Table of Contents
ToggleCSS current affairs paper 2022
PART-II
Q. No. 2. Propose prospective foreign policy options for Pakistan in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. (20)
Q. No. 3. The 2021 Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan presents regional and global challenges. Elaborate the anticipated policies of the Taliban government and the regional and global response. (20)
Q. No. 4. How do the nature and possible prospects of US-Russia strategic nuclear deterrence change with the enforcement of the New START Treaty of 2021? What could be the treaty’s implications on Pakistan`s nuclear program, keeping in view its defense policy? (20)
Q. No. 5. Muslim Ummah has failed to unite under one roof. The leadership, their internal wrangling, and sectarian divide keep them away from each other. No wonder the Muslim world is in shambles in their home countries, at the OIC level, and at international forums. Taking a tag from above, discuss ways and means to unite the Muslim Ummah with a pragmatic approach. (20)
Q. No. 6. Numerous political systems—parliamentary as well as presidential—have been in vogue in Pakistan with limited success. Draft your own proposed but practical system that would result in good governance of the country. Stipulate the reasons and conditions for its success. (20)
Q. No. 7. The US and China have been in an ongoing trade war since 2018. In academic circles, it has been argued that this conflict may as well be the Second Cold War. Critically evaluate the future world order with main actors such as China, Russia, and the US. (20)
Q. No. 8. Write short notes on any two of the following: (10 each)
- Poverty & Trade in South Asia and the role of SAARC
- A comparison of leadership qualities between Xi Jinping of China and Joe Biden of the US
- The 2022 FIFA World Cup and Politics of the Arab World
Summary:
Q. No. 2: Propose prospective foreign policy options for Pakistan in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. (20)
Policy Options:
- Neutral Stance: Maintain neutrality to avoid antagonizing major powers.
- Economic Engagement: Explore trade opportunities with Russia, especially for energy.
- Diplomatic Balancing: Support humanitarian efforts while urging peaceful resolution.
- Strengthen Multilateralism: Leverage forums like the UN and SCO to mediate.
- Diversify Alliances: Enhance ties with the EU for trade and strategic cooperation.
Q. No. 3: The 2021 Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan presents regional and global challenges. Elaborate the anticipated policies of the Taliban government and the regional and global response. (20)
Anticipated Taliban Policies:
- Governance: Pursue a conservative Islamic governance model.
- Human Rights: Limited freedoms, especially for women and minorities.
- Terrorism Control: Mixed efforts to curb extremist groups.
Regional Response:
- Pakistan: Diplomatic engagement for border security and economic stability.
- China and Russia: Focused on economic ties and countering US influence.
- India: Cautious observation and strategic alignment against perceived threats.
Global Response:
- Sanctions: Concerns over human rights violations drive economic restrictions.
- Humanitarian Aid: Efforts to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
Q. No. 4: How do the nature and possible prospects of US-Russia strategic nuclear deterrence change with the enforcement of the New START Treaty of 2021? What could be the treaty’s implications on Pakistan’s nuclear program, keeping in view its defense policy? (20)
US-Russia Strategic Deterrence:
- Stabilization: Limits nuclear arsenals, ensuring balance.
- Verification: Enhances transparency to reduce miscalculations.
Implications for Pakistan:
- No Direct Impact: Pakistan is not a party to the treaty but observes developments.
- Strategic Adjustments: Maintain credible minimum deterrence with a focus on regional threats.
- Advocacy for Parity: Advocate for regional arms control to balance India’s growing arsenal.
Q. No. 5: Discuss ways and means to unite the Muslim Ummah with a pragmatic approach. (20)
Challenges:
- Sectarian Divides: Sunni-Shia differences fuel conflicts.
- Leadership Rivalries: Competing interests of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey.
- External Influences: Western and other powers exploit divisions.
Pragmatic Solutions:
- Economic Unity: Establish joint economic platforms (e.g., Islamic trade zones).
- Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Strengthen OIC as a mediator.
- Cultural Exchange: Promote inter-sectarian dialogue through education.
- Unified Voice in Global Forums: Advocate for collective Muslim causes like Palestine.
Q. No. 6: Draft your own proposed but practical system that would result in good governance in Pakistan. (20)
Proposed System:
- Hybrid Model: A parliamentary system with strong checks and balances.
- Local Governance: Empower local governments to improve service delivery.
- Merit-Based Appointments: Ensure key positions are free from political influence.
- Judicial Reforms: Expedite cases and ensure justice delivery.
Conditions for Success:
- Political Will: Cross-party consensus on systemic reforms.
- Accountability Mechanisms: Independent anti-corruption bodies.
- Public Participation: Foster civic engagement for policy legitimacy.
Q. No. 7: Critically evaluate the future world order with main actors such as China, Russia, and the US. (20)
Future World Order:
- US: Focus on technological dominance and alliances like NATO, and QUAD.
- China: Expanding influence through BRI and technological advancements.
- Russia: Assertive regional power but constrained by sanctions and economic limitations.
Multipolarity:
- Transitioning from US-led unipolarity to a multipolar world.
- Collaboration and conflict will define relations among these powers.
Implications:
- Economic Rivalries: Competing trade blocs and technological races.
- Regional Alignments: Countries like Pakistan align with China and Russia.
Q. No. 8: Write short notes on any two of the following: (10 each)
1. Poverty & Trade in South Asia and the Role of SAARC:
- Challenges: High poverty rates, limited intra-regional trade, and political tensions.
- Role of SAARC: Promotes economic cooperation but is hindered by India-Pakistan tensions.
- Recommendations: Revive SAARC with a focus on poverty alleviation and trade liberalization.
2. The 2022 FIFA World Cup and Politics of the Arab World:
- Qatar’s Soft Power: Used the event to showcase its influence and modernize its image.
- Geopolitical Impact: Strengthened Gulf Cooperation, especially post-blockade era.
- Cultural Significance: Promoted Arab heritage on a global platform.