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Revised Scheme and Syllabus for CSS Competitive Examination·
CURRENT AFFAIRS (100 MARKS)
Candidates will be expected to display such general knowledge of history, politics and
Internati9nal Affairs, as deemed necessaryt_o interpret current affairs.
1. Pakistan's Domestic Affairs (20 marks)
a. Political
b. Economic
c. Social
2. Pakistan's External Affairs (40 marks)
a. Pakistan's relations with its Neighbors (Iridia, China, Afghanistan, Russia)

b. Pakistan's relations with the Muslim World (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia,
c. Turkey) .
d. Pakistan's relations with the United States
e. Pakistan•~ relations with Regional and International Organizations (UN, SAARC,
( ECO,OIC,WfO,CW)
3. Global Issues (40 marks)
a. International Security
b. International ·Political Economy ·
c. Human Rights
d. Environment: Global Warming, Kyoto Protocol, Copenhagen Accord
e. Population: world population trends, world population policies
f. Terrorism and Counter Terrorism
g. Global Energy Politics
h. Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Security
i. Nuclear Politics in South Asia
J. International Trade (Doha Development Round and Bali Package)
k. Cooperation and Competition in Arabian Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
I. Millennium Development Goals, .
Current Status.
.
m. Globalization
n. Middle East Crisis
o. Kashmir Issue
p. Palestine Issue
(v)

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PAKISTAN'S DOMESTIC AFFAIRS

1. GEO-STRATEGIC LOCATION OF PAKISTAN 3-8
► PAKISTAN'S GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
► STRAT~GIC SIGNIFICANCE
2. PAKISTAN'S POLITICS AND DEMOCRACY 9-15

► DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN
► CAUSES OF A WEAK DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM
► FUTURE THREATS TO DEMOCRACY
► ENCOURAGING PROSPECTS FOR A DEMOCRATIC FUTURE
► REALIZING A TRULY DEMOCRATIC PAKISTAN : PATH AHEAD
3. CPEC 16-27
► CPEC: AN OVERVIEW
► PROJECTS UNDER CPEC
► ADVANTAGES OF CPEC VIS-A-VIS CHINA
► ADVANTAGES OF CPEC VIS-A-VIS PAKISTAN
► OBSTACLES IN THE WAY OF PROGR ESS
► CPEC: A GAME-CHANGER FOR TH E REGIO N
► THE OTHER SIDE OF CPEC
► · TOWARDS RELAIZING CPEC: WAY FO RWARD
► FINAL ANALYSIS
4. HYBRID WARFARE 28-31

► HYBRID WARFARE: AN OVERVIEW
► EXAMPLES OF HYBRID CAMPAIGNS
► HYBRID CAMPAIGNS LAUNCHED AGAINST PAKI STAN
► TOOLS FOR WAGING HYBRID WARFARE
► PAKISTAN'S RESPONSE
► TOWARDS DE ALING WITH THE MENACE: WAY AHEAD
► CONCLUSION
5. PASHTUN TAHAFFUZ MOVEMENT: THE AWAKENING 32-36
PTM : AN OVERVIEW .
► GRIEVANCES OF THE PUSHTU NS
► THE DEMAND FOR JUSTICE
► STATE'S RESPONSE
► ADDRESSING THE DEMANDS: WAY FORWARD
(vi)

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6. ECONOMIC CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS 37-45

► PAKISTAN'S ECONOMY: AN OVERVIEW
► CURRENT FRAMEWORK OF PAKISTAN'S ECONOMY
► ECONOMIC SURVEY 2019: ANALYSIS
►. ECONOMIC CHALLENGES FACING PAKISTAN
► .
TOWARDS IMPROVING ECONOMY: WAY FORWARD
7. FATA 46-55
► FATA: AN OVERVIEW
► BRIEF HISTORY OF CRISIS
► CONUNDRUMS OF EX-FATA
► FATA REFORMS: RECOVERY INITIATIVES
► STATUS OF FATA REFORMS
► FIRST PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS IN FATA
► ADRESSING THE CONCERNS
BALOCHISTAN CRISIS 56-65
► BALOCHISTAN'S IMPORTANCE
► HISTORY OF CRISIS
► CONTEMPORARY ISSUES OF BALOCHISTAN
· ► REASONS FOR SUSTAINED CRISIS
► TOWARDS REALIZING PEACEFUL PROVINCE: WAY FORWARD
9. CORRUPTION 66-72
► CORRUPTION : AN OVERVIEW
► CAUSES OF CORRUPTION ·
► IMPACTS OF CORRUPTION
► DEALING WITH CORRUPTION
► PANAMA LEAKS: A CASE STUDY
► PARADISE LEAKS: A CASE STUDY
PAKISTAN'S EXTERNAL AFFAIRS~

RELATIONS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES
AS WELL AS WITH REGIONAL &
.INTERNATIONAL. ORGANIZATIONS
10. PAKISTAN-INDIA RELATIONS 75-90
► HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
► RECENT DEVELOPMENTS (2016 ONWARDS)
► PULWAMA ATTACK
(vii)

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.. .
. '•
GLOBAL ISSUES
22. BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE BRI 191-196
► BRI: AN OVERVIEW
► THE ORIGINAL SILK ROAD: BRIEF OVERVIEW
► · -- THE NEW SILK ROAD .
►- •CHINESE VISION BEHIND. BRI
► ANTICIPATED .HURDLES IN THE WAY OF_BRI
. ► BRI AND SOUTH ASIA
► · BRI AND OTHER COUNTRIES
► FINAL ANALYSIS
23. INTERNATIONAL LIBERAL ORDER & ITS COLLAPSE 197-199

► EVIDENCES OF COLLAPSING LIBERAL ORDER
► REASONS FOR THE COLLAPSE OF LIBERAL ORDER
► FINAL ANALYSIS
24. IRAN AND PS + 1 NUCLEAR DEAL 200-zos -

► iRAN AND PS+ 1 NUCLEAR DEAL-JCPOA
► IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL-A GAME CHANGER
► NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF IRAN'S
.
NUCLEAR. DEAL FOR PAKISTAN
► RECENT SCENARIO: US WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL
► · POSSIBLE IMPTICATIONS
25. KOREAN PEACE ON THE HORIZON 206 - 211

► KOREAN CONFLICT: AN OVERVIEW
► PANMUNJOM DECLARATION
► KIM-TRUMP SUMMITS
► PROSPECTS FOR PEACE
26. COOPERATION AND COMPETITION IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN 212 - 220

► SOUTH CHINA SEA AND EAST CHINA SEA: AN OVERVIEW
► SOUTH CHINA SEA ISSUE: EMERGING STRATEGIC COMPETITION BETWEEN US AND CHINA
► EAST-CHINA SEA ISSUE
► US ·'PIVOTTO ASIA' POLICY (ASIA-PACIFIC REBALANCE STRATEGY}
► IMPACTS OF THE DISPUTE
► HAGUE RULING AT SOUTH CHINA SEA: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS
► . TOWARDS ENSURING A PEACEFUL ASIA-PACIFIC: WAY FORWARD
27. COOPERATION AND COMPETITION IN THE INDIAN OCEAN 221- 231

► STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIAN OCEAN AS AN ARENA OF COMPETITION
► SOURCE OF COMPETITION
► COMPETITION BETWEEN INDIA AND CHINA IN INDIAN OCEAN
► PAKISTAN'S ROLE
► IMPLICATIONS OF CHINA-INDIA RIVALRY
(x)

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► STRATEGIC INTERESTS OF OTHER COUNTRIES.IN THE IOR

► .
NUCLEARIZATION OF THE INDIAN OCEAN
► PROSPECTS OF COOPERATION IN INDIAN OCEAN
► LACK OF GOVERNANCE IN INDIAN OCEAN: A GREAT SECURITY CHALLENGE
28. GLOBALIZATION 232-237

r" DE_FINITI.ONS
► REAL WORLD EXAMPLES OF .GLOBALIZATION
► ASPECTS OF GLOBALIZATION
.
► EXPECTED BENEFITS OF GLOBALIZATION
► DRAWBACKS OF GLOBALIZATION
► FINAL ANALYSIS
29. HUMAN RIGHTS 238-247

► BASIC HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
· ► EVOLUTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
► 19TH & 20™ CENTURY: INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIANISM
► WORLDWIDE ABUSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS: RECENT SCENARIOS
► HUMAN RIGHTS IN PAKISTAN
► SUGGESTIONS TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS
30. INTERNATIONAL SECURITY 248-254

► ·FUTURE THREATS TO INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
► TRANSNATIONALTERRORISM: RISE OF ISIS AND AL-QAEDA
► NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION
► CYBER SECURITY
► CLIMATE CHANGE.& GLOBAL WARMING
► SOCIAL ISSUES
► INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECURITY .
► OUTBREAK OF DISEASES
► THREAT TO PRIVACY: AN INTERNATIONALSOCIAL SECURITY_ CONCERN
► ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY: WAY FORWARD
31. MIDDLE EASTERN CRISIS A~D SYRIAN CONFILICT 255-269

► ARAB SPRING
• Tunisian Revolution
• Egypt Revolution
• Libyan Revolution
• Yemen Crisis
• Syrian Revolution
► SYRIAN REVOLUTION AND SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENTS
► PEACE TALKS
► HURDLES IN THE WAY OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION
► TOWARDS RESOLVING 'SYRIAN CONFLICT: WAY FORWARD
► FINAL ANALYSIS
(xi)

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32. PALESTINE ISSUE 270-282

► EARLY HISTORY OF THE CONFLICT
► PEACE INITIATIVES TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE
► MAIN BONES OF CONTENTION
► THE US ROLE IN THE ISRAHl·PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
► THE HUMANITARIAN PICTURE: VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
► RECENT SCENARIO : UPRISING OF 2015 Till DATE
► Sl:11FTING OF US EMBASSY FROM TEL AVIV TO JERUSALEM
► TRUMP'S " DEAL OF THE CENTURY"
► PRAGMATIC SUGGESTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE
► FINAL ANALYSIS
33. QATAR CRISIS Ul-289

► QATAR CRISIS: AN OVERVIEW
► POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THE CRISIS
► IMPACTS OF THE CRISIS
► PAKISTAN'S ROLE: MEDIATION BETWEEN THE STATES
► FINAL ANALYSIS
34. KASHMIR ISSUE 290-304

► THE REGION OF KASHMIR: AN OVERVIEW
► INDIAN PERSPECTIVE
► PAKISTAN'S KASHMIR POLICY
, HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE
► EFFORTS AT RESOLUTION OF THE DISPUTE
► THE RECENT UPHEAVAL (JULY 2016 ONWARDS)
► PULWAMA ATTACK AND SUBSEQUENT BACKLASH
► REVOKING ARTICLES 370 OF THE OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION (AUGUST 2019 ONWARDS)
, RESOLVING THE DISPUTE: PATH FORWARD
35. ENVIRONMENT ISSUES AND GLOBAL INITIATIVES 305-318'

, CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING
~ CAUSES OF GLOBAL WARMING
, IMPACTS OF GLOBAL WARMING
, MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS
, INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND ACCORDS
, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
;, DEALING WITH GLOBAL WARMING
36. MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 319-327

► · MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
► GLOBAL PROGRESS ON MDGs: A CRITl~AL ANALYSIS
► SUMMARY OF PAKISTAN'S PROGRESS ON MDGs
► PROGRESS IN MDGS AND BUILD UP fOR SDGS
► SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: AGENDA 2030
► HOW SDGs WILL BE BETTER THAN MDGs
(xii)

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► POSSIBLE CHALLENGES TO ACHIEVE SDGs

► FINAL ANALYSIS
37. TERRORISM AND COUNTER TERRORISM 328-343
► DEFINITIONS
► EVOLUTION OF MODERN TERRORISM
► RECENT SCENARIO
► CHANGING PATTERNS OF TERRORISM IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
► CAUSES OF TERRORISM
► IMPACTS
► ISIS-A MAJOR TRANSNATIONAL THREAT FOR THE WORLD
► INTERNATIONAL COUNTER~TERRORISM MEASURES
►· INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WORKING AGAINST TERRORISM
► CHALLENGES CAUSED BY COUNTER TERRORISM MEASURES
► INTERNATIONAL COUNTER-TERRORISM EFFORTS: CRITICAL ANALYSIS
. 38; TERRORISM AND COUNTER TERRORISM IN PAKISTAN 344-360
► HISTORY OF TERRORISM
► SOME RECENT ACTS OF TERRORISM IN PAKISTAN
► COUNTER TERRORISM J
► PTl's COUNTER TERRORISM STRATEGY

► CHRONOLOGY OF MILITARY OPERATldNS IN PAKISTAN
► RECENT SCENARIO: OP(RATION RADDUL FASAAD
► NATIONAL ACTION PLAN
► IMPLEMENTATION OF NAP: ANALYSIS
► ·.
DEALING WITH EXTREMISM: COUNTER NARRATIVE
► FINAL ANALYSIS
39. NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION AND NUCLEAR SECURITY 361-378
► ASPECTS OF NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION
► NUCLEAR WEAPONS TODAY
► · REASONS TO AVOID NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION
► SOME CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
► MULTILATERAL TREATIES AND INITIATIVES ON NON-PROLIFERATION
► ARMS CONTROL AND DISARMAMENT
.► PEACEFUL USE OF NUCLEAR ENEl'(tjY
► EFFORTS TO CURB THE MISUSE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
40. NUCLEAR POLITICS OF SOUTH ASIA 379-391

► SOUTH ASIA AT A GLANCE
► DETERRENCE
► INDIA'S NUCLEAR CAPABILITIES
► PAKISTAN'S NUCLEAR CAPABILITIES.
► CHINA'S NUCLEAR CAPABILITIES
► FUTURE OF SOUTHERN ASIA'S NUCLEAR COMPETITION
► THE MISSILE RACE
(xiii)

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► A WORLD OF RISKS
► NSG: POLITICS BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN
► · WEAPONIZATION OF SPACE
► ADDRESSING NON-PROLIFERATION CHALLENGES IN SOUTH ASIA
41. INTERNATIONAL TRADE 392-406
► INTERNATIONAL TRADE : AN OVERVI EW
► SIGNIFICANCE OF INTERNATIONL TRADE
► INTERNATIONAL TRADING "SYSTEM "
► BARRIERS TO TRADE
► SOME IMPORTANT CONCEPTS
► HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
► RECENT SCENARIO : TRADE WARS
► DOHA ROUND
► BALI PACKAGE 2013: ADDRESSING A PORTION OF DOHA AGENDA
► NAIROBI PACKAGE 2015
· 42. WORLD POPULATION TRENDS AND POLICIES 407-418
► WORLD POPULATION TRENDS

► REASONS FOR POPULATIONS GROWTH .
► DRIVERS OF WORLD POPULATION GROWTH
► PROJECTIONS OF GLOBAL POPULATION GROWTH
► REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION GROWTH
► IMPLICATIONS OF POPULATION GROWTH
► FAMILY PLANNING: RECENT SCENARIO
► POLICIES & RECOMMENDATIONS TO TACKLE Gi{OWING POPULATION
► PAKISTAN'S POPULATION: ANALYSIS
43. GLOBAL ENERGY POLITICS 419-430

,, GLOBAL ENERGY POLITICS
,,~- RECENT SCENARIO: UNCERTAINTY IN INTERNATIONAL ENERGY MARKETS
,, IMPORTANT FEATURES OF CONTEMPORARY GEO-POLITICS '
,,►
IMPORTANT ACTORS IN GLOBAL ENERGY POLITICS
ENERGY SECURITY: GREAT CHALLENGE IN GLOBAL ENERGY POLITICS
,, FACTSHEET
44. INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY 431-436
,,'►
K.EY EVENTS IN IPE'S DEVELOPMENT AS A FIELD OF STUDY
SCHOOLS OF THOUGHTS OF IPE
,," THE IPE PROBLEMATIQUE
., CASE STUDIES
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
(xiv)

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PAK 'S T .
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New Text
GEO-STRATEGIC
CATION OF PAKIST
·1 ntroducf,un
Geo-strategic . significance consists of three words. Geo means 'the Earth,' strategy means
' planning, tactics and policy,' and significance means 'importance'. Geo-strategic means the importance
of a country or a region as by virtue of its geographical location; it is the ii:ifluence of geographic factors
on th . atio duct and,.adv rages i "ts locaf n. H ce
ap e t'i c t s
geog tha 1v ~-- ~
development. Pakistan 1s oca om1c an strategic ocat1on. t
occupies a geostrategic. ·· · ___ ____ istan to the
northwest, China t
• is estimatea at· 7 activities of
great' powers for eat power!':-
Britain, the USS an t e . ts significance was urt 1er en umcc un ra ( 1945-9 l)
when both the super powers- the US and the USSR- had been at logger heads to prove their superiority
over each other. I c ificance. The
geo-strategic loca • n he dynamics
of the region. It is due o _themselves
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Geo-Strategic Location of Pakistan Chapter-, ·

compelled_to rely on Pakistan for their strategic interests. Pakistan owing to its geo-strategic location has
been playing crudal'role in War against Terrorism.
Unfortunately, Pakistan's foreign policy has always lacked a clear framework and vision to gain
from this strategically important position. Instead of turning its strategic location into an asset, Pakistan
has turned its location into a curse that the foreign countries, especially the super powers, have exploited
since 1947. This resulted in national suffering. Th_e country's economy and social fabric has been badly
affected.
PAIGSTAN'S GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

• Pakistan is located in South Asia and is at the junction of Central Asia and Midd!e East, which gives
its locatiop great significance.
• Its total land border is 6,774 kilometres long and it borders four countries. Pakistan borders India_in
the east, Afghanistan and Iran in t~e wes·t and China is situated at the northeast. While surrounded by
land from three sides, the Arabian Se~ lies in the south. .
o The Radcliffe Line became the official border between Pakistan and India on August_17, 194 7.
The Pakistan-India border is almost 2,912 kilometres long. The Line of Control (L.O.C)
separates The Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan administered Azad
Kashmir.
o The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is called as the Du_rand Line and is 2,430
kilometres long.
o The border between Pakistan and China is nearly 523 kilometres long and is situated in the
northeast of Pakistan.
o Th~ border between Pakistan, and Iran is also called the Pakistan-Iran Barrier and is 909
kilometres long.
o The Arabian Sea is located south of Pakistan with a coastline of 1,046-kilometres.
• Pakistan lies between 23 degrees 35 min_utes to 37 degrees 05 minutes North latitude and 60 degrees
50 minutes to 77 'degrees 50 minutes east longitude.
• are · es imated· 79 ,0 So
u 8 5
e
• st
• Pakistan offers io Central Asian republics CARs the shortest route of 2600 ~ as compared to that
provided by
• Land locked
wales
E.ast Asian Natiops ASEAN Countries.
• Pakistan lies at the mouth of Persian Gulf, where 65% of the world's oil is produced.
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Geo-St1'ategic Location of Pc..kistan Chapter-1
·-· STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE
Gawadar providing shortest

If the Middle East (Qatar,
trad e route to China for
Saudi Arabia, United Arab
Midd le East and rest of the
Emirates and Yemen) wa nt
world.
access to China shortest route
through Pakistan.
If one an·al yzes the map, one find s that Pak istan is situated at a very vital location. Almost every
country in the region needs Pakistan to further its interests. In 2006, as ' President, Mu.sharraf explained
the central · position of Pakistan: " Pakistan provides the natural link between the SCO states (China,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) to connect the Eurasian heartland with the
Arabian Sea and South Asia ... We offer the critical overland routes and connectivity for mutually
beneficial trade and energy transactions intra- and inter-regionally." ·
Then to connect Pakistan witq the oil -rich Arabian Peninsula, and to provide access of Central Asian
countries and China to the warm waters of Arabian Sea and also elevating ·the status of Balochistan,
Musharraf highlighted the importance of Gawadar Port. In his ~ords: ~•our geo-strategic significance
can' t be reduced. We need to realize that we have understood that and therefore we have constructed a
new port at Gwadar which is at the mouth of the Gulf almost."
Pakistan' s geo-strategic imponance can be best understood from the regional and global viewpoint.· .
As afore-mentioned, geographically it is surrounded by four countries. All four find Pakistan's position
essential for them. This raises Pakistan's international importance as well . For example Afghanistan,
which since 1979 remained the focus of world's attention, is generally regarded as the breeding_gro_und
GLOBAL AGE - HSM PUBLICATIONS 5·

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Geo-Strategic Location of Pakistan Chapter-1

of the gtobal terrorism and opium production. International community recognizes the fact that no peace
is possible in Afghanistan without an active support and cooperation of Pakistan.
Transit
As shown in the map al,ove, Pakistan has the potential to develop transit economy by the virtue of its
strategic position. Land-locked Afghanistan finds its ways to the Ara~ian Sea through Pakistan.
Pakistan has already signed transit trade area agreement with Afghanistan to provide trade corridor
between Afghanistan and India. China with its ambitions to become a great power needs Pakistan to
further its strategic and economic interests. Pakistan's location is of crucial importance in its·One Belt
One Road (OBOR) vision. China finds the way to lndian Ocean and Arabian Sea through Pakistan
through Kashgar-Gawadar motorway (CPEC). It is developing its southern provinces because its .own
port is 4500 km away from Sinkiang, but Gwadar is just 2500 km away. Also; the coastal belt of
Balbchistan can provide outlet to China;s western provinces to have access to Middle Eastern markets
with the development of coastal highways and motorways. Moreover, Pakistan offers Central Asian
Regions the shortest route of 2600 km through Gwadar to the Arabian Sea as compared to that provided
,I.
by Iran (4500 km) to Arabian ocean. Newly constructed port of Gwadar has the potential to draw the
trade ships of China; CAR.sand South East Asian countries.
Closeness to Energy Rich Nations
Pakistan is also located very _close to the oil rich Middle Eastern countries that produce around 60%
of the global oil. It is situated at the mouth ·of the Persian Gulf. In the energy scarce world Pakistan is
located in ·the hub of energy rich countries-GCC countries. Iran and Central Asi'an Republics. All the
energy hungry nations like China, India and many more therefore have started cold war in the region for
the same reason. The US is involved to secure energy suppl) foe its allies. Their ambitions can't be
achieved without realizing Pakistan's closeness to these energy rich states.
Access to Central Asia States
Due to its enormous energy resources--oil and gas-Central Asia is the key area of new great game.
West, China and Russia arc in quest for these rcso_urces. Pakistan provides access to this energy rich
area. As shown in th~ map above, even energy-thirsty India needs Pakistan to gain access to the CARs.
TAPI pipeline projects passes through Pakistan before it enters India. ·
Interest of Jn"ternational key Players
Recent trends in international politics involving major shifts at regional and international level have
enhanced Pakistan's significance. These are indicative of transition "in global world order. There is a
renewed focus on Asia and to be more accurate Asia, Pacific. US, China and Russia are se~king new
alliances, defense cooperation .and economic cooperation with like-minded small regional - states
specifically with Pakistan because of its unique geo-strategic location. After its demise in the Cold War,
Russia has again risen from ashes like a phoenix. Its resurgence is witnessed in recent years. It is
actively getting involved in the regior:i, especially in Afghanistan. The other emerging power is China.
Any alliance among world powers enhances Pakistan's significance. China and Russia, two key
international players challenging US hegemony are seeking close diplomatic, defense and economic
cooperation with Pakist_an. Pakistan holds key geo-strategic location · with one of the most profe_ssional
Armed Forces in the region and is in a position to play sensitive role in the region.
GLOBAL AGF.:.. HSM PUBLICATIONS 6

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Geo-Strategic Location of Pakistan . ' Chapter-1

Contiguity of Great Powers
Pakistan · is located at the intersection of great powers. The other emerging power is China. Any
alliance among world powers enhances Pakistan's significance. On the other hand, the US is irying to
maintain its hegemony in the region. The above stated conditions have enhanced geostrategic
significance of Pakistan .
.War on Terror . .
_P akistan's geo-strategic significance has been.utilized after 9/11. The sole hegemon of the world, the
. US, also needed Pakistan to carry out its objectives. It required Pakistan's assistance to further its
strategic, political and economic interests in the region. Pakistan has been playing commendable role in
the region by allying with America to decimate the Taliban who have not only threatened to destabilize
this region but the whole world. Pakistan is involved in the global war against terrorism after 9/11. The
American think tanks have repeatedly accepted that War against Terrorism _could never be won without ·
the help of Pakistan. Pakistan has rigorously fought and carried out military operations in Waziristan and
other tribal area in order to fulfill the job. The international community has already applauded its role in
this global struggle against the miiitants.
A pro_tagonist to unity of Muslim Um mah .
A furtive glance at_the position of the Muslim countries on the map shows that Pakistan occupies a
central location. Physicaily, Pakistan is ~ituated at the centre of the Islamic countries of Africa and Asia.
It is linked to these Muslim states through land and sea routes. Thus, not only its ideological
background, but its geographical centrality requires that it supports the unity of Muslim world. It is
naturally in the frontline of the movement for Islamic unity. By sharing borders with Irari and its
proximity with Persian Gulf, it has connections with the Muslim countries of the Middle East. This is
entire arc of Islam from Hom of Africa to ·the Indonesian archipelago. Thus, Pakistan can actively
participate in the a_ctivities of Muslim world, eco110mic development, ·and transport of resources. Most
importantly, it can lead other countries to crack down on the terrorists.
Single Muslim Country possessing Nuclear Weapons
Pakistan is the only Muslim country having nuclear .capability which has great influence on .the
activities in the area. Its nuclear assets are also a source of great strength for the Middle East as well. It
has the capability to maintain the status quo and project its power in the region. This can guaranty for
the security of the region . ..
Conclusion
As aforementioned, Geo-strategic means the importance of a country or a region by virtue of its
geographical location. Pakistan's leaders often claim of our vital strategic geographical location. Yet this
location has done little more than thrusting the country into global wars and forcing it to become a proxy
battleground for foreign ideological agendas. Bhutto said: "History has placed us in the pathway of the
. conflicting interests of major powers. Pakistan is vulnerable because of its location". But its importance
cannot be ignored. One analyst describes the importance of Pakistan: "While history ·has been unkind to
Pakistan, its geography has been its greatest benefit." Pakistan now has an opportunity to convert this
lo
challenge into opportunity. The way progress only lies in moving ahead. For that, Pakistanis needs to
come out of delusions that Pakistan is the only country that is geographically well placed or that
Pakistan can blackmail the world strategically to force it to come to its terms. Pakistan needs to look at
the world through the geo-economic l_ens and sec economic ~pportunities by introducing peace. Pakistan
GLOBAL AGE - HSM PUBLICATIONS 7

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Geo-Strategic Location of Pakistan Chapter-1

needs peace with its neighbors to find time to look inward and maintain law and order. The world is
facing energy crisis and terrorism: Pakistan is a route for transportation and a front line state against
terrorism. In the wake of recent geo-political changes, Pakistan is well-placed to cash on the opportunity
provided. For this, its foreign policy_must have a clear framework and vision to gain from this
strategically important position.
! .
GLOBAL AGE - HSM PUBLICATIONS 8

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PAK 'S T .
DO · TIC ·· · . .
. AFFA IRS

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PAKISTAN'S POLITICS
AND DEMOCRACY
Introduction
Democracy literally means "rule by the people". It is one of the best forms of government ever
formed or adopted by the modem societies. It is a form of government which supports extensive
participation of people in government and also promotes the views of citizens for the smooth
functioning of society. Democratic principles are governed and inspired by the universal freedoms such
as the right to take part in the government directly or through freely chosen representatives as stated in
Article 21 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights UDHR. Pakistan has been in quest for a stable
political and democratic system since its very inception. The process of implementation of successful
democratic system has been slow and passive. Its nature has remained fragile. It has been showing high
vulnerability towards non-democratic interventions. Besides it has been easily falling prey -to' hon-
civilian forces. As a result, Pakistan has been continuously fa iling to offer what a true democracy ·
promises. Elected governments have mostly failed to complete their tenures which eventually developed
into an indefinite dictatorship re.ign . However the last f◄ w ear have provided hope about democracy
taking roots inside Pakistan. There have been setback in different fonns threatening it; yet, the
democratic system is becoming more and more accepted and internalized.
Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of
our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government offic~als, but the
voters of this country- Fra11kli11 D. Roosevelt
Democratic Pakistan: Analysis
Since its very inception, Pakistan has been struggling for a democratic form of government for itself.
The country's constitution has been abrogated twice ( 1958 and 1969) and suspended thrice "(1977, 1999
and 2007). More than half of its political life has been encroached by military generals. Five elected
governments have been· re .,....,..._, 1tionall a democratic nt ,
Paki e c : t;
Stro t i s; 1;
inde ru..,._..._.__ =""'-..,,.=- fo
military involvement; safety to minority rights; provision of basic human needs; and guarantee of
freedoms of mo · · · .----r-w ......,,.......,. · · an, there are
very few institu ected prime
ministers and pr eir power t )
extract privilege __ _.__,___ ---.. nctions have
been circumscri themselves.
Judicial ·recourse is cumbersome and has been often also susceptible to coercion and ·corruption. And
when in the past, ·· · · · · · · · ·terally, 'taken
over'.
Winston Ch of democracy
and it is vital fo r her elected
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Pakistan's Politics and Democracy Chaptcr-2

representative without fear, and without any form of intimidation or victimization. However. a common
Pakistani voter is hardly 'free' to choose qualified and honest representatives. Patronage. feudal lords
. and tribal loyalties dictate the votes. In many constituencies. votes are either bought by financial or other
incentives. Reportedly, threats are also used to accumulate votes. The poor and the uneducated arc likcl.,
to be influenced by false claims. Nationalism, religion and hate sectarian slogans are invoked to
influe"ce Pakistan's conservative electorate. Most political parties allegedly receive foreign funding
designed to influence electoral results and their policies. It is pity to find that media in few places ha
also become susceptible to monetary influence. And, sadly some of the 'champions of democracy'. the
so-called civil society and NGOs, are themselves at least partially fWlded by external sources.
CAUSES OF A WEAK DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

As afore-mentioned, democracy in Pakistan is lacking its true e sence. Here are some of the reasons
why democracy remained weak in Pakistan . Points from the history have also been discussed for better
understanding.
Frequent Intrusion of Non-Democratic Force into Civilian Domain
At first, the bureaucratic regimes failed to perform up to the mark. Thi crcat d space for army to
intervene into political domain of country. The fir t intru i n of army int civilian matters wa seen in
the form of Martial Law in Lahore in 1953 t control th ri t ctween hmadi s and unnis. In 1953,
the then Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad di mi d the g vcrnmcnt of the . PM Khaw,tja
Nazimuddin despite it enjoying the support of the n fituent J\ '.;. cmbl of Pakistan ~ then in 1954 he
dismissed the Constituent A sembly itself 10 pre vent it han •i n , the con titution to restrict the
. Governor-General's powers. In 1958 1hc fir t Paki tani Pre idcnt Major General lskandcr Mirza
dismissed the Constituent Assembly of Paki "tan nd th g vem mcnt of Prime Minister Feroz Khan
Noon, appointing llfl!lY commander-in-chief Gen . Ayub Khan a the hicf mania! law administrator.
Thirteen days later, Mirza himself wa exiled by Ayub Khan wh app intcd himself president. After
that, Pakistan witnessed Ayub Khan-era from 195 to I 969. Then General Yahya Khan ruled from 1969
to 1971, and General Zia-ul-Haq from 1977 to 19 9. Th la t military rule \I as led by General Pervez
Musharraf from 1999 to 2008. These military admini tration had many things in common: ban on
political dissents; imposition of Mania! Laws; and restriction on media. A few witnes·sed dissolution of
assemblies and abrogation of constitutions. It can be said that the military rules destroyed the very fabric
of a democratic culture, which is the political institutions.
D · ng t L- E>ve~ of "' 0 I 8 h e
the W f O 'ti ) itation~wi1 s d . g Sit-ins O
in 201 wit the B C i g t 015,
claim . that n o a obtain y t tt ellig nc u.ur.:1,.1:-'flu;ared d r:ing a meetin be ee the
then PM Nawaz and the then COAS Gen Raheel Sharif, in which former ISi Chief Gen Zaheer Islam
could be heard g· e P 's o Ge.,.-A,s-th-i ,_...11a:., .... .... -.._
oughout 2016
~ there.had been ru I ilary t I gitation in lhe
wake of Panama e in the 2018
elections. This fre :ue
Poor Performance of Federal and Provincial Governments
Poor performance of federal and provincial gove-rnments is ~ major detriment to the sustenance of
democracy. For i .......,m,Pl'lll~ and Nawaz
Sharirs goven:1n1
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Pakistan's Politics and Democracy Chapter-2

pretext of intense corruption and poor performances. This shows that poor performance has always been
a threat to democracy. As the problems of the common people are not addressed adequately. there is
widespread alienation among the common people from the current democratic process and the
democratic government in power. This gives space to undemocratic forces to intervene. Some partisan
groups are using this alienation for propaganda against democracy and suggest naive solutions to attract
popular attention. There are those who argue that their problems will be resolved under an Islamic order
without describing the details of institutions and processes of such a system. Others think that the
corrupt rulers should be remo, ed to solve the problems. ·
Colonial Legacies and Institutional Imbalance
Since its creation, Pakistan has been experiencing institutional imbalance, the roots of which go back
to British era. Pakistan inherited high institutional imbalance characterized ' with strong and ·organized
civil and military bureaucracies, weak political institutions and non-democratic political parties.
Consequently, it lacked strong, dynamic and sustainable political institutions. Muslim League which is
credited to creation of Pakistan was a movement; it ,, as not a well -struct ured institution and was non-
democratic in its nature led by elitists. Consequently, it could not produce leadership embedded with
democratic norms. This led to bureaucrats ruling the country fr m I 947 to 1958. Their periods were
characterized with powerless and rubber stamped parliaments, abrnpt and non-democratic dissolutions
of assemblies, conspiracies, quarreling, inefficiency, ab rupt and fa st changes of regimes.
Conflict among State Institutions
· Another threat to democracy has been the conflict among state institutions. The state institutions like
the executh•e, the parliament, the judiciary and the military have not so far learnt the habit of restraint
and mutual respect in a democratic fram ework. The superior judi-:iary uses judicial activism to enter into
the areas that are essentially the domains of other instit utions. For instance Fornier CJP Mian Saqib
Nisar was widely accused of this. The military is so used to an expanded role that it does not like the
elected government ' s haphazard efforts to retrieve the initiative in security-related matters. The political
governments and elected assemblies emphasize their iniportance by vi11ue of their representative
character without ensuring effective and just governance and improving the economy.
Fragile Party System
In a healthy democracy, the healthy and strong political parti ~s having popular support are the real
strength. Their. very presence and good performance keeps military and other non-ci vilian forces away.
But unfortunately Pakistan has been lacking strong and efficient political party system which is a very
vital ingredient of democracy. None of the parties-PMLN, PPP, PTI, MQM, .JI, and others-can
be considered as true representatives of entire population. Resultantl y, it has created space for
military forces to step into political ·arena. It paved the way towards nepotism and er c1 ~cd incompetency.
The examples of PMLN and PPP are in front of us. · ·
Inept Leaders, Corruption and other Misconducts
It is notable that various misconducts such as horse-trading, nepotism, hri brry, ·illegal obligations
and other forms of corruption have always been very common among politicians.- In fact, the elite group
of elected members uses powers of their public offices to advance their personal interests. Poor
educational background makes them inactive and soundless during debate sessions to approve or reject
key issues, requiring parliamentary endorsement. Definitely, in Pakistan, corruption is a significant
obstacle for good governance, supremacy of law, and rational use of authority. The Panama leaks speak
large volume in this ·regard. The political agitation seen in the wake of Panama proceedings had been
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Pakistan's. Politics and Democracy Chapter-2

threatening for democracy. Misuse of public office lead to agitation arid demonstrations carry seeds of
large scale disturbances.
Alleged Manipulation of Election Process
Free and fair elections are major component of representative detnocracy. For the propagation of
democracy, popular · government which is not possible. without free and fair process of election that
guarantees genuine representation ·or masses in Parliament. But all the general elections to some extent
are alleged to have been manipulated. Elections could not have been instrumental to determine the will
of the people and have eroded trust of masses in democracy. For instance 2013 elections were alleged to
be manipulated by the P.MLN. These were challenged by the PTI and re-elections in various
constituencies were held. In the same manner PMLN chalienged alleged rigging in general elections
2018 in Lahore High Court (LHC). For elections held in 2018, three major election observer groups -
the European Union Election Observation Mission, the Commonwealth Observer Group. and Islanrnbad-
based Free and Fair Election Network - declared the general election transparent by and large termed it
an important milestone in strengthening democracy in Pakistan. EU Election Observation Mission chief
Michael Gabler expressed his deep concerns over the pre-poll environment saying that the campaign for
Pakistan's general election featured· a "lack of equality" that meant it was not a level playing field for all
parties.
Cultural Aspect
A New York Times reporter Barbara Crossette in a report about Pakistan said that C~ste system
plays a vital rule in party's choice of candidates. Even the role of caste is surprisingly important in
· nomination of candidates, by p~ies, to contest elections. A survey ~onducted in 2008 established the
fact that 27% urban and 37% rural voters had confirmed that they had gathered irt a meeting of biradari
to decide whom to vote. In baradari system individual opinion have no value, they are bound by the
- decision of the biradari. These cultural aspects ·show the herd mentality and how culture does not allow
individual to exercise his power of reason an~ make unbiased decision based on meritocracy.
FUTURE THREATS TO DEMOCRAC Y

There have been a lot of debates about the future threats to democracy in Pakistan. While it is true
that democracy is getting stronger in Pakistan, a lot of hurdles still exist in its way. Some of the afore-
mentioned reasons still hold today. Frequent Intrusion of non-democratic forces into civilian
domain is often seen and is expected to pose threat in future as well. Institutional imbalance and weak
role of the institutions like the Election Commission of Pakistan cannot guarantee smooth functioning.
· Absence of true democratic spirit in political parties is also a threat to democratic future.
Unawareness of the masses and the biradari system is likely to hurt the process in future as well. The
irresponsible and non-cooperative role of the opposition parties is likely to continue. Worsening
economic condition of the country can again derail the process.
A serious threat to democracy and public order in Pakistan is from rising division and bias in the
political and social circles. These separations appear to be sharpening to such an extent that it i_s difficult
to discuss any issue on its merits. It is political and religious affiliations that determine the attitude and
di°sposition of a large number of people who often do not hesitate to display their displeasure and anger
towards any divergent perspective. The issues a_re not discussed on their very essence, but through party
prism. For instance the issue of corruption in the wake of Panama papers and then Hudaibia Paper Mills
refer~nce was not dealt with as the issue of corruption, but that of political confrontation between ruling
GLOBAL AGE - HSM PUBLICATIONS - 12

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Revised Scheme and Syllabus for CSS Competitive Examination·

CURRENT AFFAIRS (100 MARKS)

a. Pakistan's relations with its Neighbors (Iridia, China, Afghanistan, Russia)

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PAKISTAN'S DOMESTIC AFFAIRS

2. PAKISTAN'S POLITICS AND DEMOCRACY 9-15

4. HYBRID WARFARE 28-31

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6. ECONOMIC CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS 37-45

BALOCHISTAN CRISIS 56-65

PAKISTAN'S EXTERNAL AFFAIRS~

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23. INTERNATIONAL LIBERAL ORDER & ITS COLLAPSE 197-199

24. IRAN AND PS + 1 NUCLEAR DEAL 200-zos -

25. KOREAN PEACE ON THE HORIZON 206 - 211

26. COOPERATION AND COMPETITION IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN 212 - 220

27. COOPERATION AND COMPETITION IN THE INDIAN OCEAN 221- 231

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► STRATEGIC INTERESTS OF OTHER COUNTRIES.IN THE IOR

28. GLOBALIZATION 232-237

29. HUMAN RIGHTS 238-247

30. INTERNATIONAL SECURITY 248-254

31. MIDDLE EASTERN CRISIS A~D SYRIAN CONFILICT 255-269

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32. PALESTINE ISSUE 270-282

33. QATAR CRISIS Ul-289

34. KASHMIR ISSUE 290-304

35. ENVIRONMENT ISSUES AND GLOBAL INITIATIVES 305-318'

36. MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 319-327

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► POSSIBLE CHALLENGES TO ACHIEVE SDGs

► PTl's COUNTER TERRORISM STRATEGY

40. NUCLEAR POLITICS OF SOUTH ASIA 379-391

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· 42. WORLD POPULATION TRENDS AND POLICIES 407-418

► WORLD POPULATION TRENDS

43. GLOBAL ENERGY POLITICS 419-430

44. INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY 431-436

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Geo-Strategic Location of Pakistan Chapter-, ·

PAIGSTAN'S GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

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