Revised Scheme and Syllabus for CSS Competitive Examination CURRENT AFFAIRS (100 MARKS) Candidates will be expected to display such general knowledge of history, polities and International Affairs, as deemed necessary to interpret current affairs. 1, Pakistan's Domestic Affairs (20 marks) a. Political b. Economic ©. Social 2. Pakistan's External Affairs (40 marks) a. Pakistan’s relations with its Neighbors (India, China, Afghanistan, Russia) b, Pakistan's relations with the Muslim World (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, ©. Turkey) d. Pakistan's relations with the United States e. Pakistan’s relations with Regional and International Organizations (UN, SAARC, f. ECO, OIC, WTO, CW) 3. Global Issues (40 marks) a. International Security b. International Political Economy c. Human Rights 4. Environment: Global Warming, Kyoto Protocol, Copenhagen Accord e. Population: world population trends, world population policies f, Terrorism and Counter Terrorism g. Global Energy Polities h. Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Security i, Nuclear Politics in South Asia j, International Trade (Doha Development Round and Bali Package) k. Cooperation and Competition in Arabian Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Millennium Development Goals, Current Status. . Globalization Middle East Crisis Kashmir Issue Palestine Issue peBEB )wi)PAKISTAN’S DOMESTIC AFFAIRS GEO-STRATEGIC LOCATION OF PAKISTAN PAKISTAN’S GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE PAKISTAN’S POLITICS AND DEMOCRACY VV YY DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN CAUSES OF A WEAK DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM FUTURE THREATS TO DEMOCRACY ENCOURAGING PROSPECTS FOR A DEMOCRATIC FUTURE REALIZING A TRULY DEMOCRATIC PAKISTAN: PATH AHEAD CPEC 16-27 vvye VvVVVVyY CPEC: AN OVERVIEW PROJECTS UNDER CPEC ADVANTAGES OF CPEC VIS-A-VIS CHINA, ‘ADVANTAGES OF CPEC VIS-A-VIS PAKISTAN OBSTACLES IN THE WAY OF PROGRESS CPEC: A GAME-CHANGER FOR THE REGION THE OTHER SIDE OF CPEC TOWARDS RELAIZING CPEC: WAY FORWARD FINAL ANALYSIS > HYBRID WARFARE 28-31 vy vv v HYBRID WARFARE: AN OVERVIEW EXAMPLES OF HYBRID CAMPAIGNS HYBRID CAMPAIGNS LAUNCHED AGAINST PAKISTAN TOOLS FOR WAGING HYBRID WARFARE PAKISTAN’S RESPONSE TOWARDS DEALING WITH THE MENACE: CONCLUSION (vii)s PASHTUN TAHAFFUZ MOVEMENT: THE AWAKENING 32-36 vv v! vv PTM: AN OVERVIEW GRIEVANCES OF THE PUSHTUNS ‘THE DEMAND FOR JUSTICE STATE’S RESPONSE ADDRESSING THE DEMANDS: WAY FORWARD 2 ECONOMIC CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS 37-45 vvvyY PAKISTAN’S ECONOMY: AN OVERVIEW CURRENT FRAMEWORK OF PAKISTAN’S ECONOMY ECONOMIC SURVEY 2019: ANALYSIS ECONOMIC CHALLENGES FACING PAKISTAN ‘TOWARDS IMPROVING ECONOMY: WAY FORWARD ~ FATA 46-55 vvvvvVvY FATA: AN OVERVIEW BRIEF HISTORY OF CRISIS CONUNDRUMS OF EX-FATA FATA REFORMS: RECOVERY INITIATIVES ‘STATUS OF FATA REFORMS FIRST PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS IN FATA ADRESSING THE CONCERNS ° BALOCHISTAN CRISIS 56-65 vvvvy BALOCHISTAN’S IMPORTANCE HISTORY OF CRISIS CONTEMPORARY ISSUES OF BALOCHISTAN REASONS FOR SUSTAINED CRISIS TOWARDS REALIZING PEACEFUL PROVINCE: WAY FORWARD » CORRUPTION 66-72 vvvY vv CORRUPTION: AN OVERVIEW CAUSES OF CORRUPTION IMPACTS OF CORRUPTION DEALING WITH CORRUPTION PANAMA LEAKS: A CASE STUDY PARADISE LEAKS: A CASE STUDY i)PAKISTAN’S EXTERNAL AFFAIRS— RELATIONS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES AS WELL AS WITH REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS PAKISTAN-INDIA RELATIONS 75-90 vvvvyy HISTORICAL BACKGROUND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS (2016 ONWARDS) PULWAMA ATTACK RECENT UPHEAVAL IN KASHMIR HURDLES IN THE WAY OF NORMALIZATION OF RELATIONS, TOWARDS ESTABLISHING CORDIAL RELATIONS: WAY FORWARD PAKISTAN-RUSSIA RELATIONS 91-98 viv PAK-RUSSIA TIES SINCE 1948, EVENTS THAT EXACERBATED THE HOSTILE RELATIONSHIP WARMING OF TIES IN RECENT YEARS—2007 ONWARDS ‘AREAS OF MUTUAL CONVERGENCE FINAL ANALYSIS 8 PAKISTAN’S RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES 99-114 vVvVVVVvVYI PAKISTAN-US RELATIONS: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE RECENT SCENARIO (AUG 2017 ONWARDS) PRIME MINISTER IMRAN KHAN’S MAIDEN VISIT TO THE US AREAS OF BILATERAL COOPERATION RESERVATIONS OF PAKISTAN VIS-A-VIS U.S. WHY IS THERE LACK OF PROFUNDITY IN PAK-US RELATIONS TOWARDS COMPREHENSIVE PAK-US RELATIONS: WAY FORWARD FUTURE PROSPECTS OF THE RELATIONSHIP FINAL ANALYSIS PAKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN RELATIONS. 115-126 vv vv BRIEF HISTORY OF RELATIONS AFGHAN PEACE PROCESS: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS (2016 ONWARDS) HURDLES IN THE WAY OF NORMALIZATION OF BILATERAL TIES TOWARDS IMPROVING BILATERAL RELATION: PATH AHEAD. ()14. VY FINAL ANALYSIS PAKISTAN-CHINA RELATIONS ‘A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE GLORIOUS RELATIONS IN THE PAST VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PAK-CHINA RELATIONSHIP FUTURE PROSPECTS: 127-133 PAKISTAN-IRAN RELATIONS 134-143 vv PAK-IRAN RELATIONS—TRACES FROM THE PAST AREAS OF COOPERATION IMPEDIMENTS IN THE WAY OF IMPROVING PAK-IRAN RELATIONS SUGGESTIONS FOR STRENGHTENING THE TIES ‘SAUDI-IRAN CLASH; ROLE OF PAKISTAN (MEDIATION BETWEEN THE TWO) 144-148 Bivvvvvisiy yyy vey BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CLASH IMPLICATION OF GROWING SAUDI-IRAN SPAT ROLE OF PAKISTAN: MEDIATION BETWEEN TWO ARCH-RIVALS FINAL ANALYSIS, PAKISTAN-TURKEY RELATIONS HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF PAK-TURKEY RELATIONS. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AREAS OF MUTUAL INTEREST ISSUES OF DIVERGENCE RECOMMENDATIONS TO INCREASE TIES PAKISTAN-SAUDI ARABIA RELATIONS HISTORY OF RELATIONSHIPS RECENT DEVELOPMENTS TIES AT DIFFERENT LEVELS AREAS OF CONVERGENCE AREAS OF DIVERGENCE ORGANIZATIONS 149-156 157-164 ‘THE UNITED NATIONS. 165-175 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES OF UN STRUCTURAL COMPOSITION SECURITY COUNCIL PERFORMANCE OF THE UN: ANALYSIS CAUSES OF FAILURE OF UN NEED FOR REFORMS RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ()Y PAKISTAN AND THE UNITED NATIONS: s SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION 176 - 182 YYY YY SAARC: AN OVERVIEW OBJECTIVES OF SAARC FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS IMPEDIMENTS IN THE WAY OF ACHIEVING ITS POTENTIAL SAARC: RECENT SCENARIO TOWARDS REVIVING SAARC: WAY AHEAD FINAL ANALYSIS PAKISTAN AND ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION (OIC) 183 - 188 VEY OIC: AN OVERVIEW MEMBER STATES The OIC CHARTER CHALLENGES FAILURE OF OIC: ANALYSIS PAKISTAN AND OIC: AREAS OF CONVERGENCE REVIVING OIC: WAY AHEAD GLOBAL ISSUES BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE BRI 191-196 BRI: AN OVERVIEW THE ORIGINAL SILK ROAD: BRIEF OVERVIEW THE NEW SILK ROAD CHINESE VISION BEHIND BRI ANTICIPATED HURDLES IN THE WAY OF BRI BRI AND SOUTH ASIA, BRI AND OTHER COUNTRIES FINAL ANALYSIS INTERNATIONAL LIBERAL ORDER & ITS COLLAPSE 197-199 EVIDENCES OF COLLAPSING LIBERAL ORDER REASONS FOR THE COLLAPSE OF LIBERAL ORDER FINAL ANALYSIS IRAN AND P5 + 1 NUCLEAR DEAL 200-205 IRAN AND PS +1 NUCLEAR DEAL—ICPOA IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL—A GAME CHANGER NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF IRAN'S NUCLEAR DEAL FOR PAKISTAN. RECENT SCENARIO: US WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL POSSIBLE IMPTICATIONS (xi)25. KOREAN PEACE ON THE HORIZON 206-211 vvvy KOREAN CONFLICT: AN OVERVIEW PANMUNJOM DECLARATION KIM-TRUMP SUMMITS PROSPECTS FOR PEACE = COOPERATION AND COMPETITION IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN 212-220 vVYVVVVY ‘SOUTH CHINA SEA AND EAST CHINA SEA: AN OVERVIEW SOUTH CHINA SEA ISSUE: EMERGING STRATEGIC COMPETITION BETWEEN US AND CHINA EAST-CHINA SEA ISSUE US ‘PIVOT TO ASIA’ POLICY (ASIA-PACIFIC REBALANCE STRATEGY) IMPACTS OF THE DISPUTE HAGUE RULING AT SOUTH CHINA SEA: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS TOWARDS ENSURING A PEACEFUL ASIA-PACIFIC: WAY FORWARD COOPERATION AND COMPETITION IN THE INDIAN OCEAN 221-231 VY VV VVY VY STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIAN OCEAN AS AN ARENA OF COMPETITION. SOURCE OF COMPETITION COMPETITION BETWEEN INDIA AND CHINA IN INDIAN OCEAN PAKISTAN’S ROLE IMPLICATIONS OF CHINA-INDIA RIVALRY STRATEGIC INTERESTS OF OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE IOR NUCLEARIZATION OF THE INDIAN OCEAN PROSPECTS OF COOPERATION IN INDIAN OCEAN LACK OF GOVERNANCE IN INDIAN OCEAN: A GREAT SECURITY CHALLENGE GLOBALIZATION 232-237 vvvvvy DEFINITIONS REAL WORLD EXAMPLES OF GLOBALIZATION ASPECTS OF GLOBALIZATION EXPECTED BENEFITS OF GLOBALIZATION DRAWBACKS OF GLOBALIZATION FINAL ANALYSIS. 8 & HUMAN RIGHTS. 238-247 vvvvyy BASIC HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES EVOLUTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS 19™ & 20™ CENTURY: INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIANISM WORLDWIDE ABUSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS: RECENT SCENARIOS HUMAN RIGHTS IN PAKISTAN ‘SUGGESTIONS TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS. s INTERNATIONAL SECURITY 248-254 vvv FUTURE THREATS TO INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ‘TRANSNATIONAL TERRORISM: RISE OF ISIS AND AL-QAEDA NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION (x)vVvVVVVY CYBER SECURITY CLIMATE CHANGE & GLOBAL WARMING SOCIAL ISSUES INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ‘OUTBREAK OF DISEASES ‘THREAT TO PRIVACY: AN INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY CONCERN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY: WAY FORWARD. MIDDLE EASTERN CRISIS AND SYRIAN CONFILICT 255-269 v| vvvvv ‘ARAB SPRING * Tunisian Revolution © Egypt Revolution © Libyan Revolution © Yemen Crisis ‘© Syrian Revolution SYRIAN REVOLUTION AND SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENTS PEACE TALKS HURDLES IN THE WAY OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION ‘TOWARDS RESOLVING SYRIAN CONFLICT: WAY FORWARD FINAL ANALYSIS, 8 PALESTINE ISSUE 270 - 282 vVvvVVVVVvY EARLY HISTORY OF THE CONFLICT PEACE INITIATIVES TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE MAIN BONES OF CONTENTION ‘THE US ROLE IN THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT ‘THE HUMANITARIAN PICTURE: VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS RECENT SCENARIO: UPRISING OF 2015 TILL DATE SHIFTING OF US EMBASSY FROM TEL AVIV TO JERUSALEM ‘TRUMP’S “DEAL OF THE CENTURY” PRAGMATIC SUGGESTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE FINAL ANALYSIS QATAR CRISIS 283-289 vvvvy| ‘QATAR CRISIS: AN OVERVIEW POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THE CRISIS IMPACTS OF THE CRISIS PAKISTAN’S ROLE: MEDIATION BETWEEN THE STATES FINAL ANALYSIS KASHMIR ISSUE 290-304 ‘THE REGION OF KASHMIR: AN OVERVIEW INDIAN PERSPECTIVE PAKISTAN’S KASHMIR POLICY HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE EFFORTS AT RESOLUTION OF THE DISPUTE (xii)vey THE RECENT UPHEAVAL (JULY 2016 ONWARDS) PULWAMA ATTACK AND SUBSEQUENT BACKLASH REVOKING ARTICLES 370 OF THE OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION (AUGUST 2019 ONWARDS) RESOLVING THE DISPUTE: PATH FORWARD e a ENVIRONMENT ISSUES AND GLOBAL INITIATIVES 305-318 Vyvvvyy CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING CAUSES OF GLOBAL WARMING IMPACTS OF GLOBAL WARMING MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND ACCORDS RECENT DFYELOPMENTS DEALING WITH GLOBAL WARMING 2 MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 319-327 VY VV MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS GLOBAL PROGRESS ON MDGs: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS SUMMARY OF PAKISTAN’S PROGRESS ON MDGs PROGRESS IN MDGS AND BUILD UP FOR SDGS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: AGENDA 2030 HOW SDGs WILL BE BETTER THAN MDGs POSSIBLE CHALLENGES TO ACHIEVE SDGs FINAL ANALYSIS TERRORISM AND COUNTER TERRORISM 328-343 VY VY VV VY DEFINITIONS EVOLUTION OF MODERN TERRORISM RECENT SCENARIO CHANGING PATTERNS OF TERRORISM IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD CAUSES OF TERRORISM IMPACTS |SIS—A MAJOR TRANSNATIONAL THREAT FOR THE WORLD INTERNATIONAL COUNTER-TERRORISM MEASURES INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WORKING AGAINST TERRORISM CHALLENGES CAUSED BY COUNTER TERRORISM MEASURES. INTERNATIONAL COUNTER-TERRORISM EFFORTS: CRITICAL ANALYSIS TERRORISM AND COUNTER TERRORISM IN PAKISTAN 344-360 vYvYvvyy HISTORY OF TERRORISM SOME RECENT ACTS OF TERRORISM IN PAKISTAN COUNTER TERRORISM PTI's COUNTER TERRORISM STRATEGY CHRONOLOGY OF MILITARY OPERATIONS IN PAKISTAN RECENT SCENARIO: OPERATION RADDUL FASAAD NATIONAL ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION OF NAP: ANALYSIS (xiv)vv DEALING WITH EXTREMISM: COUNTER NARRATIVE FINAL ANALYSIS 8 Fo NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION AND NUCLEAR SECURITY 361-378 vVvVVYVVyY ‘ASPECTS OF NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION NUCLEAR WEAPONS TODAY REASONS TO AVOID NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION ; ‘SOME CONTEMPORARY ISSUES MULTILATERAL TREATIES AND INITIATIVES ON NON-PROLIFERATION ‘ARMS CONTROL AND DISARMAMENT PEACEFUL USE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY EFFORTS TO CURB THE MISUSE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY a 8 NUCLEAR POLITICS OF SOUTH ASIA 379-391 VV VVVVYVYVVY ‘SOUTH ASIA AT A GLANCE. DETERRENCE INDIA'S NUCLEAR CAPABILITIES PAKISTAN'S NUCLEAR CAPABILITIES CHINA'S NUCLEAR CAPABILITIES FUTURE OF SOUTHERN ASIA'S NUCLEAR COMPETITION THE MISSILE RACE ‘A WORLD OF RISKS NSG: POLITICS BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN WEAPONIZATION OF SPACE ADDRESSING NON-PROLIFERATION CHALLENGES IN SOUTH ASIA 2 INTERNATIONAL TRADE 392 - 406 VY VV VVVVYYI INTERNATIONAL TRADE: AN OVERVIEW SIGNIFICANCE OF INTERNATIONL TRADE INTERNATIONAL TRADING “SYSTEM” BARRIERS TO TRADE ‘SOME IMPORTANT CONCEPTS HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE RECENT SCENARIO: TRADE WARS DOHA ROUND BALI PACKAGE 2013: ADDRESSING A PORTION OF DOHA AGENDA, NAIROBI PACKAGE 2015 5 s WORLD POPULATION TRENDS AND POLICIES 407 - 418 VV VVVVY WORLD POPULATION TRENDS REASONS FOR POPULATIONS GROWTH DRIVERS OF WORLD POPULATION GROWTH PROJECTIONS OF GLOBAL POPULATION GROWTH REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION GROWTH IMPLICATIONS OF POPULATION GROWTH ‘ FAMILY PLANNING: RECENT SCENARIOPOLICIES & RECOMMENDATIONS TO TACKLE GROWING POPULATION PAKISTAN’S POPULATION: ANALYSIS. GLOBAL ENERGY POLITICS 419 - 430 GLOBAL ENERGY POLITICS RECENT SCENARIO: UNCERTAINTY IN INTERNATIONAL ENERGY MARKETS IMPORTANT FEATURES OF CONTEMPORARY GEO-POLITICS IMPORTANT ACTORS IN GLOBAL ENERGY POLITICS ENERGY SECURITY: GREAT CHALLENGE IN GLOBAL ENERGY POLITICS FACTSHEET INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY 431-437 vyvvigiy vv vv vially v KEY EVENTS IN IPE'S DEVELOPMENT AS A FIELD OF STUDY SCHOOLS OF THOUGHTS OF IPE THE IPE PROBLEMATIQUE CASE STUDIES i)PAKISTAN’S DOMESTIC AFFAIRSGLOBAL AGE - HSM PUBLICATIONSeran GEO-STRATEGIC ats Geo-strategic significance consists of three words. Geo means ‘the Earth,’ strategy means ‘planning, tactics and policy,’ and significance means ‘importance’. Geo-strategic means the importance of a country or a region as by virtue of its geographical location; it is the influence of geographic factors on the state power, international conduct and advantages it derives from its location. Hence geography is the mother of strategy. Napoleon once said: “The foreign policy of a country is determined by its geography”. This shows that geography has,a decisive effect upon civilization and upon national development, Pakistan is located at a region wiich has great political, economic and strategic location. It occupies a geostrategic position of importance: bordered by Iran to the west, Afghanistan to the northwest, China to the northeast, India to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the south. The total land area is estimatea at 796,095 square kilometers. The region of South Asia has been nucleus of activities of great powers for the last couple of centuries. It has witnessed intervention of three great powers— Britain, the USSR and the US. Its significance was further enhanced during Cold War era (1945-91) when both the super powers—the US and the USSR—had been at logger heads to prove their superiority over each other. In the post September 11, 2001 era, it has again assumed tremendous significance. The g00-strategic location of Pakistan plays a very significant role in influencing and shaping the dynamics of the region. It is due to this strategic backdrop that the neighboring countries find themselves GLOBAL AGE — HSM PUBLICATIONS: 3Geo-Strategic Location of Pakistan Chapter-1 ‘compelled to rely on Pakistan for their strategic interests, Pakistan owing to its geo-strategic location has been playing crucial role in War against Terrorism, Unfortunately, Pakistan’s foreign policy has always lacked a clear framework and vision to gain from this strategically important position. Instead of turning its strategic location into an asset, Pakistan has turned its location into a curse that the foreign countries, especially the super powers, have exploited since 1947. This resulted in national suffering, The country’s economy and social fabric has been badly affected. PAKISTAN’S GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION * Pakistan is located in South Asia and is at the junction of Central Asia and Middle East, which gives its location great significanc # Its total land border is 6,774 kilometres long and it borders four countries. Pakistan borders India in the east, Afghanistan and Iran in the west and China is situated at the northeast. While surrounded by land from three sides, the Arabian Sea lies in the south. © The Radeliffe Line became the official border between Pakistan and India on August 17, 1947. The Pakistan-India border is almost 2,912 kilometres long. The Line of Control (L.O.C) separates The Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan administered Azad Kashmir. © The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is called as the Durand Line and is 2,430 kilometres long, The border between Pakistan and China is nearly 523 kilometres long and is situated in the northeast of Pakistan. © The border between Pakistan and Iran is also called the Pakistan-Iran Barrier and is 909 kilometres long. © The Arabian Sea is located south of Pakistan with a coastline of 1,046-kilometres. * Pakistan lies between 23 degrees 35 minutes to 37 degrees 05 minutes North latitude and 60 degrees 50 minutes to 77 degrees 50 minutes east longitude, * Its area is estimated: 796,095 square kilometers, stretching over 1600 km from North to South and about 885km from East to West. * Itis like a bridge between South Asia and South West Asia. ‘© China finds the shortest way to Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea through Pakistan, Pakistan offers to Central Asian republics CARs the shortest route of 2600 km as compared to that provided by Iran (4500 km) or Turkey (5000 km) to the sea. * Land locked Afghanistan finds its ways to the sea through Pakistan, ‘© Gwadar port with its deep waters attracts the trade ships of China, CARs and Association of South- East Asian Nations ASEAN Countries. ‘© Pakistan lies at the mouth of Persian Gulf, where 65% of the world’s oil is produced GLOBAL AGE - HSM PUBLICATIONS. 4Geo-Strategic Location of Pakistan . STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE, | Gawadar providing shortest le route to China for Middle East and rest of the ]world, if the Middle East (Qatar, ‘Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and’ Yemen) want access to China shortest route through Pakistan, If one analyzes the map, one finds that Pakistan is situated at a very vital location. Almost every country in the region needs Pakistan to further its interests, In 2006, as President, Musharraf explained the central position of Pakistan: “Pakistan provides the natural link between the SCO states (China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) to connect the Eurasian heartland with the Arabian Sea and South Asia ... We offer the critical overland routes and connectivity for mutually beneficial trade and energy transactions intra- and inter-regionally.” Then to connect Pakistan with the oil rich Arabian Peninsula, and to provide access of Central Asian countries and China to the warm waters of Arabian Sea and also elevating the status of Balochistan, Musharraf highlighted the importance of Gawadar Port, In his words: “Our geo-strategie significance can’t be reduced. We need to realize that we have understood that and therefore we have constructed a new port at Gwadar which is at the mouth of the Gulf almost.” Pakistan's geo-strategic importance can be best understood from the regional and global viewpoint. As afore-mentioned, geographically it is surrounded by four countries, All four find Pakistan’s position essential for them. This raises Pakistan’s international importance as well. For example Afghanistan, Which since 1979 remained the focus of world’s attention, is generally regarded as the breeding ground GLOBAL AGE - HSM PUBLICATIONS. 5Geo-Strategic Location of Pakistan Chapter-1 of the global terrorism and opium production. International community recognizes the fact that no peace is possible in Afghanistan without an active support and cooperation of Pakistan. Transit ‘As shown in the map above, Pakistan has the potential to develop transit economy by the virtue of its strategic position. Land-locked Afghanistan finds its ways 10 the Arabian Sea through Pakistan. Pakistan has already signed transit trade area agreement with Afghanistan to provide trade corridor between Afghanistan and India, China with its ambitions to become a great power needs Pakistan to further its strategie and economic interests. Pakistan’s location is of crucial importance in its One Belt One Road (OBOR) vision. China finds the way to Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea through Pakistan through Kashgar-Gawadar motorway (CPEC). It is developing its southern provinces because its own port is 4500 km away from Sinkiang, but Gwadar is just 2500 km away. Also, the éoastal belt of Balochistan can provide outlet to China's western provinces to have access to Middle Eastern markets with the development of coastal highways and motorways. Moreover, Pakistan offers Central Asian Regions the shortest route of 2600 km through Gwadar to the Arabian Sea as compared to that provided by Iran (4500 km) to Arabian ocean. Newly constructed port of Gwadar has the potential to draw the trade ships of China, CARs and South East Asian countries. Closeness to Energy +h Nations Pakistan is also located very close to the oil rich Middle Eastern countries that produce around 60% of the global oil. It is situated at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. In the energy scarce world Pakistan is located in the hub of energy rich countries—GCC countries, Iran and Central Asian Republics. All the energy hungry nations like China, India and many more therefore have started cold war in the region for the same reason, The US is involved to secure energy supply foe its allies. Their ambitions can’t be achieved without realizing Pakistan’s closeness to these energy rich states. Access to Central Asia States ‘Due to its enormous energy resources—oil and gas—Central A: the key arca of new great game. West, China and Russia are in quest for these resources. Pakistan provides access to this energy rich area, As shown in the map above, even energy-thirsty India needs Pakistan to gain access to the CARs. TAPI pipeline projects passes through Pakistan before it enters Inclia, Interest of International key Players Recent trends in international polities involving major shifts at regional and international level have enhanced Pakistan's significance. These are indicative of transition in global world order. There is a renewed focus on Asia and to be more accurate Asia Pacific. US, China and Russia are seeking new alliances, defense cooperation and economic cooperation with like-minded small regional states specifically with Pakistan because of its unique geo-strategic location. After its demise in the Cold War, Russia has again risen from ashes like a phoenix. Its resurgence is witnessed in recent years It is actively getting involved in the region, especially in Afghanistan, The other emerging power is China, Any alliance amoag world powers enhances Pakistan's significance. China and Russia, two key international players challenging US hegemony are seeking close diplomatic. defense and economic cooperation with Pakistan, Pakistan holds key geo-strategic location with one of the most professional ‘Armed Forces in the region and is in a position to play sensitive role in the region. GLOBAL AGE — HSM PUBLICATIONS. 6Geo-Strategic Location of Pakistan Chapter-1 Contiguity of Great Powers Pakistan is located at the intersection of great powers. The other emerging power is China. Any alliance among world powers enhances Pakistan’s significance. On the other hand, the US is trying to maintain its hegemony in the region. The above stated conditions have enhanced geostritegic significance of Pakistan, War on Terror Pakistan's geo-strategic significance has been utilized after 9/11. The sole hegemon of the world, the US, also needed Pakistan to carry out its objectives. It required Pakistan’s assistance to further its strategic, political and economic interests in the region. Pakistan has been playing commendable role in the region by allying with America to decimate the Taliban who have not only threatened to destabilize this region but the whole world. Pakistan is involved in the global war against terrorism after 9/11. The American think tanks have repeatedly accepted that War against Terrorism could never be won without the help of Pakistan, Pakistan has rigorously fought and carried out military operations in Waziristan and other tribal area in order to fulfill the job. The international community has already applauded its role in this global struggle against the militants, A protagonist to unity of Muslim Ummah A furtive glance at the position of the Muslim countries on the map shows that Pakistan occupies a central location. Physically, Pakistan is situated at the centre of the Islamic countries of Africa and Asia. It is linked to these Muslim states through land and sea routes. Thus, not only its ideological background, but its geographical centrality requires that it supports the unity of Muslim world, It is naturally in the frontline of the movement for Islamic unity. By sharing borders with Iran and its proximity with Persian Gulf, it has connections with the Muslim countries of the Middle East. This is entire arc of Islam from Horn of Africa to the Indonesian archipelago. Thus, Pakistan can actively participate in the activities of Muslim world, economic development, and transport of resources, Most importantly, it can lead other countries to crack down on the terrorists. Single Muslim Country possessing Nuclear Weapons Pakistan is the only Muslim country having nuclear capability which has great influence on the activities in the area. Its nuclear assets are also a source of great strength for the Middle East as well. It has the capability to maintain the status quo and project its power in the region, This can guaranty for the security of the region. Conclusion As aforementioned, Geo-strategic means the importance of a country or a region by virtue of its geographical location. Pakistan’s leaders often claim of our vital strategic geographical location. Yet this location has done little more than thrusting the country into global wars and forcing it to become a proxy battleground for foreign ideological agendas. Bhutto said: “History has placed us in the pathway of the conflicting interests of major powers. Pakistan is vulnerable because of its location”. But its importance cannot be ignored. One analyst describes the importance of Pakistan: “While history has been unkind to Pakistan, its geography has been its greatest benefit.” Pakistan now has an opportunity to convert this challenge into opportunity. The way to progress only lies in moving ahead. For that, Pakistanis needs to come out of delusions that Pakistan is the only country that is geographically well placed or that Pakistan can blackmail the world strategically to force it to come to its terms. Pakistan needs to look at the world through the geo-economic lens and see economic opportunities by introducing peace. Pakistan GLOBAL AGE ~ HSM PUBLICATIONS 7Geo-Strategic Location of Pakistan Chapter-1 reeds peace with its neighbors to find time to Took inward and maintain law and order. The world is facing energy crisis and terrorism: Pakistan is a route for transportation and a front line state against terrorism, In the wake of recent geo-political changes, Pakistan is well-placed to cash on the opportunity provided. For this, its foreign policy must have a clear framework and vision to gain from this strategically important position. GLOBAL AGE — HSM PUBLICATIONS: 8PAKISTAN’S POLITICS AND DEMOCRACY rece ett Introduction Democracy literally means “rule by the people”. It is one of the best forms of government ever formed or adopted by the modern societies. It is a form of government which supports extensive Participation of people in government and also promotes the views of citizens for the smooth functioning of society. Democratic principles are governed and inspired by the universal freedoms such as the right to take part in the government directly or through freely chosen representatives as stated in Article 21 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights UDHR. Pakistan has been in quest for a stable political and democratic system since its very inception. The process of implementation of successful democratic system has been slow and passive. Its nature has remained fragile. It has been showing high vulnerability towards non-democratic interventions. Besides, it has been easily falling prey to non- civilian forces. As a result, Pakistan has been continuously failing to offer what a true democracy promises. Elected governments have mostly failed to complete their tenures which eventually developed into an indefinite dictatorship reign, However, the last few years have provided hope about democracy taking roots inside Pakistan, There have been setbacks in different forms threatening it; yet, the democratic system is becoming more and more accepted and internalized. Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country- Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Pakistan: Analysis Since its very inception, Pakistan has been struggling for a democratic form of government for itself. The country’s constitution has been abrogated twice (1958 and 1969) and suspended thrice'(1977, 1999 and 2007). More than half of its political life has been encroached by military generals. Five elected governments have been removed by army. So despite being constitutionally a democratic country, Pakistan fails to offer the essential elements of constitutional democracies: sovereignty of Parliament; Strong and independent institutions; free, fair and regular elections; supremacy of constitution; independent Judiciary; rule of law; civilian control over the armed forces; political life free from military involvement; safety to minority rights; provision of basic human needs; and guarantee of freedoms of movement, expression, association and assembly. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there are very few institutionalized mechanisms to ensure these prerequisites. Once in office, elected prime ministers and presidents — even more than military dictators — have consistently abused their power to extract privilege and profit, for themselves or their followers. The legislature's oversight functions have been circumscribed, not by the so-called establishment, but by parliament's apex leaders themselves. Judicial recourse is cumbersome and has been often also susceptible to coercion and corruption. And when in the past, upon occasion, the judiciary displayed independence; it was ejected or, literally, ‘taken over’. Winston Churchill once said that the plain, humble, common man is the foundation of democracy and it is vital for this foundation that this man or woman should be able to choose his or her elected GLOBAL AGE - HSM PUBLICATIONS gPakistan's Polities and Democracy Chapter-2 representative without fear, and without any form of intimidation or victimization. However, a common Pakistani voter is hardly ‘free’ to choose qualified and honest representatives. Patronage, feudal lords and tribal loyalties dictate the votes. In many constituencies, votes are either bought by financial or other incentives. Reportedly, threats are also used to accumuilate votes. The poor and the uneducated are likely to be influenced by false claims. Nationalism, religion and hate sectarian slogans are invoked to influence Pakistan’s conservative electorate. Most political parties allegedly receive foreign funding designed to influence electoral results and their policies. It is pity to find that media in few places has also become susceptible to monetary influence. And, sadly, some of the ‘champions of democracy’, the so-called civil society and NGOs, are themselves at least partially funded by external sources, CAUSES OF A WEAK DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM As afore-mentioned, democracy in Pakistan is lacking its true essence. Here are some of the reasons why democracy remained weak in Pakistan. Points from the history have also been discussed for better understanding. Frequent Intrusion of Non-Demoeratic Forces into Civilian Domain 'A‘ fitst, the bureaucratic regimes failed to perform up to the mark. This created space for army to intervene into political domain of country. The first intrusion of army into civilian matters was seen in the form of Martial Law in Lahore in 1953 to control the riots between Ahmadis and Sunnis. In 1953, the then Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad dismissed the government of the PM Khawaja Navimuddin despite it enjoying the support of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan; then in 1954 he dismissed the Constituent Assembly itself to prevent it changing the constitution to restrict the Governor-General's powers. In 1958, the first Pakistani President Major General Iskander Mirza dismissed the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan and the government of Prime Minister Feroz Khan Noon, appointing army commander-in-chief Gen. Ayub Khan as the Chief martial law administrator. Thirteen days later, Mirza himself was exiled by Ayub Khan, who appointed himself president, After that, Pakistan witnessed Ayub Khan era from 1958 to 1969. Then General Yahya Khan ruled from 1969 to 1971, and General Zia-ul-Haq from 1977 to 1989. The last military rule was led by General Pervez Musharraf from 1999 to 2008. These military administrations had many things in common: ban on politieal dissents; imposition of Martial Laws; and restriction on media. A few witnessed dissolution of assemblies and abrogation of constitutions. It can be said that the military rules destroyed the very fabric of a democratic culture, which is the political institutions During the PML-N government of 2013-2018, there were speculations about another coup d’état in the wake of political agitation witnessed during sit-ins conducted by opposition leader Mr. Imran Khan in 2014. In an interview with the BBC in August 2015, Senator Mushahidullah Khan of PML (N) claimed that an audio tape obtained by the Intelligence Bureau was played during a meeting between the then PM Nawaz and the then COAS Gen Raheel Sharif, in which former ISI Chief Gen Zaheer Islam could be heard giving instructions to raid the PM’s office. As this was not enough, throughout 2016, there had been rumors in the air about possible military takeover in the wake of political agitation in the wake of Panama Leaks. Further, it is alleged that the establishment played a major role in the 2018 elections. This frequent intrusion threatens the democracy. Poor Performance of Federal and Provincial Governments Poor performance of federal and provincial governments is a major detriment to the sustenance of democracy. For instance, in 1990s, Benazir Bhutto’s government was dist sed twice and Nawaz Sharif's government was first dismissed and then became the victim of military coup, allegedly on the GLOBAL AGE — HSM PUBLICATIONS, 10Pakistan's Politics and Democracy Chapter-2 pretext of intense corruption and poor performances. This shows that poor performance has always been a threat to democracy. As the problems of the common people are not addressed adequately, there is widespread alienation among the common people from the current democratic process and the democratic government in power. This gives space to undemocratic forces to intervene, Some partisan groups are using this alienation for propaganda against democracy and suggest naive solutions to attract popular attention. There are those who argue that their problems will be resolved under an Islamic order without describing the details of institutions and processes of such a system, Others think that the corrupt rulers should be removed to solve the problems. Colonial Legacies and Institutional Imbalance Since its creation, Pakistan has been experiencing institutional imbalance, the roots of which go back to British era. Pakistan inherited high institutional imbalance characterized with strong and organized civil and military bureaucracies, weak political institutions and non-democratic political parties Consequently, it lacked strong, dynamic and sustainable political institutions, Muslim League which is credited to creation of Pakistan was a movement; it was not a well-structured institution and was non- democratic in its nature led by elitists. Consequently, it could not produce leadership embedded with democratic norms. This led to bureaucrats ruling the country from 1947 to 1958. Their periods were characterized with powerless and rubber stamped parliaments, abrupt and non-democratic dissolutions of assemblies, conspiracies, quarreling, inefficiency, abrupt and fast changes of regimes. Conflict among State Institutions Another threat to democracy has been the conflict among state institutions. The state institutions like the executive, the parliament, the judiciary and the military have not so far learnt the habit of restraint and mutual respect in a democratic framework. The superior judiciary uses judicial activism to enter into the areas that are essentially the domains of other institutions. For instance Former CJP Mian Sagib isar was widely accused of this. The military is so used to an expanded role that it does not like the elected government's haphazard efforts to retrieve the initiative in security-related matters, The political governments and elected assemblies emphasize their importance by virtue of their representative character without ensuring effective and just governance and improving the economy. Fragile Party System In a healthy democracy, the healthy and strong political parties having popular support are the real strength, Their very presence and good performance keeps military and other non-civilian forces away But unfortunately Pakistan has been lacking strong and efficient political party system which is a very vital ingredient of democracy. None of the parties—PMLN, PPP, PTI, MQM, JI, and others—can be considered as true representatives of entire population. Resultantly, it has created space for military forces to step into political arena. It paved the way towards nepotism and created incompetency. The examples of PMLN and PPP are in front of us. Inept Leaders, Corruption and other Misconducts It is notable that various misconduets such as horse-trading, nepotism, bribery, illegal obligations and other forms of corruption have always been very common among politicians. In fact, the elite group of elected members uses powers of their public offices to advance their personal interests, Poor educational background makes them inactive and soundless during debate sessions to approve or reject key issues, requiring parliamentary endorsement. Definitely, in Pakistan, corruption is a significant obstacle for good governance, supremacy of law, and rational use of authority. The Panama leaks speak large volume in this regard. The political agitation seen in the wake of Panama proceedings had been GLOBAL AGE — HSM PUBLICATIONS. 11Pakistan’s Polities and Democracy Chapter-2 Threatening for democracy. Misuse of public office lead to agitation and demonstrations carry seeds of large scale disturbances, Alleged Manipulation of Election Process Free and fair elections are major component of representative democracy. For the propagation of democracy, popular government which is not possible without free and fair process of election that guarantees genuine representation of masses in Parliament. But all the general elections to some extent are alleged to have been manipulated. Elections could not have been instrumental to determine the will of the people and have eroded trust of masses in democracy. For instance 2013 elections were alleged to be manipulated by the PMLN. These were challenged by the PTI and re-elections in various constituencies were held. In the same manner PMLN challenged alleged rigging in general elections 2018 in Lahore High Court (LHC). For elections held in 2018, three major election observer groups the European Union Election Observation Mission, the Commonwealth Observer Group and Islamabatl- based Free and Fair Election Network — declared the general election transparent by and large termed it an important milestone in strengthening democracy in Pakistan. EU Election Observation Mission chief Michael Gahler expressed his deep concems over the pre-poll environment saying that the campaign for Pakistan's general election featured a “lack of equality” that meant it was not a level playing field for all parties. Cultural Aspect ‘A New York Times reporter Barbara Crossette in a report about Pakistan said that Caste system plays a vital rule in party's choice of candidates. Even the role of caste is surprisingly important in nomination of candidates, by parties, to contest elections. A survey conducted in 2008 established the fact that 27% urban and 37% rural voters had confirmed that they had gathered in a meeting of biradari to decide whom to vote. In baradari system individual opinion have no value, they are bound by the decision of the biradari, These cultural aspects show the herd mentality and how culture does not allow individual to exercise his power of reason and make unbiased decision based on meritocracy. FUTURE THREATS TO DEMOCRACY There have been a lot of debates about the future threats to democracy in Pakistan. While itis true that democracy is getting stronger in Pakistan, a lot of hurdles still exist in’its way. Some of the afore- mentioned reasons still hold today. Frequent Intrusion of non-democratic forces into civilian domain is often seen and is expected to pose threat in future as well. Institutional imbalance and weak role of the institutions like the Election Commission of Pakistan cannot guarantee smooth functioning. Absence of true democratic spirit in political parties is also a threat to democratic future. Unawareness of the masses and the biradari system is likely to hurt the process in future as well. The irresponsible and non-cooperative role of the opposition parties is likely to continue, Worsening economic condition of the country can again derail the process. A serious threat to democracy and public order in Pakistan is from rising division and bias in the political and social circles. These separations appear to be sharpening to such an extent that itis diffieult to discuss any issue on its merits. It is political and religious affiliations that determine the attitude and disposition of a large number of people who often do not hesitate to display their displeasure and anger towards any divergent perspective. The issues are not discussed on their very essence, but through party prism. For instance the issue of corruption in the wake of Panama papers and then Hudaibia Paper Mills reference was not dealt with as the issue of corruption, but that of political confrontation between ruling GLOBAL AGE ~ HSM PUBLIC ONS 12Pakistan's Politics and Democracy Chapter-2 PMLN and the PTI. Similarly corruption charges against PMLN and PPP leadership are being portrayed as biasedness, Religious and Cultural Intolerance is another threat to democracy, Religious parties see democracy as anti-Islam. They call it as merely Westem concept and blame west for promoting it. The powers of religious parties cannot be ignored. The prevalent religious and cultural fanaticism has its genesis in the military rule of Zia-ul-Hag, In the wake of Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Islamic orthodoxy and militanéy were promoted as a state project. Consequently, there is a large section of the Population that views every aspect of domestic politics, societal interaction and foreign and security policies as a function of religion. Reportedly the religious circles are unwilling to accept democracy as a way forward in Pakistan. The latest example observed was the 2017 Faizabad sit-in led by the founder of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (S.A.W.), Khadim Hussain Rizvi from Lahore to Islamabad to protest against the amendments in Kahtam-e-Nabbuwat (S.A.W.) clauses of the constitution. The same arty took to streets in November 2018, when the Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted Aasiya Bibi — a Christian woman accused of committing blasphemy — and set her free. Khadim Hussain Rizvi challenged the writ of state by decreeing Supreme Court’s verdict non-Islamic and demanded the state that Aasiya should be punished according to blasphemy law of Pakistan, Both these protests demonstrate that hardline Islamists have the power to challenge the writ of the state if state doesn’t appease them. ENCOURAGING PROSPECTS FOR A DEMOCRATIC FUTURE In recent years, it is encouraging to see that Pakistan seems to internalize democracy. All institutions including the military appear to accept democratic values and norms. In 2008, Pakistan was fortunate to have returned to democracy after long periods of direct and indirect military rule. A new chapter of a democratic experiment ensued and the elected houses completed their constitutional terms in 2013. It was quite an achievement, thanks to Zardari’s handling of the political players, Nawaz Sharif's cooperation and the then army chief General Kayani’s remarkable restraint. For the first time a Pakistani democratic government completed five years and was succeeded by another elected government. There was a cause for celebration in a country where the army has so often stepped in, to halt experiments in democracy. In 2018, Pakistan witnessed another peaceful transition to PTT government. Imran khan became the new PM. The peaceful transition of power from one elected government to the other is one of the essential ingredients of democracy. It was a welcome development when Pakistan witnessed peaceful transition of power from one elected government to another in 2013 for the first time in history. It again witnessed the same for the second time in 2018, as afore-mentioned. This provided the optimists some ground to celebrate their optimism for democracy’s future in the country, At the start of term in 2013, Parliament faced crises. Some of them: the unsuccessful trial of General Musharraf, deteriorated civil-military relations regarding military operations in Provinces, the long- drawn sit-ins by Imran Khan in front of parliament, and the turmoil over the issue of the Panama Papers leaks, With all this in the background there were always rumors in the media of the possibility of another military takeover. There were similar reports of a possible military intervention at the time of the Memogate scandal in 2011, again during the sit-in of 2014 and then in the aftermath of agitation resulting from Panama leaks. Concems about these speculations are genuine considering the history of army rule in the country. When opposition politicians and the civilian leadership engage in unbridled fighting, it is the anti-democratic (mostly non-civilian) forces that ultimately triumph, However, no military intervention took place. Political Agitation during PML-N’s Tenure (2013-2018) GLOBAL AGE — HSM PUBLICATIONS 13