CSS 2012 Solved Pakistan Affairs Past Papers | Security Concerns of Pakistan and Suggest Measures
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Question Breakdown
In this question, the examiner has asked you to discuss the security concerns of Pakistan and provide measures by revisiting the foreign policy of the country. Relate causes and effects and divide your outline into three parts. It is your choice which security concerns you want to mention, but prioritize the leading ones. Then, suggest measures by comparing the existing features and what should be included to counter the issues.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-What are the Security Concerns of Pakistan?
2.1- A Tail of Inheritance and Past Controversial Decisions Generated Internal Security Challenges in Pakistan
- ✓ Cost of Alignment in the Soviet Occupation of Afghanistan and US-led War on Terror, Influx of Militants Triggered Terrorism and the Factors Provoking It
- ✓ Socio-Economic Inequalities and Quest for Power Regulated Violent Sub Nationalism and the Factors Regulating It
- ✓ Sectarianism and Identity Crisis Stimulated Religious Extremism and the Factors Fueling It
2.2- A Multi-Border War to Secure Sovereignty, the External Security Challenges of Pakistan
- ✓ Revoking Partition, Conventional Military Threats, India in the Quest of Power Hegemony and Troubled Indo-Pak Border
- ✓ Insecure North Western Border, Militancy, Cross-border Terrorism, Non-State Actors, and Distorted Afghan-Pak Relations
- ✓ Nuclear Proliferation, Hybrid Warfare, and Cyber Security the New Issues in the New World Order
3-What are the Possible Measures to Reduce Insecurity by Revisiting the Foreign Policy of Pakistan?
- ✓ By Strengthening Bilateral and Regional Diplomacy, Defense, Deterrence and Territorial Integrity
- ✓ By Enhancing Information, Space, and Cyber Security
- ✓ By Formulating Economic and Trade-Centric Foreign Policy
- ✓ By Strengthening Water and Climate Diplomacy
4-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
From resistance by using swords, invasions to strengthen imperialism, colonialism to establish indirect rule and exploit, and from gun-powder states to nuclear proliferation to nuclear non-proliferation portrays evolution in the quest for domination by world powers at the global level. Thus, it is high time to evolve to the extent where the principle of Indivisible Security Entail makes sense to the states around the globe. So, no country is bound to utilize a massive portion of its economic and human resources to secure its border like Pakistan, a South Asian country, which remained engaged in fighting a multi-border war. The following points describe the country’s internal and external security. First, the internal security issues include terrorism, sub-nationalism or separatist elements, and violent sectarianism. Second, the external security issues include the Indo-Pak unstable border, the Pak-Afghan unstable border, and issues related to fifth-generation warfare, such as information warfare, cyber insecurity, hybrid warfare, and nuclear proliferation. Thus, it is high time to revisit the foreign policy of the country to abate the insecurity, such as strengthening bilateral and regional diplomacy, defense, deterrence, and territorial integrity, enhancing information, space, and cyber security, formulating economic and trade-centric foreign policy, and strengthening water and climate diplomacy. To conclude, security threats are one of the leading hurdles that not only inhibit the economic development and progress of the country but also affect its sovereignty in an unprecedented way. So, the external and internal security challenges must be tackled by applying a pragmatic strategy while considering the requirements of the emerging world order.
What are the Security Concerns of Pakistan?
The following points describe the country’s internal and external security concerns.
A Tail of Inheritance and Past Controversial Decisions Generated Internal Security Challenges in Pakistan
- ✓ Cost of Alignment in the Soviet Occupation of Afghanistan and US-led War on Terror, Influx of Militants Triggered Terrorism and the Factors Provoking It
First, the country was a frontline state during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the US-led War on Terror. However, its ramifications reached far beyond the region. The following points describe how terrorism gained a strong foothold, causing internal instability in the country. Historically, the Afghanistan conflict lies at the heart of many doleful legacies of President Zia-ul-Haq’s rule, where the then-president opted to create a client state, which would reduce Indian influence and the threat of Pakhtun irredentism. Not only did Zia’s attempt to secure Strategic depth during the Afghanistan occupation of the Soviet Union prove a strategic nightmare, but it also bequeathed a legacy of Kalashnikov Culture in the country. For example, the availability of heavy weapons in the arms bazaar of the frontier region increased after the Afghan war. Next, Dawat-ul Irshad Mrkaz was provided the responsibility of running an educational complex, which was encouraged by Zia ul Haq. Its standing can be understood by the fact that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was a militant offshoot of Dawat-ul Irshad Mrkaz. Apart from this, the country remained center stage for the training of mujahidin; promoting Jihad resulted in the leakage of weapons. A prominent consequence of the weapon leakage was the incident at Ohjiri Camp, where a massive explosion took place in 1988. After the Soviet withdrawal, a large number of battle-hardened Islamic veterans were left with no role but weapons. Next, in the wake of 9/11, the country’s role as a frontline state threatened its established security policies and had severe results. For illustration, the militant backlash led by Tehreek-i-Talian Pakistan (TTP) was a retaliation to the country’s cooperation with the US. In the following years, terrorism enhanced in the major cities, resulting in thousands of causalities and billions of economic losses.
- ✓ Socio-Economic Inequalities and Quest for Power Regulated Violent Sub Nationalism and the Factors Regulating It
Second, the violent sub-nationalism demanding separatism and greater autonomy affects the internal security of the country. For example, Baloch nationalism, or sometimes Baluch separatism in Baluchistan, demands greater control over natural resources. Their demand is seldom influenced by socio-economic disparities between the federating units and partially due to aspirations of power domination. Indubitably, the province of Punjab dominates over other provinces and receives more financial share. However, it is also a fact that there is a quest for power shown in the form of political polarization and lack of national integration despite significant devolution of power affected by the 18th Amendment in the Constitution of 1973. The following factors regulate and strengthen the separatist movements. Foreign actors and regional hegemon India allegedly exploit internal grievances by supporting the Baluch separatists because insecurity in the arch-rival country provides a way to strengthen their diplomatic endeavors in the region. Then, military operations against nationalist groups, such as enforced disappearances in the case of Baluchistan, fuel anti-state sentiments. Next, the government’s limitation in establishing a meaningful dialogue with the smaller provinces further adds fuel to the burning fire.
- ✓ Sectarianism and Identity Crisis Stimulated Religious Extremism and the Factors Fueling It
Third, sectarianism fuels religious extremism, which in turn fuels terrorism in the country. Indubitably, these three elements are interconnected in a way that one element gave birth to the other, and the next strengthened the other. For example, groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) target Shia Muslims. Many madrassas in the country affiliated with a particular sect promote intolerance by teaching sectarian narratives to the students. As a result, terrorists use young minds to support their militant endeavors in the name of Jihad (defense). Allegedly, foreign countries provide funds to their ideological counterparts, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, that can support their cause in the region. For illustration, Saudi Arab funds SSP and Iran acked Tehrik e Jafaria Pakistan (TJP). These religious extremists also cause harm to religious minorities, such as the LeJ attacks on the Hazara community in Baluchistan. Identity crisis also fueled religious extremism in the country because it was established on the basis of Islamic identity but developed a Western system of governance. Then, a radical attempt by the former power holder, especially the Islamization program of President Zia ul Haq, also strengthened sectarianism by promoting Sunni law, which alienated Shias. Next, economic disparities also fuel violent sectarianism when young minds frustrated by poverty and helplessness find solace in religion by getting an agenda that might grant them any materialistic success.
A Multi-Border War to Secure Sovereignty, the External Security Challenges of Pakistan
The following points describe the external security challenges of Pakistan.
- ✓ Revoking Partition, Conventional Military Threats, India in the Quest of Power Hegemony and Troubled Indo-Pak Border
First, Pakistan remained suspicious of India’s strategic moves that might be based on the agenda of revoking partition or making the country internally unstable, as illustrated in the fact that India- factor dominates in its foreign policy to ensure its external security. Then, conventional military threats between two countries destabilize external and internal security, such as territorial disputes. The dispute involves the Kashmir and Siachen Glacier Conflict, where the former dispute is as old as the country itself. Both sides claim the territory, and the latter is known as the world’s leading battlefield, occupied in 1984 by Indian forces. Besides, nuclear deterrence limits direct war, but consistent border skirmishes cause instability and terror. Allegedly, India is a power hegemon in the South Asian region, and instability in its arch-rival country, especially in Baluchistan, provides a better space to secure its designs. The Indo-Pak border is unstable, and both countries frequently exchange fire along the LOC. Factors such as cross-border terrorism accusations and Hindutva vs. Kashmiri resistance, which is the revocation of Article 370 and the end of Kashmir’s special status, escalate these clashes.
- ✓ Insecure North Western Border, Militancy, Cross-border Terrorism, Non-State Actors, and Distorted Afghan-Pak Relations
As the country is engaged in fighting a war at two borders, which are India and Afghanistan, its external security dilemma also influences its internal security because there is a nexus between the militant forces of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Pak-Afghan border is unstable and porous, and despite fencing efforts, the Afghan insurgent groups exploit unguarded mountainous areas of northern Pakistan, which are safe shelters to escape because military operations in the region are risky and full of obstacles. Then, militant groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) use Afghan soil to plan attacks. Having an ideological affinity with the Afghan Taliban, Afghan soil is a haven for them. Then, the Afghan Taliban accuses Pakistan that the country has backed elements within the Afghan Taliban. The presence of non-state actors, such as IS-K, in Afghanistan hampered the security of both nations. Allegedly, the Afghan Taliban acknowledge the stance of Pakhtun separatists. As a result of these issues, both countries often exchange fire at borders.
- ✓ Nuclear Proliferation, Hybrid Warfare, and Cyber Security the New Issues in the New World Order
Third, new issues are emerging in the new world order as the country faces external security threats in the form of nuclear proliferation, hybrid warfare, and cyber insecurity. The state maintains a credible minimum deterrence policy, but its security risks prevail because India is developing a nuclear triad, which includes the development of land, sea, and air-based nuclear capabilities. The growing US-India nexus for developing military capabilities also poses a threat to Pakistan’s security. Next, propaganda, fake news, and media manipulation encapsulating information warfare in the 5th generation warfare impact the security of Pakistan in an unprecedented way. Then, cyber security challenges, especially for the government’s databases, are another lingering issue, and India is accused of its involvement in espionage operations, affecting cyber security.
What are the Possible Measures to Reduce Insecurity by Revisiting the Foreign Policy of Pakistan?
The following points provide some measures to reduce insecurity by revisiting the foreign policy of Pakistan
- ✓ By Strengthening Bilateral and Regional Diplomacy, Defense, Deterrence and Territorial Integrity
First, the country’s foreign policy promotes bilateral diplomacy with the leading global and regional players, such as Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, Russia, and the US. It is high time to strengthen it by increasing economic diplomacy beyond the traditional allies because economic diplomacy promotes mutual interests, as in the emerging world order, it is one of the best ways to maintain cordial relations with any state. For this, the state must ensure active participation and strengthen its standing in regional forms, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Next, apart from only maintaining credible minimum deterrence and military diplomacy with other countries to increase defense cooperation, the state can invest in modern military technology and develop a broad hybrid warfare strategy to counter emerging threats. Then, border management is the key to inhibiting militant influx and smugglers, and diplomatic engagement in Kashmir by lobbying international attention can help in de-escalation.
- ✓ By Enhancing Information, Space, and Cyber Security
Next, the state’s foreign policy does not comprehensively address space cybersecurity and information warfare. However, it is indispensable to integrate these areas to abate the emerging issues. For example, the space program led by SPARCO is underdeveloped and possesses limited space capabilities. So, it is high time to develop a National Space Policy aligned with foreign policy objectives to strengthen military space capabilities. Then, the institutions lack advanced cybersecurity measures. Thus, it is inevitable to establish a National Cyber Command to abate the security threats. As the country is one of the leading targets of5GW, a National Information Warfare Unit must be established to counter hostile anti-state narratives.
- ✓ By Formulating Economic and Trade-Centric Foreign Policy
Traditionally, the foreign policy of the state focuses on geopolitical and security concerns, but new issues can be solved by applying new solutions. So, instead of solely relying on loans and aid from International Monetary Forum (IMF) and other regional partners, the state must take steps to expand regional trade partnerships beyond CPEC. To reduce barriers, negotiating Free Trade Agreements may help in increasing trade. Diversification not only in export products but also in countries can help in decreasing export dependence on selected countries.
- ✓ By Strengthening Water and Climate Diplomacy
Last, as the country is facing severe water shortages, it is high time to start negotiations wth India under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). It can be bilateral or trilateral, such as taking diplomatic action in international forums. In addition, it is necessary to prioritize climate in the foreign policy of Pakistan because the state is among the leading vulnerable countries to the adverse impacts of climate change. It can emerge as a regional leader in climate diplomacy, pushing for climate financing because it contributes less than 1% to global warming. The state can strengthen partnerships with the Gulf States to increase investment in untapped renewable energy sources.
Conclusion
To conclude, security threats are one of the leading hurdles that not only inhibit the economic development and progress of the country but also affect its sovereignty in an unprecedented way. So, the external and internal security challenges must be tackled by applying a pragmatic strategy while considering the requirements of the emerging world order. The following points describe the country’s internal and external security. First, the internal security issues include terrorism, sub-nationalism or separatist elements, and violent sectarianism. Second, the external security issues include the Indo-Pak unstable border, the Pak-Afghan unstable border, and issues related to fifth-generation warfare, such as information warfare, cyber insecurity, hybrid warfare, and nuclear proliferation. Thus, it is high time to revisit the foreign policy of the country to abate the insecurity, such as strengthening bilateral and regional diplomacy, defense, deterrence, and territorial integrity, enhancing information, space, and cyber security, formulating economic and trade-centric foreign policy, and strengthening water and climate diplomacy.
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