Challenges to Sovereignty of Pakistan

Sovereignty
Sovereignty is the supreme authority within a territory, and the ability to govern
without external interference. It refers to the power of a state to govern itself and
make its own laws and decisions.
➢ Sovereignty can be divided into two types: internal and external.
• Internal sovereignty refers to the power of the government to govern within
its own territory.
• External sovereignty refers to the recognition and respect of other countries
for a state's independence and authority.
Sovereignty is a fundamental principle of the modern state system and is protected
under international law.
→ In a monarchy, supreme power resides in the sovereign or king.
→ In democracies, sovereign power rest with people and is exercise through
representative bodies.

Concept of Sovereignty and Pakistan

The constitution of Pakistan says Sovereignty belongs to Almighty Allah and the
authority to be exercise by the people of Pakistan within the prescribed limits.
Alistair Mc Connachie, a Political activist of Scotland, outlined seven principles
regarding sovereignty.
→ Political Self Determination
→ Economic Sovereignty
→ Border Control
→ Localization
→ Food and Water Self Sufficiency
→ Energy Independence
→ Self Defense for self determination
If we evaluate Pakistan on above counts, grave anomalies are found.
Quaid’s Example:
The founder of Pakistan. Jinnah) was logical about theory of Sovereignty and he
did not compromise on the independence of Pakistan and refused to
accept Lord Mount batten as the joint Governor General of neo–
Independent Dominions is a classic example.
Despite Pakistan faced real threats to its security & existence, Mr. Jinnah refused
to accept any direct interference.

Blow to Pakistan Sovereignty

Drone Attacks: More than 300 Drone attacks since 2005 in Pakistan. Almost 3000
people dead and hundreds injured.

Osama Bin Laden – Operation (2011): Operation by two US helicopters in

Abbottabad to kill Bin Laden without intimation to Pakistani Authorities.

SKIRMISHES ON TORKHUM BORDER (2016)

Afghan Army began firing and shelling at the Torkham border resulting in the
martyrdom of Pakistani soldiers and civilians. Also, illegal activities were on
the rise along the 2200 km long border. Thus, border fencing was started by
Pakistan when Serious questions arose on state’s capacity of safeguarding its
peoples and its territory.
LONG MILITARY RULES:
Pakistan was created as a result of pure Political struggle but long Military
Governments undermined the fact and thus Pakistan suffered losses like
the loss of East Pakistan in 1971, occupation of Siachen glacier in 1984.

Threats TO PAKISTAN’S SOVEREIGNTY:

There are several threats to the sovereignty of Pakistan, including:
1. Terrorism: Pakistan has been facing a severe threat of terrorism for many
years, which has resulted in significant loss of life and damage to
infrastructure.
2. Political instability: The country has a history of military coups and political
turmoil, which can undermine the stability and sovereignty of the state.
3. Economic challenges: Pakistan has struggled with high levels of poverty and
unemployment, which can lead to social unrest and a weakening of the
government's control over the population.
4. Water scarcity: India's construction of dams on rivers that flow into Pakistan,
could lead to water scarcity and a potential threat to sovereignty. By
international standard Pakistan is water scarce Country, even in 2003, it
became Water Stress Country by the World Bank surpassing Ethiopia &
African countries such as Libya & Algeria.
5. Baluchistan insurgency: Baluchistan province has been facing a long-
standing insurgency by separatist groups, which can pose a threat to the
country's territorial integrity.
6. Tensions with neighboring countries, particularly India and Afghanistan, can
also pose a threat to Pakistan's sovereignty.
Suggestion /Way Forward
To address the threats to its sovereignty, Pakistan could consider several options:
• Combating terrorism: The government could work to strengthen its
counterterrorism efforts by increasing security, improving intelligence
gathering, and addressing the underlying social and economic factors that
contribute to extremism.
• Promoting political stability: The government could work to promote
political stability by improving governance, strengthening democratic
institutions, and addressing corruption.
• Boosting the economy: The government could work to improve the
economy by implementing policies to promote growth, create jobs, and
reduce poverty.
• Water resource management: Pakistan could negotiate with India to find a
solution to water scarcity and protect its rights over the shared water
resources.
• Addressing the Baluchistan insurgency: The government could work to
address the Baluchistan insurgency by engaging in dialogue with separatist
groups, addressing the underlying economic, political, and social grievances
that fuel the insurgency, and implementing development projects in the
region.
• Improving relations with neighboring countries: The government could
work to improve relations with neighboring countries, particularly India and
Afghanistan, to reduce tensions and create a more stable regional
environment.
• Strengthening institutions: The government could work to strengthen the
country's institutions, such as the judiciary, the military, and the police,
which play an important role in maintaining the country's sovereignty.