Umar Daraz

Access to appropriate finance is central to smallholder agricultural adaptation, but the relationships among digital financial access, financial inclusion, and financial literacy remain insufficiently examined. This study examined the association between FinTech access and climate-resilient agricultural investment, assessing financial inclusion as a mediator and financial literacy as a moderator. A quantitative cross-sectional survey collected data from 384 smallholder farmers in Mardan, Charsadda, and Nowshera districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Respondents were predominantly male (91.4%); therefore, the findings primarily reflect male farmers’ experiences and cannot be generalized to female-headed smallholder operations without dedicated gender-disaggregated sampling. Multiple regression, bootstrapped mediation, and interaction analyses tested hypothesized relationships, controlling for socioeconomic and farming characteristics. FinTech access was positively associated with both investment and financial inclusion. Financial inclusion retained a positive association with investment after adjustment and partially mediated the access–investment relationship, with an indirect effect of 0.222 (95% bootstrap confidence interval: 0.158–0.292), accounting for approximately 57.5% of the total association. Financial literacy positively moderates the association between FinTech access and investment (B = 0.137, p = 0.001), with stronger associations observed at higher literacy levels. These findings support the financial capability perspective, highlighting the distinct roles of financial participation and financial knowledge in climate-resilient agricultural investment. The results provide an empirical basis for evaluating integrated initiatives combining digital financial access, appropriate financial products, financial education, and agricultural extension support.

Wildfires are increasingly recognized as environmental disturbances associated with socio-economic transformations in agrarian systems. This study examines the associations between reported wildfire exposure, land-market outcomes, and agrarian inequality in the Malakand Division of northern Pakistan, a region characterized by forest–agriculture interfaces and livelihood dependence on land. The study aims to analyze how different levels of wildfire exposure are associated with land values, ownership patterns, market transactions, inequality, and coping strategies among farming households. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using a sample of 400 households selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using ANOVA, chi-square tests, multiple and logistic regression, hierarchical regression, and principal component analysis. Results show that reported land values differed significantly across wildfire-exposure categories (F = 48.72, p < 0.001), with directly exposed households reporting the lowest values. Regression analysis identified direct wildfire exposure as the strongest negative statistical predictor of reported land value (β = −0.468, p < 0.001), while directly exposed households had substantially higher odds of reporting land sales (Exp(B) = 6.35). Chi-square results indicate a significant association between wildfire exposure and land transactions (χ² = 64.82, p < 0.001). Retrospectively reported landholding data show an increase in the Gini coefficient from 0.41 before the reported fire period to 0.53 afterward. The addition of land-transaction variables increased the explained variance in agrarian inequality to 72%, which is consistent with a potential land-market pathway but does not constitute evidence of causal mediation. Coping strategies such as land sale, migration, and borrowing emerged as dominant reported responses among affected households. The study concludes that wildfire exposure is strongly associated with land devaluation, land sales, and greater agrarian inequality. Because the study is cross-sectional and lacks an independently observed pre-fire baseline or causal identification strategy, these findings should not be interpreted as definitive causal effects.

Families of children with learning disabilities often face multidimensional challenges that affect their economic stability, psychological well-being, and social functioning, yet limited empirical evidence exists on how these burdens vary across socioeconomic and educational contexts in developing settings. This study aimed to examine the level, prevalence, and determinants of family burden among mothers of children with learning disabilities, and to assess differences based on child disability severity, maternal education, and economic status. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used, with data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to mothers of children with learning disabilities. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, ANOVA, correlation analysis, and multiple regression to examine relationships among variables. The findings indicated a moderate to high level of overall family burden, with economic and psychological problems being the most prominent, while social problems were comparatively lower. Significant differences were observed across disability severity, maternal education, and economic status, with higher burden associated with severe disability and lower socioeconomic conditions. Regression results confirmed that economic status was the strongest predictor of family burden, followed by maternal education and learning disability level, with strong and acceptable model fit indices supporting the proposed framework. The study concludes that family burden among mothers of children with learning disabilities is multidimensional and strongly shaped by socioeconomic and contextual factors, particularly financial capacity, educational attainment, and disability severity. The findings highlight the need for integrated policy interventions including financial assistance, parental counseling, and educational support programs to reduce family burden and improve coping and well-being among affected families.

Wildfire escalation is increasingly threatening ecosystems and communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, particularly in forest and rangeland landscapes where ecological flammability interacts with human activity. While environmental and climatic drivers are well studied, governance factors remain underexplored despite their decisive role in shaping how ecological risk translates into disasters. Regional forests show considerable ecological diversity, including chir pine-dominated stands, mixed temperate conifer forests, broadleaved oak-associated systems, and shrub rangeland mosaics, each differing in fuel structure and fire behavior. Dependence on fuelwood collection, grazing, and forest access further influences ignition probability and fire spread. This study examines how governance failures influence wildfire risk and severity through a Governance-Fire Risk Framework. Governance is treated as a determining institutional condition affecting prevention capacity, regulation of hazardous land use, fuel management, and emergency response effectiveness. A cross-sectional survey of 540 stakeholders from rural (Dir Lower, Dir Upper) and peri-urban districts (Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad) was analyzed using SPSS (version 26) and AMOS (version 24) (CFA and SEM). Governance failure significantly escalates wildfire risk through delayed emergency response, regulatory non-compliance, political interference, and weak institutional coordination. Institutional preparedness and response capacity reduce risks, whereas corruption intensifies them. Corruption functions through illegal land conversion, diversion of fire management resources, procurement irregularities, nepotistic staffing, and selective enforcement, increasing ignition sources, fuel accumulation, and response delays. Rural districts show stronger governance-fire linkages. Wildfire escalation in KP is governance-driven in interaction with ecological conditions and community dependence on forest resources. Effective mitigation requires anti-corruption measures, rapid response systems, stronger enforcement, and improved preparedness. The study offers a transferable governance-focused framework for wildfire management in fire-prone developing regions.

This study is situated within the broader debate on punishment versus rehabilitation in correctional systems, with particular attention to post-conflict prison settings in Pakistan. In districts such as Swat, where incarceration is shaped by legacies of militancy, overcrowding, and limited institutional capacity, correctional practices remain largely punitive despite growing global evidence supporting rehabilitation. Understanding how inmates and correctional staff experience and perceive punishment- and rehabilitation-oriented approaches is essential for informing sustainable prison reform, improving institutional stability, and reducing recidivism. The study aims to examine the lived experiences of inmates and correctional staff in Swat Jail, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and to assess the perceived impacts of punishment and rehabilitation on inmate behavior, psychological well-being, and post-release reintegration, while situating these findings within national and international correctional frameworks. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with inmates and correctional staff in Swat Jail and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis, guided by the Risk–Need–Responsivity (RNR) model. The findings indicate that punishment-focused correctional practices generate resentment, psychological distress, and behavioral withdrawal among inmates, often undermining institutional order rather than promoting reform. In contrast, rehabilitation-oriented interventions—including vocational training, education, psychological counseling, and moral guidance—were associated with positive behavioral change, improved mental well-being, enhanced self-worth, and greater readiness for lawful living. Correctional staff corroborated these outcomes, reporting fewer conflicts and improved cooperation among inmates engaged in rehabilitation programs. Post-release accounts further suggested that participation in rehabilitation reduced employment barriers and recidivism risk. The study concludes that punishment alone is insufficient for long-term crime reduction in post-conflict settings, and that rehabilitation represents a humane, effective, and sustainable complement to accountability. Policy implications emphasize expanding rehabilitation programs, investing in staff training, and strengthening post-release support mechanisms within Pakistan’s correctional system.

This comprehensive study explores the intricate relationship between education and women's political empowerment in the unique context of Malakand Division, Pakistan. It underscores the transformative power of education in dismantling societal barriers, fostering leadership skills, and promoting civic engagement among women. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews and thematic analysis to provide nuanced insights into the experiences of women aged 18 and above in Malakand Division. The findings reveal that education serves as a catalyst for women's emancipation, enabling them to challenge cultural norms and actively participate in decision-making. Despite identified challenges such as educational disparities, the study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to ensure equal access and the development of a curriculum that transcends traditional subjects. Education emerges as a gateway to political participation, equipping women with critical thinking skills and knowledge for meaningful engagement in policy discussions. Leadership development through education is highlighted, showcasing the instillation of confidence, communication skills, and a strategic mindset. Civic education is recognized as foundational for political involvement, providing essential knowledge about democratic processes. The study also emphasizes the strategic role of education in planning and executing advocacy campaigns, contributing to impactful policy change. Policy implications include targeted interventions to address educational disparities, curriculum reform emphasizing inclusivity, and strengthening civic education initiatives. Policymakers are urged to invest in leadership development programs for women and encourage community and family support through awareness campaigns and incentives.

This study provides an overview of the examination of challenges faced by female prisoners in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with a focus on Central Prisons Peshawar and Haripur. It explores issues such as overcrowding, poor living conditions, violence, lack of rehabilitation, legal injustices, healthcare gaps, separation from children, and social stigma. Employing phenomenology, the study conducts in-depth interviews and thematic analysis to capture the subjective experiences of female inmates. Results expose a grim reality marked by systemic deficiencies and societal neglect, amplifying the vulnerability of incarcerated women. The conclusion emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions to address these challenges and facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of female prisoners. Policy implications advocate for measures such as reducing overcrowding, improving access to healthcare and rehabilitation programs, enabling family connections, and fostering societal acceptance through awareness campaigns.

The rapid growth of the gig economy and digital platforms is challenging traditional gender roles, particularly in developing countries where structural inequalities continue to shape labor and household dynamics. Despite growing global interest in gender equity and digital inclusion, limited research has examined how gig work, digital access, and women’s income contributions interact to influence household gender dynamics within culturally conservative contexts. This study aimed to investigate the multidimensional impacts of women’s participation in gig work on time use redistribution, intra-household decision making, gender ideology, and role reversal within households in Pakistan. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a representative sample of married couples engaged in the gig economy across urban and peri-urban areas of Pakistan. A quantitative analysis was conducted employing a combination of an analysis of variance, ordinal logistic regression, hierarchical multiple regression, and structural equation modeling to evaluate the direct and indirect relationships between constructs. The findings revealed that women’s gig work participation significantly predicted enhanced digital access, greater income contributions, and increased intra-household decision-making power. These, in turn, contributed to a measurable shift in gender ideology toward equality norms and a partial reversal of traditional gender roles, particularly in household labor division. The study concludes that the intersection of economic participation and digital empowerment serves as a catalyst for progressive gender restructuring within households. Policy implications include the need for gender-responsive labor policies, investment in digital infrastructure, and targeted interventions to support empowering women in non-traditional work roles.

This analysis examines the economic impact of the Russian-Ukraine war on African economies through five themes: Global Interconnectedness, Energy Market Dynamics, Trade Routes, Economic Vulnerability, and Policy Implications. Drawing on evidence from Baldwin and Freeman (2022), Borio (2014), and Stern (2019), the study underscores the global repercussions of the conflict. It highlights challenges for African nations arising from Russia's role in global energy markets, supported by insights from Hook (2012), Sovacool et al. (2019, 2021), and Nah and Yim (2021). The reshaping of global trade patterns is emphasized, advocating for adaptive economic strategies with backing from Baldwin and Evenett (2012) and Johnson and Noguera (2012). Economic vulnerability analysis stresses nuanced, context-specific approaches, supported by Collier and Gunning (1999), Naude et al. (2012, 2014), and Jha and Yeros (2023). Thematic exploration of policy implications underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making and proactive policies, drawing from Moyo and Modiba (2013) and Moyo (2013). Synthesizing these themes yields a comprehensive view of the post-conflict economic landscape for African economies. Policymakers are advised to use these insights, acknowledging global economic interconnectedness and emphasizing strategic resource management, localized policy formulation, and international collaboration for stability and growth in Africa.