Journal of Social Sciences Advancement

Impact of Financial Development and Industrialization on Environmental Degradation: Evidence from South Asian Countries

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

CO2 emissions may affect economic growth and development. It has been observed that emissions are the result of increased energy use, industrialization, and urbanization in Asian countries. Emissions are rising faster than natural rates. Considering the effects of financial inclusion on CO2 emissions, we have examined how industrialization, urbanization, and income inequality affect the emissions in South Asian economies by using data from 2005 to 2020. Fixed effect results show that financial development is the key driver of CO2 emissions. Findings also point out that industrialization and urban population also enhance the CO2 emissions. Finally, income inequality also seems to be affecting the emissions in developing countries. The study suggests that there should be more provision of a clean environment. Energy policies should focus on the supply of better-quality energy by using other sources. Rapid industrialization must contribute to environmental degradation. And finally, there is a dire need to control the urban population for low environmental degradation.

Modeling the Young Adults E Waste Recycling Intentions an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior

Tahira Sadaf, Ayesha Rouf, Muhammad Amjed Iqbal, Nazia Tabasam, Neelam Rana — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Every year Pakistan generates around 390 thousand metric tonnes of e-waste. This e-waste growth is estimated to increase by 5 percent yearly. A huge challenge is to manage the e-waste in a sustainable and environment friendly way. In this context, e-waste recycling is considered as a win-win strategy for environment protection in developing countries. In order to promote and facilitate recycling, it is very essential to understand the socio-psychological factors affecting consumers’ intention towards e-waste recycling. For this purpose, extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework used to analyze socio-physiological factors impact on the young adult’s intentions on adopting e-waste recycling. The cross-sectional data collected from 407 young adults from Faisalabad and employed a structural equation modeling to explore study objectives. The study findings show that subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, sense of duty, awareness of consequence, recycling habits positively influenced the young consumers' e-waste recycling behavior. Moreover, structural model results revealed that subjective norms had highest impact on the young consumers' e-waste recycling intentions. Therefore, these findings can be used by policy makers to devise some incentive policies and programs to motivate young adults to participate in e-waste recycling. Effective approaches should be developed to foster young adults’ positive recycling habits, environmental benefits awareness and social norms realization, in order to increase their enthusiasm for participating in e-waste recycling activities. This study presented evidence about the effectiveness of extended Theory of Planned Behavior when appraising the young consumers' recycling intentions towards e-waste. From a practice point of view, this study conclusion surfaced a vital scientific basis for developing countries to encourage young adults to recycle e-waste for environmental protection.

Sino-ASEAN Cooperation: Impact on Peace & Stability of the Southeast Asian Region

Ronaque Ali Behan, Imran Ali Sandano, Naureen Nazar Soomro — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzes the impact of China and ASEAN relations on the peace and stability of the Southeast Asian region. Further, this study addresses the important question of the impact of China-ASEAN cooperation on the peace and stability of the region. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the spillover effect of the Sino-ASEAN cooperation on the peace and security of the Southeast Asian region. In the preceding paragraphs, the paper argues that China and ASEAN have established closer cooperation for their respective economic and strategic interests. China and ASEAN have become interdependent in the pursuit of their interests. The interdependence between China and ASEAN has resulted in cooperation, which has paved the way for a peaceful environment in the region. Thus, the Sino-ASEAN relationship has become a source of peace and stability in the region. Both parties are carefully handling their bilateral issues as they are well awared about the significance of peace and stability for the smooth economic development. This paper is based on the data collected for the doctoral thesis submitted to the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan.

Exploring the Paternal Socio-economic Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight: Evidence from A Country Data

Mian Muhammad Ahmad Iqbal, Mian Muhammad Ahsan Iqbal, Rashida Tufail — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research explored the paternal factors associated with low birth weight (LBW). The study's sample size (n = 7461) was derived from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) data collected in 2012-2013. The documented socio-economic factors pertained to the mothers who had delivered their last child within the past five years and participated in PDHS. In PDHS, 19.9% of the fathers were found to have infants with LBW. We employed a multivariate logistic regression analysis in SPSS to analyze the data. The findings showed that the risk of LBW was greater among fathers residing in small cities (aOR 1.39; 95% CI 1.14-1.71) and rural areas (aOR 1.79; 95% CI 1.51-2.13). The risk of SSB was higher for those fathers who had education up to the primary level (aOR 1.34; 95% 1.09, 1.64). Similarly, the risk of SSB was higher among unemployed fathers (aOR 1.20; 95% CI 1.00-1.44) as compared to the skilled ones. Additionally, the risk of LBW babies is higher in poor fathers (aOR 1.86; 95% -1.60-2.16) compared to the richer ones. However, the father’s age is not associated with LBW. Based on the results, practical recommendations are proposed.

The Governance–Academics Nexus: Mediation through Institutional Infrastructure — A Pathway to Quality Enhancement in Higher Education

Almas, Munazzah Bukhari, Muhammad Abiodullah — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Persistent concerns regarding the quality of higher education in Pakistan have increasingly drawn attention to the role of institutional governance and the conditions through which it influences academic quality. Although governance is frequently assumed to enhance academic performance, its effect may depend on the adequacy of institutional infrastructure. The present study therefore examined the governance–academics nexus by investigating the mediating role of institutional infrastructure in promoting quality enhancement at the Institute of Education and Research (IER). Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 120 participants, including students, faculty members, and administrative staff. A structured questionnaire was used to measure perceptions of governance, institutional infrastructure, and academic quality. The proposed relationships were tested through structural equation modeling using IBM SPSS AMOS 24. The findings indicate that governance exerts a strong and significant influence on institutional infrastructure, whereas its direct effect on academic quality is weak and statistically insignificant. Institutional infrastructure, however, demonstrates a significant positive effect on academic quality and substantially mediates the relationship between governance and academic outcomes. The mediation model showed an acceptable fit with the data, suggesting that improvements in governance primarily contribute to academic quality through the development of adequate physical, technological, and learning resources. The study highlights the central importance of institutional infrastructure as the mechanism through which governance translates into quality enhancement in higher education. The findings imply that higher education institutions seeking to improve academic quality should complement governance reforms with sustained investment in infrastructure and learning facilities.

Monetary Policy, Health Expenditure and Human Development: Empirical Evidence from Asian Countries

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

It has been observed that monetary variables and health expenditure enhance human development. We have tried to show the effect of money supply, interest rate, and health expenditures and exports on human development of Asian countries. Data has been used from 2000 to 2024 to check this dependent and independent variables relationship. Human development index was used as dependent variable. On the other hand, money supply, interest rate, health expenditure and exports were taken as independent variables. We have also used OLS regression in this research. The study finding showed that money supply has increased human development. However, interest rate seems to be affecting negatively the human development. Foreign direct investment also has enhanced human development. Finally, exports also contribute positively towards human development. It is suggested that focus should be made more on financial stability of Asian countries. Government should emphasize on the stability of money supply and interest rate to have more development. There is a dire need to allocate more finances towards health in these economies. More incentives should be given to improve more exports and human development.

Association between Talent Management and Private Business Organizations Performance in Punjab, Pakistan

Hira Ashfaq, Asif Ali, Ashfaq Maan — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Talent management (TM) is a critical function that significantly influences organizational performance. Recognizing its importance, this study examines the relationship between talent management and the performance of private business organizations in Punjab, Pakistan. The research focuses on three sectors—hotel, courier, and educational services—in Faisalabad. A sample of 300 employees was randomly selected, with 260 valid responses analyzed after data cleaning. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire using a Likert scale. Reliability testing produced a strong alpha value (0.81), confirming consistency. Statistical tools, including Chi-square, Gamma, and correlation tests, were applied to assess the relationship between TM and organizational performance. The findings indicate that key elements of effective talent management include employees’ awareness of organizational strategic plans, possession of necessary skills, measurable performance goals, and achievable objectives. The results show a highly significant, positive, and strong association between talent management and organizational performance. The study concludes that talent management is a crucial predictor of improved performance in private organizations. It recommends integrating TM practices into employee training and development programs to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Finance in the Age of Strategic Rivalry: Capital Flows, Power Politics, and the Reconfiguration of Global Economic Order

Syed Shameel Ahmed Quadri, Muhammad Nawaz, Miqdad Qadir, Kailu Mitikishe Goba — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the relationship between strategic rivalry, geopolitical risk, and global capital flows within the reconfiguration of the international economic order. The research applied a quantitative panel data design using a sample of 30 countries over a 10-year period, generating 300 observations. Secondary data were collected from global financial and geopolitical databases. The analysis focused on how capital flows responded to increasing geopolitical tensions, financial fragmentation, and economic uncertainty across global markets. The findings indicated that geopolitical risk (? = -0.41, p < 0.001), strategic rivalry (? = -0.36, p < 0.001), and financial fragmentation (? = -0.29, p < 0.01) significantly reduced global capital flows. Economic uncertainty also showed a strong negative effect (? = -0.33, p < 0.001), while trade openness positively influenced capital flows (? = 0.27, p < 0.01). The results demonstrated that rising geopolitical tensions reshaped investment behavior and weakened global financial integration. The study further revealed that capital allocation increasingly depended on political alignment rather than purely economic fundamentals. Financial systems showed clear signs of fragmentation and regionalization, indicating a shift toward a multipolar financial structure. The findings confirmed that strategic rivalry significantly influenced global financial stability and capital mobility. This study contributed to understanding how geopolitical forces reshaped global finance in the contemporary economic environment.

Justice Denied, Rights Delayed: The Crisis of Rule of Law in Modern Societies under Institutional Fragility, Governance Failures, and Unequal Access to Justice

Tajammul Azam Choudhry, Khizar Khan, Ishaq Mazhar, Khair Ud Din — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the crisis of the rule of law in modern societies by analyzing the effects of institutional fragility, governance failures, and unequal access to justice. The research adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional design and collected primary data from a sample of 350 respondents, with 310 valid responses used for analysis. Data was gathered through a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale and analyzed through descriptive statistics. The findings indicated high levels of agreement regarding institutional weaknesses, with judicial independence (M = 4.21), political interference (M = 4.15), and limited institutional capacity (M = 4.08) identified as major concerns. Governance failures also showed a strong impact, including administrative inefficiency (M = 4.22), corruption (M = 4.18), and lack of accountability (M = 4.14). Unequal access to justice remained a critical issue, as respondents highlighted barriers such as the unaffordability of legal services (M = 4.26), procedural complexity (M = 4.23), and challenges faced by marginalized groups (M = 4.28). The results further revealed that delays in justice significantly reduced public trust (M = 4.27) and contributed to perceptions of inequality (M = 4.22). The study concluded that strengthening institutional capacity, improving governance mechanisms, and ensuring equitable access to justice are essential for restoring the effectiveness of the rule of law and enhancing societal stability.

Impact of Political Memes on Voter Perception: A Case Study of University Students

Ayesha Adeel, Rooha Meer, Memoona Fatima, Ali Bhadur — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research paper aims to find the impact of political memes on voters’ perception by conducting a case study of Government College University, Lahore, targeting university students who use different social media platforms for political meme consumption. The research uses a quantitative methodology by creating a survey on Google Forms. The survey was sent to university departmental groups and also sent in person to students. A sample size of 100 voters aged 18-25 was used, consisting of 63 females and 37 males. A Likert scale was used, and multiple-choice options were also provided. Descriptive statistics (Mean, Median, and standard deviation) and Cronbach’s alpha test were also applied, which showed a value of ? = 0.65, indicating reliability for this study. The research focused on knowing whether political memes had any effect on voters’ perception, which social media platform was commonly used for political meme consumption, and whether watching political memes makes it easier to understand politics. According to the results, there was a positive association that political memes affect voting perception, Instagram was the most common platform used for meme consumption, and there was a positive association of memes making politics easier to understand. This research study helps in understanding the political memes consumption and voting perception of GCU Lahore students.

Artificial Intelligence in Cloud-Enabled Closed-Loop Supply Chains: Improving Forecasting, Recovery, and Recycling Efficiency

Akbar Ali Rabbani, Khalil Ur Rahman, Shahbaz Ali Shahani, Sehar Zehra — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on forecasting accuracy, recovery efficiency, and recycling performance in cloud-enabled closed-loop supply chains. A quantitative research design was applied, and data were collected from a sample of 320 supply chain professionals across manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce sectors. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships between AI, cloud integration, and supply chain performance variables. The results indicated that AI significantly improved forecasting accuracy (? = 0.44, p < 0.001), recovery efficiency (? = 0.39, p < 0.001), and recycling efficiency (? = 0.42, p < 0.001). Cloud integration also showed a positive effect on recycling efficiency (? = 0.36, p < 0.001), highlighting its role in facilitating real-time data sharing and coordination. Descriptive statistics revealed high mean values for all variables, ranging from 3.97 to 4.22, indicating strong agreement among respondents regarding the effectiveness of AI and cloud technologies. The findings demonstrated that AI-driven systems enhanced operational efficiency, reduced uncertainty, and supported sustainable practices by optimizing resource utilization and improving reverse logistics processes. This study contributed to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the integration of AI and cloud computing in closed-loop supply chains and offered practical insights for organizations seeking to adopt intelligent and sustainable supply chain solutions.

Digital Silk Road connectivity between China and Africa: A Case Study of Kenya

Muhammad Atif, Ahmed Yar, Muhammad Saad Feroz, Ahsan Bilal — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

China has become Africa's leading infrastructure investor, a status highlighted by the Belt and Road Forum held in May 2017, which commitments of about $40 billion for various projects, including the Digital Silk Road (DSR). Launched in 2015, the DSR aims to promote Chinese technology exports and build development partnerships with African countries, especially Kenya, a key member of the East African Community and a long-time ally of China. This research paper explores the impact of the DSR on Kenya's technological sector, focusing on advances in telecommunications, data centers, and smart city initiatives. It also looks at the geopolitical factors shaping the DSR, especially the rising competition between the United States and China. Despite concerns over data governance and technology standards, the affordability of tech solutions has led Kenya and other African nations to seek closer ties with China. The analysis underscores the DSR's potential to accelerate digital transformation in Africa, while warning of the risks of a new kind of technological colonization. Ultimately, the DSR offers significant opportunities to boost Kenya’s digital ecosystem, even as it faces challenges from controversial policies and international competition, reaffirming its role as a driver of economic growth in the region.

Unemployment, Inflation, Female Labor Force Participation and Economic Growth: Evidence from Developing Countries

Iram Batool, Sumra khalid, Saher zeast, Kinza Iqbal, Bushra Khanum — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Unemployment and inflation may influence economic growth and development. Studies show that gross fixed capital formation, exports, and female labour force participation have positive and tremendous effects on economic growth. We have used data from 1991 to 2024 from selected developing countries. The economic growth was used as a dependent variable. However, unemployment, inflation, exports, gross fixed capital formation, and female labour force participation were used as explanatory variables. OLS result shows that unemployment affected economic growth negatively. Inflation has a positive effect on the economic growth of developing countries. The results also show that gross fixed capital formation, exports, and female labour force participation have enhanced economic growth in the developing countries. On the basis of the results, it is suggested that the Government should generate and provide more employment opportunities to all communities. A steady environment should be provided to increase investment, production, and exports. Females should be given more job opportunities in rural and urban areas. A stable economic and political environment will attract more prosperous businesses, growth, and development in developing countries.

Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence among Students and Faculty: A Qualitative Inquiry

Aroosa Khalil, Muhammad Saleem — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

We are witnessing the unprecedented and rapid impact of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education, through the student experience of learning and teacher practices of teaching, assessment, and support. This work adopts an interpretative, qualitative approach to understand students' and faculty's attitudes on the use of Artificial Intelligence in Pakistan. A semi-structured interview approach was taken to explore the participants' experiences, aspirations, and apprehensions. This used Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2019) to examine the comments for the themes that they represent. The findings indicate attitudes are ambivalent: students value convenience and assistance with academic work, but have concerns about trust, privacy, security, ethics, and addiction. These concerns may reflect student expectations for efficiency and task-focused outcomes; faculty expectations for trust, privacy, and responsible design. Triangulation strategies and additional participants were used to establish these. The study offers a rich description of attitudes about Artificial Intelligence and a qualitative perspective for scale development.

Police Legitimacy and Procedural Justice among the Litigants in Punjab, Pakistan

Umair Ahmad, Mian Muhammad Ahsan Iqbal, Rashida Tufail — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The effective operation of law in modern societies depends not only on the exercise of power but also on public trust and institutional credibility. The quality of the relationship between the police and the public determines the extent to which citizens cooperate with law-abiding and state institutions. In this context, concepts such as the legitimacy of the police and procedural justice have assumed fundamental importance in the criminal justice system. However, the objective of the present study was to explore the relationship between police legitimacy and procedural justice in Lahore, Pakistan. This study followed a cross-sectional research design by adopting the quantitative research method. The respondents of the present research were criminal case litigants in the district courts of Lahore. The sample of 383 criminal case litigants was taken using a multistage sampling technique. Both the descriptive and inferential statistics analyses were carried out by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of regression analysis conclude that police legitimacy has a significant positive relationship with procedural justice. Based on the findings the recommendations were suggested.