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Sino-US strategic rivalry and regional security dynamics in the South China Sea
Full text linkThe South China Sea is a crucial region that has become a focal point of territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions between China and its neighbouring countries, resulting in complex security dynamics. Against this backdrop, the US has sought to counter China\u27s assertiveness in the region, resulting in a strategic rivalry that has far-reaching implications for regional security. The study\u27s theoretical framework is based on Neo-realism, which posits that state behaviour in the international system is driven by self-interest and the desire for power and security. The concepts of offensive realism and balance of power play a supportive role in the research. The researcher adopted a qualitative method to carry out this study. Drawing on existing literature and analysis, this study explores the emerging China-US rivalry and key drivers behind their rivalry in the South China Sea, including economic and military factors, as well as broader geopolitical considerations. China has concentrated on developing its military capabilities and increasing its influence in the region through diplomatic, military, and economic means. Furthermore, this strategic rivalry affected the regional security dynamics that led to the militarisation of the SCS, an arms race, alliances, instability, and heightened regional tensions
The impacts of the intended transition of Pakistan from geo-politics to geo-economics
Full text linkThis research explores the implications of Pakistan\u27s intended transition from geo-politics to geo-economics on its foreign policy, analysing the shift through the lens of neoliberalism. The study investigates the economic realignments, foreign policy strategies, and impacts on security and defence posture post-transition. Employing qualitative analysis of policy documents, trade agreements, and economic indicators, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play. Key findings reveal that Pakistan\u27s geo-economic reorientation has been driven by factors such as globalization, regional integration, and economic diplomacy. Pakistan pursued a more balanced foreign policy, seeking to expand its strategic interests through economic partnerships. Economic reforms have been central to this shift, including privatisation, investment facilitation, and trade liberalisation. However, the transition has also highlighted challenges such as uneven economic growth, dependence on foreign capital, and balancing economic objectives with security concerns. The research concludes that Pakistan\u27s foreign policy has evolved from a traditional geopolitical focus to a more economically oriented approach. While the transition has presented opportunities for growth and development, it has also necessitated a reassessment of security strategies and balancing economic and political objectives. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the complex geopolitical landscape and achieving sustainable regional development
Spatial variability of biomass and carbon stock in Jhelum and Chakwal districts of Pakistan: implications for environmental management
Full text linkRural areas in underdeveloped countries are grappling with numerous environmental challenges, with increasing population pressure significantly contributing to environmental degradation. This study conducts a comprehensive survey to analyse carbon stock in the rural communities of the Jhelum and Chakwal districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The low carbon levels in these areas pose a severe threat to ecosystem services. The carbon stock assessment as a regulatory service of forests involves measurements from standing trees. Descriptive statistics and spatial distribution analyses of Above-Ground Biomass (AGB), Below-Ground Biomass (BGB), Total Biomass (TB), and Biomass Carbon (BC) were conducted, utilising inverse distance weighting interpolation in ArcGIS 10. The results of the study identified several carbon stock hotspots. The mean concentrations of carbon stock were 28.00 t/ha for AGB, 796.72 t/ha for BGB, 255.33 t/ha for TB, and 127.38 t/ha for BC. The lowest mean values at selected sites were 4 t/ha for AGB, 3 t/ha for BGB, 11 t/ha for TB, and 7 t/ha for BC. These findings highlight critical areas where carbon stock is alarmingly low, with the potential to significantly impact the ecosystem. This emphasizes the need for targeted environmental management and conservation efforts to enhance carbon sequestration and sustain ecosystem services
Sapphire stories: the symbolic representation of blue motifs in Islamic architecture of Pakistan
Full text linkThis article focuses on analyzing and exploring the implication of blue motifs in terms of the representation of Islamic architecture in Pakistan. Architecture holds a great deal of importance within every nation\u27s social and cultural domains. In the same way, architecture has played a significant role in dispensing Islam as a religion. The manifestation and reflection of blue motifs are present in various forms, such as formal, structural, and spatial. Moreover, these shapes carry symbolic connotations when presented in the form of ornamentation, geometrical patterns, floral displays, and arabesque. Furthermore, this study provides a valuable contribution to enhancing the awareness of the significance and representation of blue motifs in the Islamic architecture of Pakistan for the research. Secondary and primary data were collected to achieve the objectives of the study. The study concludes that mosques and shrines in Pakistan are loaded with examples in which the representation of blue motifs within the domain of Islamic architecture is quite evident
Blended learning teacher competencies: exploring the integration of adaptive and technical skills among college teachers in Pakistan
Full text linkBlended learning is a teaching-learning strategy that combines ICT and other digital learning platforms with traditional classroom settings. Blended learning teacher competencies are required for 21st-century teaching. This study aimed to explore the integration of adaptive and technical skills among college teachers in Pakistan. The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) has listed these skills in the Blended Learning Teacher Competency Framework. Social constructivism and connectivism served as the theoretical framework for this study, demonstrating how learning facilitated by digital networks connects specialised information sets to empower students to take an active role in their education. A descriptive survey research design was employed to gather information from 206 college-level teachers who were chosen randomly. Domains of adaptive and technical skills from the blended teaching competencies framework were used as an adapted questionnaire with 26 statements on a 5-point Likert scale. The results indicate a low number of teachers are using adaptive and technical skills in a blended learning classroom. It is recommended that specialised training by experts in the field be conducted for college teachers to boost personalised teaching skills and technical know-how for adopting blended learning as the 21st-century teaching strategy
Evaluating the impact of poverty on child labour and physical abuse: a study of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan
Full text linkChildren are the next generation of any society. Mentally and physically sound children can ensure a good future for a country. So, governments around the world prioritize their welfare programs for children, but the case in Pakistan is different. They are one of the few marginalised groups which are left at the mercy of cruel people. According to reports, there are 22.8 million children out of school and approximately 12.5 million working as labourers in the job market in Pakistan. Child labour is a sustained menace in a country that has a painful past and a dark future. It has multifaceted causes and implications. This research is undertaken to highlight the causes and implications of child labour and its subsequent impacts on the health of the children involved in the form of physical torture and abuse. The data was collected from key people, including owners of restaurants, workshops, and other such places. During the data collection process, it was revealed that most of the people responded that due to poverty factors, children are forced to join the labour market. They recommend that the government launch more poor-friendly projects, including the Benazir Income Support Program for the uplifting poor
An analysis of classroom management challenges to the novice elementary school teachers in Islamabad, Pakistan
Full text linkThis study analysed the classroom management challenges faced by novice Elementary School Teachers (ESTs) who joined the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), Islamabad, in 2022. The physical, administrative and individual challenges of the classroom were studied. Using a quantitative approach, the research focused on 661 ESTs, consisting of 249 males and 412 females. A stratified sample of 248 teachers (95 males, 153 females) was selected, and data were collected via a self-developed questionnaire. Experts confirmed the instrument’s validity and reliability were measured with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.885. Data analysis revealed that novice teachers face several challenges, including limited classroom space, insufficient furniture, and inadequate resources for science labs. They also face challenges in maintaining discipline, disruptive behaviour, and irrelevant questions from students. Furthermore, individual differences among students due to varying IQ levels, learning interests, and socio-economic backgrounds proved challenging. Overcrowded classrooms hinder novice teachers\u27 ability to focus and provide individual attention. The study concluded that heads of educational institutions must offer consistent guidance and support to newly appointed ESTs, especially during their first year, to improve classroom management skills
Gender roles attitude among high school teachers of Lahore, Pakistan: traditional vs. egalitarian
Full text linkThe gender roles attitude is behaviour towards allocated roles to males and females in a society or culture at a particular time. Teachers significantly influence shaping gender roles and attitudes in students and parents. The study is designed to investigate gender roles and attitudes among high school teachers. The study is focused on the positivist trend of quantitative research, and a cross-sectional survey was applied. The main objective is to examine gender roles and attitudes, both traditional and egalitarian, among teachers from Govt. higher secondary schools in Lahore, Pakistan. A multi-stage stratified random sampling procedure sampled a total of N=304 teachers. A gender roles attitude scale was adopted for data collection on traditional and equalitarian gender roles attitudes. Statistical independent t-tests and frequencies/percentages were applied to investigate the data and were systematically tabulated. The findings showed substantial variances in the attitudes of female and male teachers toward gender roles, as female teachers showed an egalitarian attitude toward gender roles. In contrast, male teachers showed a traditional gender roles attitude. The study recommended that awareness campaigns be organised at the school level, and the media should raise awareness about gender roles and attitudes among people
External factors in democratic transition in Pakistan in 2008: an analysis of the US supporting role
Full text linkThe political history of Pakistan has seen ephemeral intervals of democratic rule while protracted periods of military rule. A landmark development happened when a peaceful democratic transition from the authoritarian rule of General Musharraf was held in 2008. The internal factors for this transition were an independent judiciary, vibrant media, civil society, and political consensus between major political parties. This article meticulously investigates the significant role of the US as an external factor in supporting the democratic transition in Pakistan in 2008. Data is collected from secondary sources like newspapers, journal articles, books, and websites. The US supported General Musharraf\u27s regime as part of its war on terror strategy but also urged him publicly to restore democracy. The Bush administration encouraged negotiation between Benazir Bhutto and General Musharraf and supported a political reconciliation between them, which shaped the politics of Pakistan in a new direction. When General Musharraf adopted authoritarian means, the US pressured him to democratise by different means to reinforce its interest in counterterrorism. Under heavy pressure, General Musharraf resigned as army chief and lifted the state of emergency. Later, he resigned from the presidency to escape the humiliation of impeachment, and democracy was restored in Pakistan
The urban expansion and its effect on temperature trends of Faisalabad city, Pakistan
Full text linkRapid urbanisation on the global stage is a source of worry over its environmental impacts as far as local climate patterns are concerned. This research analyses the effects of urbanisation indices on local temperature anomalies in Faisalabad, Pakistan, from 1972 to 2022. Trends of mean, maximum, and lowest temperature, urban population, built-up area, the number of factories, and the number of automobiles were analysed in the data of five decades. The plot shows that the warming trend recorded from Faisalabad’s temperature data is evident from an increase in both mean maximum and minimum temperature and the increase in mean temperature by 2°C. The city underwent rapid urbanisation during this period, which resulted in an increased urban population six times, while the extent of built-up areas was extended four times, and industrial and vehicular activities also increased considerably. This provides a statistically excellent correlation between years and temperature measures, yielding coefficients as shown (R2 = 0.9615, 0.9931, and 0.9839), which indicate that the period under study has a solid relationship with these temperature patterns. The research underscores the significant climatic impacts of urbanisation and calls for environmentally responsible urban planning, suggesting global solutions to tackle urban climate change and sustainable development