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Item The impact of mobile phone apps usage on civic engagement(UMT Lahore, 2025) IQRA KHURSHIDThis study mobile phones affect how people get involved in their communities. With mobile tech everywhere, it changes how people interact with their community and government. Combining quantitative data from a survey of 300 participants to assess their experiences with civic activities. We found that people who use mobile phone apps more tend to be more involved in civic activities. There’s a pretty strong connection between using mobile phone apps and getting civic engagement. Participants reported that mobile devices facilitate not only communication but also access to essential information regarding local governance, social issues, and community events. Specifically, the study identifies key areas where mobile technology enhances civic engagement, such as online activism, community organizing, and participation in democratic processes such as voting and public meetings. Moreover, the ability to connect with others through social media platforms and instant messaging applications encourages individuals to participate actively in civic discussions and mobilize for social causes. The immediacy and accessibility of mobile devices enable a great sense of community, fostering relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. The study also addresses potential barriers to mobile engagement, including socioeconomic disparities that may impact access to technology and digital literacy. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive strategies to ensure that all community members can leverage mobile technology for civic participation. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of how mobile phone usage acts as a catalyst for civic engagement in contemporary society. Recommendations are made for policymakers and civic organizations to harness the potential of mobile platforms to enhance public participation and strengthen democratic processes.Item Effect of part time employment on academic performance of university students of lahore(UMT Lahore, 2025) Hafiza Javeria HaneefOver 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 successItem The role of artificial intelligence in the education sector in pakistan(UMT Lahore, 2025) M. Jamal SajidThis research article discusses how the AI technologies are reorganizing and reshaping the teaching, learning, administration and policy making in the education sector of Pakistan. This study aims to present a comprehensive analysis of the current implementation of AI tools on the current education scenario (intelligent tutoring systems, learning analytics, automatic assessment) as well as to address the great structural issues that are currently impeding its wide adoption. The key themes of the implications of AI include its power to individualize learning and lessen the difficulties faced by marginalized groups, and the help of AI in educational governance through data. Besides this, the article talks about ethical considerations, infrastructural constrains and socio-economic factors which have impact on integration of AI in education system of Pakistan. The article employs real world case study to evaluate both the risk and opportunities that exist in AI by exploring national and international strategies. It ends with a prospective vision on the sustainable and egalitarian use of AI in education and makes recommendations to policymakers, educators, as well as technology developers. The study stresses that with AI by our side, educators will not be replaced but will instead function as a force multiplier to bridge the educational gaps, to improve the outcomes, and to build a knowledge economy that is future ready for Pakistan.Item Examining impact of social media on umt youth academic performance(UMT Lahore, 2025) M. RIZWANThis 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.Item The impact of government internet related restrictions on freelancing in pakistan(UMT Lahore, 2025) Syed Munawar Hussain ShahThe research in this thesis focuses on the barrage of internet disruptions affecting freelancers in Pakistan and investigates how these disruptions affect productivity, income and client access. However, with the growing number of freelancing industry in Pakistan, stable internet access is extremely necessary for those freelancers who are totally dependent on online system for communication, working on projects, and payment taking. Despite this, government mandated Internet restrictions such as censorship, platform bans, and internet shutdowns have gradually interrupted their ability to work as it used to. The main goal of this study is to identify the challenges freelancers are being faced through them and to investigate their countermeasures. The data is collected in this study from freelancers working in Lahore based on planned surveys, which is quantitatively accumulated from them. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, ANOVA and Cronbach’s Alpha are used to measure the potential effects of the internet disruptions on the freelancer productivity and earnings. Internet restrictions are found to impede freelancers’ productivity, income and ability to connect with clients by a large margin. Although the use of coping strategies, such as VPN use, helped give some relief, there were not as many benefits realised from switching internet providers and using alternative platforms. The findings underscore the requirement that policy reforms are made to take care of the internet infrastructure issues, in particular in the rural areas, and recommend the need of a smart and balanced method to advanced digital governance guaranteeing security without hindering social and financial growth. In addition to this, the study also provides practical recommendations for freelancers like add, digital literacy and digital right advocacy in order to deal with the disruptions. In conclusion, this thesis proves that Pakistan is in need of expanded and reliable internet access for freelancers and gives insights for policymakers and freelancers in Pakistan. Finally, it requests further investigation into regional differences regarding how freelancers experienced websites restrictions and the relics benefit of coping deport. The outcome seeks to promote growth of Pakistan’s freelancing sector on a sustainable basis and therefore the digital economy of the world.Item Smog health impact and health-protective behaviors – a quantitative correlational analysis of lahore residents(UMT Lahore, 2025) SAFEER AHMADExtreme winter smog in the city of Lahore (AQI >500) impairs the health of individuals living in the city significantly though little research has been conducted on how individuals react behaviorally towards it. In the study, perceived health impact (PHI), preexisting health vulnerabilities (PEHV), and smog exposure (SE) are evaluated as the determinants of protective actions in a probability survey of 379 adults during the peak smog season (2025). It is discovered that PEHV residents (e.g., asthmatics) take 53 percent more precautions (masks/air purifiers) whereas high-PHI personalities have a 25 percent higher protection probability. Ironically, highSE groups that are chronically exposed (such as outdoor workers) show less precaution because they became used to it, and poor-income vulnerable residents employ 37 percent lower precautions than their wealthy counterparts even with the same health risk. Suggestions are: vulnerable populations should be alerted through targeted SMS Alert in extreme AQI; lessening of the costs of protection gear as part of welfare programs; clean air shelters in high exposure corridors; and the involvement of community leaders to trigger behavioral changes. These evidence-based approaches support precision, or targeted, public health intervention in Lahore, serving the Sustainable Development Goals 3 (health), 11 (sustainable cities), and 13 (climate action), and having a positive impact on pollution control and empowerment of the residents.Item Exploring agricultural practices and adapting policies to alleviate droughts and flood disasters(UMT Lahore, 2025) ASIM ULLAHThe 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.Item Student volunteerism and disaster resilience in pakistan(UMT Lahore, 2025) Sabeen ZahidIn the face of growing natural and man-made disasters, building resilient communities has become more important than ever and youth, particularly university students, have a vital role to play. This thesis explores the barriers and enablers of student volunteerism in disaster resilience efforts across Pakistan, with a focus on university students. These students, although from different regions share a common reality: despite having the will to serve, many face challenges that prevent their meaningful participation in disaster response and preparedness. Using a qualitative approach, this study draws insights from 18 interviews; 7 with students who have never volunteered or are not actively engaged, 7 with students who have been actively volunteering in disaster settings, and 4 with volunteer coordinators from major organizations including AKFP, PSDF, and PRCS. Thematic analysis helped uncover not just the structural and institutional obstacles like lack of training, mobility constraints, or academic pressure, but also the powerful motivators such as emotional fulfillment, community attachment, and religious values that drive some students to step up despite the odds. The findings point to a disconnect between student intent and organizational readiness, and highlight the need for better pathways, recognition, and support systems for young volunteers. Coordinators acknowledged the enthusiasm students bring, but also stressed the limited retention, and logistical challenges. Finally, the thesis recommends that student volunteerism in disaster setting can never flourish on goodwill alone. It requires the support of structure, purposeful training, and collaboration of institutions. Through putting student voices into the picture and filling the gap between intention and reality, the change of the situation can be enabled. The thesis desire to produce a more resilient, prepared and socially responsible Pakistan.Item Assessing the impact of social media on political voting behaviour in pakistan(UMT Lahore, 2025) SYED MUHAMMAD TOUSEEF SHERAZIThis 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.Item Community driven development and a ladder of citizen participation(UMT Lahore, 2025) Dil Aways BibiThe 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.Item A study on analysing the administrative challenges in sahiwal jail(UMT Lahore, 2025) RANA FAISAL IQBAL FAIQThis 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 solutionsItem Exploring pro-environmental behaviors(UMT Lahore, 2025) Aqsa AbbasClimate 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.Item Factors impacting job motivation among university teachers in lahore(UMT Lahore, 2025) MARRIAM KOUSARThis 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.Item Child begging in lahore(UMT Lahore, 2025) Fatima SaghirThis 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 needsItem Understanding the health impacts of air and water pollution in lahore(UMT Lahore, 2025) Farhan AslamThis thesis examines the intricate relationship between Environmental changes and human health in Lahore. It focuses on Lahore’s environment and human health and factors such as smog control plan, one atmosphere governance plan, electric public transport, water and air pollution, Industrial pollution and factors contributing to environmental changes in Lahore. This research seeks to empower communities, and policymakers in creating a healthier and more resilient future. Findings from this study will contribute to evidence-based interventions, policies and recommendations for promoting healthier and more sustainable environments. The focus of this study is on different population groups including age, gender and socioeconomic status to identify any disparities in health outcomes. It also explores the effects of environmental changes on psychological and human well beings.Item EVALUATION OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TOWARDS ONLINE E-LEARNING AND FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING(UMT, Lahore, 2025) AUNGBEEN WASSIMThe 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.Item A STUDY ON MAPPING THE EFFECTS OF CORRUPTION ON GOVERNANCE IN PAKISTAN AND POSSIBLE COUNTERMEASURES(UMT, Lahore, 2025) UJALA QURBANGood 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.Item THE TRANSITION OF BANKING SECTOR IN PAKISTAN FROM CONVENTIONAL TO ISLAMIC BANKING ITS CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES(UMT, Lahore, 2025) ABDUL QADEERThis research study is based upon the transition of Islamic banking which is being converted from conventional banking and also the launch of new branches and subsidiaries of Islamic Banks. As Pakistan is an Islamic state and according to constitutional law it is mandatory to follow the Shariah and Islamic economic principles in the country. In such essence, the Islamic Banking has evolved and grown since the last few decades. Islamic banking has attracted much attention after the establishment of Meezan Bank, the first Pakistani Islamic bank. There is the role of the state of Pakistan, SBP and conventional in this shift. As the nature of Islamic banking is based on the Shariah Compliance. It avoids the interest-based transactions and works on the PLS (Profit and Loss sharing) methods. The reasons behind the shifts are that it is reliable and practical in comparison to conventional banking. Further the beliefs and ethical considerations of the public, to go for the services of this sector. It has impacted the economy in a way that it is backed by assets. It leads to more stable financial systems, reducing the likelihood of financial crises. As well as the Islamic principles promote ethical and socially responsible investments. However, the ruling by the Shariat court to complete the shift towards Islamic banking is increasing the pace of transition.Item CORRUPTION IN POLICE SECTOR LAHORE CAUSES AND ITS COUNTER MEASURES(UMT, Lahore, 2025) MALIK BASSAM NAEEMThis 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.Item EMPIRICAL VERSUS ROTE LEARNING IN RURAL SCHOOLS A QUANTITATIVE STUDY FROM JALAL PUR PIR WALA(UMT, Lahore, 2025) ABDUL MATTEEN ALIThis 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