Conference Presenters & Abstracts - 2025

Abstract
Inclusive growth, is reflected through improvements in income distribution, which is essential for achieving sustainable development. This study examines the impact of key macroeconomic variables on inclusive growth in Pakistan during the period 1990–2023. Despite achieving periods of economic expansion, Pakistan’s development has been characterized by persistent income inequality, as reflected in the Gini coefficient. Using time series data, the research applied the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) modeling technique to explore both short-run and long-run dynamics between inclusive growth and its determinants, including GDP per capita, inflation, gross fixed capital formation, foreign direct investment, population growth, environmental quality, and urbanization. The findings highlight that while economic growth and capital formation contribute positively to inclusive growth, inflationary pressures and uneven foreign investment inflows tend to exacerbate inequality. The study offers important policy implications, emphasizing the need for balanced economic policies that promote growth alongside equity to achieve sustainable development goals in Pakistan.

The  study  examines  Pakistan's  evolving  foreign  policy  towards  Iran,  Turkey, Russia,  and  China  and  their effects  on  the  economy  and  national  security.  The research  aims  to  fill  gaps  in  knowledge  in  the  following  areas:  the  function  of cultural diplomacy in bridging cultural divides,  the relationship between strategic alliances  and  Pakistan's  political  objectives,  the  impact  of  economic  cooperation on  Pakistan,  and  the  impact  of  defense  agreements  on  Pakistan's  national security.  The   study   collected   data   from   university   professors,   postgraduate researchers,  administrative  professionals,  and  others  who  understand  Pakistan's international  affairs.  Mixed method  research  employed  quantitative  survey  data with qualitative data from crucial open ended questions. According to the primary outcomes,  economic  and  defense  agreements  with  Russia,  Turkey,  Iran,  and China  were  overwhelmingly  favorable.  Strategic  ties  were  uneven,  while  cultural diplomacy  was  praised.  A  quantitative  study  also  revealed  Pakistan's  evolving foreign   policy   towards   Russia,   Turkey,  China,   and   Iran. These   include respondents'  gender,  age,  educational  theme  areas,  strategic  relationships,  joint military  exercises,  and  cultural  diplomacy.  The  study  advises  governments  to  use cultural  diplomacy,  economic  cooperation,  and  defense  deals  to  manage strategic alliances. The execution of this comprehensive approach would enhance Pakistan's standing both nationally and globally.

Abstract

This study examines the evolving dynamics of Pakistan’s foreign policy, emphasizing the strategic role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), energy security imperatives, environmental challenges, and diplomatic engagement. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates a literature review, surveys from 100 respondents across diverse disciplines, and 25 in-depth interviews with academics, policy analysts, and environmental experts. The findings highlight CPEC’s significance as a driver of economic growth and regional connectivity, while also identifying energy security as a critical foreign policy priority. Nevertheless, balancing economic advancement with environmental sustainability presents ongoing challenges. The study concludes by offering policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economy, energy sector, environmental management, and international relations. 

Abstract

This study investigates how social media influences consumer decision-making in the Halal food industry. As more consumers turn to online platforms for information, social media has become a critical tool in shaping purchasing decisions, particularly in specialized markets such as Halal food. Using qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and social media content analysis, the study explores consumer perceptions and interactions with Halal food brands online. Key findings reveal that social media fosters trust, drives emotional engagement, and facilitates the dissemination of product information. Influencers, peer reviews, and community-driven content are shown to significantly impact consumer preferences and purchasing behaviors. The study concludes by highlighting the growing importance of social media in the Halal food sector and offers insights for marketers aiming to enhance their digital marketing strategies.

Abstract

 This study examines the influence of technological progress on climate change in Pakistan using annual time-series data from 1990 to 2023. The dependent variable, Climate Change Impact Index (CCI), is analyzed against key independent variables including technological progress (proxied by R&D expenditure), energy consumption, energy efficiency, GDP per capita, renewable energy consumption, urbanization, and population growth. Descriptive statistics indicate considerable variation across variables, with GDP per capita and R&D showing the highest and lowest mean values, respectively. Stationarity tests confirm that all variables become stationary at first difference, justifying the use of advanced econometric techniques such as cointegration and Vector Error Correction Models (VECM). The findings reveal that technological progress, renewable energy consumption, and energy efficiency contribute to mitigating climate change, while energy consumption, urbanization, and population growth exacerbate environmental degradation. The study highlights the need for sustainable energy policies, investment in innovation, and urban planning to address climate challenges. These insights are vital for policymakers to design effective strategies fostering climate resilience and sustainable development in Pakistan.

Abstract

 South Asia, home to diverse climatic zones, is increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, with Pakistan and India facing some of the region’s most critical environmental challenges. This study provides a comparative analysis of both countries, highlighting how climate variability, deforestation, urban expansion, and unsustainable land use are destabilizing ecosystems such as the Himalayan forests and the Sundarbans. Rapid desertification—especially the annual expansion of the Thar Desert—threatens agricultural productivity, while rising temperatures, shifting river flows, and increased flooding intensify freshwater scarcity. India, in particular, records the highest air pollution levels globally, impacting both urban and rural populations. Shared concerns include biodiversity loss, soil erosion, marine degradation, and inadequate urban planning. The study underscores the urgent need for coordinated policy responses and sustainable environmental management strategies to address the escalating ecological crises in both nations.

Abstract

This study examines the causality between foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth, and trade openness in Uzbekistan over the period 1997-2023. Based on the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, it is concluded that all of the variables are integrated of order one, or I(1). Johansen cointegration test also confirms the existence of at least two long-run cointegrating vector among the variables in question. A Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) is employed to examine causality in both the short and long run. The results illustrate a bi-directional relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI), gross domestic product (GDP) growth, and trade openness in both time frames. These findings are suggestive of the reality that policies of trade liberalization and investment climate can stimulate economic growth, FDI inflows, and trade growth concurrently. The study presents practical policy implications for ensuring Uzbekistan's macroeconomic stability and long-run development via a coordinated trade and investment policy.