Name : Muhammad Faizan Khan

Student id: S2016065028

Subject: Pakistan Studies

Paper: Final Term

Date: 02-07-2020
Question No 1

Write down prospects and challenges of new provinces in Pakistan.

Answer:

Introduction:

The Law of Pakistan or Constitution Of Pakistan defines that the federal state where the powers
are shared among the provinces of Pakistan . The debate for New Provinces Started when
government decided and renamed the province NWFP to KPK( Khyber Pakhtunkhwaton) this
name has raised Authentic that the non-Pashtun population of the province demands the new
province name Hazara Province .The demands seems to been caught on and now the major
Political Parties , media , social activist agrees or oppose this demand. The national Assembly
also passed a resolution in the favor of new provinces in south punjab both the parties PPP and
PMLN agreed to establish a national to demonstrate the boundaries of the proposed Provinces.
Now the Question appears:

Why New Provinces ?

The demand to have new provinces has been raised from time to time, sometimes on ethnic
grounds , sometimes on the basis of distribution of resources among the provincies.

Prospects:

Let me discuss the Prospects of new Provinces in the following cases or seniors
:
1. South punjab

South Punjab :

The demand for the establishment of Saraiki province evolved due to economic, social, and
political grievances of the people of South Punjab. All the districts of Saraiki belt are far behind
from the districts of North and Central Punjab in the index of social and economic development.
Moreover, less allocation for development budget for the region and non-compliance with
the share of jobs reserved for the region justify the establishment of the Saraiki province. The
demand for the re-organisation of the boundaries of the Punjab province is also rooted in the
argument that it is not always possible to have efficient and effective governance and
administrative structure to provide civic services to the entire population on the basis of equality.
Hence, the demand of Saraiki province is also justified for better management of the resources
and socio-economic development based on equality (Faiz, 2018; Mushtaq, &
Shaheen, 2017)
the prospects of creation of the Saraiki area clearly appear shining as all major political parties
clearly bolstered this request. None of the most political parties has communicated its
opposition to the request. Amid the campaign of the 2018 common race, all political parties and
its authorities utilized the motto of Saraiki area for pulling in voters. The present government of
PTI won the seats in South Punjab by promising the individuals of the locale to create the South
Punjab area within the to begin with 100 days of its run of the show. Presently the address
emerges do we need to re-design the boundaries of existing areas? The answer is yes, we
require new provinces and we have to re-demarcate the British drawn boundaries of the
territories because it is crucial for fortifying majority rule government and federalism in Pakistan
(Zafar, 2018). Traditionally, the locale of South Punjab is domestic to a few driving electable
lawmakers owing largely to feudalism within the locale. The cautious utilize of Saraiki card

Challenges:

The Challenges Faced for the New Provinces are :

● Pakistan faces social and economic problems, therefore new provinces including
Saraiki province in not possible now.New province in Punjab will give impetus to
movements of other provinces and next few years the energies and resources of the
government and political parties would be invested in confrontation over the creation of
new provinces
● The constitutional procedure to alter the boundaries of the provinces is also difficult. It
requires two-third majority for amendment in article 239 of the Constitution and also
approval with 2/3 majority from concerned Provincial Assembly
● PTI and PPP want to establish a single Saraiki or South Punjab province while PML (N)
wants two provinces i.e. Bahawalpur and Saraiki Province.
 ● Pakistan Muslim League (Q), a major ally of PTI government in the centre and in Punjab
province, also supported PML-N stance on this issue. Its leader and federal minister
Bashir Cheema stated that his party would not support the idea of creation of South
Punjab province unless the proposal to create a separate Bahawalpur Province Included
in this Scheme.

Conclusion :

The issue of new provinces has been taken up by political parties as a political stunt and lacks
the people’s will. It seems an agenda item for political point scoring while ignoring the underlying
problems of the people. New provinces may not produce the desired results, but it may
generate new problems as the real problem has been the centralization of power and for long
provinces have been demanding greater provincial autonomy that has been denied to them and
this demand has been a cause of friction between the centre and the provinces. The solution
lies not in creating new provinces but to devolve power at local level, to give people access to
justice at the doorstep and to provide them with social security. The decision to create new
provinces cannot be taken in haste; there is a need to make a national commission, to develop
studies, to achieve agreement on distribution of resources and most importantly to consider the
aspirations of the people of the area who will constitute the new province. Holding a referendum
will be the best option to know their opinion. The earlier mistake of renaming of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa without consulting the people of Hazara has to be avoided this time. The ultimate
objective should be the strengthening of the federation
Question no 2

Define foreign policy and explain in detail the phase of Pakistan’s foreign policy in which
it aligned itself with the west.

Answer:

In the international political and strategic system where multiple world orders are contending for
power and projection, Pakistan has sailed through the murky waters in the past seven decades
of existence with ambitions set forth by its founding forefathers. It was a rollercoaster bumpy
ride for the country over the years, adjusting itself with an emerging changing strategic
environment. Even being one of the largest Muslim nations, bordering Afghanistan, Iran, India,
and China, Pakistan has remained as a key player in the Middle East and Asia. Although
carrying along significant national assets that include strategic geographical location, complex
historical past, size and nature of the population, abundance of national wealth, Pakistan has
remained dependent upon external and internal actors and factors.
Our development of relations with the nations remained too prevailing by our journey for
financial success and participation subject to peace, security and soundness at the household
level. These topics have not as it characterized our past but will stay prevailing in coming a long
time as well. In addition, the part, discernment and fashion of administration made a difference
in forming, planning and executing the remote approach and nature of relations within the
universal arena. Over the a long time, Pakistan has overseen to alter itself with the changing
geo-strategic and security environment of the universal framework through intense and riotous
choices. From separation to integration, plunge to climb, compromise to participation, Pakistan’s
outside arrangement interprets patterns of challenges, trials and prospects over the past seven
decades.
During the early years, the foreign policy pundits made a substantial contribution towards
declaring the People's Republic of China as a close friend to Pakistan. This lasting friendship is
growing ever since and beyond any challenge and hindrance is considered to have passed the
test of time. Later we have witnessed support of China during Pakistan’s wars with India,
maintained a steady economic cooperation over the years with recent emergence of China
Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and recent induction of
Pakistan in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Pakistan needs to tap this opportunity of
the recent growing trend wherein after many centuries; the centre of gravity of the world is
shifting from west to the east with Asia with an abundance of economic dividends. With wisdom
and farsightedness, Pakistan can build a prosperous future for its people through its closeness
with China. States follow their national interests and there is no permanent friend or enemy in
the international system however we need to capitalise and learn from the Chinese experience
of eradicating corruption and especially their program on poverty alleviation. China is our
cornerstone of foreign policy emerging as the largest economy of the world, Pakistan needs to
capitalise the recent trends without missing any chance now.
Pakistan also needs to look critically towards its engagement with India. Both states remained at
loggerheads especially on the Kashmir dispute which requires both states to dialogue involving
the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Over the decades, various twists and turns
and position change by Pakistani leadership on Kashmir dispute, has created mistrust and
disappointment amongst the populace in the disputed region especially denting their just
resistance movement. Now with the new emerging trends and changing regional dimensions,
Pakistan, after standing firm on its Kashmir policy without compromising the sovereignty, should
began positive engagement with India through trade and business cooperation. Pakistan has
missed abundance of water under the bridge and now it is time to make some rational and
positive choices to further the objective of resolving the Kashmir dispute. This can only be
achieved through political dialogue and economic engagement with India.
On Iran, Pakistan has missed the bus on several occasions in the past seven decades. The
relations remain tricky, challenging and complicated between Pakistan and Iran. Both the states,
though important countries in the Islamic block, remained suspicious of each other over the
decades. Recently Pakistan became the member of the Saudi-led alliance while Pakistan is
concerned with the Indian presence in Chabahar with fear of Indian involvement in neighbouring
Balochistan. With Iran being keen to join CPEC, Pakistan possesses a chance to amplify the
marine potential of Gwadar, adding to that Iran can prove to be a long-term ally. There is
nothing more sensible than having a pragmatic neighbour who is on-board. On Saudi Arabia
and other Muslim countries of the Gulf region, Pakistan needs to take a neutral stance and
should play a pragmatic role in resolving the issues rather than taking sides to anyone.
Pakistan is at the cross roads now when the new democratically elected government is in power
wherein it is on the statecraft as to how it utilises and seizes the moment to translate it into
benefits for the national, regional and at global level. With its robust, capable and fully functional
foreign office and a full time focused and dedicated minister of foreign affairs, Pakistan will be
able to put forward its national and international relations.
Tantalising the aroma of the emerging trends, Pakistan needs to extend its way forward via its
new leader in the shape of Imran Khan, who has pulled overwhelming response from all
quarters of the world, even before taking oath as the next Prime Minister. Amid all such
changing political and economic state of affairs, challenges are great, both external and internal.
Sincere efforts and devotion can really bring about the change that is being dreamed off for
“Naya Pakistan.”

Question no 3

Highlight the importance and potential threats to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

(CPEC).

Answer:

Importance OF CPEC :

The CPEC plays an important role in the development of Bologistan ​The role of Gwadar in the
development of Balochistan is very important because of its port facilities and being a hub for
natural resources. Port utilities relate to the handling of cargo and passengers and the storage
and transport-related activities, both within the port and the adjoining centers. It also could be
used as a ship repair facility. In addition, the port also would have a set of processing industries.
The functions of trans-shipments and the transformation of imported material prior to their
further shipment would be included. The industrial complex of the port would cater to heavy
commodities related to the oil and chemical industry, such as iron, steel, and sugar refineries
(Kazi, ​2017​).

The fourth function of the port could accommodate the recreational and tourism industries. With
the expansion of the industrial base at Gwadar and the economic activity generated,
employment opportunities would be provided to the people, consequently contributing to the
development of the region. It is expected to generate about two million new jobs in about 8 to 10
years. The Baluchistan region could be expected to become rich in almost every aspect of life
(Khetran, ​2014​).

Balochistan is full of natural resources, but their exploration is yet to be experienced. CPEC is
expected to attract international attention on its large gas reservoirs, potential oil reserves, and
precious materials to not only China, but to central Asian countries, Europe and Africa. Investors
have shown a keen interest in its development process. The subsoil holds a substantial portion
of Pakistan’s energy and mineral resources, accounting for 36 percent of its total gas
production. It also holds large quantities of coal, gold, copper, silver, platinum, aluminum, and
uranium. There are an estimated 200 million tons of iron and 217 million tons of coal. In
Saindak, gold and copper mines are estimated to contain reserves of up to 412 million tons.
Similarly, Reko Diq contains 5.9 billion tons of copper and gold. The province, however, lacks
proper infrastructure to exploit and transport these resources (Khetran, ​2014​).

Challenges and impediments

Pakistan faces many challenges and impediments to achieving the maximum benefits of CEPC,
including economic instability, especially in Baluchistan; security threats; terrorism and the
religious impact of CPEC; foreign involvement and other external challenges; convergent
interests; geographical circumstances; and poor weather. Each will be discussed in turn.

Economic instability of Pakistan, especially in Balochistan:

In spite of all its resources, Pakistan faces severe economic and political challenges. CPEC
could prove to be a wildcard in stabilizing its economy while refining relations with its neighbors
and by making Gwadar a trade and economic hub of the region. The corridor could offer a
solution to its unstable economy and open new horizons of development by improving
socioeconomic conditions and improving quality of life. Many special economic zones are being
conceived for Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, KPK, Balochistan, and Sindh. They would eventually
bring affluence from potential international investors and help Pakistan drive its economic
growth. The ongoing CPEC project is considered to be a game changer for the region. The
corridor will not only connect the Gwadar Port to Xinjiang but also would reduce geographical
distances. Successful completion of the project is expected to lead Pakistan toward prosperity
and help it become economically strong (Khetran, ​2014​). However, there is a deep-seated
regionalism in Pakistan that must be considered. Regionalist forces have opposed CPEC
through demands of a greater share in the project or by completely rejecting it. It was shown
that the Chinese engagement in Pakistan is leading to tighter control of the military over civilian
matters relating to the project (Hameed, ​2018​).

Security Threads:
The most obvious of the challenges to the functioning of Gwadar Port could be that of security.
Unfortunately, some people with vested interests have tried to exaggerate apprehensions about
the security situation in Gwadar. It is therefore vital that such elements are controlled and
security of the entire corridor be ensured. The best way to achieve this goal would be to keep
the local population in the decision-making and implementation process and ensure signs of
progress are visible to the general population. Without the full-fledged support of the locals, it
would be naive to believe that such an extensive project could be implemented successfully.
Another daunting task for the successful completion of the CPEC is the security threat at both
internal and external levels. Both China and Pakistan have internal security issues and Pakistan
is facing the brunt of extremism and terrorism. From Xinjiang to Gwadar there are many
extremist groups, consisting of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Tehreek-e-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar e-Tayyiba, Lashkar e-Jhangvi, Daesh, Balochistan Liberation Front,
and the militant wings of some political parties. All of these groups are trying to stop the CPEC
project. Two Chinese were killed in Balochistan province in recent years. As a result, the
government of Pakistan has deployed more security for the 5,000 Chinese workers in different
sectors of the project (Ghaffar et al., ​2015​).

Terrorism and religious impact of CPEC

Another challenge is related to terrorism and the highly religious impact on CPEC, as well as
increasing insurgency in Afghanistan. It may disrupt the work because the TTP group is still ac
tive despite the Zarb-i-Azb operation. Although it is divided into small groups, terrorists could
target military personnel, laborers, and engineers working in the area. Similarly, on the Chinese
side, the ETIM in Xinjiang also may create problems for land-route economic activities.
However, China has adopted sufficient measures to control the insurgency and develop the
western part of China

External Challenges :

External elements actively supporting and funding the Baloch militant organizations in Pakistan
are another challenge to the economic corridor. Pakistan has raised this issue with neighboring
countries in order to eliminate the insurgency. China and Pakistan have agreed to work together
to counter insurgency and terrorism, and have agreed on a joint security mechanism for
Chinese workers in Pakistan (Bhutta, ​2015​). In addition, the United States has recently warned
Pakistan that it faced long-term economic damage with little return if China keeps pursuing its
giant infrastructure push.

The top U.S. diplomat for South Asia said that CPEC would profit only Beijing and that the
United States offered a better model. The multibillion-dollar initiative with China is driven by
non-concessionary loans, with Chinese companies sending their own labor and material in the
face of a growing toll on the Pakistan economy. This will be exacerbated when the bulk of
payments come due. On the other hand, U.S. private investment, coupled with U.S. grants,
would improve fundamentally the troubled economy (World, ​2019​).