Sociological Research And Innovation

Climate Change: Impacts on Balochistan and Suggested Contemplative Responses

Muneeb Ur Rahman, Aadersh Hamza — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Pakistan’s contribution to the total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) is one of the lowest in the world and the contribution of the Province of Balochistan is almost none. However, Pakistan, particularly Balochistan province, is among the most vulnerable to climate change. According to studies, there are evidences of a global trend of climate change which can be observed in almost every region of Balochistan. These trends include floods, cyclones, significant increases in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and unprecedented monsoon rains. This results in regular siltation of small dams, overflow, and droughts. Similarly, snowfall has also decreased significantly as compared to previous years. The groundwater table is falling day by day and water availability in the province is steadily decreasing. The Balochistan province also lacks necessary infrastructure for water storage. Moreover, it also faces socioeconomic challenges, such as poverty, lack of access to education, limited healthcare services, and disaster management. The combination of all these factors along with the heightened reliance of the people of Balochistan on natural resources, limited technological capabilities, and inadequate financial resources to manage climate extremes, render them vulnerable to poverty. The adaptation and mitigation actions must be prioritized and put into action to tackle the said issues. This can only be achieved by planning and executing suitable adaptation measures, preferably nature-based solutions, at the provisional and local levels. The core of the issue is poor governance and any potential solutions may only be implemented if the government makes competent and workable decisions.

Qualitative Analysis of Family’s Structure and Practices in Shaping Higher Education and Career Choices of Male Academics in Public Universities of KP, Pakistan

Nasik Abbas, Fouzia Sadaf, Sawera Farooq Butt — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study addresses the gap in empirical research concerning the experiences of male academics in Pakistan's higher education system, with a specific focus on public universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). While substantial work exists on female academics, men's experiences remain underexplored. This research aimed to examine how socio-economic circumstances and family influence the higher education and career choices of male academics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 lecturers and assistant professors from KP’s public universities. Thematic analysis revealed that the majority of participants were first-generation scholars, highlighting the significant role of family support in overcoming socio-economic challenges. For some, privileged family backgrounds provided inspiration and guidance. Despite barriers related to family and regional disparities, persistent encouragement from families played a pivotal role in academic and career success. This qualitative study contributes to global literature by shedding light on the unique experiences of male academics in an under-explored context and offers recommendations for future policy interventions.

Barriers to Inclusion: Challenges Faced by Physically Impaired Students in Higher Education Institutions of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Muhammad Rameez Mohsin, Rizwan ul Haq Aamir, Salman Khan — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This research is directed at supporting and ensuring equal access to higher education services for physically impaired individuals and mitigating the gap between the acquisition of higher education and disability. For this purpose, it examines the difficulties encountered by physically disabled students in Bahawalpur's higher education institutes (HEIs), concentrating on the institutional obstacles that restrict their social and academic integration. The cluster sampling method was utilized in this study. A total of 100 respondents from the Islamia University of Bahawalpur studying at the B.S. level were chosen. For a better understanding of the subject matter, six themes were developed including the experiences of isolation and loneliness and the experiences of discrimination and discriminatory behavior. The absence of suitable study materials, poor physical accessibility, and a lack of knowledge among stakeholders about the rights of students with impairments were identified as the main problems. Accessible restrooms and ramps are basic facilities that many universities lack, while educational materials in Braille and audiobook formats are frequently out of stock. The findings emphasize how social marginalization has an emotional and psychological effect on students, making them feel more stressed and alone. Steps to improve the situation include mandatory training for teachers and staff to raise awareness about disability rights, strengthening the physical infrastructure for accessibility, and ensuring the availability of accessible academic materials.

Effect of CO2 Emissions, Human Capital, Foreign Direct Investment, and Trade Openness on Economic Growth in Pakistan

Javeed Iqbal, Moazam Shahwar , Shazia Khalid, Muhammad Tariq, Shazia Parveen — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Human capital and environmental degradation are critical factors influencing economic growth. This study analyses the relationship between these factors, foreign direct investment, and trade openness in shaping Pakistan's economic trajectory from 1990 to 2020. The findings of ARDL model and ADF test demonstrate that trade openness, foreign direct investment, and human capital positively impact economic growth. However, the interplay of CO2 emissions with human capital negatively impacts growth. The findings underscore the dual function of human capital in enhancing economic success and environmental standards. Policymakers must mitigate the adverse externalities of environmental degradation to optimize the advantages of human capital and foster sustainable economic development.

Exploring Quota and Non-Quota Women MPs Membership in Parliamentary Committees: A Case Study of the Punjab Assembly, Pakistan

Nayab Javed, Ra'na Malik — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Parliamentary committees are significant for an understanding of gendered politics in legislatures. The underlying question is the extent to which quota and non-quota MPs are being included in decision making through various parliamentary committees. In this article, the Punjab assembly (largest provincial assembly of Pakistan) is used as a case to understand the assignment of reserved and directly elected women MPs in different committees based on gender and prestige type. By using quantitative methods, the secondary data sets accessed from the web site of the Punjab assembly during (2002-2023) legislative assemblies were used. Additionally, interviews from the women MPs were also used as complementary data to support the findings of a quantitative data set. Results showed that women MPs on reserved seats are over-represented in feminine committees/low prestigious committees and under-represented in medium/neutral and masculine committees. In contrast, directly elected women MPs are preferred, and are assigned to high prestigious/masculine committees disproportionately to their strength in Punjab assembly.

Sociological Perspectives on Women’s Empowerment in Lahore: A Quantitative Analysis of Key Determinants

Muhammad Hatim, Mubarka Abbas, Mahjabeen Arshad, Yasim Tasleem — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the most critical issue of women empowerment and its interrelation with the lack of access to education, gender inequality and limited availability of job opportunities. Women empowerment remains a significant challenge in Pakistan, particularly in urban centers like Lahore, where these factors continue to restrict women's progress. A sample of 384 respondents was selected through random sampling from the general population of Lahore, and data was collected using standardized questionnaires. The gathered data was investigated using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), and the results unfold a strong relationship between gender inequality, limited access to education, the availability of jobs, and women empowerment. The findings contribute to existing literature and provide crucial insights for policymakers and stakeholders working to advance women’s empowerment in Pakistan.