2025

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A study on analysing the administrative challenges in sahiwal jail
(UMT Lahore, 2025) RANA FAISAL IQBAL FAIQ
This research explores a very serious issue of Pakistan criminal justice system, judicialm delays which increase the population in jails with undertrial prisoners specially in Sahiwal jail which is the reason behind the issue of overcrowding. The courts show unnecessary delays in cases by which many undertrial prisoners spend a lot of time in jail. This is not just a legal issue but also an administrative crisis. As Sahiwal jail is the Asia’s one of the largest jails and have a prolonged history this is why Sahiwal jail is the main case study for this research and there is no proper focused research on this issue. The Sahiwal jail is divided into different sectors of Sahiwal division due to highrisk security prison, this jail is also packed and loaded with undertrial prisoners by which the jail administration has to face many challenges in their operations on daily basis. This study will use qualitative research method like interviews and try to understand that how judicial delays are affecting the jail system, and which reform can be helpful to reduce the burden. The goal of this research is not just to highlight the issue but also to provide practical solutions
A STUDY ON MAPPING THE EFFECTS OF CORRUPTION ON GOVERNANCE IN PAKISTAN AND POSSIBLE COUNTERMEASURES
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) UJALA QURBAN
Good governance is the focus of theoretical and pragmatic debates over the past three decades. Over the last few years, the vague terms "Governance" and good governance are employed increasingly, in political science literature, administrative science literature and development studies. It is increasingly becoming clear that good governance are legitimate, accountable and effective means of securing and exercising public power and resources in the pursuit of widely-accepted social ends. According to the literature the study revealed that good governance is concerned with political and institutional processes and outcomes that are necessary to accomplish the objectives of Sustainable development. The purpose of this conceptual study is to define, in as simple a manner as possible, the concept of good governance and governance. By what criteria can it be assessed? How is governance linked with political integration and democracy? It then investigates the connection between the good governance, and sustainable development the mechanism, processes and institutions that individuals, corporations, groups and societies employ in collective decision-making and implementation among social actors and in conflict resolution.
Assessing the impact of social media on political voting behaviour in pakistan
(UMT Lahore, 2025) SYED MUHAMMAD TOUSEEF SHERAZI
This study explores how social media affects political voting behavior in Pakistan, focusing on three main aspects: political awareness, political engagement, and misinformation. With increasing internet availability and a digitally active youth population, platforms like Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok have emerged as key tools for political communication. A qualitative approach has been used in this research in which interviews were conducted with 11 diverse participants, including politicians, professors, civil servants, and citizens. The findings reveal that the social media platforms have upsurged the political awareness of citizens through instant information delivery and varied viewpoints, while also encouraging greater political involvement and active civic engagement. However, the unregulated circulation of fake content, misinformation, propaganda, and echo chambers has also catalyzed political polarization and voter manipulation. The research concludes that social media plays a dual role in cultivating democratic engagement on one hand while also triggering widespread resistance to information precision on the other. Lastly, the study underscores some recommendations that involve launching digital literacy plans and generating balanced regulatory frameworks to mitigate risks.
BUREAUCRATIC INTERVENTION IN THE POLITICS OF PAKISTAN A CASE STUDY OF PTI GOVERNMENT
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) HAFIZ USAMA AHMAD
This paper is about the bureaucratic intervention in politics of Pakistan and the dominant role played by the civil servants in policy making process. Since independence till now the representative institutions of Pakistan are too weak to perform their functions effectively so this provides an opportunity to the unelected institutions to intervene in politics. The civil bureaucracy is the powerful institution of the country because of having the colonial legacy. The incompetent politicians further strengthen it and the political instability, the special connection of civil servants with politicians and the big share in Scio economic resources of the country make it able to influence the policy making process and intervene in governmental issues of the country in Imran Khan government the civil servants influence the policies and show their dominant role but their domination in PTI's regime is less as compared to the previous regimes of the country because in 2018 PTI formed the government for the first time and having little relations with civil servants as compare to the other political parties which had remained in power for many years and formed their special groups in bureaucracy. Furthermore, due to the anticorruption stance of Imran Khan and the empowered NAB during PTI's regime made the civil bureaucracy less dominant as compared to their domination in the previous governments in Pakistan.
Child begging in lahore
(UMT Lahore, 2025) Fatima Saghir
This paper examines how institutional and policy responses to child begging in Lahore sustain this social problem from a governance and policy standpoint. Child begging in Pakistan is a sign of more serious socioeconomic issues as well as structural shortcomings in the country's social policies and governance. From a moral perspective, the root causes of why families are compelled to beg are obscured. This research aims to explore the child begging phenomenon by looking into its inter-linkages and causes along with the experiences of child beggars and evaluating the efforts made so far to rehabilitate them. Here we have focused on more responsive solutions rather than accepting policies based on moral dimensions which often ignore the harsh social realities of poverty, marginalization and inequality. Using qualitative methods, we conducted 18 semi-structured interviews incorporating guardians of child beggars alongside representatives from private and public welfare sectors, non-governmental organizations, and government bodies. These diverse perspectives were all collected via purposive sampling techniques which greatly improved our understanding of the issue at hand. The results show that a significant number of child beggars come from families trapped in cycles of chronic poverty. Their begging behavior is both a means of survival and something they learn over time. Study participants provided some descriptions including forcing children to work, experiencing physical abuse, and being controlled by family members or other organized groups. Addressing this problem requires unsolved many factors using such methods as multiagency collaboration involving government bodies, non-governmental organizations, communities, and other relevant stakeholders aimed at providing coordinated action-focused strategic policies to address the underlying issues while supporting rehabilitation processes for affected children. This research proposes enhancing education systems coupled with strengthening social services along with genuine grassroots involvement towards ensuring protection and empowerment for vulnerable children in Lahore promotes greater social justice creating a protective framework responsive to their needs
Community driven development and a ladder of citizen participation
(UMT Lahore, 2025) Dil Aways Bibi
The research aims to analyze the participatory model of AKRSP and examine it though Arnstein ladder of citizen participation. The main purpose of the study is to explore how AKRSP ensures local community empowerment, inclusivity and contribute to sustainable development of GB. The research tried to explore the degree of citizen participation in the institution or governance structure of AKRSP and how it is different from governmental structure which differentiates institutional performance, accountability tools in institution and policy implementation at community level. The research relates to Arstein theory ladder of citizen participation, collaborative governance, and sustainable development goals especially when looking at the recent projects of AKRSP such as poverty relief, climate change, and institutional capacity building. The research opted qualitative research methodology and used case study approach. The data provided in the research is primary data collect through semi structured interviews in online mode and in in-person mode. Thematic analysis is used to understand the institution and codes are used to identify different themes and then drawn insights to understand the effectiveness of participatory model of AKRSP. After the data analysis the findings provided that in AKRPS the level of community engagement according to the ladder of participation is “citizen owned” and that AKRSP has played a vital role in mobilizing the local community, enhancing local capacity of GB and institutionalized LSOs, VOs and WOs as legitimate stakeholder in sustainable developmental initiative. However, the results also show the initial bureaucratic resistance which hindered the developmental issues in initial cases and minor cases of lack of community motivation in maintenances projects after completion. The results also reveal underutilization of youth capacity due to seasonal youth availability. It recommends policy shifts towards community driven institutional collaboration.
CORRUPTION IN POLICE SECTOR LAHORE CAUSES AND ITS COUNTER MEASURES
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) MALIK BASSAM NAEEM
This study examines the pervasive issue of corruption within the Lahore police sector, focusing on the impact of institutional weakness, political instability, and weak accountability. By employing a quantitative approach and stratified random sampling, a representative sample of 384 respondents was selected. The findings reveal that institutional weakness, political instability, and weak accountability significantly contribute to corruption in the Lahore police sector. This research addresses a crucial gap in the literature, providing contextual insights into the complex dynamics of corruption in policing. The study's significance lies in its contribution to the understanding of institutional factors influencing corruption, informing policy reforms and strategic interventions to enhance accountability and governance in law enforcement agencies. By shedding light on these critical issues, this research offers valuable implications for policymakers, law enforcement officials, and stakeholders seeking to mitigate corruption and promote good governance.
Drug Addiction: A Growing Crisis Among Youth — A Case Study of University Students in Lahore
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) Muhammad Haseeb Uz Zaman
This research examines the rapidly increasing and alarming issue of substance addiction among university students in Lahore, Pakistan. Adolescent substance abuse has emerged as a significant public health and social issue, substantially impacting their academic performance, mental health, physical well-being, and interpersonal relationships. The issue has been further exacerbated by the increasing social acceptability of narcotics and their increased accessibility to young people, which has increased the likelihood of long-term addiction and experimentation. The research employs a quantitative research methodology, employing structured and standardized questionnaires to collect data from a diversified sample of university students from both public and private institutions in Lahore. The objective of the research is to ascertain the prevalence of drug use among students, identify the most frequently abused substances, investigate the factors that contribute to drug addiction, and evaluate the impact of drug abuse on students' mental health, academic performance, and overall behavior. The results indicate that a substantial number of students begin their drug use through experimentation, which is frequently encouraged by peer pressure, academic stress, psychological distress, curiosity, and the convenience of access to drugs on or near campus. The substances most commonly reported by individuals include tobacco, marijuana (cannabis), sedatives, inhalants, and over-the-counter medications like sleeping tablets. The results indicate that most individuals lack awareness regarding the long-term effects of substance abuse on both mental and physical health. Moreover, many educational institutions are insufficiently equipped to address emerging issues, such as the provision of mental health counselling services, initiatives aimed at enhancing student awareness, and support systems for individuals seeking to improve their circumstances. The report highlights the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in addressing this growing epidemic, including health departments, colleges, families, and law enforcement agencies. The findings suggest that a variety of responses is necessary, including educational campaigns, psychiatric counselling, student mentorship programs, substance screening regulations, and initiatives to promote community engagement. The study recommends adjustments to national policies that emphasize the safeguarding of youth, the regulation of substances, and the accountability of institutions to address drug addiction and improve the health and resilience of students.
Effect of part time employment on academic performance of university students of lahore
(UMT Lahore, 2025) Hafiza Javeria Haneef
Over the past decade, rising tuition fees and limited scholarship opportunities have driven a growing number of university students in Lahore, Pakistan, to combine part-time work with their academic studies. In a survey of 400 undergraduates each working at least five hours per week 72% reported working between 10 and 20 hours weekly, 18% worked fewer than 10 hours, and 10% exceeded 20 hours. While working during one’s degree can offer financial relief, practical experience, and enhanced self-confidence, it may also disrupt study schedules, increase stress, and compromise academic performance. Although international research suggests that modest work hours (typically under 15 hours per week) can improve time-management skills and motivation, excessive employment tends to correlate with lower grade point averages (GPAs), elevated stress levels, and delayed graduation. However, the specific dynamics of this relationship in Lahore’s cultural, economic, and institutional context remain underexplored. This study investigates how part-time employment affects academic performance, time management, and academic stress among 400 full-time undergraduate students in Lahore. Employing a descriptive-correlational design supplemented by open-ended survey responses, the research gathers data using validated instruments including the Perceived Stress Scale and a standardized time-management behavior questionnaire and analyzes relationships through Pearson correlations, multiple regression, and independent-samples t-tests. Results reveal a clear pattern: as weekly work hours increase beyond 15, students’ GPAs decline significantly, with a moderate negative correlation between work hours and academic performance (r = –0.32, p < 0.01). Time-management scores also show a modest negative association with work hours (r = –0.22, p < 0.01), indicating that heavier employment undermines effective planning and task prioritization. Conversely, work hours have a strong positive correlation with academic stress (r = 0.42, p < 0.01), confirming that juggling multiple roles elevates psychological strain. Regression analyses further demonstrate that work hours and stress are significant predictors of GPA, accounting for approximately 32% of its variance. Qualitative responses underscore these findings: students working longer shifts report missed lectures, fatigue during study sessions, and heightened anxiety, while those limiting their work to 10– 15 hours per week describe improved discipline and academic focus. Based on these insights, the study recommends encouraging reasonable limits on student work hours, viii offering on-campus job opportunities aligned with academic fields, and providing targeted time-management and stress-reduction workshops. By applying Human Capital, Time Allocation, and Role-Strain theories to the local setting, this research offers a nuanced understanding of the work-study balance in Lahore. Its findings inform students, educators, and policymakers seeking to foster environments where part-time work complements rather than compromises academic success
EMPIRICAL VERSUS ROTE LEARNING IN RURAL SCHOOLS A QUANTITATIVE STUDY FROM JALAL PUR PIR WALA
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) ABDUL MATTEEN ALI
This study explores the effectiveness of empirical learning methods in improving educational quality in non-government rural schools in Pakistan, with a particular focus on Grade 9 classrooms in Jalalpur Pir Wala. Challenging the deeply rooted culture of rote learning, which prioritizes exam scores over conceptual understanding, the research assesses how hands-on, student-centered teaching influences engagement, academic outcomes, and the feasibility of broader pedagogical reform. Using a quantitative comparative design, the study collected data from 70 students and 20teachers across two schools one affiliated with the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) implementing empirical learning strategies, and the other a private institution continuing traditional rote-based methods. Structured questionnaires measured student engagement, conceptual clarity, and perceived instructional effectiveness. Data analysis, conducted through SPSS, included descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha reliability tests, and regression modeling to determine the impact of instructional methods on educational outcomes. Empirical learning, which means that the learner is an active part of the learning process. Although these systems are rooted in vastly different socio-cultural contexts, their principles like decentralization, classroom autonomy, and a shift from test-driven instruction hold valuable lessons for countries like Pakistan. The results show that students in empirical classrooms reported significantly higher levels of engagement, participation, and conceptual clarity. Teachers also strongly favored empirical methods for fostering critical thinking and motivation. Regression analysis confirmed a robust relationship between the teaching method and perceived learning quality (β = 0.654, p < 0.001). However, the research also uncovered systemic contradictions: despite increased engagement, empirical learners scored lower on standardized, memory-based tests such as the Quality Assurance Test (QAT), raising concerns among parents and school management. These findings highlight the conflict between deep learning and Pakistan’s exam-centric educational culture. Many stakeholders fearing lost academic opportunities continued to prefer rote methods that align with high-stakes testing frameworks. This study thus not only confirms the benefits of empirical learning but also underscores the structural barriers to its implementation in rural, low-cost settings. The research advocates for systemic alignment between pedagogy, assessment, and policy, and recommends the development of context-sensitive teacher training, empirical teaching kits, and inclusive examination reforms. By offering evidence-based insights rooted in field realities, the study contributes meaningfully to educational reform discourse in Pakistan and supports the broader shift toward Sustainable Development Goal 4: ensuring inclusive and quality education for all
EVALUATION OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TOWARDS ONLINE E-LEARNING AND FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) AUNGBEEN WASSIM
The learning environment has a significant impact on student’s academic experiences and ultimately shapes their career aspirations and future job preferences. The learning environment is considered a vital factor in achieving a successful curriculum and driving student’s academic achievement. A contentious issue in higher education is whether online learning can achieve the same level of academic success as traditional in-person instruction. This research aimed to collect student’s perceptions and feedback to compare the efficacy of online learning with traditional classroom based education. A questionnaire was utilized to gather data for this study, which was administered through the Google Forms platform. This study targeted students from Lahore's leading universities, with the top 10 institutions students participating in a close-ended questionnaire survey. The data was compiled in Microsoft Excel and subsequently analysed by using the SPSS software. Frequency and percentage analysis were performed to summarize the data for the three categorical variables. The current study employed descriptive statistics and utilized SPSS software to analyse the data, examining the relationship between variables in terms of strength and direction. The overall findings indicate a strong preference among students for on-campus learning versus virtual instruction.
Examining impact of social media on umt youth academic performance
(UMT Lahore, 2025) M. RIZWAN
This study investigates the impact of social media usage on the academic performance of students at the University of Management and Technology (UMT). The research sample consisted of 100 participants who provided data for analysis through regression analysis and reliability tests. Data reveals social media engagement along with linked factors produce 43% of the factors that affect academic performance. Students experience three critical impacts from their over-engagement with non-academic social media activities: their academic grades decrease and their studying efficiency declines together with reduced assignments finished. The results from regression testing demonstrated how using social media randomly links directly to student procrastination and minimized concentration alongside educational outcomes. The use of structured academicoriented social media networking activities demonstrated minimal positive effects on student academic achievement even though unstructured usages showed negative influences. The research demonstrates how self-discipline together with effective time management helps students combat negative social media effects. Social media functions as an academic resource but excessive unmanaged use causes major academic failure. The proposed strategy involves establishing digital literacy programs that should coincide with university-based initiatives and public awareness initiatives to help students maintain responsible social media conduct. Future studies must investigate both extended-term effects and proven methods for maximizing social media benefits for higher education.
EXAMINING THE BARRIERS TO PUBLIC HEALTHCARE ACCESS IN RURAL AREAS; A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF DISTRICT SAHIWAL
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) USMAN AZHAR KHAN
The provision of quality healthcare is recognized as an essential right. The aim of this study is to investigate the barriers that rural residents of district Sahiwal faces in accessing public healthcare services. By employing an online survey questionnaire with a sample size of 384 respondents, this research seeks to capture a diverse range of experiences and perceptions. The quantitative approach will allow for the analysis of relationships between the independent variables (geographic barriers, economic factors, sociocultural factors) and the dependent variable (public healthcare access). This process not only simplifies statistical accuracy but also helps in recognizing key predictors that delay or ease access to healthcare. For social sciences (SPSS), by using 25 versions of statistics set this response was studied. The SPSS is used for measuring relationships by descriptive analysis, model summary, regression analysis, and ANOVA. The main results of this analysis show that rural residents of Sahiwal district have a significant association between their contact to healthcare of public and economic, cultural, and geographical barriers. This analysis has shown that economic, cultural, and geographical restrictions all specifically impact the ability of rural residents in District Sahiwal to access public healthcare services. Addressing these issues, according to the findings, requires a multifaceted strategy like building new medical facilities and enhancing transportation infrastructure can help in reducing economic obstacles, removing geographical constraints can be achieved by making healthcare more affordable through financial help and sponsored treatments and lastly, addressing cultural obstacles can be gained by culturally sensitive community engagement and health education.
Examining the Influence of Financial Challenges on Academic Performance among university Students
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) ASAD ALI
Financial challenges create numerous difficulties for UMT students that deteriorate their academic results and emotional stability and decrease their educational success. Academic achievement assessment and financial struggles connect through their mutual influence on available education expenses and learning materials and required academic activity participation. Most UMT students work part-time jobs to pay for their education yet such employment requires them to miss classes and reduces their coursework involvement leading to worse academic results. The research implementation combines mixed methodologies by analyzing quantitative data sets obtained through UMT student sampling. Research investigates the relationship between financial problems that cause students to miss classes and to mail assignments late while also blocking their access to necessary academic resources including textbooks as well as digital tools and research materials. Studies show that financial instability affects academic achievements in students and leads to emotional distress which determines their decisions about staying enrolled in education. Numerous UMT students fear that their financial problems will produce negative effects including delayed completion of their studies and instability after graduation. The findings demonstrate that institutional aid and scholarships together with government-funded assistance programs serve as indispensable means of dealing with this situation. The research shows that eliminating financial obstacles will help create equal learning conditions that enable students to concentrate on education without monetary stress. UMT together with policymakers should establish strategic financial interventions to enhance both student retention and mental well-being and academic success in order to eliminate financial barriers that prevent UMT students from pursuing higher education
Exploring agricultural practices and adapting policies to alleviate droughts and flood disasters
(UMT Lahore, 2025) ASIM ULLAH
The research paper examines the emerging agricultural predicament in North Waziristan, Pakistan, a geography that has experienced severe droughts and floods combined with climate change threats that have compromised conventional farming activities, and have threatened food security. A qualitative approach is used to investigate local vulnerabilities in agriculture and assess indigenous capabilities of working around climate conditions, as well as to critique the successes of climate adaptation models in adaptation in Bangladesh and Iran. The people of North Waziristan rely mostly on rain-fed farming, which constantly suffers because of drastic weather conditions, impaired water resources, and weak institutional measures. The studies highlight that the most serious gaps exist in the mechanisms of early warning, water saving technologies, and resistant crop varieties. Based on the floating agriculture of Bangladesh and mobile-based flood warnings, as well as qanat systems and drip irrigations of Iran, this paper would provide custom-made interventions in the unique socio-geographic setting of North Waziristan. The use of interviews with the farmers, officials, and experts, together with field observation in the zone of drought and floods, contributed to the collection of data. The result shows that despite the traditional techniques of resiliency, where farmers utilize rainwater ponds and diversify crops used, this cannot help them when another climatic shock occurs repeatedly in the country. Weak infrastructure, lack of access to modern tools and training, and tribal structure of the region serve as additional vulnerability factors. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity to adapt it. According to the research, it is suggested to consider combining the legacy of knowledge with modern innovations, introduced from within the community, which can be decentralized check dams, solar-powered water pumpers, and gender-responsive climate education. This thesis will support the use of sustainable agricultural solutions by offering policy reforms, investments in infrastructure to enhance resilience, and adaptive actions that can be controlled by the community in their context. Finally, the research is relevant to the extended discussion involving climate resilience, whereby locally-contextualized, globally-informed adaptation efforts should be factored into disaster-prone agricultural areas.
Exploring pro-environmental behaviors
(UMT Lahore, 2025) Aqsa Abbas
Climate change can be defined as changes in weather and temperatures on a long-term basis, brought about primarily by human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and overexploitation of natural resources. Climate change is amongst the most challenging issues the world is currently grappling with. As green issues grow in demands, the role played by personal responsibility, particularly by youth, becomes more important. University students, in turn, hold a very privileged position well-educated, socially engaged, and influential. However, still a gap appears to exist between their environmental awareness and real pro-environmental behaviors in their everyday life. This research explores the university student lifestyle in terms of their practices, attitudes, and awareness towards environmental sustainability. It seeks to determine what they know regarding pro-environmental behavior, how cultural, social, and family or religious values affect their practices, and what drives or inhibits them from adopting environmentally sustainable behavior. The research applies a qualitative approach founded on 14 in-depth interviews of students from varying school disciplines and backgrounds. The research found five major themes with the subthemes in each such as personal views and perceptions of pro-environmental behavior, environmentally friendly daily routines, social impact and education, motivational values, perceived barriers, and behavioral change intention. Students expressed an intention to adopt greener practices such as recycling, curbing the use of plastic, saving electricity and water, and spreading awareness among peers. Meanwhile, they also raised some of the challenges, including no proper infrastructure, no adequate recycling facilities, high cost, and the absence of proper environment education at their universities. This study concludes that large-scale environmental transformation is only possible through a bottom-up model where individuals first adopt habits at home like composting, wastage of food and water reduction, or using reusable items. These individual efforts can then be scaled up to the community level through organized initiatives like neighborhood recycling programs, rainwater harvesting, and green community initiatives. Universities can then support this drive by providing infrastructure, campaigns, and skill development programs. Last but not least, government agencies must join in by providing policy support, economic incentives, and public education in order to develop long-term transition towards sustainability. When individuals, communities, universities, and government agencies all join hands, real and sustainable environmental transformation is possible.
Factors impacting job motivation among university teachers in lahore
(UMT Lahore, 2025) MARRIAM KOUSAR
This study explores the key factors influencing job motivation among university teachers in Lahore, focusing on training and development, financial remuneration, and the work environment. Recognizing that teacher motivation is vital for institutional success and student achievement, the research aims to identify how these variables impact faculty engagement. This study employed a quantitative research method for which the data was collected from 366 university teachers using a structured survey, across six public and private institutions in Lahore. The data was analyzed through SPSS software, applying descriptive analysis, regression, and ANOVA. The findings revealed that training and development, financial remuneration and work environment have a significant impact on teachers’ motivation. This research underscores the importance of institutional strategies that promote professional and personal growth, fair compensation, increments, bonuses, work-life balance, and a supportive organizational culture. However, the study is limited to selected universities in Lahore, affecting generalizability. The findings offer a practical perspicacity on how to build a motivated and effective university faculty that can help policy-makers and academic administrators.
Impact of Social Media on Mental Health of Students in Lahore
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) Fajjar Abbas
This paper discusses the relationship between social media use and mental health among Pakistani students in Lahore. The mental impacts of social media, particularly in the youth, have been raised as the use of the platform has rapidly grown. Convenience sampling was used to select a sample of 384 students across different learning institutions like UMT, UCP, UOL, among others and a structured questionnaire was administered on them as part of the quantitative study design. The study was aimed to assess the outcomes on mental health under the influence of social media use, focusing on anxiety, depression, and overall mental health. Based on descriptive statistics, the majority of respondents were females (69.5 percent), college students (79.9 percent), and aged between 25 and 40 years (60.4 percent). The results of multiple regression analysis showed that age (B = -0.660, p <.001) and anxiety (B = -0.101, p =.001) were significant negative predictors of mental health, but education (B = -0.294, p =.031) and gender (B = 0.234, p =.022) also had statistically significant but weaker influences. Although SMU turned out to be relevant in a more parsimonious model without demographic controls, depression (D) and social media usage (SMU) remained not significant predictors in the final model. The last model has a small level of explanatory power that explains 31.5 percent of the outcome of mental health (R2 = 0.315). Based on these findings, age and anxiety are more accurate and better predictors of mental health than the use of social media which has an indirect effect. The research concludes that the primary objectives of mental health initiatives ought to be age-appropriate support methods, computer literacy, and decreasing anxiety. Social media platforms also need to implement more features that can assist a user in their psychological well-being.
LOW GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN LAHORE
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) ABDULLAH KAMRAN
Low government spending on education in Lahore has led to increasing school dropout rates, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of access to quality education. The present study uses a qualitative methodology and involves 10 in-depth interviews with educators and legislators or policy makers. Seven self-structured questions were asked from each of the respondent and from the responses of these questions four key themes that were identified from this research were Government Underfunding and Its Consequences, The Impact of Poverty on School Enrollment, Policy Discontinuity and Poor Implementation and need for Educational Reforms and Targeted Strategies. A case study from a government school in Lahore illustrates how infrastructure deficiencies, including the lack of clean drinking water and modern classrooms, discourage student enrollment (Teacher, Interview 4). Another case highlights how financial constraints force parents to withdraw their children from school, despite free education, due to unaffordable transportation and book costs, leading to child labor (Teacher, Interview 4). Gender disparities are also evident, as cultural norms and poverty disproportionately limit girls’ access to education (Shahid Latif, Interview 3). Policy discontinuity further exacerbates the issue. A case study on government interventions reveals that frequent policy changes and ineffective implementation prevent long-term educational improvements (Interview 1). Educators report that newly introduced policies rarely translate into practical classroom improvements (Teacher, Interview 9). This study underscores the urgent need for sustainable policy reforms, increased educational funding, and targeted financial assistance programs to ensure accessible and quality education for all children in Lahore.
POVERTY REDUCTION
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) RAVEEHA KASHIF
The on-going presence of severe poverty in numerous developing nations remains a critical challenge that requires urgent action as it has severe consequences for human welfare and quality of life. Extreme poverty is characterized by severe deprivations, including food insecurity, inadequate housing, limited access to clean water, poor educational outcomes, elevated rates of infant and maternal death, widespread joblessness, and a strong sense of powerlessness and isolation. Tackling poverty demands an all-encompassing approach that fosters economic growth to boost incomes and create jobs for the impoverished, alongside economic and institutional reforms to improve resource distribution and efficiency. Additionally, prioritizing the needs of the poor in national development strategies and supporting microfinance initiatives to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthening market systems to boost production and productivity are essential strategies. Moreover, encouraging private sector investment and job creation through incentives, along with implementing targeted social protection measures like cash transfers, can help ensure that poverty reduction efforts benefit vulnerable groups, leading to a more fair and lasting decline in poverty.

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