Pakistan Research Articles

Competitive Textile Exports: A Comparative Study of Pakistan and China in the United States of America Market

The clothing and textile industry is crucial to Pakistan's economy, significantly contributing to GDP and employment. Pakistan, with its strong expertise in cotton manufacturing, faces intense competition from China in the lucrative United States market. This study aims to evaluate Pakistan's textile and clothing exports to the United States and analyze its competitive advantages against China. Utilizing two analytical techniques, the Trade Competitiveness Index and Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), this research assesses Pakistan's positioning in the US market relative to China. Secondary data from authoritative sources such as WITS and UN Comtrade, along with scholarly articles, serve as the basis for the analysis. The study focuses on three key textile divisions (SITC 26, SITC 65, and SITC 84) and examines their impact on US imports. Key findings indicate that while Pakistan has demonstrated growth in textile exports, particularly in textile fabrics (SITC 26) and clothing (SITC 84), it still lags behind China in overall export volume and market share. The RCA analysis reveals that Pakistan possesses a comparative advantage in specific textile categories, though China's market dominance remains unchallenged. The research identifies several challenges for Pakistan, including inefficient resource use, energy supply issues, high production costs, and outdated equipment. However, opportunities for improvement lie in enhancing quality standards, compliance with international trade requirements, and strategic policy enhancements. The study provides actionable recommendations to strengthen Pakistan’s competitiveness, such as modernizing production equipment, optimizing resource use, and exploring new markets. The findings of this study are crucial for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and businesses aiming to strengthen Pakistan's textile exports and navigate the highly competitive global textile landscape.

Unravelling the critical success factors for resilient supply chains – insights from the textile industry of Pakistan

This study focuses on developing a theoretical framework for the Resilient Supply Chain for analysing the various types of resilience and the role-play of different managerial levels in developing them effectively. Data is collected from the textile sector of Pakistan with the aid of semi-structured interviews, which were done with employees from different managerial levels. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to define the importance of the multiple Critical Success Factors (CSFs) which were derived from an extensive literature review. The identified CSFs are categorized into Ecological, Engineering, Evolutionary, and Technological resilience. The weight of each criterion and their cause- effect relationships are determined. The findings reveal that the Use of Modern Technology holds the highest weightage at 24.1%, followed by the Development of Effective SCM Strategy (14.6%) and Reliable Supplier Development (9.6%). Additionally, the study establishes connections between the CSFs and different managerial levels (Tactical, Strategic, and Operational), facilitating employee understanding of their roles in mitigating disruptions and fostering resilient supply chains. Overall, this research offers a comprehensive framework for enhancing Textile Supply Chain resilience, providing practical insights for improving operational performance and addressing industry challenges.

Clinical learning evaluation among undergraduate physical therapy students during rotations in teaching hospitals of Sialkot and Lahore.

To evaluate the clinical learning environment among undergraduate physical therapy students. The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from Januar y 23 to May 25, 2023, after approval from the ethics revie w committe e of Imran Id rees Ins titute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sial kot, Pak istan, an d comprised undergraduate physical therapy students of either gender aged 19-26 years in their 3rd to 5th academic year studying in different institutions in Lahore and Sialkot. Data was collected using the clinical learning evaluation questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 295 students, 269(91.2%) were females and 26(8.8%) were males. The overall mean age was 22.03±1.14 years. There were 210(71.2%) stude nts enrol led in the semester system , w hile 85(28.8%) we re part of the an nual system. The overall mean score was 71.05±10.20. Super vision (76.02±11.80) and motivation (80.21±11.71) were the most satisfying part of clinical learning identified by the students. The clinical learning environment demonstrated high satisfac tion levels in supervision and motivation domains, while im provements were nee ded in the areas of cas es, authenticity and organisation of doctor-patient encounters.

Drivers for and barriers to circular economy transition in the textile industry: A developing economy perspective

AbstractIncreasingly, pressing sustainability issues including the rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission rates, climate change‐related vulnerabilities, and natural resource depletion have propelled companies to transition from a linear economy to a circular economy (CE). While circular business models are gaining currency in the manufacturing sector, empirical research on CE transition in the continuous process industry in developing economies is scarce. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to investigate the drivers and barriers of CE adoption in the textile industry of Pakistan. To this end, we utilized a qualitative methodology, and a total of 22 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with consultants and senior corporate managers working in the textile sector. Building on the natural resource‐based view (NRBV) and institutional theory, the findings revealed various internal drivers (resource efficiency‐related, organization‐related, and research and innovation‐related factors) and external drivers (market, regulatory, and societal factors) for CE transition. Additionally, the findings demonstrated internal barriers including behavioral, technical, and economic issues, and external issues such as customer and brand‐related barriers, regulatory and policy‐related barriers, as well as supply chain‐related barriers hindering the adoption of CE. We argue that it is one of the early studies to utilize the NRBV and institutional theory to examine the drivers and barriers and provide novel insights into the CE transition in the textile process industry in a developing economy. The findings can assist academics, consultants, practitioners, and policymakers to understand and promote CE as a sustainable strategy in the textile process industry.

Print, Publish, Punish: The Qur’an and the Law from Colonial India to Contemporary Pakistan

Abstract This paper contributes a legal and a South Asian perspective to the emerging scholarship on the materiality of the Qur’an, exploring and analysing the development of the laws and regulations that protect the Qur’an as a sacred object against the risk desecration, defilement as well as heretical translations and interpretations. Starting with the enactment of Indian Penal Code, 1860 in colonial India and ending with amendments to the Punjab Holy Quran (Printing and Recording) Act, 2011 in 2022, this paper identifies multiple layers of statutes and regulations that accompany the life-cycle of the Qur’an from ‘cradle to grave’. In analysing the legal developments that have fused the object and the text of the Qurʾan into a legal entity that demands particular interpretations of Islam, this paper identifies an Islamic state doctrine that asks and expects the Pakistani state to protect and promote Islamic law and religion in an increasing number of contexts and occasions, the protection of the Qurʾan being only one of them.

Access to mifepristone, misoprostol, and contraceptive medicines in eight countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: descriptive analyses of country-level assessments

BackgroundDespite their importance in reducing maternal mortality, information on access to Mifepristone, Misoprostol, and contraceptive medicines in the Eastern Mediterranean Region is limited.MethodsA standardized assessment tool measuring access to Mifepristone, Misoprostol, and contraceptive medicines included in the WHO essential medicines list (EML) was implemented in eight countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Pakistan, and Somalia) between 2020–2021. The assessment focused on five access measures: 1) the inclusion of medicines in national family planning guidelines; 2) inclusion of medicines in comprehensive abortion care guidelines; 3) inclusion of medicines on national essential medicines lists; 4) medicines registration; and 5) procurement and forecasting of Mifepristone, Misoprostol, and contraceptive medicines. A descriptive analysis of findings from these eight national assessments was conducted.ResultsOnly Lebanon and Pakistan included all 12 contraceptives that are enlisted in the WHO-EML within their national family planning guidelines. Only Afghanistan and Lebanon included mifepristone and mifepristone-misoprostol combination in post-abortion care guidelines, but these medicines were not included in their national EMLs. Libya and Somalia lacked a national regulatory authority for medicines registration. Most contraceptives included on the national EMLs for Lebanon, Morocco and Pakistan were registered. Misoprostol was included on the EMLs—and registered—in six countries (Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Pakistan). However, only three countries procured misoprostol (Iraq, Morocco, and Somalia).ConclusionThese findings can guide efforts aimed at improving the availability of Mifepristone, Misoprostol, and contraceptive medicines in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Opportunities include expanding national EMLs to include more options for Mifepristone, Misoprostol, and contraceptive medicines and strengthening the registration and procurement systems to ensure these medicines’ availability were permitted under national law and where culturally acceptable.

Development and Promotion Countermeasures for Export Growth of Pakistan Textile Products

Pakistan's textile industry is vital to GDP, employment, and exports. Pakistan is strategically located in the global textiles and apparel market due to its large production and export capabilities. This sector struggles with inconsistent product quality, market barriers, high global standards, and protectionist trade policies in wealthy nations. Addressing these issues is essential for industry growth and global competitiveness. This study identifies these challenges and proposes strategic solutions to improve export performance and global competitiveness to boost Pakistan's textile sector's economic stability and growth. A thorough mixed-methods strategy integrating qualitative and quantitative research methodologies was employed in the study. By conducting surveys by websites and literature reviews related to the industry, we were able to gather primary data. We also used secondary sources such as government reports, trade journals, and trade organizations to compile our data. We used quantitative analyses in our study to determine how spending on R&D, technology upgrades, and quality control affected export performance. We looked at energy consumption, production, waste management, and export amounts in various industries of Pakistan. Improving export performance and meeting international standards requires investments in quality control, technology upgrades, and research and development, according to the study. It also lists the obstacles to entering certain markets and suggests ways to overcome them, such as through government assistance, sustainable practices, and vocational education and training. If Pakistan's textile industry follows these suggestions, it will become more competitive internationally.

Drivers and Barriers to Circular Economy Implementation: An Explorative Study in Pakistan’s Textile Industry

Currently, the Circular economy has gained significant attention from practitioners, academia and researchers during the last decade due to its potential environmental and social benefits. However, in the past meager attention was given to finding out the drivers and barriers to CE adoption in emerging economies including Pakistan. Consequently, this research work aims to explore the drivers and barriers to the implementation of CE initiatives in Pakistan’s textile sector. The explorative research method was used to identify key drivers and barriers at the micro-level implementation of CE within the textile Industry of Pakistan. The research design for this study includes quantitative methods. The self-administered survey questionnaire was used to gather the data. Study results show that “available technology” (34 per cent), “awareness” (19 percent) and “compliance with regulations and stakeholder pressure” (15 percent) and intellectual capital within the organization (7 percent) are the five top drivers. Likewise, “financial investment” (30 percent), “technical and technological capacity” (24 percent) “national and organizational policies” (17 percent) and “product quality” (16 percent) are the four top obstacles in the operation of CE initiative in textile sector of Pakistan. The study focuses only on Pakistani textile industries and therefore, proper indications are purely restricted to developing Asian countries. Existing work is the first in its type which has explored the key drivers and barriers in the implementation of CE initiatives at the concern stage within the textile industry in Pakistan. Accordingly, it will help to increase an understanding of the subject matter as well as enable to devise effective business policies by the practitioners for up-scaling CE.

Dengue Virus Serotype 1 Effects on Mosquito Survival Differ among Geographically Distinct Aedes aegypti Populations.

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is distributed worldwide and is recognized as the primary vector for dengue in numerous countries. To investigate whether the fitness cost of a single DENV-1 isolate varies among populations, we selected four Ae. aegypti populations from distinct localities: Australia (AUS), Brazil (BRA), Pakistan (PAK), and Peru (PER). Utilizing simple methodologies, we concurrently assessed survival rates and fecundity. Overall, DENV-1 infection led to a significant decrease in mosquito survival rates, with the exception of the PER population. Furthermore, infected Ae. aegypti from PAK, the population with the lowest infection rate among those tested, exhibited a noteworthy reduction in egg laying. These findings collectively suggest that local mosquito-virus adaptations may influence dengue transmission in endemic settings.

Extending the formal state: the case of Pakistan's Frontier Crimes Regulation

AbstractWhy do modern states allow parts of their territory to be governed by non‐state actors? We study this question using the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) in Pakistan, a British Colonial law abrogated only in 2018, which left governance to pre‐colonial tribal councils in large parts of modern day Pakistan. In areas where the FCR did not apply, the British and then Pakistani state built modern political and bureaucratic institutions. Using primary legal documents, we build a dataset of when and where the FCR applied between 1901 and 2012. The territorial extent of the formal state is both cleanly demarcated by this law and varies substantially over time, permitting an empirical examination of the determinants of state control. The data reveal that the Green Revolution's potential to transform agriculture played a major role in extending the formal state. The law was repealed first from areas where agricultural productivity benefited the most from the Green Revolution. This is consistent with a model in which technological changes that shift the returns to control influence where states choose to govern.

Black soldier fly larvae feed suitability for chicken and prospects for economic valuation and viability aspects

Abstract Utilization of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) emerges as a promising avenue for organic waste recycling and production of protein rich biomass. The current study explored the suitability of BSFL protein feed for chicken and economic facets associated with BSFL rearing facilities, encompassing costs of goods sold (COGs), operating expenditure (OpExp), and capital costs (CapExp). Research revealed that incorporation of BSFL feed for chicken did not exert discernible influences on overall meat quality. However, the amino acid content variation of chicken meat particularly concerning polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), are correlated with the fatty acid composition of the BSFL feed, showed substrate-specific characteristics. The recommended BSFL dosage ranges up to 13% (defatted larvae), 12% (partially defatted BSFL), 14% (dried larvae), and 48% (for whole larvae), which did not affect the chicken body weight and physiological traits, except for the fatty acids profile. However, complete substitution at 100% proved detrimental to body weight. The establishment of a BSFL rearing facility is deemed economically viable, considering large production scales and supply chain development in collaboration with waste material managers. Such collaboration is envisioned to curtail substantial portions of expenses, primarily attributed to transport and labor costs, which constitute 60-70% of the financial outlay in the developing countries context. Based on the operational, capital, and marketing expenditures, the cost for BSFL rearing setup in Asian countries (Pakistan) ranged from US $50,762 to US $100,000, while the estimated profit was US $10,762 to US $51,121. These figures may vary based on cost per product, net price and profit per product, number of products sold, and market share and growth traction facets.

How personality factors, coping with identity-stress, and parental rearing styles contribute to the expression of somatic complaints in emerging adults in seven countries.

Somatic complaints are frequently named by emerging adults in many countries, but psychological factors contributing to the high level of these often medically unexplained symptoms have received little attention. This study examines the influence of shared risk factors on somatic complaints in a culturally diverse sample. In a cross-cultural survey study of 2,113 emerging adults (mean age = 22.0 yrs.; SD = 2.04) from seven countries (France, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Peru, Pakistan, and Poland) personality variables, parental rearing styles, coping abilities as well as identity-related stress were assessed. In a second step we successively entered these variables in hierarchical linear mixed models, controlling for country and gender effects and their respective interaction, in order to determine their impact on the level of somatic complaints across countries. All these dimensions varied extensively between all countries, with females reporting higher levels of somatic complaints than men in several countries. Despite this variation, our findings demonstrate a general and stable influence of neuroticism, openness, parental rearing styles, coping abilities and identity-related stress on somatic complaints across countries. Findings support the use of a general intervention model that includes appropriate coping strategies for emotion regulation, but also encourages support seeking for age-specific problems in dealing with identity stress during the transition to adulthood. In addition, this intervention model should be adjusted for a specific culture and gender.

Measurement of Adverse Events in Studies of Digital Health Interventions for Psychosis: Guidance and Recommendations Based on a Literature Search and Framework Analysis of Standard Operating Procedures.

Given the rapid expansion of research into digital health interventions (DHIs) for severe mental illness (SMI; eg, schizophrenia and other psychosis diagnoses), there is an emergent need for clear safety measures. Currently, measurement and reporting of adverse events (AEs) are inconsistent across studies. Therefore, an international network, iCharts, was assembled to systematically identify and refine a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for AE reporting in DHI studies for SMI. The iCharts network comprised experts on DHIs for SMI from seven countries (United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Pakistan, Australia, United States, and China) and various professional backgrounds. Following a literature search, SOPs of AEs were obtained from authors of relevant studies, and from grey literature. A thorough framework analysis of SOPs (n = 32) identified commonalities for best practice for certain domains, along with significant gaps in others; particularly around the classification of AEs during trials, and the provision of training/supervision for research staff in measuring and reporting AEs. Several areas which could lead to the observed inconsistencies in AE reporting and handling were also identified. The iCharts network developed best-practice guidelines and a practical resource for AE monitoring in DHI studies for psychosis, based on a systematic process which identified common features and evidence gaps. This work contributes to international efforts to standardize AE measurement and reporting in this emerging field, ensuring that safety aspects of DHIs for SMI are well-studied across the translational pathway, with monitoring systems set-up from the outset to support safe implementation in healthcare systems.

Tran slation , cultural adap tation an d psycho metric anal ysis of U rd u ver sion of Vic torian; institu te of sp or ts ass es sme nt: Achill es quest i onnaire fo r athletes with achilles tendinopathy.

To translate, culturally adapt and psychometrically analyse the Urdu version of the Victorian Institute of Spor t Assessment-Achilles questionnaire. The cross-sec tional study was conducted at the Pak istan Sports Board, Lahore, Pakistan, from June 17, 2021, to February 15, 2022, and comprised patients with Achilles tendinopathy in group A and healthy controls in group B. Beaton's guidelines for cultural adaptation and validation for self-repor ted measures were followed to translate and validate the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire in Urdu language. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 180 subjects with mean age 28.06±5.95 years, 125(69.6%) were males. There were 130(72.2%) patients in group A and 50(27.8%) controls in group B. The overall mean score of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment- Achille s questionnaire was 55.99±25.43; group A 41.14±9.54 and group B 94.60±4.22. The Urdu version exhibited excellent internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha values 0.95, and excellent test-retest reliability (p<0.001). Absolute reliability was expressed by standard error of measurement 5.317 and minimal detectable change (6.38). Convergent validity demonstrated strong correlation with the physical domain (r=0.81) of the Urdu version of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Brief Version. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire could be utilised for assessing severity of Achilles tendinopathy among Urdu-speaking population for clinical as well as research purposes.

Impact Of Corporate Governance Mechanism On Capital Structure Decision On Non-Financial Sectors Of Emerging Countries

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Corporate Governance Dynamic on Leverage on non-financial sectors of emerging countries (Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh ) during the study period of 2014 to 2023. The nature of the study is quantitative and secondary therefore data has been extracted from the respective websites of the companies and stock exchange from the pharmaceutical, cement, and food industries. Moreover, the Random effect model was used to on the bases of diagnostic test to identify the cause and effect. The findings of the study reveal that director remuneration, and board education in Pakistan showed positive and significant effects but Board size, board experience showed significant and negative effects on the capital structure decision. While board diversity, firm size found an insignificant association with leverage in Pakistan. For firm size showed an insignificant effect but board size, direct remuneration, and board education showed a negative and significant effect on leverage while board experience, board diversity was a positive and significant effect on leverage. Moreover, in India, board experience, board diversity, and board education was a significant but negative effect on leverage but board size, direct remuneration, firm size showed a positive and significant effect on the leverage of non-financial firms.

Rare earth elements in rice samples in Australian market from different origins

Rare earth elements, also known as lanthanides, are comprised of seventeen elements including lanthanum (La) to lutetium (Lu) in the periodic table(1). Despite their increased utilisation, little attention is given to them as emerging environmental contaminants and their associated health risks. The concentration of these elements in urban and agronomic soil is critical and may trigger bioaccumulation in plants and may enter the food chain. Also, the consumption of fertilizers in agricultural practices on a larger scale is a significant challenge. The REEs enriched fertilizers are a risk factor for contamination in soil and food(2). However, there is very limited data in the literature regarding the occurrence of these elements in a staple food such as rice. Thus, this study is aimed at quantification of REEs in 64 rice samples imported from different countries (Australia, India, Italy, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, including polished, brown, and parboiled) and sourced locally and consumed by the Australian population by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average concentration of REEs in Australian, Thailand and Vietnamese rice samples were quantified at 0.013- 2.974 µg/kg, 0.012-3.113 µg/kg, 0.009-0.919 µg/kg, respectively and were lower than other countries. The highest average concentrations of REEs were found in Pakistan (0.299-128.2 µg/kg), India (0.063-20.574 µg/kg), and Sri Lankan (0.022-11.522 µg/kg) rice samples imported to Australia. Scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y) were found in the range of 107.463- 85.961 µg/kg. The pattern of light REEs (LREE) was more abundant than heavy REEs (HREE). This study did not include field experiments to find the translocation factors of REEs from soil to different parts of plant bodies, thus cannot establish the correlation between fertilizers and REEs concentration in rice grains. However, this study presented the general interpretation of REEs quantification in rice grains from different countries. The outcome of this study includes filling the subsequent knowledge gaps in analysing REEs in rice. This study also indicated the need to establish regulatory policies and monitoring programs for this type of staple cereals, aiming at promoting public health.

Exploring Labor Rights Violations in Pakistan's Textile Industry The Impact of Hiring Contract Workers

Exploring Labor Rights Violations in Pakistan's Textile Industry The Impact of Hiring Contract Workers

Capital Structure Determinants in Pakistan's Textile Industry Unravelling the Pecking Order vs. Trade-Off Debate

Capital Structure Determinants in Pakistan's Textile Industry Unravelling the Pecking Order vs. Trade-Off Debate

How natural resources and technological advancements affect environmental quality: Evidence from load capacity factor in N‐11 nations

AbstractThe pressing issues of global climate change and environmental degradation necessitate the development of novel sustainable growth models by humanity. The efficacy of growth policy is strongly contingent upon the fundamental principles of productivity, such as efficient resource management. This study contributes to the investigation of the influence of natural resources (NRs) and several indices measuring productive capacity index (CI) on the environment of developing N‐11 countries (Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Korea, Pakistan, Turkey, and Vietnam) during 2000–2022. The research employed the cross‐sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS‐ARDL) model to examine the relationship between the variables. The empirical evidence indicates that there is a positive relationship between CI, technical innovation (TEC), NR, and gross domestic product (GDP) with the load capacity factor (LCF). Evidently, the sub‐indicators of CI present diverse results. The enhancement of productive CI in human capital, information, and communication technology (ICT), structural change, and governance has been found to foster ecological sustainability. Conversely, the domains of transport, private sector development, and energy utilization have been observed to contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution. This study posits that enhancing operational efficiencies and productive CI is associated with improved ecological outcomes.

Unraveling the effects of COVID-19 on the textile industry in South Asia region: a comparative study of major players

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruptions to global industries, with the textile sector in South Asia being particularly hard hit. While previous studies have focused on the performance of textile sectors in individual countries, there is a gap in the literature on the comparative impact of the pandemic on the textile industry in South Asian nations. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the performance of the textile sector in South Asian countries and identifying best practices for overcoming the pandemic’s adverse effects.Design/methodology/approachUsing a comparative approach, this study analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of the textile sector in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.FindingsOur findings reveal that COVID-19 significantly negatively impacts the textile industry in Pakistan and India. However, Bangladesh has shown effective practices to support the textile industry and mitigate the pandemic’s adverse effects.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study hold considerable implications for legislators, leaders, investors and supply chain management professionals operating within the South Asian textile sector. This research has the potential to inform policymakers in formulating strategies to facilitate the textile sector’s resilience during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis paper provides significant theoretical additions to the current body of literature regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the textile sector in South Asia. The research uses the global value chain (GVC) theory as a theoretical framework to enhance understanding of the impact of global supply chains and interdependencies on the textile sector in the region.