Journal of Research in Social Sciences

Power Transition in New Great Game: Strategic Options for Pakistan

Dr. Mansoor Ahmed — 2025-04-10

Power transition in international politics is an ever-evolving approach owing to the rise and fall of the superpowers and great powers. Historically, the quest for more territories and resources has led to conflicts and wars between powerful empires and states, resulting in colonization, imperialism, and power transition. The first half of the 20th century witnessed long-running conflicts and wars among the great powers concerning power transition, which caused unheard-of violence and destruction in the history of humankind. However, in the second half of the foregoing century, the competing superpowers never resorted to direct confrontation during the Cold War but rather engaged in proxy conflicts and shadow wars by using proxy forces. The rise of China, the resurgence of Russia, and the emergence of transnational non-state actors in the early 21^st century have ushered in the debate of power transition in international politics yet again. The 21^st century power politics, based on geo-economics and the quest for energy resources and trade corridors, has been dubbed the New Great Game. Unlike the Cold War, the U.S. and China, the key players of the New Great Game, have avoided proxy confrontation by preferring competition and engagement. Pakistan, the closest U.S. ally during the Cold War and War on Terror, and now the closest ally of China in the emerging great-power competition, has fewer strategic options for maneuvering than ever before. This paper critically analyzes the future power transition in regional and far-regional geopolitics vis-à-vis the strategic options available to Pakistan’s policymakers and decision-makers.

Impact of Psychosocial Factors on Quality of Life: A Case Study of End Stage Renal Disease

Iqra Nazar — 2025-01-14

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) occurs when kidneys gradually lost its function. In Pakistan, the prevalence of ESRD is 37.9% of the adult population overall. This case study is describing how psychosocial factors have greater impact on client with ESRD, which ultimately influencing her overall quality of life (QoL). The client F.A was a 55 years old married female, diagnosed with ESRD due to Primary Hypertension and Type I Diabetes. Client was referred to trainee health psychologist for psychosocial assessment as a consequence of Hemodialysis. She was presented with the physical & psychological complaints such as fatigue due to low Hb level, muscles cramps and difficulty in breathing due to Myocardial Infraction (MI), irritability after diagnosis of ESRD, anger over little matters, automatic worrying thoughts regarding her condition and restlessness. An in-depth case history interview was carried out to gather information using both informal and formal assessments. 12 sessions have been conducted with the patient. These assessments covered all psychosocial aspects such as illness perception, health locus of control, health beliefs, perceived health status, perception of the doctor-patient relationship, perception of health care services, personality/life orientation, adherence (dietary, fluid, and medication), and QoL. The client found below average on QoL depicted through formal assessment and seemed to be non-adhere towards dietary habits, medication, and treatment of HCV or MI. In addition, she seemed to have negative illness perceptions, poor health status, maladaptive health beliefs, spiritual health locus of control and dissatisfied doctor-patient relationship. The intervention plan comprised of psychoeducation, cost and benefit analysis, coping statements, role playing technique, religious coping anger management, attention strategy technique, baseline chart and ABC model of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The intervention plan showed significant improvement in managing psychosocial targeted areas.

Keywords: End Stage Renal Disease, Psychosocial factors, Quality of Life

Relationship Between Communication Skills and Classroom Management Skills of Elementary School Teachers

Beenish Abdul Khaliq — 2025-01-07

This study explores the relationship between communication skills and
classroom management skills of elementary school teachers. It aims to
evaluate the proficiency of teachers in communication, assess their
classroom management abilities, and identify the correlation between these
two critical skill sets. The study was conducted among female teachers of
grades one to five in Rawalpindi's urban area, using a quantitative research
design. A total of 93 teachers from government girls' elementary schools
were selected through random sampling. Data was collected via a structured
five-point Likert scale questionnaire, measuring dimensions of
communication skills (verbal, non-verbal, written, visual) and classroom
management skills (time, discipline, instructional, resource management).
Data analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between
communication skills and effective classroom management. Findings
highlighted that the teachers with strong communication skills, particularly
in writing and verbal communication, exhibited better classroom
management. Conversely, deficiencies in specific communication domains
negatively impacted instructional management. Based on these results, the
study underscores the importance of teacher training programs focused on
enhancing communication and classroom management skills in school
teachers.

Pandemic-Induced changes in Travel Behaviour: Insights of Pandemic’s Lasting impacts on Lahore’s Urban Mobility

Hina Saleemi — 2025-01-14

The COVID-19 epidemic, which began to spread globally in early 2020, created an abrupt change that has brought with it unimaginable challenges and profound adjustments to many elements and areas of human existence. This research delves into how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed travel patterns in Lahore, Pakistan. It analyzes the surveys conducted to understand people's travel behaviors before, during, and after the pandemic's peak. The survey consists of total 38 questions concerning about the travel pattern of participants in pre-pandemic, during pandemic and post-pandemic along with socioeconomic factors. Factor analysis has been used to analyse the collected data. For factor analysis seven latent variable have been determined. The results show a significant change in travel pattern of individuals. During the pandemic, public transportation utilization fell drastically, and this decline persisted long after restrictions were lifted. In the same manner, there was a decline in the use of carpooling and taxis, following a subsequent partial recovery. In addition, the pandemic appears to have pushed people towards habit of online shopping and some people and offices towards remote working. This shift towards virtual alternatives may have long-term effects as individuals get used to of these new schedules. Furthermore, there have been a decline in social visits such as family, friends and social works including expos, volunteer and community works. Essentially, the research highlights the COVID-19 pandemic as a watershed moment for travel patterns in Lahore. It triggered a rise in personal car use, a surge in remote work and online shopping, and a temporary decline in social visits by car. The research indicates that certain modifications, including the adoption of remote work and virtual communication, could eventually become standard practices, impacting urban living and working patterns.

Chinese Investment in Latin America: A Case Study of Argentina, and Venezuela

Hira Bashir — 2025-01-14

This article examines the growing influence of Chinese investments in Latin America, focusing on Venezuela and Argentina. It explores how these countries benefit from Chinese capital and how this investment impacts their economies. Venezuela has relied on oil-backed loans to sustain its political system, worsening its economic challenges. In contrast, Argentina has channeled Chinese investment into infrastructure, including hydroelectric dams, nuclear plants, railway modernization, and energy diversification projects. The study highlights that while infrastructure investment can enhance economic stability and reduce reliance on further loans, both countries remain vulnerable due to their dependence on raw material exports. Despite these challenges, the study underscores that with institutional improvements and a shift toward diversification, such investments can contribute to sustainable growth in both nations. A qualitative research approach using secondary sources was employed to analyze the long-term implications of Chinese investments in these two economies.

CPEC and Inclusive Development of Balochistan: A Holistic Approach to Human Security and Sustainable Development

Sayyeda Aqsa Sajjad — 2025-01-30

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is considered as a game changer in the global arena impacting the regional trade and infrastructural development with the cost of US$ 62 billion. The project seeks to establish a transportation and trade network which will connect the China’s Xinjiang province with Gwadar Port of Pakistan, situated in the southwestern province of Balochistan. Serving as a pivotal pearl within Chinese vast Belt and Road Initiative, the CPEC possesses the potential to enhance Pakistan’s geopolitical significance and open up opportunities for increased foreign investment. Nevertheless, being primarily sited in Balochistan, the CPEC offers vital implications for the province in particular and the whole of Pakistan in general. The article examines the potential impact of CPEC on power dynamics between China and Pakistan, as well as its influence on the economic policies, industrialization, and social infrastructure of Balochistan. It further seeks to evaluate the effects of CPEC on marginalised communities in Balochistan. Moreover, the study also evaluates the sustainability and long-term implications of the CPEC on the future development trajectory of Balochistan.