CEERAT Journal of Society and Development
Center of Engineering Research Advancement and Technology (CEERAT)
Exploring the Challenges and Pedagogical Approaches of English Language Teachers in Government and Private Schools
The paper explores challenges and pedagogical approaches of English language teachers in government and private schools of district Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This particular study used qualitative research methods and data was collected through interview guide. The research used purposeful sampling techniques and data was stopped based on saturation points from 17 participants. The qualitative interviews were semi-structured, and data was analyzed through thematic analysis. In conclusion, interaction among teachers and students increases spoken English skills because students do not feel any hesitation when they speak with each other. English language interaction is helpful for students’ communication in the classroom. The study is limited to the teachers interviews and no other staff or students were interviewed. It is recommended that teachers use English more often with their middle school students in class.
Copyright (c) 2025 CEERAT Journal of Society and Development
Beyond Colonial Legacies: Reimagining Industrial Social Work through Decolonial Frameworks in Pakistan
Despite increasing industrial expansion and labor precarity, Pakistan’s labor welfare system remains anchored to colonial-era frameworks that prioritize control over care. This qualitative study reimagines Industrial Social Work (ISW) as a decolonial practice that can transform worker welfare beyond bureaucratic and managerial legacies. The study draws on 15 anonymized semi-structured interviews conducted in early 2025 with stakeholders, including industrial managers, HR professionals, labor welfare officers, social work academics, and union representatives. It examines institutional gaps, cultural dissonance, and policy inertia that hinder ISW’s emergence. Thematic analysis, based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework, reveals six interlinked themes: the absence of formal ISW roles in law and policy; limited organizational understanding shaped by colonial welfare logic; underused CSR and mental health resources; systemic legal and institutional fragmentation; educational disconnects; and new opportunities in Special Economic Zones. The study frames these findings within decolonial social work theory, which asserts that ISW is rooted in indigenous ethics, Islamic care traditions, and participatory governance. This creates a culturally resonant and structurally liberating model for labor welfare. The recommendations highlight legal recognition, curriculum reform, CSR-based pilot programs, and cross-sectoral partnerships as ways to institutionalize ISW as a tool for socio-industrial transformation. Future researchers should view worker welfare through a decolonial lens and see ISW not only as a service but as a path to justice in Pakistan’s industrial sectors.
Juvenile Justice System and Implementation of International Human Rights Conventions in Pakistan: A Policymakers and Practitioners’ Perspectives
This qualitative study explores how Pakistan’s Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA) 2018 reflects and implements international juvenile justice standards, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Beijing Rules, and the Riyadh Guidelines from the perspectives of key stakeholders. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 15 policymakers and practitioners, including legislators, ministry officials, judges, probation officers, and NGO representatives, the study applies thematic analysis to uncover implementation gaps and institutional challenges. Six major themes emerged: legislative alignment versus policy execution; resource and infrastructure deficiencies; unreliable age determination; limited use of diversion mechanisms; lack of training and stakeholder awareness; and weak monitoring and accountability systems. While participants acknowledged the JJSA as progressive and well-aligned with global norms, they emphasized that its impact is hindered by delays in procedural rulemaking, insufficient juvenile courts and observation homes, inactive Juvenile Justice Committees (JJCs), and widespread lack of child rights training among law enforcement and judiciary. The results of the study are instrumental in nuanced understanding of socio-cultural, legal and structural factors affecting juvenile justice system in Pakistan. It also emphasized the structural reforms including advancement in age verification of children and adopting robust diversion mechanism for juvenile reforms.
Self-Regulation Association with Mental Health: A Study of Normal and Special Needs Students
This study examined the relationship between self-regulation, psychosocial adjustment, and mental health among university students with special needs. Utilizing a quantitative research design, the study involved a total of 120 participants, comprising 60 students with special needs and 60 typically developing (normal) students, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from two institutions: Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan (normal students) and the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore (special needs students). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between self-regulation and psychosocial adjustment difficulties. While no significant correlation was found between self-regulation and psychosocial adjustment components (emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing) among normal students, a significant and positive correlation was observed among students with special needs. Furthermore, self-regulation emerged as a significant positive predictor of mental health among the special needs group. The study concludes that self-regulation is closely linked to psychological wellbeing in students with special needs, highlighting the importance of fostering self-regulatory capacities to enhance mental health outcomes in this population.
Determinants of Dengue Transmission in Pakistan: A Meta-Synthesis of Environmental, Social, and Institutional Factors
Dengue fever has emerged as a major public health threat in Pakistan over the past decade, driven by a convergence of environmental, socio-economic, and institutional vulnerabilities. Despite substantial primary research on individual determinants, there remains a lack of integrated analysis that consolidates cross-disciplinary findings. This study aims to synthesize evidence from 32 empirical studies conducted in Pakistan between 2015 and 2024 to identify and analyze key factors associated with dengue transmission. The objective is to map thematic convergence across disciplines and propose a holistic framework to inform sustainable epidemic response strategies. A systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis were conducted, following STROBE quality criteria. Studies included cross-sectional surveys, retrospective case analyses, GIS-based spatial studies, and behavioral assessments. Thematic coding was applied using a grounded theory approach to identify recurrent determinants and conceptual linkages. Four dominant thematic clusters emerged: (1) climatic variability and urban ecology, (2) socio-economic disparities and risk exposure, (3) gendered patterns in prevention and treatment access, and (4) limitations in institutional preparedness and inter-sectoral coordination. These factors interacted with the shape of the scale, timing, and geographic intensity of outbreaks. Dengue transmission in Pakistan is shaped by a complex interplay of climatic, social, and institutional factors. This meta-synthesis highlights the need for integrated, anticipatory, and locally adaptive responses grounded in interdisciplinary evidence. Policy responses must move beyond episodic containment toward structural investments in climate resilience, equity in health access, and public health system capacity.
Effect of Contaminated Water on Human Health: A Literature Review
The purpose of this research work was to provide an epidemiological explanation in Pakistani society and shed light on the etiology by concentrating on polluted and unclean water. The World Health Organization claims that waterborne infections are the top cause of death globally. An extremely hot problem that leads to water-borne infections is the outbreak of human diseases transmitted by epidemic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. A qualitative research technique was used, and a literature review was conducted. Thirty research articles and project reports were analyzed through a secondary data analysis technique. The findings revealed that pathogenic bacteria in polluted water are responsible for a quarter of all fatalities globally. The fact that Pakistan's inadequate sanitation infrastructure is a major vector for the spread of infectious diseases drives home the point of this article. The recommendation is put forward to the policymakers that hygiene education and water purification systems in every village are critical for human beings' secure health in developing nations like Pakistan.
Situational Analysis of Higher Education in Pakistan (With Special Reference to University of Sargodha)
The study aims to highlight the problems and challenges facing Pakistan's higher education system of University of Sargodha, Punjab. This study is qualitative, and primary data was collected from the participants. The data was collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The group was comprised of five students, five members of the teaching staff, and five members of the non-teaching staff of the University of Sargodha, Sargodha. The present study found that the factors affecting the system are numerous, including ineffective administration, a poor examination system, a lack of libraries and laboratories, inadequate research facilities, and large-scale financial deficiencies. Despite certain weaknesses, academic results do not match internationally accepted norms. The government should provide funds, scholarships, relaxation, and facilities for students and teachers to achieve the desired ends. This study suggested that it is a collective failure and pivotal to taking measures at various levels; the government should revisit its education policies and impose educational emergencies.
Examining Credibility of Zakat System in Pakistani Society
As a Muslim state, the Islamic finance system should be core to the economy of Pakistan. However, so far, the Islamic finance system has not been adopted effectively. In consequence, the Islamic finance system could not make its credibility in a true sense before the masses. Zakat is one of the major pillars of Islam and has the potential to end major social problems facing Pakistani society. However, the main issue of concern is whether the Zakat system is credible or not. In this way, this research tried to analyze the credibility of the zakat system in Pakistani society, highlight a brief account of details about the Zakat mechanism in Islam and Pakistan, and then suggest suitable measures to improve the studied phenomenon. Methodologically, this study was conducted simultaneously in four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and KPK, Pakistan. Data was taken from 150 respondents from each province, which made a total of 600 respondents. The findings of the study are shown by the Corporate Credibility Scale responses of two constructs: trustworthiness in all provinces, i.e., 38.78 percent, and expertise, i.e., 41.40 percent. In this way, both constructs fall in average credibility. Considering the findings, the core reasons for lower statistics are bad governance, lack of skill, sons, and lack of welfare spending. So, it is suggested that the government of Pakistan should increase its welfare spending and take emergency measures to reform the outdated system of service delivery that caused the low credibility of the Zakat system in Pakistan.
Child Malnutrition in Pakistan: Evidence from National Nutritional Survey 2018
Malnutrition is one of the gravest obstacles to a child's optimum growth and development. To understand the on-ground situation, it is crucial to identify the indicators contributing to child malnutrition. The purpose of the study is to determine the factors behind child malnutrition leading to stunted growth. Data was retrieved from the National Nutritional Survey (MNS), 2018. The prevalence and frequency of malnutrition were assessed using data from NNS (2018) to find empirical results of four main variables, i.e., stunted, underweight, overweight, and wasted. The key drivers of undernutrition result in low birth weight, which is a causal effect of maternal nutrition and low nutrient intake; however, the situation differs by province. Punjab has shown a significant decline in stunting, while stunting levels in Sindh remain static. Another issue is that barely more than a third (38 percent) of children less than 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed.
Socio-cultural and Economic Factors Effects Child Malnutrition and Mental Development: Evidence from Pakistan Demographic Health Survey 2018
The purpose of the study was to statistically measure the socio-economic and cultural taboos and practices that affect child malnutrition. Secondly, how does child malnutrition affect mental growth of child? The quantitative data was analyzed from the Pakistan Demographic Health Survey 2018. The result found that socio-economic level also influences child malnutrition and cultural taboos and practices. Moreover, mental growth and child psychological development are decreasing due to malnutrition. The research recommended that micronutrient insufficiency, mental growth, and psychological factors are either overlooked or have received little attention as a contributing factor to malnutrition among children. Immediate implementation of both short-term and long-term strategies is essential to address the pervasive deficit among children, which manifests as various forms of malnutrition.
Ethical Leadership and Employee Creativity: The Mediating Role of Teamwork
The research aimed to emphasize the significance of ethical leadership's impact on teamwork and employee creativity. Quantitative research was applied, and data was gathered from 176 employees at Nishat Group Faisalabad, Textile Industry. A purposive sampling technique was used, and data was gathered through a survey questionnaire. The correlation test examined that ethical leadership, teamwork, and employee creativity have positive associations between them. Similarly, ethical leadership improves teamwork and employee creativity. The study concluded that ethical leadership principles have positively boosted employee creativity and teamwork, which is a good sign for achieving broader organizational goals.
Copyright (c) 2023 CEERAT Journal of Society and Development
Domestic Servitude in Pakistan: A Qualitative Study
The present study focuses on the domestic servitude problem in Pakistan. As a result, victims working in private families are humiliated and ill-treated. The study has critically explored the regulation of legislation and policies for slavery and forced labor within private homes or houses to stop artificial disasters. Moreover, the research has reviewed existing international frameworks, national laws, and policies to address the issue of domestic servitude. The qualitative study was conducted, and documents were analyzed. The result found that a number of policies were adopted to address the issue of child labor in Pakistan. The prominent step was the National Policy and Action Plan to Combat Child Labor (NPPA), which calls for the instantaneous abolition of the most awful forms of child labor. In conclusion, there is a dire need to make domestic servitude-specific legislation and develop a code of practices for the workers working in domestic settings. It is recommended that family support of such families be started through the cash transfer mechanism of the EHSAAS program, the flagship welfare program of the federal government.
Accessibility and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Pakistan: A Secondary Analysis
The main purpose of the study was to critically analyze the past literature regarding challenges, constraints, needs, and problems faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Pakistan. This study was qualitative, and all the past literature reviews were analyzed from 1990 to 2018. Similarly, reports, government officials, and online documents were also part of the critical literature review. The study found that education and rehabilitation services are insufficient for PWDs. For instance, PWDs face limited mobility, lack of access to information and advanced technology, less exposure and lack of opportunities, financial constraints, resource unequal distribution, and lack of adequate policies and their implementation in Pakistan. In light of the above facts, it is suggested that existing allocations and reservations in jobs should be strictly implemented, and the restoration of PWDs as productive citizens and non-governmental organizations should work on life grievances.
Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Medicinal Plant Extraction: Experimental Research with Pneumonia Patients in Hospitals
Pneumonia is a prevalent and often-seen illness in humans. This research investigates the antibacterial efficacy of pharmaceutical plant products contrary to Streptococcus pneumoniae (S.P.), a bacterium obtained from individual patients with pneumonia. The objective of the research is to separate antibiotic-resistant strains of Pneumococci from patients who are admitted to the hospital and then evaluate selected extracts from medicinal plants for their ability to inhibit the growth of Pneumococci by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on clinical samples taken from 47 hospitalized patients. The analysis revealed that S. pneumoniae showed resistance to Ampicillin and Meropenem. Streptococcus pneumoniae is susceptible to Clarithromycin, Levofloxacin, Clindamycin, and Erythromycin. An experimental study was undertaken in the Jahangira area due to its diverse variety of medicinal plant species, such as Azadirachta indica, Nilotica, Allium Coriandrum, Allium sativum, Syzygium aromaticum, and Piper nigrum. These medicinal plants have not been previously used for the treatment of S.P. In this research, the antibacterial activity of traditional remedies from the Jahangira area was evaluated against S.P. The inhibitory zone was seen in numerous medicinal plants, such as Vachellia Nilotica, Syzygium aromaticum, and Allium sativum. The plant isolates have been diluted into a range of concentrations, namely 512g/ml, 256g/ml, 128g/ml, 64g/ml, 32g/ml, 16g/ml, 8g/ml, 4g/ml, 2g/ml, and 1g/ml. These dilutions were prepared in antiseptic nutritious broth and standard remedy and were placed on a 96-well microtiter plate. The purpose of this setup was to evaluate the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The amounts of MIC were measured at 8g/ml, 4g/ml, 2g/ml, and 1g/ml. The antibacterial efficacy of the specimen extracts was assessed in comparison to the conventional medications’ vancomycin and penicillin, while it was shown that they exhibited resistance toward Streptococcus pneumoniae. Furthermore, the antibiotic's efficacy was assessed by ocular evaluation in hospitalized individuals by quantifying the area of inhibition. Policymakers are advised to prioritize the cultivation of therapeutic plant species, such as Azadirachta indica, Nilotica, and Achyranthesesaspera, which have shown beneficial in the S.P.
Effects of Parenting Styles on Psychological Development of Adolescents in Sargodha City
The purpose of the study was to know the effects of parenting styles on the psychological development of adolescents. For this purpose, the sample size was 180 respondents of different classes with an equal distribution of boys and girls in Sargodha City. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire using a random sampling technique. A quantitative research technique was used to analyze the data. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between parenting styles and psychological development. The research recommended that parents should not be very strict or more lenient and should adopt a permissive parenting style. Authoritative parenting style decreases the psychological development of adolescents, and parents should avoid it. The study suggested that parents should understand the needs and demands of adolescents and should not impose their decisions on them.