Journal of Professional Research in Social Sciences https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS <p>JPRSS is a collective effort. Our team members aim to synergize their potential and efforts to create a multi-disciplinary, productive, and inclusive international academic fraternity at Minhaj University Lahore. Moving forward with a pro-student approach, we consider students and young scholars as our primary asset and important target audience. The basic purpose is to develop a reading habit and promote a culture of knowledge exchange in students. Therefore, we encourage academia, experts, writers, and young scholars to contribute theoretical and empirical research papers and articles with current and historical insights. To acknowledge the significance of the latest debates and discussions and pitch in with these emerging discourses, JPRSS also accepts the reviews of the latest books or texts for publication.</p> en-US jprss@mul.edu.pk (Dr. Hassan Farooq Mashwani) asad.crd@mul.edu.pk (Mr. Muhammad Asad (Centre for Research and Development)) Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.5 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Gwadar Port: A Potential Economic Hub for Regional Prosperity https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/690 <p><em>Gwadar port in the Arabian Sea is of great strategic importance to Pakistan. It is expected to become the main economic anchor for neighboring countries. By attracting commerce in Afghanistan, Central Asian Republics (CAR), China, the Persian Gulf, and the Middle East, this port will become the focal point for shipping between these regions. This study is based on qualitative content analysis of the relationship of Gwadar Port with regional economic prosperity. The key research question is: Can Gwadar develop as the economic hub that involves the whole region? The purpose of this essay is to emphasize how significant the Gwadar port has the potential to become for the expansion of the regional maritime influence. Through reestablishing trade links between China and Central Asian States, Gwadar port is going to bring about the expansion of maritime trade and improve the trade to warm waters. It is going to be dedicated for supply of fast terminal services to the Gulf and East African ports too. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a defining aspect of China's Belt and Road Initiative, has added to the significance of the port to regional trade and growth. Onward progress of projects leads to development of Gwadar into the most important trade hub which also brings along the regional prosperity. The essence of this article is to highlight how important the Gwadar port could become for the economic growth of the area.</em></p> Najeeb Ul Haq Tabish, Prof. Dr. Sajid Mehmood Shahzad Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Professional Research in Social Sciences https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/690 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Exploring the Urban Regeneration potential for Ahmedabad temples in the vicinity of Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, Pakistan https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/576 <p><em>This study investigate and analyze the potential for urban regeneration of Ahmedabad temples located in the vicinity of Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, Pakistan, highlighting and prioritizing the exigent need for their documentation and conservation. To preserve their architectural and cultural relevance these temples require immediate attention as they are at risk of deterioration due to insufficient resources. Encouraging and strengthening social and cultural connections within the community this research specifies the significance of a comprehensive strategy that integrates heritage preservation with modern architectural interventions. This study recommends a sustainable approach to conserve these heritage sites by integrating social-individual relationship model that will promote local economic growth through tourism. To certify the long-term preservation and transformation of the Ahmedabad temples the findings highlight the importance of participatory conservation process, involving local communities, authorities, and stakeholders. The functionality, aesthetic values, and accessibility of the temples can be enhance by introducing planned urban regeneration model, reinforcing their state as cultural landmarks and contributing to the region’s socio-economic development. The role of both private and public sectors are important in addressing threats to these heritage sites. This research support and encourages for a collaborative governance framework. Ensuring temples consistent values as cultural asset for future generations the study refers balanced preservation framework that combines traditional conservation techniques with modern solutions.</em></p> Amna Waheed, Prof. Dr. Saima Gulzar Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Professional Research in Social Sciences https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/576 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 US Assistance, Domestic Political Demands and Trajectory of Reforms in Saudi Arabia https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/558 <p><em>In recent decades, Saudi Arabia has experienced a relatively rapid pace of change. This article endeavors to analyze several fundamental aspects of the reforms introduced in the country during the twenty-first century, particularly in response to the events of September 11 and the Arab uprisings. The study adopts a qualitative approach and explores reforms in the realms of politics, culture, and religion. The article poses questions, such as how the American public and private sectors facilitated the reform process in Saudi Arabia following the September 11 attacks, how did the Arab revolts of 2011 impact Saudi state and society, and how did the government respond to the increasing demands for reform. Over the past two and a half decades, a diverse array of reforms has been implemented across various sectors, including politics, education, human rights, and the economy.</em></p> Muhammad Azam Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Professional Research in Social Sciences https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/558 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Strategic Reorientation: The Geopolitical Implications of Pakistan's Alliances with China and Russia https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/563 <p><em>Currently, Pakistan serves as the entry point to Eurasia, which is becoming increasingly a reality in the context of the Russian-sponsored integration waves. This will be the component of the Belt Road Initiatives and a land bridge to the economies of Eurasia. The South Asian security framework saw numerous significant modifications due to 9/11. The two most important developments were the US decision to prioritize India and the growth of Sino-Pak collaboration. Afghanistan has frequently been compared to the Silk Road, although it was, for the most part, unstable due to the tight contact between the Great Powers. Pakistan provides most of the landlocked states in Inner Asia with ocean access. Following the Cold War, China and Russia have been protecting Eurasia against US hegemony. As a result, the two countries now cooperate militarily and economically. The narrative of the South Asian Regional Security Complex, which centers on the India-Pakistan conflict, is changing as Pakistan seeks to engage China and Russia on the economic front and possibly explores the possibility of Russia joining the defense framework in the future. The development is the most effective way to give the SARSC strategic autonomy.</em></p> Dr. Adeel Irfan, Dr. Sundas Khizar Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Professional Research in Social Sciences https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/563 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Consumer Behavior: A Comparative Analysis Across Different Industries https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/677 <p><em>This study investigates the profound effects of online social marketing on consumer behaviour in purchasing Beauty &amp; Fashion, Health &amp; Fitness, Technology, and Travel industries influenced by social media influencers. Rooted in Social Influence Theory, this research explores how online social marketing strategies affect consumers' purchase intentions through a quantitative approach employing a survey method. An online questionnaire was administered to 500 respondents of all age groups, selected via convenience sampling. The findings shed light on the significant effects of online social marketing on consumer’s perceptions and behaviours regarding purchase decisions. This research critically reviews existing social marketing literature, specifically focusing on the trust of social media influencers and the reliability of the products they are marketing through their content. Additionally, it identifies key research gaps and proposes a forward-looking research agenda. These insights contribute to our understanding of the dynamic relationship between online social marketing by social media stars and consumer purchase intention, offering valuable implications for academia and industry stakeholders in Pakistan's social media industry and purchase decisions of the public affected by the marketing tactics of influencers.</em></p> Dr. Zaeem Yasin, Shamail Zehra, Rimsha Batool Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Professional Research in Social Sciences https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/677 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 The Role of Urban Regeneration in Revitalizing D Ground: A Case Study from Faisalabad https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/571 <p><em><strong>Background</strong></em></p> <p><em>Urban regeneration is a critical instrument for rejuvenating degraded urban districts. D Ground is one of the major business districts in Faisalabad. This research study investigates the various measures required to turn D Ground into a thriving, sustainable, and economically dynamic urban region. Despite its historical significance and strategic location, D Ground suffers several issues, including structural degradation, inefficient land use, and socioeconomic inequality.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Methodologies</strong></em></p> <p><em>The study takes a comprehensive strategy, focusing on the integration of mixed-use development to address these concerns. To get deep insights into the local context, the researchers use a qualitative methodology that includes semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations. These methodologies enable thorough understanding of the opinions and experiences of a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, business owners, urban planners, and municipal governments.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Major Findings</strong></em></p> <p><em>The findings illustrate the importance of stakeholder engagement in the urban regeneration process, underlining the necessity for inclusive planning and decision-making frameworks.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Conclusion</strong></em></p> <p><em>The study concludes with realistic recommendations for legislators, urban planners, and community leaders to undertake effective urban regeneration measures that will not only revitalize D Ground but also serve as a model for other metropolitan areas suffering similar issues.</em></p> <h2><em>Keywords:</em></h2> <p><em>Urban regeneration, mixed use model, D ground, Faisalabad, City development.</em></p> Rameesha Khan, Dr. Saima Gulzar, Dr. Sarosh Iqbal Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Professional Research in Social Sciences https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/571 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Policy Implications of Road Accident Patterns in Pakistan https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/671 <p><em>There is a serious threat to public health and safety from road accidents in Pakistan. The people, places, and things that play a role in these incidents were the focus of this investigation. This descriptive study makes use of a secondary source data set that relates to RTCs that occurred on highways and motorways in Pakistan from 2016 to 2021. Based on our research, heavy traffic times, weekends, and populated areas were found to be high-risk places and times. Accident causes include unfavorable weather, drivers' ages and genders, and the condition of the roads. The 5Ps of road safety: plan, protect, prevent, prepare, and promote propose a holistic strategy to tackle these problems. Pakistan may drastically cut down on traffic accidents and increase safety by adopting these measures.</em></p> <!--a=1--> Aiman Badar Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Professional Research in Social Sciences https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/671 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Do Morals Matter? Presidents and Foreign Policy from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Trump https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/685 <p><em>Joseph Nye’s book, titled "Do Morals Matter? Presidents and Foreign Policy from FDR to Trump<strong>"</strong> explores the role of morality and ethical considerations in shaping international relations and decision-making processes, especially in by evaluating the intersection of ethics in the US foreign policy. Joseph Nye is a prominent figure in discipline of International Relations, known for co-founding the theory of <strong>neoliberalism</strong><strong>,</strong> also as the proponent of the concept of <strong>soft power</strong><strong>.</strong></em></p> Azhar Waqar Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Professional Research in Social Sciences https://ojs.mul.edu.pk/index.php/JPRSS/article/view/685 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000