SEARCH ARTICLE

01 Pages : 1-10

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).01      10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).01      Published : Dec 2024

Empowering Futures: The Impact of Cultural, Social, and Economic Disparities on Girls' Education in Jhelum, Pakistan

    Gender inequality poses a challenge to the educational participation of teenage-girls in Jhelum Pakistan. This paper seeks to examine the complex factors underpinning and the extensive effects of gender inequalities in education within this area. The present study details various causes of gender inequalities as analyzed from a qualitative content analysis of various works, which include economic factors, social-cultural beliefs and practices; early marriage, lack of awareness, physical facilities, and gender biases. This study finds that all these factors work together to exclude girls from education and maintain poverty and non-advancement of socio-economic status. Finally, the discussion highlights the need to establish various strategies to address gender inequality, such as; community sensitization, increasing the percentage of girls education, finances, establishing safe school structures, and favorable laws on gender. The solution to these recommendations would help Jhelum move towards the right direction for giving teenage-girls equal education opportunities and better community.

    Gender Inequality, Women Empowerment through Education, Teenage Girls, Jhelum, Social and Cultural Norms, Early Marriage, Economic Challenges, Gender Stereotypes, Educational Access, Financial Support
    (1) Sana Amjad
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, Pakistan.

07 Pages : 64-71

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).07      10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).07      Published : Dec 2024

AI-Powered Decomposition Techniques for Economic Forecasting

    Time series analysis and decomposition are crucial in examining economic data as they uncover elements such as trends, and seasonal influences, within the data. However, some approaches have difficulty in accommodating complex, high-dimensional data. In this research, we investigate the possibilities of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools, specifically, machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) for better timeliness and accuracy of economic forecasting. In some instances, it was shown how recent AI models can improve the data analysis of economic indicators (GDP, inflation, stock indices) through the accurate depiction of non-linear trends and changing seasonals. Model enhancements using AI also result in significant improvement in the accuracy of economic forecasts and provide more detailed and useful time series decomposition for economists and policymakers. This paper is a step towards more extensive use of artificial intelligence in econometric analysis and provides evidence on the feasibility of such in practical econometric studies.

    Time Series Decomposition, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Economic Forecasting
    (1) Afzal Mahmood
    Assistant Professor, Institute of Management Sciences (Pak AIMS) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Asmat N. Khattak
    Associate Professor, Head of Department of Management Sciences, Institute of Management Sciences (Pak AIMS) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Kanwal Zahra
    Associate Professor, Head of Department, Business School, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

22 Pages : 241-252

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).22      10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-IV).22      Published : Dec 2024

Pakistan's Sustainability Quotient: Exploring the Nexus of Green Technology, Renewable Energy, and Ecological Footprint

    As a developing country, Pakistan is more dependent on conventional, non-friendly energy sources and technology that increases its ecological footprint and causes environmental degradation. The study's primary goal is to analyze the environmental issues by advocating renewable energy usage and green technological innovation in Pakistan. Using data from 1980 to 2021, the results based on the ARDL model confirm an Environment Kuznet Curve hypothesis in the long and short run. Further, the growing green technological innovation positively relates to improved environmental quality in Pakistan. Environmental quality and renewable energy consumption are also positively associated.

    Green Technology, Renewable Energy, Ecological Footprint, Economic Growth, Pakistan
    (1) Kashif Imran
    Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Institute of Business Management, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (2) Ayesha Liaqat
    MS Scholar, Department of Economics, Institute of Business Management, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

08 Pages : 85-98

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).08      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).08      Published : Mar 2025

Trust and Mistrust in the Pak-Afghan Relations: An Analysis of Bilateral Relations in the light of Prisoner Dilemma

    The bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has long been overshadowed by mutual mistrust and strategic rivalry, despite deep cultural ties and Pakistan hosting the world's largest Afghan refugee population. This study applies the Trust Theory and the Prisoner's Dilemma framework to analyze the persistent lack of cooperation between the two states. The research highlights how territorial disputes, cross-border terrorism, geopolitical competition, and external interventions have fueled tensions. While both countries occasionally engage in strategic cooperation under international mediation, their interactions are largely shaped by self-interest, security concerns, and historical grievances. The study argues that economic incentives, diplomatic engagement, and institutional mechanisms could help break this cycle of mistrust. However, deep-rooted historical suspicions and external influences continue to hinder long-term cooperation. Economic interdependence and mutual security assurances are crucial for stabilizing Pak-Afghan relations and fostering regional peace.

    Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations, Prisoner’s Dilemma, Geopolitical Rivalry, Border Security, Economic Cooperation, Diplomatic Engagement
    (1) Muhammad Imran
    Assistant Professor, Department of Media, Creative Arts, and Global Political Studies, Emerson University Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Ramzan
    Vice Chancellor, Emerson University Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Hina Adeeb
    Assistant Professor, Faculty of Media and Mass Communication, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

11 Pages : 124-133

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).11      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).11      Published : Mar 2025

Education and Social Mobility: A Pathway to Economic and Social Empowerment

    Education plays a crucial role in social mobility by providing individuals with the tools to access better economic opportunities and improved social status. This paper explores the impact of educational attainment on social mobility, highlighting how it empowers individuals and bridges social classes. Through a literature review, the study establishes a direct link between education and upward mobility, particularly for disadvantaged groups. It examines formal, informal, and lifelong learning and their influence on raising living standards. The research investigates barriers to quality education economic, social, and political and how they perpetuate social inequality. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the study demonstrates that education is a key driver of economic and social transformation. It emphasizes the need to improve educational access, especially in underserved communities, to promote social mobility and overall societal welfare. The paper offers policy recommendations to reduce educational disparities and support lifelong learning for all social groups.

    Education, Social Mobility, Economic Empowerment, Social Empowerment, Educational Inequality, Lifelong Learning
    (1) Sajida Roshan
    M.Phil. Scholar, Department of Education, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Shaheed Benazirabad, Nawabshah, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (2) Fazul Rahman
    M.Phil. Scholar, Department of Education, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Shaheed Benazirabad, Nawabshah, Sindh, Pakistan.

49 Pages : 520-535

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).49      10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).49      Published : Mar 2022

Rise and Fall of Delhi Sultanate in India (1206-1526): An Analysis

    The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) of India played a pivotal role in shaping the political, social, and economic landscape of the Indian subcontinent. Established by Qutbuddin Aibak in 1206, the Sultanate saw the rise of several dynasties including the Mamluks, Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, and Lodi. This study analyses the factors which contributed to the rapid expansion and eventual decline of the Delhi Sultanate. It highlights how military prowess, administrative innovations, and religious policies enabled the Sultans to consolidate power over vast territories. However, internal weaknesses, administrative inefficiencies, economic turmoil, and external invasions, including Timur's raid and Babur's conquest in 1526, accelerated its downfall. The study also explores the impact of Mongol threats, shifting alliances, and rebellions that weakened central authority. Furthermore, it assesses the socio-cultural legacy of the Sultanate, including architectural advancements, Persian influence, and the integration of Islamic and Indian traditions.

    Delhi Sultanate, Political Instability, Military Expansion, Economic Decline, Mongol Invasions, Administrative Policies, Cultural Synthesis, Islamic Rule, Indo-Persian Influence, Mughal Conquest
    (1) Safi Ullah Khan Marwat
    Assistant Professor, Department of History & Pakistan Studies, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Shafaeen Latif
    PhD Scholar, Department of History & Pakistan Studies, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

17 Pages : 216-224

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).17      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).17      Published : Jun 2025

China's Economic Footprint: Blessing or Curse for Angola and Sudan?

    This article explores the complexities of China's relations with African countries, especially Angola and Sudan. It explores the large investments that China has made in infrastructure, energy, and natural resource extraction, both the promise of economic growth and the attendant issues of sustainability, debt dependence, and indigenous capacity development. In Sudan, China's economic and military presence showcases the country's strategic interests in stabilizing the area but poses vital questions about governance and human rights. Similarly, Angola's reliance on Chinese loans for infrastructure development illustrates the merits of foreign investment, while the heavy debt burden threatens "debt-trap diplomacy." The research underlines the imperative for both countries to prioritize inclusive development, increase local labor employment, and ensure that investments underpin socio-economic resilience. Finally, the paper argues that mutual gains in Sino-African relations should manifest in tangible improvement of the local people, creating long-term development and economic self-reliance.

    China, Sudan, Angola, Sino-African Relations, Economic Growth, Investment, Infrastructure, Resource Extraction, Debt Dependency
    (1) Iman Fatima
    BS Scholar, Department of International Relations, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Imran Wakil
    Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Bilal Bin Liaqat
    Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

27 Pages : 328-336

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).27      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-I).27      Published : Mar 2025

The Impact of Digital Financial Inclusion on Poverty Alleviation in Pakistan: Opportunities and Challenges in a Digital Economy

    Digital financial inclusion enables the integration of millions of underprivileged individuals into the financial system, making poverty alleviation increasingly achievable. In a developing country like Pakistan, which has a large unbanked population, this presents a significant opportunity for economic empowerment through mobile banking, digital wallets, and fintech innovations. These tools enhance financial participation by improving access to savings, credit, and financial literacy. This research highlights how digital financial inclusion can significantly contribute to poverty alleviation. However, key challenges remain, including limited digital infrastructure, gender disparities, cybersecurity risks, and low trust in digital systems. By examining both policy frameworks and grassroots initiatives, this study offers actionable insights into how these barriers can be addressed. It emphasizes that digital finance, when effectively implemented, can promote sustainable development and help bridge economic disparities in Pakistan’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

    Digital Financial Inclusion, Poverty Alleviation, Financial Technology, Mobile Banking, Financial Literacy, Economic Empowerment, Pakistan
    (1) Noor Fatima
    Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, National University of Modern Languages Islamabad, Pakistan.

25 Pages : 289-300

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-III).25      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-III).25      Published : Sep 2025

The Strategy of China toward South Asia: A Case Study of Pakistan In the Post 9/11 Era

    September 11, 2001, brought phenomenal changes in international relations by dramatically changing the regional as well as global dynamics of politics and economics. Pakistan, being a close ally of the US in the war against terrorism, had suffered great loss in terms of financial setback to its economy as well as loss of human lives. The devastating impacts of fighting the war against terrorism had posed serious security threats for Pakistan but however, at the same time, it came close to China in the rapidly changing geopolitical and economic changes in the post-9/11 era. The strategic partnership with China increased exponentially in many fields of cooperation, especially in the shape of CPEC after 2013, which is considered a game-changer for both friendly neighbors of South Asia. The economic and military cooperation between the two countries witnessed high collaboration in various fields.

    CPEC, Economic, Geo-strategic, South Asia, Terrorism, War
    (1) Muhammad Farhad
    Research scholar at the Department of Pakistan Studies, Kohat University of Science & Technology, KUST, Kohat, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Mohammad Ayaz
    In-Charge Chairperson/Lecturer in Department of Pakistan Studies, Kohat University of Science & Technology, KUST, Kohat, KP, Pakistan.