ISLAMABAD: Dr Hifza Irfan has successfully defended her PhD dissertation at the School of Sociology Quaid i Azam University under the supervision of Prof Dr Muhammad Zaman.

Her doctoral research introduces a novel theoretical framework titled Reflexive Motorisation examining how rapid vehicle growth weak regulatory enforcement, and fragmented urban planning are generating new forms of social risk in Pakistan’s cities. Drawing upon Ulrich Beck’s theory of the Risk Society and the reflexive modernisation thesis developed by Beck and Anthony Giddens the study argues that motorisation in Pakistan has entered a stage where society must confront the unintended consequences of its development trajectory.

Building on her prior published work on road safety Dr Irfan identifies vulnerable road users particularly motorcyclists and pedestrians as carrying the highest burden of what she terms manufactured risks arising from policy gaps and institutional fragmentation.

The research also explores the intersection of road safety challenges with emerging smart mobility initiatives and public transport integration efforts in Islamabad.

Prof Dr Muhammad Zaman described the dissertation as a significant contribution to urban sociology and mobility studies noting that it effectively bridges sociological theory with policy oriented transport reform. Dr Irfan’s work advocates a transition toward safety-centred equitable, and reflexive urban governance.