SEARCH ARTICLE

16 Pages : 196-215

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).16      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).16      Published : Jun 2025

A Multi-Modal Discourse Analysis of Meme-Marketing Strategies Used by Pakistani Brands on Instagram

    This study attempts to understand meme marketing dynamics in the Pakistani online media landscape. It focuses on how Pakistani brands using memes take advantage of cultural references, wordplay, trendy template and music to engage the online user base. This study employs a qualitative design utilizing multi-modal analysis to examine 87 meme-based posts from Instagram pages of 5 Pakistani brands across 4 industries: Men’s grooming products, fragrances, ride hailing service and baking. This study is guided by theoretical frameworks such as narrative transportation theory, Shifman’s 3 meme dimensions and self-congruity theory. The findings revealed that brands used local cultural references, religious motifs, regional music and wordplay to engage their demographics. Brand logos and products were imbedded in the memes and humor styles such as self-depreciation, absurdism, sarcasm, pop-culture, visual puns and wordplay were used.

    Meme-Marketing, Pakistani Brands, Gen-Z, Narrative Transportation Theory, Self Congruity Theory, Pop-Culture, Brand Identity, Brand Prominent Meme-Marketing
    (1) Abdullah
    Undergraguate, Department of Media Studies, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Qamar Abbas
    Assistant Professor, Department of Media Studies, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Muhammad Munib Ur Rehman
    MS Scholar, Department of Media Studies, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

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19 Pages : 237-246

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).19      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).19      Published : Jun 2025

Media and National Identity Formation in Pakistan: A Historical and Contemporary Analysis

    The media has played a significant role in shaping national identity, a subject of growing interest globally and, more specifically, in Pakistan, where it has actively influenced public perceptions of the nation’s identity and its position in the world. This paper seeks to explore the construction of national identity in Pakistan and how various forms of media ranging from state-controlled traditional outlets to social media platforms have constituted and transformed Pakistan as both a space for and a component of what is recognized as national identity. In constructing the ‘image’ of Pakistan after independence, the media particularly state media was instrumental in promoting a unified Muslim identity in South Asia. In contemporary times, however, the proliferation of private and social media has diversified these narratives, resulting in a fractured yet dynamic national identity.

    Media, National Identity, Pakistan, Historical Analysis, Social Media, State-Controlled Media, Public Perception
    (1) Tazeem Imran
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Sadia Masood
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Uzma Malik
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan.

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22 Pages : 280-289

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).22      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).22      Published : Jun 2025

Climate Change and Water Security in Pakistan: Policy Gaps and Strategic Responses

    As Pakistan is heavily reliant on water for agriculture, energy production, and economic stability, climate change is now one of the most critical threats to water security. With aggravating global warming, Pakistan's uncertain and already fragile waters are under a threat from the variability of rainfall and an increase in temperatures, and glaciers receding. This paper analyzes the synergy of climate change and water security in Pakistan, the policy gaps, and strategic responses to minimize the ramifications of the reduced availability of water. The study points out the essentials for overhauling water governance, including reviewing existing practices of water management and the relevant policies. This paper advocates for strong frameworks to improve water security and boost the country's resilience to climate uncertainties.

    Climate Change, Water Security, Pakistan, Policy Gaps, Strategic Responses, Water Management, Resilience
    (1) Muhammad Shoaib Malik
    Associate Professor, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Language, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Umbreen Akhtar
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Language, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Umair Arshad
    MPhil Graduate, Department of Educational Sciences, National University of Modern Language, Islamabad, Pakistan.

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24 Pages : 307-314

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).24      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-II).24      Published : Jun 2025

Intersectional Challenges and Support Systems: Understanding Marginalized Student’s Experiences in Public Sector Universities in Islamabad, Pakistan

    In the current world, the experiences within campus environments play a pivotal role in shaping the learner’s cognitive and developmental experiences.  Much research is already being conducted regarding the challenges faced by students in public universities, such as academic difficulties, mental health issues, and campus safety concerns; however, it does not delve into how these challenges manifest differently for various marginalized groups, including those from rural areas, minority ethnicities, and low-income backgrounds. This research proposal aims to investigate the experiences of marginalized student groups within the campus environment of a public sector university located in the Federal Capital of Pakistan. The research, thereby using a qualitative method in which interviews will analyze the experiences faced by marginalized students in depth using Interactional Narrative Analysis. By synthesizing findings, the research will offer actionable recommendations for policy, practice, and future research aimed at fostering inclusivity, equity, and student success within the public sector university.

    Marginalized Student Groups, Campus Environment, Public Sector University, Federal Capital of Pakistan, Qualitative Approach
    (1) Iqra Ajmal
    M.Phil Scholar, Department of English Language and Literature, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

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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.

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62 Pages : 498-504

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).62      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).62      Published : Jun 2019

US-Pakistan Relations Post 9/11: Impact on Domestic Political Stability

    The security partnership that the United States and Pakistan developed following the events of September 11, 2001, is one of the most consequential and controversial bilateral relationships in the 21st century. This paper represents an in-depth analysis of the way in which the restructured alliance based on mutual military assistance and engagement in the war on terrorism conditions the intra-Pakistani political stability. The paper explores the foreign security alliances, military authority entrenchment, development of the governance systems, militant uprising, and changes in public opinion. It brings into view the paradoxical consequences: on the one hand, this alliance contributes to the increase of survival chances and operational capabilities of the state, yet on the other hand, it strengthens the political vulnerability, the pattern of civil-military imbalance, and extreme polarization of the society.

    US-Pakistan Relations, Civil-Military Relations, War On Terror, Democratization, Military Aid, Governance, Anti-Americanism, Militancy.
    (1) Uroosa Ishfaq
    Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Women University Mardan, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Muneeba Shahid
    MPhil Scholar, Department of Politics and IR, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Kashif Ashfaq
    Post-Graduate Scholar, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, KP, Pakistan.

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18 Pages : 203-220

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-III).18      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-III).18      Published : Sep 2025

Islamic Approach of Good Governance in the Contemporary Age: A Comparative Study of Pakistan and Malaysia's Political Systems

    This article explores the institutionalization of the Islamic governance principles of adl (justice), shufra (consultation), muhasbah (accountability), maqasid (public interest), and stewardship in Pakistan and Malaysia. A corpus of 2000 current documentary resources was compiled. The analysis reveals two different pathways. Malaysia has placed more stress on procedural formalism: compulsory consultations with published minutes and response to comments, earlier audits with more prominent follow-through, and ex-post facto reasoning (which invariably indicates constitutional preeminence) to cope with civil Sharīah overlaps. Pakistan more frequently mobilizes adl and public interest through adjudication and public-interest litigation, which produces salient precedents and access via legal-aid references, but with less routinization of consultative and stewardship protections in social and family-law arenas. Our suggested reforms include standardized consultation windows and reason-giving, cross-system standing reference procedures, maqasid-congruent public scorecards in priority sectors, and a new module we call neo-Sufi accountability.

    Islamic Governance; Shura; Maqasid Al-Sharia; Accountability; Legal Pluralism; Pakistan; Malaysia
    (1) Umbreen Akhtar
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Language, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Sara Gurchani
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Language, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Nadeem Tariq
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Language, Islamabad, Pakistan.

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26 Pages : 301-307

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-III).26      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-III).26      Published : Sep 2025

A Need for Strategic Communication: Towards an Unrealized Potential and the Grievances of Baluchistan

    This research study aims to draw attention to the most strategically significant province of Pakistan that has been neglected for decades by different governments of different eras in Pakistan. The nature of this study is qualitative, and the data have been collected by secondary sources such as research papers, newspapers, and websites. The tribes’ chives and the Baluch are abided by their old traditions and customs, but Pakistan’s attitude towards Baluchistan is the same as that of Baluchistan being subjugated by Pakistan. Baluchis merely want Pakistan to use the natural resources of Baluchistan not as a subjugated property, but the resources should be used considering Baluchistan as a federal unit. In the exchange of utilization of these resources, Pakistan has to work for the betterment and prosperity of Baluchistan, respect for the people of Baluchistan, and the Baluch leadership. Pakistan needs to correct its past mistakes and exert all efforts to win the confidence of the people of Baluchistan.

    Baluchistan, Pakistan, Anger Baluch Natives, Federal Govt, Grievances, Pakistan, Strategic Importance, Trust Building, Trade Route
    (1) Juliyana Usman Wachani
    Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Raunaq-e-Islam Govt College for Women, Kharadar, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (2) Noureen Bibi
    Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Women's University, Mardan, KP, Pakistan.
    (3) Usman Wachani
    Political Analyst, Pakistan.

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01 Pages : 1-14

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2026(XI-I).01      10.31703/gssr.2026(XI-I).01      Published : Mar 2026

Reimagining Inclusion: Pakistan's Progress and Gaps in Implementing the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) (2015–2024)

    This paper will analyze the progress and the failure of Pakistan to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) within the period of 2015 to 2024. In 2011, Pakistan ratified the CRPD and did some federal and provincial changes in laws to foster inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities. Despite these formal promises, difficulties still lie ahead in the interpretation of laws and policies into effective educational, employment access and social engagement outcomes. The study uses a qualitative, descriptive-analytical approach and relies on secondary data, such as, official reports, laws, and scholarly materials. Based on Capability Approach and State Capacity Theory, used to connect institutional capacity with the actual inclusion outcomes. The study will also help in giving a comprehensive review of the legal reform, policy measures, and institutional initiatives, during 2015-2024 in Pakistan in order to adhere to the international disability rights provisions.

    Persons with Disabilities, Disability Rights, UN, CRPD, Pakistan, Social Inclusion, Institutional Effectiveness
    (1) Amal Fatima
    M.Phil. Scholar, Department of International Relations, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Faizan Salik
    PhD Scholar, Department of International Relations, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Anwar Faizan Ali
    Assistant Professor (OPS), Department of Political Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

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15 Pages : 184-197

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-IV).15      10.31703/gssr.2025(X-IV).15      Published : Dec 2025

Restorative Justice in Pakistan’s Criminal System: Can Mediation Reduce Prison Overcrowding?

    This paper discusses how restorative justice (RJ) can be used to reduce prison overcrowding in Pakistan, using the mediation process. Slow processing of crimes and high levels of undertrial detention are the reason of overcrowding. The research is a mixed-methods study, which incorporates legal, prison data, and interviews with the stakeholders to determine whether RJ can alleviate overcrowding through diversion of viable cases out of the prison system. The results indicate that mediation can be used to minimise the remand time and prison admissions, especially in minor interpersonal and property cases. Nevertheless, it has minimal effects on more severe crimes like drug crimes. The success of RJ relies on the protection of the safeguards, such as voluntariness, protection of the victims, and judicial supervision. This paper concludes that RJ mediation, when done appropriately, can assist in decreasing overcrowding and enhancing the efficiency of the criminal justice system.

    Restorative Justice, Mediation, Prison Overcrowding, Undertrial Detention, Diversion, Criminal Justice Reform, Pakistan
    (1) Kamran Abdullah
    Deputy Registrar, Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue, Islamabad, Paksitan.
    (2) Aisha Rasool
    Senior Consultant and Head of Research and Opinion Wing, Ministry of Law and Justice, Pakistan.

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