Enthusiastic researcher with a strong desire to build a career within the research industry. Passionate, self motivated individual with a drive to succeed, having excellent organizational skills. Highly efficient and methodical with a good eye for detail with a proactive approach to performance and data accuracy. My aspiration is to illustrate my skills and aptitudes to achieve such research objectives that could be benevolent for the world. Aiming to become a strong research professional with a Doctor of Philosophy - PhD focused in Finance from University Malaysia Terengganu.
EDUCATION
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu: Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, MY
2018-09 to present | PhD Finance (Faculty of Business Economics and Social Development)
COMSATS University Islamabad: Islamabad, Islamabad, PK
2015-02 to 2016-01 | PhD Finance (Course Work) (Department of Management Sciences)
Pakistan Institute of Development Economics : Islamabad, PK
2012-09 to 2014-11 | M.Phil Economics and Finance (Department of Economics and Finance)
International Islamic University: Islamabad, PK
2008-09 to 2012-06 | BS Economics (Specialization in Islamic Banking and Finance) (International Institute of Islamic Economics)
Artificial intelligence adoption, audit quality and integrated financial reporting in GCC markets Faisal Khan, Sharif Ullah Jan, Hafiz Muhammad Zia-ul-haq Asian Review of Accounting, 2025 PurposeThe current research investigates how the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a set of technologies designed to enhance decision-making and automate processes—impacts Integrated Financial Reporting (IFR) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) listed firms, which present the typical features of emerging economies. It is postulated that their IFR is enhanced as firms within these markets experience AI adoption. In addition, the study also focuses on the role of audit quality towards AI adoption and the IFR relationship within these regions. To this effect, the study examines the moderation effect of audit quality (using its sub-components i.e. audit fee, audit industry specialization and restatement) on the relationship between AI adoption experience and IFR in GCC.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation draws upon panel data consisting of 2,912 non-financial firm-year observations covering the period from 2010 to 2023 across GCC markets. To achieve its purpose, the study applies the conventional ordinary least square (OLS) to estimate the effect of AI adoption experience on IFR. Subsequently, to guarantee the robustness of the results, this study utilizes the propensity score matching (PSM) technique.FindingsThe results from empirical analysis disclose a direct impact of AI adoption on the IFR of the firms within GCC markets. Furthermore, the study also discovers that the high level of audit quality moderates this positive relationship. Therefore, in the GCC regions, firms with higher AI adoption show higher IFR effectiveness, mainly in the presence of specialized auditors and increased audit fees, whereas their relationship is stronger in the absence of restatements. The results are robust when tested through the PSM technique.Originality/valueThe results of this study highlight the significance for policymakers to ensure comprehensive AI adoption in GCC markets, as well as the appointment of industry specialists and the standardization of audit fees to support the improvement of IFR in the regions.
The Roles of Market Concentration and Diversity in Exploring the Nexus between Financial leverage and Firm Performance M. Almajali, W. M.Z. Wan Abdullah, H. M. Zia-Ul-Haqc Finance Theory and Practice, 2025 The purpose of the study is to determine the relationship between financial leverage and the financial performance of companies in the insurance industry in Jordan, taking into account the influence of market concentration and product diversity. It analyzes data from 20 Jordanian insurance companies over 15 years (2005-2019). The study reveals a positive connection between financial leverage and insurance company profitability, with product diversification enhancing this relationship. Initially, market concentration had a negative impact on return on equity, but product diversification turned it into a positive influence. Additionally, the study highlights the positive mediating role of market concentration in the financial leverage-financial performance relationship. These findings have practical implications for insurers, emphasizing the need for diversified product portfolios and effective financial leverage strategies in a competitive market. This research contributes to understanding capital structure dynamics in emerging markets, specifically in the Jordanian insurance sector, by providing empirical evidence of the mediating and moderating effects of market concentration and product diversity.
The PRISMA statement in enviropreneurship study: A systematic literature and a research agenda Muath Maqbool Albhirat, Aamir Rashid, Rizwana Rasheed, Shahid Rasool, Siti Nur Atikah Zulkiffli, Hafiz Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Al Montaser Mohammad Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 2024 As environmental awareness takes centre stage in business, entrepreneurship research has established a dedicated subfield for sustainability-driven ventures. The growing emphasis on sustainable business practices has led entrepreneurship research to identify entrepreneurship-related sustainability as a critical subfield. However, the inconsistent terminology used, such as “green entrepreneurship,” “ecopreneurship”, and “entrepreneurship” (ENP), reflects the fragmented nature of research in this area. A Systematic Literature Review on entrepreneurship-related sustainability was conducted to address this, focusing on the term “enviropreneurship” and applying PRISMA guidelines for transparency and methodological standardization. A total of 67 research articles published between 2013 and 2022 were analyzed to identify key themes and subthemes. This analysis resulted in a comprehensive definition of ENP and a cohesive research agenda for the future. The findings revealed significant shortcomings in standardized reporting procedures, highlighting the need for greater methodological openness and harmonization. To address this, the widespread adoption of PRISMA principles adapted to the specific needs of ENP research is advocated to enhance rigour, comparability, and reliability in this multidisciplinary field. Categorizing the research articles provided valuable insights into the research direction and specific focus areas, revealing a shift towards practical application and evaluation alongside conceptual exploration and analysis, which is inherent to any research field.
The impact of microfinance services on household economic well-being with the moderating role of microfinance institutions' credibility W Muhammad Zainuddin B Wan Abdullah, Wan Nur Rahini Aznie Bt Zainudin, Hafiz Muhammad Zia-ul-haq Asian Development Policy Review, 2024 The main purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of microfinance services on the economic well-being of clients in Malaysia and to explore how the credibility of microfinance institutions moderates the relationship between microfinance services and economic well-being. The data was collected from clients of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, the largest microfinance organization catering to low-income households in Malaysia for this study. The research applied measurement and structural models to analyze the data and test the formulated research hypotheses comprehensively employing structural equation modeling. The analysis results demonstrated a significant and positive impact of financial and non-financial microfinance services on the economic well-being of clients. Furthermore, the findings also revealed that the credibility of microfinance institutions plays a crucial role in augmenting the effectiveness of financial services in fostering economic success. In essence, this research suggests that the credibility of microfinance institutions strengthens the impact of financial interventions aimed at improving clients' economic status. These outcomes have significant implications for the design and implementation of microfinance programs in Malaysia emphasizing the importance of financial and non-financial services and the credibility of the institutions delivering them in positively influencing clients’ economic well-being.
An evolutionary game analysis on price competition in recycling industry between large and small enterprises of China Zhang Yu, Syed Abdul Rehman Khan, Hafiz Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haq, Tianshan Ma, Muhammad Jawad Sajid Waste Management and Research, 2023 This research aims to analyse and understand recycling phenomena and competition between large-scale and small-scale enterprises under different public attention. It mainly emphasizes service-providing behaviours to the consumers in the recycling industry, where recyclers are struggling to enhance their profits. The government strives to protect the environment by promoting an efficient recycling industry. As fast-growing waste products, the recyclers should achieve the advantage of number and be equipped with service capability for the consumers. Thus, this study employs an evolutionary game model to analyse the competition for waste products acquisitions between large and small recyclers. Due to a significant association between the service and acquisition waste product price for the consumers and recycling quantity, there is a strong mutual influence between the acquisition price of waste products and the price strategy-taken rate of large and small recyclers. Results also reveal that the market acquisition price and processing cost play a crucial role in recyclers’ decision-making on setting prices for acquiring waste products from consumers. Furthermore, it is also found that waste products acquisition price and recyclers’ processing cost are the key factors that affect large and small recyclers’ recycling quantity.
Nexuses between crude oil imports, renewable energy, transport services, and technological innovation: a fresh insight from Germany Zhang Yu, Hafiz Muhammad Zia-ul-haq, Ateeq ur Rehman Irshad, Muhammad Tanveer, Kiran Jameel, Laeeq Razzak Janjua Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology, 2022 This research attempts to model the association of crude oil imports with several macroeconomic factors such as renewable energy, transport services, trade, industrial value-added, and patents, using Germany’s annual data covering the period of 1990–2020. Employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model, this study finds a significant co-integration relationship among targeted variables. Moreover, this study provides empirical evidence on the influence of given macroeconomic factors in determining crude oil imports of Germany. Results reveal that transport services and industrial value-added positively and significantly influence crude oil imports in the long and short run. Similarly, trade is discovered to have a significant positive impact on oil imports only in the long run. In contrast, findings reveal a significant negative association of renewable energy with crude oil imports. Hence, this research implies that the transportation sector and industrial production strongly depend on crude oil consumption. At the same time, promoting renewable energy in these segments could significantly help economies control crude oil demand and achieve sustainability by reducing the economic burden and protecting the environment.
The Impact of Microfinance Services on Malaysian B40 Households' Socioeconomic Performance: A Moderated Mediation Analysis W Muhammad Zainuddin B Wan Abdullah, Wan Nur Rahini Aznie Bt Zainudin, Sarina Binti Ismail, Hafiz Muhammad Zia-ul-haq International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, 2022 This research examines the influence of microfinance services on the socioeconomic performance of Malaysian B40 households, which are considered vulnerable communities in Malaysia. Mainly, it explores the mediating role of entrepreneurial competencies and financial management practices in the relationship of microfinance services with households’ economic well-being, entrepreneurial success, and social wellbeing. Likewise, this research also examines the moderating role of microfinance institutions’ service efficiency in the success of microfinance services to improve households’ socioeconomic outcomes. The responses were collected from the participants of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, the largest microfinance institution serving the low-income population of Malaysia. Employing the structural equation modelling approach, results show that microfinance financial services and non-financial services positively influence households’ socioeconomic performance through entrepreneurial competencies and financial management practices. On the other hand, microfinance financial services are also found to have significant direct influence on households’ socioeconomic performance. Further, results also indicate that microfinance institutions’ service efficiency positively moderates the influence of financial services to improve households’ socioeconomic performance. This is novel research that introduces human capital development as an underlying mechanism in the household economic portfolio model, suggesting that microfinance interventions develop human capabilities among their participants, which further assist them in the efficient management of financial and business affairs, thus, improving socioeconomic outcomes.
Renewable energy and advanced logistical infrastructure: Carbon-free economic development Syed Abdul Rehman Khan, Zhang Yu, Muhammad Umar, Hafiz Muhammad Zia‐ul‐haq, Muhammad Tanveer, Laeeq Razzak Janjua Sustainable Development, 2022 Abstract Economic development and growth of any country strongly depend on the consumption and production system, which requires a massive amount of energy consumption. Many countries satisfy their energy demands by relying on fossil fuel consumption. Within the production system, manufacturing and logistical operations are heavily depend on fossil fuel‐based energy consumption, causing environmental degradation. Hence, economies worldwide strive to become carbon neutral; the goal is to be carbon‐free, requiring businesses in the respective countries to rely on renewable energy sources. Besides manufacturing, many countries for economic growth also depend on the tourism industry, which also requires the implementation of green policies. In this regard, economic growth, advanced logistics, tourism, and renewable energy are essential variables that need thorough empirical testing to address environmental problems. The current study uses fixed effect and random effect models to empirically test carbon‐free economic growth and international tourism through advanced logistical infrastructure and renewable energy consumption in developed countries. Findings reveal that advanced logistics infrastructure and renewable energy consumption play a crucial role in enhancing economic growth and international tourism.
Exploring the Paradigm of Fintech Adoption Among Gen Z in Pakistan: An Empirical Examination Mahrukh, A Shahzadi, D Ahmad, HM Zia-ul-haq International Journal of Social and Business Sciences 3 (2), 1-25 , 2025 2025
Artificial intelligence adoption, audit quality and integrated financial reporting in GCC markets F Khan, S Ullah Jan, HM Zia-ul-haq Asian Review of Accounting 33 (3), 464-495 , 2025 2025 Citations: 30
The Roles of Market Concentration and Diversity in Exploring the Nexus between Financial Leverage and Firm Performance M Almajali, WMZW Abdullah, HM Zia-Ul-Haq Финансы: теория и практика 29 (1), 204-215 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
The Scale Validation of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia’s Microfinance Services and Household Socioeconomic Instrument: An Exploratory Factor Analysis WMZW Abdullah, HM Zia-Ul-Haq, WNRA Zainuddin The Journal of Muamalat and Islamic Finance Research, 162-183 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
The PRISMA statement in enviropreneurship study: a systematic literature and a research agenda MM Albhirat, A Rashid, R Rasheed, S Rasool, SNA Zulkiffli, ... Cleaner Engineering and Technology 18, 100721 , 2024 2024 Citations: 130
The impact of microfinance services on household economic well-being with the moderating role of microfinance institutions' credibility WMZBW Abdullah, WNRAB Zainudin, HM Zia-ul-haq Asian Development Policy Review 12 (3), 264-280 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
Game analysis on the internet+ closed-loop supply chain considering the manufacturer's impact on promotional effect Z Yu, AR Khan, HM Zia-ul-Haq, M Tianshan, M Tanveer, A Sharif Operations Management Research 16 (2), 992-1002 , 2023 2023 Citations: 8
Re-investigating the impact of non-renewable and renewable energy on environmental quality: A roadmap towards sustainable development SAR Khan, HM Zia-Ul-Haq, P Ponce, L Janjua Resources Policy 81, 103411 , 2023 2023 Citations: 79
An evolutionary game analysis on price competition in recycling industry between large and small enterprises of China Z Yu, SAR Khan, HM Zia-Ul-Haq, T Ma, MJ Sajid Waste Management & Research 41 (2), 337-349 , 2023 2023 Citations: 18
Nexuses between crude oil imports, renewable energy, transport services, and technological innovation: a fresh insight from Germany Z Yu, HM Zia-ul-Haq, AUR Irshad, M Tanveer, K Jameel, LR Janjua Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology 12 (11), 2887-2897 , 2022 2022 Citations: 40
The Impact of Microfinance Services on Malaysian B40 Households’ Socioeconomic Performance: A Moderated Mediation Analysis WMZBW Abdullah, WNRAB Zainudin, SB Ismail, H Muhammad Zia-ul-haq International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning 17 (6), 1983-1996 , 2022 2022 Citations: 30
Technological revolution in industrial ecology N Nasir, M Umar, S Khan, HM Zia-ul-haq, MY Yusliza Energy Transition: Economic, Social and Environmental Dimensions, 1-28 , 2022 2022 Citations: 4
A bibliometric analysis of end-of-life vehicles related research: Exploring a path to environmental sustainability Z Yu, SAR Khan, HM Zia-ul-haq, M Tanveer, MJ Sajid, S Ahmed Sustainability 14 (14), 8484 , 2022 2022 Citations: 31
Impact of online advertisement on customer satisfaction with the mediating effect of brand knowledge AA Salameh, M Ijaz, AB Omar, HM Zia ul Haq Frontiers in psychology 13, 919656 , 2022 2022 Citations: 39
Exploring essential factors to improve waste-to-resource recovery: A roadmap towards sustainability Z Yu, SAR Khan, P Ponce, H Muhammad Zia-ul-haq, K Ponce Journal of Cleaner Production 350, 131305 , 2022 2022 Citations: 89
The scale assessment and validation of microfinance services and household socioeconomic model: Using parallel and exploratory factor analyses W Abdullah, W Zainudin, SB Ismail, N Nawai, H Muhammad Zia-ul-haq International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning 17 (2), 459-475 , 2022 2022 Citations: 3
Technological Advancement and Circular Economy Practices in Food Supply Chain SAR Khan, M Umar, HM Zia-ul-haq, Z Yu Agri-Food 4.0 , 2022 2022 Citations: 14
Halal Supply Chain Ecosystem in Malaysian context MAA Sayed, M Chowdhury, HM Zia-Ul-Haq, MUH Uzir, MNI Siddique, ... Specialusis Ugdymas 1 (43), 6982 , 2022 2022 Citations: 2
Industry 4.0, Internal Green Supply Chain Practices, and the Firm's Sustainable Performance: Evidence From Emerging Economies M Umar, K Farooq, MY Yusliza, HM Zia-ul-Haq Integrating Blockchain Technology Into the Circular Economy, 1-14 , 2022 2022 Citations: 3
The role of emerging technologies in implementing green practices to achieve sustainable operations M Umar, SAR Khan, HM Zia-ul-haq, MY Yusliza, K Farooq The TQM Journal , 2022 2022 Citations: 144
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Digital technology and circular economy practices: A strategy to improve organizational performance SAR Khan, HM Zia‐ul‐haq, M Umar, Z Yu Business Strategy & Development , 2021 2021 Citations: 236
The role of emerging technologies in implementing green practices to achieve sustainable operations M Umar, SAR Khan, HM Zia-ul-haq, MY Yusliza, K Farooq The TQM Journal , 2022 2022 Citations: 144
The PRISMA statement in enviropreneurship study: a systematic literature and a research agenda MM Albhirat, A Rashid, R Rasheed, S Rasool, SNA Zulkiffli, ... Cleaner Engineering and Technology 18, 100721 , 2024 2024 Citations: 130
The impact of CEO characteristics on the internationalization of SMEs: Evidence from the UK A Saeed, HM Zia-ul-haq Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences/Revue Canadienne des Sciences de … , 2019 2019 Citations: 112
Renewable energy and advanced logistical infrastructure: Carbon‐free economic development SAR Khan, Z Yu, M Umar, HM Zia‐ul‐haq, M Tanveer, LR Janjua Sustainable Development , 2022 2022 Citations: 101
Exploring essential factors to improve waste-to-resource recovery: A roadmap towards sustainability Z Yu, SAR Khan, P Ponce, H Muhammad Zia-ul-haq, K Ponce Journal of Cleaner Production 350, 131305 , 2022 2022 Citations: 89
Re-investigating the impact of non-renewable and renewable energy on environmental quality: A roadmap towards sustainable development SAR Khan, HM Zia-Ul-Haq, P Ponce, L Janjua Resources Policy 81, 103411 , 2023 2023 Citations: 79
Nexuses between crude oil imports, renewable energy, transport services, and technological innovation: a fresh insight from Germany Z Yu, HM Zia-ul-Haq, AUR Irshad, M Tanveer, K Jameel, LR Janjua Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology 12 (11), 2887-2897 , 2022 2022 Citations: 40
Impact of online advertisement on customer satisfaction with the mediating effect of brand knowledge AA Salameh, M Ijaz, AB Omar, HM Zia ul Haq Frontiers in psychology 13, 919656 , 2022 2022 Citations: 39
A bibliometric analysis of end-of-life vehicles related research: Exploring a path to environmental sustainability Z Yu, SAR Khan, HM Zia-ul-haq, M Tanveer, MJ Sajid, S Ahmed Sustainability 14 (14), 8484 , 2022 2022 Citations: 31
Artificial intelligence adoption, audit quality and integrated financial reporting in GCC markets F Khan, S Ullah Jan, HM Zia-ul-haq Asian Review of Accounting 33 (3), 464-495 , 2025 2025 Citations: 30
The Impact of Microfinance Services on Malaysian B40 Households’ Socioeconomic Performance: A Moderated Mediation Analysis WMZBW Abdullah, WNRAB Zainudin, SB Ismail, H Muhammad Zia-ul-haq International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning 17 (6), 1983-1996 , 2022 2022 Citations: 30
The Impact of Microfinance on Households' Socioeconomic Performance: A Proposed Mediation Model W Abdullah, WNRAB ZAINUDIN, SB ISMAIL, MHC HAAT, ... The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business 8 (3), 821-832 , 2021 2021 Citations: 30
Public participation of renewable energy (PPRED) model in Malaysia: An instrument development WMZBW Abdullah, WNRAB Zainudin, WWBM Ishak, FB Sulong, ... International Journal of Renewable Energy Development 10 (1), 119 , 2021 2021 Citations: 25
The decision-making analysis on end-of-life vehicle recycling and remanufacturing under extended producer responsibility policy SAR Khan, DI Godil, G Thomas, M Tanveer, HM Zia-Ul-haq, H Mahmood Sustainability 13 (20), 11215 , 2021 2021 Citations: 23
An evolutionary game analysis on price competition in recycling industry between large and small enterprises of China Z Yu, SAR Khan, HM Zia-Ul-Haq, T Ma, MJ Sajid Waste Management & Research 41 (2), 337-349 , 2023 2023 Citations: 18
Post COVID-19 development of sustainable production and consumption systems M Umar, HM Zia-ul-haq, S Ali, MY Yusliza Sustainable production and consumption systems, 59-86 , 2021 2021 Citations: 16
Technological Advancement and Circular Economy Practices in Food Supply Chain SAR Khan, M Umar, HM Zia-ul-haq, Z Yu Agri-Food 4.0 , 2022 2022 Citations: 14
Game analysis on the internet+ closed-loop supply chain considering the manufacturer's impact on promotional effect Z Yu, AR Khan, HM Zia-ul-Haq, M Tianshan, M Tanveer, A Sharif Operations Management Research 16 (2), 992-1002 , 2023 2023 Citations: 8
The impact of microfinance services on household economic well-being with the moderating role of microfinance institutions' credibility WMZBW Abdullah, WNRAB Zainudin, HM Zia-ul-haq Asian Development Policy Review 12 (3), 264-280 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
Publications
The Impact of CEO Characteristics on the Internationalization of SMEs: Evidence from the UK
Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences
2019 | journal-article
DOI: 10.1002/ 2- of ISBN: 19364490 08250383
Determining Force behind Value Premium: The Case of Financial Leverage and Operating Leverage
Journal of Risk and Financial Management
2020-09 | journal-article
DOI: 10.3390/jrfm13090196
Public Participation of Renewable Energy (PPRED) Model in Malaysia: An Instrument Development
International Journal of Renewable Energy Development
2021-02 | journal-article
DOI:10.14710/
The Impact of Microfinance on Households' Socioeconomic Performance: A Proposed Mediation Model
Journal of Asian Finance Economics and Business
2021-03 | journal-article
DOI:10.13106/