CSS Pakistan Affairs Paper 2022
- Discuss the role of regional and Nationalist political parties in Pakistani politics. How far these parties are necessary for the political system? (20 marks)
- Discuss the federal structure of 1973 constitution of Pakistan after 18th amendment. Why criticism started on 18th amendment recently? (20 marks)
- Evaluate the fractional politics of early years 1947-58 and its impact on democratic process of Pakistan. (20 marks)
- Every state designs its foreign policy on its national interest rejecting feeling and emotions. Why did Pakistan prefers emotions, feelings and ideology in its foreign policy? Also analyse its impact. (20 marks)
- What is volume of grants, aid and loans in Pakistan economy in the last 10 years to stimulate the growth? Discuss. (20 marks)
- Why did Pakistan joined Western defence pact? What cost it had to pay for that? Explain. (20 marks)
- Discuss the issues and mistrust in US-Pakistan relations after the withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan. (20 marks)
Summaries of Questions:
Discuss the role of regional and Nationalist political parties in Pakistani politics. How far are these parties necessary for the political system?
Regional and nationalist political parties play a significant role in reflecting the diverse ethnic and cultural identities within Pakistan. These parties, such as the PPP, MQM, and Baloch nationalist groups, represent regional concerns and work to protect the rights of marginalized communities. They are essential for the political system as they ensure inclusive representation and help address local issues, fostering national unity by balancing central power with regional demands.
Discuss the federal structure of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan after the 18th Amendment. Why has criticism started on the 18th Amendment recently?
The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan established a federal structure that, after the 18th Amendment (2010), significantly increased provincial autonomy, granting provinces more control over resources and decision-making. However, recent criticism has emerged due to concerns over the central government’s diminishing power, imbalances in resource distribution, and challenges in governance. Some argue that it has made coordination between provinces and the center more difficult, leading to inefficiencies in federal governance.
Evaluate the fractional politics of the early years 1947-58 and its impact on the democratic process of Pakistan.
The early years of Pakistan (1947-58) were marked by political fragmentation, with numerous factions and parties vying for power. This factionalism led to instability, frequent changes in government, and a lack of continuity in policy-making. The absence of strong political institutions and cooperation between the military and civilian governments eventually contributed to the military coup of 1958, undermining Pakistan’s democratic process and setting a precedent for military intervention in politics.
Every state designs its foreign policy on its national interest rejecting feelings and emotions. Why did Pakistan prefer emotions, feelings, and ideology in its foreign policy? Also, analyze its impact.
Pakistan’s foreign policy has often been influenced by emotional and ideological considerations due to its creation as a homeland for Muslims. Issues like Kashmir, religious solidarity, and ideological alignment with the Muslim world have shaped its foreign relations. This approach has occasionally led to conflicts, particularly with India, and strained relations with some global powers, but it has also reinforced Pakistan’s identity as a defender of Muslim causes.
What is the volume of grants, aid, and loans in Pakistan’s economy in the last 10 years to stimulate growth? Discuss.
In the last decade, Pakistan has received significant amounts of foreign aid, grants, and loans from international organizations like the World Bank, IMF, and bilateral donors. These funds have been used to stabilize the economy, support infrastructure projects, and mitigate energy crises. However, reliance on external assistance has raised concerns about Pakistan’s economic sovereignty and the sustainability of its fiscal policies. While these funds stimulated short-term growth, the long-term impact on economic independence remains a challenge.
Why did Pakistan join Western defense pacts? What cost did it have to pay for that? Explain.
Pakistan joined Western defense pacts like SEATO and CENTO during the Cold War to counter the perceived threat from India and to secure military and economic aid from the United States and its allies. However, these alliances led to Pakistan’s entanglement in global power struggles and strained its relations with neighboring countries, especially China and India. The reliance on Western alliances also limited Pakistan’s foreign policy flexibility and often placed it in opposition to regional interests.
Discuss the issues and mistrust in US-Pakistan relations after the withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan.
After the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, relations between the US and Pakistan became strained due to mutual mistrust. Pakistan was seen by some in the US as not doing enough to curb insurgent groups, while Pakistan felt abandoned by the US after years of cooperation. The vacuum left by the US in Afghanistan further complicated regional dynamics, with concerns over security, the Taliban’s rise, and Pakistan’s role in managing the fallout. The lack of clear communication and diverging interests have worsened the bilateral relationship.