Q1.Describe various challenges to sovereignty of Pakistan? Justify each one????

Introduction

Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority and power of a state or government over its territory and
people. It is the ability of a state to make its own laws, enforce them, and regulate its internal affairs
without interference from external actors. Sovereignty is often considered a key characteristic of
modern nation-states and is a fundamental concept in international relations. It encompasses both
internal sovereignty, which refers to a state’s ability to exercise authority within its borders, and
external sovereignty, which refers to a state’s independence and ability to act freely in the international
community. Sovereignty is also closely related to concepts such as legitimacy, autonomy, and self-
determination.

2) Definition

A) Jean Bodin: Bodin, a French jurist and political philosopher of the 16th century, defined sovereignty
as the “supreme power of the state over citizens and subjects unrestrained by law.”

B) Thomas Hobbes: Hobbes, an English philosopher of the 17th century, described sovereignty as the
“absolute and indivisible power vested in a commonwealth, the source of which is the people.”

C) John Austin: Austin, a British legal theorist of the 19th century, defined sovereignty as “the power of a
state to give and enforce laws within its territory, free from external interference.”

1) History of sovereignty

The concept of sovereignty has evolved over time, and the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 marked a
significant milestone in this evolution. The treaty, which ended the Thirty Years’ War, established the
principles of state sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs. It marked a shift away from the
previously dominant idea of a universal Christian empire and towards a system of independent states
with equal rights and territorial integrity.

2) Concept of sovereignty in Pakistan

Pakistan, as a country, gained its independence from British colonial rule in 1947. The idea of
sovereignty has always been an important aspect of Pakistan’s political discourse, particularly in the
early years of its existence. Pakistan’s first constitution, adopted in 1956, declared the country an Islamic
Republic and asserted that sovereignty belonged to Allah.
 3) Types of sovereignty

There are two types of sovereignty

1) Internal or domestic sovereignty

2) external or foreign sovereignty

Internal sovereignty

Internal sovereignty refers to the authority of a state or government to make decisions and enforce
laws within its own territory without interference from external powers. Internal sovereignty is often
associated with the idea of a social contract, in which citizens agree to abide by the laws of their
government in exchange for protection and other benefits.

External sovereignty

External sovereignty refers to the concept that a state is independent and autonomous in its
interactions with other states and entities in the international community. This means that a state has
the right to govern itself without interference from external sources, including other states or
international organizations.

4) Challenges to sovereignty of Pakistan

Pakistan has faced several challenges to its sovereignty since its creation in 1947. Some of the major
challenges are:

1) internal sovereignty

2) external sovereignty.

A) Internal sovereignty challenges

Pakistan has faced several challenges related to its internal sovereignty, which is the ability of a state to
govern its own territory without interference from external forces or internal factions. Here are some
challenges:

1)Ethnic and religious tensions

2)Political instability

3)Economic inequality

4)Corruption
5)Separatist movements

6)Terrorism and extremism

7)Economic crisis

8)Security Threats

1) Religious Tensions:

Pakistan is an Islamic state, but it is also home to significant religious minorities, including Christians,
Hindus, and Sikhs. Religious tensions have often resulted in violence, with religious minorities being
targeted by extremist groups.

An example of religious tension is the ongoing sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia Muslims. This
violence has claimed thousands of lives and has resulted in the displacement of many people.

2) Political instability

Political instability refers to the condition in which a country experiences frequent changes in its
government or faces a lack of stability in its political system, leading to a state of uncertainty, insecurity,
and potential unrest. In the case of Pakistan, political instability has been a persistent challenge to its
internal sovereignty, as it has faced several political crises and challenges to its democratic institutions.

One example of political instability in Pakistan was the military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf in
1999. Musharraf seized power and suspended the constitution, dismissing the elected government of
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. This move created a state of political uncertainty and instability in the
country, as it challenged the legitimacy of Pakistan’s democratic institutions and undermined the
country’s internal sovereignty.

3) Economic inequality

Economic inequality refers to the unequal distribution of wealth, income, and resources among
individuals and groups within a society or country. In Pakistan, economic inequality has been a major
challenge to its internal sovereignty, as it has led to various social and economic problems, including
poverty, unemployment, and social unrest.

For example, Pakistan has one of the highest rates of economic inequality in the world, with the top 10%
of the population holding more than 70% of the country’s wealth, while the bottom 10% only have
access to less than 2% of the wealth. This unequal distribution of wealth has resulted in a large number
of people living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet. According to the World Bank, more than a
third of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line, with limited access to basic necessities such
as food, clean water, and healthcare.
 4) Corruption

Corruption can be defined as the abuse of power or position for personal gain. It is a widespread
problem in Pakistan, and it poses a significant challenge to the country’s internal sovereignty.

An example of how corruption affects Pakistan’s internal sovereignty is through the mismanagement of
public funds. When public officials siphon off money meant for public projects, such as infrastructure
development or education, it results in a lack of essential services for the citizens. This lack of basic
amenities leads to dissatisfaction among the people and creates an environment of resentment towards
the government. As a result, the government’s ability to govern effectively is weakened, and its internal
sovereignty is challenged.

5) Separatist movements

Separatist movements refer to political or social movements in which a group of people seek to establish
a separate independent state or territory, often by breaking away from an existing country or
government. In Pakistan, there have been several separatist movements that have challenged the
internal sovereignty of the country.

One of the most prominent separatist movements in Pakistan is the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA),
which seeks to establish an independent Balochistan state in the southwestern province of Balochistan.
The BLA claims that the Pakistani government has systematically marginalized the Baloch people and
exploited their resources for decades. The group has carried out numerous attacks on Pakistani security
forces and infrastructure in Balochistan.

6) Security Threats

Security threats related to challenges to internal sovereignty of Pakistan refer to risks or dangers that
can undermine the country’s territorial integrity, political stability, and national identity from within its
borders. These threats may come from various sources, such as insurgent groups, terrorist
organizations, separatist movements, and criminal networks.
Another example is the presence of terrorist groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its
affiliates. These groups have carried out numerous attacks against civilians, government officials, and
security forces in various parts of the country. The TTP aims to establish an Islamic state in Pakistan and
has links to the Afghan Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

B) External sovereignty challenges

Pakistan, like many other countries, faces external challenges to its sovereignty. Some of the key
challenges are:

1) Border disputes with India

2) Balochistan insurgency

3) Influence of external powers

4) International Sanctions

5) Economic dependence

6) International pressure

7) Kashmir conflict

8) Cross-Border Terrorism

1) Cross-Border Terrorism

Cross-border terrorism is a form of asymmetric warfare in which non-state actors use violence against
another country by infiltrating their borders. Pakistan has faced external sovereignty challenges due to
cross-border terrorism for several decades.

An example of cross-border terrorism related to Pakistan is the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan. The
Taliban, a militant group that ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, has close ties with Pakistan’s Inter-
Services Intelligence (ISI). The ISI is accused of providing safe havens to the Taliban and providing them
with military and financial support. The Taliban has carried out several attacks in Afghanistan, including
suicide bombings and targeted killings, which undermine Afghanistan’s external sovereignty.

2) International pressure

Pakistan has faced numerous external sovereignty challenges over the years, and one of the significant
factors that have contributed to these challenges is international pressure. This pressure can come in
various forms, including economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and military interventions.

An example of international pressure on Pakistan is its nuclear program. Pakistan is one of the nine
countries in the world that possess nuclear weapons, and its nuclear program has been a subject of
concern for the international community. The United States, in particular, has put pressure on Pakistan
to abandon its nuclear program, and has imposed several economic sanctions on the country.

3) Balochistan insurgency

This insurgency poses a significant challenge to Pakistan’s external sovereignty, as it is fueled by the
perceived neglect and exploitation of the Baloch people by the central government. The Baloch
separatists have launched attacks on government officials and infrastructure, and have also engaged in
kidnapping and extortion to fund their cause. The conflict has also drawn the attention of foreign actors,
such as India and Afghanistan, who have been accused by Pakistan of supporting the separatists.

4) Economic dependence

Economic dependence has become a significant challenge to Pakistan’s external sovereignty.

Pakistan is heavily reliant on foreign aid and loans to finance its development projects and balance its
budget.

For example, China’s investment in CPEC has also raised concerns about Pakistan’s economic
dependence. Critics argue that the terms of the loans and investment are heavily skewed in China’s
favor, and Pakistan may become indebted to China. This could give China undue influence over
Pakistan’s economic policies and potentially compromise its external sovereignty.

5) Influence of external powers

The influence of external powers is a significant challenge to the internal sovereignty of Pakistan.
External powers refer to other countries or international organizations that may seek to exert influence
over Pakistan’s domestic affairs.

For example, India is often seen as a key external power that seeks to influence Pakistan’s internal
politics. The long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir has
led to tensions between the two countries. India has been accused of supporting separatist movements
in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan, which undermines Pakistan’s territorial integrity and
sovereignty.

Conclusion