The advent of COVID-19 triggered widespread disruptions globally, adversely affecting businesses and resulting in financial challenges and a decline in overall performance. This unparalleled public health emergency has resulted in significant disturbances within the sustainable supply chain and posed a risk to human survival. In view of these considerations, this investigation aims to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on Sustainable Supply Chain Performance (SSCP) along with its influence on leadership capability (LC), knowledge sharing capability (KSC), strategic management capability (SMC), and moderating organizational commitment (OC) in Pakistan. To examine the proposed hypotheses, data were collected from Pakistani enterprises actively involved in the supply chain and supply chain departments of manufacturing firms. Subsequently, comprehensive analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling to derive meaningful insights. According to the empirical outcomes, the pandemic had a negative influence on SSCP in Pakistan, but LC, KSC, and SMC helped mitigate these disruptions. In addition, LC, KSC, and SMC successfully mediated the relationship between COVID-19 and SSCP, moderating the role of OC. This study contributes significantly to the literature by incorporating resource-based view (RBV), dynamic capability view (DCV), and knowledge-based view (KBV) theories to analyze and understand LC, KSC, and SMC. Moreover, to mitigate the interruptions resulting from pandemic in Supply Chain (SC) operations and enhance profitability amidst such unprecedented circumstances, the model explained in this study can be a valuable tool for SC and logistics management specialists.

This study examines the impact of long-term relationships and vendor-managed inventory on supply chain performance and the mediating role of information sharing in Pakistan’s textile industry. For testing the proposed hypotheses of the present study, the primary data was gathered with the help of a questionnaire from past studies via a convenience sampling strategy. Three hundred fifty questionnaires were distributed among the textile industry through the HR department of the concerned firm. However, only 330 cases were considered for data analysis after data clearing in SPSS version 25. Hence, the response rate is 94%. The data were analysed using SEM in Smart-PLS version 3. The results of hypothesis testing indicated the direct effect of long-term relationships and vendor-managed inventory, which was found to have a positive and significant impact on information sharing and supply chain performance in Pakistan’s textile industry. Furthermore, the mediating effect of information technology between long-term relationships and vendor-managed inventory revealed a partial mediation effect on supply chain performance. The policymakers and top management of concerned firms should consider these variables for future strategies to get better supply chain performance.

The evolution of financial technology (Fintech) has created opportunities to enhance financial services and increase financial inclusion, particularly in developing countries such as Pakistan. Despite these benefits, many individuals remain hesitant to adopt Fintech. This study explores the determinants shaping Fintech adoption in Pakistan through Valence theory, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. The novelty lies in showing how perceived risks, usually seen as barriers, may also strengthen trust and adoption intentions, with trust positioned as a central mediator. A structured survey was conducted with 211 participants, including existing and prospective Internet banking and mobile wallet users. Data analysis was performed using PLS-SEM. Results indicate that perceived benefits and risks influence trust and adoption intention. Among the various risks—financial, legal, security, and operational—operational risk was deemed the most critical. Unexpectedly, perceived risks positively affected trust and adoption intention. These counterintuitive findings suggest that, in this context, perceived risks may not always function as barriers and may instead be interpreted by users as signals of system maturity or institutional responsiveness. On the benefits side, convenience, smooth transactions, and economic advantages strengthened trust and adoption, with convenience being the most significant factor. Trust itself directly enhanced Fintech adoption. Fintech adoption enhances financial inclusion, minimizes transaction inefficiencies, and promotes equitable access to financial services, supporting sustainable development in emerging economies. This study provides new insights by revealing the dual role of risks and benefits in reinforcing trust. The findings guide policymakers and financial institutions in building strategies to expand Fintech adoption in emerging economies.