Khan, Naqib Ullah http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6023-4066
Zhongyi, Peng
Han, Heesup http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6356-3001
Ariza-Montes, Antonio http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5921-0753
Article History
Received: 26 August 2022
Accepted: 24 May 2023
First Online: 5 June 2023
Competing interests
: The authors declare no competing interests.
: This research adheres to the ethical standards and guidelines outlined in the Helsinki Declaration of 1964 and its subsequent amendments. To the best of our knowledge, all of the research procedures were performed within these ethical standards. Formal approval was obtained from the competent authorities, including the Graduate Committee of the School of Public Administration, Central South University, China, and the Secretary of the Planning Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and they were fully informed about the purpose, procedures, and benefits of the study. Confidentiality, privacy, and anonymity were strictly maintained throughout the data collection and analysis process. We affirm our commitment to upholding ethical principles in research and are ready to provide any additional information upon request.
: Informed consents were obtained in June 2021 from the study participants, including project managers and their immediate subordinates. All the participants were accessed with the support of the Secretary (Head) of the Planning Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. Response Participants were provided with comprehensive information regarding the study’s purpose and procedures. Confidentiality and privacy safeguards were strictly implemented throughout the research process.