CSS current affairs paper 2018

CSS Current Affairs Paper 2018

Part II

Q. No. 2. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is considered a game-changer. How can the CPEC be helpful to uplift Pakistan’s economy? Discuss. (20)

Q. No. 3. Discuss in detail the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and challenges to it. (20)

Q. No. 4. How is the United States trying to keep its dominant position in the Asia-Pacific, and what is China’s response to it? (20)

Q. No. 5. Critically analyze the newly established Islamic Military Alliance and its future implications for the Muslim World? (20)

Q. No. 6. Describe the 2017 Qatar Diplomatic Crisis and its impact on the Middle East. (20)

Q. No. 7. Critically examine Donald Trump’s policy for South Asia and its implications for Pakistan and the region. (20)

Q. No. 8. What are the opportunities and challenges for Pakistan as one of the new members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)? (20)

Summary:

Q. No. 2: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is considered a game-changer. How can the CPEC be helpful to uplift Pakistan’s economy? Discuss. (20)
CPEC offers immense potential to uplift Pakistan’s economy by:

1. Infrastructure Development: Massive investment in roads, railways, and energy projects reduces transportation costs and addresses energy shortages.
2. Foreign Investment: Enhances FDI inflow, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
3. Regional Connectivity: Links Pakistan to global markets through Gwadar Port, boosting trade.
4. Industrial Growth: Establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) encourages industrialization.
   Challenges: Debt management, security threats, and ensuring equitable benefits across provinces.

Q. No. 3: Discuss in detail the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and challenges to it. (20)
The Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline aims to address Pakistan’s energy crisis by importing gas from Iran.
Benefits:

1. Alleviates Pakistan’s energy deficit.
2. Strengthens regional economic ties.

Challenges:

1. US Sanctions on Iran: Restricts progress due to international pressure.
2. Security Issues: Balochistan insurgency and border tensions hamper implementation.
3. Funding Issues: Financial constraints and lack of international support.
4. Competing Projects: Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline offers an alternative.
   Future Prospects: Regional cooperation and easing of sanctions could revive the project.

Q. No. 4: How is the United States trying to keep its dominant position in the Asia-Pacific, and what is China’s response to it? (20)
US Strategies:

1. Military Presence: Strengthening alliances (e.g., QUAD) and deploying forces in key regions like the South China Sea.
2. Economic Initiatives: Promoting the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
3. Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening ties with India, Japan, and Australia.

China’s Response:

1. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Enhancing connectivity to counter US influence.
2. Military Modernization: Expanding naval capabilities and asserting territorial claims.
3. Regional Diplomacy: Promoting multilateralism through ASEAN and SCO.
   The rivalry risks escalating regional tensions while shaping global geopolitics.

Q. No. 5: Critically analyze the newly established Islamic Military Alliance and its future implications for the Muslim World. (20)
The Islamic Military Alliance, led by Saudi Arabia, aims to combat terrorism in Muslim-majority countries.
Merits:

1. Collective defense against extremist groups.
2. Enhances security cooperation among member states.

Criticism:

1. Exclusion of Key States: Iran and Syria perceive it as sectarian.
2. Saudi Influence: Alleged focus on Riyadh’s geopolitical agenda rather than collective goals.
3. Lack of Cohesion: Diverse political priorities of member states.

Future Implications: It could foster unity or deepen divisions, depending on inclusivity and neutrality in its operations.

Q. No. 6: Describe the 2017 Qatar Diplomatic Crisis and its impact on the Middle East. (20)
Background: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed ties with Qatar over allegations of supporting terrorism and ties with Iran.

Impact:

1. Economic: Disrupted Qatar’s trade routes but led to self-sufficiency in food and industries.
2. Regional Alliances: Polarized the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
3. Geopolitical: Strengthened Qatar’s relations with Turkey and Iran.

Resolution: The Al-Ula Agreement (2021) restored ties but left lingering mistrust in the region.

Q. No. 7: Critically examine Donald Trump’s policy for South Asia and its implications for Pakistan and the region. (20)
Key Elements:

1. Afghan Strategy: Focused on military withdrawal, putting pressure on Pakistan to combat terrorism.
2. India Alignment: Strengthened ties with India through trade and defense, sidelining Pakistan.
3. Sanctions: Reduced aid to Pakistan over allegations of harboring militants.

Implications:

1. Pakistan: Strained US-Pakistan relations but pushed Pakistan closer to China and Russia.
2. Region: Increased Indo-Pak rivalry and instability in Afghanistan.

Critique: The approach lacked balance, undermining regional stability.

Q. No. 8: What are the opportunities and challenges for Pakistan as one of the new members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)? (20)
Opportunities:

1. Regional Connectivity: Facilitates trade links with Central Asia and China.
2. Counterterrorism: Collaborates on regional security.
3. Economic Growth: Access to new markets and infrastructure development under SCO frameworks.

Challenges:

1. Balancing Relations: Maintaining neutrality amid China-India rivalry.
2. Internal Instability: Domestic security issues may hinder active participation.
3. Commitment: Adhering to SCO’s shared goals while addressing national concerns.

Conclusion: Pakistan’s active engagement is crucial to maximizing SCO benefits while addressing challenges.