Inverge Journal of Social Sciences
type: channel
description: The Inverge Journal of Social Sciences (IJSS) is an online, open-access journal with double-blind peer review. Academic essays and research articles/papers are all published in the IJSS. Scholars of any age or from any profession are welcome to submit their scholarly research to the IJSS. In its publications, the IJSS covers all social science disciplines, including but not limited to the following fields: Development Studies Economics Entrepreneurship Education Gender Studies International Relations Management Sciences (Marketing, Finance, HRM, Project Management, Information Management, & others) Media Sciences Political Science Psychology Sustainable Development Goals Sociology IJSS is an online, open-access journal that offers publishing and research services to the academic and business sectors. Double-blind peer review is used to manage articles and papers by the IJSS. Frequency: Quarterly Dr. Muhammad Asif Editor-in-Chief Inverge Journal of Social Sciences (IJSS) ISSN (Online): 2959-4359, ISSN (Print): 3007-2018 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InvergeJSS/ Note: Authors are urged to use the IJSS online submission platform to submit their work electronically. Please adhere to the guidelines listed for each step of the online submission procedure. Before submitting, kindly adhere to the Author Guidelines as well.
publisher: Inverge Consultancy (pvt) Ltd
language: en-US
publication name: Inverge Journal of Social Sciences
issn: 3007-2018
copyright: The work is concurrently licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, which permits others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the authorship and the work's original publication in this journal, while the authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication.
items: Beyond Awareness: A Qualitative Evaluation of Civil Society–Led Advocacy and Communication Campaigns on Child Labour in Pakistan's Brick Kiln Sector, 2007–2024
items: AI Literacy Competencies among Library Professionals in Saudi Arabia: A Cognitive, Normative, and Behavioural Perspective
items: Devolution’s Bureaucratic Mediation: Centre-Punjab Relations and the 18th Amendment in Pakistan (2010–2018)
items: Legal, Institutional, and Technological Development in Forensic Science in Pakistan
items: AI-Driven Personalization and its Impact on Audience Engagement
items: Digital Transformation Management and Organizational Performance: The Mediating Role of Organizational Agility and the Moderating Effect of Technological Readiness
items: Islamic Finance and Sustainable Economic Development: Exploring the Role of Shariah-Compliant Financial Systems in Promoting Inclusive Growth
items: Empowering Generation Z: Digital Literacy, Innovation, and Well-Being in the Digital Learning Era
items: Green HRM and Pro-Environmental Employee Behaviour: The Moderating Role of Organizational Culture
items: Do Reforms Fix Inefficiency? Evidence of Value and Accrual Anomalies from the Saudi Vision 2030 Era
items: Strategic Agency or Structural Constraint: Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan's Foreign Policy (2010-2020)
items: Social Media Adoption and Entrepreneurial Outcomes among Women Entrepreneurs in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
items: Board Members Effectiveness, Corporate Governance, and their role in Enhancing Financial Performance and Leverage Decision Making: A Study of Pakistan’s Chemical Sector
items: Sustainable Development in Nursing Library: A Case Study of Focus Institute of Medical Science, Malakand
items: Between Washington and Tehran: Pakistan’s Mediation Role in the US–Iran Ceasefire and Regional Stability

Beyond Awareness: A Qualitative Evaluation of Civil Society–Led Advocacy and Communication Campaigns on Child Labour in Pakistan's Brick Kiln Sector, 2007–2024
type: item
description: Pakistan’s brick kiln sector remains a persistent site of child and bonded labour in South Asia, with an estimated one-third of its four-million-strong workforce being children. Despite sustained civil society advocacy and communication campaigns between 2007 and 2024, child labour prevalence has shown minimal measurable reduction. No prior study has systematically evaluated the comparative effectiveness of communication models in this sector across a longitudinal timeframe. This article maps and categorises civil society-led advocacy and communication campaigns targeting child labour in Pakistan’s brick kiln sector from 2007 to 2024, evaluates documented policy and practice outcomes, and identifies communication model characteristics most strongly associated with measurable impact. A qualitative secondary analysis was conducted through systematic document review of ILO and USDOL evaluations, NGO reports, legislation, and case studies, analysed using thematic analysis, a comparative framework of communication models (SBCC and Rights-Based Approach), and a political economy lens. Results show that campaigns predominantly used information-dissemination models generating outputs but limited sustained practice change. Participatory and rights-based approaches showed stronger outcomes, though sector-specific evidence remains thin. Across all models, the political economy of the kiln industry, particularly the peshgi bonded debt system, kiln owner political organisation, and weak provincial enforcement, functioned as a binding ceiling on effectiveness. Civil society advocacy achieved legislative reform, including the Punjab Prohibition of Child Labour at Brick Kilns Act 2016, but structural enforcement failures render this progress flawed. Communication-only interventions cannot overcome structural constraints. Future programming must integrate rights-based communication with economic alternatives, legal empowerment, and sustained enforcement action directed at state duty…
creator: Muhammad Kashif Mirza
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Kashif Mirza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-01
publication date: 2026-05-01
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 1
ending page: 15
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.279

AI Literacy Competencies among Library Professionals in Saudi Arabia: A Cognitive, Normative, and Behavioural Perspective
type: item
description: The aim of the study was to explore the artificial intelligence (AI) competencies (cognitive, behavioural, and normative) that library professionals need to acquire; the AI ethical issues associated with AI literacy and essential knowledge areas; and differences in participants’ opinions across demographic variables. A quantitative study based on a self-developed questionnaire. The data were collected from library professionals in Saudi Arabia via Google Forms. There were 103 replies, of which 96 were valid. Saudi Arabian librarians demonstrated moderate to low AI literacy across cognitive, behavioural, and normative competencies, with mean scores ranging from 2.07 to 3.05 on a 5-point scale. They were aware of AI tools that might improve library operations, but they did not purchase or integrate them. There was also a lack of ethical awareness, as professionals have just now struggled to determine if AI is trustworthy and what privacy concerns need to be addressed. Some found the AI training program they attended inadequate, suggesting that it may be necessary to schedule tailored training. Inferential analysis showed no significant differences in AI literacy across the demographic variables. This study is unique; no studies have examined AI literacy skills among library professionals in Saudi Arabia. This study will provide input to the literature on librarianship, the social sciences, and AI literacy. This study had a limited population of library professionals in Saudi Arabia through random and convenient availability. References Allen, L. K., & Kendeou, P. (2024). ED-AI lit: An interdisciplinary framework for AI literacy in education. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 11(1), 3–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322231220339 Almatrafi, O., Johri, A., & Lee, H. (2024). A systematic review of AI literacy conceptualization, constructs, and implementation and assessment efforts (2019–2023). Computers and Education Open, 6, 100173. https://doi.org…
creator: Muhammad Kabir Khan
creator: Farha Zafira Binti Agos Lokman
creator: Mohamad Noorman Masrek
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Kabir Khan, Farha Zafira Binti Agos Lokman, Mohamad Noorman Masrek https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-01
publication date: 2026-05-01
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 16
ending page: 34
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.280

Devolution’s Bureaucratic Mediation: Centre-Punjab Relations and the 18th Amendment in Pakistan (2010–2018)
type: item
description: Pakistan's most significant federalist initiative, the 18th Constitutional Amendment (2010), scrapped the Concurrent Legislative List and transferred wide-ranging legislative, administrative, and fiscal responsibilities to the provinces. But more than ten years on, devolution remains uneven. In this paper, we explore the administrative, political and institutional obstacles to devolution between 2010 and 2018, with a focus on Centre-Punjab relations, the pivot of Pakistan's federation. Through a qualitative documentary analysis of parliamentary proceedings, archival documents, institutional reports and academic work, we argue that bureaucratic mediation operates as a two-pronged process: provincial bureaucracies, especially in Punjab, facilitate some devolved functions, while federal bureaucracies continue to exert control via regulatory coordination, conditional fiscal transfers and legal grey areas. The National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, which increased provincial transfers, has not ended fiscal dependence: the provinces receive 60-70% of their budget from the centre. The removal of the Concurrent Legislative List resulted in unequal sectoral outcomes - provincialization in health and education, but contested labour and interprovincial coordination. We suggest that constitutional devolution in the absence of simultaneous bureaucratic, fiscal autonomy and effective intergovernmental coordination creates a hybrid governance form: constitutionally decentralized and operationally centralised. In the case of Punjab, we find that bureaucratic capacity is not enough; path dependence, bureaucratic opposition and political bargaining over devolution shape the outcomes. Our insights enrich understanding of decentralization theory by identifying bureaucratic mediation as a critical variable and provide policy lessons for other federations in the midst of reforms. References Adeney, K. (2020). Federalism and ethnic conflict regulation in India and Pakistan. Palgrave Mac…
creator: Hasnain Nawaz
creator: Dr. Qurat-ul-Ain Bashir
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Hasnain Nawaz, Qurat-ul-Ain Bashir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-01
publication date: 2026-05-01
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 35
ending page: 54
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.281

Legal, Institutional, and Technological Development in Forensic Science in Pakistan
type: item
description: This research paper critically examines the legal, institutional, and technological development of forensic science within Pakistan's criminal justice system. Employing a qualitative thematic analysis methodology, the study draws upon semi-structured interviews with fingerprint examiners and forensic practitioners from major forensic institutions, including the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), the National Forensic Science Agency (NFSA), and regional laboratories in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The findings reveal that while Pakistan has established a foundational legal framework, primarily through the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984, and the Punjab Forensic Science Agency Act, significant gaps persist in standardization, judicial training, and the absence of a cohesive national forensic policy. Institutionally, specialized forensic agencies have enhanced the reliability of scientific evidence through DNA profiling, fingerprint analysis, and digital forensics; however, uneven resource distribution, inadequate coordination between police and forensic experts, and infrastructural disparities across provinces undermine systemic efficiency. Technologically, the adoption of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) and biometric tools marks progress, yet the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence remains nascent due to financial constraints and skill shortages. Additionally, resource limitations, insufficient training programs, and limited career development opportunities hinder workforce capacity. The study concludes that while forensic science in Pakistan has evolved considerably, realizing its full potential requires comprehensive policy reforms, equitable resource allocation, enhanced inter-institutional coordination, strategic investment in AI and digital forensics, and sustained commitment to professional training and academic development. These measures are essential to strengthen evidentiary reliability, reduce wrongful convictio…
creator: Iffra Zahid
creator: Rooh Ullah
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Iffra Zahid, Rooh Ullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-01
publication date: 2026-05-01
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 55
ending page: 66
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.282

AI-Driven Personalization and its Impact on Audience Engagement
type: item
description: The high pace of artificial intelligence development has also revolutionized the digital space, most especially, with the introduction of AI-based personalization. Such systems can interpolate user data and user behavioural trends and provide personalized content to enhance user experience and interaction. The modern online world is more than ever before, competitive, which is why the necessity to comprehend how personalization can influence the evolution of the audience engagement has become a necessity. This research will focus on the effects of AI-based personalization on the audience engagement through the prism of user awareness, perceptions, and concerns. It also compares the effects of personalized content on satisfaction of the users, duration of stay on the sites and user engagement. It was a research design that was quantitative research design because a structured questionnaire was utilized to derive a sample of 300 respondents. The key variables were measured with the help of a five-point Likert scale, such as awareness, practices of personalization, audience engagement, and user concerns. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data by including standard deviation, mean, frequencies and percentages. The findings show that the perception of AI-based personalization is very positive, and the average scores of the overall effect (M = 4.23), audience engagement (M = 4.18), and content relevance (M = 4.25) are great. Most of the respondents were using digital platforms regularly (70% a day), and this indicates that they were exposed to personalized systems to a significant degree. Besides, additional time spent on platforms (M = 4.22) and user satisfaction (M = 4.15) are the factors that demonstrate the effectiveness of personalization in enhancing engagement. However, the moderate issues were concerned with privacy (M = 3.90), intrusiveness (M = 3.60) and lack of content variety (M = 3.70), which describe the issues raised by the users. The research…
creator: Farhad Ali Tamour
creator: Hamza Zamir Kiani
creator: Zala Saif
creator: Muhammad Awab Anjum
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Farhad Ali Tamour, Hamza Zamir Kiani, Zala Saif, Muhammad Awab Anjum https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-01
publication date: 2026-05-01
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 67
ending page: 80
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.283

Digital Transformation Management and Organizational Performance: The Mediating Role of Organizational Agility and the Moderating Effect of Technological Readiness
type: item
description: This study examined the relationship between digital transformation management and organizational performance, while considering the mediating role of organizational agility and the moderating effect of technological readiness. A quantitative research design was applied, and data were collected from a sample of 320 employees working in technology-driven and service-based organizations. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed hypotheses and examine direct, mediating, and moderating relationships. The results revealed that digital transformation management significantly influenced organizational performance (β = 0.61, p < 0.001). Organizational agility also showed a significant positive effect on performance (β = 0.47, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis confirmed that organizational agility partially mediated the relationship between digital transformation and performance, with an indirect effect of β = 0.29 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, technological readiness significantly moderated the relationship between digital transformation and organizational agility (β = 0.21, p = 0.001), indicating a stronger effect at higher levels of readiness. The model explained a substantial proportion of variance in organizational performance (R² = 0.58), demonstrating strong explanatory power. The findings concluded that digital transformation alone was insufficient for achieving superior performance unless supported by organizational agility and technological readiness. Organizations that integrated digital capabilities with agile structures and advanced technological infrastructure achieved higher efficiency, adaptability, and overall performance. The study contributed to the growing literature on digital transformation by providing an integrated framework that combined mediation and moderation mechanisms within a single model. References AlNuaimi, B. K., Singh, S. K., Ren, S., Budhwar, P., & Vorobyev, D. (2022). Mastering digital transformation: The nexus between leader…
creator: Fauzia Ahmed
creator: Muhammad Younus Malik
creator: Syed Kausar Ali Shah
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Fauzia Ahmed, Muhammad Younus Malik, Syed Kausar Ali Shah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-01
publication date: 2026-05-01
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 81
ending page: 94
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.284

Islamic Finance and Sustainable Economic Development: Exploring the Role of Shariah-Compliant Financial Systems in Promoting Inclusive Growth
type: item
description: Islamic finance emerged as a rapidly growing ethical financial system that supported sustainable economic development and inclusive growth through Shariah-compliant principles. This study examined the role of Islamic finance in promoting financial inclusion, economic stability, and sustainable development outcomes. A quantitative descriptive design was applied, and primary data was collected from a sample of 300 respondents working in Islamic banking and financial institutions. The findings showed high mean values for Islamic finance practices (4.18 ± 0.62), sustainable economic development (4.12 ± 0.65), inclusive economic growth (4.05 ± 0.68), financial inclusion (4.20 ± 0.60), and ethical investment practices (4.10 ± 0.66). The results indicated that Islamic finance significantly contributed to SME development (4.22 ± 0.61), poverty reduction (4.14 ± 0.63), infrastructure financing (4.16 ± 0.64), and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (4.23 ± 0.58). The study also found strong perceptions regarding economic stability (4.19 ± 0.60) and social welfare enhancement (4.21 ± 0.59), highlighting the broader developmental impact of Islamic financial systems. Islamic finance demonstrated a strong role in promoting equitable income distribution, financial access, and sustainable investment practices. The study concluded that Shariah-compliant financial systems functioned as a viable framework for achieving inclusive and sustainable economic development, particularly in emerging economies where financial exclusion remained a key challenge. References Adzimatinur, F., & Gloriman Manalu, V. (2021). The effect of Islamic financial inclusion on economic growth: a case study of Islamic banking in Indonesia. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal). Ben Jedidia, K., & Ghroubi, M. (2024). Islamic finance and SDGs: Bibliometric review and future research agenda. Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies, 23(3), 329–362. https://…
creator: Muhammad Ali
creator: Sarah Abro
creator: Awais Ahmed Awan
creator: Saeed Ahmed
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Ali, Sarah Abro, Awais Ahmed Awan, Saeed Ahmed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-01
publication date: 2026-05-01
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 95
ending page: 105
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.285

Empowering Generation Z: Digital Literacy, Innovation, and Well-Being in the Digital Learning Era
type: item
description: The study examines the nature of interrelations between digital literacy, innovative methods of learning, and mental health in Generation Z students in Punjab, Pakistan. This cross-sectional study used a mixed-method and surveyed 300 undergraduate students in five major public universities in Punjab (The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Bahauddin Zakaria University Multan, Punjab University Lahore, GC University Faisalabad, and Sargodha University) aged 18-28 years to conduct the survey. The researchers used the validated tools to assess the digital literacy skills, the use of technology in education, and the involvement in the innovative learning processes (gamification, blended learning, mobile-assisted learning), and the measures of the psychological well-being. Results indicate that students show moderate to high levels of digital literacy, with great differences depending on the socioeconomic status and access to the digital infrastructure by the institution. Digital literacy is positively related to the use of innovative learning methods and perceived learning efficacy. It is important to note that although new forms of digital learning increase student interaction and academic achievement, overuse of technology without the guidance of an expert shows that technology is linked with high levels of stress and declining psychological well-being. The research establishes key lapses in the digital literacy teaching, teacher readiness, and institutional support systems. Some of the recommendations are the creation of an inclusive digital literacy curriculum, teaching of teachers on the integration of technologies, provision of mental health support networks on technology-related stress, and provision of equitable access to quality digital infrastructure in all institutions. The study provides the much-needed evidence to policymakers, educators, and EdTech providers who need to maximize digital learning experiences to achieve academic success and comprehensive student …
creator: Muhammad Rafiq-uz-Zaman
creator: Onur Köksal
creator: Joseph Ozigis Akomodi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Rafiq-uz-Zaman, Onur Köksal, Joseph Ozigis Akomodi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-01
publication date: 2026-05-01
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 106
ending page: 124
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.286

Green HRM and Pro-Environmental Employee Behaviour: The Moderating Role of Organizational Culture
type: item
description: This study examined the impact of Green Human Resource Management (Green HRM) practices on pro-environmental employee behaviour, with a focus on the moderating role of organizational culture. A quantitative research design was employed, and data was collected from a sample of 320 employees across various organizations. Structured questionnaires measured Green HRM practices, organizational culture, and pro-environmental behaviour using a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and moderation analysis. The results indicated that Green HRM practices significantly influenced pro-environmental employee behaviour (β = 0.42, p < 0.001). Organizational culture also showed a positive effect on employee behaviour (β = 0.36, p < 0.001). The interaction effect between Green HRM and organizational culture was significant (β = 0.21, p < 0.001), confirming the moderating role of organizational culture. The model explained 58% of the variance in pro-environmental behaviour (R² = 0.58), indicating strong explanatory power. The findings suggested that organizations implementing green HR practices fostered higher levels of environmental responsibility among employees, particularly when supported by a sustainability-oriented culture. The study contributed to the literature by highlighting the importance of integrating HR practices with organizational culture to achieve sustainability goals. Practical implications emphasized the need for organizations to align HR systems with environmental values to enhance employee engagement in eco-friendly practices. References Ababneh, O. M. A. (2021). How do green HRM practices affect employees’ green behaviors? Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 64(7), 1204–1226. https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2020.1814708 Afsar, B., Badir, Y. F., Saeed, B. B., & Hafeez, S. (2017). Transformational leadership and employee environmental behavior. International Journal of Human Resource…
creator: Muhammad Amoon Khalid
creator: Adil Nawaz Khan
creator: Asif Iqbal
creator: Faryal Mir
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Amoon Khalid, Adil Nawaz Khan, Asif Iqbal, Faryal Mir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-02
publication date: 2026-05-02
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 125
ending page: 137
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.287

Do Reforms Fix Inefficiency? Evidence of Value and Accrual Anomalies from the Saudi Vision 2030 Era
type: item
description: This study investigates the informational efficiency of the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) during the structural reforms of Saudi Vision 2030 by jointly testing value-glamour and accrual anomalies through the lens of the Adaptive Market Hypothesis. Using an unbalanced panel of 1,545 non-financial firm-year observations over 2010–2024, we apply Fama-MacBeth cross-sectional regressions with lagged accounting variables to prevent look-ahead bias. Size-adjusted returns are regressed on book-to-market (B/M) and total balance-sheet accruals, controlling for size, leverage, and momentum. We find a robust value premium (B/M β = 0.058, p < 0.01) and, notably, a positive relation between lagged accruals and future returns (β = 0.042, p < 0.01). This sign reversal from developed markets suggests that Saudi investors interpret high accruals as a signal of genuine investment and growth rather than earnings management. Both anomalies remain significant when tested jointly, and sub-period analysis reveals that although their magnitude diminished by 30–40% after the 2017 QFI and IFRS reforms, they persist. This persistence, alongside the independence of the two anomalies, indicates that prices do not fully reflect all public information, contrary to semi-strong EMH, and that investors respond to distinct valuation and earnings-quality signals. The findings align with the Adaptive Market Hypothesis: regulatory modernization outpaces the cognitive adaptation of the retail-dominated investor base, making efficiency evolutionary. The study provides the first joint pre- and post-Vision 2030 evidence of a positive accrual anomaly and highlights the continued viability of fundamental, factor-based strategies. It also underscores the need for targeted investor education to accelerate cognitive modernization and close the gap between structural transparency and efficient price discovery. References Abraham, A. (2013). The efficiency of GCC stock markets. Journal of Economic Cooperation and …
creator: Muhammad Fahad Malik
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Fahad Malik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-02
publication date: 2026-05-02
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 138
ending page: 146
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.290

Strategic Agency or Structural Constraint: Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan's Foreign Policy (2010-2020)
type: item
description: This research is a systematic review of the key factors shaping Pakistan's foreign policy during the critical decade from 2010 to 2020. It academically explores the traditional agency-structure argument in International Relations theory by questioning the degree to which Pakistan's external relations were characterised by sovereign strategic autonomy or by adaptation to domestic institutional constraints rooted in the system. The paper does not merely apply the traditional civil-military debate. Rather, it reveals a praetorian paradox in states with dominant security institutions. In such states, the military is a dual-faced reality: the primary agent as well as the primary domestic constraint, creating a unique, self-limiting form of agency. The study is a qualitative, within-case analysis that relies on a constructivist epistemology. It aims to employ the synthesis of the literature and the open-source official statements of the Indian, Pakistani and the US sources. The foreign policy of Pakistan can best be described as being characterised by constricted agency, a state in which tactical actions are made within the context of parameters of strong structural restraint. The findings reveal a dialectical process wherein strategic agency is continuously moderated and reconstructed by the structural forces that lie deep-rooted within it. This entails the institutional imbalance of the dominant Civil-Military Relations (CMR), chronic domestic political instability, acute economic vulnerabilities, its religiously constructed realities, and the dynamics of an intensely competitive regional and global geopolitical landscape. This has profound consequences for democratic consolidation, long-term strategic coherence, regional stability, and narratives of pure autonomy or of deterministic constraint. References Abbasi, B. S. (2020). Turbulent history of Pakistan’s civil-military relations. Journal of Politics and International Relations, 6(1), 65–77. Adil, N., Uzzaman, M. S.…
creator: Tanweer Shahid
creator: Umer Hayat
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Tanweer Shahid, Umer Hayat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-09
publication date: 2026-05-09
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 147
ending page: 160
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.289

Social Media Adoption and Entrepreneurial Outcomes among Women Entrepreneurs in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
type: item
description: Despite a greater research focus on exploring the role of social media in businesses, less has been researched on the impact of social media adoption among women entrepreneurs. To address the research gap, a study on social media adoption and entrepreneurial outcomes in the context of women in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan has been conducted by extending the Technology Adoption Model (TAM). The data have been collected from the 191 women entrepreneurs through online survey questions by applying convenience sampling. Data were analysed using SPSS 26, employing descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, multiple regression, and mediation analysis via the PROCESS Macro (Model 4). The results of the study reveal that perceived usefulness significantly and positively affects empowerment and visibility, as well as marketing and customer engagement, while perceived ease of use positively influences empowerment and visibility, networking, and learning. Furthermore, marketing and customer engagement, networking and learning significantly enhance intention to use social media, whereas empowerment and visibility showed an insignificant direct effect on intention to use. Mediation analysis indicates that empowerment and visibility partially mediate the relationship between perceived usefulness and intention to use social media. Similarly, networking and learning partially mediate the relationship between perceived ease of use and intention to use social media, while marketing and customer engagement fully mediate the relationship between perceived usefulness and intention to use social media. This investigation concluded that marketing and customer engagement provide better business value, and they motivate women entrepreneurs to use social media for business success. The outcomes of the study support the extension of TAM from the perspective of women entrepreneurs and also offer insights for stakeholders and policymakers for designing effective training interventions to foster…
creator: Shazia Shahab Shaikh
creator: Sarfraz Ali Malak
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Shazia Shahab Shaikh, Sarfraz Ali Malak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-09
publication date: 2026-05-09
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 161
ending page: 173
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.291

Board Members Effectiveness, Corporate Governance, and their role in Enhancing Financial Performance and Leverage Decision Making: A Study of Pakistan’s Chemical Sector
type: item
description: The aim of this study is to explore the impact of corporate governance functions with the firm performance and the financial leverages of the firm in the chemical industry of Pakistan in order to see the impact we use the model of panel regression and we have used the data from 2014 to 2023 as a sample size and we have found mixed impact of corporate governance functions with the firm financial, operational performance and the firm leverages as well among the variables. While meeting among the board members have significant impact on the EPS and ROE of the firm whereas ROA has been affected positively by the size of the board of directors which means higher the number of directors can take much rational and depth decisions. Also, leverages of the firm do not much by the corporate governance functions. Furthermore, independency of board members enhances the Tobin Q of the firm in the chemical sector which has less impact on the EPS and ROA. Other corporate governance factors should be tested with the firm performance and leverages in order to maximize its impact and secure the shareholders wealth and achieve organizational goals effectively. Also size of directors needs to be maintain by at least seven for the efficient performance of the firm and allow BOD to work independently without any influence which leads to improve the firm performance and its leverages in the chemical sector of Pakistan. References Beecer, R., & Isikgor, F. (2019). A sustainable performance of chemical sector and its leverages. Journal of Finance, 50, 50–62. Boone, A. L., Field, L. C., Karpoff, J. M., & Raheja, C. G. (2007). The determinants of corporate board size and composition. Journal of Financial Economics, 85(1), 66–101. Brick, H., & Chidambaran, T. (2010). Board meetings, committee structure, and firm value. Corporate Finance, 40, 40–52. Chopra, A. (2023). Investigating the effects of capital structure and corporate governance on firm performance. Economics Journal, 23, 23–33. Hashmi…
creator: Sajid Ahmad
creator: Mustafa Hyder
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Sajid Ahmad, Mustafa Hyder https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-12
publication date: 2026-05-12
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 174
ending page: 187
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.292

Sustainable Development in Nursing Library: A Case Study of Focus Institute of Medical Science, Malakand
type: item
description: This qualitative study explores nursing college library development, focusing on collection development, information management, technology integration, and collaboration. It examines the library's role in supporting student success and evolving nursing knowledge. The study also examines the library's ability to equip students with essential skills for information retrieval and evaluation. The study found positive user observations and suggests improvements in information accessibility and user-friendliness. To enhance these outcomes, the library should refine digital collections, improve physical accessibility, create flexible study spaces, and offer various user services. Findings from the FIMS College of Nursing case study reveal critical challenges, including outdated materials, limited digital access, insufficient computers, and restrictive library hours that hinder nursing students' academic progress. Thematic analysis of participant responses underscores the need for collaborative efforts among librarians, faculty, and external organizations (e.g., UNESCO) to promote open-access policies and resource sharing. Furthermore, a sustainable library framework must balance environmental considerations (green practices), financial stability (digital investments), and technological integration (AI-based search systems). Adopting adaptable models, such as HEC Access and ALA guidelines, is essential for fostering resilient, future-ready nursing libraries that support evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. References East Central Regional Library (ECRL). (2019). Collection development policy. https://ecrlib.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/CollectionDevelopment-Policy-Approved-021119.pdf Food for Thought. (n.d.). What is policy? http://www.foodthoughtful.ca/section4/4.pdf Functions of library committee. (n.d.). http://www.vesasc.org/library_comm.pdf Iris, X., & Krystyna, K. M. (2016). Discover digital libraries. Business Jargons. https://businessjargons.com/managem…
creator: Israrullah Shah
creator: Sakina Noor
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Israrullah Shah, Sakina Noor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-17
publication date: 2026-05-17
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 188
ending page: 199
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.293

Between Washington and Tehran: Pakistan’s Mediation Role in the US–Iran Ceasefire and Regional Stability
type: item
description: This study examined Pakistan’s mediation role in the US–Iran ceasefire process and its implications for regional stability. The research explored how Pakistan functioned as an intermediary actor in facilitating indirect communication between Washington and Tehran during periods of heightened geopolitical tension. A qualitative research design was employed using secondary data sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, policy reports, and academic publications. The sample consisted of 50 scholarly documents selected through purposive sampling, including 30 journal articles, 12 policy reports, and 8 academic books published between 2006 and 2026. Thematic analysis was applied to identify patterns related to mediation effectiveness, geopolitical constraints, and regional stability outcomes. Findings revealed that Pakistan played a significant role in communication facilitation and short-term crisis de-escalation between the United States and Iran. The results also indicated moderate improvement in regional stability, particularly in reducing escalation risks in maritime security zones and improving indirect diplomatic engagement. Structural limitations such as economic dependency, power asymmetry, and competing regional interests restricted long-term mediation effectiveness. The study concluded that Pakistan functioned primarily as a stabilizing mediator rather than a conflict resolver. The research highlighted the importance of middle-power diplomacy in contemporary international relations and emphasized that sustainable peace between the United States and Iran required broader multilateral engagement beyond bilateral mediation channels. References Acharya, A. (2018). The end of American world order. Polity Press. Beardsley, K. (2011). The mediation dilemma. Cornell University Press. Bercovitch, J., & DeRouen, K. (2005). Managing ethnic civil wars: Assessing the determinants of successful mediation. International Studies Quarterly, 49(2), 345–365. https://doi.…
creator: Zainab Mohsin
creator: Muhammad Ameer Hamza
creator: Sajjad
creator: Waseem Saif
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zainab Mohsin, Muhammad Ameer Hamza, Sajjad, Waseem Saif https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-05-17
publication date: 2026-05-17
volume: 5
number: 3
starting page: 200
ending page: 211
doi: 10.63544/ijss.v5i3.294