Azad Jammu And Kashmir Research Articles

Unveiling journalistic resilience: A blueprint for future crises

This research article presents an examination of the findings and recommendations drawn from a series of focus group discussions (FGDs) with senior journalists. The main aim was to develop a strategy to safeguard the skills and well-being of journalists in the face of potential future pandemics or crises. The FGDs were attended by experienced journalists whose focus was on rigorous reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. They represented press clubs from across Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). In these discussions, participants presented the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies they used to overcome these hurdles. In addition, the deliberations resulted in recommendations aimed at creating a safe environment for journalists to work, especially in crises. Using the analytical capabilities of the NVivo software, a thematic analysis was conducted to decipher the core themes of the FGDs. These themes have now been summarized in a set of consolidated recommendations that form the cornerstone of this research project. The recommendations advocate for improvements that include strengthening safety measures, prioritizing mental health and well-being, ensuring unimpeded access to important information, increasing legal protections, cultivating capacity-building opportunities, strengthening networks and collaborations, and introducing specialized training in health reporting. By implementing these recommendations, a framework can be created that strengthens journalists’ resilience in the face of crises. This article sees these findings not only as a blueprint for journalistic safety but also as evidence of the strength and adaptability of the journalistic community in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Factors Associated with Malnutrition Among Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers in AJK, Pakistan

Background: Malnutrition during pregnancy and lactation is a major public health issue in developing countries like Pakistan. This study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2022 among 300 pregnant women and lactating mothers in the district Poonch of AJK. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), were taken. BMI and MUAC were used to assess nutritional status. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was 39% according to BMI (<18.5 kg/m²) and 46% according to MUAC (<21 cm). Significant factors associated with malnutrition included illiteracy (AOR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4-5.2), low family income (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.8), rural residence (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.7-6.1), food insecurity (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 2.4-8.9), and lack of antenatal care (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2-4.5). Conclusion: Malnutrition is alarmingly high among pregnant and lactating women in AJK. Improving female literacy, socioeconomic status, and antenatal care coverage are recommended to address this public health issue.

Assessing the physicochemical properties of surface/groundwater of Sudhnoti district, Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Impacts on lindane degradation by photocatalysis

Since polluted water deteriorates the health of human beings and other animals, healthy society and environmental sustainability demand for clean and safe water. The presence of contaminants, and imbalance of common physicochemical parameters significantly disturb the quality of water. Taking the importance of clean and safe water into account, this study investigated fourteen physicochemical parameters of hand pump and open well water (main drinking water sources) from fifteen places of district Sudhnoti, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The mean values of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), alkalinity, hardness and total dissolved solids (TDS) were 7.6, 349.9 μS/cm, 144, 152 and 190 mg/L, respectively. The mean concentration of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3−, Cl−, SO42− and NO3− was found to be 9.5, 0.96, 9.9, 44.2, 144, 16.8, 8.1 and 6.67 mg/L, respectively. The turbidity as well as the concentration of CO32− was found below the detectable level in all water samples tested. Interestingly, all the studied physicochemical parameters had lower values than the maximum permissible level recommended by the world health organization (WHO) for drinking water. Eventually, the impacts of the studied physicochemical parameters, particularly anions and cation, on the efficiency of water treatment technology for real field application were discussed. The results revealed that physicochemical parameters of the groundwater of Sudhnoti, AJK had a slight effect on the degradation efficiency of one of the most widely used pesticides, lindane, in water by using ultraviolet–visible titanium oxide/hydrogen peroxide (UV–Vis)/TiO2/H2O2) and ultraviolet–visible/titanium oxide persulfate photocatalysis. Of note, the quality of hand pump and open well water which are the main drinking water sources of district Sudhnoti, AJK was found to be fit for drinking and other domestic purposes as well as for the ecosystem.

Unveiling Inequality: Mapping Asset Disparities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Pakistan)

The main objectives of this study are to construct a valid and reliable asset index at the household level for 10 districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) by using Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey micro-data and to estimate economic disparities by calculating Gini-coefficient and Palma Ratio. The asset index is considered a better estimate than expenditures or current household income to gauge a household’s living standard and its potential resilience to deal with economic shocks. The dimensional structure of assets is assessed by applying Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Tetrachoric Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Further, this paper has applied Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) to ensure the reliability of the household-based asset index. Furthermore, the Gini-coefficient and Palma ratios are estimated by using the composite household-based asset index to estimate economic disparities in all 10 districts of AJK. The dimensional structure of assets, reliability, and validity analysis suggest to use 21 assets (out of 30 items) to construct the household-based asset index. The nine items (assets) are excluded from the analysis to avoid systematic errors and random errors. The results show that districts Bhimber and Mirpur have achieved the highest average asset scores, which are 0.62 and 0.64 respectively. The score of the Gini-coefficient index and the Palma ratio analyses shows that the asset distribution in the districts Neelum and Haveli are highly unequal. The Gini-coefficient is highly responsive to midpoint distribution while the Palma ratio concentrates more on top and bottom distribution, and it ignores the middle 50 percent from the analysis. Interestingly, both approaches have produced similar district rank ordering because we have adopted a systematic process for construct validity and reliability to minimize measurement errors.

A multivariate vegetation analysis of Mahasheer National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

This research work targets to evaluate the floristic composition of Mahseer National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Field data was recorded from fifteen different sites. The Quadrat method was used for vegetation sampling while the exact location of each site, altitude, exposure and geographical coordinates were documented by using geographical positioning system (GPS). To analyze the significance of environmental variables, multivariate statistical analysis was carried out by using two-way clustering, canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and general linear model (GLM) response curve analysis. Floristically, 109 plant species belonging to 45 families were recorded. Among families, Poaceae was most commonly distributed, accounting for 15 species in total. Two-way cluster analysis categorized the vegetation into four major plant communities. CCA was used to analyze the vegetation-environment relation. Plant species showed a significant correlation response against altitudinal gradient, total nitro-gen, electrical conductivity and calcium contents. The GLM response curve and IVI demonstrated that Cynodon dactylon was the most dominant species followed by Dalbergia sissoo and Adhatoda zeylinica. This study provided the baseline information about the eco-floristic composition. It suggested that the area is floristically rich, and needs to be analyzed in detail by future researchers.

Spatial and temporal patterns of fuelwood consumption and its associated CO2 emissions in Muzaffarabad division, a western Himalayan region

BackgroundIn the Himalayan region, fuelwood serves as a critical energy source for rural communities. Being vital for meeting energy needs, fuelwood combustion is a source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and, consequently, global warming, as well as deforestation and public health damage. Therefore, quantifying fuelwood consumption patterns and its associated CO2 emissions is essential to understand the environmental impact and promote sustainable resource management.MethodsThis research conducts an evaluation of fuelwood burning patterns and the associated CO2 emissions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), situated within the western Himalayan region. The study entails an extensive survey of 24 villages representing 240 households, equally distributed between the subtropical and temperate regions, each comprising 120 households. Data collection was executed through a combination of direct queries and the weight survey method, following standard protocols.ResultsIn the study area, the mean annual fuelwood comsumption per household amounts to 24.28 ± 3.1 Mg (or 3.195 ± 1 Mg capita−1). A variance was observed between subtropical and temperate zones, with the latter exhibiting higher consumption rates. The consequential CO2 emissions were assessed as 41.88 ± 4.5 Mg per household (5.51 ± 0.6 Mg capita−1). On a daily basis, households consumed an average of 66.52 ± 6.4 kg of fuelwood (8.75 ± 1.5 kg capita−1), resulting in a daily CO2 release rate of 114.745 ± 8.6 kg (15.095 ± 2 kg capita−1). The findings unveiled seasonal variations, indicating increased fuelwood consumption and emissions during the winter season. Statistical analysis shed light on the significance of altitude and family size in shaping the patterns of fuelwood use.ConclusionsThe results revealed the importance of prioritizing forest conservation and strategically implementing sustainable practices, including reforestation, afforestation, responsible harvesting, and actively promoting sustainable fuel sources. This research highlights the vital role of well-designed policies focused on preserving ecosystems and improving energy management. Policy intervention can ensure the sustainable stewardship of local and regional forest resources.

Evaluation of the District Health Information System in District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir: A Retrospective Analysis.

It is essential to implement a high-quality electronic database for keeping important information. The District Health Information System (DHIS) is an active data-keeping system in Pakistan. This study aimed to evaluate the patients' data from the DHIS dashboard for the District Headquarters Hospital, Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The data was requested from the hospital administration at District Headquarters Hospital, Kotli, AJK, and the data was analyzed after permission was granted. The data was given in two forms; one was a hard copy of the data for August and September and the other was a comma-separated values file for October and November, 2023. The highest frequency of patients was received in the department of emergency and trauma and the patient's median age was between 15 and 49 years. The second department was medicine with the >50 years of age. Common conditions that needed more attention were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory infection, diarrhea, pneumonia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. For nations with constrained healthcare systems and funds, primary health care (PHC) is the only viable approach for managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, PHC systems intended for infectious diseases have not sufficiently adapted to the growing requirement of chronic care for NCD. Research using health information databases offers numerous benefits, such as the evaluation of large data sets and unexpected prevalence of disease in certain populations, such as a higher prevalence of disease in one gender or age group. Health information system-based data analysis or studies are less expensive and faster but lack scientific control over data collection.

Improvement in Diabetic Patient’s Compliance: A Clinical Audit in Accordance with NICE Guidelines

Management of diabetes mainly depends on adherence to the prescribed medicine; however, majority of patients fails to cope with their diabetes management plans due to reasons such as high cost of medication, their side effects, and limited knowledge or understanding of the disease. Medication adherence was accessed in this audit among diabetic patients at the Outpatient department (OPD), Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) Teaching Hospital Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan, which focuses on alignment with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Adherence was evaluated using a collection of the combination of prospective and retrospective data, through investigation from the patients and review of the records. On 2nd cycle of follow-up, a marked improvement in patients’ adherence to medication, HBA1c levels, smoking cessation and complication rate. Upon 2nd cycle of audit, study also showed a better control on reason of non-compliance to treatment. The cause for non-compliance due to cost issue and lack of understanding was 45% initially, that later shortened to 1% while due to forgetfulness, it also lessened to 1%. We also had a sufficient improvement in follow up visits and sugar monitoring of patients and overall adherence rate was improved. Significant gaps were revealed in the findings by comparing with NICE guidelines, which give emphasis on regular monitoring and focused care of patients. This audit recommends interventions such as education sessions for patients, consultations through tele consults, and regular medical reviews to improve adherence and optimize diabetic care outcomes.

ASSESSMENT OF ALL TYPES OF LABORATORY ERRORS IN THE TERTIARY CARE CARDIAC FACILITY LABORATORY

A prospective examination of laboratory errors was performed during three months from July to September 2019 at the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC), a 272-bed tertiary care hospital serving the Punjab region and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). The study aimed to thoroughly evaluate error incidence rates across the complete testing cycle, considering the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases. During this time, nurses, physicians, and medical assistants from various hospital wards submitted samples and request forms to the clinical pathology laboratory at RIC. For a total of 17,917 patients, 73,540 tests were carried out. The overall observed laboratory error rate for the entire testing procedure (TTP) was 1.43%. Notably, pre-analytical mistakes made up the most significant percentage (0.82%), followed by post-analytical errors (0.51%) and analytical errors (0.10%). The data were carefully examined, and the results were presented using figures, charts, and tables to show the prevalence and magnitude of various mistake types. According to the distribution pattern, overall error rates had significantly decreased over the previous ten years. Despite this development, the largest error prevalence was still seen in the pre- and post-analytical processes. Interestingly, errors were frequently found during the pre- and post-analytical procedures outside the lab. To reduce the likelihood of mistakes, RIC undertook several initiatives, and the study highlighted these efforts, highlighting the significance of the laboratory testing procedure for mistake prevention throughout all testing phases.In addition to offering insightful information about the frequency of errors at RIC, this three-month descriptive analysis highlighted ongoing efforts to improve patient safety and lower laboratory errors. The observed gains over the past ten years are evidence of the success of adopted tactics. The results show how important it is to maintain constant watchfulness and employ methodical procedures to guarantee the accuracy and dependability of laboratory testing procedures, improving patient care and safety.

Tone Recognition of Pahari Language

Pahari is an under-resourced, endangered, and undocumented tonal language, spoken in Pakistan Administered State of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Preliminary studies have established the notion, that the Pahari language has three discrete level tones; high, mid, and low. In the current study, tone distribution in monosyllabic words is measured with 45 iterations consisting of 15 high, 15 mid, and 15 low tones, collected from 5 native speakers of Pahari language. An attempt has been made to automatically recognize the phonologically contrastive tones in Pahari language, by using the Random Forest and the Linear Mixed Effect Models with f0 as a preliminary feature along with duration, intensity, F1, F3, and (Cepstral Peak Prominence) CPP. The results showed that the overall accuracy of the Random Forest was higher than the accuracy of the linear mixed effect model. Additionally, the mean f0 played a highly significant role in the prediction of tone while duration, intensity, F1, F3, and CPP played a less significant role.

How ambidextrous leadership enhances employee creativity: a quantitative approach

PurposeBased on the leader-members exchange (LMX) theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of ambidextrous leadership on employee creativity through ambidextrous behavior. The study also investigates an organizational culture that amplifies the positive influence of ambidextrous leadership on employee creativity.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were collected form 300 permanent employees of the local government department of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Hypotheses were tested by using Hayes PROCESS macro.FindingsResults indicated that ambidextrous style of leadership and employee creativity is mediated by ambidextrous behavior of employees. The findings of the study also established the fact that the relationship of ambidextrous leadership and employee creativity is subject to the organizational culture.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study was carried out in the local government department; researchers can conduct research by studying multiple government departments at once. In addition, the present study is cross-sectional; scholars in future can take a longitudinal approach to capture employee creativity at different points of time.Practical implicationsFor establishing a welcoming innovation atmosphere and assist workers' creative behaviors, ambidextrous leadership should be practiced by leaders from day-to-day operations. Leaders must create flexible abilities to adapt internal resources (knowledge and values) in the public sector into new behavioral patterns that encourage employee creativity.Originality/valueThis is the first study that investigates the ambidextrous behavior as a vital intervening mechanism in the ambidextrous leadership–employee creativity linkage. Further, this study provides first empirical evidence by study the organizational culture as a moderator in determine the impact of ambidextrous leadership on employee creativity.

EXPLORING LANGUAGE ATTITUDES THROUGH MATCHED GUISE TECHNIQUE: A CASE OF YOUNG KASHMIRIS OF AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR

This study seeks to determine the language attitudes of young bilinguals towards Kashmiri and Urdu, as well as their potential implications. Using the matched-guise technique, 34 Kashmiri- and Urdu speaking students from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) were surveyed. Audio clips of each language were provided to assess the participants' attitudes towards Kashmiri and Urdu. On a Likert scale, participants evaluated a variety of personality traits of Kashmiri and Urdu audio speakers. The mean response scores were calculated and compared using SPSS and an independent t-test. The results indicate speakers have a more negative opinion of Kashmiri than Urdu. It suggests that the Kashmiri community has developed a negative attitude towards their mother tongue, which may eventually result in a community-wide language shift.

Epidemiology of Molecular Probes in Xpert MTB/RIF Assay in AJK, Pakistan

Objective: This study aimed to detect rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis cases and assess the frequency of missing probes in different study populations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Methodology: The study was conducted at the State TB Reference Laboratory, District Headquarters Teaching Hospital, Mirpur, AJK. A total of 2,790 specimens collected between March 2016 to August 2019 were analyzed. Pulmonary TB (PTB) accounted for 94% of the cases, while 6% were classified as extra-pulmonary cases. All respiratory and non-respiratory samples underwent fluorescence smear microscopy (AFB) and a real-time PCR test (Xpert MTB/RIF assay) to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin resistance. Results: Among the 2,790 suspected MTB patients, 734 (26%) were confirmed to have MTB using the Xpert MTB/RIF assay, while 564 (20%) tested positive by fluorescence microscopy. Of the MTB-positive patients, 720 (98%) were diagnosed with pulmonary TB, and 14 (2%) had extra-pulmonary TB. Rifampicin resistance (RR) was detected in 66 (9%) cases, with 97% of the resistant cases being pulmonary and 3% extra-pulmonary. The most frequently missing probe was E (Codon 529-533), accounting for 34% of the cases, followed by probe D (Codon 523-529) at 26%. The least frequently missing probe was C (Codon 523-529), observed in 3% of the cases. Probe B (Codon 512-518) was missing in 15.4% of cases, while probe A (Codon 518-523) was missing in 9.4% of cases. Conclusion: The utilization of molecular diagnostic techniques, such as the Xpert MTB/RIF assay, enables rapid identification of MTB and detection of rifampicin resistance. This study provides valuable baseline data on the prevalence of 81 bp mutations in the rpoB gene, highlighting the need for further evaluation of mutation patterns in AJK.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to neglected tropical diseases (schistosomiasis and fascioliasis) of public health importance: A cross-sectional study.

Snails play an important role as an intermediate host in various parasitic diseases, which are referred to as snail-borne parasitic diseases (SBPDs). The prevalence of the SBPDs, schistosomiasis and fascioliasis is low in Pakistan compared to other countries. The present study investigated knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to these two SPBDs and risk factors associated with them among the humans living in close contact with livestock and pets from three regions of Pakistan: Punjab, Islamabad and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to assess participants' knowledge, attitude and practices related to schistosomiasis and fascioliasis during 2021-2022. The majority of the 507 participants who were interviewed had good knowledge of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis: 43% were aware of schistosomiasis and 57% were aware of fascioliasis, but only 25% knew about snails as an intermediate host. Most respondents had a positive attitude toward treatment, prevention and control of the diseases but they did not have any healthcare facilities. This study highlights the importance of the public's awareness for the need to control SBPDs. It also draws attention to the need for health education for risk reduction and the prevention of SBPDs in endemic areas.

Spatial Distribution and Population Structure of Himalayan Fir (Abies pindrow (Royle ex D.Don) Royle) in Moist Temperate Forests of the Kashmir Region

Abies pindrow is a keystone tree species of temperate forests in the Himalayan range with immense ecological significance. The current study was designed to investigate the spatial distribution, population structure, associated flora, and sustainability of Abies pindrow in the temperate forests of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Vegetation data were collected from 48 forest sites distributed in six districts of AJK with respect to the geography, microclimates, and vegetation structure by employing a systematic quadrate-based methodology. Abies pindrow populations were characterized by an average stem density of 183.9 trees/ha with an average basal area cover of 789 cm. A. pindrow populations showed a regeneration value of 555.6 seedlings/ha. A digital elevation model revealed that A. pindrow exhibited a large extent of distribution in an altitudinal range of 1800–3400 m. GIS analysis identified that north-facing slopes with a moderate degree of slope steepness constitutes the preferred habitat of the species in the Kashmir mountains. A floristic analysis revealed that a total of 282 species from 74 plant families comprised the associated flora of A. pindrow-dominated forests with Pinus wallichiana, Picea smithiana, Aesculus indica, and Viburnum grandiflorum as codominant companion species. A. pindrow forests exhibited significant levels of species diversity and richness with average values of Simpson’s diversity as 0.94, Shannon’s diversity as 3.09, species richness as 1.45, and maturity index value as 45.9%. The A. pindrow populations in the study area were found to be subjected to significant deforestation pressure along with overgrazing and erosion impacts. Results provide valuable scientific information for the conservation management of A. pindrow populations, ensuring the sustainability of temperate forest ecosystems in the Western Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Socioeconomic Evaluation of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Cultivation in Providing Sustainable Livelihood to the Mountain Populations of Kashmir Himalayas.

Phaseolus vulgaris L. is the major pulse cultivated and culturally inculcated in the food habits of the locals in the Himalayan mountainous region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. The current study was designed to investigate the role of P. vulgaris cultivation in providing livelihood support and to evaluate its production and consumption patterns correlated with the household variables in the state of AJK. The socio-economic data was collected from nine bean cultivated areas in six districts of AJK. The data was acquired by administrating a total of 522 detailed semi structured questionnaires from a diverse array of the respondents following the snowball technique focusing on yield, consumption, revenue generation and livelihood support provided by bean cultivation. The results revealed that common bean cultivation provided significant livelihood support to the local mountainous populations with an average annual income of 50.80 $/family. Subsequently, bean production contributed an average annual per capita income of 6.81 $ in the area, which was attributed to the large family size. Local populations showed an average bean production of 33.93 kg/family, whereas the average annual bean consumption was recorded as 31.99 kg/family in the region. Bean crops were recorded to have an average price of $1.49/kg, with significant variations in the study area correlated with local yield. A data analysis indicated a strong correlation in bean production and consumption patterns. Common bean farmers had a very small farm size, averaging 0.24 ha, where 100% of farmers cultivated common beans as an intercrop with Maize as the primary crop. A Pearson’s test (p value < 0.05) revealed significant correlations between land holding and bean production as well as consumption, and bean production with annual per capita income. Small farm size, declining soil fertility, low bean pricing and the unavailability of market mechanisms were identified as the major challenges faced by the common bean farmers. It is recommended to employ an integrated bean farming approach to enhance the economic impact of common bean cultivation in the socioeconomic appraisal of the local populations.

Routine Immunization Coverage and Immunization Card Retention in Pakistan: Results From a Cross-sectional National Survey.

Immunization is one of the most successful public health interventions available, saving millions of lives from death and disability each year. Therefore, improving immunization coverage is a high priority for the Government of Pakistan and essential to progress toward universal health coverage. This survey reports the national and provincial/regional coverage and determinants of fully, partially, and not-vaccinated children 12-23 months of age, antigen-wise coverage, percentage of home-based vaccination records (HBR) retention, and reasons for nonretention; dropout, timeliness, and prevalence of missed opportunities for simultaneous vaccination (MOSV). The survey was a descriptive cross-sectional national household survey carried out across Pakistan. The survey included 110,790 children 12-23 months old and their caregivers. A World Health Organization (WHO)-Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Survey questionnaire was adapted to collect information. Data were analyzed using the WHO Vaccination Coverage Quality Indicators (VCQI) software and Stata version 17. Nationally excluding Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB), the coverage of fully vaccinated children was 76.5%. The likelihood of being fully vaccinated was higher among children of educated parents who belonged to higher wealth quintiles and resided in any province/region other than Balochistan. The main reasons for unimmunization were no faith in immunization, rumors about vaccines, and distance to the facility. About two-thirds (66.2%) of the children had their HBR available, and the main reasons for not having a card were never visiting a health facility and having no awareness about the importance of a card. Dropout was discernible for later doses of vaccines compared with earlier ones. Higher proportions of children received the last doses late by more than two months. Of the 218,002 vaccination visits documented on HBR in the provinces, MOSVs occurred in 17.6% of the visits. The immunization coverage rates provide a direction to strategize the progress to improve the vaccination rates in Pakistan. The country needs to outline the immediate and long-term actions to combat vaccine-preventable diseases, such as escalating integrated immunization campaigns and outreach activities, provision of mobility support, and deploying behavioral interventions as a cross-cutting strategy to improve awareness and reduce misconceptions.

Evaluation of economic loss caused by Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) in agricultural land of district Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.

The Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) is a vertebrate pest of agricultural lands and forest. The study was aimed to report the damage to local crops by the Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) in the Muzaffarabad District. A survey was conducted to identify the porcupine-affected areas and assess the crop damage to the local farmers in district Muzaffarabad Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) from May 2017 to October 2017. Around 19 villages were surveyed, and a sum of 191 semi-structured questionnaires was distributed among farmers. Crop damage was found highest in village Dhanni where a porcupine destroyed 175 Kg/Kanal of the crops. Regarding the total magnitude of crop loss, village Danna and Koomi kot were the most affected areas. More than half (51.8%) of the respondents in the study area suffered the economic loss within the range of 101-200$, and (29.8%) of the people suffered losses in the range of 201-300$ annually. Among all crops, maize (Zea mays) was found to be the most damaged crop ranging between 1-300 Kg annually. In the study area, porcupine also inflicted a lot of damages to some important vegetables, including spinach (Spinacia oleracea), potato (Solanum tuberosum) and onion (Allium cepa). It was estimated that, on average, 511Kg of vegetables are destroyed by porcupine every year in the agricultural land of Muzaffarabad. It was concluded that the Indian crested porcupine has a devastating effect on agriculture which is an important source of income and food for the local community. Developing an effective pest control strategy with the help of the local government and the Wildlife department could help the farmers to overcome this problem.

Factors Affecting Habitat Selection of Endangered Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) in Pakistan: Implications for Raptors Conservation

The steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) is an endangered migratory raptor species that migrates in winter to Pakistan and neighbouring countries. In Pakistan, the species migrate at the end of autumn and utilise different habitats across the country. Very little information is available about the species’ population status, distribution, and factors affecting its distribution in Pakistan. In the present study, we predicted the distribution of steppe eagles in Pakistan associated with different environmental variables. We used 149 presence points of the species from an online source (GBIF), published literature, and wildlife photographers. The MaxEnt analysis showed that highly suitable habitats were mostly present in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), federally administered areas and surrounding areas, southern areas of Sindh Province, and some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province. In addition, some patches were also predicted by MaxEnt in Balochistan Province. Human population density (27.0%), chicken density (16.6%), temperature seasonality (11.1%), and rivers (10.3%) were identified as the main environmental factors that affect the habitat distribution of steppe eagle in Pakistan. Only a small percentage (2.62%) of the total Pakistan area was estimated to be a highly suitable area for steppe eagles, while 20.58% and 7.46% were identified as the least and moderately suitable areas, respectively. Conservation of identified habitats and mitigation of anthropogenic impacts to conserve this endangered eagle species are recommended for immediate and long-term conservation across Pakistan.

Spatial density pattern of Himalayan Ibex (Capra sibirica) in Pakistan

Mountain ungulates perform a key role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems as they are the primary consumers of vegetation and prey for large predators. The mountain ranges of northern Pakistan are home to six species of mountain ungulates, and the Himalayan ibex (Capra sibirica), hereafter ibex, is the most abundant among them. This study was conducted in three administrative regions of northern Pakistan, viz. Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), to generate a range-wide density pattern map of ibex. A double-observer survey was conducted in 25 study sites during 2018–2021 across the ibex distribution range, covering an area of about 35,307 km 2 , by walking transects totaling 1647 km. Within the ibex range where the survey was not conducted due to financial and logistical constraints, we obtained species population information from local wildlife departments’ most recent annual survey data. The aim was to generate a density map for the entire ibex range. Using the BBRecapture package in program R, we estimated an ibex population of 7639 (95 % CI) with a mean density of 0.21/km 2 in the surveyed area. Combining with the secondary data from un-surveyed areas, the total population estimate for the country came to 10,242 ibex. The largest population densities were observed in four valleys (Shimshal, Gulkin-Hussaini, Khyber, and Khunjerab) of the Karakoram-Pamir range, followed by the Hindu Kush range (Chitral Wildlife Division [WD]). The central and eastern parts of the Karakoram range had moderate to low densities, while the Himalayan range (e.g., Astore Valley) supported a small population. The mean herd size was 15 individuals (range: 5–41), and the average detection probability of observers A and B was 0.69 and 0.48, respectively. The average male and young ratios per 100 females were estimated to be 75 and 81, respectively. The range-wide density map developed during the study provided an evidence for the impact of trophy hunting programs and an objective tool for range-wide conservation planning of the species.