Pakistani Perspective Research Articles

Examining sustainable consumption patterns through green purchase behavior and digital media engagement: a case of Pakistan’s postmillennials

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to identify the variables influencing consumers' perceptions of sustainable purchasing intentions and the effects such perceptions have on actual sustainable purchasing behavior. This paper aims to develop an understanding of the postmillennial generation's consumption of sustainable products.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was used to collect data for quantitative analysis. It involved sampling a total of 251 respondents, which were postmillennials belonging to the twin cities of Pakistan. A series of tests were applied through Smart PLS4 for all the variables, including descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results revealed that there is a significant relationship of social value and electronic word of mouth with digital media usage (DMU). Whereas, link of functional and emotional value with DMU was insignificant. The results also portrayed that there exists a positive link between DMU and sustainable consumption behavior (SCB). Moreover, green purchase intention moderated the relationship between DMU and SCB.Originality/valueThere exists a research gap on the role of postmillennial behavioral regulation and digital media use, as potential influences on their purchase behavior. Despite the fact that digital media has been shown to influence millennials' purchasing decisions in the past, there is still a reluctance among postmillennials to engage in environmentally friendly practices. Consequently, research is necessary to comprehend sustainable consumer behaviors; especially from an unaddressed Pakistani perspective.

Apologetic Evangelical Contextual Christology: A Pragmatic Approach in the Islamic Context (Pakistan)

The conflict over Jesus Christ, the ‘Son of God’, is not new. Thousands of years ago, the disciples faced similar trials; however, the challenge to solve this tension was not based on debates or natural theology but rather to show the works of Christ. This researcher argues that various studies on Christology have already been conducted. However, the Pakistani perspective demands the fullness of Christ in a unique way to reimagine Him in the context of socio-economic, political, and religious challenges. On the one hand, though the traditional way of doing Christology highly emphasizes the personhood of Christ, explaining Him from the eschatological perspective (though it is important), on the other hand, it makes Christ an aloof Jesus who has no concern for the current issues. As a result, this kind of Christological articulation does not explain Christ’s presence in our struggles today. This piece further demonstrates that the context is not above Christ in finding who He is in the midst of such a grave situation; rather, contextual realities provide the Pakistani Punjabi Church an opportunity to demonstrate the works of Christ. Furthermore, this study also argues that the real struggle is not being a minority in this context, but rather, being marginalized (economically, politically, and religiously) is the real challenge. This study further argues that the core issue is the ecclesiastical responsibility to overcome all the issues in this context. The researcher employs quantitative methodology to evaluate the socio-political, socio-economic, and religious perspectives and equips grassroots communities using an evangelical contextual missiological approach. As a result, ‘Apologetic Evangelical Contextual Christology’ is proposed as seeing Christ in all His fullness in the Islamic Context.

Muslim-Christian Dialogue from the Nigerian and Pakistani Perspective: A Theological Discussion

Muslim-Christian dialogue is one of the most common dialogues around the globe. Even though the interreligious dialogue is accepted in Muslim countries, the discussions in Nigeria and Pakistan are facing challenges. This paper, therefore, intends to examine the Nigerian and Pakistani perspectives on Muslim-Christian dialogue to analyse its legality or otherwise from the main sources of the two religions. This is qualitative research comprising the historical and contextual approach of the Qur’ān, Hadith, and the Bible as well as views of Islamic scholars and Christian clergies. The findings reveal that Islam and Christianity not only acknowledge dialogue between Muslims and Christians but encourage it among other religions for the establishment of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development of a community. This paper, therefore, recommends that Nigerian and Pakistani Muslim scholars should give extra energy to enlighten Muslims to understand that interreligious dialogue does not in any way mean to unify Islam with Christianity.

The Impact of Identity on the Success of Peacekeeping Missions: The Pakistani Perspective

Modern peacekeepers face many challenges in the areas in which they are deployed, including often dealing with a non-cooperative host population. However, if the peacekeepers shared an identity characteristic (this paper focuses on race, religion, language, gender, and geo-economics) with the host population, would this improve how peacekeepers and the host population interact, increasing the chances of the mission’s success? This study aims to answer this question and propose whether the UN should deploy peacekeeping troops based on this common identity criteria. Since the research was qualitative, data was primarily collected through interviews and focus group discussions with veteran and undertraining peacekeepers. After an extensive thematic analysis of the interviews, the thesis yielded the following results: a) A positive link exists between a shared identity (amongst peacekeepers and civilians) and success in peacekeeping missions b) Impartiality and timely provision of humanitarian assistance builds the good reputation of a UN contingent and can enhance ‘local acceptance’ for a peacekeeping mission c) While peacekeepers should not be deployed based on identity, language training before deployment can vastly improve how peacekeepers interact with the local populace. Hence, while the UN does not need to amend its deployment policies, language is a crucial identity characteristic that the UN can utilize to improve success in peacekeeping missions

Factors affecting the students’ knowledge sharing through social media technologies: A structural equation modeling approach

This study investigates factors affecting students’ knowledge sharing over social media platforms. An online survey was conducted on 1470 distance education students, enrolled in an online Master of Library and Information Science program in a public sector university, Islamabad, Pakistan. Using the theory of reasoned action and factors, namely, trust, facilitation conditions, perceived reciprocal benefits, and individual creativity, a comprehensive research model was developed. Following the positivist paradigm, a quantitative survey research design was employed to conduct this study. Using IBM-SPSS and AMOS (version 21.0), structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the data, testing hypotheses, and research model. The research findings disclosed that the students used different social media platforms for knowledge sharing. Subjective norms and trust positively influenced students’ knowledge sharing behaviour intention. Facilitation conditions and behaviour intention were found to be key factors in students’ knowledge sharing through social media. Among the factors, student behavioural intention was found to be the most influential factor. However, attitude, perceived reciprocal benefits, and individual creativity did not influence knowledge sharing. Overall, the research model measured significant students’ knowledge sharing over social media platforms. There is a dearth of literature about the factors influencing knowledge sharing over social media from the Pakistani perspective. This study addressed the hitherto under-researched issue and developed a theoretical framework by extending the theory of reasoned action for social media-driven knowledge sharing from the Pakistani distance education students’ perspective.

Influence of Online Gaming on Behavior of Gamers in Pakistan

This study reveals that online video games have emerged as a novel platform for social interaction, wherein numerous gaming options facilitate player’s competition and collective interaction within the virtual realm. Gamers have increasingly begun to form distinct virtual social communities due to the inherent capacity of these games to facilitate social networking in a multiplayer online setting. This phenomenon has given rise to a unique social dynamic among video game enthusiasts. The present study delves into an exploration of the social gaming behaviour exhibited by participants engaged in multiplayer online games. Additionally, it seeks to establish a correlation between virtual and real-world behaviours by examining the relationship between destructive and constructive social behaviours and the dominance and affiliation dimensions of social interaction. Purpose: Online gaming has become a unique phenomenon among the young players with a significant influence on them. The basic objective of this study was to determine the social interaction caused by online gaming among young game players. This study conducted in Pakistani perspective has achieved the objections set to analyze the influence of online gaming and increased level of social interaction. Design/Methodology/Approach: To conduct this investigation, an online survey was administered to individuals who regularly engage in multiplayer gaming activities and dedicate a substantial portion of their daily time to gaming. The study sample consisted of 200 gamers spanning an age range of 16 to 30 years. Findings: The results of this inquiry shed light on the prevalence of pro-social behaviour and anti-social behaviour, characterized by constructive and destructive actions among gamers, respectively. Furthermore, the study reveals that destructive behaviour negatively predicts affiliation, while constructive behaviour has a positive predictive influence on affiliation. Moreover, certain demographic variables, such as age and gender, exert a significant impact on the prediction of dominance within the gaming community. The findings of this study provide substantial support for the notion that virtual social interactions have a notable influence on real-world behaviours, underscoring the interconnectedness between the online gaming environment and broader social dynamics. Implications/Originality/Value: Online gaming has become a common practice not only among young adults but also among the minors. Thus, this phenomenon has reduced physical activities among the youth and even among the school going children. This study may provide an insight into the matter and possible appropriate recommendations as well.

Semiotic Analysis of Gender in Advertisements Displayed in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)

Gender portrayal in advertising is a critical aspect of understanding how societal norms and expectations surrounding gender roles and identity are constructed and reinforced. Many studies have examined the representation of gender in advertising, but little research has been done on outdoor billboard advertising, especially from a Pakistani perspective. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating how gender is portrayed in international, national, and local ads in both the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) provinces, using semiotic analysis as the method of inquiry. A sample of 360 billboards was selected using purposive sampling, and the study was grounded in Ferdinand de Saussure's theory of social semiotics and Charles Sanders Peirce's philosophy of signs. The findings revealed significant differences in the portrayal of gender across different product categories in outdoor advertising, as well as differences between the two provinces. Women were often objectified, and gender stereotypes such as the idea that women should be responsible for household duties, nurturing roles, and male dominance were commonly depicted in both provinces. The study highlights the need for policymakers and industry professionals to establish codes of ethics for gender representation in outdoor billboard advertising in Punjab and KPK.

The Scenario of Human Resources in Public Libraries: A Pakistani Perspective

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the human resources of public libraries in Pakistan. It was observed that LIS professionals administered most libraries; nevertheless, a sizable number of libraries were managed by personnel with no professional background. There needed to be more staff in public libraries, including LIS, IT, and nonprofessional staff. In the information age and global economy, our libraries fall short of preparing the population for the future, let alone the present. The concerned authorities should enhance the library’s workforce; professionals should administer the library to offer better services and IT experts should be hired to solve IT related issues.

Information competency assessment of undergraduates: A Pakistani perspective

Students who possess information competency are better equipped to use the large volumes of data at their disposal and think critically and creatively. This study aims to address the research gap in Pakistani higher education by examining the information competency of undergraduate students at a premier university. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 669 undergraduates, using descriptive and inferential statistics to draw inferences. The study found that students perceived their information competency to be slightly higher than average, with no significant difference based on gender or academic year. The subject domain significantly predicted students’ information competency level, with engineering students expressing higher information competency levels than students from other disciplines. The social sciences group of students reported feeling less information competent compared to the other five groups. The study addresses the literature gap and provides crucial measures for academicians and library practitioners to create effective digital and information literacy programmes for university students.

Importance of Preventive Dental Care During Antenatal Period in Pregnant Women: A Pakistani Perspective

Dental caries and periodontal diseases are amongst the most common non-communicable diseases globally 1. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 3.5 billion individuals suffer from one of the many oral diseases, with an economic burden exceeding a total of $387 in both public and private health sectors2. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60-75% of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis, which is mainly due to already poor oral health and hormonal changes3.

Influence of Online Gaming on Behavior of Gamers in Pakistan

This study reveals that online video games have emerged as a novel platform for social interaction, wherein numerous gaming options facilitate player’s competition and collective interaction within the virtual realm. Gamers have increasingly begun to form distinct virtual social communities due to the inherent capacity of these games to facilitate social networking in a multiplayer online setting. This phenomenon has given rise to a unique social dynamic among video game enthusiasts. The present study delves into an exploration of the social gaming behaviour exhibited by participants engaged in multiplayer online games. Additionally, it seeks to establish a correlation between virtual and real-world behaviours by examining the relationship between destructive and constructive social behaviours and the dominance and affiliation dimensions of social interaction. 
 Purpose: Online gaming has become a unique phenomenon among the young players with a significant influence on them. The basic objective of this study was to determine the social interaction caused by online gaming among young game players. This study conducted in Pakistani perspective has achieved the objections set to analyze the influence of online gaming and increased level of social interaction. 
 Design/Methodology/Approach: To conduct this investigation, an online survey was administered to individuals who regularly engage in multiplayer gaming activities and dedicate a substantial portion of their daily time to gaming. The study sample consisted of 200 gamers spanning an age range of 16 to 30 years.
 Findings: The results of this inquiry shed light on the prevalence of pro-social behaviour and anti-social behaviour, characterized by constructive and destructive actions among gamers, respectively. Furthermore, the study reveals that destructive behaviour negatively predicts affiliation, while constructive behaviour has a positive predictive influence on affiliation. Moreover, certain demographic variables, such as age and gender, exert a significant impact on the prediction of dominance within the gaming community. The findings of this study provide substantial support for the notion that virtual social interactions have a notable influence on real-world behaviours, underscoring the interconnectedness between the online gaming environment and broader social dynamics.
 Implications/Originality/Value: Online gaming has become a common practice not only among young adults but also among the minors. Thus, this phenomenon has reduced physical activities among the youth and even among the school going children. This study may provide an insight into the matter and possible appropriate recommendations as well.

PREDICTION OF TEACHERS’ PERFORMANCE THROUGH LEADERSHIP STYLES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

This article aimed to predict the teachers’ performance through leadership styles in developing countries like Pakistan. For this purpose, the survey approach was used by collecting data from the head of department and teachers hailing from southern region HEIs, KP, Pakistan. Correlation and regression analysis were sued to examine association and cause-&-effect relationships that were validate through results from previous studies from literature. Teachers’ performance was predicted by assessing its association and impact with the transformational and transactional leadership styles. Results offered significant information in reaching conclusion and making decisions. It was concluded that significant association and impacts were found through SPSS. It was decided that leadership styles have significant association and impact on teachers’ performance in the higher educational context in Pakistani perspective. The study suggest that transformational leadership is more effective in predicting performances than transactional leadership style. The results offer significant clues for future researchers to conduct further studies.

Services of Public Libraries in the Age of Technology: A Pakistani Perspective

The research evaluated public libraries in Pakistan concerning their ICT resources, services and use of various ICT tools in service delivery. The research was quantitative and relied on a survey to collect the necessary data. The study’s population was all the public libraries in the country that were run by any department or directorate. A census-based survey was done to get information from the whole population. The data was collected from the heads of the libraries through questionnaire, and then it was analyzed with the help of SPSS version 23. The public libraries were governed by various bodies, and variations were also found in the nomenclature of the libraries’ heads. Most libraries’ heads were LIS professionals; however, many were operated by non-professional employees. Most libraries offered services like circulation, reference, orientation, open shelf and photocopying facilities. It was also identified that most libraries did not offer some common services such as document reservation services, OPAC, indexing and abstracting services, interlibrary loans, SDI and audiovisual services, scanning and CD/DVD writing facilities. Since this is the first study of its kind, its findings could prove useful to the government of Pakistan in improving public library services. In addition, it will fill a gap in the literature and direct researchers to investigate other facets of public libraries.

Donor's ability to comprehend and carefully assess the benefits and risks of donation in living donor liver transplantation: a Pakistani perspective - a short communication.

Patients unlikely to obtain deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) are offered living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) as an alternative. The success of LDLT is bound to the availability of altruistic donors who undergo smooth and safe surgery. Donor morbidity is reported to be up to 20-30%, while donor mortality is only 0.1-0.5%. Globally, LDLT poses numerous ethical concerns regarding living donors, such as autonomy, non-maleficence, and beneficence. The donor's comprehension of information is a serious issue in LDLT. The donors may underestimate the risk of morbidity and mortality, as well as can ignore the long-term psychological consequences. Furthermore, donor voluntariness may be questionable as the donors may agree to donate under severe family pressure or emotional attachment. We propose open communication with all the donors, ensuring that they should not be subjected to any undue pressure or emotional lability. Donor knowledge and understanding of potential complications and the psychosocial aspect can be augmented by good communication. We also suggest that the donors' education and psychological evaluation should be done in a friendly environment with complete privacy. Interventions should be aimed at improving communication and independent decision-making with the use of e-health educational tools for comprehension assessment.

It’s Time to Make Inclusivity and Positive Rehabilitation The Basic Right of Children With Down Syndrome: A Pakistani Perspective

Social inclusion and positive rehabilitation of children with Down syndrome (DS) is the need of the hour in our society; which can be achieved by following the right principles and strategies. The current status regarding this issue at the local level has been analyzed and compared with the global status, and gaps have been identified. The author of this paper has put forward the argument that inclusivity of persons with DS ought to be the norm of this society, and early intervention onset and support mechanism of a comprehensive nature can develop these children into self-supporting independent persons. Priorities and a way forward are suggested through a very comprehensive model for the local setup in Pakistan.

Unpacking Delimitation of Constituencies in Pakistan under Election Laws

This article critically inspects the Election Laws in Pakistan in the context of the Delimitation of Constituencies. To this end, this article unpacks the Pakistani perspective on Delimitation and scrutinizes the principles of delimitations and how it is polluted due to gerrymandering. This article also examines the role of the election commission and highlights the requirement of the census before delimitation.

Modeling the impact of energy poverty on income poverty, health poverty, educational poverty, and environmental poverty: a roadmap towards environmental sustainability.

Energy poverty has gained considerable attention worldwide, adversely affecting income, education, health, and the environment. However, no study has examined the linkages among these dimensions and especially during COVID-19 in the Pakistani perspective. To bridge this research gap, we scrutinized the relationship among these variables to measure the hypotheses. The study analyzed the survey data collected from university students to meet the research objectives. We employed SPSS 26 for statistical description and correlation analysis and AMOS 26 to construct structural equation modeling to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings disclose that COVID-19 pandemic boosts energy poverty in Pakistan. Moreover, energy poverty positively and significantly influences income poverty, health poverty, educational poverty, and environmental poverty. Finally, relevant practical suggestions are provided based on the study findings.

MARITIME DIPLOMACY IN THE INDIAN OCEAN: WAY FORWARD FOR PAKISTAN

The Indian Ocean has gained prominence in the international geopolitical discourse. It is becoming a showground for major competition between the new and existing great powers. Maritime Diplomacy, in this regard, is a valuable instrument for averting conflict. The range of options available are from the cooperative ones to persuasive and coercive selection for the maritime forces. It is helpful not only to those utilizing it but also to academicians who are trying to decipher the more extensive ramifications of the utilization of sea-based strategy. Mahan documented, the most powerful state of the maritime realm is generally also richest and economically prevalent most in the international order. The study uses qualitative method to analyze the existing literature comprising of primary and secondary set of imperatives to provide structured insight that would be useful to policy-makers and academicians. The Pakistani perspective and interplay in the changing geopolitics is assessed in the region termed as “pivotal of the world”.

Impact of Ethical Ideologies on Students' Attitude toward Animals-A Pakistani Perspective.

Idealism and relativism are components of ethical ideologies which have been explored in relation to animal welfare and attitudes, and potential cultural differences. The present study investigated how ethical ideologies influenced attitude toward animals among undergraduate students. With the help of stratified random sampling, 450 participants were selected from both private and public sector universities in Pakistan. Research instruments consisted of a demographic sheet, the Ethics Position Questionnaire (EPQ), the Animal Attitude Scale-10-Item Version (AAS-10), and Animal Issue Scale (AIS). The study hypotheses were explored by employing various statistical analyses like Pearson Product Moment Correlation, independent sample t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression. Results revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between ethical ideologies (idealism and relativism) and attitude toward animals in students. Results further showed that students who consumed meat less frequently scored higher on relativism as compared to those who consumed meat more frequently (however, the effect size was small). It was also found that senior students held more idealistic ideologies as compared to freshman students. Finally, idealism positively predicted concern for animal welfare among students. The current study shed light on how ethical ideologies can shape and influence animal welfare. It further highlighted the potential cultural differences for the study variables by allowing for comparison with other published studies. By understanding these dynamics better, researchers will be better equipped to help students become informed citizens that may also influence future decision-making processes.

Biopsy Proven Renal Morphology Cognizance into its Four-Year Evolving Pattern; A Pakistani Perspective

Objective: To determine the pattern of Biopsy Proven Renal Diseases (BPRD) in a single tertiary care centre in Islamabad, Pakistan.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Nephrology, KRL Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan, from Mar 2016 to Nov 2020.
 Methodology: The archival records of all native renal biopsies performed in adults (>18 years) were retrospectively analyzed.The biopsies were performed according to standard indications and evaluated by light microscopy and immunofluorescence.
 Results: A total of 134 renal biopsies were studied. Among these, 85(61.1 %) were males, and 49(36.5 %) were females. The mean age was 44.70±14.63 years. Primary glomerulonephritis’s were the predominant group of diseases found in 93(69.4%) cases. Membranous nephropathy (MN) was the most common lesion in 52(38.8%), followed by focal segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in 22(16.4%) cases. Chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis (Ch. TIN) 12(9.0%) was the third most common lesion among all biopsies. Other diagnoses included lupus nephritis (LN) 10(7.5%) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) 9(6.7%). One sample one-sided t-test was used to estimate the minimum proportion of occurrence of different biopsies in our concerned population. The estimated minimum proportion of membranous nephropathy (MN) was 0.31, with a p-value of 0.034.
 Conclusion: We concluded that primary Glomerulonephritis (PGN) is the most common renal disease, and membranous nephropathy is the most common biopsy-proven Glomerulopathy in our concerned population.