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Terrorism is a global phenomenon that constantly challenges human survival. Based on the social structure, human beings adopt different strategies to overcome its negative consequences on their mind and behavior. Coping strategies and those processes essential for adjustment and survival illustrate how individuals perceive, consider, deal with, and realize a stressful situation in the era of terrorism. The study focuses on exploring coping strategies and avoidance of terrorism impacts. This research study was qualitatively designed to explore the coping strategies adaptation and their influence on the former FATA individuals during the wave of terrorism in the region. The study was undertaken in five districts of erstwhile FATA, including Dara Adam Khel, Orakzai Agency, Khyber Agency, and North and South Waziristan agency. A sample size of twenty-five (25) participants was purposively selected and interviewed, ten (10) focused group discussions (FGDs) were done from each district, and the other 50 participants were chosen for ten (10) FGDs. The collected data were analyzed via the thematic analysis technique. The findings revealed that coping strategies included four different phases: the welcome, resistance, acceptance, surrender, and flee phases for overcoming threats of terrorism. Furthermore, it was also found that fear of terrorism had strongly influenced the individuals’ physical, socio-economic, psychological, emotional stress and fear, education, and social integration. The study recommended that social integration and solidarity among the people, as well as their cooperation with the government, can eliminate the threat of terrorism.

Although digital technologies are well integrated in higher education settings, however, despite of growing corpus of research on the outcomes of digital technologies, there is a dearth of evidence from the perspectives of university undergraduates about the impact of social media on their academic performance. This study was an attempt to bridge this gap in the existing body of knowledge by qualitatively measuring the perspectives of students about the effects of social media on their learning outcomes. Using critical theory of technology and case study method, this study explores the perspectives of students about the effects of social media on their learning performance. The findings showed that using of social media has a negative impact on academic performance of students. Social media restricted students to spend time for assignment preparation and its submission in time. Students spent time on social media in non-academic activities such as spending time with friends for entertainment at the cost of their studies. Students secured low academic grades because of spending time on social media. Many students reported about its negative impact on their health like, stress and physical exhaustion due to poor participation in outdoor games or sports. Instructors and administration are suggested to chalk out viable policies for the use of social media among students and its purposeful utilization.

Textbooks play a strong part in constructing gender roles and status in society. Thus, the images, lessons, and stories of gender portrayed in textbooks affect the perception of prevalent masculine behavior. To develop an insight into the phenomena, this article analyzes the institutionalized patriarchy and patriarchal values embedded in the Urdu and English National Book Foundation textbooks for grades 5, 6, and 7. The study used content analysis techniques to decode the tone, juggling of meanings, pictorial representation, topic selection, word selection, number of pages devoted to each topic, and gender placement of Urdu and Social Studies textbooks. The study explored whether women are portrayed as followers of men and men as having a leadership role. The mother is predominantly presented as a housewife who stays at home, cleaning and cooking all day. While the father goes to work every day and comes home and relaxes after a hard day’s work. Such placement of gendered roles has an effect on the thinking of young students and they internalize the idea that such roles are a natural part of their personality. Moreover, the books reflect a reality which is more male-oriented, while female representations are lacking in the dominant reality.

Birthing is a critical moment in the life of a mother. The biomedical practice of the Caesarian Section (C-section) does not exist in a vacuum but is under the influence of the sociocultural environment. However, deciding between methods of birth and the perception about the C-section shows a gap and dearth in the present literature. This paper aims at understanding what social and cultural factors construct the perceptions and experiences of the Caesarian Section among post-C-section- women belonging to different socio-economic statuses. Moreover, it explores how these factors influence Pakistani women’s decision-making regarding childbirth methods. The paper uses a qualitative yet multi-sited locale approach, employing semi-structured interviews from 20 post-C-section women mainly from Islamabad and Rawalpindi region; 10 women belong to lower socio-economic status whereas, 10 to the upper one. Different themes from data were identified and obtained for analysis. The perception and experience of the C-section fluctuate with social, economic, and cultural factors. The influence of biomedical and intra-household politics on the decision of C-section is much conspicuous and evident. Affluent families practice C-sections under dominant power dynamics without any reasoning. For those who can afford C-section, is perceived as a luxury and artificial motherhood in the eyes of ‘’the others’’ whereas, normal birthing was true and natural motherhood. The social construction of the C-section suggests that social and cultural forces play a decisive role. C-section is only acceptable if there is an emergency otherwise natural birth is the most suitable method of childbirth. Along with advocating C-sections in critical medical conditions, an awareness campaign against C-sections is also imperative for it has severe consequences.

Bu çalışma, Tor Ghar; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Bölgesi pteridofitlerinin floristik özelliklerini belgelemeyi amaçlamıştır. On familya ve 20 cins içinde dağılım gösteren toplam 41 tür tanımlanmıştır. Dryopteridaceae, 12 türle (%29,26) en büyük familyadır. İkinci ve üçüncü büyük aile sırasıyla 10 (%24.39) ve 5 (%12.19) tür ile Pteridaceae ve Thelypteridaceae'dir. Aynı şekilde Dryopteris, 6 (%14.63) türle en büyük cins olmuştur. Asıl familylar Aspleniaceae, Blechnaceae, Dennstaedtiaceae, Dryopteridaceae, Equisetaceae, Lygodiaceae, Marseliaceae, Pteridaceae, Thelypteridaceae ve Woodsiaceae’dir. Polystichum integrilobium (Ching ex Y.T. Hsieh) W.M. Chu ex H.S. Kung, Pakistan için ilk kez rapor edilmiştir ve 33 tür Tor Ghar için yeni kayıt durumundadır. Teşhis edilen bu türler, Shumli Bandi, Bandi, Pabal, Tilli, Panja Gali, Kotkay, Ganga, Judba, Seri Kohani, Tagram, Nabori, Tor Kandow ve Kandar (Hussanzai) gibi farklı yerlerden toplanmıştır., This study was aimed to document the floristic attributes of the pteridophytes of District Tor Ghar; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Total 41 species distributed in 20 genera and 10 families were recognized. Dryopteridaceae was the largest family with 12 species (29.26%). Second and third large family is Pteridaceae and Thelypteridaceae with 10 (24.39%) and 5 (12.19%) species respectively. Like-wise, Dryopteris was the largest genus with 6 (14.63%) species. The main families were Aspleniaceae, Blechnaceae, Dennstaedtiaceae, Dryopteridaceae, Equisetaceae, Lygodiaceae, Marseliaceae, Pteridaceae, Thelypteridaceae, and Woodsiaceae. Polystichum integrilobium (Ching ex Y.T. Hsieh) W.M. Chu ex H.S. Kung is reported for the first time for Pakistan and 33 species are new records for the Tor Ghar. These identified species were collected from different localities i.e. Shumli Bandi, Bandi, Pabal, Tilli, Panja Gali, Kotkay, Ganga , Judba, Seri Kohani, Tagram, Nabori, Tor Kandow and Kandar (Hussanzai).

COVID-19 Pandemic has different effects on society. Its effects have been differently perceived by different classes; one such important class is the university students because they play an important role in the development of a society. To explore their perception, this article used an interpretive approach to understand its impacts on education, the economy, and socio-cultural practices. The researchers used in-depth open-ended interviews for data collection. The sample size of the study consisted of twenty-four students i.e. six each from FATA University, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Preston University, and University of Peshawar. The primary data were analyzed by using the thematic analysis technique. The results reveal that there are divergent beliefs and superstitions about the prevention and presence of coronavirus. These included conspiracies about physicians and hospitals as death houses, and social distancing being a violation of cultural norms and values. The major impacts are observed on education, economy, psychological wellbeing, and socio-cultural practices. This study provides a roadmap for policymakers and future scholars to understand socio-cultural, educational, economic, and psychological problems that emerged due to COVID-19 Pandemic.

Present study was intended with the aim to document the pre-existence traditional knowledge and ethnomedicinal uses of plant species in the Palas valley. Data were collected during 2015–2016 to explore plants resource, their utilization and documentation of the indigenous knowledge. The current study reported a total of 65 medicinal plant species of 57 genera belonging to 40 families. Among 65 species, the leading parts were leaves (15) followed by fruits (12), stem (6) and berries (1), medicinally significant while, 13 plant species are medicinally important for rhizome, 4 for root, 4 for seed, 4 for bark and 1 each for resin. Similarly, thirteen species were used as a whole while twelve species as partial for medicinal purpose. Further, it is concluded that every part of plants such as bulb, rhizome, roots, barks, leaves, flowers, fruit and seed were used for various ailments. Moreover, among 65 plants species, 09 species are threatened and placed into Endangered (EN) and Least Concern (LC) categories of IUCN. The recorded data are very useful and reflects the significance of the Palas valley as medicinal plants resource area.

Religious minorities are victims of poverty in many parts of the globe. They are subject to discrimination and marginalization which hamper their economic development. The purpose of this research ...

Religious minorities are victims of political isolation and persecution in societies, where they are subject to violence and discrimination. This study was undertaken in a terrorism-affected area to explore those elements that subjugate and suppress religious minorities’ political participation and representation. To conduct an in-depth analysis, a qualitative inquiry was used for data collection and analysis. The researcher interviewed 13 Christians, seven Hindus, and six Sikhs, using a purposive sampling technique and a semi-structured interview guide. The primary data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. The researcher found that some of the underlying factors behind the political persecution are leadership vacuum, political neglect, post-election negligence, vote dislocation, political ignorance, and political subordination. This study presented a framework for policymakers to solve minorities’ political problems, and for researchers to better understand the minorities’ political oppression on local and international levels.

Pakistan’s erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have suffered a lot due to terrorism and extremism after the 9/11 attacks in the United States because these areas were used by local and transnational militant groups as a haven after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. These groups attacked the security forces, the local tribal leaders, and all those who opposed them and killed, many of them to get control over these areas. This resulted in huge physical, economic, social, and psychological damages in the region. To bring the region back on the path of peace and development, Jirgas were held on the local and governmental levels. To explore the role of Jirga, this study used a qualitative method to identify and explain the factors of peace and development. This study also includes primary data where 25 participants, who are/were active and experienced in tribal customary matters, were purposively selected and interviewed through a semi-structured interview guide. Data analysis was performed by using thematic analysis techniques. This study explored that Jirga played an important role in peacebuilding and development in the form of policymaking for FATA; mobilisation for action, restoration, and rehabilitation; resolving local feuds; and the establishment of FATA University in the region. This study recommended that all reforms and efforts must be made under the priorities and needs of the people of former FATA.

The indigenous communities of Shishikoh valley are often using various ferns taxa regularly. The current research work was intended for documenting the ethnomedicinal knowledge of ferns. A total of 18 taxa were recorded that belonged to 9 genera and 6 families being used in the treatment of different ailments. Pteridaceae was the leading family with 6 taxa (33.33%), followed by Aspleniaceae with 4 taxa (22.22%), Athyriaceae and Equisetaceae each with 3 taxa (16.67%) followed by Dryopteridaceae and Marsileaceae each with 1 taxon (5.56%). The reported ferns taxa were used as anthelminthic, anti-rheumatic, astringent and wound healing agents and in the treatment of different ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, gonorrhea, hepatitis, infertility, influenza, kidney disorders, measles, oral ulcer, oral thrush, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, pharyngitis, scorpion bite, sinusitis, tonsillitis and tuberculosis. Ethnomedicinal knowledge is a valuable source for the innovation of different allopathic, homeopathic and herbal drugs that are used for the treatment of different ailments. The fern species may be used commercially for medicinal purposes through sustainable way. Their proper cultivation and awareness about medicinal values among local community leads to discover new drugs.

This study entitled the people perception towards the role of Non-Governmental Organizations in the provision of health facilities in district Swat, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Pakistan" was conducted with objectives to measure the attitude of the target population about the NGOs intervention in the study area through pre and post-relationship on health facilities". A sample size of 230 out of 450 populations was selected through a simple random sampling procedure. The study concluded that the number of disabled centers increased, hygiene kits and sanitation kits were distributed, medical teams/doctors and medicines were provided by NGOs, mosquito nets distributed, the establishment of BHUs, mobile hospitals, and free medical camps were increased post-NGOs intervention as a significant change with the level of satisfaction of the locals. Based on the findings of the study, extend projects to other far plunged and neglected areas while incorporating all felt needs of the locals.

This study was conducted to assess the floristic composition, biological spectra and phenology of Tehsil Balakot. Frequent visits were made in different seasons during 2012–13. Field notebook was used to record the data within field. Biological spectrum and leaf sizes classes were determined. The floristic diversity revealed 228 plant species belonged to 184 genera and 72 families. Asteraceae family contributed maximum number of species (27) followed by Rosaceae (18), Apiaceae and Lamiaceae (12) species each, Papilionaceae (11) species while remaining 67 families contributed less than 10 species. Herbaceous growth form was the most leading one (71%), followed by shrub (15%) and tree (14%), respectively. Biological spectrum revealed that hemicryptophytes (32.45%) were the most prevalent, followed by therophytes (31.57%), nanophanerophytes (15.35%), megaphanerophytes (13.59%) and chamaephytes (4.38%). Leaf spectra showed that microphyll (28.94%) were dominant, followed by nanophyll (27.19%), leptophyll (22.80%), mesophyll (14.03%) and megaphyll (7.01%). The flora was influenced by two flowering seasons i.e. March to August and September to February. In the first spell, 193 species were recorded, of these 15.54% trees, 15.02% shrubs, 63.21% herbs, 3.62% grasses and 2.59% ferns; while in the second spell, there were 35 species having 2.85% trees, 17.14% shrubs, 74.28% herbs, and 5.71% grasses. The flowering data shows that June and July were the utmost flowering months with 28.50% in 65 and 20.17% in 46 plant species.

This qualitative action research study aimed to examine teachers’ perceptions about peer observation as an instrument for their Continuous Professional Development (CPD). For this purpose, the experiences of 12 purposefully selected secondary school teachers were captured through peer observation tool followed by focus group interviews to answers two research questions i.e. do teachers perceive peer observation as an effective instrument for their continuous professional development; and what are the merits and demerits in seeking sound professional development through peer observations? The conclusion reveals that peer observation was viewed by teachers as a valuable tool for their professional growth. Teachers reported that peer observation allowed them less anxiety, hesitation and pressure during teaching making the process more reliable and authentic. However, participants also reported time factor and less experience in observation on the part of teachers as obstacles to peer observation. The study includes some suggested recommendations for a more improved peer observation program.

Looking through the lens of ecological system theory, this paper used a mixed-method approach, based on 20 interviews and 208 Early Childhood Education (ECE) teacher questionnaires, to elaborate the position of ECE in Pakistan. The study indicates that ECE is between a rock and a hard place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The findings further show that ECE is provided by less qualified and inexperienced teachers, who give less attention to the physical and psychological needs of the students. The classrooms are overcrowded and lack relevant teaching–learning materials. Moreover, the single-teacher policy and overcrowded classrooms hinder students’ motivation, the delivery of quality education and the development of good behaviors. These challenges are also the main causes of students’ dropouts. This paper increases people’s understanding of ECE and its challenges in Pakistan. For ECE development, the paper recommends separating ECE from primary schools and giving it a budget to purchase adequate and relevant resources.

Molecular phylogenetics in general, particularly DNA barcoding, has revolutionized the systematic botany for exact identification of the species with respect to its possible affinities. Pakistan being blessed with a wide range of rare and endemic plants is devoid of critical data on its native flora mostly threatened to the verge of extinction. This paper explores the applicability of DNA barcodes, viz. rbcLa, matK and nrITs for the reconstruction of the phylogeny of Haplophyllum gilesii (Hemsel.) C. C. Townsend, a critically endangered, narrow endemic medicinal plant in Pakistan. The DNA sequences after retrieving from NCBI, for maximum likelihood, near neighbor joining and maximum parsimony, close match and best close match analyses, were performed using MUSCLE, BioEdit, MEGA-7 and TAXONDNA softwares and revealed that the universal plastid barcodes, rbcLa and nrlTs carrying 593 bp and 458 bp, respectively, are effective candidates for precise molecular description of this species, while matK remained as a challenge in this regard. BlastN algorithm successfully matched giving 99% and 96% identity with the reference datasets. The results further confirmed 75% best and best close match for rbcLa 12% while 0.0% for nrITs. Our findings are the first of its nature for Pakistan, which provides a sound foundation for molecular biosystematics of the threatened flora of the region.

Himalayas are one among the world biodiversity hotspots harboring many endemic medicinal plants. Despite augmentation in the documentation of ethnopharmacological knowledge of medicinal plant species, information regarding endemic species is still underway. Current paper highlights the traditional medicinal uses of rare endemic and unexplored group of plants having potential for novel chemical constituents with effective pharmacological activities. In total, 142 informants (91 male and 51 female) including seventeen traditional healers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire, personal observations and group discussions. Interviews were taken in field or otherwise photographs were shown for identification. Females were interviewed indirectly through male family members. For data analysis, quantitative analytical approach was adopted using ethnopharmacological indices as Relative frequency of citations and Fidelity Level. In total, 38 endemic plant species belonging to nineteen families were utilized by the local inhabitants. Highest number of endemics was belonging to Ranunculaceae (7), followed by Gentianaceae and Rosaceae (4 each) with respect to number of species. Highest number of endemics was used in fever, wound healing, throat infection and tonic (4 species each). Root was the most widely used part (36.17%) in cure of diseases and the leading mode administered was decoction (25.49%). Highest use reports and RFC values were recorded for Pimpinella stewartii (58 citations, 0.41 RFC), Caltha alba var. alba (52 citations, 0.37 RFC). Endemic plant species considerably contribute toward ethnomedicinal knowledge and despite rarity, the communities prefer their utilization. Conservation of endemics is necessary for future availability to the local communities. Keywords: Endemic flora, Ethnomedicinal, Traditional knowledge, Hazara, Pakistan

This first ever study was carried out to explore the floristic composition of protected and unprotected forests of Sathan Gali, District Mansehra, KP, Pakistan. The study area being the part of the Western Himalayas harbours rich floristic diversity. In the current investigation, an effort was made to record primary data about floral diversity of the area. The study area was visited recurrently during 2013 and 2014. Plants were collected from different sampling sites, identified, preserved and deposited in Herbarium of Hazara University, Mansehra. A total of 127 plants species including 59 common and 68 different were found in 13 stands of reserved forest. The different species were only confined with this forest whereas common plant species were distributed in both forests. The dominant family was Asteraceae (13 species, 10.7%) followed by Labiateae (10 species, 7.75%), Poaceae and Rosaceae (8 species, 6.2%) each, Polygonaceae and Pteridaceae by (5 species, 3.87%) each. Angiosperms were represented by 118 (92.91%), plant species, Pteridophytes 5(3.93%) species and Gymnosperms 4 (3.14%) species were recorded in reserved forest. Only single species of climber was documented. The number of herbs, shrubs and trees species recorded were 73.64%, 13.17% and 10.07% respectively. A total of 103 plant species of 55 families including 61 common in both forest types and 42 species different to guzara Forest. These plant species were recorded from 22 sampling stands. Angiosperms by (92.3%) plant species, Gymnosperms (2.88%) and Pteridophytes (4.8%) were recorded. The dominant family was Poaceae by 11 plant species followed by Asteraceae and Rosaceae each represented by 10 species and Pteridaceae by 5 plant species. Habit wise 69.23% were herbs, 14.42% shrubs and 16.34% species of tree were reported. This study will assist ecologists, botanists, taxonomist, conservationists and policy makers to mend, and manage the current vegetation status and sustainability for upcoming generations. The present investigation will also serves as base line for future researches on the Himalaya regions.

Karakorum is located between latitudes 35° and 36° N and longitudes 71°–79° E with an area of about 10,000 km2 in the extreme north of Pakistan. Geologically, it’s one of the youngest mountain systems on earth and displays a very difficult and varied topography with incredible altitudinal amplitudes (1500–8611 masl). About 200,000 people inhabit the Karakorum valleys, comprised of various major ethnic groups, i.e., Baltis, Brushiskis, Shinas, and Wakhis. The local inhabitants are strongly bonded with the indigenous flora and practice traditional medicinal therapies for health disorders using a wide range of phytomedicines. Ethnobotanical research is novel and fragmentary to the Karakorum, possibly due to remoteness, inaccessibility, and lack of local ethnobotanists, and old documentation is absent. At present, very few ethnobotanical studies have been conducted in the Karakorum valleys. The information about medicinal plants is especially held by older people. The young generations show no interest in these traditional practices, and do not bother to gain and remember this knowledge. Thus, the traditional knowledge of wild plants and their uses is slowly disappearing. Even other cultural uses have started to disappear in the communities. Consequently, traditional plant uses and use diversity are declining with the passage of time. Urgent steps must be taken to document and conserve these interesting ancient practices.

Minority groups can, depending societal conditions, find themselves living marginalized lives in some communities. Religious-based discrimination can result in these groups feeling dejected and deprived of their basic rights, resulting in, among other things, stress and dissatisfaction. To understand and explore their life satisfaction, their plight needs to be addressed. Here, I present the findings from a qualitative study conducted in the Kohat district, involving the selection and interview of 27 participants, comprising 14 Christians, seven Hindus, and six Sikhs. Participants representing three different religious groups were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Participants of the study included religious scholars, social activists, employees, and political representatives from these religious minorities. A thematic approach was used for data analysis, which comprises coding, categories, and thematic coding. The emerged categories were prioritized and then allocated names, each beginning with the letter “P”, under one thematic code namely, the “7P’s of life satisfaction”.

Using a simple sequential game, this article aims at exploring the outcome of the political interactions of various strategic players related to the political status of GilgitBaltistan. A political system that comes into existence after the strategic interactions of different players is defined to be an outcome for the purpose of our analysis. To discuss the constitutional limbo in Gilgit-Baltistan, the article identifies four strategic players: the federal government, the provincial, the Shia Muslims in Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Sunni Muslims in Gilgit-Baltistan. Their strategies, preferences, and payoffs have been highlighted. The simple sequential game has an outcome of “status-quo, which is in harmony with the existing political status of the region. The status-quo of the region will continue until the players decide to play different strategies. The outcome will tilt in the favor of the player with most political influence.

In the present study, conservation status of important vascular flora found in Kalam valley was assessed. Kalam Valley represents the extreme northern part of Swat District in KPK Province of Pakistan. The valley contains some of the precious medicinal plants. 245 plant species which were assessed for conservation studies revealed that 10.20% (25 species) were found to be endangered, 28.16% (69 species) appeared to be vulnerable. Similarly, 50.6% (124 species) were rare, 8.16% (20 species) were infrequent and 2.9% (7 species) were recognized as dominant. It was concluded that Kalam Valley inhabits most important plants majority of which are used in medicines; but due to anthropogenic activities including unplanned tourism, deforestation, uprooting of medicinal plants and over grazing, majority of these plant species are rapidly heading towards regional extinction in the near future. To maintain the biodiversity of the study area, some in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures in the form of protected areas, sustainable grazing, supplying alternative energy sources to the native population, seeds preservation and growing precious medicinal plant species in nurseries established under the supervision of forest department are urgently needed. Key words: Preserving, vascular flora, regional extinction.

Afghanistan is having a very long historical background. It dates back to 1500 BC when Islam was far away from this region. Different dynasties established their foundations and were ruined away. The paper brings into light major common factors among Pakistan and Afghanistan. It l highlights the past of Afghanistan before the Islamic period and after the arrival of Islam in this region. Especially the historical background which is totally the same among the two states. Similarly, rulers consolidated their empire from Afghanistan to India. The paper also elaborates different dynasties and how residents of the concerned area faced such aggressions with though resistance. Who never surrendered against any foreign rule and gained independence as a sovereign state. It still survives to face superpowers rivalry that affect the very foundations of IndoAfghan states.

The germination response of Lycopersicon esculentum was studied on different salinity levels from control (non-saline), 0.2,0.4,0.6 and 0.8% NaCl solution. Seeds germinating under salt stress exhibited decrease in saline media as compared to respective control. Seeds germinating with salinity and brassinosteroid (applied exogenously through roots and as foliar spray, 0.25 and 0.5 ppm) exhibited promotion in control as compared to their respective saline media. Plants treated with different salts concentrations (60 and 100mM) NaCl exhibited reduction in plant height, root length, number of leaves, number of fruits and biomass as compared to control while brassinosteroid having concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 ppm (applied through roots and as foliar spray) caused promotion in plant height, root length, number of leaves, number of fruits and biomass in saline and non saline media. Plants treated with different salts concentration of (60 and 100mM) NaCl exhibited increase in Relative water content, leaf water loss, electrolyte leakage, shoot/- root ratio, root/- weight ratio and leaf/- weight ratio at both NaCl concentrations (60 and 100 mM) as compared to control, while stem/- weight ratio showed reduction at both salinity levels as compared to control while brassinosteroid applied in roots and as a foliar spray at 0.25 and 0.5 ppm concentrations exhibited reduction in stem/- weight ratio at high NaCl level (100 mM) as compared to control.

The study is aimed to test the association between socio-economic system and academic achievement of women folk in Kohat. The study is based on two variables i.e. independent variable (Socio-economic system) and dependent variable (academic achievement).Chi-square statistics is used to test the association between the two variables through cross tabulation. The total population of the study comprised of 344 boarder students in Girls Hostel 01 and Girls Hostel 02, KUST. A sample size of 228 is drawn on bases of criteria proposed by Sekaran (2010). The respondents are selected on the bases of systematic sampling technique. A questionnaire is distributed among respondents to reach to in-depth of the issue. The result shows that a significant association is found between family support, parental awareness, Purdah, class room culture and harassment where as the rest of the factors are found to have no significance with academic achievement. The study recommends that parental and family awareness may be developed, female students may be provided with efficient accommodation and transport facility, single gender educational institutions may be established to overcome the issue of harassment and violation of Purdah and monthly stipend may be paid/increase for women folk.

This qualitative investigation followed a narrative inquiry research approach to determine how 5 teachers, identified as efficacious and committed to life-long learning, perceived the experiences of their professional development. In-depth interviews were conducted to answer two research questions: 1) how do efficacious teachers perceive professional development experiences? 2) which professional development experiences do efficacious teachers consider the most and least important in terms of improving instruction? Data analyses included transcribing, coding, and constructing five narratives. Findings indicated that teachers value professional development experiences that offer relevant knowledge, time for reflective thinking, practical knowledge, and empowerment to make better choices regarding instruction. It was also highlighted that the lack of time, and lack of discussing ideas or problems with colleagues was barriers teachers confronted when applying new learning. On these bases some suggestions were made to be given due consideration.

Background: An ethnobotanical field study was conducted in 17 villages of the Shigar valley (Central Karakorum Ranges), northern Pakistan to explore the phyto-cultural diversity related to non-ethnomedicinal uses. Methods: Eighty-four (84) interviews were conducted in seventeen villages, yielding 52 plant taxa species of 25 families and 46 genera. Results: The family Asteraceae was dominant followed by Lamiaceae, Rosaceae and Tamaricaceae. The lower temperate zone was used most, with 27 (51%) species while 18 (48%) and 7 (13%) species belonged to the sub alpine and alpine zone respectively. Herbs were used most frequently with 27 (51%) species, followed by shrubs (21, 40%), trees (4, 07%) and shrub lets (2, 2.85%). These plants were collected from six types of habitats: viz., moist slopes (17), dry rocky slopes (14), mesic slopes (8), valley waste lands (7) riverbanks (5) and dry sandy plains (1). We also observed particularly interesting usages of the plants in the community of Baltis. The plant uses were grouped in three main categories on the basis of their utilization: viz. food and beverages (4 uses), handicraft and dyeing (9 uses), and rituals (6 uses). Conclusions: The ample utilization of plants demands effective strategies for sustainable management and conservation. Creeping urbanization and population emphasize the preservation and retention of the bio-cultural diversity in the Shigar valley which is crucial for the biodiversity development at national and international levels. Key words: cultural diversity, conservation, ethnobotany, wild plants, Baltistan

The role of Political parties and politicians are indispensable for making democracy. The finding the paper is the role of political parties and the personality of the contesting candidate in shaping voting behavior in District Charsadda in the 2008 election. The focused area of the study is district Charsadda of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The data collected through a multistage sampling method in which ten union councils out of 49 were selected which 20% of the total union councils.

The study is aimed to test the association between socio-economic system and academic achievement of women folk in Kohat. The study is based on two variables i.e. independent variable (Socio-economic system) and dependent variable (academic achievement).Chi-square statistics is used to test the association between the two variables through cross tabulation. The total population of the study comprised of 344 boarder students in Girls Hostel 01 and Girls Hostel 02, KUST. A sample size of 228 is drawn on bases of criteria proposed by Sekaran (2010). The respondents are selected on the bases of systematic sampling technique. A questionnaire is distributed among respondents to reach to in-depth of the issue. The result shows that a significant association is found between family support, parental awareness, Purdah, class room culture and harassment where as the rest of the factors are found to have no significance with academic achievement. The study recommends that parental and family awareness may be developed, female students may be provided with efficient accommodation and transport facility, single gender educational institutions may be established to overcome the issue of harassment and violation of Purdah and monthly stipend may be paid/increase for women folk.

Muslim scholars have contributed enormously to the concept of welfare State. Among them Shah Waliullah is the rising sun who was born in South Asian sub-continent in the 19th century. He was holding the firsthand knowledge of Quran and Hadiths, the first primary sources in Islam. Shah Waliullah's point of view regarding welfare state occupies central theme in his works. His basic concepts like equality, justice, anti-usury, and rights of working classes, espoused with responsible governance, are the pillars of the edifice of the Islamic polity. To purge the Muslims out of dogmas and channelize their energies in compliance of the true religion, Islam, Shah Waliullah has left deep imprints on modern mind. His solutions to the prevailing ills of the society can be found in his works and thought. This paper is aimed to present Waliullah's thought on establishing a happy society by curbing the inequality in the socio economic conditions of the Muslims. Historical descriptive approach is adhered to investigate the ills and present solution thereof.