CSS 2014 Solved Current Affairs Past Paper | Pakistan’s Role in the Commonwealth
The following question of CSS Current Affairs 2014 is solved by Sir Ammar Hashmi, the best Current 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, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.

Question breakdown
This question requires a brief description of corruption and how it has plagued Pakistan’s economy and development. It also requires some practical strategies that can be implemented in real time to eliminate this evil from Pakistan. The strategies must be particular to Pakistan’s society and should be applicable.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-An Overview of the Commonwealth Organization
3-How Pakistan has Played its Role as a Member of the Commonwealth
- ✓Historical Significance
Case Study: Pakistan, being one of the founding members of the Commonwealth
- ✓Economic Contribution
Case Study: Pakistan has fifteen per cent of its total trade only with the Commonwealth nations
- ✓Cultural Exchange
Case Study: Pakistani students, having benefited from the Commonwealth Cultural Exchange programs
- ✓Peacekeeping and Security
Case Study: Pakistan, being one of the primary participants in the Peacekeeping missions
- ✓Healthcare sector
Case Study: Pakistan, launching the Prime Minister’s National Health Program under the umbrella of the Commonwealth initiatives
- ✓Human Rights
Case Study: Pakistan, improving human rights through Commonwealth initiatives such as the Commonwealth Charter in 2013
4-Critical analysis
5-Conclusion

Answer to the Question
Introduction
The world that we live in today is a global village. Since the beginning of humankind, there have been many transitions and hurdles in human lives. For instance, in the Stone Age, the main issues were environmental problems. Gradually, the times changed, and humans faced problems related to forming states and nations. The exact process continues with new issues emerging every other decade. In response to these problems, humans have struggled a lot. They learnt how to protect themselves from the environmental crisis in the Stone Age, industrialized themselves, established liberal democracies, and ended world wars. However, all these could not be done without people coordinating and responding to the issues in an organized manner; the most common example is a global organization such as the Commonwealth. It has, from promoting education to maintaining peace, always worked with the help of the member countries, including Pakistan, in an organized manner, promoting well-being and making the world a better place to live in.
A Bird’s Eye View of the Commonwealth Organization
Before explaining how Pakistan has been an unalienable member of the Commonwealth, it is necessary to shed some light on the Commonwealth. Having been established in 1949 through the London Declaration, the Commonwealth mainly included 56 countries that had remained British colonies. Since then, it has been engaged in multiple tasks. Some main areas where commonwealth nations cooperate are combating terrorism, cultural protection, promoting peace, and making education inclusive. The practicality of this organisation can be assessed from the outcomes it has borne. For instance, there is a decrease in terrorism in Pakistan, the Charter of Human Rights 2013, cultural exchange programs, and student scholarships.
How Pakistan has Played Its Role as a Member of the Commonwealth
Over the years, Pakistan has played an active role in the Commonwealth in almost all its capacities. The following are some of the significant aspects in which Pakistan has played a positive role in the Commonwealth.
- Historical significance:
Pakistan is among the founding members of the Commonwealth and thus has historical significance. It joined the Commonwealth in 1947, just after its independence. This shows Pakistan’s inclination towards democratic norms and global welfare. Moreover, Pakistan has been actively participating in its meetings. Not only that, but Pakistan also hosted the 2004 Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad. All these arguments signify Pakistan’s approach and willingness towards the Commonwealth.
- Economic contribution:
Second, Pakistan has also been engaged in trade and investment agreements with the Commonwealth countries. Pakistan’s trade with the Commonwealth countries accounts for about fifteen per cent of its total, which is about 4.6 billion USD, as acknowledged by the State Bank of Pakistan. The textile industry is the most beneficial industrial sector in Pakistan. Moreover, Pakistan has been promoting trade with these countries in the agriculture, technological, and health sectors, showing Pakistan’s involvement and contribution towards the Commonwealth.
- Cultural exchange:
Third, Pakistan, being a member of the Commonwealth, has promoted cultural and social integration among the states of the Commonwealth. Pakistan has been an active member and participant in cultural festivals. Moreover, Pakistan’s College of Arts and the UK’s University of Arts have been engaged to promote culture. For instance, around 1000 students from Pakistan have received scholarships in the Commonwealth since 1960. These arguments highlight the role of Pakistan in promoting cultural and social cohesion among the Commonwealth nations.
- Peacekeeping and security:
Fourth, peace and security have always been Pakistan’s top priorities. As a significant military power, Pakistan has contributed troops to peacekeeping missions. According to the records, around 10,000 soldiers have been deployed in different areas under peacekeeping missions since 1960. For instance, Pakistan largely contributed to the peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone in the early years of the 21st century. These arguments prove how important peace and security are for Pakistan.
- Healthcare role:
Fifth, Pakistan and Commonwealth countries have cooperated in the health sector for a better future. These countries have launched multiple healthcare initiatives. Moreover, Pakistan also participates in the Health Ministers meetings by the Commonwealth. For instance, Pakistan’s launching of the Prime Minister’s National Health Program with support from the UK’s Department for International Development shows Pakistan’s struggle to promote health and well-being. Not only this, but Pakistan has also received 500 million USD in health care aid from the Commonwealth countries since 2010. This is a good step towards a better future and highlights Pakistan’s role in the Commonwealth.
- Human rights:
Lastly, Pakistan has also been a part of the Commonwealth initiatives for human rights. As stated in its constitution, Pakistan has always favoured granting fundamental rights to all. Pakistan has adopted the same strategy for the Commonwealth. For instance, Pakistan ratified the Commonwealth Charter in 2013 and has acknowledged human rights commitments. As stated by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, owing to coordination among the Commonwealth states, Pakistan’s and many others’ human rights records have improved significantly. For example, it was the result of the Commonwealth initiatives, which compelled Pakistan to pass the Protection of Women Against Harassment at Workplace Act in 2010, proving the importance of the Commonwealth and the role of Pakistan in it.
Critical Analysis
Critically, Pakistan, among the archaic members of the Commonwealth, has always proved to be a crucial member and a helping hand whenever needed, whether in diplomacy, social, cultural, or security. The commonwealth has always benefited from Pakistan’s membership. For instance, Pakistan has promoted social cohesion, culture, peace, and prosperity since its inception. These initiatives have not only helped these commonwealth nations, but they have also promoted peace and prosperity in the region.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Commonwealth is one of the few organisations that tries to address many world issues, political, social, cultural, or diplomatic. Pakistan, a crucial member of the Commonwealth, has always proved its loyalty and willingness to support the Commonwealth’s initiatives, such as promoting peace, educating the masses, and addressing security concerns. All these arguments shed light on Pakistan’s crucial role in the Commonwealth’s healthy functioning.

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