CSS 2011 Solved Pakistan Affairs Past Papers | Your Vision of Pakistan to Solve Existing Problems
The following question of CSS Pakistan Affairs 2011 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 has asked you two things: first, what is your vision of Pakistan in the year 2011, which you have to answer while considering the current problems of Pakistan, and second, give your opinion on the possible solutions to the issues Pakistan is facing today. So, start with an introduction, which will include all the leading points of your answer. Then, write the main body of your answer by dividing it into two portions: first, highlight the problems, and second, give the possible solutions. Last, end your answer with a conclusion.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-What are the Internal and External Problems Pakistan is Facing Today?
2.1- Internal Problems
- ✓Crisis of Governance and Political Instability
- ✓Economic Instability
- ✓Extremism and Terrorism
- ✓Energy Crisis
2.2- External Challenges
- ✓Cross-Border Terrorism and Distorted Relations with India
- ✓Post 9/11 Effects and US-Pak Relations
- ✓Pak-Afghan Tensions, the Cross-Border Militancy
3-Vision of Stability and Progress- A Path toward Possible Solutions
3.1- Resolving Internal Problems
- ✓ ByStrengthening Democratic Institutions and Implementing Devolution of Power
- ✓ By EncouragingEconomic Reforms, Strengthening the Leading Sectors of Economy
- ✓ By PromotingCounter-Terrorism
- ✓ ByAddressing Circular Debt and Utilizing Renewable Sources of Energy
3.2- Resolving External Problems
- ✓ ByStrengthening Diplomatic Bilateral Ties, Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), and Composite Dialogue
- ✓ By Strengthening Diplomatic Economic Ties
- ✓ By PromotingAfghan-Pak Peace Process
4-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Pakistan has remained grappling with internal and external security issues since its inception in 1947, jeopardizing not only its socio-economic growth and development but also its stability and sovereignty. However, problems like political and economic instability further added fuel to the fuel. The following internal and external problems are among the leading issues the country is facing today. First, the internal problems include crisis of governance and political instability, economic instability, extremism and terrorism, and energy crisis. Second, the external challenges include cross-border terrorism, which sparked distorted relations with India, Post 9/11 distorted US-Pak Relations, and Pak-Afghan tensions based on Cross-Border Militancy. To abate these issues, a vision of stability and progress is the need of the time, which must has the potential to provide a path toward possible solutions. For example, internal problems can be mitigated by strengthening democratic institutions and implementing devolution of power, encouraging economic reforms, strengthening the leading sectors of the economy, promoting counter-terrorism, addressing circular debt, and utilizing renewable sources of energy. Next, the above-mentioned external problems can be reduced by reinforcing diplomatic bilateral ties, confidence-building measures (CBMS), and composite dialogue, strengthening diplomatic financial ties, and promoting the Afghan-Pak peace process. To conclude, the solution to the issues requires a pragmatic policy and its implementation in its true sense.
What are the Internal and External Problems Pakistan is Facing Today?
The following points elucidate the internal and external problems of Pakistan.
A- Internal Problems
- ✓ Crisis of Governance and Political Instability
First, the country has remained struggling with governance issues since its establishment in 1947. Among the governance issues, corruption and political instability have severely impeded the socio-economic progress of the nation. Over the years, corruption is become a culture not only in the governmental institutions but also in the private sector. At the state level, bribery is offered and demanded to buy the allegiances of the officials, to pursue illegal interests, and also to get the work done for which the government has already paid to the officials. According to Transparency International, which is a coalition of world leaders working in over 100 countries against corruption, the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has ranked Pakistan at the position of twenty-nine out of one hundred countries, indicating severe corruption issues. Apart from this, political instability has hindered the progress of an effective governance system. Within four years of establishing civilian rule after ten turbulent years under military rule, the Gilani government is encountering political rivalries with the opposition party over corruption cases, especially PML-N stance against the revival of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), which granted amnesty to President Asif Ali Zardari.
- ✓ Economic Instability
Second, the flagrant economic crisis has marred the socio-economic progress of the country. Many interconnected factors contributed to the crisis. According to the factors presented by the Country’s Economy, the Gross Domestic Product of Pakistan grew by 3.2% in 2011 and is in the 162nd position. According to this parameter, its population is among the poorest of the 196 countries. Due to the sluggish economic growth, the unemployment rate is increasing at a large pace, hampering social development. Then, the fiscal deficits, including grants, which are 3.4% of GDP, worsened the situation because the government had to borrow from the State Bank of Pakistan, which resulted in high inflation.
- ✓ Extremism and Terrorism
Third, extremism and terrorism have impacted socio-economic stability in an unprecedented way. Historically, the country has remained battling with extremism and terrorism, which not only jeopardized its socio-economic stability but also posed a threat to its sovereignty, such as terrorist attacks, suicide bombings, extremist elements, and anti-state factors. In the current scenario, according to Wikipedia, at least 17 people were killed and more than 20 others injured after a suicide car bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a heavily fortified police station in the Bannu district of north-western Pakistan. These attacks discouraged tourism and foreign investment. Then, the extremist elements often sponsor these attacks to pursue their designs. This sectarian violence also weakens the national integration.
- ✓ Energy Crisis
Last, the energy crisis impacted the economic development of the country, characterized by frequent power outages. The outages have marred the industrial progress, which is one of the leading sectors of the economy. According to the news published in Dawn, Pakistan faced one of its most crucial gas crises, with the shortfall rising to 1.8 billion cubic feet, the worst CNG load shedding, and the biggest tariff hikes by 14 % by the Oil and Gas Regularity Authority (OGRA). Although the country has an energy surplus, fiscal deficits often contribute to this crisis as the government is unable to pay the independent power distributors. However, line losses, energy theft, and infrastructure issues also widened the gap between production and consumption.
B- External Challenges
The following points describe the existing external challenges to the country.
- ✓Cross-Border Terrorism and Distorted Relations with India
Although after the 2008 Mumbai Attacks, peace talks were initiated under the framework of the Composite Dialogue Process, India remained concerned about the militant groups, especially Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), because its leader Hafiz Saeed was linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Then, minor incidents of cross-border firing incidents along the Line of Control (LoC) decreased the potential of stability. The country’s uncompromising stance on Kashmir and India’s constant neglect is among the leading obstacles that hindered the stability between the two countries.
- ✓Post 9/11 Effects and US-Pak Relations
Then, the existing Pak-US relations can be characterized by deep mistrust, diplomatic crises, and security tensions. Despite being allies in the War on Terror, the US drone attacks in Pakistan’s tribal areas, particularly in North Waziristan, targeted suspected militants and resulted in civilian casualties. As a result, there is a growing anti-American sentiment in the society. Then, the arrest of Raymond Davis in a murder case, who is a CIA contractor, in Lahore created diplomatic tensions, and the US claimed diplomatic immunity for the perpetrator. However, the incident symbolizes US covert operations inside the country. Then, the US support for India in the case of Afghanistan is regarded as a strategic threat that impacted its relationship with the world power hegemon.
- ✓Pak-Afghan Tensions, the Cross-Border Militancy
Next, the US stance in Afghanistan enhances tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. For example, the US pressured Pakistan to take action against Haqqani Network militants. Although the government has started political and diplomatic engagements, cross-border militancy and security concerns impeded the course of establishing amicable relations. For example, the Afghan government has accused Pakistan of harboring Haqqani Network militants and the Afghan Taliban, especially those who launched attacks on North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in Afghanistan.
Vision of Stability and Progress- A Path Toward Possible Solutions
Given the problems that Pakistan is facing today, stability and progress must be ensured by devising pragmatic solutions for internal and external problems.
A- Resolving Internal Problems
The following points provide pragmatic solutions to the issues the country is facing today.
- ✓ By Strengthening Democratic Institutions and Implementing Devolution of Power
First, strengthening democratic institutions is indispensable to abate the issues of governance and political instability. However, it requires accountability, transparency, inclusivity, and public trust. For illustration, the implementation of the devolution of power plan (1999-2001) in Indonesia helped in abating the crisis of governance because local bodies improved the service delivery. To strengthen democratic institutions, the government must take action to ensure the rule of law, free and fair elections, freedom of the press, and speech. Then, decentralization and local government engagements can also contribute to the institutionalization of democratic institutions because local government engagement can improve service delivery and encourage community engagement. The 18th Amendment provided for the establishment of local government bodies, but provincial reluctance to devolve power is an obstacle in implementing devolution of power plans.
- ✓ By Encouraging Economic Reforms, Strengthening the Leading Sectors of Economy
Then, economic reforms are the need of the time to tackle the fiscal crisis. Indubitably, the government’s reluctance to take reforms is one of the leading causes of a faltering economy. There are many reasons behind the reluctance, but it is high time to prioritize socio-economic development instead of maintaining political mandates. For long-term stability and economic benefits, macroeconomic reforms and structural changes in the economy are much needed. For example, India adopted liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG) reforms in 1991 to abate the balance of payment issue under PM Narasimha Rao, and it contributed to the growth of GDP as the country saw a 7% GDP growth over the next seven years. It will also narrow the gap between the inputs and outputs of the leading sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and industry, and reduce the debt burden on the economy.
- ✓ By Promoting Counter-Terrorism
To promote counter-terrorism, the government must take action to counter violent extremism (CVE) initiatives. For example, community engagement and education can help to de-intensify extremist elements. Apart from this, terrorist organizations often recruit local people through building narratives. So, governments should collaborate with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), religious groups, and local communities to prevent recruitment.
- ✓ By Addressing Circular Debt and Utilizing Renewable Sources of Energy
The issue of circular debt needs to be addressed to abate the energy crisis. The government must revise the agreement with the independent power distributors to tackle the issues related to energy generation and consumption. The energy surplus is not offering anything other than fiscal burdens because the public is not interested in purchasing energy at high costs. Then, the infrastructure development to prevent line losses is the need of the time. Next, utilizing renewable sources of energy can help reduce the cost of electricity generation because the country imports coal and oil to meet the energy demand.
B- Resolving External Problems
The following points provide pragmatic solutions to the issues the country is facing today.
- ✓ By Strengthening Diplomatic Bilateral Ties, Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), and Composite Dialogue
First, strengthening diplomatic bilateral ties can help in building trust between the two countries, such as establishing direct communication between political leadership through hotlines can help in preventing misunderstandings. It can also help to de-escalate tensions during crises. The promotion of CBM requires mutual efforts to combat cross-border terrorism. It can be done by investigating terrorist activities across borders, especially across lines of control. Next, strengthening Composite Dialogue through economic cooperation can also help in establishing amicable Indo-Pak relations.
- ✓ By Strengthening Diplomatic Economic Ties
Second, reinforcing diplomatic-economic ties helps the country to establish amicable relations with the US. For example, Multilateral Diplomacy, like cooperation on regional security, counter-terrorism, and peace-building efforts in Afghanistan, can foster cooperation between the countries. It can enhance Regional Stability, improve internal security, and Economic Growth and Trade. Apart from this, global partnerships and regional collaboration can strengthen economic ties, such as mutual working on the Afghan-Pak peace process and cooperation on global issues, especially climate change.
- ✓ By Promoting the Afghan-Pak Peace Process
Last, promoting the Afghan-Pak peace process can help in establishing amicable relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The following steps can help, such as Regular and structured bilateral dialogues to address leading issues between the two countries like border security, trade, refugees, and counterterrorism. In addition, security, trade, and economic cooperation can help in strengthening bilateral ties.
Conclusion
To conclude, a realistic policy is required to abate the internal and external issues the country is facing today. For example, strengthening democratic institutions can help to mitigate the challenges related to governance and political instability. Then, economic reforms at the national level can tackle the flagrant economic crisis. The counter-terrorism efforts can help in reducing militancy and terrorism. Strengthening diplomatic bilateral ties can help in building trust between countries, such as establishing direct communication between political leadership through hotlines can help in preventing misunderstandings. Last, bilateral cooperation, peace process, and promotion of dialogue can help to reduce external security issues and strengthen diplomatic foreign relations.
CSS 2011 Solved Pakistan Affairs
| 2-Briefly Analyse and Discuss the Contribution of the Religious Reformers – Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi, Shah Waliullah, Syed Ahmad Barelvi and the Like – in the Growth of Muslim Consciousness in the South-Asian Subcontinent. | |
| 3-John Plamenatz Defines ‘Nationalism’ as “The Desire to Preserve or Enhance Peoples National or Cultural Identity, When that Identity is Threatened or the Desire to Transform or Even Create it When it is Felt to be Inadequate or Lacking.” In the Light of above Definition, Briefly but Comprehensively Discuss the Respective Roles Played by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Allama Iqbal and the Quaid-E-Azam in Strengthening the Muslim Nationalism in India. | |
| 4-Describe the Main Contents and Relative Importance of the Lucknow Pact and Delhi Muslim Proposals and their Respective Impact on the Subsequent Political Developments in India. | |
| 5-Can the Lahore Resolution be termed as the ‘Magna Carta’ of Pakistan? Take a position and support your argument by historical facts, if any. | |
| 6-Give a Critical Appraisal of the Constitutional Crisis/Crises Initiated by the Controversial Actions taken by Governor General Ghulam Muhammad and Endorsed by the Superior Court of Pakistan. Discuss and Analyse its Effects on the Subsequent History of Pakistan. | |
| 7-Federalism Has Been a Continuing Cause of Political Tension in our Country. Will the 18th Amendment Made in the Constitution by the Present Government Solve this Issue Once for All? Take a Position and Support With Your Argument. | |
| 8-Given the Problems that Pakistan is Facing Today, What is Your Vision of Pakistan in the Year 2011? How, in Your Opinion, can be its Internal and External Problems solved? |
CSS Solved Past Papers’ Essays
Looking for the last ten years of CSS and PMS Solved Essays and want to know how Sir Kazim’s students write and score the highest marks in the essays’ papers? Then, click on the CSS Solved Essays to start reading them.
CSS Solved Essays
CSS Solved General Science & Ability Past Papers
Want to read the last ten years’ General Science & Ability Solved Past Papers to learn how to attempt them and to score high? Let’s click on the link below to read them all freely. All past papers have been solved by Pakistan’s top CSS GSA coach having the highest score of their students.
General Science & Ability Solved Past Papers
