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This study investigates the impact of domestic and foreign currency-valued exchange rate volatility on the export and import demand functions with reference to Pakistan’s trading partners. We use GARCH-based exchange rate volatilities and the least-squares dummy variable technique with fixed-effects estimation to measure the volatility impact on both demand functions. The study evaluates a series of exchange rates from 1970:01 to 2009:12 to compare the long-run impact of volatility with that of the short run. The results show that, when Pakistan employed the US dollar as the vehicle currency with its trading partners, volatility discouraged both imports and exports. In contrast, both the import and export demand functions remained unaffected by volatility distortions when Pakistan traded with its developing partners using bilateral exchange rates valued in domestic currency terms. In policy terms, this implies that Pakistan should opt for direct domestic currency when trading with middle- and low-income countries.

The idea of inclusive growth has emerged over time that highlighted systematically excluded segments of society from enjoying the benefits of growth on the basis of religion, ethnicity or location. In Pakistan, districts-wise allocation and usage of technological inputs is the outcome of growth and the important contributing elements as well to enhance specifically crop sector output under the advancement in growth prospective. It is reported that crop sector output contributes around 40 percent of the total agricultural GDP,1 where 2/3rd belongs to Punjab.2 The introduction of advance technological inputs provides an opportunity to enhance production potentials of crop sector in different provinces and their respective districts because Pakistan is also facing the problem of low agricultural productivity in comparison to many developed and developing countries of the world.3 Secondly, the expansion of opportunities to enhance economic freedom in long run has been considered an important issue that needs to be addressed in inclusive growth process. Hence, understanding the interrelationship among different farm related inputs effecting crop sector would help to measure (i) the impact of increased total traditional and technological inputs; (ii) contributive aspects of both types of technological inputs; machine and bio-chemical; and (iii) districtwise differential especially considering their resource endowments and availability.

This paper examines the role of informal institutions in the conflict of Swat, Pakistan. Swat conflict was a major militant conflict which aroused as a result of Talibanization in the region. The study depicts that how did informal institutions such as Jirga (elders' assembly), Jumat (Mosque) and Hujra (community center) play their role during Swat conflict? The study used qualitative approach such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) to deeply analyze the role of the Jirga, Jumat and Hujra. However, the study reveals that Jumat supported the Taliban and militants to destabilize peace and harmony in Swat district. The Jumat (Mosque) played a major role to intensify the degree of conflict; Jumat had supported and helped militancy rather than to resolve the conflict. Nevertheless, the role of Jumat was instrumental to fuel and support conflict situation. Taliban (militants) used Madressah (Jumat) for the propagation of conflict agenda, and to gain local supports. Keeping in view the findings, the study suggests that there is a need to formulate comprehensive laws and rules to supervise Jumat and Madressah to make them accountable to formal rules and procedures

The management of the chronic pilonidal disease is variable and the principles of treatment are aimed to eradicate the sinus tract, promote wound healing, prevent disease recurrence, and improve the quality of life of the patient. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of excision and primary closure, and Bascom's technique in the management of pilonidal sinus disease. Methods The study was performed at a tertiary hospital from April to October 2011. All patients with chronic pilonidal sinus were included in the study (n=60) and randomly allocated into Group Aundergoing excision and primary closure (n=30) and Group B-undergoing Bascom's repair. Comparative outcomes of interest were duration of hospital admission, post-operative pain, wound infection, wound-healing and disease recurrence. Results The mean age of presentation was 24.18±5.6 years. A higher number of patients in Group A were discharged within 24 hours compared to Group B (p = 0.001). Group B had significantly less post-operative pain by the first postoperative week (p = 0.049). Group B had lower infection rates with clean wounds observed in 28 (93.3%) patients compared to 23 (76.7%) in Group A by the first postoperative week (p = 0.07). Recurrence rate during 12-week follow-up was observed in one (3.3%) patient in Group B, and five (16.7%) in Group A (p= 0.085). Conclusions Patients who underwent Bascom's operation had less postoperative pain, lower infection rates and disease recurrence, and better wound healing. Therefore, in our patient cohort, we conclude Bascom's repair appears to be superior to primary excision and repair in reducing patient morbidity.