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A Complete Guide to Parliamentary and Presidential Forms of Government

By
Maira Mazhar
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0
Parliamentary and Presidential

A state, mainly a democratic state, is a complex unit of multiple organs that are majorly responsible for the smooth working of the state’s domestic and foreign affairs. All these state organs are named as the administrative system of the country, which is divided into different forms of government among which the Parliamentary government system and Presidential System are the most common forms of government.

The reason behind this popularity among nation-states is their working mechanism including all internal and external functions of the state. As the term “Democracy” promotes liberty, freedom of expression where a polity of the states is designed to serve its nation’s interest, these two systems serve as the strongest administrative organs of a democratic state.

Still, apart from the numerous merits of the Presidential system and the Parliamentary system, these two governance bodies encounter a significant number of demerits that directly impact the overall state’s governance structure.

Today’s article will give the readers a complete guide to the Presidential and Parliamentary systems, how they are different from each other, some best examples of the global Parliamentary and Presidential systems, and above all, Which form of government is best for Pakistan and the reasons behind it. Let’s begin with the main concept of the Presidential and Parliamentary System.

Parliamentary System :

The parliamentary system is mainly known as “Parliamentarianism” in U.K English and “Parliamentarian” in U.S English, which is a democratic form of government consisting of a variety of political parties, among which one political party wins the majority seats in the Parliament forms government.

The Prime Minister or Chancellor is declared as the head of the state, whereas other high-ranking members of the party build the cabinet.

The minority party in the system is usually assigned to challenge the majority party. If no party wins a majority in the election, a coalition government will be formed with the cooperation of a few political parties.

In the Parliamentary System, all of the power and decisions related to the state are taken and decided in Parliament. The head of the government is chosen from the parliaments, usually the most senior member or ministers from the Parliament.

Moreover, In a parliamentary system, the country usually has a Head of State who serves as a ceremonial figure similar to the Queen but is not involved in legislation or politics.

The parliamentary government system originated from Great Britain; since then, many countries, including European and Asian countries, followed the same regime, including Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan, Italy, and New Zealand.

The Parliamentary System consists of some unique features, which run and develop the overall political environment of the state.

Features and Merits of Parliamentary System :

1. Formation of Cabinet:
After the declaration of general elections results, the Prime Minister forms a cabinet by nominating his council of ministers. The list of nominated ministers is presented in front of the newly elected Prime Minister, who usually belongs to the party’s ring leadership. Responsible, honest, and well-experienced members are given preference because of the sensitive nature of the Parliamentary System.

2. Team Work Spirit :
Teamwork is the essential factor of a parliamentary system where all ministers work under one umbrella. They all have to agree on an issue in cabinet meetings. There is no room for different opinions in the cabinet meeting room. In short, all the cabinet members are on the same boat, and they either swim together or sink together.

3. Supremacy of Premier:
In a parliamentary, the Prime Minister is extremely powerful and wields much too much authority. He is the leader of the house in the legislative and the leader of the council of ministers in the executive branch.

The Prime Minister is in charge of appointing, removing, and allocating portfolios to his ministers and overseeing their operations. He serves as a link between the government and the President. The council of ministers must also resign as a result of his resignation. In the galaxy of stars, the Prime Minister is like a bright moon.

Demerits of Parliamentary System

1. Weak Separation of Powers:
Weak separation of power is a highlighted issue in the parliamentary system where the principle of separation of power is violated. All the ministers belong to the ruling party; they dominate policy-making, whereas the policymaking domain is the legislature.

2. Cabinet Dictatorship:
Lord Herbert says the Cabinet system is “The New Despotism”. With the support of the majority in the lower house of the legislation, the cabinet ministers act as cabinet dictators, authoritarians, and irresponsible parts of the parliamentary system government. They have nothing to do with the feelings and opinions of the opposition.

3. Partisanship:
Political parties in a Parliamentary system are directed more by partisan motives than by national or people’s interests. I see the ruling party and the opposition as adversaries. While the verdict party rarely sees any merit in the opposition’s criticism, the opposition frequently opposes the government.

Presidential Government System :

A presidential system is a form of governance in which the President serves as the top executive and is chosen by the people directly. All three parts of government – executive, legislative, and judicial – are constitutionally separate, and none of them may dismiss or dissolve the others.

The President is in charge of enforcing laws, the legislative is in order of making them, and the courts are in charge of deciding on them. Each is granted specific powers to keep the others in control.

The Presidential system is not like the Parliamentary system where Parliament elects the head of the state. In the Presidential System, the state president is elected by the state inhabitants who are accountable to them with the significant responsibility to serve their interests.

The Presidential System of the United States is the world-famous governance system that has been deployed since the inception of the country and is marked as exemplary for a successful presidential system.

One of the prominent features of the United States government system is the system of check and balance on all three organs of the government structure, which includes legislature, executive, and judiciary to ensure the proper functioning of all three according to the public’s interest and demands.

Features and Merits of Presidential System

1. Absence of collective responsibility

Unlike the cabinet system, in the presidential administration system, each individual is responsible for their acts, leading to their resignation rather than that of the entire cabinet.

2. Power separation

One of the critical advantages of the presidential system is that there is a clear separation of powers among the three branches of government, which inhibits power abuse because power corrupts and absolute power corrupts.

The presidential system of governance is more democratic than the cabinet system of government. For example, the President is elected by the people, and members of the legislature are free to vote based on their preferences rather than party loyalty or whims.

Demerits of Presidential System

1. It is Expensive

One of the drawbacks of the presidential system is that it is costly to operate. This is due to the merger of the executive and legislative branches.

2. It leads to a high rate of corruption

Lobbying, a feature of the presidential system, is perceived by some legislators as bribery, so legislators must wait to be bribed before passing any bill introduced by the President.

3. Controlling the President is challenging

It may be difficult to control him because he is both the head of state and government. Another reason for this is that he is not accountable to the legislature.

Parliamentary System Vs Presidential System: A Case Study of Pakistan :

Pakistan has a long history of political instability, corruption, and poor governance. Pakistan has faced all these scenarios since its inception and, unfortunately, continues to do so. Both of these kinds of governance have existed in Pakistan, from presidential control during martial law through multiple parliamentary governments.

In Pakistan, the Parliamentary system solely benefits mafias, feudal lords, and power grabbers. It never satisfies the general public’s rights and interests, which is the primary cause of Pakistan’s political instability, as government officials are unconcerned about the public’s demands and interests.

Pakistan’s legislative system is based on power and control. Pakistan’s presidential system was crucial during its tenure in power.

According to some facts and past events, the overall state of the country in terms of health, education, and political stability were far better and more stable than during the country’s parliamentary rule.

Pakistan is a diverse country with a diverse range of cultures, religions, and ethnic groupings. The governing system, whether parliamentary or presidential, should prioritize serving the interests of all citizens. Every Pakistani citizen has the right to political representation and information.

In conclusion, rather than focusing on power and position, it is necessary to comprehend these political problems.

It is not a question of which form of government is ideal for Pakistan; instead, it is a question of which form of government would fix all of these challenges and follow in the footsteps of the world’s best democracies in becoming superpowers and developed nations.

Only strong administration, a visionary leader, and the state’s political system can ensure that the state is prosperous and free of corruption.

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The Long Term Effect of Child Abuse

By
Syeda Umm-E-Abeeha
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0
child

The Long Term Effect of Child Abuse on the Health and Well Being of Adolescents

Introduction

The early years of childbirth are crucial to a child’s development. Exposure to harmful external substances during this period can have lasting effects on this development. Unfortunately, many children experience a form of stress such as abuse or maltreatment.

Stress has significant effects on brain development. It leads to an increased risk of mental retardation, poor development of the hippocampus and hyperreactive ventral striatum leading to memory loss, mental retardation, high risk of depression and addiction, and high risk of various physical health problems during any stage of life. It also profoundly affects behaviours such as increasingly problematic behaviour, declining social behaviour, lack of emotional awareness and control, and increased risk of depression. The traumatic experience of childhood brings a significant impact on life. This article will review some literature on adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and their long-term effects on those who suffer from them. (1)

The Psychological Effect of Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)

ACE also influences the morphology of the hippocampus, which has played a significant role in the formation of new long-term memories. Naturally, this has a detrimental effect on a person’s memory and learning.

The HPA-axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, is an essential system for responding to stress. Contains an explosion of central and peripheral events leading to the release of cortisol from the adrenal gland mediating the long-term effects of stress. In addition to the stress response, HPA-axis regulates the cardiovascular system, immune function, function, and reproduction. (8) Impaired HPA-axis functional impairment due to chronic stress can lead to changes in stress exposure in later life.

It has been found that different types of ACE often lead to the tireless working of the HPA-axis in adulthood. This same effect of hyperactivity is found in people suffering from major depression. (2,3)

The Physical Effect of Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)

In addition to the noticeable neurological effects, ACE can have long-term side effects body. It is associated with muscular and respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and intestinal and physiological disorders. Also, high levels of inflammation, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and abbreviated telomeres, associated with a lower lifespan, are seen as victims of child abuse.(10,11)

The Emotional Effect of Adverse Childhood Experience

(ACE)

Children exposed to the type of abuse or neglect of ACE show an increased risk of internal and external behaviours later in life. (6,7) ACE is often linked to social exclusion, difficulties in managing emotions, strengthening social relationships. Other forms of internal abuse can leave young people emotionally deprived, making it difficult to respond positively to other people’s feelings and reducing their chances of successful social interaction. Guessing how other people will react to their negative responses can also be very difficult because of this, further reducing the chances of successful social interactions. (6)

Some patients feel that they are still struggling emotionally as adults because of their age-related effects of emotional abuse, traumatic events, contact abuse, and physical abuse.

Continued child abuse causes a decline in an individual’s self-esteem, feelings of guilt, dislike sentiments, and persistent strong negative beliefs that are difficult to resist, leading to frustration with continuous issues that they cannot control like anxiety, self-harm, haste, difficulty in lasting relationships.

Emotional abuse is the backbone of all other forms of abuse. (5) The emotional trauma of childhood abuse has made it incredibly hard to survive.

Prevention of the Negative Effect of ACE

ACE can have a devastating effect on the mental and physical health of those who have seen it. Time is of the essence in ensuring that the intervention will work. Creating characteristics in guardians or parental figures is a fundamental factor in accomplishing an outcome. Time seems to be a crucial factor. Advancing great mothers and healthy child development can decrease the drawn-out outcomes of early life can reduce the long-term consequences of early life. A rich environment can be only prevailed by conquering the effects. (8,9)

These findings suggest that the adverse effects of stress in various stages of early life are treated by utilizing proper energy in later phases of life.

The Conclusion

This article aims to provide a review of some literature on the adverse effects of child abuse, especially its long-term effects on the brain and the behaviour of those suffering from it. I hope to show students that ACE and child abuse are major health problems that can have a long-term impact after childhood.

In summary, depression during the early years of growth has significant effects on brain development. It leads to an increased risk of dementia, low hippocampi, and hyper-reactive ventral striatum leading to memory loss, mental retardation, a high risk of addiction, and even various physical health problems. It also profoundly influences practices like an expansion in hazardous conduct, a decline in social behaviour, a lack of emotional awareness, and an increased likelihood of depression.

Taking everything into account, ACE shows that ACE has a lasting severe physical, neurological, and mental effect on its victims. ACE should be considered a severe health problem. As of yet, there is still a lot unknown when it comes to potential treatments and preventions.

References

  1. Bellers, S.W. (2021) The effects of Early Life Stress on brain and behavior. Bachelor’s Thesis, Biology.
  2. Gjerstad, J. K., Lightman, S. L., & Spiga, F. (2018). Role of glucocorticoid negative feedback in the regulation of HPA axis pulsatility. In Stress (Vol. 21, Issue 5, pp. 403–416). Taylor and Francis Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1080/10253890.2018.1470238
  3. Joseph, D. N., & Whirledge, S. (2017). Stress and the HPA axis: Balancing homeostasis and fertility. In International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Vol. 18, Issue 10, p. 2224). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18102224
  4. Goldman-Mellor, S., Hamer, M., & Steptoe, A. (2012). Early-life stress and recurrent psychological distress over the life course predict divergent cortisol reactivity patterns in adulthood. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(11), 1755–1768. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.03.010
  5. Herzberg, M. P., & Gunnar, M. R. (2020). Early life stress and brain function: Activity and connectivity associated with processing emotion and reward. In NeuroImage (Vol. 209, p. 116493). Academic Press Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116493
  6. Jaffee, S. R. (2017). Child Maltreatment and Risk for Psychopathology in Childhood and Adulthood. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 13(1), 525–551. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy- 032816-045005
  7. Busso, D. S., McLaughlin, K. A., Brueck, S., Peverill, M., Gold, A. L., & Sheridan, M. A. (2017). Child Abuse, Neural Structure, and Adolescent Psychopathology: A Longitudinal Study. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(4), 321-328.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2017.01.013
  8. Kalinichev, M., & Francis, D. (2010). Maternal Deprivation. In Encyclopedia of Behavioral Neuroscience (pp. 173–177). Elsevier Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-045396-5.00017-8
  9. Maniam, J., Antoniadis, C., & Morris, M. J. (2014). Early-life stress, HPA axis adaptation, and mechanisms contributing to later health outcomes. In Frontiers in Endocrinology (Vol. 5, Issue MAY, p. 73). Frontiers Research Foundation. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2014.00073
  10. Teicher, M. H., & Samson, J. A. (2016). Annual Research Review: Enduring neurobiological effects of childhood abuse and neglect. In Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines (Vol. 57, Issue 3, pp. 241–266). https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12507
  11. Teicher, M. H., Samson, J. A., Anderson, C. M., & Ohashi, K. (2016). The effects of childhood maltreatment on brain structure, function and connectivity. In Nature Reviews Neuroscience (Vol. 17, Issue 10, pp. 652–666). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn.2016.111
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Staying away from Outdated Wedding ceremony Trends

By
SOHAIB HAIDER
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0
outdated wedding trends

If you are planning your wedding day, you may have come around a number of past wedding dating asian women trends. A few of these are the 2 course meal and the chalkboard signs. But what can you carry out to avoid these Outdated Wedding ceremony Trends development? Here are some tips.

Well-Known Wedding Fads

Listed here are some of the most well-known wedding fads that you can steer clear of. You can find more ideas means make your marry polish girl wedding more unique. But remember to keep in mind that some trends will always remain well-liked and social.

First, wedding planning is certainly an expensive endeavor. Next Outdated Wedding ceremony Trends can result in an enormous mess and a wedding that will not be kept in mind by your guests. For example , no longer make your woman enter in complot colors. Instead, make it a remarkable scene.

Traditions to be Followed

It is important to create your day unique. Avoid the pastel colors and go for bright, bold shades. If you’re preparing being married for children, consider incorporating a lot of traditional traditions into your wedding.

outdated wedding trend

Although wedding dating asian women trends are created from a long time, some are out of date at this time. These are the popularity of wedding ceremony ‘doughnut cakes’ and the ‘bridal bouquet’.

We have a time and an area traditions, nonetheless more brides are eschewing these kinds of fads favoring the use of a modern, exceptional wedding. Listed here are some of the marriage ceremony trends that need to be avoided in 2017.

A lot of the most popular wedding styles for the entire year 2022 calls for an increased interconnection with nature. Instead of using clean lines, organic-inspired designs imitate natural smoothness. Floral appliques and patterned lace will place in a natural touch.

outdated wedding ceremony trends

Neutral hues are also a good choice to bridge the gap between traditions and breaking the rules. These types of colors provide a nod for the traditional white-colored color nonetheless also offer you one color strategy to many different styles.

Beyond the traditional wedding dress, you can also choose additional wedding customs that are both equally elegant and entertaining.

The traditional wedding ceremony cake may well still be the most popular, but there are various other dessert alternatives that are only mainly because impressive and delicious.

While a traditional bridal dress may be classic, you can continue to make that unique by choosing the perfect style to your special day. You also can change up your guest list and select a more personal wedding template that is even more suited to you.

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5+ evidences of Hybrid War: A reality or a myth?

By
Sara Shafqat
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0
hybrid war

Hybrid War, a reality or a myth!

Due to the increase in the lethality of modern nuclear warfare and chemical weapons and increased pressure from international organizations, the nuclear-armed states are reluctant to resort to the traditional full-scale war to achieve their interests. Also in the past, such direct confrontations have only caused economic and physical harm. Thus, there is a transition from conventional means of military interventions to sub-conventional means(guerrilla or irregular) or hybrid warfare. Hybrid warfare is regarded as the game of the 21st century since it uses an indirect strategy to degrade one’s adversary state.

Different Generations of War

1GW is the war of line and column (American Revolutionary War), 2GW is the trench warfare (World War 1),3GW is the manoeuvre warfare (Vietnam War), 4GW is the irregular warfare (guerrilla warfare) and 5GW is the war of misinformation. Normally when we use the word War, it has few limitations like one can target only military personnel, not civilians but in hybrid warfare, all these all limitations are abolished. Hybrid warfare is a blend of conventional/unconventional, regular/irregular, information and cyber warfare. It also includes political warfare, law warfare, fake news and diplomacy. This form of warfare is also called asymmetrical, non-linear, unconventional and new generation warfare. It is emerging as a popular modality in the 21st century. It is present between India and Pakistan as both are nuclear-armed states and both of them will be destroyed because conventional war will escalate into a nuclear Armageddon. So a full-scale war is no more a wise option.

There is a misconception that both the Hybrid and the 5GW are the same but in reality, they are not, as the former is the blend of conventional and unconventional means and irregular forces including political, psychological, economic, media, cultural and cyber warfare and the latter is basically the conflict of perception and information. It uses tools and tactics to distort the perception of the masses of a country. It includes propaganda or ideological war.

Hybrid Warfare

The objectives of hybrid warfare involve a whole spectrum. It may not cause the immediate defeat of one’s enemy rather the objective is indirect warfare which ultimately will destabilize the rival and disturb the policymakers of a country. Also to spread anarchy among the masses, changing the public narrative and delegitimizing a country’s government are the goals of such indirect warfare. The toolbox of hybrid warfare is rapidly expanding and becoming more sophisticated e.g. advanced cyber programs, social media, fake news, narrative changing, data mining, algorithms, artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons etc.

hybrid war

Challenges faced by Pakistan

In the hard power domain, Pakistan has proved itself invincible multiple times. Pakistan armed forces in February 2019 broke the 50-year-old myth that India has the upper hand by knocking out the Indian Air Force. Also, Kalbhushan Yadav, a former Indian Navy officer was arrested in 2016 on charges of espionage and sabotage. He confessed to being a spy to Indian Intelligence Agency, Raw. Also, he confessed to being involved in carrying out deadly attacks in Balochistan which led to the killing of hundreds of involved. Investigative research by EU DisinfoLab proved that over 750 Indian backed websites working in almost 119 countries have been discrediting and spreading disinformation about Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa while addressing the 137 PMA long course ceremony stated that;

“Pakistan is facing enormous challenges both in the conventional and sub-conventional domain. Our enemies know that they can not beat us fair and square and thus has subjected us to cruel, evil and protracted hybrid warfare.”

It clearly means that our country is extremely vulnerable in this domain. In 1971 when East Pakistan (present Bangladesh )separated from West Pakistan, India played the role of a villain and using a hybrid strategy set up the ground for military intervention in East Pakistan.

Since then Pakistan has been the target of multiple hybrid campaigns. Indian media has multiple times tried to portray the image of Pakistan as a terrorist-sponsoring state by making such domestic films and using its media lobbyists in the international media to defame Pakistan. The same has happened post-Pulwama attacks when Indian media started warmongering against Pakistan. Similarly, India falsely accused Pakistan of conducting false flag operations in Kashmir and funding Kashmir militant groups. After fighting 20 years-long war in Afghanistan, America blames Pakistan for its military and political failure in Afghanistan The Pakistan army and ISI remain have always remained the special focus of propaganda and fake news.

Controversies against CPEC may be a part of this war against Pakistan. Fake news, media warfare and biased reports are being published to pollute the minds of people against China Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC. Indian Intelligence Agency RAW has been involved in carrying out blasts at the site of CPEC to halt the developmental process in Balochistan. US has also warned Pakistan over the CPEC saying that the project will cost an economic burden to the country. The purpose of this economic warfare is to weaken a country’s economy to slow its rise to a point where it can not threaten the dominating superpowers and regional powers. Such a war is currently been waged between the United States and China the so-called Sino-American trade war.

India has used water as a weapon against Pakistan since 1947. India has multiple times violated the Indus waters treaty by constructing dams and barrages on Pakistan tributaries without its consultation. Construction of Wullar barrage over river Jhelum in 1984 and Buglihar dam in the mid-90s over river Chenab are examples in this regard thus this is all a part of hybrid warfare launched against Pakistan to hamper its economic growth.

The hybrid campaign also incorporates some religious and ethnic groups. Pakistani society is an amalgam of ethnic, lingual, cultural and sectarian sects that provides our adversary with an opportunity to exploit for its benefit. The foreign funding of irregular forces such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in Baluchistan and Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Waziristan is a well-established fact. Reports also say that In Nov 2018, India was involved in the attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi by BLA.

Pakistan is locked in the grey list of the Financial  Action Task Force ( FATF) since June 2018. Although Pakistan has done enough efforts in checking money-laundering and terror-financing and FATF has also approved and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in this regard. It has been reported by various headquarters that the decision to keep Pakistan on the list is basically political. Pakistan did not do enough to serve US strategic interests on its “troops withdrawal” from Afghanistan.

Also, Pakistan has multiple times highlighted the politicization of FATF and undermining of its processes by India. In July 2021 India minister for foreign affairs was quoted as saying

“Due to us Pakistan is under the lens of FATF, and it was kept in the grey list. He further added

” We have been successful in pressurizing Pakistan and the fact that Pakistan’s behaviour has changed is because of pressure put by India by various measures.”

Due to the vulnerability of Pakistan in this domain, Pakistan must develop a comprehensive strategy to overcome the tactics used by its adversaries.

Firstly there is the need for the latest equipment for surveillance and data collection to counter cyberattacks. The presence of IT experts in media management should be ensured for rapid detection and response. Media should be sensitized in this regard and media should play the foremost role in effective public awakening about the issue.

Secondly, as the Hybrid threat is an international issue therefore the national government should formulate a comprehensive coherent response and use diplomatic manoeuvres to expose the enemy on all national and international forums.

Efforts should be made in educating the masses. Our youth should be educated about the basic ideology of Pakistan. Efforts should be made to inculcate a sense of patriotism, especially in our youth so that they can not be exploited using religious or ethnic grounds.

Pakistan’s Political Weakness

The economic and political stability of a country protects it against any exploitation. foreign funding of non-state organizations and militias should be banned.

The fragility of our political system or an immature political government can also serve as a fault line in this regard that can give our adversary an opportunity to exploit. Thus, the government should make efforts to develop harmony with the people or its society and develop a relationship of trust with them.

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Pakistan’s Law looks good in books: Hindu Minority

By
Pawan Kumar
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0
Temple in Pakistan

Law looks good in books: Hindu Minority

Pakistan’s Initial Stance and the current situation

Pakistan is the fifth thick populated country in the world, comprised of 22 million populations having about 4 percentage of the minority in which Hindus are 1.6 percentages. The white stripe in the flag represents the minority. Not only this but also the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah said in the very first speech after the independence that “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed — that has nothing to do with the business of the State”.

But today, the circumstances are completely contrary to it. Nowadays, Hindus are facing engrave religious grievances in every hebdomad. Provincial as well as the federal government has completely become a nonstarter regarding the religious rights and security of the Hindu minority in Pakistan.

Let us revert to the recent brain teaser quagmires with the Hindu minorities in Pakistan pertaining to their places of worship and security.

Problem Number 1

Priya Kumari, an innocent Hindu girl of seven years has been kidnapped from Sangrar near Sukkur, Sindh on the tenth Moharram. Police have not found any clue of her kidnapping in spite of several protests by the Hindus in different cities of Sindh. How is it possible for the government to be cavalier when it comes to minorities?

Problem Number 2

Anti Forced Conversion Bill was restrained to be passed in the parliament which include a dossier or mechanism for the proselytizing person that he/she has to be major and to confirm from the court of Additional Session Judge by forwarding an application within the seven days, the judge will fix a date for an interview with the applicant after the receipt of the application for conversion of his/her religion by vindicating the grounds for doing so and to scrutiny whether it has been done out of free consent or any duress after that within the period of 90 days the applicant will go through a comparative study of religions after satisfaction, the judge will announce the certificate of change of religion.

forced conversions in pakistan

The proposed bill also describes the punishment from 5 to 10 years and a fine of 100,000 to 200,000 for the person who uses criminal force or intimidation to proselytize an applicant to another religion.

The person who is abettor behind this criminal offence will be liable to imprisonment from 3 to 5 years or a fine of Rs.100,000.

The bill held that the age of the applicant will be decided on the basis of Birth Certificate, School Enrollment Certificate, or Nadra-B form if not this all then the court will opt for medical examination. The bill also preserved the right of appeal to the high court in case of acquittal or conviction within ten days from the day judgment passed.

Most of the Muslim political leaders, clerics and the Ministry of Religious Affairs called this bill is “Anti-Islam”. Simply, they colluded to overthrow the bill and were forced not to bring it again in the parliament amidst protest of PTI MNAs Lal Chand Malhi and Ramesh Kumar Vankwani.

Problem Number 3

A week ago, bullies entered the temple namely “Devi Mata” near Kotri Dam Sindh, at late night and desecrated the infrastructure, idols and stole three silver chains and twenty-five thousand cash from the temple. Lamentably, there isn’t any action taken against the goons on the side of government that’s a completely unconstitutional way to run the state.

US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF): In 2020, USCIRF enlisted incidents with Hindus facing discrimination and desecration of their religious sites. The temples of Hindus are vandalized by the mobs and these mobs are walking freely after doing these inhuman commissions. It further added that the construction of Islamabad’s Hindu temple was halted by the government due to pressure of the clerics and politicians who feel unhappy in allocating the state money on the Hindu temple, stated in the report.

That’s why it is rightly said that law is a trap for small insects but big insects always go across it by piercing it. If we delve into the books of law then it is an open violation of law, fundamental rights and constitution.

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Chinese Prosperity – 5+ things we can learn from it

By
Ashir Awan
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0
chinese development

What can we learn from China’s Success?

The Chinese economy is one of the most emerging world economies with an average 7.9pc growth rate in a few decades. In addition, China contributes 17pc of global GDP, top exporter of laptops and mobile phones. Moreover, China is the only country that expanded by 6.4pc in GDP in the 3Q of FY2020.

If we look a few decades back, we will know that China was not as prosperous as now. Chinese people were suffering from diseases, poverty, malnutrition, drug addiction, and even civil wars. What exactly does China do to curb poverty & other menaces? What can we learn from China? First, we have to understand the secret of China’s economic success. Second, I’ll explain what and how we can learn from China?

1. Chinese Skilled Labour

chinese skilled labour

China is the world’s most populous country. In the early 70s, Chinese leaders taught that they should work in a way that their population will become their asset. China worked hard in the skill development of its youth through technical and vocational training. Not only the Chinese government but Chinese industries joined hand in hand to polish the skills of their youth. Industries start providing internships, to youth and youth become more productive.

Skilled labour can be defined as your experience becomes your asset, and you become your company’s asset.

After training, they become skilled enough to earn money. In Pakistan, our poor think we should send our children to school when there has already been high unemployment? Indeed, when we all believe that higher education in Pakistan is a scam, then why one will waste his crucial asset to delay unemployment for a few years? Second, in Pakistan, higher education institutions are segregated from the industries; therefore, there is skill mismatch, which leads to unemployment, opposite to China.

2. Clusters Development

China worked to build clusters. Imagine a grocery store example; if you found all the necessary items from your nearby grocery store, will you travel a large to go to a big city? Certainly not. The same thing China did. The Chinese government created special economic zones (SEZs) to provide all the necessary things for infrastructure development and other works. It helped companies to save their travel cost and time.

Furthermore, when infrastructure and connectivity increases, it generates more opportunities. You may question here that many other countries like India have SEZs but are not as developed? Of course, many other countries have special economic zones, but these countries are not as much developed. The reason is, these countries, including IndoPak, don’t have migration controls. Our citizens are still living in a myth that life is in cities. Cities are overpopulated, overcrowded!

China controlled this mass migration through Huku System. When a family migrates from one place to another, they lose health insurance and other basic facilities. Furthermore, the Chinese government encourages small businesses, which help to grow large businesses. So why will one travel to a big city if he finds employment and other facilities nearby?

3. Government work for business

The Chinese government deals with other countries, provide them with heavy loans, and in return, they hire Chinese companies for infrastructure development. In Singapore or CPEC, China is following the same model. Moreover, the government ensures the growth of Chinese companies. According to the Global Fortune list of the world’s top 500 companies, 119 are from China. There’s hardly any company from Pakistan on the list.

What can we learn from China?

According to a report unleashing the potential of Youth in Pakistan, Pakistan currently has a 64pc population under 30 years of age. If the government joins industries to provide practical and technical training to youth, our youth will be more productive in the future. It will favour minimizing unemployment, and the income level of citizens will improve. Moreover, we will be at least self-sufficient in the production of necessary commodities. It will ease the pressure on imports, and it will strengthen our BOP dramatically. Second, the government should support local and small businesses so that our youth can generate employment for others.

And finally, there must be business security in the country to flourish the self business. Unfortunately, there is no business security in our country due to political and regional instability. Investors think they are no longer in a safe haven in Pakistan, and they flee. Moreover, the current government cannot provide shelter to the business class, creating mafias.

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Vietnam and its Positive and Negative Relations with The World Powers

By
Ali Raza
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0
vietnam geographical location

Vietnam and The World Powers

Relations of Vietnam

Vietnam lies in Southeast Asia, and it borders China which is its largest trading partner and provides it with access to Europe. Recently the world has seen a rapid change in global politics and relationships between the countries. Be it the U.S and its allies leaving Afghanistan by losing the 20-years long war or China and its trading partners. In the past, the U.S fought the longest war catastrophically in Vietnam for 20 years, while China also tried to inbound Vietnam for over months and then left it on its own. In addition, the U.S then normalized its relations with Vietnam in 1997, and China had done it a few years earlier in 1991. The data provide the view that Vietnam’s main benefits from both countries have only been economic.

Vietnam’s Import and Export Markets

In addition, the trade forecasts by Harvard University’s Atlas of Economic Complexity. It says, in 1997, Japan remained Vietnam’s largest export market with 24.22% of all exports from the country, while the U.S and China accounted for 4.15% and 4.48%. In 2019, the U.S became Vietnam’s largest export market standing at 23.21% and the U.S by 15.66%. On the contrary, China is Vietnam’s largest import market standing at 29.82% and the U.S at 5.67%. According to the analysis, from 1997 to 2020, Europe has reduced its trading partnership with Vietnam from being its second-largest regional export market to third. It does indicate that China’s partnership with Vietnam is as imperative as water to all human beings.

U.S’s Interest in Vietnam

us and vietnam

A visit by Kamala Harris to Vietnam raised concerns over the reasons behind the U.S’s interests in Vietnam, and China knew it well. According to the AP News article published in August, “Harris urges Vietnam to join the U.S in opposing China”, to bully China over the South-China Sea concerns. China being the largest trading companion takes more interest in the economic prosperity of Vietnam, and it is unsuitable to demean relations with China. Vietnam shares its 1297KM’s long border, which is a vital source of Vietnam’s trade, if the country joins the U.S’s plans then it will surely ruin its diplomatic and economic relations with the trading partner country. However, the security risks in the region may also rise over the South-China Sea concerns, and a new economic turmoil could spark.

Furthermore, it’s possible that the U.S also pressurize Vietnam over the cheap-coal energy projects mutually funded by China, for the U.S do not want China’s economic influence in the country. The U.S can also offer Vietnam its LNG projects for energy generation, which are undoubtedly expensive to reach Vietnam easily, to counter Vietnam’s dependency on China. Moreover, the U.S wants to transform its relations with Vietnam by forming a comprehensive strategic partnership and using it against regional confrontation.

Vietnam, in the meantime, has taken more interest in joining hands with China, as China’s BRI (belt and road initiative) project is the future of the world’s advanced trade system. BRI is a project connecting Afro-Eurasia jointly through railways and highways and the game-changer for all the Afro-Eurasian countries aiming to integrate by trade and cultural exchange. Vietnam has also announced to run a frail freight to export its materials to Europe, as reported by Vietnam Railways. On July 20, the new freight train containing 23 containers left for Belgium. It is the first train to reach at the first stop, Zhengzhou city of China, and it will join with the Asia-Europe train then stop at Liege Belgium as its destination.

China’s Silk Road (BRI) project will most importantly attract more western investment and export-oriented goals for all the countries under BRI. And Vietnam can also become one of these countries to transform itself as an international economy. Vietnam had suffered from a war-like situation, and gradually it is now changing itself. In diplomatic terms, Vietnam should not bully China over the U. S’s concerns over South-China Sea dominancy, it must behave neutrally and mutually

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Threats of Hybrid Warfare to National Security of Pakistan

By
Arbaz Khan
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0

Threats of Hybrid Warfare to National Security of Pakistan

The nature of wars, threats, and security changed after the end of the Cold War. To mitigate drastic repercussions, countries adopted non-conventional methods for war. Hybrid warfare aims to damage the social, economic, psychological, and international reputation of a rival state. Pakistan also faces security threats by hybrid warfare. It is an imperative time for Pakistan to formulate policies to curb the threats of hybrid warfare.

Challenges to Pakistan’s National Security

The Global War on Terror in Afghanistan also dragged Pakistan into the war on its Western front. The Participation of Pakistan in the War on Terror instigated severe issues in a country such as a rise in infrastructure, thus exposing it to the instigators of hybrid warfare. Many incidents or attacks were carried out in Pakistan by people who had anti-state elements.

The Indian concept of PAO can trigger anytime. After the Osama Bin Ladin Operation by the U.S, attacks on the Salalah check post, the attack on the Torkham checkpoint depict that our Western borders are protected. In the contemporary scenario, even small aggression will create precarious difficulties for Pakistan. The country’s fraternity also witnessed the impact of the 27 February attack, which brought two nations to the brink of a full-fledged war.

Pakistan also experiences sectarian and ethnic violation amid the exploitation of foreign elements. The incident occurred in 2014 while Ashura in Rawalpindi, which blocked twin cities for a few days, is an evident example of exploitation by the players of hybrid warfare. The technique of creating chaos in the name of sectarian violence is the tool of hybrid warfare to destabilize a country on several occasions.

Water warfare is also a tool of hybrid warfare that possess a heinous threat to the national security of Pakistan. India being upper riparian, has always exploited the water requirement of Pakistan by violating Indus Water Treaty. Indus tries to formulate Aqua war strategies to push Pakistan into drought amid more dependence on the agriculture sector.

In the perspective of hybrid warfare, the role of non-state actors has expanded. Currently, non-state actors have assumed the role of primary actors in the altering dynamics of warfare. Non-state actors who participated in hybrid warfare are indulged in conflicts on the behalf of the state. The non-state actors in Pakistan are TTP, IS, and Sectarian organizations which are a major threat to National Security to Pakistan.

Pakistan experiences political subversion. People have distinct narratives in their minds according to their understanding level. The illegal NGO’s and other agents use those ideas by hybrid techniques to instigate people for protest and violence against the state and its institution.

Way forward to counter the hybrid warfare threat to the national security of Pakistan:

Understand the nature of hybrid war

It is vivid from the history of Pakistan that it only indulged in a conventional war. The new dynamics of hybrid war is not easy to be perceived by country. Therefore, Pakistan needs to comprehend the nature of the 5th generation war to curb the threats of hybrid war. After understanding nature there is a need for proper policy making and strict implementation of those policies about hybrid war.

Pay proper attention to the backward provinces

Anti-state movements always use to start from backward areas of a country. Insurgency movements are also considered a major tool of hybrid war. Pakistan also experiences multiple insurgencies such as the Baloch Insurgent movement, and Conflict of tribal areas in KPK. To eradicate these insurgent movements and the threat of hybrid warfare, Pakistan should pay proper attention to the people residing in these areas and try to resolve their grievances.

Strengthen Institutions against terrorism

Pakistan has witnessed several terrorist attacks from its inception due to weak institutions. A recent incident of the FBR data hack reveals the importance of strengthening institutions. As the information is a major tool utilized by non-state actors to destabilize a country’s reputation. Therefore, Pakistan should strengthen its institutions to combat terrorism activities and secure national security.

It is visible from the above discussion that Hybrid warfare is posing serious threats to the national security of Pakistan in terms of social, economic, and human loss. To secure national security, Pakistan should give proper attention to the threats of hybrid warfare and make policies to counter them.

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Leadership in Pakistan – Jamsheed Marker

By
Iqra Aziz
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0
book about leaders
COVER POINT: Impressions of Leadership in Pakistan – Jamsheed MarkerT: Impressions of Leadership in Pakistan – Jamsheed Marker

Impressions of Leadership in Pakistan – Jamsheed Marker

Introduction to Writer

Jamsheed Marker (24 November 1922 – 21 June 2018), is well remembered as a distinguished veteran Pakistani diplomat, whose diplomatic career spans a period of 42 years. He is born into a Parsee family of Hyderabad Deccan, India. He has been awarded the Victoria Medal for his military service, as an officer, in the Royal Indian Naval Volunteer Reserve during World War II. He has served as ambassador of Pakistan to Romania, the Soviet Union, Canada, France, East Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, United States and at United Nations. In 1999, he has served as Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and has represented a Special Envoy to East Timor. He has received national awards of highest honour i.e. Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam and Hilal-i-Imtiaz from the Government of Pakistan.

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Abstract of the Book

This book is particularly a compelling attempt to observe and record the political impressions of Pakistani leaders, their statesmanship and statecraft. It is neither history nor memorabilia nor biography but simply a series and compendium of reflections and recollections of the author’s diplomatic experience, which he has sought to put into words. It simultaneously covers and gives an analytical review on the roles of Pakistan’s most powerful leaders by undertaking a thorough assessment of Pakistan’s political system of power, acquired through usurpation in one form or another, whether by outright military interventions or through manipulated electoral processes. As the term ‘cover point’ means ‘observation point’ on a cricket field, that is near enough to the wicket to follow immediate action and yet sufficiently distant for a general overview of the state of play. So, Jamsheed Marker’s Cover Point is a legacy of his lifetime in the diplomatic service of Pakistan, that in turn, is a position of political sureness and saviour faire which has guaranteed the author to pen down a general overview of Pakistani politics. To understand well the saga of Pakistani politics, the individualistic strengths as well as foibles, of each one of its rulers, are studied with specific reference to their political lives.

The storyline of the Book

The book opens with vivid recollections of the early days highlighting the creation of Pakistan. It gives the most powerful descriptions of that epochal era in the Independence movement of the Indian Subcontinent that has triggered the unforeseen events of decolonization, communal riots on a nationwide scale, mass migration, genocide, massacre, mass violence, political discords and the incomprehensible cruelty of the time.

The creation of Pakistan in itself gives an everlasting impression of Jinnah’s leadership and his statesmanship. The founder and the creator of Pakistan – Mohammad Ali Jinnah is bestowed the honorary title of ‘Quaid-e-Azam’ by millions of his followers who have supported him and believed in him throughout the herculean period of Independence. Jamsheed Marker recollects that after the creation of Pakistan, Jinnah has manfully dealt with the multifarious political, socio-economic and humanitarian challenges that have deluged the fragile infancy of Pakistan as “the task has appeared more difficult for Pakistan than it is for India. For them it is just a matter of continuity, only the occupants have changed, with the Indians now moving smoothly into the rooms hitherto occupied by Britons. On the other hand, for Pakistan, it is a total scramble. The process of governance has to be established on an entirely new government and administration has to be set up from scratch besides coping up with an influx and accommodation of millions of refugees from India” (Cover Point 14, 16). Under the indomitable and defiant leadership of the founding father of the nation, the early days of Pakistan seem to be filled with hope and courage despite its looming state of uncertainty. The sudden demise of Jinnah has devastated the country but “Pakistan was Jinnah and Jinnah was Pakistan. He has completed his work and given us a country. Now it is up to the Prime Minister to run it. What else is there to do?” (Cover Point 14).

leaders 3

After Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan has taken charge as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Entitled “Quaid-e-Millat” and “The Right Hand Man of Jinnah”   Liaquat Ali Khan has devoted his time, talent and energy to the cause of the Muslim League. He has achieved much in his short tenure as a Prime Minister (1948-1951) but there are failures in a number of other aspects as well. His major strengths include good governance of a newly created state despite the crippling lack of resources; his acceptance of Washington’s invitation over the Soviet Union for the official state visit that in turn has strengthened Pakistan’s military and economic resources. In addition to it, he has very skillfully handled the far emotive case of Rawalpindi Conspiracy brewing the seeds of a coup de tat and has pragmatically guided the issue of canal waters dispute with India into the arbitration. Perhaps his greatest failure has been the delay in framing a constitution.

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After losing both its founder and leader, the years from 1951 to 1958 in Pakistan are observed to be full of rambunctious politics and capricious Governments. From 1958 -1969, the military dictatorship of Ayub Khan is remembered as the time of benevolent despotism attended by the most substantial economic development in the history of Pakistan. He has introduced the three-tiered military-bureaucratic- entrepreneurial nexus which has secured the decade-long era of his dictatorship. It is a “solid West Pakistan structure, with a thinly disguised East Pakistan façade”(Cover Point 51). The major strengths of  Ayub Khan’s regime are economic growth and the country’s impressive development framed in the Five Years Plan. The Jamsheed Marker also adds to his credit the spurt seen in banking and finance with a forceful shift to modern technology. Whereas the drawbacks are also present side-by-side in the form of “disparities increasing visibly between the rich and the poor, the army and the civil, and above all between East and West Pakistan”(Cover Point 55). In response to the increasing opposition, “a confused and battered Ayub Khan has handed over the reins of power to his chosen successor, Army Chief General Yahya Khan instead of Assembly Speaker Abdul Jabbar Khan and Martial law is declared once again on 25th  of March 1969.

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The tenure of General Agha Muhammad Khan (1969-1971) is marked by turbulence from beginning to end. His productive visit to the Soviet Union has been a resounding success where he has secured a deal of obtaining Soviet military hardware and tanks, much to the chagrin of India. Also to mention, his contribution as a facilitator of the US-China rapprochement and the signature of the Shanghai Agreement is remembered as a significant measure. The downward spiral of his leadership is commenced at the moment when East and West Pakistan are split by the result of the election. Jamsheed Marker writes that “In most countries of the world, elections have helped to solve problems but in Pakistan, they seem to create the” (Cover Point 88). Unable to cope with this stumbling situation, Yahya takes resignation and the then senior military junta arranges for handing over of power to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as president, and first and only civilian Chief Martial Law Administrator of a disintegrating country.

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Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (1971-1977) has played a major role in bringing a country to despair and defeat and then galvanizing a dramatic recovery. Jamsheed Marker mentions that Bhutto’s obsession for the acquisition of power has brought with its successes as well as setbacks. The achievements that have marked Bhutto as Third World leader of repute include a) His provision of bringing into reality the concept of  ‘Vox Populi’ by taking “the process of electioneering out of the drawing rooms of the wealthy and into the streets of the populace” (Cover Point 94); b) The SIMLA Agreement with India in July 1972, to make certain the return of conquered Pakistani territories and the prisoners of War. Jamsheed Marker recalls that “origins of most acts of political evil, chicanery, and moral turpitude that currently exist, in Pakistan, can be irrefutably linked to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto” (Cover Point 107). Bhutto’s megalomania has assumed all the accoutrements of Fascism. The disruption of political and civil order is followed by a military takeover in 1977.

leaders 7

General Zia ul Haq has now entered into his new role as Head of Government and the new Chief Martial Law Administrator of Pakistan (1977-1988). The manner in which Zia has staged his coup and the smoothness of assumption of power is a matter of historic record. His incredible decision to resist the Soviet Union over Afghanistan has provided a timely infusion of the US and foreign assistance, by means of which, he has granted a noticeable resurgence to the country on military and economic fronts. Therefore, Pakistan has been transformed from an international pariah into an international poster boy (Cover Point 127). Perhaps the biggest black mark against his regime is the introduction and implementation of a series of draconian Martial law regulations and punishments. His repressive regime has settled the country surely and purposefully on the Islamic track. He has found himself simultaneously engulfed in a series of major internal and external problems. The immediate ones are the dismissal of Junejo Khan and the return of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan. The extended one is the increasing political hostility and sanctions from the US on nuclear issues. Amidst all such chaos, while returning from Washington on 17 August 1988, his plane is crashed at Bahawalpur in which both President Zia ul Haq and US Ambassador Arnold Raphel are reported to be killed.

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The next eleven years from 1988-1999 seem to be the political game of the throne between PPP and PML-N. Among her many other distinctions, Benazir Bhutto is honoured as the first elected lady Prime Minister of an Islamic republic (1988-1990; 1993-1996). Her visit to the US is a major success as she has granted the release of some F-16 fighter aircraft seized by the sanctions imposed under the US nuclear embargo.

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Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif (1990-1993; 1997-1999) known as Zia’s political grandson is remembered for his courageous act of testing six nuclear weapons at Chagai on 8th May 1998, duly countering US pressure through the usual combination of threats and sanctions from President Clinton. The major weaknesses of his regime are widespread corruption, cronyism and an increase in the acquisition of property. His democratic regime is ended, when matters come to a head with the drama of the hijacking of Musharaff’s aircraft. Consequently, Sharif is arrested, followed by his trial and is exiled to Saudi Arabia(Cover Point 178).

After taking a preliminary assessment of Musharraf’s decade-long era of dictatorship (1999-2008), Jamsheed Marker has keenly mentioned both his major accomplishments and failures. The successes are in the realm of law and order, and in recouping Pakistan’s financial and economic situation. However, the urge to hold power at any cost has brought his downfall.

The rest as the saying goes is history. It is a history that is continuing to evolve, and one for future historians to record.

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Book Themes

The major themes in this book are Pakistani Leadership, State and the Statesmanship, Power politics, Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Dictatorship, Democracy and the Civil wars.

Additional Facts and Conclusion

The book contains fourteen chapters on one hundred and ninety-three pages and is published by Oxford University Press in 2016.  Also to mention, the preface is written by Stanley Wolpert.

In my personal opinion, it is a must-read because it thoroughly sums up the political pros and cons of prominent leaders of Pakistan from Muhammad Ali Jinnah to General Pervaiz Musharraf.  It casts an impartial and realistic impression of Pakistan’s political history. The language used is simple but scholarly lettered, that in turn, develops an artistic-cum-intellectual taste while reading.

Ratings 4/5

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Is Pakistan’s middle east policy balanced enough?

By
Younas Jam
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0
are pak's policies in balance

Is Pakistan’s middle east policy balanced enough?

Iran’s alleged aspirations to build nuclear weapons and have dominance in the middle east upset the balance in the region. Saudi Arabia has serious reservations about the role of Iran in challenging the legitimacy of Al-Saud and playing a role in proxy wars in the region. These tensions between both of the countries pose a challenge for Pakistan as Pakistan has to balance between both of these powers. Saudi Arabia is one of the strategic partners of Pakistan and Iran is its immediate neighbor. The rivalry and security dilemma between Iran and Saudi Arabia has made it difficult for Pakistan to maintain a balance in its policy towards both of these countries.

Balance Between Iran & Saudi Arabia

Iran’s Shah was the first-ever head of state who visited Pakistan and supported the creation of a new Muslim state. However, Pakistan’s foreign policy towards the middle east shows that it has been tilted towards Saudi Arabia due to different factors. Imran Khan proposed to mediate Iran and Saudi Arabia to de-escalate tensions and improve the relationship as this would benefit Pakistan as well. However, Imran’s proposal was not considered seriously. Pakistan is keen to mediate and resolve the balance between Iran and Saudi Arabia because it has implications at the domestic level as its population is divided into Sunni and Shia communities. Sunni community influences the foreign policy of Pakistan which is why the balance is tilted towards Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is an important ally of Pakistan especially in economic terms as Pakistan gets most of the remittances from this country and it is also going to play important role in CPEC. Yet, Islamabad has been struggling to have strong relations with Riyadh. This is partly because Riyadh has been taking Islamabad for granted. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s leadership also expects that Pakistan can provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia in case of a military crisis between both of the rivals. Pakistan has been avoiding being a party to a military formation against Iran.

Pakistan’s Stance in Saudi Arabia vs Iran

Attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia were perceived to be from Iran and Saudi Arabia reached out to other countries for help on diplomatic and military fronts. Pakistan took a neutral position in the Yemen conflict in 2015. However, Riyadh declared that Pakistan’s decision was contradictory and dangerous because they perceived it as Pakistan’s policy to side with Iran. The later developments show that Riyadh has come to understand the regional sensitivities of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s position during the rifts in relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been balanced. Islamabad has always advised the Saudi leadership to decide carefully and maintain peace and stability in the region. The military leadership of Pakistan has always taken a position about Saudi Arabia that the country’s centrality in the Muslim world should not be questioned as it has the holy places of Muslims. Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s statement caused a diplomatic event in the relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in 2020. It was a signal towards Saudi Arabia that it cannot take cooperation from Pakistan for granted.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s influence in the domestic politics of Pakistan, Islamabad has been able to decrease the influence of Saudi Arabia on its foreign policy of neutrality in the region. Saudi leadership now understands that Pakistan will not be a party in its conflicts with rivals in the Muslim world. Moreover, there have also been closer ties between Tehran and Islamabad. This has been possible due to China’s investment in Pakistan which has allowed Pakistan to have breathing space in making its economic and foreign policies. The drift from Riyadh allows Pakistan to have a relaxed foreign policy that can help Pakistan in acting in most of its interests specifically in the Muslim world.

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