Pakistan Languages and Humanities Review

Gul Bangulzai: Author of the first Novel “Dreehav” in Brahui Literature

Muhammad Imran, Dr. Zia ur Rehman Baloch — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This research seeks to explore Gul Bangulzai's contribution to the emergence of Brahui literature, particularly his socio-cultural representation in Dreehav (1989) as being the first Brahui novel and its critical portrayal of Baloch tribal society. Brahui is an old language that has a solid oral tradition but only tardily, it began to deal with the post-modern fiction. The journey from folk literature, through short stories in the 1950s and ultimately to the novel is part of a wider societal and literary evolution. Gul Bangulzai was a prominent figure at this time that forms the modern Brahui prose. The method followed by this inquiry is a qualitative literary analysis of the primary texts and their critical reception in an attempt to offer interpretations of themes, characters and socio-historical references. The research claims that Dreehav powerfully articulates nomadic lifestyle, tribal hierarchies, class exploitation and gender discrimination in Baloch society. Bangulzai articulates rural marginality and feudal exploitation with vivid characters and narratives. His writings span oral tradition and contemporary fiction contributing to the canon of pacesetter genre in modern Brahui literature. More studies on the comparative analysis of Brahui novels and translations should be conducted. Universities need to consider Brahui literature so that this infant literary tradition is preserved and enhanced.

Youth Political Disengagement in Pakistan: Causes and Consequences

Zainab Asif , Waqia Rahat, Zoya Shakeel — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0500

The study examines the Pakistan’s increasing youth political disengagement problem which poses a threat to stability of Pakistan. Finding the root cause of this disengagement and understanding its long term effects on the country’s democracy and governance are the main goal. Since youth have historically been important in political initiatives, historical studies show that after the ban on student union and the emergence of dynastic politics, there was a trend toward disengagement. The study looks at the causes of disengagement using a descriptive and exploratory approach and gathers information from focused discussion with individuals aged 18 to 35.The results shows that disengagement is caused by political mistrust, elite power, unstable governance, lack of civic education and socio-economic issues. The study also highlights the way in which youth civic engagement is essential to support the stability of Pakistan’s democratic system and understanding the strategies of youth political disengagement. The study recommendations demands for the restoration of student union, setting up the youth quotas in parliament and the addition of meaningful civic education in order to restore the political engagement of youth.

Bridging the Divide: A Comparative Analysis of Matriculation and O-Level English Curricula in Pakistan

Shazia Nasreen, Dr. Zahra Rabab — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This paper investigates the differences between national Matriculation curriculum and the Cambridge O-Level curriculum to determine the differences in teaching English at the secondary education level. Using analysis of curriculum documents, semi structured teacher interviews and extensive student surveys, the analysis measures the breadth of content coverage, methods used in instruction and the modes used in assessment by the two systems. The outcomes demonstrate that, unlike the Matriculation curriculum, including mostly rote memorization and grammatical correctness, the O-Level structure prefigures communicative competence, higher-level critical thinking, and creative articulation. However, structural inequalities and socio-economic inequalities still mediate access to high-quality education as well as the results of education. In light of these results, the article presents evidence-based policy suggestions that can support curriculum change, strategic alignment, and redesigning of assessment and narrow the divide between the two systems to promote national English proficiency.

Blended Learning for the Teaching of Story Writing: An Experimental Study

Irum Batool, Muhammad Matloob Ur Rasool — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0500

The study investigates the effectiveness of blended learning and online collaborative learning tools for teaching story writing. Theoretical framework is based on Constructivism (Jonassen, 2000; Seimen, 2004), and Cognitivism (Mayer, 2002) for this experimental study. The experimental research has a quantitative paradigm and conducted on purposively selected 50 undergraduate learners distributed into control and experimental groups, with 25 participants in each group. The experimental group was taught through blended learning, and the control group was taught face-to-face. The treatment for the experimental group was given in the form of both face-to-face classroom sessions and online sessions including Wattpad, Wikispacesclassroom, Storybird, and Penzu. The study's findings revealed that interactivity, variety in the ways of teaching, collaboration among students for writing stories, exposure and interaction with the communities of practice, and feedback from instructors and peers were the factors responsible for the high scores and performance of learners in the experimental group. The study recommends using a blended learning approach to teach story-writing skills. Furthermore, modern trends in AI and innovations should be incorporated in blended learning, as technology has a major role in every field of life.

Formal and Informal Language Dialects Use in Kashmiri and Urdu: A Comparative Linguistic Analysis

Maryam Sikandar, Sidra Aqeel — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This study aims to compare the formal and informal registers of Kashmiri and Urdu by specifying differences in vocabulary, grammar, and patterns of use across every day and literary-academic contexts. The sociolinguistic setting of Jammu and Kashmir provides a distinctive background in which Kashmiri operates as the indigenous language while Urdu holds official status, resulting in stratified language use. Previous scholarship has acknowledged diglossia in the region, but detailed register-based contrasts remain limited. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study analyzes data from spoken interactions, literary texts, academic materials, and policy documents to examine syntax, lexical choice, address forms, and code-switching practices. The findings show that informal Kashmiri relies on a largely Sanskrit-derived lexicon and flexible V2 syntax, supporting intimacy and local identity, whereas formal Urdu is marked by Persian–Arabic vocabulary, standardized SOV grammar, and high codification. A functional distribution persists, though increasing code-switching reflects shifting identities. It is recommended that language policy and education systems promote Kashmiri alongside Urdu to support linguistic balance and cultural preservat

Working Hours Patterns in Pakistan and Japan: A Policy-Oriented Comparative Study

Ayesha Dilawar, Amina Manzoor, Muqadas Rasheed — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This research aims to explore the working hour regulations in Japan and Pakistan. The study compares both countries in order to find why labor policies failed in practice and how it can be improved. The study is conducted by using an analytical approach and qualitative methodology. Secondary sources are consulted to provide a thorough grasp of the laws governing working hours in both nations. The results find that both countries are facing a similar problem of excessive working hours, but the underlying causes are different. In Japan, the reasons behind extended working hours are cultural factors and social norms while in the Pakistan unemployment and weak enforcement are the main causes. The study suggests that strong enforcement of working hour regulations requires not only strong legal framework but also encouraging cultural, social, and economic conditions. Recommendations include strong enforcement and harmonizing culture with legislation.

The Technological Competition between USA, Europe and China and its Geopolitical Implications

Mubasshar Hassan Jafri, Dr. Sabir Ijaz — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0500

The paper examines the technological competition among major powers. It suggests that tech supremacy will define who holds the future. The technology competition or war primarily began between United State of America (USA) and China has also engulfed European and Asian states which are advanced in High-Tech Manufacturing (HTM). Both the US and China want global supremacy in HTM like Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing and innovation system. To maintain its status as a leading super power, United States of America (USA) has introduced policies to restrict its allies’ to sale HTM to Beijing. Conversely, China has established strong economic ties with the HTM countries over the past few decades. The study is simply qualitative and utilized secondary data. The race for technological supremacy will be won by the country which had the support of HTM producing countries. Both the US and China want these states to remain on its sides. The competition has put different states at a difficult situation. States might bear economic loss by choosing sides and face security threats from any side. With this background the study would investigate the chances of cooperation or conflict between US and China. The competitive situation might lead to protectionism or end of globalization. This might be a start of new cold war between US and China.

Cybersecurity in Pakistan: Public Opinion and the Effectiveness of Government Response

Neha Arif, Rehmat Arif, Arooj Fatima — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0500

In the digitalization world, Pakistan faces challenges due to the expansion of online social media and financial frauds. Cyberattacks such as malware, phishing, and hacking make cybersecurity awareness necessary among the citizens and at the national level. This study examines the public opinion on cybersecurity awareness and government initiatives. A quantitative research approach was adopted using an online survey that was designed to collect data from 400 participants. The results show that cyber security awareness, knowledge of government initiatives, and cyber law remain limited. Many citizens use security practices, but citizens' behavior—clicking suspicious links—faces cyberattacks. The study further shows that experiences of cybercrimes negatively impact public trust. The report concludes that strengthening institutional collaboration, public awareness campaigns, and law enforcement are essential to improving cybersecurity governance and rebuilding public confidence in Pakistan.

Economic Performance and its Relationship with Democratic Stability: Evidences from Pakistan

Arooj Nasir, Laiba Nadeem, Aleeza — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This study examines the relationship between economic performance and democratic stability in Pakistan. It seeks to assess whether economic growth alone can ensure democratic consolidation or if institutional factors play a mediating role. Pakistan’s democratic experience has remained fragile due to recurring economic crises and political instability. High unemployment, income inequality, and weak governance have eroded public trust. Electoral transitions and regional disparities, particularly in Baluchistan and former FATA, further highlight democratic vulnerabilities. These challenges make it necessary to analyze the economic foundations of democratic stability. The study adopts a qualitative research approach based on secondary sources, including academic literature, economic reports, and election data. A descriptive analytical method is applied. The findings indicate that economic growth encourages democratic participation and institutional trust. However, economic downturns intensify socio-political discontent and instability. Democratic stability depends heavily on institutional quality, civil–military balance, and media freedom. The study recommends integrated policies focusing on inclusive growth, strong institutions, media autonomy, and active civic engagement to ensure democratic consolidation in Pakistan.

A Multimodal Discourse Analysis of the Pakistan Government's Selected Laptop Distribution Advertisements

Attiya Khanam, Sarwat Jabeen, Noor Fatima — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0500

The study critically analyses the discourses of the advertisements of laptop scheme launched by the federal and provisional governments of Pakistan during the year 2025.The aim of the study is to examine the use of multimodality in the advertisements. The research is qualitative in nature and takes insights from Machin's (2012, 2007) multimodal framework to analyze the semiotic and linguistic resources used in the advertisements. The sample of the study is purposely selected from the official websites of the government of Pakistan. The findings of study reveal that the young citizens are represented as powerful, technologically skilled, and progressive subjects and the laptop is presented not merely as an object, but as a medium symbolizing access, possibility, and bright future. These advertisements provide a visual hierarchy that glorifies the political elite and legitamize their power. The leadership is purposefully portrayed highly empathetic towards the youth. The study uncovers the beautiful interplay of power, ideologies and .language in governmental discourse

Ethnic Struggle in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: A Case of Parachinar

Ayesha Javed, Bisma Seerat, Hafsa Javed — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This observe ambitions to explore the underlying causes and dynamics of ethnic warfare in Parachinar, Kurram District, analyzing its effect on nearby groups and seeking to make a contribution to a deeper understanding of the complexities of ethnic family members inside the place. Ethnic war has been a chronic task in Parachinar, characterized with the aid of deep-seated divisions and violent clashes among special ethnic companies, driven by complicated ancient, cultural, and socio-political elements. To investigate this important trouble, this studies adopted a qualitative method, employing a case study layout that applied focus group discussions, participant observations, and report evaluation to acquire in-depth insights into the dynamics of ethnic family members. Via good sized fieldwork and review of present literature, along with ancient statistics and news reviews, rich qualitative information turned into amassed, and thematic evaluation turned into applied to identify patterns and themes. By using reading the historical, cultural, and socio-political elements contributing to these conflicts, this research seeks to tell strategies for promoting peace and reconciliation inside the area. The look act’s qualitative approach enabled an in-intensity knowledge of the social, cultural, and ancient contexts shaping ethnic battle in Parachinar, offering treasured insights into the lived studies of local network contributors. In the long run, this research objectives to make contributions to a deeper expertise of the complexities of ethnic warfare in Parachinar, with the goal of informing rules and interventions that may help mitigate tensions and promote peaceful coexistence amongst numerous ethnic corporations in the area. By shedding mild at the underlying reasons and dynamics of ethnic struggle, this look at hopes to make a significant contribution to the field of struggle decision and peace studies.

Global Voices, Local Concerns: An Eco Critical Discourse Analysis of Environment Protection Slogans on Climate Day

Saima Ali Khan, Dr. Muhammad Akbar Sajid, Rozina Tasleem — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

The present study is based on the analysis of globally disseminated slogans related to climate change. The climate day is celebrated on 5th June every year. For this purpose, climate friendly slogans are coined and issued the world over and are adapted locally. The present study analyses the data by employing integrated multimodal research approach. This approach has been devised by drawing upon Kress and Hodge (2006) model of Semiological discourse analysis and Stibbe (2015) model of ecological discourse analysis. The study finds that there are five dominant representational trends namely, urgency, shared responsibility, future-oriented appeals, moral framing, and emotional global unity embodied in the data used in the study. The study also finds that although most of the slogans are propagating universal ecological values, they are also encoding localized issues, cultural metaphors, and region-specific ideologies of responsibility. Besides, it finds that climate slogans are hybrid discourses carrying global and local ecological messages.

Assessing Content Validity and Thematic Trends in CSS English Literature Question Papers: A Critical Study

Uroosa Aurangzeb, Dr. Khurram Shahzad — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This study examines the effectiveness of English literature question papers of Pakistan’s Central Superior Services (CSS) examination from 2019 to 2023. The analysis is limited to literature papers, excluding exams from other disciplines. Designing assessments is crucial to ensuring test validity. Particularly, literature exams depend on the clarity and alignment of tasks. A qualitative research approach is utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of tests. The study is based on the Test Usefulness Model of Bachman and Palmer’s (1996) and Shohamy’s (2020) critical viewpoint on language testing, which focuses on reliability, validity, authenticity, and syllabus alignment. The study uses 50 exam papers, 10 from each year, obtained from the CSS website. The results indicate issues such as unclear instructions, inconsistent tasks, uneven difficulty levels, and misalignment of the syllabus. Language testing is an underexplored area of the CSS exam. Resultantly, clearer tasks and regular syllabus updates are required to improve exam design.

Geo-Economic Integration under CPEC: Opportunities and Structural Challenges for Pakistan

Dr. Reema Murad — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This study aims to analyze CPEC through an economic and socio-political lens. The Chin*a–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, represents Pakistan’s largest foreign investment to date, with projected funding exceeding $65 billion. This study employs qualitative methodology through documentbased content analysis to investigate on Pakistan’s energy sector, transportation infrastructure, and regional connectivity with a focus on Special Economic Zones. The findings reveal that CPEC functions as a vehicle for regional integration, trade facilitation, and soft power diplomacy, exemplified by developments in Gwadar and the Karakoram Highway. The research highlights challenges including governance issues, human capital gaps, inter-provincial coordination, and concerns regarding debt sustainability. Findings indicate that the Corridor’s transformative potential depends on inclusive implementation, transparent governance, and integration of social and cultural dimensions. The study recommends that Pakistan needs to take full advantage of the opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, and enhanced regional connectivity provided by CPEC through sustainable, inclusive, and strategically coordinated policies to fully realize its benefits.

Constructing Multipolarity: A Constructivist Analysis of Global Power Transformation, Identity Formation, and Emerging Alliances (2001–2025)

Muneeb Aurangzeb, Dr. Rizwana Jabeenand, Dr. Syed Shuja Uddin — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This paper explores how the world has emerged into an even more complicated multipolar structure since 2001 compared to the post-Cold War unipolarity. Based on constructivist information, the paper argues that the new alliances like CRINK (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) are not just a matter of coordination, but the creation of new identities as sovereign, non-interfering, and non-Western hegemony. The paper also examines how the issue of fairness, recognition and normative legitimacy has assumed a centre stage in the reconstitution of power in the 21st century in both geopolitical orientations and institutional reform discourses. The study can determine the emergent trends of identity formation, legitimacy-seeking behaviour, and normative contestation by conducting thematic and comparative analysis of secondary sources, think-tank reports and policy documents. The results indicate that the future of the world order depends on the capacity of states to overcome pluralism, shared leadership, and ideational diversity.

Indecision and Psychological Conflict in Hamlet: A Freudian Interpretation

Bina Sahar, Dr. Ayaz Ul Haq — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This study explores the psychological side of Hamlet by William Shakespeare, and it will focus on the theme of indecision and a conflict with self that the main character faces. According to the play, Hamlet is a tragic hero whose indecisiveness to take action against the killing of his father poses relevant psychological issues. This paper uses psychoanalysis theory by Sigmund Freud especially the concept of unconscious mind, repression and the Oedipus complex to analyze the hesitation and emotional conflicts of Hamlet. This is to establish that Hamlet delays are based on moral issues or deep seated psychological problems. The study can be appreciated because it offers a deeper insight into the character of Hamlet than the traditional moralist approaches and emphasizes the importance of psychoanalytic criticism in the field of analysis of literary works. It specifically dwells on a Freudian interpretation, and largely looks into the relationships between Hamlet and Gertrude and Hamlet and Claudius.

Stylistic Analysis of Empowerment in Sarah Kay's 'The Type’

Aqsa Tariq, Dr. Ayaz ul Haq — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This research paper presents a stylistic analysis of The Type by Sarah Kay. While literary criticism has traditionally focused on written texts, this study bridges the gap between graphology (the visual structure of the poem on the page) and prosody (the sonic features of performance). Using Systemic Functional Linguistics, the research examines both the 2016 illustrated book edition published by Hachette Book Group and the original 2013 live performance. The findings show that Kay employs graphological variation, deictic shifts, and syntactic parallelism alongside prosodic elements such as voice inflection, pauses, and gestures to challenge traditional portrayals of femininity and construct an empowered female identity. Furthermore, the poem functions as a “doorway,” a concept described by Baumann, enabling identity negotiation. Ultimately, the stylistic power of the poem lies not only in its semantic content but also in the dynamic integration of multiple modes of meaning-making.

The India- Israel- Afghanistan Strategic Nexus: Intelligence Cooperation, Counter-China Containment, and Pakistan’s Security Dilemma

Syed Rizwan Haider Bukhari — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This paper explores the newly formed media nexus between India, Israel, and Afghanistan as a result of intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, and geopolitical sidelining against the Chinese impact. The common interest in the fight against extremism and stability, including the Belt and Road Initiative, have resulted in a tacit yet effective partnership between these countries, changing the dynamics in the region. Using the theory of the regional security complex, a qualitative analysis is made based on defense alliances, intelligence sharing, and the implications of such partnership on regional security. The essay helps to point out the increased defense power and intelligence collaboration among the three countries that indirectly undermine the influence of China and increases the security dilemma of Pakistan. It is time that regional powers reevaluated the strategic implications of such an alliance, and Pakistan rethought their defense policies and reinforce their diplomatic acumen.

The Relationship between Psychological Distress, Coping Strategies and Emotion Dysregulation among Novice and Experienced Therapists

Javeria Nasir, Dr. Kiran Bashir Ahmad, Dr. Erum Kausar — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This research investigated the relationship between psychological distress, coping strategies, and emotion dysregulation, comparing novice and experienced therapists. Psychotherapists are susceptible to negative psychological outcomes (Figley, 2002), which are influenced by interconnected elements, like the factors examined in this research. A quantitative survey research design utilizing purposive and snowball sampling was employed. Responses were collected from 100 participants, including novice therapists (Nn=50) and experienced therapists (En=50) (M= 29.16, SD= 5.74). Analysis revealed that psychological distress showed significant moderate positive correlation with avoidant coping and emotion dysregulation; and significant weak positive correlation with problem-focused and emotion-focused coping. Emotion-focused coping and emotion dysregulation had a significant weak positive correlation. Moreover, novice therapists reported significantly more psychological distress and emotion dysregulation as compared to experienced therapists. No group differences were found in coping strategies. The research recommends longitudinal design to examine how coping, distress, and emotion dysregulation change with therapists’ experience.

Multiple Perspectives as Narrative Resistance in Postcolonial Rewritings of Western Canonical Texts

Sajjida Iqbal, Dr. Asma Aftab khan — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

The present study aims at examining the narrative technique of multiple perspectives employed as a political tool in the rewritings: Season of Migration to the North, Wide Sargasso Sea, and Unmarriageable to amplify the voices of the oppressed and eventually to transform the discourse of postcolonial identity and agency. Drawing on Edward Said’s (1993) concept of contrapuntal reading, these rewritings engage with the western literary canon and reclaim their lost histories while confronting the forces of imperialism. Through techniques such as fragmentation, multiple perspectives, and narrative ingenuity, the texts critique the biases of the Western canon and assert alternative modes of cultural resistance. The findings of the study demonstrate that the rewritings show how literature, through postcolonial approaches, can help decolonize culture, rewrite history, and promote a more diverse understanding of identity, language, and belonging.

Emerging Identities: An Application of ISA to Breaking it Up by Bapsi Sidhwa

Farzeen Ghazal, Tabassum Naz, Faiza Khan — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

The research delves into Bapsi Sidhwa’s Breaking It Up which explores how the parental authority, driven by traditions of cultural ideologies, operates as Ideological state Apparatus throughout the narrative. The primary Aim of the research is to uncover the impacts of Zareen acting like a state in her daughter Feroze’s life under the influence of family and culture. The second objective is to investigate the existing Pakistani and American cultural differences through the character of Zareen and Feroze in Breaking It Up. It critiques the Family and cultural ISAs present in the Breaking It Up, which is a part of louis Althusser’s Conceptual framework of ideological state Apparatus. The research is qualitative, and it purely relies on a descriptive approach. The key findings reveal that emotional connection between the mother and daughter weakens throughout the story, which shows a negative effect of the forceful imposition of ISAs over the mind and life of the daughter. The coercion of ISAs on Feroza depicts the falsely constructed social ideologies that leads to her suffrage followed by her emerging identity throughout the short story.

Bodies Set in Assigned Positions: Dis/Embodiment and Placial Subjectivity in Don DeLillo’s Zero K

Aimal Zahid, Dr. Khurshid Alam — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0500

This article examines placial thinking in Don DeLillo’s Zero K, arguing that Jeffrey Lockhart’s insistence on embodiment is grounded in his understanding of subjectivity as fundamentally implaced. In Zero K, the Convergence facility promises a disembodied “pure self” through cryopreservation. While critics read Jeffrey’s resistance as existential humanism, the deeper philosophical logic of his stance remains underexplored. Through close textual analysis informed by Edward Casey’s exploration of place, the study interprets Jeffrey’s worldview as grounded in implacement. Drawing on phenomenological accounts of body-place relations, it examines his spatial metaphors, temporal orientation, and embodied relationality. The analysis demonstrates that Jeffrey’s subjectivity emerges from lived situatedness within spatiotemporal coordinates. His memories, perceptions, and identity depend on bodily extension in place. The study positions Jeffrey’s narrative as a sustained defense of material implacement against the abstraction of disembodied subjectivity. It asks how embodiment enables place, and how place, in turn, enables subjectivity.