Health and education are indispensable factors for economic growth. This study examines the role of health and education in economic growth for 76 middle income countries during 1991-2016, using fixed and random effect approaches. The empirical findings demonstrates that a progressive link among life expectancy and economic growth while inverse association exists between infant mortality and economic growth. The outcomes of FE and RE models stated that secondary and tertiary level education contribute to increase in economic growth. The results also shows capital"s encouraging impact on growth, while the labor has negative influence to economic growth. The impact of life expectancy, infant mortality, enrollment in secondary and tertiary education on economic growth is stronger in upper middle income countries (UMIC) with comparison to lower middle income countries (LMIC). The study recommended that economies should focus on education and better health facilities towards betterment especially in lower income states.

This research explores the parameters of quality textbook and the current status of 5th class textbooks. Textbook counts due to its importance in attaining required goals of quality education. Quality textbooks have the capacity to improve the required skills of learners and consequently support the improvement of quality education as quality education is mostly connected to students’ outcomes. A survey was conducted wherein officers of the Textbook Board Khyber Pakhtunkhwa participated and head teachers and teachers from public primary schools also took part. An interview was conducted for the Textbook Board officers to find out the parameters of quality textbook that improve the outcomes of the students. In this regard a questionnaire administered for head teachers and teachers to investigate the present status of 5th class textbook. 10 officers of Textbook Board, 281 primary school teachers and 256 head teachers were taken as sample from six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This paper determines the influence of school"s physical facilities on students achievement. The study was quantitative in nature and survey technique was used. The sample of the present study was selected by multi-stage random sampling method from Sahiwal division of Punjab, Pakistan. The researcher developed and validated a Check-List for Physical Facilities (CLPF) prior to data collection. Multiple regression analysis are run in the current research to analyze data. Measurement of the achievement of students from test scores of grade 8th conducted by Punjab Examination Commission in the year 2017 is analyzed. The study shows that ventilation, plants, play grounds, first aid medical box, LCD/LED significantly influenceed students" achievement. All the physical facilities contributed about 15.4% towards students" academic achievement.

This research concerns the process of nation-building in developing states with a focus on Pakistan. The study explores hurdles in the process of nation-building in Pakistan. In this connection, the study takes into account key political disparities such as uneven representation of various ethnic groups and regions in legislature and provincial assemblies, state-led cosmetic political reforms and feudalism and biradri-based political system that exist in various administrative units (and their tiers) of the state. The study also highlights the major administrative flaws and demographic shifts and divisions that are hampering the process of nation-building in Pakistan. The research also details the economic disparities found in various forms and at various levels in the state which minimize the prospects of nation-building in Pakistan. The study concludes that nation-building is always a state-controlled process and Pakistan has hardly addressed various hindrances in nation-building process such as political, demographic, administrative and economic issues of the various administrative units (and their tiers) as a state.

Recent history of international relations suggests that economic interdependence largely contributes to the mitigation of the major political conflicts in the world. CPEC, a flagship mega development project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has not only initiated massive development projects in Pakistan, which will eventually help in socio-economic development of Pakistan but it will also ensure regional integration. Development of Pakistan through CPEC is desirably focused on a people centric growth model that primarily seeks to resolve the issues of human security. This paper seeks to establish the relationship between economic interdependence and regional integration with human security. Furthermore, this study looks into the role of Gilgit-Baltistan, a geographical lynchpin region, in making CPEC a successful developmental project. Findings of the study suggest that the viability and success of this mega project is highly dependent on the inclusiveness of projects in terms of engaging all stakeholders. The fruits of this mega project are expected to be positive. This is only possible if all the different dimensions of national security, i.e. social cohesion, economic development, and political stability are ensured by the state.

This research treats contents of newspapers from America, China and India reporting on "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI) with respect to US, India and China"s foreign policies. The study investigates if unlike China, American and Indian press relatively report more "risk" than "opportunity" frames on BRI. Detailed literature on risks and opportunity frames is produced through media lenses, underpins regional and global significance and future status of BRI. Comparing framing techniques of The New York Times, Times of India and China Daily, contents of total 60 news articles are quantitatively analyzed. Finally, comparative research paradigm found both Indian and American press framing more risks than opportunities in news, therefore highlighting respective concerns of staying away from the signatory summit of BRI held in Beijing in May 2017.

This research explores the perceptions’ of mathematics teachers who are teaching in Pakistani schools at secondary level. The study aimed to explore the elementary school teachers’ perceptions about student-centred approaches, and their difficulties facing in using these approaches. The study uses a methodology of questionnaire and interview to gather data from mathematics teachers at secondary level. The results of this study indicate that the most mathematics teachers were positive about the role and importance of student-centred approaches in their mathematics. The majority of teachers appreciated their role as a facilitator of the learning process using student-centred approaches Moreover, the majority of teachers reported that continued practice in teaching mathematics courses and/or teaching method courses had contributed to their developing a fair understanding of teaching mathematics. The teachers responded positively regarding the role of student-centred approaches to enhance the procedural understanding of students in mathematics. Most of the findings supported student-centred approaches positively. Finally, the recommendations concerning the importance of student-centred approaches in mathematics, the arrangement of resources, and teachers’ professional development are presented for the attention of teachers, administration and curriculum developers.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are the two main powers of the Middle East. Since Islamic revolution (1979) the competition for power, security and regional dominance has resulted in proxy wars in the region, especially, Bahrain, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Saudi and Iranian rivalry revolves around some key issues such as; their contradictory ideologies (Sunni vs Shiite) PanArab issues like Palestine issue, Saudi inclination towards West, their contradictory policies about energy and desire to become dominant power of entire region. Iran"s wants regional hegemony, rolling back US influence in the Middle East, empowerment of Shiite in the Middle East through sectarianism. Sectarianism has always been a major focus in the Persian Gulf and beyond for the Iranian regional policy formulation. Peace and stability in Middle East would not be possible till Riyadh and Tehran end rivalry.

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) offers teacher education programs from Primary School Teacher to Doctor of Philosophy in Education. The current study is focused on B. Ed., 2-year M.Ed., and Associate Degree in Education (ADE). AIOU has rendered great services in the field of education and particularly teacher education. Distance education internationally is an established system of education but in the context of Pakistan there are certain issues in distant mode of education which if addressed, may improve quality in teacher education. The current study investigated issues from the perspectives of tutors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data were collected from tutors in 03 districts through interviews. Interview was conducted with total of 20 tutors. The purpose of the study was to get an in-depth understanding of the issues and suggest recommendations for improvement of the teacher education through distance learning from AIOU and the distance education programs offered by other universities.

Violations of children rights are the grey areas in Pakistan that have grave consequences for the educational progress of students especially those studying at elementary level. This study probes the major children rights contravention at elementary level schools located in Pakistan; particularly in government sector schools where the learning course is usually taken by the principals and teachers as a regular affair without any fervent approach. In order to investigate the state of children rights in schools, principal, teachers and students from rural and urban area public sector institutions of Capital Territory Islamabad were taken as the sample for this study so that the state of these institutions in terms of providing basic rights to elementary students could be analyzed and it could be seen if they affect the performance of children in class or not. The result indicates the prevalence of several nuisance areas including corporal punishment, bullying, unhygienic environment, lack of educational facilities and proper infrastructure in these institutions which are directly affecting the performance of children in form of a decline in learning outcomes, specifically in rural areas where the use of physical punishment is reported to be practiced more in ratio as compared to urban areas. The study is significant as it explores issues and causes for children rights violations and suggests the necessary measures that would make the learning environment more conducive for students.

This study is intended to examine the correlation between working memory of students and their academic performance in Mathematics. Specifically, it was aimed to determine the degree of relationship between working memory capacity and academic achievement of students in mathematics studying at secondary school. A sample of 800 students studying in grade 10 was randomly selected from forty government and private secondary schools (girls and boys) situated in Hazara division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Both Urdu and English mediums of instruction schools were included in the sample. The researcher used digits span backwards test (DSBT) to find out the working memory capacity of the students associated with their academic performance in mathematics. This study revealed that girls have outperformed boys very markedly in examination scores of mathematics at secondary level. Contrarily, boys have performed well in working memory capacity than girls at the secondary level. However a very small gender difference is observed in this study. It is also noticed that private secondary schools showed higher performance in examination scores of mathematics and in working memory capacity than government secondary schoolsl.

This paper compares the mathematics teaching practices of private and public high school teachers in Punjab. Two hundred public and 180 private school teachers were selected by using random sampling technique from district Sahiwal. The quantitative data was collected by using a Likert type 58 questionnaire items. The questionnaire consisted of six parts: mathematic teaching practices, mathematic effective students’ instruction, mathematic resources availability, use of mathematic resources, use of instructional techniques and evaluation techniques used by the teachers. The study indicated that private school teacher teach in cooperative environment, individual concentration, small group discussion and encourage students in mathematic classrooms as compared to public school teachers. They write equations to represent concept and then engage students in problem solving and practice computational skill as compared to public school teachers. Public school teachers highly believe that text book is primary instructional tool for teaching. They practice difficult problem by drill in their classes. Although Public school teachers are well trained, qualified and experienced yet they emphasize rote learning which is a big hurdle in conceptual understanding. Provision of material resources in public schools is high. Mathematic curriculum document, manipulative, measuring devices, and spreadsheets, worksheet calculators, teacher guide and computers as teaching resources are available in public schools. Whereas, helping books and calculators’ availability is better in private schools.

Agricultural education is the main component to promote development and production of agriculture. In Pakistan, higher education institutes are offering agricultural education at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels. F.Sc. Pre-Agriculture program has also been started in selected universities of agriculture. At the same time, the subject of agriculture has been part of elementary schools for many years. But, the gap still exists for the provision of agricultural education at secondary level. So, the study aims to review the initiatives of agriculture education at secondary level in national educational policies and five-year plans and to explore the possibilities for the promotion of curriculum for agricultural education according to opinions from agricultural education experts. This offers a descriptive study. The study was conducted in two steps. Documentary analysis technique was firstly used. Further, the need of agricultural education curriculum for secondary level was assessed and possibilities of agriculture education were explored. Purposive sampling technique was used to select subject specialists. The data was analyzed with frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The qualitative data was analyzed by themes and analytical approach. This research suggests that agriculture education is highly desirable for introduction at secondary school.

This study examined various aspects of quality in secondary education of Punjab. Population of the study was constituted all principals, teachers and students of degree colleges, intermediate colleges and higher secondary schools. A randomized sample of forty degree colleges was selected comprizing forty intermediate colleges and forty higher secondary schools (gender-wise equal). Participants’ responses were collected via questionnaire. After the data tabulation, it was examined and explained in the light of research objectives. Statistical tests like mean, standard deviation, standard error of mean and estimated population mean were employed. The study revealed that from the findings of the study A.V Aids were not appropriately used, teachers’ pay scales were not satisfactory and secondary level curriculum did not meet the academic needs. Therefore, the researchers consider provision of modern audio-visual aids to the institutions to be important, besides the teachers training and motivation to utlize these audiovisual aids for enhancement of instructional process. Moreover, it is suggested that adequate budgetry allocation for education and improving the pay scales of the teachers will enhance the quality of education.

The study titled “political factors and sectarian identities in tribal areas of Pakistan” was carried out in tribal district Kurram under positivistic tools of the data collection. A sample size of 300 respondents was randomly selected with equal proportion of Shia and Sunni from the study universe and questionnaire was used as a tool of data collection. The data was portrayed at uni-variate level with the help of frequency and percentage distribution. The association between dependent (sectarianism) and independent (political factors) variables was ascertained through Chi-Square test statistics at bivaraite level of analysis. The study concluded that alongside the local people, state agencies are either involved in sectarianism or they are unable to handle the situations. Soviet-US proxy war and United States invasion in Afghanistan accelerate the occurrences of sectarian violence in the area that became most horrible after Pakistan entrance into US coalition in war against terrorism. The local militants are enjoying external patronage for carrying anti-state operations in the area. Previously, political activities were banned in tribal areas that not only affect the conventional politics but also restrict the intervention of nationalist political forces in the region. Further, mainstream political parties are taking less interest to resolve the issue, while some political parties also ideologically supporting sect-based politics. Strict ban on militant groups, formation of strict laws for preventing militancy, and keeping open eyes on external transitions in the area were forwarded some of the recommendations.

The researcher aimed at investigating the effects of overcrowded classes on the teaching learning process at secondary level. By nature, this research study was descriptive so survey research design was employed and a closed ended questionnaire having twenty items related to the research problem were developed on five point Likert’s scale for the teachers (Senior Science Teachers) and the 10th grade students of government high schools from three tehsils of district Nankana Sahib. Pilot study was conducted to achieve the reasonable face and content validity and reliability, expert opinions and testretest techniques were used and 0.891 Pearson’s product moment was assured. One hundred (100) questionnaires for SSTs both males and female and 120 questionnaires for students both boys and girls were administered personally and with the help of some friends, six principals both of male and female were interviewed using structured interview schedule data collection technique and data was collected. On the basis of analysis and interpretation of data, indiscipline classes due to overcrowdings affect the teaching learning process badly; the performance of the students is not easily assessed in overcrowded classes and teachers are unable to interact with students easily in overcrowded classes were the conclusions of this research study. The researcher suggested that the government must make it possible to implement the law of recommended class size and reduce the problem by building more classrooms for the students at secondary level. Policy makers may formulate the policies for the effective assessment and evaluation process.

In this research, we visit literature directed seven steps procedure of scale development and incorporate it in studying dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine and thus finalized 16 items neurotransmitters scale. We incorporated 6 samples for construction of reliable multi-aspect questionnaire that imitated across the samples. We confirm the content adequacy qualitatively and quantitatively including discriminant and convergent validity. We also established the criterion-related validity through the instrument’s relation with measures of behavioral aspects of individual investors. This research proposes that the neurotransmitters scale is valid and reliable. Neurotransmitters as dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine have significant use for individual stock markets investors. This investigators hope that the corroborated scale is reliable as well as valid and will be appropriate to utilize in upcoming studies of neurofinance.

This research study is intended to deliver a swift review of what is previously known about customer satisfaction and enhanced understanding of the factors of customer relationship management (CRM) in relation to customer satisfaction. By examining the literature of prior studies, this article requires enhanced understanding of customer satisfaction in international airline industry of Pakistan. The study delivers a conceptual framework to broaden the customer satisfaction and the influence of CRM factors comprising service quality, social network interaction, and relationship through solving customer problems, physical environment and trust. The mediating role of corporate image will further strengthen the connection of CRM factors and customer satisfaction. The research findings supplement the present literature of CRM by enhancing the understanding of the dimensions of customer satisfaction. The proposed conceptual framework makes an essential input to the current literature on customer satisfaction by addressing its theoretical and practical implications.

Since last decade corporate sustainability has been of great interest to practitioners and researchers, both. Successful implementation of sustainability practices is vital for organizational survival and competitive advantage. Based on institutional theory, this study aims at to enhance understanding regarding the relationship of sustainability practices and corporate performance directly and indirectly through non-financial performance. Data from managerial level employees of manufacturing and services providing organizations of Pakistan was collected through a survey questionnaire. Based on 346 participants’ responses we found that sustainability practices (exploration and exploitation) have significant relationship with financial and market performance. The multi-mediation analysis shows that all mediators partially mediate the relationship between sustainability practices and corporate performance. In the context of Pakistan, this study is the first of its kind to validate sustainability practices scale.

This research explores the difference in self-efficacy beliefs by gender and language of instruction of teachers. This descriptive study uses survey. The multistage stratified random sampling is employed to choose the sample for the study. The sample comprises 1761 teachers: 880 male and 881 female teachers from 419 primary, middle and high school. Out of 1761 teachers 923 are from English medium and 838 are from Urdu medium schools. The schools are selected from nine districts of the Punjab. The data are collected by using Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale. The t-test and ANOVA are run to find mean self-efficacy. The study finds self-efficacy level of teachers from Urdu medium schools being higher than teachers from English medium schools. No difference in self-efficacy by gender is reported. It is further concluded that effect of medium of instruction on self-efficacy does not depend upon gender.

Climate change, the greatest environmental challenge of current era, affects human health badly. Natural hazards such as storms, droughts, excessive rains, floods, droughts and increasing temperature always threaten human health. South Asian rural women bear more household responsibilities than men in terms of fetching water and burning biomass fuel for cooking and heating. To obtain these resources women have to go out and are more exposed to outdoor environment and the increased exposure make them more amenable to the effects of changing climatic and weather patterns. The objective of this study is to document women health impacts under climate change in District Rawalpindi, Pakistan. We find that climate change increases the incidence of diseases which affect physical health. In developing countries, extreme weather patterns disproportionally affect vulnerable population like women, children and others bear burden of illness. Pakistan also faces heat waves fluctuation during summer and extreme rainfall pattern which have severe effect on overall health of individuals. We conclude that climatic changes (increasing heat intensity, dry spells, unusual rains and others) affect women health badly. The state has to improve our climate by offering effective policies. This may include reforestation, plantation in and outside homes and environmental friendly policies like renewable energy that is a shift from coal and oil investing energy projects. Increase of green areas within urban localities is also needed.

The current study, contextualizes in the higher education context of Pakistan, adopts a gender lens for the relationship of gender similarity with LMX (Leader Member Exchange) and OCB (Organizational Citizenship Behaviors). Also, the study attempts investigation of the moderating effects of gender similarity in the relationship of LMX with OCB. The study adopts a quantitative approach with a crosssectional survey design. Multistage proportionate stratified random sampling is employed for the sample of 1008 full-time faculty from 7 Public and 7 Private, HEC recognized universities across Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Standardized 12-item LMXMDM and 12-item OCB scales are employed. Statistical analysis include descriptive statistics, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and moderated linear regression. The study ends in equivocal findings regarding the moderating role of gender similarity in a relationship of LMX with OCB across the sample public and private sector universities. The study also yields mixed findings regarding the relationship of gender similarity with LMX. Further the findings of the study do not support the proposition of relationship of gender similarity with OCB.

People from different countries reshape and revise Hamlet to suit their situations and alter their personalities accordingly. Hamlet highlights issues in political, moral, social and cultural spheres of a country. Shakespeare’s Hamlet attracts the minds of readers to the extent that they establish a link with their unconscious minds; thus resulting in an empathetic connection between readers, characters and the adapters. This paper offers an analysis of the different adaptations of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in some countries. It delineates the link between Hamlet and its adaptations, particularly Haider –an Indian adaptation. This paper compares Hamlet and Haider and draws parallels between the two in order to highlight and address contemporary problems especially that of conflict between Pakistan and India over Kashmir. This paper talks about Haider that successfully created the desired impact which should be the purpose of an adapted play. Essentially qualitative in nature, this paper uses the lens of Linda Hutcheon –Theory of Adaptation- to conduct textual analysis.

The present study investigates the major factors associated with academic performance of students in Mathematics and English. The data are collected from matric level students who have passed the 9th class examination in the area of District Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan through questionnaire. The performance in these two subjects is measured through scores of students in 9th class board examination in these subjects. Significant factors in the performance in these subjects are measured through Chi-square test of association. The analysis conclude that the factors area, accommodation, daily study hour, parent’s education and parent’s concept of Mathematics and English were found to be significantly associated with the performance in these two subjects.

Politics as theory and practice of the power, and the existence of authoritative structures for the governance of a country remains among the staple contents of imaginative literature. The catastrophic incident of 9/11 at the turn of the new millennium has not only impacted the international politics but also resulted in the proliferation of political ideas in the literary writings. Glut production of fiction on War on Terror exposes the readers to the wide range of ideological constructions regarding the issue. Compared to the theoretical discourse, fiction serves as a better medium to persuasively depict the emotional and psychological traumas of the local population whose lives continue to suffer years after the 9/11 tragedy. In particular, Fatima Bhutto’s novel The Shadow of the Crescent Moon (2013) counters the fixed ideas about War on Terror. By portraying the social and political relationships and institutions within which this evil conflict thrives, she draws into our imagination the understanding and reality of the War on Terror, and to those who are its worst victims. For Bhutto, the psychological understanding of the worst victims of war on terror reveal that neither West nor the Pakistani state has suffered those dire consequences that the youth of the tribal areas face. As a consequence of this unending war, their fate is sealed as ‘lost generation’, both as a result of denial of justice, and the destruction caused by war on terror.