This study aims to empirically investigate the impact of quasi-fiscal activities in the electricity sector on Pakistan's fiscal deficit, using time series data from 1973 to 2022. The Bound and ARDL tests are employed to analyze the long-run cointegration among the variables. The results indicate that the variables are cointegrated in the long run and that the one-year lagged values of hidden costs and exchange rates significantly impact the fiscal deficit both in the long and short run. Trade openness has a statistically significant impact on the fiscal deficit in the long run but no significant impact in the short run. GDP does not show a statistically significant impact on the fiscal deficit in either the long or short run. The study suggests that the government should encourage the privatization of distribution companies (DISCOs), phase out untargeted subsidies, promote renewable energy, and maintain a stable exchange rate.

This study examines the influence of Islam in shaping Pakistan’s political identity and governance, analyzing the ways Islamic principles and values have been integrated into the nation’s constitutional and institutional frameworks. Since its inception, Pakistan has sought to balance Islamic ideology with modern statecraft, creating a unique model of governance that intertwines religious ideals with political structures. This paper investigates the historical foundations of Islam's role in Pakistan’s political development, exploring how Islamic concepts have influenced legal, social, and policy domains. By studying key constitutional amendments, political movements, and policy shifts, this research sheds light on the complex relationship between religion and state governance in Pakistan, highlighting both the achievements and challenges of incorporating Islamic ideals into contemporary political systems.

As a developing country, Pakistan is more dependent on conventional, non-friendly energy sources and technology that increases its ecological footprint and causes environmental degradation. The study's primary goal is to analyze the environmental issues by advocating renewable energy usage and green technological innovation in Pakistan. Using data from 1980 to 2021, the results based on the ARDL model confirm an Environment Kuznet Curve hypothesis in the long and short run. Further, the growing green technological innovation positively relates to improved environmental quality in Pakistan. Environmental quality and renewable energy consumption are also positively associated.

Social media influence is a rapidly developing market in which influencers face unique challenges linked to their cultural context. The development of digital platforms in Pakistan has enabled influencers to endorse products and advocate for them. This study investigated the experiences and challenges of social media influencers in Pakistan. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with N= 8 Instagram influencers who each have over 10,000 followers. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed to analyze the collected data. Five superordinate themes emerged, including identity shaping, concerns, growth and resilience, challenges, and coping strategies. The findings indicate that while influencers experience a sense of self-identity construction and financial security, women express greater concern regarding appearance and prospects than their male counterparts do. The findings of this study highlight the need for increased awareness and support for social media influencers, particularly in culturally conservative countries such as Pakistan.

Pakistan and the United States have had a history of complex relations since the former's inception. After the 9/11 attacks, changes were observed in the foreign policy of the United States towards Pakistan, followed by a strategic shift in Pakistan’s approach towards its ally in Afghanistan. This study aims to analyze the implications of the post-9/11 Pak-U.S. alliance by examining the impacts of terrorism and U.S. drone strikes on Pakistan’s national security. The theoretical framework focuses on John Mearsheimer’s theory of offensive realism. The study employs qualitative research methodology and focuses on secondary data. This research argues that as a result of the post-9/11 Pak-U.S. alliance, the national security of Pakistan was compromised. This study opines that a pragmatic foreign policy combined with a comprehensive national security approach is of paramount importance to Pakistan in order to survive and progress.