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CSS Pakistan Affairs: Must-Know Topics and How to Tackle Them

Written By Areeba Sajid       Jun 26, 2024

Pakistan Affairs is the core subject of the CSS examination. Not only does it provide the basic knowledge and build the foundation for a clear understanding of Pakistan's history, development, and current affairs, but its knowledge also helps in other subjects. As you will be entering service in Pakistan, having a solid understanding of the country is crucial. This will not only enhance your performance in the interview part of the CSS but also equip you to be a more effective civil servant by providing you with a strong grasp of national issues. Meticulously covering the current affairs portion within Pakistan Affairs helps you tackle the many dimensions of current events and provides you with a wealth of knowledge and data for essay papers.

While the FPSC syllabus change in 2016 shifted the focus towards contemporary events, pre-partition history remains a crucial section for the Pakistan Affairs paper. This portion still carries significant weight, contributing 20% through MCQs and featuring at least one question. More importantly, neglecting pre-partition history hinders your ability to provide a historical perspective in your answers, a factor that directly impacts your score. Understanding the historical developments and events that shaped Pakistan’s institutions and current issues is fundamental to building a strong foundation of knowledge. Since every aspect of Pakistan, including its political system, executive branch, judiciary, constitution, and economy, has been shaped by past events and developments, neglecting this section leads to a lack of basic understanding and hinders the building of foundational knowledge. This knowledge is essential for crafting well-substantiated answers in the exams.

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Since Pakistan emerged from Islamic ideology, understanding the emergence of Islam in the subcontinent is crucial. This process began with the arrival of Arab traders centuries before, but gained momentum with the conquest of Sindh by Muhammad bin Qasim in 712 AD, acting on behalf of the Umayyad Caliphate. Later, Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, a ruler of the Ghaznavid dynasty, led invasions in the north and west from his base in Afghanistan (999-1030 AD). This paved the way for the solidification of Muslim rule in the subcontinent under Shahabuddin Ghori (1202-1206 AD). The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 AD), established by Qutubuddin Aibak, marked the first Muslim empire in the region. This was followed by successive dynasties like the Khilji (1290-1320 AD), Tughlaq (1320-1413 AD), Sayyid (1414-1451 AD), Lodhi (1451-1526 AD), culminating in the Mughal Empire (1526-1857 AD). Covering the period from 712 to 1857 provides a clear understanding of the emergence and spread of Islam in the subcontinent, as examiners have asked questions in the past about the growth of Muslim societies in the region. A brief overview highlighting the most important aspects of these dynasties is sufficient. It’s important to cover only the essential elements of each dynasty.

The period following 1707 witnessed the decline of the Mughal Empire, a topic frequently tested in examinations that often ask about the reasons for this downfall. This decline also provided fertile ground for the emergence of religious reform movements. Sufi figures like Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi (Mujaddid Alf Thani), Shah Waliullah, and Syed Ahmed Shaheed played significant roles in these movements. Understanding these personalities and their contributions is crucial as the examiner frequently covers the role of Sufis in spreading Islam throughout the subcontinent. The 2024 exam, for instance, included a question specifically about Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi's role as a revivalist.

Then come the educationalist movements: Aligarh Movement, Darul Uloom Deoband Movement, and Nadwat-ul-Ullama. This period marks the beginning of modern political history, encompassing events like the War of Independence (1857), the Partition of Bengal (1905), and the Simla Deputation and formation of the Muslim League (1906). The timeline continues with the Minto-Morley Reforms (1909), the Lucknow Pact (1916), the Khilafat Movement (1918), the Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919), the Government of India Act (1919), the Delhi Muslim Proposals (1927), the Simon Commission (1927), the Nehru Report (1928), Muhammad Ali Jinnah's 14 Points (1929), Allama Iqbal's Address at Allahabad (1930), the Round Table Conferences (1930-1932), the Government of India Act (1935), the Elections and Congress Ministries (1937), the Lahore Resolution (1940), the Cripps Mission (1942), the Jinnah-Gandhi Talks (1944), the Wavell Plan and Shimla Conference (1945), the Cabinet Mission Plan (1946), and finally, the June 3rd Plan/Mountbatten Plan (1947) with the Radcliffe Award (1947). Following this timeline provides a holistic understanding of the events leading to the formation of Pakistan. Examiners usually focus on one specific domain within this timeline, but understanding the entire timeline is essential for providing historical analysis in your answers.

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Post-Partition History: A Major Focus

The post-partition history section forms a critical part of your exam. This section dives deep into Pakistan’s journey since independence, focusing on how its constitution and political landscape have evolved. You’ll need to compare and contrast key constitutions (1956, 1962, 1973) and analyze amendments made to them. Federalism is another crucial aspect, how power is shared between the federal government and provinces, through institutions like the CCI, NEC, and NFC Award. Additionally, analyzing major events like the Afghan War, 18th Amendment, and the War on Terror is essential to grasp their lasting impact on Pakistan. Finally, understanding the roles of the executive, legislature, and judiciary will solidify your knowledge of how the government functions in Pakistan. By mastering these areas, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this section and demonstrate a deep understanding of Pakistan’s historical and contemporary landscape.

The Critical Role of Current Affairs

The final section of the exam focuses on contemporary issues in Pakistan. This section significantly overlaps with the general current affairs paper, offering an opportunity to earn high marks in both areas. We can categorize this section into three key domains:

Internal Social Issues: This domain encompasses a wide range of challenges faced by Pakistan, including:

·        Economy and development

·        Security threats and terrorism

·        Water scarcity and management

·        Energy crisis and resource allocation

·        Natural disasters such as floods

·        Education system and population growth

·        Gender inequality and women's empowerment

·        Demands for new provinces and the FATA merger (covered by the 25th Constitutional Amendment)

·        Political instability

It’s crucial to analyze these issues from a contemporary perspective. The nature of exam questions has shifted towards requiring argumentative and critical analysis of problems and potential solutions.

Regional Dynamics: This domain focuses on Pakistan’s relationships with its neighbors, including India, China, Afghanistan, and Iran. It also explores Pakistan’s interactions with major world powers like the United States and Russia. Additionally, understanding Pakistan’s role in regional and global organizations like the OIC, SAARC, ECO, UN, and SCO is essential.

Foreign Policy Challenges: This domain delves deeper into specific foreign policy issues, such as:

·        The US-India strategic partnership and its implications for Pakistan

·        The ongoing Kashmir dispute

·        The Palestinian issue

·        Pakistan's relationship with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

·        Developments in the Middle East

A comprehensive understanding of Pakistan’s foreign policy requires examining its historical development. Analyzing Pakistan’s geopolitical, geostrategic, and geo-economics significance is crucial for grasping the challenges it faces in terms of national security, sovereignty, and territorial disputes. By mastering these three domains, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the current affairs section and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of contemporary Pakistan and its place in the world.

Combining the analysis of past papers, the breakdown of the crucial aspects and how to approach them are:

Examiner's Focus:

1.      International Relations:

 This is a major domain, encompassing: Neighbors: Pakistan's relations with India, China, Afghanistan, and Iran. World Powers: The country's interactions with the US, Russia, and other major players. Global Organizations: Pakistan's role in the OIC, SAARC, ECO, UN, and SCO.

2.      Contemporary Issues:

This section covers pressing challenges faced by Pakistan:

3.      Domestic Issues:

Economy, security, water scarcity, terrorism, education, population growth, gender inequality, etc.

4.      Foreign Policy Challenges:

The US-India partnership, Kashmir, the Palestinian issue, FATF, IMF, and the Middle East. Understanding the historical development of Pakistan’s foreign policy is essential. Furthermore, analyzing Pakistan’s geopolitical, geostrategic, and geoeconomic importance strengthens your understanding of national security concerns.

Apart from that having knowledge about the geographical location about Pakistan, its neighboring countries, borders situation with each country, location of rivers, mountain ranges, and different provinces and units is crucial. Try to learn the map and learn the geographical features. Having this knowledge will help you to make your answers better for example in question water crisis then marking rivers with maps will be really beneficial. Also make yourself aware about the natural resources, like mines, water resources, gas resources as examiner ask about the question that cover these areas like equal distribution of resources. Geographical knowledge strengthens your analysis across topics, adding weight to discussions on border disputes or resource allocation.

Focus on constructing well-reasoned arguments. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic by providing practical solutions backed by evidence and examples. The nature of questions might change year-to-year as the 2024 paper emphasizes the political dimension. Ensure you have a strong foundational understanding of all the areas mentioned above. By mastering these areas and adopting a well-structured, evidence-based approach, you’ll be well-positioned to excel in your Pakistani affairs exam, regardless of the specific focus each year.

Here are some recommended books and resources for covering the Pakistan Affairs syllabus:

Pre-Partition:

·         Concise History of Pakistan - This is a good starting point.

·         Trek to Pakistan by Ahmed Saeed Khan and Mansoor Khan - This might be a more detailed resource compared to a concise history, but it could offer valuable insights.

Post-Partition:

·         Constitutional and Political History of Pakistan by Hamid Khan - This seems like a solid choice for understanding the legal and political framework of Pakistan’s development.

Current Affairs:

·         Foreign Policy of Pakistan by Abdul Sattar.

·         Continuous reading of newspaper - Absolutely essential to stay updated on current events and issues.

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Top 50 CSS Essay Topics in Pakistan for Exam Success: A Comprehensive List Covering Key Issues for National Development

 The CSS exam is one of the most competitive exams in Pakistan and requires a deep understanding of various topics to succeed. One of the most important components of this exam is the essay writing section. Candidates are required to write on a given topic within a specified time limit. Therefore, it is crucial to be well-prepared for this section.

To help candidates prepare for the essay writing section, we have compiled a list of the top 50 essay topics for the CSS exam in Pakistan. These topics cover a wide range of issues that are important for the development and progress of Pakistan. They include education, democracy, terrorism, foreign policy, healthcare, energy, and much more.

The first topic on the list is the importance of education in modern society. This topic is significant because education is the foundation of any society's progress. It explores the challenges and prospects of the education system in Pakistan and the role of education in shaping the country's future.

The second topic is the role of media in today's world. This topic is important because media is a powerful tool that can shape public opinion and influence decision-making. The essay can explore the impact of traditional and social media on society, its pros, and cons, and the responsibility of media in promoting social harmony.

The third topic is women empowerment in Pakistan. This topic highlights the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment in a society's development. The essay can explore the challenges and opportunities for women in Pakistan and the measures needed to promote their rights.

Other topics on the list include democracy and its challenges in Pakistan, terrorism and its impact on Pakistan's economy, climate change and its effects on Pakistan, corruption in Pakistan, the role of judiciary in Pakistan, economic challenges faced by Pakistan, and the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

• Importance of education in modern society
• Role of media in today's world
• Women empowerment in Pakistan
• Democracy and its challenges in Pakistan
• Terrorism and its impact on Pakistan's economy
• Climate change and its effects on Pakistan
• Corruption in Pakistan
• The role of judiciary in Pakistan
• Economic challenges faced by Pakistan
• The significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
• Role of social media in shaping public opinion
• The importance of the English language in Pakistan
• Prospects and challenges of the Pakistani film industry
• Pakistan's foreign policy challenges
• The role of the youth in nation-building
• Impact of globalization on Pakistan
• Challenges faced by the agriculture sector in Pakistan
• The importance of tourism for Pakistan's economy
• Cybersecurity challenges in Pakistan
• The importance of art and culture in Pakistan
• Human rights issues in Pakistan
• The role of civil society in Pakistan
• Challenges faced by Pakistan's healthcare system
• The role of NGOs in Pakistan
• Pakistan's energy crisis
• The importance of water conservation in Pakistan
• The impact of social media on Pakistani society
• Pakistan's relations with its neighboring countries
• Education system in Pakistan: challenges and prospects
• The role of sports in Pakistani society
• Youth unemployment in Pakistan
• Religious extremism in Pakistan
• Population explosion in Pakistan
• The role of science and technology in Pakistan's development
• The future of democracy in Pakistan
• Pakistan's space program and its potential
• The role of Pakistani women in politics
• Pakistan's defense strategy
• The impact of the internet on Pakistani society
• Cyberbullying in Pakistan
• Pakistan's education emergency
• The potential of renewable energy in Pakistan
• The role of Pakistan in the war against terrorism
• The impact of sectarianism on Pakistani society
• The significance of Pakistan's coastal belt
• The challenges of urbanization in Pakistan
• Pakistan's cultural diversity and national unity
• The impact of the Afghan conflict on Pakistan
• The role of the police in Pakistan
• The impact of inflation on the common man in Pakistan

In conclusion, the top 50 essay topics for the CSS exam in Pakistan cover a wide range of issues that are essential for the country's development and progress. Candidates should prepare well for these topics to succeed in the essay writing section of the CSS exam. They should be aware of the current issues and challenges in Pakistan and have a deep understanding of the country's history, culture, and society.

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Solved Past Papers of Central Superior Services (CSS) Competitive Examinations.

CSS-2019 General Science & Ability (Mathematics Section) — Q.6(a)  | Q.6(b)  | Q.6(c)  | Q.7(a)

CSS-2016 General Science & Ability (Mathematics Section) — Q.10(a) | Q.10(b) | Q.11(a) | Q.11(b) | Q.12(a) | Q.12(b)

CSS-2017 Essay Paper

• Are Modern Wars Not Holy?
• More and More Military Engagements by the United Nations: Is the World Moving towards Peace?

CSS-2017 Pakistan Affairs

• Pakistan’s national culture reflects unity in diversity. Elaborate.
• CPEC is a flagship project of One Belt One Road (OBOR) and a regional game changer. Explain.
• Explore the significance of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for Pakistan.
• How general elections in 2002, 2008 and 2013 strengthened democracy in Pakistan.

CSS-2017 Current Affairs

• Highlight the role of National Action Plan in stabilization of internal security of Pakistan. Critically analyze its outcomes.
• What measures do you suggest to improve the security conditions of Baluchistan in respect to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the role of regional power to sabotage it.
• Critically analyze the US-Russia relations in context of ISIS and its impact on the security situation of Middle East.
• The impact of burgeoning US-India strategic partnership over the security situation of the region and Indian ocean region.

CSS-2016 Essay Paper

• Crisis of Good Governance in Pakistan: Need for Reform and Institution Building
• The Creation of New Provinces in Pakistan: Implications for an Integrated Country
• World as Global Village: Learning to Live Together

CSS-2016 Pakistan Affairs

• Give an account of the life and services of Shah Waliullah. How did he save the Indian Muslims from political annihilation and religious degeneration?
• Jinnah in his presidential address to the annual session of All India Muslim League in March 1940 said; “the problem in India is not of inter-communal nature, but manifestly of an international one, and it must be treated as such.” Write a note on the Two Nation Theory and the Lahore Resolution of 1940 in the light of this statement.
• Write a note on the post 9/11 foreign policy of Pakistan. What do you foresee for Pakistan in regional and global politics in the near future?
• Discuss the Kashmir problem in its entirety; throwing light on its background and prospects of possible solutions to this core issue between India and Pakistan.
• Write a note on the Afghan War since 1979 and its impacts on Pakistan. How far the emergence of the non-state actors and non-traditional security threats in Pakistan can be attributed to the decades-long warfare in Afghanistan?

CSS-2016 Current Affairs

• Discuss the prospects and challenges to the construction of ‘China Pakistan Economic Corridor’. How will CPEC become a game changer in the region?
• Discuss in detail the efficacy of Counter Terrorism Measures adopted by the Government, especially with reference to National Action Plan.
• Discuss the possibilities of progress under the recently agreed rubric of comprehensive dialogue between Pakistan and India. In your opinion what are the major constraints at present.
• How do you see the recent development in the Middle East, particularly with reference of deteriorating relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran? What role, if any, Pakistan could play in reducing the tensions between the two Muslim countries?
• Examine the emerging strategic competition between US and China and its impact on global order.

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Post-9/11 Foreign Policy of Pakistan By Shamshad Ahmed

Since its emergence in 1947, Pakistan has had to face daunting crises and challenges. The aftershocks of 9/11 have impacted on Pakistan severely necessitating radical revisions in some of its key foreign policy goals. The country is under intense international scrutiny as a frontline state in the global fight against terror. There is need for Pakistan to undertake far-reaching domestic reforms as only political, economic and social stability under a democratic dispensation will enable it to overcome the internal and external threats that it now confronts. This necessitates more emphasis on internal restructuring and the crafting of  “a low profile foreign policy.”

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There were other security imperatives during this time period, such as army organization, weapon purchases, the retention of British officers, and officers sent to the UK and other Commonwealth states for training.

  Alignment with the West 1953-62

From 1953 to 1962, Pakistan aligned itself with the West, signed a number of treaties with the West, and received economic and military aid in return—entangled in the Cold War.

An acute sense of unease and economic difficulties were the obvious driving forces behind this alignment.

Depleting gold reserves and cotton price crisis of the 1950s-Wheat shortage (the US came with wheat as a gift). It was clear that the UN and Common Wealth ( CW ) nations would not be able to help with the Kashmir issue because of the country’s isolation.

Pakistan’s foreign policy was compromised as a result of this alliance. Prospects of relation with the Soviet Union suffered- resorted to two-pronged strategy against Pakistan as it extended support to India and supported Afghanistan claim.

In addition, Pakistan was kicked out of the Non-Aligned Movement ( NAM ) in 1961, and China openly criticized its entry into the organization. In the Kashmir dispute, the United States did not side with Pakistan.

Re-examined alignment policy 1962-71

The alignment policy was re-examined during the transitional period from 1962 to 1971. Rethinking was sparked by two major developments: the U2 plane incident and the Kennedy administration’s closeness to India (a counterweight to China) offered a nuclear umbrella but did not ask to make any security commitment.

The Soviet Union approached India and Pakistan with a moderate stance. Agreements for economic and technical cooperation and oil exploration were made between Pakistan and the USSR.

During their 1965 trip to Moscow, Bhutto and Ayyub met with Soviet officials. The Soviet Union agreed to help Pakistan with 30 development projects over the next five years 1965-70. The Soviet Union arranged the Tashkent agreement of 1966.

The movement to an independent and pluralistic perspective on foreign policy (FP) occurred during this period of 1962–1971, when Pakistan had bilateral and multilateral relations with multiple states, did not withdraw from US-sponsored pacts, and didn’t endorse the Asian collective security system proposed by the Soviet Union (SU).

Conflicting national aspirations, mutual mistrust, and three wars — a limited conflict in Runn of Kutch in 1965 and two full-scale conflicts in 1965 and 1971 — characterize Pakistan’s relationship with India. Besides, there were six unsuccessful rounds of Kashmir talks: 1962-63.

Non-Alignment and bilateral-ism 1972-79

Between 1972 and 1979, bilateralism and non-alignment emerged, with the realization that no permanent alignment but mutual interest fosters relations, without alienating one for the sake of another.

Withdrawing from SEATO and CENTO in 1972, Pakistan has since developed a diverse network of trade, economic, and diplomatic ties with countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas (particularly with Yugoslavia and Romania).

In 1979, Pakistan joined the NAM as a member country. During this time, relations between India and Pakistan improved, as did ties with other major powers.

Fight against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan

Pakistan fought alongside the United States in Afghanistan from 1980 to 1990. The USSR’s intervention in Afghanistan was seen as an act of aggression against a neighboring Muslim state.

As many as 3 million refugees were allowed to cross the Pakistani-Afghan border in a single year. Two aid packages were made available during this time period, marking a watershed moment in Pakistan-US relations (economic and military).

During this time, relations with the United States became closer, the ISI and the CIA collaborated, and Arab states were encouraged to send soldiers to fight in Afghanistan.

Pakistan-US relations deteriorated as a result of the Kashmir insurgency rose, the Afghanistan crisis grew, and the nuclear bomb went off in Pakistan during the 1990s.

A Change in Foreign Policy

As a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Pakistan’s foreign policy was fundamentally reshaped. Pakistan turned its back on the Taliban and allowed US planes access to its military airbases.

The United States lifted sanctions against Pakistan and began efforts to mend fences with that country. The United States provided assistance in the form of a $3 billion assistance package, including support from the World Bank, IMF, and ADB.

Since 2005, the United States has urged Pakistan to “ do more ” to combat militant organizations. With regard to Haqqani militants, the United States has been accusing Pakistan of not doing enough.

“We have been clear-eyed in our interaction with Pakistan that we believe that they need to do more to root out terrorists who find safe havens in some of their territory,” State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said in May 2016.

Policy of US ‘Pivot to Asia’

The strategic landscape of the Asia-Pacific region has undergone a dramatic shift since the announcement of the US “ Pivot to Asia ” policy. The US-China competition has taken center stage.

It is clear from the QUAD summit held in Tokyo, Japan, where the member states set new strategies, including the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, that Pakistan will adapt to these trends in the region.

PM Kishida: I invited President Biden of the United States, Prime Minister Modi of India, and Prime Minister Albanese of Australia to Tokyo, where we held the #Quad Leaders’ Meeting, with myself as Chair. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/X2Bs4qIfSi — PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) May 25, 2022

Developments in the region directly impact Pakistan; a key regional player. Relatively speaking, relations between the United States and Pakistan are at an all-time low following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

India- United States Strategic Alliance

Washington and New Delhi have dramatically altered their approach to strategic cooperation. Both India and the United States are becoming warier of China’s growing assertiveness, which is bringing them closer together.

Save the Date for our 5th Annual Leadership Summit: Celebrating 75 Years of Partnership! We hope to see you there. 🇺🇸🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/nu2ZSVLvFu — USISPF (@USISPForum) June 10, 2022

Things that happened between the US and India at the beginning of the 2000s, such as the civil nuclear agreement, the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership ( NSSP ), and the 2005 Defense Cooperation Framework Agreement, showed that the US and India could work together more.

A Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement ( BECA ) signed by both countries is a key step toward completing “the triangular foundational pact” for military cooperation between India and the United States.

Pakistan’s place in the rivalry between the United States and China

The US government says that in the future, relations with China, which is a revisionist state, will be “competitive, adversarial, and cooperative.”

The launch of the Quad, Build Back a Better World, AUKUS , the Coalition of Democracies, and foundational agreements with India are all parts of the United States’ global strategy to fight China in the economic and security sectors.

Pakistan doesn’t want to be in the middle of this conflict, and it wants to keep good relations with both of the world’s major powers.

Strained relationship with India

For decades, relations between India and Pakistan have been at a stalemate. There has been no discussion regarding the critical issues that both nations are facing.

Two of the three major wars between India and Pakistan, in 1947 and 1965, as well as a short war in 1999, were caused by disagreements over territory in Kashmir.

Even though there has been a fragile cease-fire between the two countries since 2003, they still shoot at each other across the disputed Line of Control.

Due to the ongoing violence in Kashmir and the growing threat of terrorist attacks by militant groups based in Pakistan, tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan remain high, as do fears of a serious military conflict.

Under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindutva doctrine, all of India’s religious minorities are persecuted and their religious rights are violated. Recent blasphemous statements made by two BJP officials demonstrate this.

Pakistan is extremely concerned about the alarming increase in sectarian violence and anti-Muslim sentiment in India.

In a number of Indian states, extremist Hindu mobs attack Muslims in a well-coordinated way, making them feel bad about themselves and making them feel like they don’t belong, with the full knowledge and support of the security system.

Pakistan must reconsider its Strategy

Due to recent events in the region, Pakistan must reconsider its international relations strategy. However, Pakistan should prepare for the possibility that it will be required to take a clear stance in a future conflict between the United States and China.

In the midst of South Asia’s geostrategic fulcrum, Russia and China are providing Pakistan with opportunities to become a more powerful nation.

China hopes that Russia will join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which has recently made considerable progress. Since then, Pakistan has authorized Russian use of the Gwadar Port for exports from that nation.

Pakistan will only benefit from a multi-polar new world order in South Asia if it knows its economic, military, and fiscal policies so it doesn’t get involved in the power politics of the major powers, which would be bad for Pakistan.

In international relations, there is no such thing as a permanent enemy or ally for Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Pakistan’s Efforts at Reconciliation with Iran and Saudi Arabia

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran are one of the most significant conflicts defining the Middle East’s central stage.

Saudi Arabia and Iran have frequently acted as rivals for influence in the Middle East. Pakistan works with both of these countries and tries to keep the peace and stability in the area.

For the sake of regional peace and stability, Pakistan volunteered to bridge the chasm between Iran and Saudi Arabia for the sake of cooperation because, in today’s world, only cooperation is rewarded and defection is not.

Whenever Saudi Arabia has required Pakistan’s assistance in a time of crisis, Pakistan has been at the forefront. Pakistan has been a key part of Saudi Arabia’s “Looking East” policy because it has been a place to start.

Likewise, as a close neighbor, Pakistan places a high value on its relations with Iran and seeks to preserve them.

Pakistan is also opposed to a schism between the country’s two largest religious groups, Sunni and Shia. Pakistan has taken steps to defuse the escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Pakistan-China ‘Iron brothers’

In contrast to the animosity and mistrust that characterize Sino-Indian and Pakistan-Indian relations, Pakistan’s relationship with China represents a bright spot in its foreign policy.

This cooperation, which is often used as a model for how states should work with each other, has grown over the last seventy years, even though there have been some problems.

Both nations view their friendship as a contributor to regional peace and stability rather than a weapon in power struggles.

Ties with 🇨🇳 ‘cornerstone’ of 🇵🇰’s foreign policy and this relationship will further deepen into new heights of development in the PM Shehbaz Sharif’s new government:Senator @Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman Pakistan Senate Defense Committee & @pcipakchina @CathayPak @CMShehbaz pic.twitter.com/CfZUPZoyS5 — CPEC Official (@CPEC_Official) April 17, 2022

In addition, the CPEC is a partnership initiative with no ulterior motive. Its objective is to assist Pakistan in overcoming its severe development deficit and facilitate the nation’s emergence as a regional commercial and energy powerhouse.

Adapting to Russia

Improving relations with Russia has been a foreign policy objective of Pakistan. The relationship between Pakistan and the US has gotten worse because Pakistan hasn’t done enough to stop terrorists from using Pakistan as a base to operate in Afghanistan.

In the meantime, a resurgent Russia is attempting to reassert itself as a major player on the international stage and is actively attempting to expand its sphere of influence in South Asia.

🇷🇺🇵🇰 On May 1, 1948, diplomatic relations between our country and Pakistan were established. 🤝 Today, Russia & Pakistan are major foreign policy partners. 💬 Sergey #Lavrov : Russian-Pakistani relations are constructive and mutually beneficial. 🔗 https://t.co/OPUpnkqlAA pic.twitter.com/E0h7kVZLle — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) May 1, 2022

Pakistan and Russia signed an agreement to work together on defense in November 2014. This was the first big sign that things were changing between the two countries.

In addition to bilateral activities, Russia supported Pakistan’s full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Pakistan also benefited from the fact that Russia thought India was trying to get weapons from different places and was slowly getting closer to the US.

In August 2017, the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps bought four Mi-35M “Hind E” attack helicopters from Russia for $153 million. This was part of a deal that was made in August 2015.

In addition to the shipment of arms, both nations have conducted military exercises together. Support for the Afghan Taliban appears to be an area in which Pakistan and Russia have found a common interest.

Russia also acknowledges Pakistan’s assistance in the fight against terrorism, albeit to a lesser extent.

Pakistan and Russia are getting along better, and their relationship has many different sides. These are important steps in Pakistan’s foreign policy as a whole.

Pakistan remains neutral in Russia-Ukraine War

The ongoing war, which started when Russia invaded Ukraine, has made the world split into east and west.

Pakistan hasn’t taken a side on the issue, so it didn’t vote for a US-backed resolution that asked other countries to condemn Russia for going to war in Ukraine.

  Major Obstacles

Primarily, Pakistan is attempting to strike a balance between its relations with the Afghan Taliban and the United States (US). Both parties assert that Pakistan supports the opposing side.

In the same way,  both parties believe they have been duped by Pakistan. The United States believes that Pakistan has misplaced the key to peace in Afghanistan.

In the second place, Pakistan has difficulty striking a balance between its political and economic relations with China and the United States.

Pakistan has been a longtime ally of the United States, but it is also a longtime ally of China, which has supported Pakistan in the United Nations Security Council and helped Pakistan develop nuclear energy. Both nations anticipate Pakistan to remain on course with them.

The third issue is that Pakistan struggles to strike a balance between its geo-economic policies and its rapidly improving relations with India.

Prior to 2018, geo-economics required Pakistan to strengthen its risky trade ties with India. Pakistan is limited because it can’t trade with India normally until the Kashmir dispute is settled.

Similarly, economic ties with the United States and the European Union are more crucial. In June 2022, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will review Pakistan’s status, and both the United States and the European Union will play a crucial role.

Specifically, garments and textiles, Pakistan’s exports are destined for the European Union. The exports of Pakistan to the United States are also significant. Pakistan cannot afford to disregard US and EU policies at the same time.

Suggestions

Today, Pakistan’s foreign policy needs to be looked at again and rethought in a way that improves the country’s image abroad and works for the public good.

The policy must be brought to a parliamentary forum so that a transparent, free, and fair foreign policy can be formulated for the greater good of the nation’s citizens rather than at the behest of external powers, especially the United States.

Pakistan can only have the best foreign policy if it has a strong political will and acts in a practical way.

As a nation, Pakistan must be viewed as dynamic and forward-thinking while maintaining cordial relations with the world’s major powers and our neighbors.

Pakistan must also safeguard its geostrategic and national security interests, which include Kashmir. At the same time, Pakistan must also strengthen its economic and commercial ties with foreign nations.

*The writer is a Research Fellow at The Diplomatic Insight and Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies

** The Diplomatic Insight does not take any position on issues and the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Diplomatic Insight and its staff.

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Essay on COVID-19 and Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Challenges for CSS & PMS

• August 3, 2021
• Essay for CSS PMS and Judiciary Exam

This is an essay on COVID-19 and Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Challenges for CSS & PMS.

COVID-19 and Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Challenges for CSS & PMS

Following and even before the World Health Organization (WHO) formally declared Covid-19 as a pandemic, restrictive measures such as lockdowns have been declared all over the world in order to contain the contagion. As of May 13, over 4 million cases have been recorded with a death toll of over 294,487.

The numbers are increasing with no end Insight. Covid-19 is an unparalleled, severe health and economic crisis. It is unique in nature because of two main things. Firstly, it is an amalgamation of a health pandemic, while bearing all the signs of an economic crisis. Secondly, its effects on both the demand and supply side of all economies, regardless of their nature are shocking.

The global impact of Covid-19 can be classified into three groups: human suffering , severe global recession and soaring unemployment due to financial and corporate sector hardships. Given the way it has hurt both public and private sector businesses, created rapid aversion among investors, and placed all major financial bodies under stress, the world is on track to bear witness to a global regression the likes of which have not been seen since World War II.

The World Bank has called this epidemic a ‘perfect store’ for the South Asian region. In order to slow the spread of the virus, countries in South Asia have implemented mandatory quarantines/lockdowns/ curfews along with taking all measures they can with the purpose of enabling their health systems to cope with anticipated overloads.

A World Bank report estimates that regional growth for South Asia will fall to a range between 1.8 and 2.8 percent in 2020. down from 6.3 percent projected six months ago.2 As with the rest of the world, tourism has come to a halt, distribution chains have been disrupted and inflows and outflows of capital have been paused, with no projection of resumption insight. Furthermore, the inflow of remittances, which are a significant part of all South Asian economies, has been discontinued to a vast extent.

Moreover, the hard truth is that because of the prevalent inequality in this region. it is highly probable that the people at the low end of the spectrum will be the most severely affected. Primarily so. because the implementation of social distancing for them is difficult. This along with a lack of access to basic health facilities. loss of jobs and spike in food prices means that thousands of people will be further pushed below the poverty line.

In the prevision of this crisis, governments in India. Pakistan. and Bangladesh has already approved stimulus packages geared towards support for the most disadvantaged classes in their countries. These are in conjunction with emergency funding for businesses to cope with the current crisis.

Pakistan and COVID-19

On February 26. Pakistan recorded its first case of the coronavirus. As of May 13. there were 35.303 confined cases with 761 deaths. Similar to many other countries. the Pakistan Government has been enforcing various forms of lockdown. While Karachi faces the strictest actions in the entire country. cities in other provinces have implemented less stringent measures. The reason being a complete nationwide lockdown would have deep-seated economic ramifications which the county will not be able to handle.

Disruptions caused by Covid-19 have placed an unprecedented strain on the country’s economic activity. thereby putting pressure on Pakistan’s fiscal position. The State Bank has adjusted GDP growth from an earlier estimate of 3.5 percent to 3 percent. Meanwhile, the Asian Development Bank has also decreased Pakistan’s projected growth rate from 2.9 percent to 2.6 percent. Official evaluations approximate an early loss of PKR 2.5 trillion with expected layoffs between 12.3 to 18.5 million people.

In Pakistan, almost 25 percent live below the poverty line. Many people are daily wage earners. whose means of income has been completely stopped because of the lockdown. A large number of repatriates from the Gulf will only add to the unemployment figures. The International Monetary Fund has already estimated the unemployment rate projection for the country to be 6.2 percent for 2020. Moreover, remittances make up 86 percent of the secondary income balance of the country.

According to official sources, foreign remittances have already halved in the past two months and are anticipated to decrease by $1 billion to $1.5 billion per year if the situation persists. Ten to eleven thousand households are expected to be directly affected.

In order to fight the pandemic, the government set up a National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) at the start of April. Additionally, in an appeal to international monetary institutions and community on April 12. Prime Minister Introit Khan unfolded his ”Global Initiative on Debt Relief’ for developing countries including Pakistan. to meet the unprecedented health and economic challenges posed by the pandemic.

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres’ was quick to support the Prime Minister’s initiative terming it an importing pan of the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, the government is also set to launch the ‘We Care’ drive for the protection of medical personnel. The aim of this campaign will be to bridge gaps between hospital administrations and the government and Will also include the provision of protective equipment, training, counseling, and stress management facilities in a major diplomatic outreach.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pakistan embassies across the world have approached the heads of States and international monetary institutions to join Pakistan in this initiative. Moreover, in order to facilitate the repatriation of Pakistani workers from around the world. A Crisis Management Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been formed.

Impact of COVID-19 on Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Choices

Followings are the impacts of COVId-19 on Pakistan’s Foreign Policy:

• Given that unilateralism is on the ascendant, and multilateralism losing relevance, the world could move more towards regionalism. Consolidating Pakistan’s economic relations with China will assume further significance.
• The Indian government has used Covid-19 to enhance its repression in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK). Moreover, systematic profiling of Indian Muslims is creating a dangerous environment that could morph into genocide or mass killing of the Muslims in India. Even though a number of sane voices have appeared, some from the Gulf and some from within India exposing BJP’s side face. this has not been enough to stop the Modi government’s brutalities.
• Peace in Afghanistan is also of crucial value. Neither Pakistan nor our region can afford a civil war in Afghanistan and its attendant consequence of more refugee flows towards Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan should continue to reiterate its stance, especially in the light of the brutal terrorist attacks that have taken place in Afghanistan recently.
• In view of the massive influx of repatriates, one big challenge the Government of Pakistan faces. is the retention of jobs and extension of visas for overseas Pakistanis. especially in the Gulf This also brings into question the extreme dependency. Pakistan places on remittances from the Gulf.
• The return of pilgrims from Iran has caused the initial spread of the virus. Officials are said to blame Iran for 80 percent of the disease spread.9 Geographical proximity and the need for a peaceful neighborhood, however, require that this factor should not be fisher amplified more than what it is and smooth things out with Iran. As it is increasingly the transmission of the disease is local. Moreover, the ironing out of any tensions between the two countries is important, given that Chief of the Anny Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on May 12 spoke to his Iranian counterpart regarding the latter’s cooperation in dealing with 13aloch militants allegedly operating from Iranian soil.
• Pakistan has little fiscal space to support its huge population. catering to their basic needs. According to a World Bank report, Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be the worst affected countries in this pandemic. Managing our debt profile is necessary. The initiative of the government on debt relief was timely and well appreciated. The debt relief for one year is welcomed. However, servicing debt would remain a challenge.
• Export orders have mostly been canceled or pended. Art urgent shift would be required by our manufacturers towards what our market needs at this time rather than importing it. This is an opportune time to accord incentives to domestic manufacturing, with necessary protections against cheaper imports.
• Dependence on technology has increased manifold. That also means yet greater dependence on the technologically developed commies. Hence, need for greater technological education and development at home.

Choices for Pakistan

In the given circumstances. Pakistan should continue to endorse global efforts to combat the Covid19 pandemic. promote collective efforts within the regional forums like OIC and SAARC, practice livelihood-centered economic policies. and work on strengthening bilateral relations with regional countries.

Overseas Pakistanis

• The Government has done a commendable job in repatriating our overseas Pakistanis. However, we need to develop a health security strategy for migrants so as to safeguard the overall health of emigrants upon their return to Pakistan. In due course, a strategy would be required to absorb this workforce into our economy especially if the oil glut continues and Gulf countries continue their layoffs.
• On May 2 190 out of 483 passengers who were brought to Karachi through special flights from Dubai, Sharjah, and Colombo, and on May 4,105 passengers repatriated from UAE to Pakistan test positive for Covid-19. Hence, it is important that the Government of Pakistan engage with foreign governments to first check all passengers who are meant to fly out and second in the event that they test positive for Covid19. they should be facilitated in the country where they are present.
• The foreign office with assistance from all concerned ministries should ensure minimum job loss of overseas Pakistanis by engaging and cooperating with foreign governments, in the Gulf and Europe.
• Government and relevant departments should encourage and facilitate cottage industries in improving their products to met local demands by import substitution. Cottage industries are an important component of Pakistan’s economy and would help in rehabilitating the returnees. There is a need for sound policies. secure financial & legal environment to stimulate investment & other capital inflows in this regard.
• Pakistan should continue to lobby for the prime minister’s initiative for debt relief and coordinate with other developing countries to strengthen support for the voices calling for further debt relief. The IMF under its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) scheme approved a loan of $1.4 billion for Pakistan in addition to giving Pakistan $1.5 billion relief in the form of delay in repayment of loans to bilateral creditors.12 However. our economy Will require a longer tens economic reprieve and debt relief since one of the biggest problems Pakistan faces is lack of fiscal stance.
• One major issue for Pakistan would be unemployment. The projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) assume critical importance, in terms of providing jobs and income. Overall bilateral relations with China are now more important than ever. The Pakistan Government should also seek relaxation in payments that are due to China for bilateral debt and repatriation of profits on CPEC projects. Additional support from China will further boost Pakistan’s economic recovery in the months to come.
• Economic diplomacy may require a whole new approach. Since the world is likely to face a massive recession if not regression. Pakistan would need to evolve its own economic solutions to its economic problems. The focus should be much more on domestic manufacturing with enough state protections for import substitution.
• New technologies (artificial intelligence, big data computing. drosses, etc.) would emerge as the key tool to not only improve health infrastructure but also influence the entire spectrum of how businesses would be run in our county and the world at large. While adapting to new technologies, the Pakistan Government should also build an in-house technical resource base. Total reliance on West-based technological tools is not recommended.
• Relations with the US are showing some signs of improvement. Apart from working together on Afghanistan, the US officials have stated that Pakistan has been placed among the high-priority countries that will receive US assistance for helping contain the outbreak of Covid-19. Investments into Pakistan by corporate America and especially by our own diaspora in the US should be attracted.
• Given that work from home is the ‘new normal’ at the moment. the requirement for effective software has increased significantly. Hence, the Pakistan Government should seek to engage with countries with a stronger IT sector, in order to strengthen its own software industry.

Amid the Covid-19 crisis, the FATF has given Pakistan an extension for another three months. The next review process is expected to take place in September 2020. Pakistan should reach out for diplomatic assistance from China, Turkey, Malaysia, and other friendly countries well ahead of time.

Despite the threat at hand in the form of a pandemic, India is still adamantly pursuing its Hindutva policies in occupied Kashmir. This provides an ideal opportunity for the Pakistan Government to continue to highlight Indian atrocities in ToK in order to awaken the world conscience. In this regard, it is important to take like-minded countries on board to jointly raise the issue at the global platforms. This will help build pressure on the Modi regime to stop brutalities in occupied Kashmir.

An equally worrying aspect of BJP rule in India is the consistent discrimination, lynching, and profiling of Indian Muslims. Tents like ‘corona jihad’ have been coined to demonize Muslims. A systematic cultural environment is being created that could instigate extremist Hindus to start targeting Muslims on a larger scale. The Government of Pakistan mast highlight sane voices from within and outside India that are exposing the Hindu fascism agenda of the Modi regime. Even though the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a statement on April 20 urging the Indian government to take note of the atrocities against Muslims in India. a lot more still needs to be done not only in front of the OIC but from all multilateral organizations.

Health Diplomat

Pakistan has launched Pakistan’s Preparedness and Response Plan (PPRP), which is a welcome step to strengthen Pakistan’s capacity in emergency prevention, preparedness, response and relief, and building health systems up to December 2020. Necessary international collaboration and reach out through diplomatic chattels will ensure the success of the initiative.

Experts have warned that the second phase of Covid-19 is expected in fall/winter 2020. Keeping this in mind, this is a good opportunity to seek technological cooperation with China. South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore are in tracking identifying, and combatting the pandemic.

Islamabad should ask those countries that have successfully dealt with the pandemic to invest in Pakistan’s technological efforts to contain the spread of the vies through surveillance technology, 5G imaging and so on. Later, Pakistan might expand its technological cooperation with these countries in other areas.

All concerned bodies such as NDMA. Ministry of Health. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce in Pakistan should collaborate and exercise effective health diplomacy to specify places from were ventilators, nebulizers. PPEs and other required equipment can be procured. A better option of course remains to manufacture them right here in Pakistan.

The government could facilitate lab-to-lab cooperation with countries that are currently undertaking vaccine testing. If the second phase of Covid 19 comes, these cooperative arrangements will be useful.

In case there is a second phase of Covid-19, Pakistan should be well-prepared to enforce SOPs for a stricter lockdown while ensuring financial relief for the most vulnerable segment of the population.

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