http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/16189 2026-05-01T19:28:21Z 2026-05-01T19:28:21Z Moiza Yousaf, 01-251241-004 http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/20981 2026-04-16T07:19:17Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

An Anthropological Exploration of Indigenous Healing Practices in the Drug Rehabilitation Process Moiza Yousaf, 01-251241-004 This study explores the role of indigenous healing practices in the drug rehabilitation process. The objectives of the research were to identify the indigenous healing practices used within rehabilitation settings, to examine their perceived impact on sobriety and mental well-being, and to analyze the personal, institutional, and cultural challenges associated with integrating these practices into formal rehabilitation systems. A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected from 28 participants through purposive sampling, including patients undergoing rehabilitation, healthcare professionals, and indigenous healers such as hakeems and religious scholars. Fieldwork was conducted across three rehabilitation centers in Islamabad, supplemented by interviews with participants accessed through key informants. Data collection methods included semi-structured in-depth interviews, participant observation, field notes, and document review. Key informants such as rehabilitation center heads, therapists, and acquaintances played a crucial role in facilitating access to participants, obtaining informed consent, and providing contextual and cultural insights. Interviews were conducted both in person and remotely, with an average duration of 25–40 minutes, and were audio-recorded with consent. The present study has revealed that although mainstream rehabilitation largely emphasizes biomedical and institutional approaches, the lived experiences of patients, indigenous healers, and therapists point to significant gaps in culturally responsive care. Much of the existing literature and institutional narratives highlight the effectiveness and structure of formal treatment models; however, this study uncovered that such approaches often overlook indigenous, spiritual, and community-based healing practices that are meaningful to patients. Participants shared that rigid institutional regulations, strict schedules, and licensing constraints limit the inclusion of traditional practices such as dua, zikr, herbal remedies, and culturally grounded rituals, which negatively affect patients’ sense of comfort and engagement in recovery. While therapists and institutional staff reported that adequate care and support were being provided, patients frequentlyexpressed dissatisfaction and a feeling that their cultural and spiritual needs were not fully acknowledged. The study further revealed that although most participants recognized the importance of integrating modern therapeutic methods, there was a strong consensus that recovery outcomes could be improved through a balanced approach that respects indigenous knowledge systems. At the same time, some participants expressed concerns about unregulated practices, emphasizing the need for careful integration rather than complete replacement of biomedical models. Overall, the findings highlight the complexity of recovery and underscore the importance of culturally sensitive, flexible, and inclusive rehabilitation frameworks. Supervised by Dr. Sohima Anzak

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Arifa Batool, 01-251231-001 http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19561 2025-05-21T07:36:56Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Social Impact of State Charity Provided To the Vulnerable Segments of Society in Baltistan : An Ethnographic Study of the Poor Living on State Charity in Baltistan Arifa Batool, 01-251231-001 This study explores the social impact of state charity programs, with a specific focus on the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and Prime Minster youth laptop scheme (PMYLS) in Baltistan and examines how such initiatives influence the well-being of vulnerable individuals. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of direct financial and material support in addressing immediate needs, identify the disadvantages of these programs, such as dependency and inefficiency, and assess their long-term contributions to social progress, resilience, and sustainable development within communities. This study used a qualitative ethnographic approach to explore the lived experiences of individuals reliant on state charity. The findings show that while programs such as BISP and the PMYLS provide short-term relief, they are not sustainable for long-term development. The study emphasizes shifting focus toward capacity-building to promote self-sufficiency and lasting progress. It highlights the need to enhance individual capabilities and expand opportunities as key indicators of development. The integration of state charity with educational, vocational, and healthcare initiatives is recommended as a strategy to break cycles of dependency and encourage long-term societal transformation. This research is significant for policymakers and development practitioners, offering critical insights into the benefits and limitations of direct support programs. By addressing the challenges and emphasizing skill-building and resource access, the study advocates for a more sustainable approach to state charity, ensuring lasting social progress and improved livelihoods for vulnerable populations. Supervised by Dr. Abdul Waheed Rana

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Sana Dabir, 01-251231-008 http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19560 2025-05-21T07:28:49Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Cultural Change and Modern Economic Trends: A Digital Ethnography of V-logging in Pakistan Sana Dabir, 01-251231-008 V-logging has become the economic opportunity in the digital time period and the youth has gained economic opportunities in race to fulfil other employment deficiencies. This research aims to find the impact of the trend of v-logging on youth of Pakistan and how it contributes to the personality development and cultural change. It also focuses upon the modern economic opportunities that come with the use of v-logging as a tool. The method used to conduct this research is the digital ethnography. I have conducted this research for over a year where I began it by studying the v-loggers in the digital platforms by interacting with them in the comment sections. The filed work lasted for 6 months from February to August. This research took place in Islamabad. The major findings of this research employ that the youth of Pakistan has been fascinated by the trend of v-logging since the beginning. The use of v-logging as a source of income serves as an easier way of finance enhancement but the challenges, in terms of privacy, negative response, hatred, also comes alongside the success. The influencers believe that v-logging is a new way of life. Displaying and sharing their everyday activities and routine, with their followers, motivate them to be more practical and punctual with their digital media presence. Not just for the fun and entertainment element, v-logging has been used for abundant of other purpose like knowledge, learning, motivation, cultural awareness, personality development and empathy. I believe that this trend has made the youth of Pakistan more independent in terms of finance. They have gained economic empowerment by earning money through vlogs at a very young ae which was a noel phenomenon in terms of cultural change and economic opportunities. It also contributed in building their social identities in digital spaces and living a life of independence. Supervised by Dr. Majid Hussain

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Areen Pervaiz, 01-251222-002 http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19562 2025-05-21T08:20:17Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Voices from the Margins: A Study on the Lived Experiences of Street Children in Islamabad Areen Pervaiz, 01-251222-002 This study focuses on the life experience of street children in the capital city of Pakistan (Islamabad), especially in the commercial area of I-8 Markaz, where they labour to work and live daily. Data were gathered using a qualitative ethnographic approach by participant observation and in-depth interviews with 20 street children (12–18 years). Thematic analysis is used to elucidate key themes: resilience, social marginalization, health issues, psychological implications, and economic recognition. The study attributed this to poverty and breakdowns of families that prevent the children from institutional support such that they are forced to seek informal labour like trash collecting, begging and petty vending. They suffer through a complicated life filled with social stigma, lack of access to healthcare and education, marginalization, and abuse. They have survival strategies, resilience, and adaptability, with which they overcome those hardships and hope for a better tomorrow. It proves necessary policy changes to offer protection and healthcare and education services according to realities on the streets of Islamabad. This study demands different health attitudes and a more extensive approach to advocating for child development in the urban milieu to empower this child population. Supervised by Dr. Majid Hussain

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