Punjab Province Research Articles

Evaluation of soil texture classification from orthodox interpolation and machine learning techniques

The current investigation examines the effectiveness of various approaches in predicting the soil texture class (clay, silt, and sand contents) of the Rawalpindi district, Punjab province, Pakistan. The employed techniques included artificial neural networks (ANNs), kriging, co-kriging, and inverse distance weighting (IDW). A total of 44 soil specimens from depths of 10–15 cm were gathered, and then the hydrometer method was adopted to measure their texture. The map of soil grain sets was formulated in the ArcGIS environment, utilizing distinct interpolation approaches. The MATLAB software was used to evaluate soil texture. The gradient fraction, latitude and longitude, elevation, and soil texture fragments of points were proposed to an ANN. Several statistical values, such as correlation coefficient (R), geometric mean error ratios (GMER), and root mean square error (RMSE), were utilized to evaluate the precision of the intended techniques. In assessing grain size and spatial dissemination of clay, silt, and sand, the effectiveness and precision of ANN were superior compared to kriging, co-kriging, and inverse distance weighting. Still, less than a 50% correlation was observed using the ANN. In this examination, the IDW had inferior precision compared to the other approaches. The results demonstrated that the practices produced acceptable results and can be used for future research. Soil texture is among the most central variables that can manipulate agriculture plans. The prepared maps exhibiting the soil texture groups are imperative for crop yield and pastoral scheduling.

Workplace Empowerment and Librarianship: A Perception of Female Employees in Pakistan

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of female employees regarding workplace empowerment. The study also emphasized the alleged advantages of employee empowerment in the workplace and pinpointed the barriers to empowerment. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on qualitative data collected, through the semi-structured interview with female library professionals working in the higher education commission’s recognized universities of Punjab- Pakistan, as a part of doctoral studies. Findings According to the study, respondents most frequently defined “workplace empowerment” as having the freedom to do duties as they see fit. They also emphasized the benefits of workplace empowerment on both the personal and professional levels. Three categories—managerial, organizational, and individual factors—are used to categorize the obstacles cited by the participants. Originality Although there is no study of this kind on the topic of workplace empowerment of female employees in the local context of Pakistan, this work adds significantly to the paucity of literature on the subject. Research limitations This study is extracted from the Ph.D. thesis of the researcher. This study is limited in terms of its population as the data was collected from female library professionals in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Practical/managerial implications and/or social/economic implications The results may aid stakeholders and higher authorities in eradicating workplace empowerment concerns and in formulating evidence-based strategies or policies to enable women to execute their jobs more effectively. This qualitative study adds value to the literature by showing the actual situation of female employee empowerment in a developing country like Pakistan.

Navigating the Shadows of Others' Traumas: An In-Depth Examination of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Psychological Distress among Rescue Professionals.

Rescue workers, who often find themselves on the frontlines of traumatic events, face an increased risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress (STS) and psychological distress (PD). The nature of their work, alongside professional factors, can influence the way these psychological aspects manifest and their level of severity. This study aimed to explore the relationship between STS and PD in rescue workers. Additionally, it sought to understand how factors such as age, years of experience, duration of work, training received and direct exposure to trauma explain significant variations in reporting to STS. To conduct this research, a cross-sectional study design was implemented involving a sample of 80 rescue workers from the Punjab province in Pakistan. Data was collected over eight weeks using the secondary traumatic stress scale (STSS-17) and the general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) as primary assessment tools. Participants' data was analyzed through Pearson correlation analysis, t-tests, and ANOVA. A strong positive correlation between STS and PD among rescue workers was established. Age significantly explains variation in scores, with older workers displaying reduced STS and PD symptoms. Rescue workers working for longer hours reported elevated STS compared to those working shorter shifts. Workers with more extended professional experience showcased lower STS, highlighting the potential resilience acquired over time. The study also underscored the importance of training duration: longer, well-structured training was associated with decreased STS and PD. Interestingly, longer exposure to trauma was found to be related to lower STS scores, albeit this warrants further investigation. This study underscores the intertwined nature of STS and PD among rescue workers and the various modulating factors. The study paves the way for more comprehensive research, expanding geographically and demographically.

Risk Tolerance and Investment Decisions among Credit Beneficiaries

Risk attitude and risk perceptions are two crucial factors that could influence an individual's investment decisions. In developing countries like Pakistan, the whole society experiences different risks; however, financial risk is an essential factor affecting investors' decisions. This study used a dataset of 120 respondents collected through face-to-face interviews from two districts of Punjab province. A logit model is used to assess the impact of various socio-economic and behavioral factors on respondents' decisions to invest the borrowed money in enterprises. The findings revealed that investment in low-risk enterprises and diversification of income were the two main strategies adopted by the survey respondents. The results further revealed that health risk perception has positive while risk tolerance has a negative influence on the decision to invest in low-risk enterprises to mitigate the adverse consequences of risks. The findings also revealed that education and the adoption of diversification of income sources are positively correlated, while the perception of non-repayment and coefficient of location are negatively correlated with the adoption of diversification of income sources. Additionally, the study recommends that the Government should make sustainable and investor-friendly credit policies and educate the general public on how to use credit efficiently.

DECLINE OF PPP IN THE PUNJAB DURING ELECTION 2013 AND 2018, THE ROOT CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCE

This research paper examines the decline of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in the province of Punjab during the general elections of 2013 and 2018. The paper aims to identify the root causes behind the declining popularity of the PPP in Punjab and analyze the consequences of this decline on the party's political standing. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Primary and secondary data sources, including interviews, surveys, and archival records, are used to gather relevant information. The findings shed light on the factors contributing to the PPP's decline, such as internal party dynamics, electoral strategies, socio-political environment, and voter perceptions. Furthermore, the paper discusses the consequences of the decline for the PPP, its role in Punjab's political landscape, and potential implications for the party's future. The study concludes by offering recommendations for the PPP to address the identified root causes and regain electoral support in Punjab.

Evaluation of Behavioral Biases and Investment Decision: An Evidence from Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)

Investors act irrationally while making decisions, according to research in the subject of behavioral finance. The main goal of this study is to assess the behavioral biases that influence the choices made by individual equities investors from Punjab. For investors, agents, and other market participants, this study is useful and aids in making better investment decisions. The study takes into account the private investors who buy common stocks in the Pakistani province of Punjab. The Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) is used to examine the behavioral biases that influence certain common stock investors' choices. The familiarity bias, optimism bias, herding bias, mental accounting bias, loss aversion bias, regret aversion bias, availability bias, anchoring bias, representative bias, and overconfidence bias are the most prevalent behavioral biases taken into account in this study. Mental accounting bias, herding bias, anchoring bias, and representational prejudice were the four factors that had the greatest impact. "I prefer to invest in the well-known companies that have wider media coverage (C101)" was one of the top six sub-criteria. The financial effects of my choices are better than I anticipated (C96). "The financial ramifications of my choices turn out to be immediate" (C95). The company's news (from newspapers, television, and magazines) influences my investment choice (C84). “My investment for purchasing new stock is totally based on information released regarding the stock (C43).” “I have particular skills and experience for decision making (C13).”

HOW TRANSFORMATION LEADERSHIP AFFECT THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT OF SCHOOLS A STUDY OF HIGH SCHOOLS IN PAKISTAN

Transformational leadership has gained significant scholarly and professional attention. The aim of this study was to understand how transformational leadership and working environment of school principals are related. The population of this study were the high school teachers of the province of Punjab, Pakistan. The sample included 401 teachers from different high schools in the district of Lahore. The sample was selected using convenience sampling technique through personal visits. In order to analyze data, SPSS version 26 was utilized. The results revealed that the relationship between the two variables was positively significant and the effect of transformational leadership on working environment of school is significant and positive. This study contributes to the policy making and decision making by allowing principals to understand the significance of transformational leadership model and implementing it effectively in professional development and training.

Melissopalynology Characterization of Pakistani Honey

The aim of the study was to add latest scientific information regarding bee flora through pollen analysis available for honeybees in different districts of Punjab province, Pakistan. A total of 50 honey samples, natural (n=32) and branded (n=18) were collected and examined as per the method recommended by International Honey Commission. Natural honey samples were collected from beekeepers. Pollens of families Poacea (26.5%), Azadirachta spp. (22%), Citrus spp. (17.45%), Pisum spp. (16.41%), Ziziphus spp. (13.99%), Prosopis spp. (13.13%), Brassica spp. (8.57%), Malvacea (8.08%), Syzygium spp. (7.29%), Cassia spp. (6.2%), Acacia spp. (5.17%) and Eucalyptus spp. (4.35%) were common in both branded and fresh honeys. Whereas Morus spp. (8.5%), Moringa spp. (4.46%), Psidium spp. (4.23%), Bombax spp. (1.9%), Mangifera spp. (1.9%) were found in fresh honeys only. Similarly, four different types of Pollens (Melilotus spp. (8.6%), Alfa spp. (6.4%), Benincasa spp. (6.4%) and Halianthus spp. (4.3%)) were detected exclusively in various branded honeys Muqeet (n=4), Sary (n=2), Swat honey, Marhaba (n=3), Youngs (Beehive), Ubqari, Salman (Pak honey) Al-Shifa, Ponam, Langanase and Aftab Qarshi. There was a correlation (r=0.24) between pollens of same taxa and families in branded and fresh honeys. High quality pictures were taken by camera fitted on light microscope.

TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND THEIR CORRESPONDING SCHOOL CLIMATES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED AND NON-QUALIFIED TEACHERS

This research study gives a comparative analysis of professionally qualified and non-qualified teachers (PNQTs) regarding their professional skills and their relevant school climates. The quantitative, causal-comparative design was suitable to determine professional qualification as a cause of varying school climates. The data was collected from 112 teachers (56 PQT and 56 PNQT) and their 224 students from public schools of Punjab province. One observation sheet to measure teachers’ professional skills and one questionnaire on the Likert scale were developed to measure school climates. The observation sheet was derived from National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPSTs) in Pakistan and school climate was based on four domains given by Wang and Degol (2016). These instruments were validated by calculating CVI and reliability was ensured to greater than 0.7 Cronbach Alpha. Descriptive (Mean, SD) and inferential statistics (t-test and correlation) were employed for data analysis. The results revealed PQTs exhibit better skills under seven delimited standards of NPSTs including subject matter knowledge, human growth and development, Islamic and ethical practice, instructional planning, assessment, learning environment, and collaboration in schools than PNQTs. However, diversity has been found in the skills and school climates of PNQTs indicating a varying effect of professional qualification. There is enough empirical evidence that professional education may be a pre-requisite for teachers’ appointments in Punjab School Education Department.

Phenotypic plasticity in rubber bush (Calotropis procera) along altitudinal gradient

Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton is a widely distributed C3 species which is particularly prevalent in the Punjab province of the country (arid/semiarid conditions). This study is the first attempt to explore the adaptive components of this species across the region with a focus on the altitudinal gradient. Plant samples were randomly collected from six different altitudinal ranges, viz., 400, 800, 1200, 1600, 2000 and 2400 m a.s.l. Across the altitudinal gradient, this species exhibits significant variation in its morpho-anatomical and physiological characteristics, enabling it to thrive in various environments. At 400–1200 m altitude, the stomata were large and circular, followed by narrowly elliptic stomata at moderate 1600–2000 m elevation and rhomboidal stomata at high 2400 m elevation. Growth and biomass production were maximum at 400–1200 m along with most of the structural and functional features like proportion of vascular and storage tissues in stems/leaves, nutrients uptake (Na+ and Ca2+), osmolyte production (TAA, TSP, and TSS), and chlorophyll pigments. Xeromorphy was high in plants colonizing at 1600 m elevation, as indicated by the accumulation of beneficial ion (K+), elevated levels of antioxidants (SOD, CAT and POD), increased epidermal and lamina thicknesses, and an enhanced phloem region in the leaf. Leaf and stem succulence was the prominent feature of the species along altitudinal gradients. Growth attributes such as plant height and root fresh weight positively correlated (P < 0.001) with maximum temperature, shoot dry weight, root fresh and dry weight with soil ECe and Na+, while carotenoids content negatively correlated with minimum temperature at P < 0.05. In conclusion, the differential response of C. procera was linked to shifts in environmental factors along this elevation gradient, thus enabling the successful distribution of this species along this altitudinal gradient.

Evaluating the pharmacokinetic parameters of a single dose of oral disintegrating tablets in elderly patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in underprivileged areas such as Pakistan. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia are major risk factors for CVDs and often require medication for effective management. This study aimed to develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to assess the bioavailability of orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) of atenolol and atorvastatin in elderly volunteers with high blood pressure and cholesterol levels by comparing the pharmacokinetic parameters of these ODTs with those of conventional tablet formulations. The study was conducted in Sargodha, Punjab Province, Pakistan, by recruiting 30 male and female elderly volunteers aged 45-65 years and weighing 60-90 kilograms. Each participant was administered a single dose of atenolol (25 mg), atorvastatin (10 mg), or an ODT containing both drugs. Blood samples were collected at specific intervals up to 48 hours postadministration. The concentrations of atenolol, atorvastatin, and the ODTs were measured using HPLC, and various pharmacokinetic parameters, including the area under the curve (AUC), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and elimination half-life (t½), were analyzed. The maximum concentration (Cmax) of 10 mg atorvastatin occurred at 4 hours (9.50 ng/mL), while for 25 mg atenolol, it peaked at 4 hours (150.00 ng/mL). The ODTs showed comparable pharmacokinetic profiles, with the Cmax values for atorvastatin and atenolol at 4 hours being 4.00 ng/mL and 165.00 ng/mL, respectively. The elimination half-life (t½) for the ODTs was 4.62 hours for atorvastatin and 4.95 hours for atenolol. The pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that the AUC and Cmax of the ODTs met the bioequivalence criteria, demonstrating absorption and elimination properties similar to those of conventional tablet formulations. The study concluded that the pharmacokinetic parameters of the ODT formulations atenolol and atorvastatin are comparable to those of conventional tablets. ODTs offer a viable and effective alternative for delivering these medications, particularly for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills, thereby potentially improving patient compliance.

Critical Review and Comparative Analysis of the Government of Punjab’s ‘Policy on Controlling Smog, 2017’ with Counterpart Strategies in London, Beijing and Los Angeles

Lahore, the capital of Punjab, Pakistan, has experienced worsening episodes of smog since the early 2000s. Poor air quality reduces the life expectancy of its population by roughly seven years and results in 128,000 premature annual deaths. According to various emissions inventories, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) frequently exceed World Health Organization (WHO) standards, more than other air pollutants in the city. In 2017, the Government of Punjab developed the ‘Policy on Controlling Smog’ to mitigate the effects of air pollution across Punjab, including Lahore. This paper critically examines the policy. First, it establishes a scientific baseline to describe smog to justify a comparison between Lahore, London, Beijing, and Los Angeles. Second, it establishes a positive correlation between poor air quality and negative public health outcomes. Next, it points out scientific, data and other concerns in Punjab’s smog policy, and then compares it and draws lessons from counterpart policies in the same cities. The paper argues and concludes that while the ‘Policy on Controlling Smog, 2017’ is a useful blueprint to organise efforts in Pakistan’s Punjab province, it is not leveraging lessons from other cities nor is it consistent with the latest scientific research on air quality in general and Lahore in particular. Hence, it is ill-equipped to maximise public health outcomes. JEL Classification Codes: I18

Molecular identification of Fusarium spp causing wilt on Araucaria araucana and its management

Five sampling sites of evergreen conifer Araucaria araucana subjected to decline symptoms were randomly selected across the Punjab province, Pakistan. The declined plants with needle discoloration, chlorosis, drying, and partial to complete shoot wilt symptoms were sampled. The estimated highest disease incidence (DI) and disease severity (DS) was 51.8% and 70%, respectively. The most frequently obtained fungal isolates were identified as Fusarium sp. on a morphological basis and Koch's postulates were fulfilled. Once after the confirmation of the pathogen, one representative isolate was selected and sequenced for accurate identification. The characterized isolate showed 100% similarity with F. solani. Different bio-control agents, Systemic acquired resistance, and antifungal chemicals were integrated to manage the diseases effectively. The fungal antagonists, including Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma harzianum, were evaluated for their antifungal potential. A. niger and T. harzianum showed 71.1% and 55.2% mycelial inhibition, respectively. Among four tested fungicides (Aliette, Topsin M, Tiger, and Amistar), Tiger proved to be the most effective, with 88.8% mycelial suppression over control. For SAR, Salicylic acid (SA) was sprayed @ 1mM, and treated plants showed disease severity of up to 10% compared to fungicide-treated plants. This is 1st comprehensive study on Fusarium solani as the etiological agent of A. araucana and its management from Punjab, Pakistan. Keywords: Evergreen conifer, dioecious, disease assessment, morphogenic, fungal antagonists, antifungal

The genus Neopsittaconirmus (Psocodea: Ischnocera: Philopteridae) from parrots of Pakistan, and evaluation of its distribution on captive parrots (Psittaciformes) around the world

The genus Neopsittaconirmus Conci, 1942 is a host-specific genus, found on both wild and captive parrots and love birds (order Psittaciformes). Two species of this genus: N. lybartota (Ansari, 1947) and N. chandabani (Ansari, 1947) have been previously reported from the Punjab province, Pakistan. We recorded N. lybartota from Psittacula eupatria nipalensis (n = 2), Psittacula krameri borealis (n = 13), and captive Psittacula krameri krameri (n = 4) with the mean intensity of 2.0 ± 1, 2.13 ± 0.35 and 2.25 ± 0.47, respectively; the prevalence of louse infestation was 62% in P. krameri borealis and 100% in P. krameri krameri and P. eupatria nipalensis. From this material, we redescribed its morphological variations in taxonomic features. Records on P. eupatria nipalensis and P. krameri krameri represent new host associations for this species of louse. We also present a new record of Neopsittaconirmus vendulae from a captive cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicua (n = 3) in Pakistan, with mean intensity of 2.6 ± 0.66. Intraspecific variability of this species is described in detail, with special reference to the male and female terminalia, and male genitalia. We aimed to update and extend the fauna of chewing lice infesting birds of Pakistan. Previous records of Neopsittaconirmus on captive parrots around the world are summarized and discussed. Despite long-standing systematic veterinary care, some Neopsittaconirmus have cosmopolitan distribution and they are able to survive and successfully reproduce in captivity with their hosts, and even colonize novel hosts.

From genes to fields: Environmental compatibility of herbicide tolerant transgenic cotton

IntroductionThere are several enticing reasons to use genetic engineering to develop transgenic cotton plants with economically relevant new traits. The use of transgenic cotton to protect crops from biotic stressors like weeds may prove to be a cost-effective solution. ObjectivesThe development of herbicide-resistant cotton variants is the primary motivation for gene transfer in this crop. In the current study, we conducted a battery of experiments on the herbicide-tolerant cotton variety MNH-786 to investigate its expression patterns and environmental adaptation. Material and methodsThe 35S promoter controls the expression of the codon-optimized Cp4-EPSPS gene that is present in this variety. Several different molecular approaches, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Florescent In-Situ Hybridization analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), are used to confirm the presence of transgenic cotton plants. The glyphosate spray assay was performed using molecular analysis, employing a dosage of 2000 ml per acre. The suitability of transgenic and non-transgenic cotton plants in four unique environments—the Multan, Vehari, Bahawalpur, and Faisalabad Districts of Punjab province, Pakistan was assessed using a comparative comparison. A gene x environment interaction (GEI) biplot was used to analyze the correlation between genes and their environments. ResultsTransgenic cotton plants screened using PCR to target 1.467 kb regions showed effective integration into cotton genomes. Results showed that Cp4-EPSPS proteins fluctuated and associated with environmental variables across all three generations (T0, T1, and T2). In the herbicide spray assay, all transgenic cotton plants survived, but non-transgenic cotton and all weeds died. According to the "which-won-where" polygon, transgenic cotton plant Events 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 performed better in three settings, except Faisalabad. According to correlation and heat-map yield research, transgenic cotton variety MNH-786 Events 4, 5 and 6 have a higher consistency and influence in Vehari district's natural habitats. Multan and Bahawalpur also show encouraging results. In Faisalabad, no transgenic events perform well. ConclusionWe conclude that Events 4 and 5 show a substantial abundance of genetic potential that is robust over a wide range of environments thanks to our thorough study of the outcomes obtained under these conditions. SignificanceOur study emphasises the importance of transgenic cotton, its performance, and its exposure to appropriate agroecological zones. This knowledge can be advantageous for farmers in attaining optimal conditions to maximize productivity.

Unlocking the potential of technology usage in fostering education quality and students' satisfaction: a case of Pakistani higher education

PurposeThis research aims to determine the levels of education quality (EQ), technology usage (TU), students' satisfaction (SS) and the impact of EQ on SS. Also, it seeks to find out how TU as a moderator affects EQ and SS in Pakistani private higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachA total of 440 postgraduate students at eleven private universities in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, participated in empirical research and data were obtained through the use of an online questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to choose participants and partial least square structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data.FindingsThe findings revealed that Pakistani private HEIs have a medium level of EQ, TU and SS. Furthermore, the data reveal the existence of a significant positive relationship between EQ and SS, whereas TU as a moderator was found to negatively affect EQ and SS.Research limitations/implicationsPostgraduate students of private HEIs in Pakistan were considered for this investigation and this study was limited to testing only in Punjab province. Another limitation of this study is that it was based on a research framework from previous research and literature. This study employed questionnaire surveys to conduct evaluations of teachers' teaching quality by university students. Furthermore, the questionnaire employed student self-evaluations to assess the quality of teaching. The research data would be more detailed if it were possible to include teachers' self-evaluations of their teaching quality.Practical implicationsThe current study provides key insights for policymakers, higher education commission and HEIs. The results suggest leveraging the identified medium levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in Pakistani private HEIs. In an effort to boost the medium levels, policymakers are encouraged to enhance the teaching and learning experience by robustly integrating Web 4.0 technologies. Institutions can intervene strategically by investing in infrastructure and innovative tools aligned with students' technological needs. Likewise, policymakers and institutions can optimize learning management systems (LMS) by developing and implementing policies that encourage their adoption and optimization across HEIs. This may contribute to the accomplishment of the United Nations' sustainable development goal of providing quality education. Moreover, with the help of this research HEIs can establish minimum quality standards regarding academic teaching and learning materials. Implementing the above-mentioned practical implications might boost student satisfaction in HEIs which would benefit not only students but also the institutions.Originality/valueThe novelty of the article lies in the fact that it addresses the gap in the existing literature by exploring the levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in the context of private higher education in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study investigated whether TU served as a moderator in the relationship between student satisfaction and UNESCO-recommended EQ. This study elaborates on EQ indicators recommended by UNESCO in Pakistan’s private higher education sector.

Diversity of Butterflies (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in Kasur district, Punjab, Pakistan

The purpose of the study was to investigate the butterfly diversity in several areas of Pakistan's Punjab Province's Kasur district. This Study was conducted in April to May, 2023 at different localities like Changa Manga Forest, Rana Resort Forest and Pattoki Nurseries of Kasur district. During this survey, 106 butterfly specimens were gathered manually and with the aid of an insect net. Five distinct species from four different genera and two separate families (Nymphalidae Pieridae) were found in these specimens. This is the first study to explore the butterfly diversity in district Kasur.

ICT For Fostering Potential of ECCE’s Kids at Punjab, Pakistan

The study was designed to determine the ICT as fostering potential factor in ECCE classrooms of Punjab province of Pakistan. The research design was quantitative and the mode of the study was descriptive research by nature. About 300 ECCE teachers from two districts of Punjab Province i.e. Sahiwal and Bahawalpur were selected randomly. A questionnaire was used to get the true picture from the sample of the study. Results revealed that although ECCE teachers have their own laptops / computers, but they are still reluctant in using ICT resources for teaching learning process in their classrooms. Additionally, a majority of ECCE teachers have no sufficient skills to effectively operate ICT tools, and many of them had not received any pre-service training to enhance their ICT competencies. The lack of ICT facilities, quality of internet, prior knowledge and insufficient skills of ICT were the major obstacles in successful integration of ICT at ECCE level. The government should take special initiatives to provide basic ICT infrastructure, allocate special grants and conduct adequate trainings for ECCE teachers.

Production system and challenges of saline aquaculture in Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan

IntroductionLack of data about saline aquaculture in Pakistan has curtailed informed policy and investment decision making resulting in undervaluation of and underinvestment in the sector. Therefore, saline aquaculture in Pakistan is today an underdeveloped sector despite its potential as an alternative livelihood for the country's rural farmers. This study represents one of the initial exploratory investigations into saline aquaculture systems in Pakistan, aiming to comprehend the existing sectoral landscape, production challenges, post-harvest constraints, and the associated capacity and investment needs.MethodsThe study employed purposive sampling to survey 121 low-income saline aquaculture farmers across five districts of Southern Punjab and Sindh provinces. The analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics.ResultsThe results revealed that the saline aquaculture sector is predominantly male-centric, with agricultural land utilized for both agriculture and aquaculture purposes. Ponds, which usually serve multiple functions, focus primarily on carp production, but adherence to good management practices remains limited. Farmers face various challenges, including the high costs of feed and seeds, freshwater scarcity, inadequate technical knowledge, and marketing issues.Discussion and conclusionThis study serves as a foundational assessment, addressing data and information gaps crucial for supporting the sustainable development of saline aquaculture in Pakistan. To facilitate such development, the study recommends initiating programs to strengthen technical skills in saline aquaculture, together with the establishment of hatcheries and breeding stations for saline-tolerant species, aiming to reduce dependence on freshwater species in saline pond environments.

Flood Risk Assessment Based on Hydrodynamic Model—A Case of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor

Under global warming, flooding has become one of the most destructive natural disasters along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which significantly jeopardizes the construction and ongoing stability of the CPEC. The assessment of regional flood potential is, therefore, crucial for effective flood prevention and relief measures. In light of this, our study applied MIKE 11 hydrodynamic model for the Indus River Basin of Pakistan to achieve a comprehensive analysis of the flood-affected locations and depths under typical scenarios. The flood risk zones along the CPEC were evaluated using the indicator system method in conjunction with the combination weighting method. The results show that the hydrodynamic model has a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.86, allowing for the investigation of floods at more precise temporal and spatial scales. Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan Provinces are the main inundation areas under a 100-year flood scenario, with inundation depths ranging from 1 to 4 m. The coastal regions of Sindh and Hafizabad in Punjab witnessed the most severe floods, with maximum inundation depths exceeding 8 m. Flooding predominantly impacts the southeastern region of the CPEC. The medium- to high-risk zones comprise 25.56% of the region, while high-risk areas constitute 4.18%. Particularly, the eastern and southern regions of Punjab, along with the central and southern regions of Sindh, have been pinpointed as high-risk areas, primarily due to their dense population and riverine characteristics. Overall, our findings provide a scientific basis for informed decision making pertaining to disaster reduction and flood prevention.