The study concludes that the use of AI-driven digital media promotes awareness and increased political connectivity while at the same time reinforcing and widening political polarization among students of the University of Chitral.
AI-driven social media, Youth, Digital political mobilization, Reinforcement, Political opinion formation, Chitral, Pakistan
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Sajjad Hussain, Dr. Sana Ullah, Dr. Wajid Mehmood https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Artificial Intelligence Capability and Corporate Financial Resilience: The Mediating Role of Financial Decision Quality and the Moderating Role of Enterprise Risk Management: Evidence from Pakistan Stock Exchange Listed Firms
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal asset that is revolutionizing corporate finance by elevating financial projection, investment appraisal, risk analysis, and tactical decision-making. Regardless of expanding corporate allocation to artificial intelligence technologies, finite experiential proof is present concerning how AI capabilities add to corporate financial resilience, specifically in developing economies such as Pakistan. Utilizing the Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), and Organizational Information Processing Theory (OIPT), this study advances an orchestrated schema investigating the impact of AI potential on enterprise financial elasticity through the intervening mechanism of fiscal decision excellence and the conditioning function of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). The study utilizes a measurable, observational investigation framework focusing on finance executives, chief financial officers, risk managers, finance directors, and senior financial analysts working in Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) listed firms. Data was examined using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through Smart PLS 4. The study was anticipated to show that artificial intelligence competencies substantially upgrade enterprise resilience by elevating the standard of tactical financial decision. Moreover, Business Risk Management is projected to reinforce this interconnection by offering an amalgamated governance structure for handling financial uncertainty and corporate risks. The study plays a part in the developing literature on AI-driven business finance by amalgamating technological competency, financial decision-making and risk management into an integrated experiential structure. The empirical estimations are anticipated to yield theoretical advancements to strategic management and corporate finance while furnishing practical takeaways for executives, regulators, and policymakers endeavoring to improve corporate resilience through smart systems.
Artificial Intelligence Capability, Corporate Financial Resilience, Financial Decision Excellence, Business Risk Management, Pakistan Stock Exchange, Dynamic Capability Theory, Corporate Finance
Copyright (c) 2026 Sadia Anjum, Syed Muhammad Rashid Shah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Financial Knowledge-Entrepreneurial Success Nexus: Financial Well-Being as a Mediating Mechanism
The study was carried out in the selected SMEs of Islamabad under different commercial activities of public, private, Islamic and international commercial sectors with licensed businesses registered with the Ministry of Trade and investment and Islamabad Local Government. Purposive sampling was used to ensure representation of manufacturing, services and retailing sectors and the sample size for the study was determined from Krejcie and Morgan's table. The data was gathered using a structured questionnaire which was distributed both in person and online, and which presented respondents with a five-point Likert scale for measuring their financial knowledge, financial wellbeing and entrepreneurial success. For reliability and validity testing, Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, factor loading, and AVE methods were used, whereas regression analysis and SEM were used for direct and indirect effects analysis. The role of financial wellbeing as a mediator was tested using mediation analysis with bootstrapping. The results showed that the variance of entrepreneurial success can be accounted for by financial knowledge and that financial wellbeing is positively influenced by financial knowledge, explaining more than 61%. The effects of financial wellbeing on entrepreneurial success itself are significant; accounting for 67% of the variance. The mediation analysis indicated partial mediation, with the total effect of financial knowledge on entrepreneurial success being significant, and financial wellbeing strengthening the relationship between financial knowledge and entrepreneurial success. The results of this study provide strong evidence that financial knowledge serves as the groundwork, financial wellbeing as the enabling power and entrepreneurial success as the end result, which signifies the need for embedding financial literacy and financial wellbeing efforts to achieve greater entrepreneurial success in Pakistan.
Financial Knowledge, Entrepreneurial Success, Financial Well-Being, SME’s
Copyright (c) 2026 Sadia Anjum, Tayyab Amin, Palwasha Khan, Muhammad Riaz Khan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of Green Supply Chain Management on Circular Economy Performance: The Moderating Role of IT Capability
This study investigates the impact of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) on Circular Economy Performance (CEP) in Pakistan's manufacturing sector by examining the mediating roles of green product, green process, and green management innovation, alongside the moderating role of IT capability. A quantitative, deductive, and explanatory research design was adopted. Data were collected from 207 supply chain professionals using a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire through purposive sampling. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to assess the measurement and structural models, including direct, mediating, and moderating relationships. The results indicate that GSCM significantly enhances green product, green process, and green management innovation. GSCM, green product innovation, and green process innovation positively influence CEP, whereas green management innovation has no significant direct effect. Green product and green process innovation significantly mediate the GSCM–CEP relationship, while green management innovation exhibits only a negligible mediating effect. IT capability significantly moderates the relationships between GSCM and CEP and between green process innovation and CEP but does not strengthen the effects of green product or green management innovation on CEP. This study extends the GSCM literature by integrating multiple dimensions of green innovation with IT capability in a single framework, providing practical insights for manufacturing firms seeking to accelerate circular economy adoption and sustainable competitive performance in emerging economies.
Green Supply Chain Management, Circular Economy Performance, Manufacturing Sector, Pakistan, PLS-SEM
Copyright (c) 2026 Afsheen Zaib, Hammad Zafar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Teachers Practicing to Develop Islamic Leadership Qualities among University Students
Leadership is a vast subject, especially when it is linked to Islamic leadership. Islamic leadership is viewed not simply as holding authority, but as a trust granted by Allah. The study outlined the literature found on fundamental components and characteristics of the Islamic concept of leadership and role of teachers to develop those qualities among students in behavioral and religious aspects. This quantitative study identifies the practices of university teachers for developing Islamic leadership qualities among university students. The study employed survey methodology and a self-developed questionnaire was used to gather data from 800 students studying in eight public sector universities of the province of Punjab, that is 1 university from each of the 8 divisions of Punjab province of Pakistan and 1 university from 9th division was selected for the pilot study. The questionnaire is consisted of two factors: behavioral qualities (self-control, resilience, tolerance) and faith-based guidance (reliance on Allah and gratitude to Allah). The findings based on the results of these two factors showed a moderate mean score of 3.30 (SD=1.01) and mean score 3.42 (SD=0.95), respectively. Based on the results of the study teachers on average give moderately positive encouragements of the behavioral qualities and religious consciousness of the students. However, in this case teachers seem to emphasize the emotional development of faith in studnets rather than translating them into consistent outward behaviour and reflection. It is recommended that the provision of practical training or guidance to strengthen teachers’ ability to integrate holistic Islamic leadership development among students.
leadership qualities, teachers' practices, Islamic leadership, teacher’s role
Copyright (c) 2025 Zahra Saleem, Dr. Naeem Ullah, Jam Muhammad Zafar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0