CSS 2021 Solved Pakistan Affairs Past Papers | Afghans Owned & Led Solution of Afghanistan Crisis
The following question of CSS Pakistan Affairs 2021 is solved by Miss Iqra Ali, the best Pakistan Affairs Coach, on the guided pattern of Sir Syed Kazim Ali, which he taught to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
In this question, the examiner primarily ask about two parts, first, “Afghans owned, afghans led” approach and second, solution of the ongoing Afghanistan crisis. However, to achieve highest scores in the question and ultimately in the exam, one should provide step by step answer to the question. In which he should give a brief historical background, current situation, and then pragmatic solutions to the crisis.
Outline
1-Introduction
- ✓Emergence of the “Afghans’ owned, Afghans’ led” principle as a viable framework for peace
- ✓ Sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan hinge on empowering Afghans to lead and own their nation’s recovery
2-Understanding the Afghanistan crisis
- ✓Historical Background
- ✓Current challenges
3-What is the concept of “Afghans’ owned, Afghans’ led” and its significance?
- ✓ Key principles of the approach
- ✓ Importance of peace and stability
4-What is Pakistan’s standpoint on the “Afghans’ owned, Afghans’ led” approach?
- ✓ Role in Doha Agreement
- ✓ Islamabad statements on peace talks and non-military interventions
5-What are the steps to achieve the solution to the Afghanistan crisis?
- ✓ Political reforms
- ✓ Institutional strengthening
- ✓ Economic reconstruction
- ✓ Social reconciliation
- ✓ Regional and International collaborations
- ✓ Medium-term strategies
- ✓ Long term objectives
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Afghanistan, often referred to as the “graveyard of empires,” situated at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, holds a position of immense strategic importance, making it a focal point of global and regional interests for centuries. This significance, however, has brought with it a history of turmoil, marked by repeated foreign invasions, internal conflicts, and prolonged political instability. From the Soviet invasion to the U.S.-led intervention and the subsequent rise of the Taliban, Afghanistan has faced challenges that have left its social fabric and governance structures fractured. According to UNHCR, decades of conflicts have displaced over 3.4 million people internally and created 2.7 million refugees, making Afghans one of the largest refugee population globally. Notwithstanding, efforts to resolve these crises through externally driven strategies have often overlooked the unique cultural, ethnic, and political dynamics of Afghan society, leading to solutions that lack sustainability and legitimacy. The principle of “Afghans’ Owned, Afghans’ Led” offers a transformative approach to addressing Afghanistan’s multifaceted challenges. It underscores the importance of empowering the Afghan people to take control of their future by fostering inclusive governance, promoting reconciliation, and rebuilding the nation on the foundations of its rich traditions and values. Moreover, this framework not only prioritizes sovereignty but also aims to reduce reliance on foreign interventions, enabling Afghans to create a sustainable and self-reliant state. By embracing this indigenous approach, Afghanistan can pave the way for lasting peace, unity, and development, setting a precedent for resolving conflicts in culturally complex societies.
Understanding the Afghanistan crisis
Afghanistan’s prolonged crisis is rooted in its tumultuous history and the challenges that continue to plague the nation. Historically, it has been a battleground for global powers, from the Soviet invasion in 1979, which left a legacy of destruction and displacement, to the civil wars of the 1990s, which saw the rise of the Taliban amidst factional fighting. Similarly, The U.S.-led intervention in 2001, initially aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, evolved into a prolonged conflict, leaving the country heavily dependent on foreign aid and military support. These interventions, coupled with internal divisions, have significantly weakened its political and social fabric, leaving it vulnerable to ongoing instability.
Currently, the challenges facing by the state are manifold. Political instability under the Taliban regime, marked by the exclusion of key ethnic and social groups, has deepened mistrust and widened existing divisions. The economy is on the brink of collapse, with 97% of the population projected to live below the poverty line by 2024 (UNDP), while widespread unemployment fuels despair and migration. Moreover, the country continues to grapple with terrorism, as groups like ISIS-K persist as a threat to national and regional security. Ethnic tensions, a fragile governance system, and the influence of external actors further complicate the situation. These historical and current challenges underscore the urgency of addressing the crisis through an Afghans Owned, Afghans Led approach, focusing on reconciliation, inclusion, and sustainable development to pave the way for lasting peace.
What is the concept of “Afghans’ owned, Afghans’ led” and its significance?
Besides, the principle of “Afghans’ Owned, Afghans’ Led” revolves around the idea that the solutions to the crises must be developed and implemented by Afghans themselves, without external imposition. This concept is rooted in the belief that lasting peace and stability can only emerge when the process respects the state’s unique cultural, historical, and social complexities. In the same manner, central to this approach is the establishment of inclusive governance that reflects the diverse ethnic and tribal composition of the country. It also emphasizes fostering reconciliation through dialogue among all stakeholders, including marginalized groups, tribal elders, and opposition factions. By focusing on empowering local leadership, the approach aims to restore Afghan sovereignty and eliminate dependency on foreign powers, making the country more self-reliant in addressing its political, economic, and social challenges.
This approach is crucial for achieving sustainable peace in the state, as it prioritizes the agency of Afghans in shaping their destiny. Unlike externally imposed solutions, which often lack legitimacy, this principle builds trust and ownership among the people. By fostering unity and reducing internal divisions, it helps address long-standing grievances that have fueled conflict. Moreover, it encourages self-reliance, allowing the public to strengthen their institutions and tackle issues like corruption and governance inefficiencies. For regional stability, this approach minimizes the scope for external powers to exploit it for their geopolitical interests, reducing proxy conflicts and interference. Ultimately, it lays the foundation for a cohesive national identity, where they can work collectively toward rebuilding their country and securing a peaceful future.
What is Pakistan’s standpoint on the “Afghans’ owned, Afghans’ led” approach?
Nonetheless, Pakistan, as a regional partner and a neighbouring country with deep cultural ties and intertwined security concerns, always plays an important role in stabilizing peace and prosperity in Afghanistan. As the Government of Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on 15 April 2021, “ Pakistan has been consistently supporting and facilitating the efforts for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan. We believe there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and a negotiable political solution through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process is important for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.” Additionally, Pakistan has played an active role in facilitating intra-Afghan dialogues and hosting peace negotiations, such as the Doha Agreement process. By advocating for an inclusive political settlement that accommodates all ethnic and political groups within Afghanistan, Pakistan seeks to prevent cross-border instability, curb the rise of terrorism, and foster stronger economic cooperation through trade and connectivity projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This approach reflects Pakistan’s strategic interest in ensuring a peaceful Afghanistan that contributes to regional development and security.
What are the steps to achieve the solution to the Afghanistan crisis?
- Political stability
Furthermore, for laying the fundamental basis of a stable and inclusive state political reforms are essential. A key step in this direction is the creation of a governance structure that represents the diverse ethnic, cultural, and regional demographics of the country. Current political instability under the Taliban regime highlights the urgent need for power-sharing mechanisms that incorporate all major factions, including women and marginalized groups, into decision-making processes. Reforms should focus on transparency and accountability, ensuring public trust in institutions and governance. According to Asia Foundation, over 78% of Afghans express dissatisfaction with the current political system due to a lack of inclusivity and fairness. Addressing these grievances through constitutional reforms and promoting dialogue between rival groups can help foster unity and reduce factionalism. By strengthening local governance and empowering provincial leadership, the state can work towards a political system that truly reflects its people’s aspirations, paving the way for long-term stability.
- Institutional strengthening
Likewise, building robust and transparent institutions is critical for the stability and progress. Institutions serve as the backbone of governance, ensuring accountability, rule of law, and efficient public service delivery. In the country, decades of conflict have eroded institutional credibility, with widespread corruption and mismanagement compounding the issue. Strengthening institutions requires establishing an independent judiciary to uphold justice, reviving civil society organizations to amplify grassroots voices, and empowering local governments to address community-specific needs. For instance, According to UNODC, corruption in public institutions costs the state over $2 billion annually, a figure that cripples economic development and governance. Addressing such systemic flaws can restore trust among citizens, build national unity, and create a foundation for sustainable development.
- Economic Reconstruction
In to the bargain, economic reconstruction is essential for lifting the country out of its current humanitarian crisis and ensuring self-reliance. Its economy, once heavily reliant on foreign aid, has seen a sharp decline, with 97% of the population projected to live below the poverty line by 2024. Reviving the economy involves diversifying income sources through investments in agriculture, mining, and renewable energy. Sustainable use of natural resources, such as the state’s vast reserves of lithium and copper, could generate significant revenue if managed responsibly. Additionally, infrastructure development to improve trade connectivity with neighboring countries can boost exports and regional commerce. Empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and encouraging entrepreneurship will help create jobs and foster innovation. Economic reconstruction, guided by prudent policies, can alleviate poverty, reduce dependency on aid, and lay the groundwork for long-term stability.
- Social reconciliation
Additionally, the country’s path to stability requires a comprehensive strategy for social reconciliation that addresses decades of division and conflict. Ethnic and tribal tensions have historically undermined national unity, and reconciliation efforts must focus on bridging these divides. Establishing truth and reconciliation commissions, modeled on successful examples like South Africa’s post-apartheid process, can provide a platform for dialogue, healing, and justice. As well, special attention must be given to marginalized groups, including women and minorities, who have often been excluded from social and political discourse. According to a recent survey by the Asia Foundation, only 37% of Afghan citizens believe their communities are united, reflecting deep-seated divisions. Educational campaigns promoting tolerance, inter-ethnic harmony, and shared national identity can help surrogate long-term unity and cooperation. According to UNICEF, as of 2022, 4.2 million children in Afghanistan are out of school, with 60% of them being girls, due to ongoing instability and cultural restrictions.
- Regional and International collaborations
Henceforth, collaborating with regional and international partners is indispensable for the recovery and development of the country. Regional powers like Pakistan, Iran, China, and Central Asian states can play a constructive role by promoting trade, reducing border tensions, and discouraging proxy wars. Initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and trans-regional projects such as the TAPI gas pipeline can integrate Afghanistan into the regional economy, creating shared stakes in stability. For instance, According to recent data, peace in Afghanistan can save regional countries up to $70 billion annually in costs related to border insecurity, refugee management, and terrorism. Internationally, organizations like the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) can mediate disputes and provide development assistance. Shifting global aid from military funding to infrastructure and education projects ensures long-term growth rather than dependency. Effective regional and international collaboration reduces the risk of external interference and aligns global interests with its sovereignty and progress.
- Medium term strategies
Simultaneously, the country’s medium-term strategies must focus on bridging the gap between immediate recovery and long-term sustainability. A key priority is to rebuild governance structures through decentralization, ensuring representation for all ethnic and regional groups. Moreover, transparent and accountable leadership is vital to fostering trust and reducing corruption, which has historically undermined progress. However, infrastructure development, such as constructing roads, energy grids, and trade corridors, is another critical area, as it promotes inter-provincial connectivity and supports economic activity. According to recent estimates by the World Bank, improved infrastructure in Afghanistan could enhance regional trade by 30%, rearing economic interdependence. In addition to governance and infrastructure, investments in education and vocational training are essential. According to UNDP, the state’s youth population, which constitutes over 63% of its population, is a vital resource that can be mobilized through skill-building programs. Empowering women through education and entrepreneurship is equally crucial, as it contributes to economic growth and social stability. Momentarily, strengthening Afghan-led security forces to maintain order and counter terrorism should also be a priority, ensuring that gains made in development are not undermined by instability. By balancing immediate relief efforts with these forward-looking strategies, it can create a strong foundation for sustainable growth and peace.
- Long term Objectives
Next to it, long-term objectives should aim to establish a self-reliant, prosperous, and peaceful nation. Achieving economic diversification is paramount, as the state possesses vast untapped resources, including $1 trillion worth of minerals like lithium, copper, and rare earth elements according to US Geological Survey. So then, responsible extraction and investment in renewable energy can transform the economy, reducing reliance on foreign aid and fostering sustainable growth. Additionally, bolstering the agricultural sector, which employs over 60% of the workforce as per the statistics by the World Bank, is critical to ensuring food security and rural development. On the social front, the development of a robust and equitable education system is essential for empowering future generations. By focusing on universal literacy and gender equality, the state can foster a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and countering extremism. Politically, establishing strong institutions that uphold democratic principles and safeguard human rights will ensure stability and accountability in governance. A cohesive national identity that transcends ethnic and tribal divides is equally critical to unify the nation. These long-term goals, if pursued with persistence and vision, can transform it into a stable and self-sustained country, offering hope for a brighter future.
Conclusion
In Sum, the future of Afghanistan hinges on embracing the principle of “Afghans Owned, Afghans Led,” which emphasizes the sovereignty and empowerment of its people to determine their path to peace and prosperity. Historical interventions and externally imposed solutions have failed to address the nation’s deeply rooted socio-political and economic challenges, underscoring the need for indigenous leadership. Political reforms, institutional strengthening, economic reconstruction, and social reconciliation are the cornerstones of this journey, supported by meaningful regional and international collaborations. Likewise, medium-term strategies such as decentralizing governance and investing in education and infrastructure must mount the way for long-term objectives focused on sustainable development, resource optimization, and fostering a unified national identity. Eventually, it’s untapped.
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