CSS 2020 Solved Current Affairs Past Papers | Lockdown in IOJK and Options for Pakistan
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Question Breakdown
This question has two parts. The first part requires the political choices for Pakistan in the wake of the volatile lockdown in IIOJK, and the second part requires the political options for Pakistan to ease Kashmiris.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Current situation in IIOJK
3-Policy options for Pakistan in the wake of volatile lockdown in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)
- ✓Approach to UNSC
- ✓Approach to UNHCR
- ✓Unification of Pakistan political parties to address the issue
- ✓Approach to ICJ
4-Political choices for Pakistan to ease Kashmiris
4.1-Soft power intervention
- ✓Broadcasts and campaigns
- ✓Peace Dialogue between Pakistan and India
4.2-Hard power intervention
- ✓Material Support
- ✓Military action
5-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The Kashmir issue is one of the longest-standing issues in the UN as well as between the immediate neighbours, Pakistan and India. Pakistan has been advocating the Kashmir cause since its independence. Similarly, Pakistan reaffirms its solidarity and support for Kashmiris in the wake of the brutal lockdown in IIOJK. Pakistan should take all possible measures towards the restoration of Article 370 to ensure the right to self-determination for the people of IIOK. Moreover, Pakistan should approach international communities to protect people from the atrocities of brutal Indian armed forces. It has been reported that millions of innocent Kashmiris are suffering under the presence of 900,000 troops following the revocation of Article 370, indicating the propaganda of ethnic cleansing and demographic change in IIOJK from a Muslim-majority to an Indian-majority region. Furthermore, Pakistan needs to take substantive steps towards implementing the UN resolution 47 on free and fair plebiscite on the Kashmir issue. However, restoring peace in IIOJK is an urgent need of Pakistan, requiring the use of all possible means.
Current Situation in IIOJK
Currently, the people of IIOJK crowded the streets to protest against the unconstitutional revocation of Article 370 by the BJP government. Ironically, this critical act is celebrated throughout India, resulting in the promotion of fear of their identity among the people of Kashmir and creating a sense of uncertainty about the future of their children. Nevertheless, the drastic consequences of this undemocratic step have led Pakistan to consider the plight of the Kashmiris in IIOJK. Ultimately, this has weakened the already fragile relationship, presenting a major hurdle for both parties to negotiate over such a sensitive issue as Kashmir.
Policy Options for Pakistan in the Wake of Volatile Lockdown in IIOJK
Pakistan has several policy options amidst the volatile lockdown in IIOJK for reducing the plight of the oppressed Kashmiri people. Following are some of these options.
- Approach to UNSC
Approaching the UNSC is a significant option for Pakistan. Article 39 of Chapter 8 deals with “threats to international peace and security,” applying three conditions. Under this article, any threat to peace, breach of peace, or act of aggression can be addressed. Pakistan can make a strong case over India’s actions in IIOJK (Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir) as they strongly contradict UNSC resolution 47, which states that the dispute over Kashmir should be settled by a free and fair plebiscite. Pakistan can also highlight that the ongoing dispute endangers international peace and security, as well as the Shimla Agreement, which states that Indo-Pak relations will be governed by the UN Charter. In this way, Pakistan can work practically to reduce the suffering of the Kashmiri people.
- Approach to UNHCR
As a member of UNHCR, Pakistan can raise the issue of human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir and their right to self-determination, which is under threat following the revocation of Article 370. Pakistan can emphasize the illegal arrests of Kashmiris people and their leaders by Indian forces in IIOJK, using UNHCR reports and documents on human rights abuses in the region. It can also call for an immediate UN peacekeeping mission in IIOJK to ease the situation. Additionally, Pakistan can utilize the support of the Red Cross and international media to publicize Indian atrocities in IIOJK and take immediate and sustainable steps to address them. This is also a way to address and practically work to reduce the suffering of the Kashmiri people.
- United Political Front to Address the Issue
Political parties in Pakistan should unite and stand against the illegal annexation of IIOJK. The joint resolution passed in parliament reflects this consensus. A multiparty committee should be formed like the existing Kashmir committee to boost the Kashmiri diaspora and coordinate with P5 countries and international human rights organizations to highlight the plight of the Kashmiris and their right to self-determination under the UNSC resolution. Pakistan also needs to appoint a special envoy to Kashmir, independent of all parties, and coordinate with Pakistan’s foreign office and ambassadors in major world capitals and the UN.
- Approach to ICJ
Pakistan can seek help from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the human rights violations in IIOJK by Indian forces and bring the issue to the UNSC for discussion on Kashmir. In response to India’s illegal annexation of Kashmir, Pakistan can send a message of solidarity and support for the people of Kashmir to the international community, demonstrating its resolve.
Political Choices for Pakistan to Ease Kashmiris
Pakistan could potentially ease the situation for Kashmiris through two means: soft intervention and hard intervention. Both of them are as follows.
A-Soft Intervention
- Broadcasts and Campaigns
Pakistan can take a softer approach to helping the people of Kashmir by conducting broadcasts and campaigns, offering moral and financial support, and encouraging Kashmiris to engage in civil disobedience against the Indian administration and lead a revolution movement. Nonetheless, the situation would be critical for Pakistan, but it can be tackled through coordination on a common platform.
- Peace Dialogue Between Pakistan And India
Mediation is a significant option for Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue. It can be achieved through international mediation to facilitate negotiations between Pakistan and India. Additionally, the issue has been raised in international forums such as the US. Congress, the European Parliament, international think tanks, and other Asian countries could be viable options to pacify the situation in IIOJK amidst the volatile lockdown.
B-Hard Intervention
The suffering of the people of Kashmir amidst the ongoing lockdown in IIOJK could be addressed by hard intervention. The following are hard interventions Pakistan could take to alleviate the situation in IIOJK.
- Material Support
Pakistan should provide material support to the people of Kashmir by providing them with weapons, a radar system, and intelligence support. To counter India’s military capabilities, Pakistan could deploy its radar system over the LOC, which would eventually ease the situation in IIOJK. Furthermore, by providing intelligence support, espionage activities can be carried out in IIOJK.
- Military Action
Pakistan could consider a military attack as its last option. However, Pakistan and India, both being nuclear powers, should not consider this option. Still, if the brutalities of India in IIOJK have not ended, it is a significant option for Pakistan to control the situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kashmiri people in IIOJK are facing severe violations of their basic human rights amidst the ongoing lockdown in IIOJK. Tragically, the brutal Indian army personnel have caused an immense number of casualties over the last two years. Nonetheless, the revocation of Article 370 is a violation of UN principles on international armed conflict. Furthermore, Pakistan could take viable policy measures with the collaboration of international forums and by engaging with global powers to ease the suffering of Kashmiri people in IIOJK. Additionally, resolution 47 regarding a free and fair referendum in Kashmir has been a long-standing dream for the people of Kashmir, hindered by the delay in its implementation. Pakistan should bring this matter to the UN to push for consideration of the resolution.
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