SEARCH ARTICLE

55 Pages : 451-459

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-IV).55      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-IV).55      Published : Dec 2019

Socio-Political and Socio-Economic Perspectives of Sudan with Special Reference to Darfur Conflict

    The Darfur conflict exists across the westward region in Sudan, though an emergent domestic conflict, however, aimed at socio-political and socio-economic unrest beyond borders. Following 2003 happenings in Sudan, the problem in Darfur province has been stated interrupted or voyaged, affording the center case before the international community than the United Nations, denoting genocide. While ascertaining the insurgence particularities, the issues of the Darfur area have largely discoursed as ethnic-cultural conflicts among Afro-Arab tribal populaces across Sudan. Thus, an explanation appears abortive to explain the complexed state of affairs contradicting the inconsistent conditions. Therefore, such a particular research article is expected to investigate the existing gap formulating explanation over the issue by considering two foremost contributive characters - the socio-political and socio-economic explanations aimed at overall unrest in Sudan with special reference to the Darfur conflict. Furthermost significantly, in realist's exploration approach and descriptive analysis methodology of the problems in Darfur, drive and conclude beyond an ethnocultural explanation, thus, appeared credible to unearth the problems, in particular socio-political and socio-economic reasons, thus, imperious to consider the concerns so as to achieve stability in Darfur and permanency in Sudan. Thus, this research piece endeavor to analyze a precise setting of socio-political and socio-economic perspectives in Sudan's unrest with special reference to the Darfur conflict.

    Africa, Sudan, Darfur Conflict, Socio-Political, Socio-Economic, Ethno-Cultural
    (1) Assad Mehmood Khan
    PhD Scholar, Department of Political Science & IR, Qurtuba University of Science & IT, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Nazim Rahim
    Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science & IR, Qurtuba University of Science & IT, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
    (3) Muhammad Javed
    PhD Scholar, Department of Political Science & IR, Qurtuba University of Science & IT, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.

45 Pages : 349-363

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-III).45      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-III).45      Published : Sep 2019

Estimating Convergence (and Divergence) among Developing, Emerging and Developed Economies

    Economic growth process is explained by many scientists in order to materialize a cherished objective of economic growth across the globe. In the current study, convergence among developed, developing and emerging countries has been estimated. Convergence process was estimated by employing sigma, beta and omega techniques. Analysis was done for three time periods i.e. from 1980 to 2018, from 1980 to 2000 and from 2001 to 2018. Sigma and beta analysis for the period from 1980 to 2000 showed divergence among countries however there are difference among developed, developing and economies Omega analysis showed divergence of developed countries and convergence among developing and emerging countries. Last analysis from 2001 to 2018 showed convergence among countries. The results are consistent with the adoption of information technology. Therefore, fast spillover effects of information technology help the countries in convergence process and make this world a global village.

    Convergence; Divergence; Economic Growth; Information Technology Spillover; Developed; Developing Economies.
    (1) Babar Hussain
    PhD Scholar, Department of Economics,Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Rizwan Yaseen
    Assistant Professor,Department of Economics, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Sofia Anwar
    Professor,Department of Economics, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

59 Pages : 476 – 482

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-III).59      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-III).59      Published : Sep 2019

Gwadar Port as the Socioeconomic Pivot to China Pakistan Economic Corridor: Prospects and Repercussions

    China is emerging as an economic power of the world and correspondingly it has unleashed a strategy of its sustained economic growth alongside socioeconomic development of the region and beyond, through implementation of its envisaged grand Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In this regard, Pakistanis accommodating China’s flagship project, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The success of CPEC hinges on the unhindered development and sustenance of Gwadar Port for assured uninterrupted sea - land linkage of CPEC. Besides supporting CPEC, Gwadar Port has gigantic potential to contribute towards Pakistan’s socioeconomic development and improving socioeconomic stature of landlocked Central Asian States. Geopolitics always play its role in all regional and international developments which embody clash of interest among stakeholder states and development of Gwadar Port is no exception. Alongside enormous prospects of payoffs, Gwadar Port encounters serious challenges to its development and sustenance, which have not been much deliberated in academic discourses. This paper, besides ascertaining the socioeconomic impacts of Gwadar Port on Pakistan, China, regional states and CPEC, identifies international repercussions and domestic challenges to Gwadar Port’s success; thus help the policy makers to draw pertinent conclusions.

    Economic Connectivity, Socioeconomic Growth, Geography, IOR, Traditional Security, Non-Traditional Security
    (1) Sultan Maqsood
    Ph.D Scholar, Area Study Centre, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Maliha Zeba Khan
    Ph.D Scholar, School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i- Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Sajjad Ali Khan
    Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, KP, Pakistan.

01 Pages : 1-9

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).01      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).01      Published : Jun 2019

An Analysis of Socioeconomic Stratification, Intra-Temporal and Intra Generational Household Mobility in Central Punjab, Pakistan

    The study identifies the factors of intra temporal and intra generational household mobility in three districts of Central Punjab. The intra- temporal household mobility estimates the direction of transformation as disequalizing long term income. For the current analysis, three districts of Central Punjab are selected for data collection using literacy rate as prevalence rate. The results of the study show an improvement in education of head of household and other household members which may lead to upward transformation. Furthermore, geography and occupation progression contribute to inter temporal and intra generational mobility in Central Punjab. The results show big cities of central Punjab have considerable benefits of occupational movers from one sector to another as there are sufficient job opportunities available to the households and in rural areas of all the districts households are reluctant to get the benefits of occupational movement. The study concludes that most of the heads of household are educated but occupationally deprived which lead to low extent of intra generational mobility as compared to intra temporal mobility.

    Upward Mobility, Socioeconomic Stratification, Intra Temporal Household
    (1)

    (2) Samra Khalid
    PhD ScholarDepartment of Economics,University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Nabila Asghar
    Assistant Professor, Department of Economics and Business Administration,University of Education, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

21 Pages : 158-164

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).21      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).21      Published : Jun 2019

Role of Energy in Economic Growth of Pakistan (1972-2015)

    This paper highlights the importance of energy in the determination of growth for economy of Pakistan. This study has been taken for the period of 1972-2015. Along with energy consumption some other important variables are also put into investigation. The Johansson co-integration estimation technique has been used to estimate the required impact. The results show that energy consumption contributed positively and significantly to long run economic growth. While the said impact is statistically insignificant in the short run, the study suggested on the basis of results that energy sources should be explored to boost which may possible to satisfy the energy need of the country and to get guaranteed economic growth in the long run. Therefore, Government should pay special attention toward the country’s energy sector to stabilize the economy which assures prosperity in the country.

    Energy Consumption, Economic Growth, Johansen CoIntegration and Pakistan.
    (1) Sher Ali
    Assistant Professor,Department of Economics,Islamia College Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Fazle Wahid
    Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Islamia College Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
    (3) Abid Ali
    Lecturer, Department of Economics, Islamia College Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.

24 Pages : 182-189

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).24      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).24      Published : Jun 2019

Chinese World Order and Pakistan: Emerging Trends and Prospects

    Economic recession of 2009 marked the end of the US dominance in the world. The subsequent period brought transition in the global order. China stepped forward by taking “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)”, establishing Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and creating alternative forums to engage various regions by assuming a global role. Chinese World Order here is not aimed at referring to the world dominated by China but Chinese sphere of influence with its greater role. Pakistan’s profile has improved with success against terrorism, Chinese investment and interest by other countries to invest under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC is a flagship project of BRI which enables Pakistan’s growth and extend it economic integration with China. Pakistan’s close partnership with China enables it to play a greater political role in South Asia, Central Asia, Middle East, the Islamic world and the world at large.

    Belt and Road Initiative, Economic Recession, Chinese Sphere of Influence, Chinese World Order, New World Order, Global Governance
    (1) Hafiz Muhammad Shahzad Qasim
    PhD Scholar, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Noor Fatima
    Assistant Professor,Department of Political Science and International Relation, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Musharaf Iqbal
    Assistant Professor (visiting), International Islamic university Islamabad, Pakistan.

37 Pages : 283-290

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).37      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).37      Published : Jun 2019

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Fostering the Trade, Investment and Economic Globalization

    Though the 21st century was considered hallmark economic globalization and trade partnership but recent developments of Brexit and President Trumps protective and anti-multilateral trading have challenged the established liberal consensus on economic globalization. This paper would argue that on the contrary the case of CPEC is the recent initiative from China and Pakistan which is giving boost to the new wave of economic Globalization as the economic corridor China projected the Belt and Road as a road to prosperity whereas isolation brings backwardness, will be more true with regard to CPEC. For Pakistan it is a gamechanger as it is a framework of regional connectivity. CPEC will not only benefit China and Pakistan but will have positive impact on Iran, Afghanistan, India, Central Asian Republic, and the region. The enhancement of geographical linkages will further the economic globalization as against the anti-globalization moves.

    CPEC, Trade, Economic Development, Foreign Direct Investment, Globalization
    (1) Noor Fatima
    Chairperson, Department of International Relations and Political Science,International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Asia Baig
    Demonstrator, Department of Economics,Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, KP, Pakistan.
    (3) Burhan Ali Shah
    Assistant Professor,Quaid-i-Azam School of Management Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

54 Pages : 420-429

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).54      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).54      Published : Jun 2019

Oil Price Fluctuations and Volatility of Firm Risk

    Prior literature reports that macro-economic factors of a country affect stock exchange performance and thus firm performance. Recent strands of literature and the fluctuations in currency have a substantive effect on countries' economies. These fluctuations are also a cause of price fluctuations of imports and exports. One such factor which directly affects firm performance is the oil price fluctuations. Thus, this thesis empirically investigates the effect of oil price fluctuations on firm risk for the firms listed on PSX for the period 2012-2017. Secondary data is taken from SBP, Balance Sheet Analysis Database, Pakistan Stock Exchange and the company's website in some cases. Using Panel data, results show that oil prices increase firm risk (beta), which indicates that market participants react to change in oil prices and thus increases risks. The study indicates that policymakers need to control oil prices to keep firm risk in control and thus manage the market towards a better investment environment.

    Macroeconomic Factors, Oil Price Fluctuations, Firm Performance, Firm Risk
    (1) Asif Rahman
    MS Scholar, Institute of Business Studies & Leadership, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Faizan Malik
    Assistant Professor, Institute of Business Studies & Leadership, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, KP, Pakistan.
    (3) Shehzad Khan
    Assistant Professor, Institute of Business Studies & Leadership, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, KP, Pakistan.

59 Pages : 467-478

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).59      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-II).59      Published : Jun 2019

Industrial Entrepreneurs' Decisions for Start-up Behavior in the Context of Economic Corridors: A Scale Development & Contextualization Process

    Start-up behaviour is a key resource for entrepreneurial investment decisions. Economic Corridors are a new form of regional and beyond regional entrepreneurial collaborations. The present research aimed at operationalising the measurement scale for industrial entrepreneurs' start-up behaviour in the context of entrepreneurship under economic corridors. Particularly, the present study is committed to developing, contextualising, and statistically pilot testing the measurement scale of start-up behaviour of industrial entrepreneurs. This study applied EFA, validity, and reliability tests on the 6-items constructed for Start-up Behavior.Data was collected from the owners, shareholders, members of the board of directors and Chief level executives of 425 manufacturing organisations (e.g., also known as industrial entrepreneurs) in Pakistan. Results of this scale contextualisation process confirmed that initial developed 7 items were reduced to 6-items, and 1-item was deleted at the stage of face & content validity. The final form of measurement scale for Start-up Behavior consisted of 6- items under 1-factor. Moreover, this study described and presented a systematic process for scale development, scale contextualisation, and statistical pilot testing to ensure the factorisation/extraction of factors, reliability and validity for the
    newly operationalised scales for start-up behaviour. This study contributed to the body of knowledge for behavioural sciences, entrepreneurship, and economic corridors by providing a 6-item measuring scale of industrial entrepreneurs' start-up behaviour. This study is also an added advantage for the owners of the manufacturing firms and policymakers up to the extent that they were able to analyse the six behavioural factors for investment in the new start-ups.

    Industrial entrepreneurship, start-up Behavior, Star-up Decisions, Scale Development, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Economic Corridors,
    (1) Muhammad Arif
    Professor, Department of Management Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Zia Ur Rehman
    Department of Management Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Saira Batool
    Assistant Professor, Department of Urdu, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan

02 Pages : 8-15

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-I).02      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-I).02      Published : Mar 2019

Economic Issues and Ethical Journalism in Pakistan: Prospects and Challenges

    Journalists are expected to perform truthfully and ethically which contributes to the strengthening of democracy by sharing reliable information. However, the political economy of media suggests that political and economic elites use the media for their vested interests. Politicians and media owners exploit working journalists. Journalists are not well paid, and they are forced to do unethical practices. The present study explores the journalists’ economic issues at Gujranwala (A city of Punjab, Pakistan) and how economic issues affect the ethical practices of journalists. Data was collected through in-depth interviews of 13 working journalists of Gujranwala city. Findings revealed that journalists are facing serious economic issues and these issues are leading them to unethical practices. It is suggested that government, judiciary, NGOs and journalistic bodies should play an effective role for overcoming this alarming situation.

    Local Journalism, Journalists Issues, Economic Pressures
    (1) Malik Adnan
    Assistant Professor, Department of Media Studies, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Arshad Ali
    Assistant Professor, Center for Media and Communication Studies,University of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Shahbaz Aslam
    PhD Scholar,Faculty of Media and Communication Studies, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.