http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/16520 2026-07-21T12:04:20Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/20572 Does access to ROSCAs (Informal Savings) reduce vulnerabilities during COVID times? Evidence from Micro-entrepreneurs’ survey of Semi-Urban areas of Punjab Mahin Jehangir The COVID-19 has exposed vulnerabilities in global economies impacting the marginalised communities the most. The lockdowns during the COVID has disrupted the means of credit interventions leading to increase in vulnerabilities of micro-entrepreneurs. However the role of informal credit interventions in such circumstances became critical. Therefore this thesis investigates the role of Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs), an informal saving mechanism, in mitigating vulnerabilities during the pandemic. This study utilizes primary data collected in June 2021 during peak COVID times, consisting of 508 households situated in Semi-urban areas of Lahore that include Atto Asal, Azad Town, Sue Asal, Khanoharni, Jhulky and Jhulky Sharif Park. Using Food vulnerability and Income vulnerability as dependent variables, the study examines whether access to Informal saving mechanisms (ROSCAs) and formal saving mechanisms reduce vulnerability among participants. The thesis investigates the impact of ROSCAs and Microfinance Institutions on household saving and financial stability during the COVID times. Our findings reveal that informal mechanisms ROSCAs in this case have a more profound impact in reducing vulnerabilities during COVID times compared to formal microfinance borrowers. PP. 61 ill; 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/20358 THE ADVENT OF HYBRID WARFARE: AN ISSUE OF NATIONAL SECURITY Khalida Khalid This chapter starts by giving the background, explaining the relevance, listing its main goals and giving an overview that will guide the entire study. PP. 105; ill; 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/20357 SOCIAL NETWORK AND IRREGULAR MIGRATION: INSIGHTS FROM PAKISTANI DEPORTEES Arooba Sabah ud din Irregular migration to Europe remains a common pursuit among inhabitants of developing countries. For many irregular migrants, the decision to migrate is deeply rooted in their “migration dream”, an idealized vision of economic advancement, better livelihood, and upward social mobility. Irregular migration from Pakistan to Europe has become a common phenomenon, especially among young men and women from economically disadvantaged regions, shaped by complex socio-economic and cultural dynamics. This study argues that irregular migration from Pakistan to Europe is not merely an individual choice but a socially reinforced pathway, shaped by collective expectations and decision-making. This thesis delves into social networks' dynamic and complex role in facilitating irregular migration from Pakistan, focusing on how these networks operate across origin, transit, and destination countries. It further explores how the structural and relational dimensions of social networks change for irregular migrants and their effect on their migration trajectories. To achieve this, 11 Pakistani deportees, who attempted to migrate irregularly to Europe but were unsuccessful, shared their narratives and personal stories. PP. 178; ill 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/17624 A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE PRACTICES OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING IN LOW-FEE FRANCHISE AND SINGLE MANAGEMENT SCHOOLS IN LAHORE Nimra Najeeb Pakistan has a variety of privately managed schools. Inspired by the corporate model large school systems offer franchise to small schools in the name of better quality education, leading to better market acceptability. The purpose of this study was to analyze the practices and quality of English language provided by the franchise and single management schools at primary and middle level. To accomplish this, four tools were utilized; classroom observation checklist, semi structured interview, questionnaires, and English test for grade 5 and 8 students. Two franchise and two single management low cost schools of Lahore were selected by purposive sampling. Data was collected and analyzed on the CIPP evaluation model, i.e. Context, Input, Process and Product. The sample comprised of 8 in-depth classroom observations, 8 English subject and 12 other subject teachers teaching in English; and 80 students. The result reveals that single management schools focus on student results or outcomes as a means of competing with franchise schools which attract students with better teaching methods, management support, school inputs and better qualified teachers. PP. 98; ill 2024-08-01T00:00:00Z