The Research Nexus
type: channel
description: The Research Nexus, (ISSN Online: 3106-7867; ISSN Print: 3106-7859), is a multidisciplinary, open-access, quarterly, double-blind peer-reviewed publication. The Journal undertakes to complete the double-blind peer-review process within one (01) month of submission and to duly notify the author(s) of the decision. The Editorial Board, while maintaining academic rigor and integrity, endeavors to provide timely and constructive feedback within the stipulated period, thereby ensuring an efficient and transparent publication process. The Journal is published under the auspices of the Factum Research Institute (SMC-Private) Limited, a legal entity duly incorporated and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under Registration # 0310960
publisher: Factum Research Institute (SMC-Private) Limited
language: en
publication name: The Research Nexus
items: ASSESSING THE KARAKORAM ANOMALY AND ITS IMPACT ON WATER SUPPLY IN PAKISTAN
items: AFGHANISTAN AND IRAN: DYNAMICS AND CHALLENGES IN BILATERAL RELATIONS
items: PRESERVING PUNJABI EMBROIDERY IN THE GLOBAL FASHION MARKETPLACE: ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
items: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF HATE SPEECH REGULATION UNDER PAKISTAN’S CYBER LAW
items: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF VENTURE CAPITAL CERTIFICATION AND FINANCIAL STABILITY IN CHINA’S IPO MARKET
items: ANTENATAL CARE UTILIZATION AMONG URBAN SLUM COMMUNITIES IN PUNJAB: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC INSIGHT
items: AI INTEGRATION INTO TEACHING: CURRENT SYSTEM PREPAREDNESS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
items: DEEP-FAKE DETECTION USING HYBRID NEURAL NETWORK ARCHITECTURES
items: THE ROLE OF SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICES AND CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT IN ENHANCING FIRM PERFORMANCE: A STRATEGIC BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
items: ADVANCING COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICAL MODELING: INTEGRATING QUANTUM COMPUTING AND AI-DRIVEN OPTIMIZATION FOR COMPLEX SYSTEM SIMULATIONS
items: UNIQUE” MISOGYNISTIC FACEBOOK RESPONSES OF PAKISTANI WOMEN TO THE DRAMA SERIAL KABHI MAI KABHI TUM
items: THE ROLE OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN ENHANCING TEACHERS' SELF-EFFICACY AND TEACHING PERFORMANCE IN PAKISTANI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
items: FACTORIAL VALIDATION OF SATISFACTION WITH HEC DATABASES: EVIDENCE FROM A PAKISTANI UNIVERSITY
items: EVALUATING VALUE FOR MONEY (VFM) IN FISH FARMING: A CASE STUDY OF MANSEHRA DISTRICT, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN
items: BIOMASS-DERIVED CARBON ELECTRO-CATALYSTS FOR SUSTAINABLE OXYGEN, WATER, AND CO₂ CONVERSION
items: EFFECT OF PLANT EXTRACTS ON PEST POPULATION AND YIELD OF BITTER GOURD (MOMORDICA CHARANTIA) IN MARDAN
items: TECHNOCRATIC OPTIMISM VS. MORAL IMPERATIVE: MAPPING GLOBAL ACADEMIC DISCOURSE ON CLIMATE JUSTICE
items: ENHANCING ASH GOURD GROWTH AND YIELD WITH GA₃ AND BORON APPLICATION
items: INVESTIGATING THE KARAKORAM ANOMALY AND ITS IMPACT ON PAKISTAN’S WATER SUPPLY
items: ISLAMIC EMIRATES OF AFGHANISTAN AND IRAN: RELATIONS AND CHALLENGES
items: CRITICAL EVALUATION OF HATE SPEECH REGULATION UNDER PAKISTAN’S CYBER LAW
items: JUSTICE, TRANSPARENCY, AND CARBON REDUCTION: A GLOBAL MEDIATION PERSPECTIVE

ASSESSING THE KARAKORAM ANOMALY AND ITS IMPACT ON WATER SUPPLY IN PAKISTAN
type: item
description: The Karakoram Anomaly refers to the phenomenon where many glaciers in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range have remained stable or even advanced over recent decades, in contrast to the global trend of glacier retreat driven by climate change. This study examines the climatic, topographic, and glaciological factors influencing Pakistan’s water resources. Employing a qualitative, integrative methodology, the research combines literature review, analysis of climate and hydrological data, remote sensing imagery, and field observations conducted in Gilgit-Baltistan during 2022–2023. Findings indicate that enhanced winter precipitation from westerly disturbances, stable to cooler summer temperatures, extensive debris cover, and high-altitude microclimatic protection contribute positively to glacier mass balance. Analysis of river discharge records, complemented by stakeholder interviews, demonstrates that the Karakoram Anomaly underpins consistent water flows into the Indus Basin, supporting irrigation, hydropower, and domestic water supply. However, this stability is fragile: slight increases in temperature or precipitation could accelerate melt, alter river regimes, and heighten the risk of floods or water shortages during dry seasons. The study highlights the region’s climate-buffering capacities and associated climate-change vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for enhanced glacier monitoring, adaptive water management, and integrated resilience planning to safeguard Pakistan’s water security.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Karakoram Anomaly
  topic: keywords
subject: Deltas
  topic: keywords
subject: climatic change
  topic: keywords
subject: semi-arid regions
  topic: keywords
subject: Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalaya (HKH)
  topic: keywords
subject: water-supply
  topic: keywords
creator: Muskan Abbasi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-09-30
publication date: 2025-09-30
starting page: 59
ending page: 73

AFGHANISTAN AND IRAN: DYNAMICS AND CHALLENGES IN BILATERAL RELATIONS
type: item
description: This study analyzes the bilateral relationship between Taliban-led Afghanistan and Iran since 2021. In the context of shifting regional and global dynamics, particularly Iran’s security concerns and Afghanistan’s international isolation, both countries have adopted pragmatic and cooperative approaches to promote a stable and mutually beneficial neighborhood. The research focuses on key areas of engagement, including cross-border security and migration, water resource management, trade, and the Taliban’s efforts toward international recognition. Diplomatic interactions between Tehran and Kabul are also examined to provide a comprehensive understanding of their evolving relationship. The study relies on both primary and secondary sources. Secondary sources encompass academic research, expert analyses, news reports, and policy reviews, while primary sources include official documents, press releases, and diplomatic communications. Particular attention is given to public statements, speeches, and interviews of government officials from both countries, offering insights into their strategic priorities. Utilizing a constructivist-realist analytical framework, the study finds that while Iran and Afghanistan have achieved notable cooperation in several domains, persistent challenges remain. These include ideological divergences, disputes over water allocation, and Iran’s management of Afghan refugees, which may impede future collaboration and destabilize bilateral relations.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Afghanistan-Iran Relations
  topic: keywords
subject: Taliban
  topic: keywords
subject: Bilateral Cooperation
  topic: keywords
subject: Regional Security
  topic: keywords
subject: Water Disputes
  topic: keywords
subject: Afghan Refugees
  topic: keywords
subject: Trade Relations
  topic: keywords
subject: Constructivist-Realist Analysis
  topic: keywords
creator: Shah Faisal
creator: Mena Khan
creator: Arham Khan
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-09-30
publication date: 2025-09-30
starting page: 40
ending page: 58

PRESERVING PUNJABI EMBROIDERY IN THE GLOBAL FASHION MARKETPLACE: ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
type: item
description: The rapid growth of the fast fashion industry poses a significant threat to Punjab, Pakistan’s centuries-old cultural heritage, particularly its traditional needlework, including Phulkari, Kasuti, and Aari stitching. This study investigates the challenges faced by Punjabi needlework artisans in global markets, highlighting the tension between mass-produced, low-cost fashion and labor-intensive, culturally rich slow-stitch traditions. Employing a mixed-methods approach—incorporating case studies, literature reviews, and interviews with craftsmen—the research explores the socioeconomic and cultural barriers that limit the global competitiveness of Punjab’s hand-embroidered textiles. Key findings reveal that the dominance of fast fashion has led to cultural appropriation of traditional designs, declining demand, and exploitation of artisans. Limited regulatory support and restricted market access further marginalize rural artisan communities. However, opportunities exist through online marketplaces, ethical fashion initiatives, and policies designed to preserve cultural heritage and ensure fair compensation. The study offers practical strategies to bridge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary market demands, contributing to sustainable fashion, cultural preservation, and artisan empowerment. It underscores the importance of collaboration among governments, NGOs, and international buyers in safeguarding Punjab’s needlework legacy.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Punjabi Embroidery
  topic: keywords
subject: Fast Fashion
  topic: keywords
subject: Slow-Stitch Tradition
  topic: keywords
subject: Artisan Empowerment
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainable Fashion
  topic: keywords
subject: Cultural Heritage
  topic: keywords
subject: Handcrafted Textiles
  topic: keywords
subject: Pakistan
  topic: keywords
creator: Aqsa Asad
creator: Sehrish Abbas
creator: Iram Adnan
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-09-30
publication date: 2025-09-30
starting page: 32
ending page: 39

A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF HATE SPEECH REGULATION UNDER PAKISTAN’S CYBER LAW
type: item
description: This paper examines Pakistan’s legal framework governing cyber law within the context of both the Constitution and ordinary legislation. It explores the scope and applicability of various laws pertaining to cyber regulation and considers Pakistan’s obligations to prevent hate speech under its international legal commitments. The study provides a detailed analysis of the concept of hate speech and critically evaluates the relevant legal provisions, assessing their alignment with constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech. Landmark judicial decisions addressing hate speech are also scrutinized to highlight legal interpretations and enforcement practices. Key findings indicate that Pakistan’s cyber law is integrated within both constitutional and ordinary legal frameworks, with each set of laws possessing distinct scope and applicability. Hate speech is identified as expressions of animosity directed at specific groups for particular reasons, including interfaith, sectarian, racial, anti-Islamic, or anti-state sentiments. The laws addressing hate speech are generally consistent with constitutional protections of free speech. Notably, even prior to the enactment of specific hate speech legislation, the Supreme Court of Pakistan established guidelines for its prevention in landmark rulings. The study adopts a doctrinal methodology to analyze and interpret these legal instruments.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Cyber Law
  topic: keywords
subject: Cybersecurity
  topic: keywords
subject: Freedom of Expression
  topic: keywords
subject: Hate Speech Constitutional Rights (Article 19
  topic: keywords
creator: Saleem Ahmad
creator: Fahim Islam
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-09-30
publication date: 2025-09-30
starting page: 22
ending page: 31

AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF VENTURE CAPITAL CERTIFICATION AND FINANCIAL STABILITY IN CHINA’S IPO MARKET
type: item
description: his study examines the certifying role of venture capital (VC) in reducing financial distress and lowering the cost of capital for Chinese initial public offerings (IPOs). Using a dataset of 1,683 non-financial firms that went public between 2006 and 2016, the analysis reveals that VC-backed firms experience significantly lower financial distress and benefit from more favorable financing conditions compared to non-VC-backed firms. To address potential endogeneity, the study employs propensity score matching, confirming that VCs play a critical role in selecting firms with strong growth prospects, characterized by reduced financial risk and improved cost efficiency. Furthermore, firms supported by reputable VCs exhibit markedly lower financial distress and achieve greater reductions in financing costs. The findings also suggest that independent private venture capital firms exert a particularly strong influence in mitigating financial costs for IPO firms. Overall, the results highlight the dual impact of VC backing: alleviating financial distress while providing a certification effect that substantially reduces the cost of capital for supported firms.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Venture Capital
  topic: keywords
subject: IPOS
  topic: keywords
subject: Distress
  topic: keywords
subject: Propensity Score Matching (PSM)
  topic: keywords
creator: Rida Yaseen
creator: Shuzin Xing
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-09-30
publication date: 2025-09-30
starting page: 1
ending page: 21

ANTENATAL CARE UTILIZATION AMONG URBAN SLUM COMMUNITIES IN PUNJAB: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC INSIGHT
type: item
description: Background: Pakistan accounts for 7% of global neonatal deaths, with only 28% of women accessing four or more antenatal care (ANC) visits and stark disparities in skilled birth attendance between rich (77%) and poor (16%) populations. Objective: This ethnographic study explores perceptions of ANC among disadvantaged urban slum residents in Shamspura Colony, Lahore. Method: Using non-participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentary review, data were collected over four months and analyzed thematically. Results: Most women (63%) do not view ANC as beneficial, and only 41% of husbands are supportive. While 83% prefer institutional deliveries, knowledge about ANC is limited: only 29% are fully aware of its benefits. Decision-making is largely influenced by husbands (43%) and mothers-in-law (31%), with just 3% of women making independent healthcare decisions. Conclusion: Limited awareness, restricted mobility, cultural norms, and financial barriers contribute to low ANC utilization. Enhancing community education and empowering women are crucial for improving maternal health outcomes in urban slum areas.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Antenatal Care
  topic: keywords
subject: Urban Slum Dwellers
  topic: keywords
subject: Ethnographic Study
  topic: keywords
creator: Dr. Nazia Malik
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 45
ending page: 50

AI INTEGRATION INTO TEACHING: CURRENT SYSTEM PREPAREDNESS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
type: item
description: This study explores the readiness of Pakistan’s education system to adopt AI tools from educators’ perspectives. Using a qualitative cross-sectional design and thematic analysis of structured questionnaires, findings reveal educators recognize AI’s potential for personalized learning, administrative efficiency, and teaching improvements. However, concerns include job displacement, reduced creativity, and overreliance on technology. Key barriers identified are inadequate infrastructure, insufficient teacher training, and lack of supportive policies. Despite these challenges, awareness and interest in AI integration are growing. The study recommends that policymakers focus on building robust infrastructure, formulating clear AI usage policies, and enhancing teachers’ digital literacy through professional development, alongside continuous evaluation to ensure AI upholds educational integrity.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Teacher Perception of AI
  topic: keywords
subject: Artificial Intelligence in education
  topic: keywords
subject: AI integration in teaching
  topic: keywords
subject: Educational System Preparedness
  topic: keywords
subject: Future of AI in Education
  topic: keywords
creator: Rabia
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 38
ending page: 44

DEEP-FAKE DETECTION USING HYBRID NEURAL NETWORK ARCHITECTURES
type: item
description: The rise of deep-fake technologies poses significant challenges to media integrity, political trust, and public security. Advances in generative adversarial networks (GANs) have made synthetic content increasingly realistic, necessitating more robust detection methods. This study proposes a hybrid neural network architecture combining Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN—specifically LSTMs), and autoencoders for effective deep-fake detection. Utilizing benchmark datasets such as FaceForensics++ and the DeepFake Detection Challenge, the data underwent resizing, normalization, and extensive augmentation. CNNs captured spatial features, RNNs encoded temporal inconsistencies, and autoencoders detected fine-grained anomalies via reconstruction loss. These components were integrated at the feature level into a unified model trained with the Adam optimizer and categorical cross-entropy loss, validated through stratified k-fold cross-validation. The hybrid model achieved superior performance with accuracy of 96.4%, precision of 95.8%, recall of 96.1%, F1-score of 96.0%, and ROC-AUC of 0.982, outperforming baseline models. Ablation studies confirmed the critical contribution of each component. This hybrid approach offers a promising, scalable solution for maintaining information authenticity in the digital era.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: deepfake detection
  topic: keywords
subject: hybrid neural networks
  topic: keywords
subject: CNN
  topic: keywords
subject: RNN
  topic: keywords
subject: autoencoder
  topic: keywords
subject: media forensics
  topic: keywords
subject: deep learning
  topic: keywords
creator: Rabia Younas
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 28
ending page: 37

THE ROLE OF SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICES AND CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT IN ENHANCING FIRM PERFORMANCE: A STRATEGIC BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
type: item
description: Background: Increasing environmental pressures and evolving customer needs compel companies to integrate sustainability and strategic relationship management. While Sustainable Supply Chain Practices (SSCPs) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) individually enhance firm performance, their combined impact remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. Objective: This study examines the effects of SSCPs and CRM on firm performance and explores CRM’s mediating role between SSCPs and performance, based on data from Saudi firms. Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative study surveyed 310 managerial respondents from 350 manufacturing, retail, and service firms using validated scales measuring SSCPs (sustainable sourcing, green logistics, waste management), CRM (customer satisfaction, loyalty programs, relationship building), and firm performance (operational efficiency, financial outcomes, customer loyalty). Data were analyzed using SEM via AMOS 22 and Smart PLS. Results: SSCPs positively impacted firm performance (β=0.42, p<.001), as did CRM (β=0.37, p<.001). CRM also mediated the SSCP–performance relationship. Model fit indices confirmed the framework’s validity. Implications: Integrating SSCPs with CRM strategies enhances firm performance, offering strategic advantages in sustainability and customer retention.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Sustainable supply chain practices
  topic: keywords
subject: customer relationship management
  topic: keywords
subject: firm performance
  topic: keywords
subject: strategic management
  topic: keywords
subject: Saudi Arabia
  topic: keywords
subject: structural equation modeling
  topic: keywords
creator: Mehar Un Nisa
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 18
ending page: 27

ADVANCING COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICAL MODELING: INTEGRATING QUANTUM COMPUTING AND AI-DRIVEN OPTIMIZATION FOR COMPLEX SYSTEM SIMULATIONS
type: item
description: Computational mathematical modeling has become essential across scientific fields, leveraging numerical methods, AI, and optimization techniques. This research explores core methodologies, including finite element analysis, differential equation solvers, and machine-learning prediction models, underpinned by probability theory, statistical modeling, and differential equations to represent complex systems. Applications span physics, engineering, biology, medicine, finance, and environmental science, addressing structural analysis, disease modeling, risk assessment, and climate simulation. Despite advancements, challenges like computational inefficiency, accuracy limits, and scalability remain. Emerging technologies—AI, quantum computing, and hybrid models—offer promising solutions to enhance efficiency and predictive power. Future research should focus on adaptive algorithms, interdisciplinary approaches, and high-performance computing to drive more realistic simulations and data-driven decision-making. These innovations will propel scientific progress and expand the potential of computational modeling in science, engineering, and applied mathematics.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Computational mathematical modeling
  topic: keywords
subject: numerical methods
  topic: keywords
subject: artificial intelligence
  topic: keywords
subject: optimization algorithms
  topic: keywords
subject: differential equations
  topic: keywords
subject: probability theory
  topic: keywords
subject: quantum computing
  topic: keywords
subject: predictive modeling
  topic: keywords
subject: interdisciplinary applications
  topic: keywords
subject: high-performance computing
  topic: keywords
creator: Umm e Habiba
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 9
ending page: 17

UNIQUE” MISOGYNISTIC FACEBOOK RESPONSES OF PAKISTANI WOMEN TO THE DRAMA SERIAL KABHI MAI KABHI TUM
type: item
description: This study examines internalized misogyny among Pakistani women through their English-language Facebook responses to the drama serial Kabhi Mai Kabhi Tum. Drawing on postfeminist theory, it explores how women, aiming to avoid “man-hating” stereotypes, often elevate men above themselves and other women, displaying a form of “unique” misogyny that devalues their own gender. Using Halliday’s (1994) Transitivity Analysis, 20 purposively selected Facebook comments were qualitatively analyzed to reveal linguistic strategies that construct this misogynistic stance. Results show that women frequently use language that both idealizes male characters and undermines female characters, reflecting internalized sexism. This research sheds light on how postfeminist attitudes sustain gender hierarchies and the role of social media in perpetuating internalized misogyny in contemporary Pakistani society.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Transitivity Analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: Postfeminism
  topic: keywords
subject: Misogyny
  topic: keywords
subject: Kabhi Mai Kabhi Tum
  topic: keywords
subject: Facebook
  topic: keywords
creator: Rabail Haque
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 1
ending page: 8

THE ROLE OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN ENHANCING TEACHERS' SELF-EFFICACY AND TEACHING PERFORMANCE IN PAKISTANI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
type: item
description: This study investigates the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between transformational leadership and teaching performance. Data were collected from 158 participants across 28 educational institutions in Pakistan and analyzed using regression techniques. Findings reveal that transformational leadership significantly predicts teaching performance, with self-efficacy serving as a key mediator in this relationship. The study is limited by its cross-sectional design and focus on the Rawalpindi/Islamabad region, which may affect generalizability across Pakistan. Despite a relatively small sample size, the results provide valuable insights into an underexplored area in Pakistan, highlighting how self-efficacy enhances the impact of transformational leadership on teaching effectiveness.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Transformational Leadership
  topic: keywords
subject: Self-Efficacy
  topic: keywords
subject: Teaching Performance
  topic: keywords
subject: Rawalpindi/Islamabad Pakistan
  topic: keywords
creator: Rubab Ali
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-03-31
publication date: 2025-03-31
starting page: 64
ending page: 74

FACTORIAL VALIDATION OF SATISFACTION WITH HEC DATABASES: EVIDENCE FROM A PAKISTANI UNIVERSITY
type: item
description: This study validates the effects of four predictors on teaching faculty satisfaction with digital databases at the University of Peshawar. Using a quantitative survey approach with randomly selected participants, data were collected via a validated questionnaire. Four hypotheses were tested through regression analysis using SPSS. All hypotheses were supported, demonstrating significant impacts of the predictors on faculty satisfaction. Among them, perceived usefulness emerged as the strongest determinant of satisfaction. This is the first empirical study examining these constructs within the University of Peshawar context, offering valuable insights for enhancing digital database services.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Online databases
  topic: keywords
subject: users’ satisfaction
  topic: keywords
subject: library usability
  topic: keywords
subject: digital libraries
  topic: keywords
subject: adoption of innovations
  topic: keywords
subject: academic libraries
  topic: keywords
subject: university librarians
  topic: keywords
subject: Pakistan
  topic: keywords
creator: Asad Khan
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-03-31
publication date: 2025-03-31
starting page: 50
ending page: 63

EVALUATING VALUE FOR MONEY (VFM) IN FISH FARMING: A CASE STUDY OF MANSEHRA DISTRICT, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN
type: item
description: This study evaluates the Value for Money (VfM) of fish farming in District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under WWF’s “Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan” (WRAP) project, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). WRAP aims to scale up Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for improved water resource management and climate resilience. The findings demonstrate that fish farming offers strong financial efficiency and effectiveness, with cost-effective interventions and sustainable practices contributing to water security and community resilience. The study highlights the fisheries sector as a vital sub-sector of agriculture in Pakistan, offering significant economic and food security benefits. It also underscores the growth potential of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's diverse aquatic ecosystem. This research provides a framework for policymakers and development partners to implement integrated VfM assessment systems, enabling evidence-based investment decisions and enhancing the impact of climate-related interventions.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: VFM Analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: Fisheries production and WRAP intervention
  topic: keywords
subject: NbS
  topic: keywords
creator: Irfanullah
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-03-31
publication date: 2025-03-31
starting page: 39
ending page: 49

BIOMASS-DERIVED CARBON ELECTRO-CATALYSTS FOR SUSTAINABLE OXYGEN, WATER, AND CO₂ CONVERSION
type: item
description: Introduction: The demand for cost-effective, sustainable electrocatalysts in clean energy applications has driven interest in biomass-derived carbon materials. These precursors offer inherent heteroatoms and hierarchical structures, making them promising candidates for multifunctional electrocatalysis, including ORR, HER, OER, and CO₂RR. Objective: This study aims to develop high-performance carbon-based electrocatalysts from biomass using heteroatom doping and structural engineering to enhance activity across key energy conversion reactions. Methods: Biomass was hydrothermally carbonized and pyrolyzed at various temperatures with nitrogen and phosphorus dopants. The resulting materials were characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and BET surface area analysis. Electrochemical performance was evaluated via linear sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and EIS in both alkaline and neutral media. Results: The N,P-co-doped biomass-derived carbon catalysts exhibited excellent performance, with an onset potential of 0.91 V (vs. RHE) for ORR and a near-ideal four-electron pathway. For HER, an overpotential of 112 mV was required to reach 10 mA cm⁻², while OER achieved the same current at 1.51 V. In CO₂RR, the catalyst showed 89% Faradaic efficiency for CO production with notable stability. Enhanced performance was attributed to synergistic doping, high surface area, and porous structure. Conclusion: This work highlights a scalable, eco-friendly approach to producing multifunctional electrocatalysts from biomass, advancing the development of sustainable energy conversion technologies.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Biomass
  topic: keywords
subject: Electro-catalyst
  topic: keywords
subject: Carbon dioxide reduction
  topic: keywords
subject: Oxygen reduction
  topic: keywords
subject: Hydrogen evolution
  topic: keywords
subject: Heteroatom doping
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainability
  topic: keywords
creator: Mushtaq Ahmad
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-03-31
publication date: 2025-03-31
starting page: 28
ending page: 38

EFFECT OF PLANT EXTRACTS ON PEST POPULATION AND YIELD OF BITTER GOURD (MOMORDICA CHARANTIA) IN MARDAN
type: item
description: This study, conducted at AWKUM Mardan in 2022, evaluated the effectiveness of various plant extracts on controlling aphids, whiteflies, and thrips in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) cultivation. Treatments included Cypermethrin, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Parthenium hysterophorus (Parthenium), Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus), and an untreated control, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that both Cypermethrin and botanical extracts significantly reduced pest populations and improved yield. Cypermethrin was the most effective, recording the lowest pest counts (0.88 aphids, 0.90 whiteflies, 0.93 thrips per leaf) and highest yield (24.80 kg). Among botanicals, Azadirachta indica was most effective in reducing pests and enhancing yield, followed by Eucalyptus globulus and Parthenium hysterophorus. The control group had the highest pest populations and lowest yield (10.81 kg). The findings suggest that Azadirachta indica is a viable botanical alternative for pest management in bitter gourd and can be integrated into IPM strategies.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: plant extracts, Bitterguard, Mardan
  topic: keywords
creator: Fawad Khan
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-03-31
publication date: 2025-03-31
starting page: 18
ending page: 27

TECHNOCRATIC OPTIMISM VS. MORAL IMPERATIVE: MAPPING GLOBAL ACADEMIC DISCOURSE ON CLIMATE JUSTICE
type: item
description: This study examines global academic discourse on climate justice through co-occurrence and sentiment analysis of Scopus-indexed literature. Using a combined leximetric and sentimentomic approach, it analyzes the relationships between justice-related terms (e.g., action, inequality, mitigation, rights) and governance-related concepts (e.g., policy, responsibility, change). Findings show a dominant framing of climate justice around rights and action, reflecting moral obligation and intergenerational equity. In contrast, terms like inequality and injustice appear less frequently and are less sentimentally charged, suggesting a marginal role in policy-focused discourse. Sentiment analysis of 38 key texts (5,664 coded segments) reveals a prevailing technocratic optimism—46.6% positive, 34.6% neutral, and 18.8% negative. Texts with strong positive sentiment advocate equity-based transformation, while more negative texts critique policy shortcomings and systemic injustices. Terms like “emission” and “mitigation” align with neutral or positive sentiment, promoting pragmatic solutions, whereas “inequality” and “injustice” prompt constructive, rather than alarmist, tones. The study concludes that climate justice discourse is shaped by two overlapping frames: technocratic optimism focused on policy and mitigation, and a moral imperative centered on rights and equity. This duality reflects underlying tensions between pragmatic governance and ethical advocacy, offering new insights into how academic narratives influence the global climate justice agenda.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Climate Justice
  topic: keywords
subject: Technocracy, Morality
  topic: keywords
subject: Discourse, Equity
  topic: keywords
creator: Abbas Rashid Butt
rights: Copyright (c) 2025
date: 2025-03-31
publication date: 2025-03-31
starting page: 1
ending page: 17

ENHANCING ASH GOURD GROWTH AND YIELD WITH GA₃ AND BORON APPLICATION
type: item
description: Ash gourd (Cucurbita moschata) is valued for its nutritional and commercial benefits, especially in regions with limited year-round vegetable availability like Pakistan. This study evaluated the effects of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and boron on ash gourd growth and yield using a randomized complete block design at Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan (Nov 2022–Mar 2023). GA₃ significantly enhanced vegetative growth by increasing vine length, leaf number, and fruit size, while boron improved flowering, fruit set, and development. Combined application of GA₃ and boron boosted fruit number, weight, and overall yield compared to controls. Results varied by genotype and application method, indicating the need for further research to optimize rates and timing. Integrating GA₃ and boron shows promise for improving ash gourd productivity and profitability.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Ash gourd
  topic: keywords
subject: Gibberellic acid (GA₃)
  topic: keywords
subject: Boron
  topic: keywords
subject: Growth regulators
  topic: keywords
subject: Yield enhancement
  topic: keywords
subject: Cucurbitaceae
  topic: keywords
creator: Dilawar Khan
rights: Copyright (c) 2024
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 60
ending page: 76

INVESTIGATING THE KARAKORAM ANOMALY AND ITS IMPACT ON PAKISTAN’S WATER SUPPLY
type: item
description: The Karakoram Anomaly refers to the unusual stability or advancement of glaciers in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range, contrasting global glacier retreat due to warming. This study uses a qualitative, integrative approach—including literature review, climate and hydrological data, remote sensing, and fieldwork in Gilgit-Baltistan—to analyze climatic, topographic, and glaciological factors affecting Pakistan’s water resources. Findings indicate that increased winter precipitation, stable summer temperatures, debris cover, and microclimatic conditions positively influence glacier mass balance. Stable glacier flows sustain the Indus Basin’s irrigation, hydropower, and water supply. However, this balance is fragile; slight climate shifts could disrupt water availability and increase flood risks. The study underscores the need for enhanced glacier monitoring, adaptive water management, and resilience planning in the region.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Karakoram Anomaly
  topic: keywords
subject: Deltas
  topic: keywords
subject: climatic change
  topic: keywords
subject: semi-arid regions
  topic: keywords
subject: Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalaya (HKH), water-supply
  topic: keywords
creator: Shahid Ali
rights: Copyright (c) 2024
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 44
ending page: 59

ISLAMIC EMIRATES OF AFGHANISTAN AND IRAN: RELATIONS AND CHALLENGES
type: item
description: This study examines the bilateral relationship between Taliban-led Afghanistan and Iran since 2021, focusing on pragmatic cooperation amid regional shifts and Afghanistan’s international isolation. Key areas explored include cross-border security, water distribution, trade, and the Taliban’s efforts for international recognition. Drawing on both primary and secondary sources and using a constructivist realist framework, the research highlights progress in diplomatic engagement while identifying ongoing challenges—such as ideological differences, water disputes, and refugee management—that may affect future cooperation and stability between the two nations.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: ISLAMIC EMIRATES OF AFGHANISTAN
  topic: keywords
subject: AND IRAN: RELATIONS
  topic: keywords
subject: AND CHALLENGES
  topic: keywords
creator: Aziz Udin Nijat
rights: Copyright (c) 2024
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 26
ending page: 43

CRITICAL EVALUATION OF HATE SPEECH REGULATION UNDER PAKISTAN’S CYBER LAW
type: item
description: This paper critically examines Pakistan’s cyber law framework concerning hate speech within the Constitution and ordinary law. It explores Pakistan’s international obligations to prevent hate speech and analyzes the legal definitions and scope of hate speech in relation to constitutional free speech rights. The study reviews landmark cases to assess the law’s alignment with freedom of expression. Findings reveal that Pakistan’s cyber laws and related statutes address various forms of hate speech—including interfaith, sectarian, racial, and anti-state expressions—while balancing constitutional speech protections. The Supreme Court has also established guidelines for hate speech prevention prior to specific legislation. This doctrinal analysis highlights the complexities of regulating hate speech under Pakistan’s legal system.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Cyber Law
  topic: keywords
subject: Cyber Security
  topic: keywords
subject: Freedom of Expression
  topic: keywords
subject: Hate Speech
  topic: keywords
subject: Article 19
  topic: keywords
creator: Amr Ibn Munir
rights: Copyright (c) 2024
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 17
ending page: 25

JUSTICE, TRANSPARENCY, AND CARBON REDUCTION: A GLOBAL MEDIATION PERSPECTIVE
type: item
description: This study explores how judicial effectiveness and access to information contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. Using cross-country panel data with OLS regression and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the analysis shows that strong judicial systems enforce environmental laws effectively, while transparency enhances accountability and public participation, amplifying emission reductions. Economic growth, population, and trade increase emissions, whereas innovation mitigates them. The findings highlight the need to strengthen legal frameworks, improve information access, and promote innovation to meet climate goals. This research provides policy insights to enhance governance for better climate action and environmental outcomes.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Justice
  topic: keywords
subject: Judicial Effectiveness
  topic: keywords
subject: Carbon Emission
  topic: keywords
subject: SEM
  topic: keywords
subject: Access to Information
  topic: keywords
creator: Nawab Khan
rights: Copyright (c) 2024
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 1
ending page: 16