Current Affairs Notes Special For CSS

CURRENT AFFAIRS NOTES
For Workshop for Special CSS

Topic: The BRICS Expansion: a New Order of Multialignment
Current Affairs Workshop for Special CSS
Ammar Gul
The BRICS Expansion: a New Order of Multialignment
What is BRICS?
 The acronym BRIC, which did not initially include South Africa, was
coined in 2001 by then Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill in a
research paper that underlined the growth potential of Brazil, Russia,
India and China.
 The bloc was founded as an informal club in 2009 to provide a platform
for its members to challenge a world order dominated by the United
States and its Western allies.
 Its creation was initiated by Russia.
 The group is not a formal multilateral organisation like the United
Nations, World Bank or the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC).
 The heads of state and government of the member nations convene
annually with each nation taking up a one-year rotating chairmanship of
the group.
 Brazil, Russia, India and China are the founding members.
 South Africa, the smallest member in terms of economic clout and
population, was the first beneficiary of an expansion of the bloc in 2010
when the grouping became known as BRICS.
 Together the countries account for more than 40% of the world
population and a quarter of the global economy.
What are the Main Objectives of BRICS?

 The BRICS seeks to deepen, broaden and intensify cooperation within the grouping
and among the individual countries for more sustainable, equitable and mutually
beneficial development.
 BRICS takes into consideration each member’s growth, development and poverty
objectives to ensure relations are built on the respective country’s economic
strengths and to avoid competition where possible.
 BRICS is emerging as a new and promising political-diplomatic entity with diverse
objectives, far beyond the original objective of reforming global financial institutions.
What are the Main Areas of Cooperation within BRICS?
1. Economic Cooperation
 There are rapidly growing trade and investment flows between BRICS countries as
well as economic cooperation activities across a range of sectors.
 Agreements have been concluded in the areas of Economic and Trade Cooperation;
Innovation Cooperation, Customs Cooperation; strategic cooperation between the
BRICS Business Council , Contingent Reserve Agreement and the New
Development Bank.
 These agreements contribute to realisation of the shared objectives of deepening
economic cooperation and fostering integrated trade and investment markets.
2. People-to-People exchange
 BRICS members have recognised the need for strengthening People-to-People

exchanges and to foster closer cooperation in the areas of culture, sport, education,
film and youth.
 People-to-People exchanges seek to forge new friendships; deepen relations and
mutual understanding between BRICS peoples in the spirit of openness,
inclusiveness, diversity and mutual learning.
 Such People to people exchanges include the Young Diplomats Forum,
Parliamentarian Forum, Trade Union Forum, Civil BRICS as well as the Media
Forum.
3. Political and Security Cooperation
 BRICS member political and security cooperation is aimed at achieving peace,

security, development and cooperation for a more equitable and fair world.
 BRICS provides opportunities for sharing policy advice and exchanges of best
practices in terms of domestic and regional challenges as well as advancing the
restructuring of the global political architecture so that it is more balanced, resting on
the pillar of multilateralism.
 BRICS is utilised as a driver for South Africa’s foreign policy priorities including the
pursuit of the African Agenda and South-South Cooperation.
4. Cooperation Mechanism
Cooperation among members is achieved through:
 Track I: Formal diplomatic engagement between the national governments.

 Track II: Engagement through government-affiliated institutions, e.g. state-owned
enterprises and business councils.
 Track III: Civil society and People-to-People engagement.
What is the Impact of BRICS on Global Institutional Reforms?
 The main reason for co-operation to start among the BRICs nation was the financial
crises of 2008. The crises raised doubts over sustainability of the dollar-dominated
monetary system.
 The BRICs called for the “the reform of multilateral institutions in order that they
reflect the structural changes in the world economy and the increasingly central role
that emerging markets now play”.
 BRICs managed to push for institutional reform which led to International Monetary
Fund (IMF) quota reform in 2010. Thus the financial crises had momentarily
reduced western legitimacy and briefly let the BRICs countries become “agenda
setters” in multilateral institutions.
What is the New Development Bank?
 NDB is headquartered in Shanghai.
 At the Fourth BRICS Summit in New Delhi (2012) the possibility of setting up a new
Development Bank was considered to mobilize resources for infrastructure and
sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies, as well
as in developing countries.
 During the Sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza (2014) the leaders signed the
Agreement establishing the New Development Bank (NDB).
 Fortaleza Declaration stressed that the NDB will strengthen cooperation among
BRICS and will supplement the efforts of multilateral and regional financial
institutions for global development thus contributing to sustainable and balanced
growth.
 NDB’s key areas of operation are clean energy, transport infrastructure, irrigation,
sustainable urban development and economic cooperation among the member
countries.
 The NDB functions on a consultative mechanism among the BRICS members with
all the member countries possessing equal rights.
 Major Projects funded by NDB in India:
o It has committed funding to a number of major infrastructure projects in India,

including the Mumbai Metro rail, Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid
Transit System and many Renewable Energy projects.
o The NDB has so far approved 14 Indian projects for an amount of nearly USD 4.2
billion.
o In 2020, India announced a 1 billion USD loan pact with NDB to boost rural
employment and infrastructure.
What is the Contingent Reserve Arrangement?
 Considering the increasing instances of global financial crisis, BRICS nations signed
BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) in 2014 as part of Fortaleza
Declaration at Sixth BRICS summit.
 The BRICS CRA aims to provide short-term liquidity support to the members
through currency swaps to help mitigating BOP crisis situation and further
strengthen financial stability.
 The initial total committed resources of the CRA shall be one hundred billion dollars
of the United States of America (USD 100 billion).
 It would also contribute to strengthening the global financial safety net and
complement existing international arrangements (IMF).
What is BRICS Expansion?

 The BRICS bloc of developing nations agreed to admit Saudi Arabia, Iran,
Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates in a move
aimed at accelerating its push to reshuffle a world order it sees as
outdated.
 They willed granted full membership status from 1st January 2024.
Implications of BRICS Expansion on the World Order:
1. BRICS Offering the Global South an Alternative Global Order

which is a counterbalance to Western Order:
 The primarily economic bloc was originally created as
an alternative to the U.S.-led international order, with
the goal of offering growing countries in the Global
South a counterbalance to Western
institutions.(United States Institute for Peace)
2. BRICS: A Geopolitical Counterweight to the G7 Countries:

 Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa have
invited six other countries to join the BRICS grouping
next year to create a geopolitical counterweight to
the G7 and potentially a framework to reduce
dependence on Western financial systems. (Centre
for Strategic and International Studies)
3. BRICS Countering US-led Initiative (Minerals Security

Partnership) through the inclusion of energy rich countries:
 Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), which is a U.S.-

led initiative to strengthen critical energy security for
itself and 13 of its allies.
 The addition of Argentina will strengthen the bloc’s
lithium supply: the third-largest lithium reserves in
the world, According to an August 2022 JPMorgan
forecast, Argentina’s share of global lithium supply
would rise from 6 percent in 2021 to 16 percent by
2030.
 Saudi Arabia made a $2.6 billion deal to buy a 10
percent stake in Brazil’s largest mining company,
Vale’s base metals division, to access various critical
minerals, including nickel and copper.
4. BRICS Controlling the Oil and Gas Supply and Energy Market
of the World by Including Energy Rich Countries:
 With the addition of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran,
this expanded group would include three of the
world’s largest oil exporters and would constitute 42
percent of global oil supply.
 OPEC+ states have complained that Western energy
sanctions on Iran and Venezuela have constrained
investment and export flows.
 EU-G7 Prices Caps and Sanction Mechanisms
 An enlarged BRICS would include both oil and gas
exporters and two of the largest importers; China and
India—both of which refused to join the “price cap
coalition” targeting Russia.
5. Countering the role of Western Financial Institutions:
 IMF, WB and ADP.

 New Development Bank
 BRICS Currency: Brazilian Proposal
 Contingent Reserve Arrangement
6. China Promoting its Global Order through BRICS:
 BRICS Expansion a Victory of Chinese Model

of Multilateralism.
 Global Security Initiative
 Global Development Initiative
 Global Security Initiative
7. BRICS Expansion: A Beginning of Multi-polar era:
 Rise of Revisionist Powers: Russia, China, Iran

etc
 Change of Power Structure.
 As Narayanappa Janardhan, an Abu Dhabi-based
scholar with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy,
said in an interview: “The multipolar world we knew
has now shifted. It is no longer conditioned by
superpowers alone. It is just as likely to be
conditioned by middle and smaller powers, who
prefer multi-alignment.”
8. BRICS and De-dollarization:
 Concept of BRICS Currency: Brazilian

President.
 Trade and Investment in Common Currency.
 Oil rich countries can threaten the petrodollar
system.
 Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed:
that getting rid of the dollar as a global
currency is an irreversible issue.
 China established its own interbank payment
system, seeking to make the yuan an international
currency of exchange and payment: Cross-Border
Interbank Payment System.
Challenges to the BRICS:
1. India-US Strategic Partnership.
2. China-India Strategic Confrontation.

3. Saudi-US Strategic Partnership.
4. Generating consensus among BRICS members a hard nut to

crack.
5. Saudi-Iran Strategic Competition
6. Dwindling Economy of South Africa.
Conclusion.
Topic: CPEC Phase 2 a New Recipe for Pakistan’s Development

Ammar Gul
EC Phase 2 a New Recipe for Pakistan’s Development How
CPEC Phase 2 can lead Pakistan to the Path of Development:

 Former Chairman CPEC, Asim Saleem Bajwa, said that CPEC Phase 2
was about three things: Dividends to masses, connectivity and
spreading prosperity to remote areas.
 The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) phase-II is much broader
in scope and focuses on relocation of industries, agriculture sector
modernisation, cooperation in science and technology, job creation
and socio-economic wellbeing of people, said Pakistan’s Ambassador
to China Moinul Haque.
1. Formation of Special Economic Zones:
 Rashakai SEZ:
 Spread over the area of 1000 acres, Rashakai
prioritized Special Economic Zone (pSEZ) is a
flagship project under the industrial
cooperation of China Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) framework.
 It serves as CPEC Special Economic Zone. The
1000 acres pSEZ will be developed by CRBC in
joint venture with KPEZDMC. An SPV Company
of these two firms named Rashakai Special
Economic Zone Development and Operations
Company (RSEZDOC) has been setup for
implementation of this agreement.
 Attracting Investments in the following sectors:
o Processing and Manufacturing
o Home Appliances
o Pharmaceutical
o Home Building Materials
o Automobile and parts
o Agriculture and Horticulture
o Wholesale Market/ Specialty mills
 Dhabeji Special Economic Zone:
 The 1530 acres of land has been allocated to
establish Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (DSEZ)
in Thatta.
 Development of Dhabeji SEZ is planned in 3
phases. Dhabeji Industrial Zone has been
proposed to be constructed in 2 phases
comprising of 750 acres for Phase I and 780
acres for Phase II.
 Investments are expected in the following
sectors:
o Light Engineering
o Automotive and Auto parts
o Chemical & Pharmaceuticals
o Consumer Electronics Engineering
o Textile & Garments
o Steel-Foundries
o Warehousing
o Building Material
 Allama Iqbal Industrial City:

 Allama Iqbal Industrial City (AIIC) is a priority
SEZ and being developed on approximately
3217 acres.
 Faisalabad Industrial Estate & Management
Company (FIEDMC) is the developing body of
Allama Iqbal SEZ.
 Focus Sectors for Investment are:
o Textiles
o Engineering
o Electrical & Electronic
o Chemical & Paints
o Food Processing
o Pharmaceuticals
o Automobiles
o Packaging
o Building Material
 Bostan Special Economic Zone:
 Bostan Industrial Zone covers an area of 1000 acres
which is situated at district Pishin bordered with
Quetta.
 Following clusters/sectors are proposed to be
established at Bostan Special Economic Zone:
o Fruit Processing
o Agriculture machinery
o Pharmaceutical
o Motor Bikes Assembly
o Chromite
o Ceramic industries
o Ice and Cold storage
o Electric Appliance
o Halal Food Industry
 In Pipeline Projects:
 ICT Model Industrial Zone.
 Industrial Park on Pakistan Steel Mill
Land.
 Mirpur Industrial Zone
 Mohmand Marble City
 Moqpondass Special Economic Zone
2. Gwadar Free Trade Zone:
 Construction of the first phase of the Gwadar Free
Zone started in 2015 and was inaugurated in 2018.
 The construction work on over 60 acres of land began
with a focus on developing business centers, cold
storage, warehouses, and fishery processing centers.
 According to China Port Holding Company, there is a
$3 billion direct investment lined up that will create
around 30,000 jobs.
 This phase will focus on the manufacturing, trading,
and service industries. The development work on
phase 2 is underway, and expected to be completed
in a year or two.
 Investments in the following sectors:
 Bonded warehousing
 Container yards
 International purchasing, transit & distribution
 Packaging/labeling
 Ambient/temperature-controlled/refrigerated storage
facilities
 Stuffing & de-stuffing
 Trans-shipment
 Light end-assembly
 Imports & exports
 Value-added exports
 Value addition to imports
3. A New Wave of Industrialization in Pakistan:
 Creation of Industries under SEZs
 Gwadar Free Trade Zone
 Creation of Jobs: Potential to Create 700,000 jobs.
 Industrial boost in all these sectors:
 Processing and Manufacturing
 Home Equipment
 Pharmaceutical
 House Building Materials
 Automobiles and automobile parts
 Agriculture and Horticulture
 Wholesale markets
4. Socio-Economic Development of Pakistan:
 27 Projects are identified in Joint Cooperation
Committee (JCC) for the Socio-Economic
Development.
 Six Major Sectors: Agriculture, health, education,
drinking water supply, poverty alleviation, and vocational
and technical education.
5. Technology Transfer to Pakistan:
 Establishment of China-South Asia Technology Transfer
Center-Sub Center in Pakistan.
 Pakistani Ambassador to China Moinul Haque said that the
Sub Center would help strengthen bilateral technology
transfer, enhance cooperation among enterprises, research
institutes, and universities, as well as support cooperation
in the pursuit of science, technology, and innovation (STI)
for sustainable development under Belt and Road Initiative
between the two countries.
 Pakistan and China are now focusing on STI cooperation in
areas of information technology and other emerging
technologies, advanced and new materials, green
transportation, renewable energy technologies, digital
economy, smart cities, minerals and natural resources,
biotechnology and modern agriculture.
6. Promotion of Knowledge Based Economy in Pakistan:
 Transfer of Knowledge in different sectors:
 Experts from industrial zones, rural and urban
development, job creation & SMEs, water resources
management & treatment and agriculture.
 Training Workshops on Industrial Zones.
 Creation of Digital Infrastructure.
 Transfer of Technology
 Creation of Skilled Labour.
7. Infrastructural Development:
 ML-1 Railway Project: 7.2 Billion Dollars Investment.
 Cross Border Optical Fiber Cable (Khunjrab - Rawalpindi)
 Zhob - Quetta (Kuchlak) (N-50)
 Pilot Project of Digital Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcast
(DTMB)
8. Up gradation of Ports in Pakistan:
 Gwadar: 120 berths, current;y has 3.
 Karachi Port: 33 berths.
 Development of Keti Bender Port.
9. Creation of Energy Corridor Under CPEC Phase 2:
 884MW Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, KP
 300MW Coal-Fired Power Project at Gwadar
 CASA-!000, TAPI and IP etc.
10.Agricultural Revolution in Pakistan:
CPEC and Regional Connectivity:
 CPEC Connecting China with Middle East and Turkey: W-CPEC+

 CPEC Connecting Pakistan through Afghanistan with Central Asia: N-
CPEC+
 CPEC Connecting China and Iran.
 CPEC connecting BRI with EAEU.
 CPEC connecting with East Africa: S-CPEC+
 CPEC connecting Pakistan with East Asia: E-CPEC+
Challenges to CPEC:
 Terrorism in Pakistan.
 Indian and American propaganda, portraying CPEC as debt trap.
 Economic Crisis of Pakistan.
 Bad governance and delays in the completion of CPEC related projects.
 Prospects of Civil War in Afghanistan.
Conclusion.
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Topic: The U.S.-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic

Partnership and Its Implications on Pakistan
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Ammar Gul
Topic 6: The U.S.-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic

Partnership and Its Implications on Pakistan
Multidimensional Indo-US Strategic Partnership:
1. India-US defence partnership:
General Security of Military Information Agreement
(GSOMIA) 2002: Sharing of Intelligence.
The New Framework for the US-India Defence
Relationship 2005: joint weapon production, transfer of
civil and military technology.
The Indo-US Civilian Nuclear Agreement 2008: nuclear
cooperation and non-proliferation, Entry of India in
Nuclear Supply Group.
US–India Defence Technology Trade Initiative 2012: To
promote co-development and production of systems
including the Javelin anti-tank guided missile.
Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement 2016:
US can use Indian airbases in South China Sea, Use of
military facilities for supplies, spare parts, services
and refuelling.
Communication, Compatibility and Security Agreement
2018: India can buy US advanced weaponry.
Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement 2020: India
will provide US access to classified geospatial data and
topographic data.
US to give India GE Aerospace’s proven F-414 jet-
engine technology with India.
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The Indo-US defence industrial cooperation roadmap

2023: To enable co-production of advanced defence
systems, and collaborative research, testing, and
prototyping of projects.
The India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem
(INDUS-X): defence industrial cooperation and unlock
new innovations in technology and manufacturing.
The annual “2+2” Ministerial Dialogue
2. US-India Technology Partnership:
Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology 2023:
Areas of cooperation artificial intelligence, quantum
computing, semiconductors and wireless
telecommunication.
NASA and ISRO to develop a strategic framework for
human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023.
NASA to provide advanced training to Indian
astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston,
Texas, with a goal of mounting a joint effort to the
International Space Station in 2024
Semiconductor Supply Chain and Innovation
Partnership.
3. US-India Economic Partnership:
The U.S.-India trade and investment partnership:
bilateral trade exceeding $191 billion in 2022, nearly
doubling from 2014.
The U.S.-India Commercial Dialogue and CEO Forum: o
build resilient supply chains for emerging technologies,
clean energy technologies, and pharmaceuticals;
promote an innovative digital economy; lower barriers
to trade and investment; harmonize standards and
regulations wherever feasible; and work towards
skilling our workforces.
Economic and Financial Partnership Dialogue: The U.S.
Federal Insurance Office and the Insurance Regulatory
and Development Authority of India to
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advance areas of mutual interest in the insurance

sector under their existing MoU framework.
India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum
U.S.-India Commercial Dialogue: To expand
cooperation in the areas of Talent, Innovation, and
Inclusive Growth.
4. Indo-US Deeping Strategic Partnership:
U.S. support for India’s permanent membership on a
reformed UN Security Council (UNSC).
QUAD
Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain
Awareness
Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative: a collaborative
approach among stakeholders to address shared
challenges. It extends the "Security and Growth for All
in the Region" (SAGAR) initiative initiated in 2015
by the Indian government. India welcomed US joining
it.
Partners in the Blue Pacific 2022: the US and its allies
— Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the United
Kingdom — have launched a new initiative called
‘Partners in the Blue Pacific’ for “effective and efficient
cooperation” with the region’s small island nations.
India as an observer partner.
Strategic partnership in the Middle East: I2U2, IMEC
etc
5. Indo-US Partnership on Energy Transition and Climate

Change:
U.S.-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030
Partnership
Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)
U.S.-India New and Emerging Renewable Energy
Technologies Action Platform.
What factors are driving proximity in India-US relations:
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1. US led contain China Strategy.

2. Counter global terrorism: Al-Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT),
Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizb-ul-Mujhahideen.
3. Democracy vs Authoritarianism
4. Indian ambitions of becoming a global stakeholder and regional
hegemon.
5. Economic Interests of India and US.
Factors that can hamper the growth of India-US Strategic
Partnership:
1. India-Russia Strategic Partnership.
2. Indian participation in the SCO- a Chinese and Russian dominated
organization.
3. BRICS Expansion and Indian Role.
4. Indian Policy of non-alignment.
5. De-dollarization and India’s trade in its own currency.
6. India-Iran Strategic Partnership.
7. Independent Foreign Policy Persuasion of India.
8. Modi’s growing Human Rights Violations.
Implications for Pakistan:
1. Disturbing the Balance of Power in South Asia.
2. Exacerbating arms race in the region.
3. Strengthening Indian ambitions to suppress Kashmir Issue.
4. US turning its eye from India’s Human Rights violations.
5. Deteriorating Pak-US relations.
6. Portraying CPEC as debt trap.
7. India using its diplomatic might to isolate and coerce Pakistan from the
global political arena.
8. Prospects of Indian inclusion in the UNSC as Permanent Member.
Policy options for Pakistan:
1. Enhance its strategic Partnership with China.
2. Pursue active diplomacy to curb the Indian attempts to isolate
Pakistan.
3. Modernizing Military Prowess with help of China and Russia.
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4. Forming formidable bilateral economic cooperation with inter-

regional and intra-regional countries to avoid economic suppression.
5. Inclusion in the regional corridors to enhance regional connectivity:
Middle Corridor, IMEC, Greater Eurasian Partnership, B3W etc
6. Playing a vibrant role in SCO to achieve strategic interests.
Conclusion
Topic 5: Pakistan’s pivot to Geo-Economics: Challenges and

Prospects.
Ammar Gul
Topic 5: Pakistan’s pivot to Geo-Economics: Challenges and

Prospects.
What is Geo-Economics?
Geo-economics is about using economic tools and geography to benefit
through international trade and other means of interstate economic
cooperation.
It is understood as the use of economic tools to advance geopolitical

objectives.
In War by Other Means, Robert Blackwill and Jennifer Harris explore today’s
leading geoeconomic instruments: trade policy, investment policy, economic
and financial sanctions, financial and monetary policy, energy and
commodities, aid and cyber.
In Pakistan, the term is employed generally in support of promoting intra-

regional trade and economic cooperation in South Asia and inter-regional
trade between South Asia and surrounding regions.
Foundations of Pakistan’s Geo-Economic policy:
 According to Moeed Yousuf, there are three basic principles in the geo-
economic strategy of Pakistan:
1. Regional Connectivity.
2. CPEC
3. Developmental Partnerships.
History of Pakistan’s Geo-strategic Policy:
1. Anti-India Strategic Culture of Pakistan.

2. The Alignment in cold war with US against Russia.
3. Search for economic assistance and security.
4. Need of Strategic depth in Afghanistan.
5. Kashmir Issue.
6. Participation in War on Terror.
Pakistan’s Shift to Geo-Economics:
 Islamabad Policy Dialogue organized by National Security Division in

March 2021.
 According to Nation Security Policy, the security of the people of
Pakistan lies in the economic security.
 The core of Pakistan’s security is the economic security.
What Pakistan is doing at the Foreign Policy level to promote its policy of
geo-economics?
1. Russia-Pakistan Detente:
 Pakistan Stream gas pipeline.
 Enhancing economic partnership
 Energy partnership.
 Imran khan’s trip to Moscow despite western pressure.
2. Pursuing economic centric relations with the US:
 Broad based relations with the US.
 Relations beyond Afghanistan and Terrorism.
 The U.S.-Pakistan Trade and Investment Framework
Agreement (TIFA).
3. Enhancing Economic relationships with CARs:
 Pakistan-Uzbekistan Transit Trade Agreement.
 Pakistan-Tajikistan Strategic Partnership.
 Pakistan’s Vision Central Asia Policy.
4. Participating in regional energy and transportation Corridors:
 TAPI
 CASA 1000
 PAKAFUZ Railway Project
5. Enhancing Regional Connectivity with CPEC:
 Greater Eurasian Partnership.
 Middle Corridor.
 BRI.
 IMAC
6. CPEC and Economic Investments:
 Attracting FDI in Special Economic Zones.
 SIFC and CPEC.
 Oil Refinery at Gwadar.
 Infrastructural Development.
7. Pakistan pursuing the policy of non-alignment in the global
geopolitical confrontation:
 Sino-US Cold War.
 Russia-Ukraine War.
8. Enhancing diplomatic means to secure peace in Afghanistan.
How Pakistan can operationalize its geo-economic policy:
1. Regional Connectivity: Middle Corridor, IMAC, B3W, BRI, INSTC.

2. Trade Diversification: Made In Pakistan Policy.
3. Energy Security: Development of Energy Infrastructure.
4. Investment Promotion: SIFC, SEZs, Tourism, Industrialization.
5. Regional Cooperation and Partnerships: SCO, ECO, SAARC,
ASEAN, BRICS.
6. Human Resource Development: Skilled Labour, Education and
Vocational Training.
7. Digital Economy: Technological Innovation, Digital Infrastructure
Development, IT Parks, E-commerce, Digitalisation etc.
8. Economic Diplomacy: Economic Partnerships, Technology
Transfer, Trade Agreements.
Challenges to the Geo-Economic Policy of Pakistan:
1. Security Concerns: Terrorism, hybrid warfare, Sectarianism,

Separatist Movements etc.
2. Regional Disputes and Conflicts: Afghanistan, India, Iran.
3. Energy Shortages: hamper industrial production, discourage
foreign investors, and impede economic growth.
4. Debt Sustainability: Limits fiscal space for investments and
hinder economic growth.
5. Trade Imbalances: Trade deficit, limited export products etc
6. Environmental Sustainability: Water Scarcity, Food Insecurity,
Climate Change, Floods etc.
7. Geopolitical dynamics: US-China cold war, US-India nexus,
Russia-Ukraine war etc.
8. Lack of skilled Labour.
9. Dearth of Research and Development Facilities.
Conclusion.
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For Revision Workshop
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Ammar Gul
Current Affairs Workshop
Topic: Middle East.
1. Political Restructuring of Middle East:

 Manifestations of Political Restructuring of Middle East:
 GCC-Russia burgeoning relations:
 Saudi Arabia is the largest player in the global energy markets – 19% of the world’s oil
reserves; 12% of world production; more than 20% of oil exports on world markets.
Proved oil reserves are approximately 267 billion barrels, and production is more than
five million barrels per day, both domestically and abroad.
 MBS brokered prisoner swap deal between Ukraine and Russia: 10
foreign soldiers were released, 55 Russians were swapped in exchange
Ukrainian 215 Ukrainians.
 Russia-Saudi oil cooperation: OPEC+, Saudi Arab denied Biden’s request
to enhance oil production, Saudi and Russia announced to cut oil
production by 5oo,ooo barrels a day in August 2023.
 Saudi-Iran normalization: Bolster Russian economic and Political
interests.
 Saudi Arabia to join BRICS Bank:
“In the Middle East, we attach great importance to the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia and are currently engaged in a qualified dialogue with
them,” the New Development Bank told the Financial Times in a
statement.
 UAE abstained to vote against Russia in UNGA.
 Relations between member countries of the Cooperation Council for the
Arab States of the Gulf, also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC), are strong, GCC Secretary General Jassim Muhammad Al-Budaiwi
 Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council strategic dialogue: Sixth Ministerial
meeting at Moscow: deepening cultural, political and economic
relations. A Joint Plan of Action 2023-2028.
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 Russia believes it is very important to maintain closer diplomatic ties

and further develop cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Russian Foreign
Minister Sergey Lavrov.
 Chinese augmenting influence in the Middle East:
 Saudi-Iran rapprochement: mediated by China.
 “Some folks in the gulf clearly see this as the Chinese century,” said Steven A.
Cook, a senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign
Relations. “The Saudis have expressed interest in joining the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization and a good deal of their oil goes to China.”
 Saudi-China comprehensive strategic partnership:
o Xi Jinping’s three days visit to the Saudi Arab in
December 2022.
o Signed 35 memorandums of understanding and deals
worth $30 billion.
o “The partnership supports the Kingdom’s
development and serves its interests.” Prince Faisal.
o Signed the harmonization plan between the
Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Chinese Belt and Road
Initiative.
o China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner.
According to Reuters news agency, bilateral trade
between the two countries hit $87.3 billion in 2021,
with Chinese exports to the Kingdom reaching $30.3
billion and China’s imports from Saudi Arabia totaling
$57 billion.
o Cooperation in the automotive industry, supply
chains, logistics, water desalination, infrastructure,
manufacturing, mining, and the financial sector.
o Hydrogen energy, the judiciary, Chinese language
education, housing, direct investment, radio and
television, the digital economy, economic
development.
 China-Gulf Summit for Security and Cooperation: held at Riyadh in
December 2022:
o First China-GCC Summit attended by the Head of
States of GCC countries.
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o They adopted a five-year joint action plan to develop

their partnership in 15 key areas.
o Non-interference in internal affairs, respect for
political independence, sovereignty and territorial
integrity, and resolving disputes by peaceful means.
o Stressed the need to address destabilizing regional
activities, of whatever source, end support for
terrorist and sectarian groups, prevent the
proliferation of ballistic missiles and drones, and
ensure the safety of international shipping and oil
installations.
o Resolution of Palestine Issue through UN resolutions.
o End of Yemen war.
o Prevention of proxy warfare.
 China-Arab Summit: held in Riyadh in December 2022:
o “It will be an epoch-making milestone in the
history of China-Arab relations.” a Chinese
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning.
o First summit between the China and Arab
world.
o Digital technology, renewable energy, labor-
intensive industries and entrepreneurship
projects.
o Timing of the Summit: Multipolarity, end of
unipolar world order, Chinese increasing
influence.
o Saudi Arabia has put forward the “Vision
2030”, the UAE has put forward the “National
Development Strategy for the next 50 years”,
and Oman has put forward the “Vision 2040”
o The development hub of the Suez Canal and
the new administrative capital in Egypt.
o The NEOM project in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
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o This summit comes in light of developments in

the international arena:
 The US withdrawal from the
Middle East,
 Passing through the war in Ukraine
 Ending with the Chinese-American
tensions.
 The US is containing China as the
strategic enemy of the United
States according to the recently
approved US National.
 Inclusion of Arab Countries in the BRI project:
o 19 Arab countries and the Arab League are the part of BRI.
 Chinese support of Palestine: calls for the resolution of Palestine issue
through UN resolutions.
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 Declining influence of the US in the Middle East region:

o Saudi-US strained relations: NOPEC Bill, MBS-Biden clash,
Jamal Khashoggi issue, Yemen War, Biden’s failure to
enhance the oil production.
o “The US will not walk away and leave a vacuum to be filled
by China, Russia, or Iran” Biden.
o Russia-GCC strategic relations.
o UAE abstained to vote against Russia.
o Saudi-Iran rapprochement.
o Syria-Arab detente: Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023
o “China represents the most consequential geopolitical
challenge we face today” Antony Blinken.
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o Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Algeria

and Egypt have requested to join BRICS.
o UAE is improving its strategic relations with the India,
France, China, Iran and China.
o In a 2022 poll conducted by the Doha-based Arab Center for
Research and Policy Studies in 14 Arab countries, 78
percent of respondents believed that the biggest source of
threat and instability in the region was the US.
 What steps US is taking to curtail the influence of China in the Middle
East:
o India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor:
MoU has been signed between Saudi Arabia,
European Union, India, the UAE, France, Germany,
Italy and the US.
o I2U2 Agreement: India, Israel, US and UAE.
o Biden is weighing a Saudi-Israel Mutual Security Pact.
 Saudi-Iran rapprochement: a catalyst of changing order of the Middle-
East:
 Syria-Arab Detente:
o Bilateral diplomatic trips between Syria and Saudi Arabi:
 Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin
Farhan met with Mr Assad in Damascus.
 Resumption of Syrian participation in the
Arab League and Assad’s entry in the
League after 2010.
 The Syrian-Turkish rapprochement with the
assistance of Russia: FMs of Russia,
Turkey, Iran and Syria met in Moscow in
May 2023.
 Saudi-Syria to reopen embassies after a
decade.
 The Age of Arabisation: the emergence of new Middle East:
 MBS: A new Middle East on the pretext of EU.
 Asad’s Normalization.
 Regional Connectivity.
 Economic partnerships.
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 Era of détentes.
 Qatar restoring ties with the Saudi Arabia and UAE:
 UAE and Qatar reopened their respective embassies.
 Saudi Arabia reopened its airspace, sea and land borders
with Qatar.
 GCC members also restored relations with the Qatar.
 Turkey’s quest for the normalization of relations with the Middle
Eastern nations:
 Egypt and Turkey reopened embassies after 2013.
 UAE-Turkey rapprochement: On 24 November, 2021, the
UAE’s de-facto leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed
al-Nahyan’s (MBZ) visited Turkey.
 Saudi-Turkey rapprochement: MBS visited Turkey, Erdogan
paid visit to Saudi Arabia.
2. Conclusion.
Topic 4: Resurgence of Militancy in Pakistan

Ammar Gul
Topic 4: Resurgence of Militancy in Pakistan
Manifestations of recent wave of insurgency in Pakistan:

1. Re-emergence of TTP in Swat:
a) Calls for donation to people in Swat
b) A school van was attacked by terrorists and driver was killed and
a child got injured
c) Human right commission of Pakistan condemned it.
d) “We demand peace on our soil” (people of Swat)
2. Attack on counter terrorist department

a) Terrorists attacked and seized the CTD.
b) 33 militants were there in the compound for investigation.
c) Army launched an operation in which 25 of militants got
killed and 3 martyred.
3. Islamabad bomb blast in 23 December 2022

a) Sucide bomb blast martyred one policeman and injured 6
people. TTP claimed the responsibility.
4. Sucide bomb blast is Quetta targeting police:

a) Police mobile was destroyed which was deployed for the
security of vaccination workers.
b) Four people killed and dozens injured.
c) TTP claimed the responsibility.
5. Burgeoning militant attacks on Pakistan Army in Waziristan:

a) Sucide bomber rams bike into Army’s truck in Miran Shah
b) Five soldiers were killed in September 2022 in encounter
with the terrorists as ISPR.
c) ZOHB military base attack = 9 soldiers.
6. Peshawar Police mosque attack:

a) 80 people killed in that incident.
7. Bajour attack:
a) 50 killed, 200 wounded. ISIS claimed the responsibility.
Reports on exacerbating insurgency in

Pakistan
1. UN analytical support and sanctions monitoring team reports:

a) Insurgency has surged in Pakistan after domination of Taliban in
Afghanistan.
b) TTP 5000 militants along with borders of Afghanistan and
Pakistan.
2. Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS):
a) 51 percent increase in number of terrorists attacks in single
year of 2022.
3. Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security studies:
a) 294 militant attacks in 2021 = 51 percent increase in militancy
as compared to previous year.
4. The Think Tank’s report:
a) According to think tanks report, the TTP attacks has increased
by 27 percent in 2022 as compared to 2021 and 70 attacks
have been witnessed since May 2023.
Causes of re-emergence of insurgency

in Pakistan
1. Afghan Taliban’s overtake of Afghanistan gave impetus to TTP.

a) UNSC= Taliban should not let the soil of Afghanistan to be
used for attacking Pakistan.
b) CENTCOM report on terrorism acceleration in Pakistan after
Taliban’s victory.
c) Noor Wali Mesud = took oath on hands of Mullah Hibtullah
Akhund.
2. Afghanistan a hideout for terrorists who commit terrorists activities

in Pakistan:
a) TTP,BLA,BLF and other terrorists outfits’ in Afghanistan.
b) Moed Yousaf sanctuaries to Afghan Taliban.
c) IS-K chapter
d) India.
e) Haqqani network expanded its reach beyond North Waziristan.
3. Pakistan efforts to establish peace through negotiations with TTP

boosted the confidence of the terrorists:
a) TTP-Pak negotiations failed
b) TTP unjustified demands
c) Reduction of army in FATA.
d) Reverse FATA merger.
e) Parachinar incident: TTP tried to incite shia-sunni violence
but army brokered a one year peace agreement.
f) Violent terrorist’s activities continued.
g) Allowance of the return of TTP members to home.
4. Emergence of terrorists nexus among the different terrorist outfits

a) TTP-ISK nexus.
b) TTP-BLA-BLK nexus.
c) Exacerbated terrorism in Pakistan.
d) 22 new groups joined TTP since July 2020.
e) Expanded their geographical reach.
5. Hybrid warfare and increased insurgency in Pakistan:

a) Dossier by ISPR and FM of Pakistan.
b) India supporting TTP.
c) Johar town and Anarkali bomb blast.= moeed yousaf
d) Kuljushan yadav
e) Provocation of civil-sectarian war TTP
6. Separatist movement gave rise to terrorism in Pakistan:

a) Balochistan = BLA,BLF.
b) KPK-TTP = merger of FATA with Afghanistan.
c) Sindh - anti-Pakistan forces and Jery Sindh movement.
7. US withdrawal from Afghanistan providing breathing space to

terrorists.
a) US forces
b) NATO forces
c) Operations
d) Elimination of terrorists.
8. Flawed policies of counter terrorism:

a) Lack of implementation of NAP.
b) Development hindered in terrorist areas.(forensic labs in
NMDS).
c) Dearth of funds to CTD, no headquarters.
9. Role of extremist mullahs or religious scholars to provide support to

terrorists:
a) Validation of terrorist activities
b) Provision of man power.
c) Hideout provisions
d) Promotion of Jihad culture to support militants.
What can be the impacts of emergence insurgency in Pakistan:

1. Loss of life and property.
2. Economic instability and collapse.
3. Negative perception of Pakistan around the world.
4. Halt in Tourism and sport activities.
5. Emergence of an environment of fear.
6. Bomb blasts and suicide attacks.
7. Rise of sectarianism and extremism.
8. Boost to separatist movements.
Recommendations to eliminate insurgency
1. Implementation of NAP as per its true spirit.

2. Launch of counter terrorism operation against terrorists on the
pretext of Zarb-e-Azab and Rad-ul-Fasad.
3. Political coercion of Afghan Talibans to stop the afghan’s soil use
against Pakistan for terrorist activities.
4. Formation of robust counter-terrorism policy
5. Religious scholars should disown terrorists.
6. Strengthening security on borders to halt cross-border terrorism.
7. Mitigate hybrid warfare through developing vigorous policy.
Topic: Russia-Ukraine War and its implications on International
Energy
Ammar Gul
Russia-Ukraine War and its implications on International Energy

Politics and Economy
Causes of Russia Ukraine War:
1. Russia never considered Ukraine as an independent country:

 Fiona Hill wrote in an opinion in New York Times
that Putin in 2008 told Bush, “George, you have to
understand that Ukraine is not even a country. Part
of its territory is in Eastern Europe and the greater
part was given to us.”
 Putin: Ukraine has no claim to independence, but it
is instead integral part of Russia-its people are
connected with us by blood and family ties.
2. Putin’s Vision of Reunification of Russia:
 Disintegration of USSR as the greatest crime in the
history of mankind.
3. US ill-considered decision to expand NATO to East Europe
even after the collapse of USSR:
 Poland, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic,
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia joined NATO.
 George Kennan, the architect of America’s
successful containment of the soviet union, said to
Thomas L. Friedman that NATO’s expansion to
Eastern Europe is the beginning of a new cold war.
4. Ukraine’s eagerness to join EU and NATO:
 Georgia Invasion: 2008
 Economic Deal of 2013
 Crimean Invasion 2014.
 According to John Measheimer, father of Offensive
Realism, Russia-Ukraine war is the result of
Western Nations’ decision of April 2006 to make
Georgia and Ukraine a part of NATO.
5. Mild Western response to the Russian Invasion of Georgia in
2008 and Crimea in 2014:
 Fiona Hill opined that the West’s muted reaction to
the both 2008 and 2014 invasions emboldened Mr.
Putin.
6. Russian Strategy of driving the US out of Europe:
 The strategic objective of Russia is not Ukraine, but
to clarify the rules of inhabitation with the NATO
and EU: Emmanuel Macron.
7. The Militarization of Eastern Europe:
 Military drills in Black Sea.
 Military deployments in Eastern European
Countries.
 Putin is planning to plant hypersonic missiles in
Cuba and Venezuela.
8. Creating a New Political Order in the former Soviet Union
region.
Wagner Rebellion:
 Mutinous Russian mercenary fighters
 Yevgeny Prigozhin: Head of Wagner Group
 Prigozhin says the “evil” of Russia’s military leadership “must be
stopped” and his Wagner mercenary force will lead a “march for justice”
against the Russian military.
 The rebellion marks the most serious challenge yet to Putin's long rule
and Russia's most serious security crisis since he came to power in late
1999.
 Impacts on Putin’s Leadership:
 Depicts loosening grip on internal security
 Putin emerged more stronger than ever.
Implications of Russia-Ukraine war on the global geopolitical

scenario:
1. De-dollarization.
2. Threatening the western led global order.
3. BRICS expansion and rise of multilateralism.
4. China-Russia no Limit Strategic Partnership
5. Saudi-Iran Rapprochement
6. Saudi-US declining relations and rise of Saudi-Russia Strategic
partnership.
7. Emergence of Bloc Politics
Russia-Ukraine War and International Energy Politics:
According to World Economic Forum:
1. Higher Energy Prices: 140 dollars, 90% electricity cost

increase.
2. Changing trade flows and supply shortages: 80% cut to EU
energy demands by Russia.
3. Sanctions on Russian Energy Supply Companies generated
energy supply disruptions: Gazprom, Rushydro etc
4. Energy Policy Changes:
 EU looking for alternative markets for its oil
demands.
 Qatar-Germany LNG Deal: 15 years deal.
5. A shift to green and renewable energy:
 EU: Phased out coal-fired power plants.
 US: Inflation Reduction Act: Promote clean and
green energy.
 China: New Plan for Renewable Energy
Development.
 Australia: Climate Change Bill 2022.
6. Saudi-Russia Oil Partnership
7. US outreach to Venezuela for securing oil deal.
8. Europe is looking towards Iran for its enegy deal.
Impacts on world economy:
1. Wars of Subsidy in Europe.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions.
3. Higher Energy Prices: devastation for the economic growth of
developing countries.
4. Skyrocketing Inflation
5. Impacted Tourism, Agriculture and Services Sector.
6. Western imposed ban on Russian use of SWIFT hindered
global trade.
Solutions to Ukraine-Russia War:
1. Chinese 12 Point Agenda to Resolve Russia-Ukraine War:

1) Respecting the sovereignty of all countries
2) Abandoning the Cold War mentality.
3) Ceasing hostilities
4) “Resuming peace talks.”

5) Resolving the humanitarian crisis.
6) Protecting civilians and prisoners of war (POWs).
7) Keeping nuclear power plants safe.
8) Reducing strategic risks.
9) Facilitating grain exports: China offers its support for the four-party “Black Sea Grain
Initiative” (signed by Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine and the UN), calling for its continued
implementation. Meanwhile, Beijing states that its proposed “cooperation initiative on
global food security” provides an alternative solution to the global food security crisis.
10) Stopping unilateral sanctions.
11) Keeping industrial and supply chains stable.
12) Promoting post-conflict reconstruction.
2. Zelenskyy’s 10 Points Peace Plan:
 Radiation and nuclear safety, focusing on restoring security around

Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, which is
now Russian-occupied.
 Food security, including protecting and ensuring Ukraine’s grain
exports to the world’s poorest nations.
 Energy security, with a focus on price restrictions on Russian energy
resources, as well as aiding Ukraine with restoring its power
infrastructure, half of which has been damaged by Russian attacks.
 Release of all prisoners and deportees, including war prisoners and
children deported to Russia.
 Restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and Russia reaffirming it
according to the UN Charter, which Zelenskyy said is “not up to
negotiations”.
 Withdrawal of Russian troops and the cessation of hostilities, the
restoration of Ukraine’s state borders with Russia.
 Justice, including the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute
Russian war crimes.
 The prevention of ecocide, and the protection of the environment, with
a focus on demining and restoring water treatment facilities.
 Prevention of an escalation of conflict and building security architecture
in the Euro-Atlantic space, including guarantees for Ukraine.
 Confirmation of the war’s end, including a document signed by the
involved parties.
3. An African Peace Imitative for Russia-Ukraine War:
 The delegation from South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, Congo-

Brazzaville, Comoros, Zambia, and Uganda put forward a 10-point
proposal, including a recognition of Russia and Ukraine's
sovereignty and continued unhindered grain exports.
 They also called for a de-escalation of fighting and for negotiations
to commence with urgency, for the release of prisoners of war
and for greater humanitarian support, among other requests.
Conclusion.s
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Topic: Saudi-Iran Rapprochement

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Ammar Gul
Topic 2: Saudi-Iran Rapprochement

A history of Cold War between Saudi Arabia and Iran:
2011 – Arab Spring
The Arab Spring saw protest movements against the status quo across the
Middle East. Saudi Arabia accused Iran of inciting protests in Bahrain against
the royal family and sent more than 1,000 soldiers to stop the demonstrations.
Iran denied the accusation.
2011 – Syrian war

The rivals squared off again after the Syrian war erupted in 2011. Shia-ruled
Iran backed President Bashar al-Assad and provided him with military forces
and money to battle Sunni rebels. Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia backed the
rebel groups but later joined a US-led coalition formed to fight ISIL (ISIS) from
2014.
2015 – War in Yemen

When the civil war in Yemen began in 2015, Saudi Arabia backed its
internationally recognised government and targeted Houthi rebel
strongholds.The Houthis are aligned with Iran.
2015 – Mecca stampede

A stampede in Mecca during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in 2015 further
inflamed tensions. Iran accused the Saudi government of mismanaging the
most important event in the Muslim calendar. About 2,000 pilgrims were killed
in the crush, more than 400 of them Iranians.
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2016 – Saudi Arabia cuts ties

Four months after the stampede in Mecca, Saudi Arabia executed prominent
Shia leader Nimr al-Nimr, a critic of the Saudi government. Protesters in Tehran
stormed the Saudi embassy, and Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei, warned of “divine vengeance” for Nimr’s execution. Riyadh then cut
ties with Tehran.
2016 – Iran suspends Hajj participation
That same year, Iran suspended participation in the Hajj, and Saudi Arabia
launched a Persian-language television station covering the pilgrimage.
Riyadh said the 24-hour satellite channel would cover Hajj rituals and prayers
from the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Khamenei slammed Saudi Arabia over how
it runs the Hajj and suggested Muslim countries think about ending Riyadh’s
control of the pilgrimage.
2017 – Qatar blockade
Another regional rupture took place in June 2017 when Saudi Arabia and its
allies in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt imposed a blockade on
Qatar. They said Qatar was too close to Iran and supported “terrorism”,
allegations that Doha denied. Those ties were mended in January 2021.
2017 – Lebanese PM resigns
The prime minister of Lebanon, Saad Hariri, resigned unexpectedly on

November 4, 2017 and bizarrely from Riyadh, citing Iran’s “grip” on his country
through Hezbollah. He later withdrew his resignation. The move plunged
Lebanon into a political crisis seen as part of a Saudi effort to counteract Iran’s
influence in the country.
2017 – Missile intercepted over Riyadh
Hours after Hariri’s resignation, Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile over
Riyadh International Airport. It asserted that the missile was supplied by Iran
and launched from territory held by Houthi rebels in Yemen. In comments
reported by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, the crown prince told then-
British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson that Iran’s actions “may be considered
an act of war against the kingdom”.
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2018 – US pulls out of Iran nuclear deal
In May 2018, President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States
from the Iran nuclear deal, a move praised by both Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warned in a US television
interview that if Tehran gets a nuclear weapon, “we will follow suit as soon as
possible.”
The prince also referred to Iran’s supreme leader as “the new Hitler”.
2019 – Attacks on Saudi targets
A year later, Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for a series of attacks on targets in the
kingdom, including one that struck the heart of the country’s oil industry,
temporarily halving the kingdom’s crude production. Iran denied involvement.
Yemen’s Houthi rebel group claimed responsibility for the attacks.
2020 – Qassem Soleimani killed
When the Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US

drone strike in Baghdad, official Saudi media celebrated the attack.
2021 – Iran and Saudi Arabia hold talks
In April 2021, Iran and Saudi Arabia held their first direct talks since they cut off
official ties. Baghdad was the host.
2022 – More talks
Between April and September last year, four rounds of talks were held, mostly
mediated by Iraq and Oman.
After Iran and Saudi Arabia held a fifth round of talks, a top adviser to
Khamenei called for Saudi and Iranian embassies to be reopened.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Saudi Arabia for talks with Mohammed bin
Salman.
2023 – Agreement to restore ties

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visits China to meet Xi in February. The

following month, Riyadh and Tehran announce they have decided to re-
establish ties.
Rapprochement:
Brokered by China on 10 March 2023.

Restored diplomatic relations and pledged to reopen embassies.
Riyadh, Tehran and Beijing “expressed their keenness to exert all efforts towards
enhancing regional and international peace and security.
Terms of the rapprochement:
Reactivation of the cooperation and security agreements signed in
1998 and 2001.
No interference in the internal affairs of each other.
Iran to stop further attacks on Saudi Arabia
Iran would curtail support for militant groups
Interests of Iran:
Ending its political isolation from the region.
Eradicating Israeli propaganda to destabilize Iran.
Neutralizing the US burgeoning role in the Middle East.
Gaining economic opportunities.
Interests of Saudi Arabia:
Securing its security interests.
Promoting its idea of a Middle East on the model of
European Union.
Finding policies options other than the US and Its allies.
Promotion of its economic diversification agenda: Vision
2030.
Interests of China:
Countering US hegemony in the West Asia.
Promoting Belt and Road Initiative.
Protecting its Oil trade.
Threatening the Liberal Order.
Promoting Multilateralism.
World Reaction:
China:
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The restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia is

“major good news” in the current turbulent world and a
“victory” for dialogue and peace.
US:
“With regard to the agreement reached between Saudi
Arabia and Iran with China's involvement, from our
perspective, anything that can help reduce tensions, avoid
conflict and curb in any way dangerous or destabilising
actions by Iran is a good thing,” US Secretary of State
Antony Blinken.
"We'll see. It really does remain to be seen whether the
Iranians are going to honor their side of the deal. This is not
a regime that typically does honor its word." John Kirby.
Iraq:
“A new page has been opened in diplomatic relations
between the two countries,” said a statement from the Iraqi
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
UAE:
The UAE believes in the importance of positive
communication and dialogue among the countries of the
region towards consolidating the concepts of good
neighborliness and starting from a common ground to build
a more stable future for all.
Oman:
“This is a win-win for everyone and will benefit regional and
global security,” said Omani Foreign Minister Badr
Albusaidi.
Turkey:
The Turkish foreign minister welcomed the agreement in a
phone call with his Saudi counterpart, according to the
Saudi state news agency.
Pakistan:
"Pakistan firmly believes that this important diplomatic
breakthrough will contribute to peace and stability in the
region and beyond," the Foreign Office
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We commend the role played by China’s visionary

leadership in coordinating this historic agreement which
reflects the power of constructive engagement and
meaningful dialogue. We laud sagacious leadership of the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran for
this very positive development.
Regional Implications of Saudi-Iran Rapprochement:
Burgeoning Role of China in the Middle East:

China’s prestigious accomplishment vaults it into a new league
diplomatically and outshines anything the U.S. has been able to achieve in
the region since Biden came to office. Amy Hawthorne, deputy director for
research at the Project on Middle East Democracy, a nonprofit group in
Washington.
The Chinese, who for years played only a secondary role in the region, have
suddenly transformed themselves into the new power player. Peter Baker
Declining role of the US in the Middle East:
The Americans, who have been the central actors in the Middle East
for the past three-quarters of a century, almost always the ones in the
room where it happened, now find themselves on the sidelines during
a moment of significant change. Peter Baker
“I think it reflects the way U.S. partners have leaned into their growing
ties with China,” said Mr. Kurtzer. “Is it a direct threat to the United
States? That is debatable. But the regional order is changing.”
Eradicated Israel’s hope for framing nexus with the Saudi Arabia
against Iran:
Israel finds its hopes for an anti-Iranian coalition with Saudi
Arabia evidently dashed.
Israelis, who have been courting the Saudis against their mutual
adversaries in Tehran, now wonder where it leaves them.
US wanted a deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
For opening formal ties with Israel, the Saudis have asked the
United States for security guarantees, help developing a civilian
nuclear program and fewer restrictions on U.S. arms sales.
Yair Lapid termed the development as “a total and dangerous foreign
policy failure of the Israeli government,”
Naftali Bennett called it “a serious and dangerous development for
Israel, a political victory for Iran and a fatal blow to the effort to build
a regional coalition against Iran.”
End of Proxy war in the region.
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Lebanon
Syria
Iraq
Yemen
A decisive end to the Yemen War.
Major players: Saudi and Iran.
Ending Houthi rebellion.
Stoppage of Human rights violations.
Elimination of Sectarianism and political consolidation of the Ummah.
Brighter prospects of the regional development and economic
prosperities.
Enhance the role of Russia in the Middle East.
Supporting the Syrian Normalization process.
Implications for Pakistan:
1. Help Pakistan promote its policy of geo-economics:
Regional Connectivity: INSTC, IMEC, Middle East and
Central Asian Countries.
Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani (Caretaker FM): Saudi-
Iran Rapprochement will open new horizons of
regional connectivity for Pakistan.
2. Pakistan can secure investments from Iran and Saudi Arabia in
CPEC.
Saudi Arabia to Invest 10 Billion Dollars in building the
Largest Oil Refinery at Gwadar.
According to Ministry of Planning and Development,
Pakistan and Iran have agreed to collaborate in CPEC.
Investments in Special Economic Zones.
3. Iran and Saudi Arabia also enjoy cordial relations with Pakistan
and India and could use their influence to ease tensions between
the two South Asian countries.
Saudi-India growing relations.
Iran-India amicable proximity.
SCO, India, Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia (Dialogue
Partner).
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4. Elimination of Sectarian and Proxy wars in Pakistan:

Shia: Iran
Sunni: Saudi Arabia
Battle ground Pakistan.
5. Development of Chabahar Port and Gwadar Port as Sister Ports:
China-Iran Strategic Partnership.
Saudi-China Strategic Partnership.
6. Pakistan can embark a new path of diplomacy and cooperation:
Iran-Saudi Cold War.
Pakistan’s diplomatic constraints.
Hard to strike a balance.
7. Pakistan-Iran-Saudi trilateral partnership in terms of counter-
terrorism cooperation.
Sharing of Intelligence Information
Eliminating ISIS and AL-Qaeda.
8. Saudi Arabia and Iran can contribute in the Energy Security of
Pakistan.
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Topic: SIFC a New Remedy for Economic Woes of Pakistan
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Ammar Gul
Topic 3: SIFC a New Remedy for Economic Woes of Pakistan.

Causes of Pakistan’s Economic Crisis:
1. Inconsistent Economic Policies:

No Economic Policy for first Nine Years.
The Harvard Trickledown model of Ayub Khan.
Nationalization of Bhutto.
Barrowed Economic model of Zia.
Short term economic policies in Benezir and Nawaz Sharif era:
dependent on IMF and WB loans.
Consumer Credit Model of Musharraf: loans to all educated
people who had business ideas to run small enterprises
Crony Capitalism: Nawaz Sharif: an economic system
characterized by close, mutually advantageous relationships
between business leaders and government officials.
Welfare Based Economic Model of Imran Khan.
2. Heavy External and Domestic Indebtedness:
The IMF has projected an increase in Pakistan’s external debt
to reach $130.850 billion in 2023-24 up from $123.574 billion
in 2022-23.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data, total
external debt liabilities stood at $125.726 billion by March
2023.
The interest payments for the fiscal year 2023-24 are projected
to reach Rs7.3 trillion, with Rs6.43 trillion allocated for
domestic debt and Rs872.25 billion for foreign debt.
Balance of payment crisis, Fiscal deficit etc.
3. Lack of Foreign Direct Investment:
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According to the State Bank of Pakistan’s data released on

Tuesday, Pakistan received $1.456 billion in FDI from July to
June 2023, which is $480 million lower than the $1.936 billion
received in the previous fiscal year (FY22).
Developmental projects, foreign exchange reserves,
employment etc.
4. Burgeoning Imports and Declining Exports (Trade Deficit)
PBS: 27.55 bn $ in 2023 which was 48 bn $ in 2022.
Lack of diversified products etc
5. Dwindling Foreign Exchange Reserves:
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves reached $9.746 billion: PBS,
2021: all time high $27.228 billion.
6. Devaluation of Currency:
Bank of America (BofA) Securities has predicted that Pakistan’s
currency could devalue to Rs340 against the US dollar due to high
domestic borrowing, substantial interest payments, and the need
to restructure unsustainable debt in 2024 and 2025.
Current 1 dollar equals to 296.22 rupees.
7. Low Tax to GDP Ratio:
By the end of last working day of fiscal year 2022-23, the Federal
Board of Revenue (FBR) provisionally collected Rs7.144 trillion in
taxes against the target of Rs7.640 trillion.
Tax to GDP Ratio: 18% needed for growth rate of 7 to 8 percent.
8. Loss Incurring State Owned Enterprises:
World Bank report titled “Pakistan Federal Public Expenditure
Review 2023” ranks Pakistan’s SOEs as the least profitable in the
entire South Asia.
The latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan showed that
the credit to state-owned firms reached Rs142.3bn during the first
eight months (July to February) of the current fiscal year.
The first half-yearly report of the State Bank shows that Pakistan
International Airline (PIA) was the biggest borrower with
Rs186.6bn until the end of December.
9. Prevalence of Informal Economy:
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According to the World Bank, the informal sector, which accounts

for more than 60% of the total workforce and 71.3% of the non-
agricultural labor, is estimated to be more than 1/3rd of the
country’s GDP.
The Small and Medium Enterprise Development
Authority (SMEDA) reported that more than 40% of Pakistan’s
GDP comes from the informal sector.
The informal economy is estimated to be 35.6% of Pakistan’s GDP.
10.Rising Poverty, Unemployment and Inflation:
38.3 percent of the population in Pakistan (88,701 thousand
people in 2021) is multidimensionally poor while an additional
12.9 percent is classified as vulnerable to multidimensional
poverty: UNDP.
Unemployment Rate in Pakistan is expected to reach 6.80
percent by the end of 2023, according to Trading Economics global
macro models and analysts expectations.
37.97 inflation rate: PBS.
11.Polarized Politics.
12. Amnesty Schemes and Tax Exemptions to Land Lords: Mehboob ul
Haq.
Special Investment Facilitation Council: Attracting Foreign
Direct Investment and Privatisation of State Owned
Enterprises:
On 20 June 2023, the Government of Pakistan approved the
establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
A facility to act as a "single window" to facilitate investors, establish
cooperation among all Government departments, and fast-track
project development.
Amendments to the Board of Investment Ordinance 2001 by adding Chapter
II-A with regard to SIFC’s establishment.
Under the Patronage of Military Establishment.
Aim: The Government established the SIFC to shorten lengthy business
processes through a cooperative and collaborative whole-of-the-
government approach with the representation of all stakeholders.
Key Sectors: Defence production, agriculture, mining, information
technology (IT) and energy through domestic and foreign investments.
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Projects approved: SIFC approved 28 projects to offer to

the investors:
Saudi Aramco Refinery, TAPI Gas Pipeline, Thar
Coal Rail Connectivity, hydropower projects of
245 MW in Gilgit-Baltistan, handing over of
85,000 acres of land to a single investor, the
establishment of cloud infrastructure, and
telecom infrastructure deployment.
The construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam and
mining operations at Reko Diq in Balochistan’s
Chagai district.
In agriculture sector: including a plan to offer
85,000 acres to a single investor. Corporate
farming in Cholistan includes 50,000 acres,
establishment of a corporate dairy farm on
15,000 acres for 30,000 animals, establishment
of a corporate feedlot farm on 10,000 acres for
100,000 animals, and the establishment of a
corporate camel farm on 10,000 acres for
15,000 animals.
New Visa Policy under SIFC:
Amendments in Visa Policy for 103 Countires.
Pakistani missions will now be obligated to issue
business visas for 5 years within 24 hours.
A short-term investor visa of one year will also be
issued within 24 hours.
A 3-year investor visa will also be issued within 24
hours.
The Ministry of Interior is mandated to issue 5-year
investor visas in just 10 days.
“If Pakistan’s chambers of business or business
organisations issue a document to a foreign
businessman, easy visas will also be issued to them,”
the statement quoted caretaker Prime Minister Kakar
as saying.
A Legislative Plan for Cooperate Contracts and Cooperate
Farming on Private Land:
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Provincial legislation to safeguard land rights and

dispute resolution.
Establishing a special unit at the Security and Exchange
Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
Special courts to settle disputes, tax holidays,
incentives, and risk mitigation.
Special authorities at provincial levels, and pilot models
at all provinces.
Amendments in the Provincial Legislations for
Cooperate Farming: The Contract Act 1872, the Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Tenancy Act 1950
Pro-Active Diplomacy:
Pakistan’s relations with China, the United States and other
Middle East countries.
Pakistan’s Look Africa Policy.
Attracting Western Nations.
A Nation Wide Programme to help Freelancers:
600,000 freelancers earn $5 to $10 per day
Programme would generate around $3 billion annually
Zero Tolerance for Smuggling:
Crackdown on the smuggling of sugar, dollars, oil,
fertiliser, wheat, etc.
Operation against Energy Theft.
How SIFC will help to eliminate Economic Crisis:
Attracting Foreign Direct Investments.
Employment generation and increase in buying power.
A new wave of Industrialization.
Generation of Business Friendly Environment.
Eliminating the menace of dwindling Foreign Exchange Reserves.
Privatization of Loss incurring State Owned Enterprises.
Strengthening of Pakistani Currency.
Other Suggestions to Mitigate Pakistan’s Economic Crisis:

1. Development of Long term and far-sighted policy:
USA: Liberalism: Capitalism.
China: Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.
2. Implementation of Knowledge Economy:
The World Bank defines knowledge economies according to four
pillars:
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Institutional structures that provide incentives for

entrepreneurship and the use of knowledge
Availability of skilled labor and a good education system
Access to information and communication technology (ICT)
infrastructures
A vibrant innovation landscape that includes academia, the
private sector, and civil society.
What Pakistan is doing:
Technology Parks
Technology driven task force
Presidential Initiative for Artificial Intelligence and Computing
Pakistan Vision 2025.
State of the art Universities to enhance research and
development: Pak-Austria fachhochschule university of applied
sciences
3. Boosting Economic Growth through Blue Economy:
Thailand, Maldives, Sri Lanka etc
Marine Tourism, Fishing Industry, Ship Industry, Ports etc.
Blue Economy Policy 2020.
Inclusion of Blue Economy i Pakistan Vision 2025
Sino-Pak Blue Partnership under CPEC.
4. Privatization of Loss Incurring SOEs
5. Restructuring of FBR to enhance tax base of Pakistan.
6. Regional Connectivity and Geo-economic policy.
7. Incentivising Industrial sector to diversify Export products.
8. Formalizing the Informal Economic Structure.
Conclusion
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0324-5772446
Ammar Gul
Topic 7: Multi-dimensional US-China Relations: Rivalry, Competition

and Cooperation.
According to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US relations with China are
multifaceted, comprising elements of cooperation, competition, and systemic
rivalry.
Multi-dimensional US-China Relations:
Adversarial dimension of Sino-US Relations:
China poses the “most serious long-term challenge to the international order: US Secretary of
State Antony Blinken.
1. US-China Trade War:
It’s now clear to U.S. officials that China, once considered a possible economic and
political ally, has become an emerging threat to national security, U.S. companies
and American workers, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
China-U.S. trade fell by 14.5% in the first half of the year 2023: China’s
ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng.
Decoupling of economies: Trump imposed 360 billion tariffs on Chinese goods.
Xie claimed that average U.S. tariffs on Chinese products were 19%, while the
Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods averaged 7.3%.
Trump and Biden imposed tariffs on Chinese goods and China retaliated in the
same manner.
Biden’s “de-risking” Strategy: intends to narrowly tailor restrictions to
prevent China’s military advancement and protect U.S. national security
New Executive Order 2023: declaring a national emergency to deal with the
threat of advancement by countries like China “in sensitive technologies and
products critical to the military, intelligence, surveillance, or cyber-enabled
capabilities”.
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The US treasury secretary to prohibit or restrict certain US investments in

Chinese entities in three sectors: semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum
information technologies, and certain artificial intelligence systems.
2. The US-China Tec War:
China banned Face book, Google, Apple and You tube to operate in China.
US CHIPS and Science Act 2022: Designed to boost US competitiveness,
innovation, and national security. The law aims to catalyze investments in
domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity.
The act invests $280 billion to bolster US semiconductor capacity, catalyze
R&D, and create regional high-tech hubs and a bigger, more inclusive STEM
workforce.
US-China Chips war: US is concerned that China is using chips to advance its
military technology, Xi’s vision of “world class” military by 2049, Semiconductors.,
Semiconductors are used to produce hypersonic missiles, and using artificial
intelligence (AI) for a range of applications, including electronic warfare.
US banned China’s access to US-origin semiconductors and their related
products.
US sanctioned Chinese largest chip maker: Semiconductor Manufacturing
International Cooperation.
US have banned the sale and import of new communications equipment
from five Chinese companies, including Huawei and ZTE, amid concerns over
national security In March 2023, when Japan and
the Netherlands announced that they were also adopting new export controls on
advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Combined, the U.S., Japan,
and the Netherlands provide roughly
90% of all the equipment that is used in computer chip factories worldwide.
China’s anti-trust authority has effectively
blocked any and all corporate mergers involving a U.S. semiconductor company
that operates in Chinese markets.
China initiated a cyber security review of Micron, the leading U.S. producer of
memory chips. In late May, China’s regulators banned purchases of Micron chips
in China’s critical infrastructure sector.
3. Geopolitical and geostrategic rivalry between US and China:
China is the biggest threat to the US interests and security: National Intelligence
Report.
China Containment Policy.
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China-Russia no limit strategic partnership

AUKUS, QUAD, I2U2etc.
China-Iran Strategic Partnership.
IMEC versus BRI in Middle East.
China-US rivalry in Indo-Pacific
BRICS, SCO, NATO, Partners in Blue Pacific
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework versus
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
4. US-China Strategic Divergence on Taiwan, Hong Kong and Tibet.

5. Authoritarian versus democratic political order of the world:
According to the US Director of National Intelligence, China poses the greatest
threat to democracy and freedom world-wide since World War 2.
6. Chinese model of Multilateralism and US model of Unipolarism:
GDI, GSI and GCI
7. De-dollarization and the rise of Petroyuan.
Competitive Mode of US-China Relations:
1. Strategic competition of building infrastructural corridors:
BRI versus B3W.
IMEC, I2U2 etc.
Chinese Participation in the Greater Eurasian
Partnership.
2. Technological Competition between US and China:
Competition in Generative Artificial Intelligence: OpenAI ChatGPT.
Chinsese AI Development Plan calling for Chinese AI
to be the world’s undisputed leader by 2030.
Competition in communication networks: Huwaei launched 5G later T- Mobile
Launched 5G across the US.
Technological competition in modernizing military: Xi’s vision of a "world-class"
military power, capable of "fighting and winning wars" by 2049.
3. US-China Competition in Cyberspace:
Eternal Blue VS Dubbed Daxin
4. US-China Competition in outer Space:
Tiangong Space Station vs NASA’s International Space Station.
Beidou satellite navigation system vs Global Positioning System.
Chinese anti-satellite Missile SC-19 ASAT vs US anti- satellite missile RIM-161-
Standard Missile-3.
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Cooperative Phase of US-China Relations:

1. To Mitigate Global Conflicts:
Israel-Palestine Issue.
Kashmir Issue
Yemen Civil War
Civil Wars in Horn of Africa.
2. Global Cooperation to Counter-Terrorism:
IS-k, AL-Qeada, ETIM, TTP etc.
3. Global Cooperation to Counter Global Warming:

4. Global Cooperation on Natural Disasters.
5. Global Cooperation on Nuclear Proliferation.
6. Global Cooperation on developing health, educational and innovative
infrastructure
Conclusion
Topic: Why America failed in Afghanistan?
Topic: Why America failed in Afghanistan?
“You are not going to win the war, and you are not going to
transfer Afghanistan” (ASHFAQ PERVAIZ QIANI).
1.Trying to win the unwinnable war
 Britain failed
 Moscow failed
 US failed = what are we doing here? GEN DOUGLAS LUTE
(ADVISOR TO BUSH AND OBAMA)
 Afghanistan papers, reveal hot American public was
misted by claims of winning an unwinnable war.
 Terrain, determination of Afghans etc.
2.Lack of feasible strategic planning and decisions.

 “We had no long term strategy” GEN DAVID RICHARD.
 The loss in Afghanistan was a cumulative effect of 20
years of wrong decisions and bad planning.(GEN Mark
A.Milley)
 Letting Osama bin Laden escape from Tora Bora.
 Changing too many generals. (command changes)
 Taking the enemy easy without knowing his capabilities
and strength.
 Focus on short-term security goals.
3.Shifting focus from Afghanistan to Iraq in the early stages of
the war.
 Bush began the Iraq war in 2003 shifting his focus from
Afghanistan to Iraq
 Frank Mckenze said “it was a major strategic blunder, in
which we pulled our troops from Afghanistan and placed
them in Iraq”.
 PULLING OFF INTELLIGENCE ADVISORS, BLINDED US.
4.Reliance on Afghan military to secure Afghanistan after US

withdrawal
 Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani in a white paper which Pakistan to
US President Obama warned him that do not try to blind
up Afghan Army. You will fail. They will turn into militias.
 Vali Nasr advisor to Richard Holbrooke, who served as US
special Representative for Afghanistan, wrote in his book,
The Indispensable Nation, that they plan to build and army
of 400,000 strong soldiers by 2014 and it was their great
strategic mistake.
5.The frequent change in command:

 Shuja Nawaz in his book, the Battle for Pakistan, opines
that the major reason for US failure in Afghanistan was
frequent change of command.
 From Robert Gates to Gen .Mcchrystal no one had the
proper time to frame and implement their strategies as
per their planning due to swift changes in the command.
6.No strategy to end the war.

 Military strategists are taught never to start a war without
having a plan to end it.
 Craig Whitlock = Afghanistan papers = Bush nor anyone
else had proper plan to meet the war with its conclusion.
7. American desired results were not achieved

 President Bush merely voiced two objectives of the war in
Afghanistan: “to disrupt al-Qaeda’s use of Afghanistan as a
terrorist base of operation and to attack the military
capability of Taliban regime.
 Both not earned
 Later, objectives changed = Install Democracy project
Human rights, empowering the woman etc.
 All not achieved.
8. Overstretched war = (2001-2021)

 20 years
 3 trillion dollars
 100000 people killed
 “I have no visibility into who the bad guys are in
Afghanistan after investing much time and energy, he
questioned, Who are our enemies, I do not know.
9.Inability to provide political stability and social coherence

 Civil war
 Turmoil
 Corruption
 Northern Alliance vs Taliban Pathan, Uzbek, Tajik , Hazara
etc.
 Tried to establish democracy but failed.
10.Lack of credible local partner and failure to win Afghan

hearts and minds:
 Hamid Karzai administration and Ashraf Ghani
administration
 Self-centred , corrupt, dysfunctional, divided. SIGAR
report.
 Northern Alliance
 Afghan military collapsed within days.
 Growing popularity of Taliban, corruption and bad
governance turmoil Afghan hearts and minds from US. =
Drone attacks = killing civilians, changing their tribal
traditions and customs.
Outcomes of Afghan war for America and

Afghanistan
The brown university costs of war project
 The human cost
 American service member killed = 2448
 US contractors = 3846
 Afghan national Army and police = 66000
 NATO members = 1144
 Afghan civilians = 47,245
 Taliban and other fighters = 51,191
 Aid workers = 444
 Journalists = 72
2.Economic cost:
 More than 3 trillion dollars
The implications of US withdrawal from

Afghanistan on South Asia or the region
1.Power vacuum after the US withdrawal can call a power
struggle between the international and regional players that
would destabilize the region.
 China = Wang Yi visit to Afghanistan
 India= India – Taliban dialogue in Doha. (India central Asia
summit)
 Russia = Taliban-Russia dialogue
 Pakistan = Pak-Taliban relations.
 Central Asia = Summit of the Afghan neighbors
2.The looming threats of civil war in Afghanistan pose greater

security peris to the regional countries
 Pakistan = mass exodus of refugees to the Pakistan
 Growing terrorism = Russia is concerned for the security of
central Asian countries
 China = Xinjiang province
 Iran = Shia – Hazar = borders
 Central Asian countries= Uzbekistan and Tajiskistan
3.Afghanistan a base of terrorists and military

 Pak = TTP, ISIS, AL-Qaeda.
 China = East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement
 CA = IS, Al-Qaeda , Tajik and Uzbek militants.
 India = Kashmir, TTA etc.
 Russia = IS, Al-Qaeda.
4.Burgeoning narcotics supply and drug trafficking

 Russia = Putin SCO summit = halt narcotics supply
 Pak= drug trafficking via Balochistan and KPK
 CA= similar concerns
 India and Bangladesh
 Afghanistan opiate trafficking report of United Nations
office on Drugs and crime = large quantity of drugs and,
heroin and opium supplied to other countries
5.Spread of fanatic ideology and fundamentalism in the region

 Taliban resurgence will reboot fundamentalism in the
region
 The major concerns of Tajiskistan on Taliban’s control over
Afghanistan is , that it would hurt their liberal life style and
promote extremism in the society
 It can provide breathing ground for radical elements and
separatists groups in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh etc.
 US generals estimated that terrorist groups can
reconstitute in Afghanistan sooner than expected.
6. Regional integration and the Taliban
 CPEC and Central Asia
 Regional pipelines = TAPI, CASA-1000 etc
 Regional corridors = Quad, PAK-AFUZ railway project
 China-Iran deal
 Chaos and instability would hamper it all
 Peace, inclusively and cooperation would bolster the
economic prosperity
7. Mass exodus of Refugees in the region

 Pak=refugee crisis
 CA=refugee crisis
 UNCHR= 35400 Afghan refugees have arrived in Pak, Iran
and Tajikistan.
US withdrawal from Afghanistan and Taliban’s

takeover of Afghanistan-implication on Pakistan.
Positive implications or impacts on Pakistan can be:

1.End of pro-Indian regime in Afghanistan
 NDs bases in Afghanistan
 “India had brought together several terrorist organizations
to fulfill its evil designs” Qureshi
 Indians invested 3 billion dollars in Afghanistan
 Kuljhushan Yhadav also confessed Indian involvement in
Afghanistan against Pakistan
 Ashraf Ghani- pro-Indian
 RAW-NDs nexus
2.Peace in Afghanistan will curtail the pressure of refugees in

Pakistan
 Stability in Afghanistan will compel Afghan refugees to go
back to their homes
 Pak= According to UNCHR, 1.4 million Afghan refugees are
in Pakistan. Unregistered are in tens of thousands.
 Economic pressure and political stability.
3.Forward its geo-economics agenda

 CPEC and CA
 TAPI, CASA-1000, UzAffPAK railway project.
 CPEC and Eurasian economic partnership
 Moeed Yousuf = Peace in Afghanistan is essential for our
geo-economic policy
 China – Iran deal and CPEC
 Easter side hostage to Kashmir issue and so attention to
Western border
 Andrew Korybko concept og CPEC
4.Overcoming the TTP conundrum
 Pak-TTP negotiations mediated by Taliban
 Taliban assured Pakistan that its land would not be used to
attack Pakistan
 “ Pakistan will be faced with a serious threat to its stability
if civil war erupts in Afghanistan and spills over into its
border areas” Maliha Lodhi
5.A peaceful western border would enable Pakistan to focus on

chaotic Eastern border
 Indian threat
 Kashmir
6.The provision of strategic depth

 Friendly govt: in Afghanistan can provide Pak with its long-
term desire of strategic depth in Afghanistan
Negative implications on Pakistan

Three major conundrums for Pak: as per PM and NSA after US
withdrawal
1.Burgeoning terrorism in Pakistan
 According to Pakistan Institute for peace studies (PIPS),
after Taliban established govt: in AFG there is an increase
of 42% terrorist attacks in Pakistan
 TTP re-restructuring and regrouping itself
 BLA,BLF and TTP synergy
 Moeed Yosuf after holding talks with Taliban in Kabul said
that Taliban had assured is that Afghan soil will not be use
against Pakistan
 Peshawar Imam-Bargha attack, Johar town attack, Quetta
Blast, Karachi attack etc. The UN report says that “a
significant part of AL-Qaeda leadership is based along the
Afghan-Pak border”
2.Mass exodus of refugees in case of civil war and humanitarian

crisis:
 According to IMF, possible Afghan refugee crisis could cost
Pakistan 500 million dollars annually
 UNCHR = worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan can
cause millions of Afghanistan displacement
 Pakistan cannot bear this burden
3.Instability in Afghanistan can hinder Pakistan vision of

regional connectivity:
 Expansion of CPEC = CPEC + concept by Andrew Korybko
 Vision Central Asia policy
 TAPI, CASA-1000, UzAfPak railway project
 Integration of Eurasian greater partnership and BRI
through CPEC
 Policy of geo-economics
4.Rising extremism and fundamentalism Maleeha Lodhi

 Taliban’s victory in Afghan can provide impetus to
extremism elements in Pakistan
 Rising incidents of killings and moblynching on the protext
of blasphemy is its manifestations. Srilankan man, priest in
Peshwar etc
5. Growing voices of separatism after Taliban victory in

Afghanistan
 Their victory against USA boosted the confidence of
separatist elements in Pakistan
 Baloch separatist insurgency increased = Anarkali Blast,
Karachi Blast, Dasu dam attack.
 Noor Wali Massod= TTP head said, “ We want to separate
the regions comprising FATA and some parts of KPK and
establish our own autonomous terrorists there”
6.Proactive diplomacy for gaining international recognition for
Taliban can adversely affect Pakistan’s image:
 World community can isolate Pakistan in an reaction to
support Taliban gain recognition
 However, FM Qureshi said “Pakistani’s recognition of
Taliban regime depends on its recognition from the
regional countries.
Deteriorating relation with the US

1. Blaming Pakistan for US chaotic withdrawal from
Afghanistan.
 Wendy Sherman = We do not see ourselves building broad
relationship with Pakistan
 Scott Perry = “Stopping Pakistani Terror Act”
 Antony Blinken = We see our relations with Pakistan on
what role it will play in Afghanistan
 “ Afghanistan counter terrorism, oversight, accountability
Act 2021”
 Social and economic consequences on Pakistan: past
experiences fall out = hinder trade and investment
Taliban- Pakistan relations

1.Regional integration policy of Pakistan and support of Taliban
2.Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for the recognition of Taliban
regime as the de-jure authority
 SCO summit, 17th extraordinary session of OIC
 Imran Khan statements
 Convencing extended Trioka and regional countries.
 World need to engage with Taliban
3.Providing humanitarian assistance to Taliban in these

appalling times
 Pakistan pledged about 28 million dollar worth og
humanitarian aid to Kabul. Al-Jazeera.
 50,000 metric tons of wheat, winter shelter and medical
supplies
4.Pakistan hosting millions of Afghan refugees

5.Pakitan played a pertinent role in US withdrawal from
Afghanistan
 Zalemy Khalizad = success in negotiating peace deal would
not be possible without Pakistan’s sincere and
unconstitutional support
6.Pakistan urging world to unfreeze the economic assets of
Afghanistan
 US freezed Afghanistan’s 9.5 billion dollars of Afghan
central Bank deposited in US.
 Later, Joe Biden signed an executive order to unfreeze
them and split them between humanitarian Aid and the
victims of all attacks
 PM Imran Khan repeatedly urged the International
Community to unfreeze Afghan assets to exert economic
meltdown to avoid economic meltdown
 Pakistan even garnered China and Russia support over it
through the platform of SCO.
7.Taliban meditating between Pakistan and TTP:

 Afghan Financial minister Amir Khan Mutaki confirmed
that Taliban mediated between Pakistan and TTP.
 Taliban's Pro Pakistan and Indian evacuating from
Afghanistan
Divergences:
1.Long lasting during line 2600 km issue:
 Skrimishes between Taliban and park Army over fencing
the Durand Line
 matter resolved by Taliban officials
2. Cross border in filtration
 drugs Supply illegal trade and illegal immigration
3.Terrorist attacks on Pakistan emanating from our soil
 Peshawar attack, TTP, Blf, Bla equal to Johor town, Quetta
attacks
 Pakistan Army crossed Afghanistan borders and bombed
the terrorists which also killed dozens of refugees
 continuous terrorist and bushes from Afghanistan to park
Army check posts
4. Taliban's close Affinity with TTP
 Pakistan wants the surrender of TTP and Afghan soil
should not be used by them
 Taliban have close relations to them
 Moeed Yosuf =Taliban
5. Taliban's rigid view over forming an inclusive government
can cause tensions with Park Taliban's extremist perspective
on women and women rights violations and Pakistan Taliban
relations
Conclusion
Problems for Taliban regime and demands of

international community
1.Gaining International legitimacy and recognition.
2.Dealing with terrorists outfits such as IS-k Al-Qaida and
ETIM
3.managing humanitarian catastrophe in the country.
4.Eradicating the prospects of Civil War in the country.
5.Awarding economic Fallout and creating economic stability
through institutions to international institutions were like
World Bank IMF and economic assistance.
6. Expanding brain drain.
7. Providing women equal rights and opportunities.
8.Managing the relations between their Rank and files.
9. Formation of an inclusive government. International
sanctions double.
Demands of international community

 Formation of an inclusive government.
 Afghans of soil should not be used for breeding terrorists
and terrorists attacks in the world.
 Honor the commitments that you made in the agreement.
 Protect the human rights and women rights.
 Persuation of moderate and prudent domestic and foreign
policy.
 Humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan
 23 million people facing hunger
 malnourished children overflowing in health facilities
 70% of teachers are working without salaries
 excessive droughts chromic poverty for tea years of war
covid-19 pandemic and natural disaster have left more
than 18 million people in Afghanistan in need of
humanitarian assistance according to the institution
United Nations of coordination Affairs (UNOCHA)
 Undp = 97% of Afghans could Plunge in two poverty by
mid 2022
 wfp = 14 million people you know understand are facing
acute food and security
 UNICEF 3.2 million children under the age of five expected
to suffer acute malnutrition by the end of the year
17th extra ordinary session of OIC Six point frame

work presented by Pak, ratified by OIC
 The creation of financial vehicle for channeling Aid.

 Increasing investment in the people of Afghanistan.
 Facilitating Afghanistan's access to legitimate banking
services and easing liquidity challenge.
 Improving food and security.
 Building the capacity of Afghanistan institutions to
counter terrorism and combat illicit red and narcotics.
 Engaging Taliban for the establishment of an inclusive
setup.
 Afghanistan humanitarian trust fund under Islamic
Development Bank equal to 48 OIC Financial ministers
conference.
 Special trust fund for Afghanistan = UNDP.
 World Banks Afghanistan reconstruction trust fund equal
to transfer to 80 million dollars to WFP and UNICEF.
China’s four way plan to deal with Afghan issue
 Humanitarian aired to Afghans.

 An open its an open inclusive path of development in
Afghanistan.
 Lifting of unilateral sanctions of Afghanistan on
Afghanistan.
 Zero tolerance attitude to ensure who understands stay
away from terrorism

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CURRENT AFFAIRS NOTES

For Workshop for Special CSS

The BRICS Expansion: a New Order of Multialignment

What are the Main Objectives of BRICS?

 BRICS members have recognised the need for strengthening People-to-People

 BRICS member political and security cooperation is aimed at achieving peace,

Cooperation among members is achieved through:

 Track I: Formal diplomatic engagement between the national governments.

o It has committed funding to a number of major infrastructure projects in India,

What is BRICS Expansion?

1. BRICS Offering the Global South an Alternative Global Order

2. BRICS: A Geopolitical Counterweight to the G7 Countries:

3. BRICS Countering US-led Initiative (Minerals Security

 Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), which is a U.S.-

5. Countering the role of Western Financial Institutions:

 IMF, WB and ADP.

6. China Promoting its Global Order through BRICS:

 BRICS Expansion a Victory of Chinese Model

7. BRICS Expansion: A Beginning of Multi-polar era:

 Rise of Revisionist Powers: Russia, China, Iran

8. BRICS and De-dollarization:

 Concept of BRICS Currency: Brazilian

Challenges to the BRICS:

1. India-US Strategic Partnership.

2. China-India Strategic Confrontation.

4. Generating consensus among BRICS members a hard nut to

5. Saudi-Iran Strategic Competition

6. Dwindling Economy of South Africa.

Topic: CPEC Phase 2 a New Recipe for Pakistan’s Development

EC Phase 2 a New Recipe for Pakistan’s Development How

CPEC Phase 2 can lead Pakistan to the Path of Development:

 Allama Iqbal Industrial City:

 CPEC Connecting China with Middle East and Turkey: W-CPEC+

CURRENT AFFAIRS NOTES

Topic: The U.S.-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic

Current Affairs Workshop for Special CSS

Topic 6: The U.S.-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic

The Indo-US defence industrial cooperation roadmap

advance areas of mutual interest in the insurance

5. Indo-US Partnership on Energy Transition and Climate

1. US led contain China Strategy.

4. Forming formidable bilateral economic cooperation with inter-

Topic 5: Pakistan’s pivot to Geo-Economics: Challenges and

Topic 5: Pakistan’s pivot to Geo-Economics: Challenges and

It is understood as the use of economic tools to advance geopolitical

In Pakistan, the term is employed generally in support of promoting intra-

Foundations of Pakistan’s Geo-Economic policy:

History of Pakistan’s Geo-strategic Policy:

1. Anti-India Strategic Culture of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Shift to Geo-Economics:

 Islamabad Policy Dialogue organized by National Security Division in

How Pakistan can operationalize its geo-economic policy:

1. Regional Connectivity: Middle Corridor, IMAC, B3W, BRI, INSTC.

Challenges to the Geo-Economic Policy of Pakistan:

1. Security Concerns: Terrorism, hybrid warfare, Sectarianism,

CURRENT AFFAIRS NOTES

Topic: Middle East.

1. Political Restructuring of Middle East: