Climate change is one of the most critical global challenges, driven primarily by the rapid increase in greenhouse gas concentrations. Carbon sequestration, the process by which ecosystems capture and store carbon, plays a key role in mitigating climate change. This study investigates the factors influencing carbon sequestration in subtropical planted forest ecosystems. Field data were collected from 100 randomly sampled plots of varying sizes (20 m² × 20 m² for trees, 5 m² × 5 m² for shrubs, and 1 m² × 1 m² for herbs) between February and April 2022. A total of 3,440 plants representing 36 species were recorded, with Prosopis juliflora and Prosopis cineraria as the dominant tree species and Desmostachya bipinnata as the dominant herb. Regression analysis, Pearson correlation, and structural equation modeling were performed using R software to explore relationships between carbon sequestration and various biotic and abiotic factors. Biotic factors such as diameter at breast height (DBH; R=0.94), tree height (R=0.83), and crown area (R=0.98) showed strong positive correlations with carbon sequestration. Abiotic factors like litter (R=0.37), humus depth (R=0.43), and electrical conductivity (E.C; R=0.11) also positively influenced carbon storage. Conversely, pH (R=-0.058), total dissolved solids (TDS; R=-0.067), organic matter (R=-0.1), and nitrogen (R=-0.096) negatively impacted carbon sequestration. The findings highlight that both biotic and abiotic factors significantly influence carbon sequestration in planted forests. To enhance carbon storage and mitigate climate change, efforts such as afforestation, reforestation, and conservation of subtropical forest ecosystems are essential.

The major objective of this research paper is to assess the management effectiveness of Sheikh Badin National Park District Dera Ismail Khan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan with respect to tourist’s satisfaction. A sample size of 389 respondents (local community, wildlife staff, tourists) were selected through simple random sampling to conclude respondents’ attitude towards phenomenon investigated through three-level Likert scale as a measurement tool. Association between a dependent variable (management effectiveness) was assessed on the independent variables (tourist satisfaction) through a chi-square test. Association of management effectiveness was highly significant with tourists satisfaction from promos of park (p = 0.000), access to information (p = 0.000), roads network (p = 0.000), residential facilities (p = 0.000), trained guides (p = 0.000), safety from crimes and criminals (p = 0.000), provision of health and security services (p = 0.000), overall satisfaction of tourists (p = 0.000), recommendation of SBNP to other tourists (p = 0.000) and revisit intentions of tourists (p = 0.000). Improvement in security measures, better advertisement and improvement in park infrastructure were major recommendations considering the study.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been one of the most prominent components of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Most of the discussion on CPEC has centered around the macroeconomic effects on the economy. However, research on the fine details of CPEC’s financing structure has not been conducted. This paper aims to fill the gap by providing a detailed description of the financing of CPEC and how the money maps on to different sectors of the Pakistani economy. We also discuss some macroeconomic concerns and ways to mitigate these risks.

Urbanization plays a crucial role in facilitating the integration of population growth, industrial development, economic expansion, and energy consumption. In this paper, we aim to examine the relationships between CO2 emissions and various factors including economic growth, urbanization, financial development, and energy consumption within Pakistan’s building sector. The study utilizes annual data spanning from 1990 to 2020. To analyze the cointegration relationship between these variables, we employ the quantile autoregressive distributed lag error correction model (QARDL-ECM). The findings of this research provide evidence supporting the presence of an asymmetric and nonlinear long-term relationship between the variables under investigation. Based on these results, we suggest the implementation of tariffs on nonrenewable energy sources and the formulation of policies that promote sustainable energy practices. By doing so, policymakers and architects can effectively contribute to minimising environmental damage. Overall, this study offers valuable insights that can assist policymakers and architects in making informed decisions to mitigate environmental harm while fostering sustainable development.

This quantitative survey was non-experimental and had two goals. An evaluation of predictor variables of empowerment, motivation, teamwork, interpersonal skills, and training and development in project environments was one goal to help explain the industry’s high project failure rate. Second, this research tested Bandura’s social learning theory and tested the hypothesis that empowerment and motivation boost performance. Using a survey-based questionnaire, the data was collected from 212 employees working in different IT companies in Pakistan. The results revealed that empowerment, motivation, teamwork, and training and development have a significant impact on project performance. Using the results, this study proposes theoretical implications for the researchers and managerial implications for the organizations.