ICEP

DAWN EDITORIALS & OPINIONS

ANALYSIS
Dated: 16 August,2020

Our Policy

We provide you with best quality analysis of Dawn newspaper on daily basis. The reason
behind this endeavor is clear as our policy is to educate you. Knowing the current issues of
Pakistan_ domestic and external is imperative for Civil service aspirants. Unlike Pakistan, in
Pakistan no such digital platform or academic work is available for aspirants' ease of
preparation. So, follow these instructions: Read these editorials and Opinions carefully and
keenly. These are important for widening your knowledge base, improving language skills,
understanding key issues, etc. This section(Editorial/ Opinions) is very useful for English
Essay, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs – and sometimes Islamiat – papers as they emphasize
more on analysis than facts. (Icep Analyst)

💬 To The Point
▪ Competitive Exams

▪ Essay Writing

▪ Current Affairs

▪ Pakistan Affairs

▪ Global Issues

▪ Geopolitics

▪ International Relations

▪ Foreign Policy

✍️Presented By:
Mohammad Usman & Rabia Kalhoro

1 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

 CONTENTS TABLE
Page Title Section/Category
07 Ties with Israel Global Affairs
10 New virus wave? National Affairs
12 Perils of deforestation National Affairs
22 Vote for integration National Affairs
25 Our Obsession with English Cultural Issue
28 Understanding the CPEC CPEC

COLOURS Used:

Red for Difficult Vocab

Green for Important Figures and contents

Others colours used where necessary

2 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

 DAWN+ EDITORIALS SECTION

3 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

 Notes: Question-Answer Formation and Explanation

Q: What is the Pakistan's Foreign Office response to UAE-Israel deal ?

The Foreign Office’s reaction to the UAE-Israel deal has been described as ambiguous. This
is to be expected, for the Emiratis are close partners of this country, politically and
economically. The FO has said the deal will have “far-reaching” implications, though it
reiterated that this country’s approach will be guided by how the “Palestinians’ rights and
aspirations are upheld”. Observers were quick to point out that the language of the statement
was vague.

Q: Why the idea of establishing ties with Israel was floated during Musharraf Era?

During the Musharraf era, the idea of establishing ties with Israel was floated, with the then
foreign minister meeting his Israeli counterpart in 2005. However, those plans were quickly
shelved when the general sensed the public mood here was not ready to accept ties with Tel
Aviv. Now, again there is debate about how to proceed

Q: What is Pakistan’s tance on Israel’s Occupation?

Pakistan had always demanded Israel withdraw to the pre-1967 borders, and that Al Quds be
the Palestinian capital.

4 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

5 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn
 Understanding map

6 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

Ties with Israel | Dawn Editorial
Introduction:

IN the aftermath of the shock announcement of the establishment of relations between Israel
and the UAE, there is feverish speculation about which Arab/Muslim country will be next to
forge ties with the Zionist state. Beyond the realm of conjecture, none other than the
president of the US has confirmed that this process has begun, and it is a matter of when, not
if. The US “believes that more Arab and Muslim countries will follow” the UAE’s lead,
reads a White House statement. Bahrain is believed to be next in line, while Jared
Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law and his Middle East emissary, told American
media that “it is an inevitability that Saudi Arabia and Israel will have fully normalised
relations. ...” However, Riyadh itself has, till now, kept silent on Abu Dhabi’s latest move.
For Pakistan, the million-dollar question remains how to react to these fast-changing
geopolitical realities, especially if most of our Arab brothers decide to cast their lot with
Israel.

Pakistan's ambiguous reaction:

The Foreign Office’s reaction to the UAE-Israel deal has been described as ambiguous. This
is to be expected, for the Emiratis are close partners of this country, politically and
economically. The FO has said the deal will have “far-reaching” implications, though it
reiterated that this country’s approach will be guided by how the “Palestinians’ rights and
aspirations are upheld”. Observers were quick to point out that the language of the statement
was vague, as Pakistan had always demanded Israel withdraw to the pre-1967 borders, and
that Al Quds be the Palestinian capital. Beyond generalities, the time is not far when
Pakistan will have to take a firm stand on this issue, and if more Gulf Arabs decide to
recognise Israel, there will be tremendous pressure on this country from our ‘friends’ in
Washington and the Gulf to follow suit.

Musharraf Era and Israel:

During the Musharraf era, the idea of establishing ties with Israel was floated, with the then
foreign minister meeting his Israeli counterpart in 2005. However, those plans were quickly
shelved when the general sensed the public mood here was not ready to accept ties with Tel
Aviv.

Way Forward:

Now, again there is debate about how to proceed. There should be a thorough discussion on
the national level on the pros and cons of establishing ties with Israel. However, a few
ground realities must be kept in mind. Any such move should be conditioned on Israel
ending its brutal treatment of the Palestinians, and moving back to the pre-1967 borders.
Without such assurances, Pakistan would join others in rewarding Israel for its blatant
disregard for human rights. Moreover, if Israel is embraced by the Muslim world without a
just resolution to the Palestine question, the Kashmir cause will also suffer, as India will be
further emboldened to crush the Kashmiris. Pakistan must make a decision in a democratic
manner, guided by its long-standing support for the fundamental rights of the Palestinians.

7 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

 Parts of speech highlighted

Match the Colour with highlighted parts of speech and evaluate every single word.

8 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

 Vocabulary description

Feverish: displaying a frenetic excitement or energy: the next couple of weeks were spent in
a whirl of feverish activity.

forge: create (a relationship or new conditions): the two women forged a close bond
| the country is forging a bright new future.
emissary: a person sent as a diplomatic representative on a special mission.

cast their lot: cast (one's) lot with (someone or something),To join and steadfastly
support another person or group :As soon as news of the CEO's scandal becomes
public, I doubt that big investor will want to cast her lot with us :Don't worry,
Mom—I really don't care about casting my lot with the cool kids at school.
shelved: decide not to proceed with (a project or plan), either temporarily or
permanently: plans to reopen the school have been shelved.

9 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

New virus wave? | Dawn Editorial
Introduction:

JUST days after the government announced that all sectors of the economy would reopen in
light of the decrease in Covid-19 cases in the country, fears of a second wave are beginning
to take root.

Detailed Analysis:

According to a report in this newspaper, the Punjab government has cautioned the divisional
commissioners and regional police officers about the possibility of the resurgence of Covid-
19 cases across the province as a result of “rampant violations of the standard operating
procedures” in markets after lockdown restrictions were lifted.

▪ In a letter issued by the province’s primary and secondary health department, it was
noted that the public health threat from Covid-19 still existed and that the infection
may spread if adequate precautions are not strictly enforced. The letter was written
following serious complaints about the non-compliance with the Punjab government’s
SOPs in “markets, shopping malls and plazas”. While hinting at the possibility of a
second wave of the virus, the department secretary who penned the letter stressed the
importance of following guidelines which, to the credit of the provincial government,
had slowed down the spread of the potentially fatal virus.

The sheer scale and recklessness with which Independence Day was celebrated in the major
cities reinforces these apprehensions. Thousands gathered at public monuments to take
photos and commemorate the day, with little regard for distancing or wearing face
coverings. Such a scenario is a classic example of a super-spreading event during which a
highly transmissible virus like Covid-19 can be passed on to hundreds of people.

Upcoming Muharram:

After Eid and Aug 14 — two events which the government warned could result in higher
cases if SOPs were not enforced — the third major occasion, Muharram, when thousands
will gather to observe religious traditions, is just around the corner. The federal and
provincial governments must do more than plead with people to observe SOPs. The message
should be unambiguous and firm: follow SOPs or face fresh restrictions. After months of
restrictions and a successfully lowered Covid-19 curve, it would be a senseless tragedy for
Pakistan to sleepwalk its way into a second wave.

Just a few weeks earlier, the Pakistan Medical Association expressed fears that Covid-19
cases could worsen with a sharp rise in cases in mid-August.

Way Forward:

Authorities should act fast to ramp up testing, identify hotspots and do everything possible
to curb the number of cases — especially given the high likelihood of spread at major public
gatherings.

10 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

 Vocabulary description

rampant: (especially of something unwelcome or unpleasant) flourishing or

spreading unchecked: political violence was rampant | rampant inflation.

recklessness: rashness, hastiness, impulsiveness, heedlessness

is just around the corner: not far away, or going to happen soon: There's a great
restaurant just around the corner. I'm feeling a little depressed at the moment, but
I'm sure good times are just around the corner.

sleepwalk: walk around and sometimes perform other actions while asleep and not
concience of it.

11 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

Perils of deforestation | Dawn Editorial
Introduction

A RECENT statement by the World Wildlife Fund has revealed that Pakistan has the
second highest deforestation rate in Asia. It flagged the recent flash floods in Balochistan,
Sindh, and other areas as a warning sign for which immediate action was needed to mitigate
the effects of climate change.

Pakistan's Vulnerability:

Pakistan, with the world’s fifth largest population, is among the top 10 countries most
vulnerable to the impact of changing weather patterns. The fact that only 5.7pc of its total
land is under forest cover, in contrast to the recommended 25pc, has added to the risk. The
highest deforestation rate in Asia is that of Afghanistan, a country ravaged by war for the
past many decades.

10 Billion Tree Tsunami Project is a right step:

Tackling climate change is a top priority of the present government. It is reflected in the
PTI’s flagship 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project. Such efforts, though ambitious, are a step
in the right direction and need to be encouraged. But a holistic approach to the problem is
needed.

What Government needs to do:

▪ The first step should be to restore the ban on forest cutting. The ban had been in place
since 1993 but the PTI government in KP ended it in 2014.

▪ Similarly, an embargo must be placed on the allotment of forest land to private

developers. Though the prime minister has directed the Punjab government to resist
the timber mafia, the effort will take a lot more than a slap on the wrist, for the actual
criminal masterminds often have connections in high places.

▪ Just as important is making the public aware of a challenge that, if not tackled
forcefully, could lead to repercussions for generations to come.
▪ The authorities can work with local populations to conserve forest cover in their
respective areas.

Controlling deforestation is key to dealing with other environmental problems too. These
include the loss of ecosystems and natural watercourses. Awareness and cooperation will go
a long way in lessening the devastating impacts of climate change in the country.

12 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

 Vocabulary description

embargo: an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular

country: an embargo on grain sales | an arms embargo.

timber mafia: Peoples who use who cut trees and prepared for use as building
material.

slap on the wrist: The phrase 'A Slap on the Wrist' means to get a light punishment
(for doing something wrong). Example of Use: “He should be in jail for what he
did, but he got off with just a slap on the wrist.”

13 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

 DAWN+ One Liner Section

Pakistan had always demanded Israel withdraw to the pre-1967 borders, and that Al
Quds(Jerusalem) be the Palestinian capital.

World Wildlife Fund has revealed that Pakistan has the second highest deforestation
rate in Asia.

Pakistan, with the world’s fifth largest population, is among the top 10 countries most
vulnerable to the impact of changing weather patterns. The fact that only 5.7pc of its total
land is under forest cover, in contrast to the recommended 25pc, has added to the risk.

Pakistan has not spent more than 3.02 percent of the GDP on education in any year since
1971.

A quick survey of the landscape of languages used in the country reveals that there are around
74 languages that are spoken across the country. Punjabi, with her different dialects and
variation remains the most widely spoken language in the country, followed by Pushto with
18 percent, Sindhi by 15 percent and Baluchi by 3 percent of the population.

It has been predicted that there would be an increase of 6.43 percent in national GDP due to
transport infrastructure. The increase can be enhanced to the level of 14.03 percent if the
government brings reforms in other sectors including trade, investment, and ease of doing
business.

Latest figures tell us that CPEC created 75,000 jobs for Pakistanis (China Embassy 2019).
That means that 75,000 families had the opportunity to combat poverty. CPEC also helped
Pakistan manage electricity loadshedding.

Gwadar Port has created more than 4000 jobs during the last five years in Balochistan.

Muslims of the 7th century translated the works of their predecessors, The Greek and
Romans.

14 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

 ENGLISH WRITING PRACTICE

15 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

 Important Dawn+ Vocabulary “50 Words”

84). Libertine (noun)

Meaning: a person, especially a man, who freely indulges in sensual pleasures without regard to
moral principles.
Synonyms: philanderer, ladies' man, playboy, rake
Usage: His image as an unbridled libertine is a total myth.

85). Tractable (adjective)

Meaning: (of a person) easy to control or influence.
Synonyms: controllable, manageable, malleable, governable, yielding,
Usage: She has always been tractable and obedient, even as a child.

86). Sedulous (adjective)

Meaning: (of a person or action) showing dedication and diligence.
Synonyms: diligent, careful, meticulous, thorough, assiduous
Usage: He watched himself with the most sedulous care.

87). Intrepid (adjective)

Meaning: fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect).
Synonyms: fearless, unafraid, undaunted, dauntless, undismayed
Usage: The intrepid band braved a precipitous mountain track.

88). Morose (adjective)

Meaning: sullen and ill-tempered.
Synonyms: sullen, sulky, gloomy, bad-tempered, ill-tempered
Usage: She was morose and silent when she got home.

89). Demur (verb)

Meaning: raise objections or show reluctance.
Synonyms: raise objections, object, take exception, take issue
Usage: Normally she would have accepted the challenge, but she demurred.

90). Equipoise (noun)

Meaning: balance of forces or interests.
Synonyms: equilibrium, balance, evenness, symmetry, parity
Usage: This wine represents a marvellous equipoise of power and elegance.

91). Garrulity (Noun)

Meaning: excessive talkativeness, especially on trivial matters.
Synonyms: talkativeness, garrulousness, loquacity, loquaciousness, volubility, verbosity,
Usage: They were irritated by his ungovernable garrulity.

92). Arrant (Adjective)

Meaning: complete, utter
Synonyms: downright, thoroughgoing, absolute, complete, thorough
Usage: What he is talking is arrant nonsense!

93). Consequential (Adjective)

Meaning: following as a result or effect.
16 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn
Synonyms: resulting, resultant, ensuing, consequent; following
Usage: A loss of confidence and a consequential withdrawal of funds.

94). Attenuate (Verb)

Meaning: reduce the force, effect, or value of.
Synonyms: weakened, reduced, lessened, decreased, diminished, impaired
Usage: Her intolerance was attenuated by an unexpected liberalism.

95). Precarious (Adjective)

Meaning: dependent on chance; uncertain
Synonyms: uncertain, insecure, unreliable, unsure, unpredictable
Usage: He made a precarious living as a painter.

96). Enervate (Verb)

Meaning: make (someone) feel drained of energy orvitality.
Synonyms: exhaust, tire, fatigue, weary, wear out, devitalize
Usage: The scorching sun enervated her.

97). Equivocate (Verb)

Meaning: use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself.
Synonyms: prevaricate, be evasive, be non-committal, be vague, be ambiguous
Usage: The government have equivocated too often in the past.

98). Assiduous (Adjective)

Meaning: showing great care and perseverance.
Synonyms: diligent, careful, meticulous, thorough, sedulous, attentive
Usage: She was assiduous in pointing out every feature.

99). Lassitude (Noun)

Meaning: a state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy
Synonyms: lethargy, listlessness, weariness, languor, sluggishness, enervation
Usage: She was overcome by lassitude and retired to bed.

100). Sycophant (Noun)

Meaning: a person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain
advantage.
Synonyms: toady, creep, crawler, fawner, flatterer, flunkey, truckler
Usage: He was surrounded by flatterers and sycophants.

101). Infant (Noun)

Meaning: a very young child or baby.
Synonyms: Baby, newborn, young child, little child
Usage: Their first year at infant school.

102). Mortality (Noun)

Meaning: the state of being subject to death.
Synonyms: Impermanence, temporality, transience, perishability
Usage: the work is increasingly haunted by thoughts of mortality.

103). Hapless (Adjective)

Meaning: unfortunate
Synonyms: unlucky, luckless, out of luck, cursed, doomed
Usage: The hapless victims of the disaster.
17 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn
104). Persuade (Verb)
Meaning: induce (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument.
Synonyms: talk someone into, coax, convince, make, get, induce, coerce, prompt
Usage: it wasn't easy, but I persuaded him to do the right thing.

105). Deserters (Noun)

Meaning: a member of the armed forces who deserts.
Synonyms: Runaway, renegade, fugitive, escapee
Usage: deserters from the army.
106). Tenure (Noun)
Meaning: the holding of an office.
Synonyms: incumbency, term of office, term, period of office, time
Usage: his tenure of the premiership would be threatened.

107). Bureaucracy (Noun)

Meaning: excessively complicated administrative procedure.
Synonyms: red tape, rules and regulations, protocol , officialdom
Usage: the unnecessary bureaucracy in local government.

108). Entangle (Verb)

Meaning: cause to become twisted together with or caught in.
Synonyms: Intertwine, entwine, tangle, intertwist, twist, ravel,
Usage: Fish attempt to swim through the mesh and become entangled.

109). Legitimate (Adjective)

Meaning: able to be defended with logic or justification; valid.
Synonyms: valid, sound, admissible, acceptable, well founded
Usage: these are legitimate grounds for unease.

110). Echelons (Noun)

Meaning: a level or rank in an organization, a profession, or society.
Synonyms: Level, rank, grade, step, rung, tier, plane, order, division
Usage: the upper echelons of the business world.

111). Ambivalent (Adjective)

Meaning: having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.
Synonyms: equivocal, uncertain, unsure, doubtful, indecisive, inconclusive, irresolute
Usage: Some loved her, some hated her, few were ambivalent about her.

112). Forsake (Verb)

Meaning: abandon or leave.
Synonyms: abandon, desert, leave, quit, depart from, leave behind
Usage: She forsook her child, giving him up for adoption.

113). Impudent (Adjective)

Meaning: not showing due respect for another person; impertinent.
Synonyms: impertinent, insolent, cheeky, audacious, brazen
Usage: He could have strangled this impudent upstart.

114). Inept (Adjective)

Meaning: having or showing no skill; clumsy.
Synonyms: incompetent, unskilful, unskilled, inexpert, amateurish
18 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn
Usage: My attempts at baking were inept but I fumbled on.

115). Novice (Verb)

Meaning: a person new to and inexperienced in a job or situation.
Synonyms: beginner, learner, inexperienced person
Usage: He was a complete novice in foreign affairs.

116). Salient (Adjective)

Meaning: most noticeable or important.
Synonyms: important, main, principal, major, chief, primary, notable
Usage: The salient points stuck out clearly in her mind.

117). Umbrage (Noun)

Meaning: offence or annoyance.
Synonyms: take offence, be offended, take exception, bridle, take something personally
Usage: She took umbrage at his remarks.

118). Serendipity (Noun)

Meaning: the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Synonyms: chance, happy chance, accident, happy accident, fluke
Usage: Technical innovation may be the result of pure serendipity.

119). Quaint (Adjective)

Meaning: attractively unusual or old-fashioned.
Synonyms: picturesque, charming, sweet, attractive, pleasantly old-fashioned
Usage: Narrow streets lead to a quaint bridge over the river.

120). Truculent (Adjective)

Meaning: eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant.
Synonyms: defiant, aggressive, antagonistic,
belligerent, pugnacious, bellicose
Usage: The truculent attitude of farmers to cheaper imports.

121). Persuade (verb)

Definition: induce (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument.
Meaning: prevail on, talk someone into, coax,
convince, make, get, press someone into
Usage: He tried to persuade her to come with him.

122). Traverse (Verb)

Definition: travel across or through
Meaning: travel over/across, cross, journey over/across, make one's way across
Usage: He traversed the deserts of Persia and Baluchistan.

123). Indulge (Verb)

Definition: allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of.
Meaning: wallow in, give oneself up to, give way to, yield to, abandon oneself to
Usage: We indulged in a cream tea.

124). Sway (verb)

Definition: move or cause to move slowly or rhythmically backwards and forwards or from side
to side.
Meaning: swing, shake, oscillate, rock, undulate, move from side to side
Usage: The curtains were swaying in the breeze.
19 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn
125). Deteriorated (Verb)
Definition: become progressively worse.
Meaning: worsen, get worse, decline, be in decline, degenerate, decay
Usage: His condition has deteriorated in the intensive care unit.

126). Ramification (Noun)

Definition: a complex or unwelcome consequence of an action or event.
Meaning: consequence, result, aftermath, outcome, effect, upshot, issue
Usage: Any change is bound to have legal ramifications.

127). Heap (verb)

Definition: put (objects or a loose substance) in a heap.
Meaning: Pile up, pile, stack up, stack, make a pile of, make a stack of
Usage: She heaped logs on the fire.

128). Rebel (noun)

Definition: a person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established
government or leader.
Meaning: revolutionary, insurgent, mutineer agitator
Usage: The rebels took control of the capital.

129). Substantial (adjective)

Definition: of considerable importance, size, or worth.
Meaning: considerable, real, material, weighty, soild, sizeable
Usage: Substantial progress had been made.

130). Utterly (adverb)

Definition: completely and without qualification; absolutely.
Meaning: completely, totally, absolutely, entirely, fully
Usage: He looked utterly ridiculous.

131). Congenial
Meaning: (of a person) pleasing or liked on account of
having qualities or interests that are similar to one's own.
Synonyms: like-minded, compatible, kindred, well suited, easy to get along with
Usage: I was working with a bunch of very congenial people.

132). Strident
Meaning: (of a sound) loud and harsh; grating.
Synonyms: harsh, raucous, rough, grating, rasping, jarring, loud
Usage: A strident voice interrupted the consultation.

133). Confluence
Meaning: the junction of two rivers, especially rivers of approximately equal width.
Synonyms: convergence, meeting, junction, joining, conflux, watersmeet
Usage: The confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss.

134). Lavish
Meaning: sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious.
Synonyms: sumptuous, luxurious, luxuriant, lush, gorgeous, costly
Usage: He held lavish dinner parties at his home.

20 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

 DAWN+ OPINIONS SECTION

Note that in giving headings, I bypassed some grammar rules like I did capitalisation as I
liked. Since I have poetic license, so I can do it.

21 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

Vote for integration| DAWN OPINION
Afzal Ali Shigri

The writer, a former IGP Sindh, belongs to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Historical overview of Gilgit-Baltistan status

IT was only 24 years after Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) acceded unconditionally to Pakistan that
the government in 1971-72, led by the PPP, deliberated on the issue of determining the area’s
status. Unfortunately, despite there being no legal bar to integrating GB as a province in
Pakistan, the status quo was maintained. However, a council was established, FCR withdrawn
and the jagirdari system abolished.

Role of three major political parties in granting provincial

representation to Gilgit-Baltistan
In 1994, the PPP once again took up GB’s case and included elected members in the local
council. The move towards a more democratic system of governance was a ray of hope for its
people whose fate had appeared forever sealed due to the forcible linkage of GB with the
resolution of the Kashmir issue.

In 1999, the Supreme Court, ruling on a petition by the local people, observed that they were
“entitled to participate in the governance of the area and to have an independent judiciary to
enforce, inter alia, the fundamental rights”.

In 2009, the PPP government issued the GB Empowerment and Self-Governance Order
enabling 32 representatives to be elected to the GB Legislative Assembly along with a governor
and chief minister and a distinct name for the region. Although this was major progress, the PPP
government stopped short of declaring GB a province.

Meanwhile, a quiet revolution was underway through widening access to education in the
region. Within a few decades, GB achieved the highest literacy rate in the country and its
22 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn
young generation transformed into aware and vocal youth with profound impact on the
political landscape. Through social media, they successfully pressured the PML-N government
to form a committee under Sartaj Aziz in 2015 to examine GB’s constitutional status.

GB voters can cut this Gordian knot.

Gilgit-Baltistan
Eighteen months later, the committee produced a comprehensive
Order 2018
report, recommending that GB should be granted a provisional
provides devolution
provincial status. However, misguided by vested interests, the PML- of greater
N issued the GB Order 2018 under the guise of reforms. This order administrative
violated the Supreme Court judgement and negated the authority and
recommendation of its own committee, diluting the powers handed financial powers to
over to the local government in 2009 and bizarrely concentrating the area.
powers in the person of the prime minister, an individual neither
GB Order 2018 was
elected by nor accountable to this area. The Supreme Court set aside
enforced, which
the order, and a new draft order of 2019 was submitted by the PTI featured reforms on
government which it was directed to implement. However, as usual, judiciary, legislative
the PTI reneged (break don its commitment and filed a review and administrative
petition in the SC. levels.

The forthcoming elections for the local Legislative Assembly present GB voters with a unique
opportunity to assess the past role of the three major parties fielding their candidates. The
discussion so far identifies their respective approaches to this important issue and their
contributions to addressing it. Their manifestos (summarised below) offer further insights.

Manifesto of political parties for forth coming elections in GB

— The PML-N’s apathy is apparent from the fact that with regard to GB it has written one
sentence, oddly claiming the contentious GB Order 2018 as an achievement.

— While the PPP was unable to fulfil the obligation to provide self-rule, it admittedly did
consider the issue in all seriousness and took important decisions through phased
empowerment but it still shies away from giving provincial status with representation in
parliament.

23 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

— GB had great expectations from the PTI but the party fell short by a large measure
during the court hearing of the GB case. In addition to an absence of interest in and total
apathy towards GB residents, the PTI presented a confused response on behalf of the federation
before the Supreme Court. Instead of implementing the judgement, it filed a revision
petition to dilute regional empowerment enshrined in the ruling. Such misapprehension of
and indifference towards the locals’ constitutional rights is reflected in the PTI’s manifesto that
routinely talks of autonomy, economic development and share in CPEC while using budget cuts
to repudiate(reject) even these promises.

Only the voters can cut this Gordian knot by using

their votes to support only the party that unequivocally
commits to merging GB provisionally as a province.
Once GB is empowered with representation in parliament,
the rest will follow. However, if the petty interests of
constituency politics prevail, this opportunity will be
lost with serious ramifications for the region against
the backdrop of emerging geopolitical development in
GB and a conscious, educated and agitated young
population.
Gordian knot (Noun)
Conclusion An extremely difficult or
involved problem.
The federation should not take GB residents’ unwavering
commitment for granted by testing the patience of the In Greek and Roman mythology, the
youth. They cannot be lulled into compliance through Gordian knot was an extremely
promises of development anymore. Only the formal complicated knot tied by Gordius, the
acceptance of GB’s pending unconditional offer of king of Phrygia in Asia Minor*. Located
accession as a federating unit of Pakistan with in the city of Gordium, the knot came to
symbolize a difficult problem that was
representation in parliament will assuage its youth.
almost impossible to solve.
The writer, a former IGP Sindh, belongs to Gilgit-Baltistan.

24 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

Our obsession with English | The News Opinion
Omar Ashraf

English is the language of the elite, the desire of the middle class and an
alien concept for the poor in Pakistan. Yet, regardless of the status in
society, the obsession of the countrymen for learning and using the
language has consistently grown over the years. On one hand, the
increased desire to gain fluency in English is tied to our colonial heritage.
But, on the other hand, a closer look at the fixation of the public with
English reveals that it is majorly derived from the disproportionate
access to opportunities for English and non-English speakers in the
country.

Thesis Statement

The Legacy of Britishers:

A little over 160 years after the revolt of 1857, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan rightly pointed out
that the cause of poor condition of the generation of Muslims in British-India was due to
their reluctance and incapability of learning the English language. This deprived them of
holding key positions in the government offices, and ultimately limited their influence over
their new masters, the British. Though relevant at the time; Pakistan is now an independent
country. The focus on the same lines of gaining superiority in English fluency is not a
necessity of the time anymore. Rather, it has proved to be detrimental for building a nation
of independent thinkers in the country.

The Medium of Instruction: a Crisis

Unfortunately, the poor intellectual condition of the country since independence has not
changed much. Pakistan still has the second-highest number of out of school children in the
world, the country still promulgates an outdated curriculum, and has not spent more than
3.02 percent of the GDP on education in any year since 1971. However, Pakistan has a
strong commitment to the sustainable development goal number 4, ‘Quality Education’,
which advocates education for all. The pressing question is to identify what language will
education be imparted in, and for whom. Are we striving to develop the thinking abilities of
the youth or is the effort focused on making the masses skilled in a foreign language?

Urdu is the official Language of Pakistan

In the operational framework of the country, Pakistan proudly claims in her constitution,
Article 251, that Urdu is the official language of the country and that all necessary steps be
taken to adopt the language. However, at the same time, it gives room for interpretation in
the second part of the clause by stating that English may be used as an official language till
arrangements have been made for its replacement by Urdu.

25 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

Reasons of failure in adopting a unified Language:
The lack of urgency on the matter and misplaced priorities of the past governments towards
adoption of Urdu as the mainstream medium of communication in official and educational
settings remains an unrealistic reality. There is yet to be significant progress on adoption of
Article 251 in true letter and spirit. Therefore, English still dominates the political and social
setup of the country.

Likewise, state guidelines on curriculum design requires inclusion of English language as an

important and mandatory subject to be taught at the primary, secondary and tertiary
educational institutes across the country.

The need of strong Vocabulary:

This system of education, that is majorly focused on foreign language, has an inherent
problem embedded in it. To gain critical understanding of academic concepts a strong grasp
of the language is necessary. But, to get a stronger grasp of the language, a strong
vocabulary base is required. This divide erodes the ability of students to become
independent thinkers by bringing a lag between their ability to think about academic
concepts critically and developing sizable vocabulary to translate that into an
understandable language.

Historical glance:
History has much to say in this sphere. Nations that don’t learn from their past lose their
ability to call themselves a nation. Muslims of the 7th century translated the works of their
predecessors, The Greek and Romans and made the knowledge readily available for
consumption of their nation, ultimately giving birth to great scholars like Ibn-e-Sina, Ibn Al-
Baitar and many alike. This resulted in Muslims leading the intellectual debate around the
globe. Later, during the renaissance period starting in the 1300s, the European nations
adopted the same method of translating the works of great Muslim scholars to benefit from
their wisdom. Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi became Algaurizin and Ibn Rushd
became Averroes for Europeans. Multiple other works were translated into
understandable language and made available for the European population.

Role of Language in Nation-building:

Presently, if we look around the world, we find that countries like China, Japan and Russia
use their own language as a medium of communication and instruction in official and
educational settings. Their economic progress is surely a testament to the fact that by
adopting local language these countries were not left behind on the ladder of progress.
Rather, they produced exceptional results in economic, social, technological and cultural
spheres. However, it would be unwise to pinpoint the success of these countries in their
effort to develop curriculum in only local languages. Rather, they established a strong focus
on establishing and funding translation bodies in the country to complement the curriculum
design. These translation bodies, governmental and non-governmental, then worked on
making available latest research and publications from around the world to the general
public.

The case of Pakistan:

Now, the question is, can we replicate the same model in Pakistan? The answer to this
question is not as straight forward. A quick survey of the landscape of languages used in the
country reveals that there are around 74 languages that are spoken across the country.
Punjabi, with her different dialects and variation remains the most widely spoken language
26 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn
in the country, followed by Pushto with 18 percent, Sindhi by 15 percent and Baluchi by 3
percent of the population. So, what language should Pakistan adopt?

Urdu is read and understood by the 58 percent of the population of the country that is
considered literate. Though, these estimates can vary significantly if the data is calculated
for Urdu language proficiency for each province individually. Nonetheless, compared to
English, Urdu still has a much higher proportion of penetration in the country. Therefore,
designing a curriculum focused on critical enquiry in the local language would benefit the
students across Pakistan.

Strong-translation body is need of the hour:

Having said that, the success of the system, however, rests on having strong translation
bodies that actively translates works of significant value and provides access to the literature
to the general public. Why should a child from a village in Pakistan be deprived of works of
the greats like Richard Feynman or Stephen Hawking? The availability of literature in local
or at least national language will stimulate the curiosity of the young minds and force them
to observe, understand and build critical enquiry on the subject.

The STEM Subjects:

Currently, the National Language Promotion Department is the closest to a translation board
we can find in the country. It promotes the Urdu language, but the activities remain limited
to only cultural aspects of the language. There is little to no focus on promoting work that is
fundamental for creation of independent thinkers in the country. For instance, having readily
available books on STEM subjects in Urdu would help teachers and students alike to
develop intellectual capabilities early in their careers. This ability can then be harnessed by
the secondary and tertiary educational institute to produce a nation of independent thinkers.

Conclusion:
The government in this regard needs to have a clear vision on the nation building effort it is
going to indulge in. Is the focus going to be on uplifting the cultural heritage only, or is it
going to focus on uplifting the intellectual framework of the nation? Are we going to stay
divided into regions, and strata or are we going to stand together as a nation of resilient and
thoughtful people? Shah Wali Ullah translated the Quran into Persian to help bring
knowledge to the masses of the Subcontinent. It’s about time that we develop the
necessary infrastructure required to integrate meaningful and productive knowledge
to the masses of Pakistan. At the same time, effort needs to be put in developing a
strong sense of urgency in the public to attain intellectual curiosity and promote the
use of Urdu in the educational spheres of the country. By doing that we will be able to
bring about wholesome development in the country and come out as a nation of
progressive and positive people.

27 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

Understanding the CPEC | The News Opinion
Shakeel Ahmad Ramey

In 2019, the World Bank released three studies, including

‘Common Transport Infrastructure’, ‘A Quantitative Model and
Estimates from the Belt and Road Initiative’, ‘The Belt and Road
Initiative Economic, Poverty and Environmental Impacts’, and
‘The Belt and Road Initiative Economic, Opportunities and
Risks of Transport Corridor’.

Introduction

The studies were conducted to analyse the potential impact of the Belt and Route Initiative
including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The studies produced substantial
evidence which highlights the positive impact of the BRI and CPEC till 2030 (World
Bank,2019).

The Importance of CPEC:

The studies highlighted the importance of CPEC for Pakistan and its role in the development
quest of Pakistan. CPEC presents multidimensional benefits for Pakistan. It has been
predicted that there would be an increase of 6.43 percent in national GDP due to transport
infrastructure. The increase can be enhanced to the level of 14.03 percent if the government
brings reforms in other sectors including trade, investment, and ease of doing business. The
reforms in investment and ease will be key to realize the dream of industrialization. The
government of Pakistan is fully cognizant of the fact and is trying to introduce the required
reforms.

BRI advantages for Pakistan:

On the welfare side, Pakistan will also be among the major beneficiaries of BRI countries. It
has been stated that the total welfare gain due to CPEC would be 5.18 percent due to
transport infrastructure. It can further be enhanced by introducing reforms and can reach the
level of 10.51 percent. The enhanced welfare gains will contribute in reducing or eliminating
poverty in Pakistan. The report highlighted that due to welfare gains almost 1.1 million
people will come out of the poverty trap. Better transport infrastructure will also help
Pakistan increase trade. It has forecast that Pakistan’s trade can increase by 9.8 percent if
Pakistan implements reforms well in addition to transport infrastructure under CPEC. It
would be a huge contribution, keeping in mind the existing situation of trade.

Employment Sector will be enhanced:

The employment sector is another area where Pakistan would benefit. It has been estimated
that CPEC-related infrastructure projects will create four million jobs directly. The indirect
count of jobs would be even larger. The implementation of SEZs will also revolutionize the
job sector and create new opportunities for entrepreneurship, which can be the key sector to
accommodate the youth bulge.

These projections by the World Bank can be qualified by the prevailing facts and
contribution of the first phase of CPEC. Pakistan has already witnessed tremendous
28 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn
benefits from CPEC-related interventions. Latest figures tell us that CPEC created
75,000 jobs for Pakistanis (China Embassy 2019). That means that 75,000 families had
the opportunity to combat poverty. CPEC also helped Pakistan manage electricity
loadshedding.

Energy Sector:

Pakistan was suffering and no one was ready to invest in the energy sector. Vision 2025
pointed out that electricity loadshedding was undermining GDP growth rate by a factor of 2
percent. In monetary terms, it was imposing a loss of $4-5 billion annually. CPEC-related
investment in the energy sector helped control this loss to a large extent. It is also
contributing to tackle issues of aging plants and infrastructure related to electricity.

Transport infrastructure:

Transport infrastructure is another sector which contributed to overcome problems of

connectivity. Infrastructure plays a key role in setting the direction of industrial development
and trade enhancement. Pakistan was in dire need to rehabilitate and construct new
infrastructure. Bad transport infrastructure caused a loss of 4-6 percent to GDP (Vision
2025, Pakistan). Small and Medium Enterprises (CPEC Official Website) also
benefited from the investments of CPEC. SMEs inclusion is a positive sign, as SMEs in
all economies play a leading role in the creation of jobs and spread of economic
benefits.

GDP Growth:

CPEC also contributed to an increase in the GDP growth of Pakistan. It has been estimated
that the contribution of CPEC to GDP was almost 2 percent. Owing to CPEC, Pakistan
touched 5.8 percent GDP growth rate in 2018 (Pakistan Economic Survey, 2018-19). It has
also helped Pakistan sustain external shocks.

Provincial development:

However, the most interesting part of all the benefits is that the small provinces will get
maximum benefit. The World Bank reports highlighted that the major beneficiaries in
Pakistan would be Quetta and Peshawar, followed by Lahore and Karachi. That is good
news for Pakistan, which is already striving to develop Balochistan.

Current Developmental scenario of Pakistan:

Most recently, the government of Pakistan started a new program for the development of
Balochistan. A few days back, the government and Pakistan and the CPEC Authority too
deliberated on a development package for Balochistan.

The Gwadar Port has already been operationalized and has started to deliver benefits to the
people of Balochistan. The port has introduced multidimensional benefits for the province
and will turn Gwadar city into a hub for regional connectivity. Transit trade through Gwadar
will bring new opportunities for livelihoods for local people and province. It will also help
enhance trade with Afghanistan, especially from the Balochistan border.

Besides, Chinese companies are also contributing to local development. For example,
COPHC, the executing agency for the Gwadar Port has created more than 4000 jobs during
the last five years in Balochistan. COPHC is also contributing in the education sector. It has
built a school in one of the most backward areas of the country.

29 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn

Free Economic Zones in Gwadar is another big initiative. It is in the advanced stages of
development and many companies have registered their business in Gwadar. The
government of Pakistan has offered a comprehensive and lucrative package for industrial
development in Gwadar and companies are investing to benefit from it.

Eco-tourism is another area in which Pakistan is investing in the coastal areas of

Balochistan. Pakistan and China are also working to help the local fishing community
modernize their way of fishing. Both governments have planned to enhance the fish trade
from Balochistan. Now, under the Balochistan development initiative, the government will
be offering development packages to other parts of the province.

Conclusion:

These initiatives indicate that Pakistan is fully focused on the development of all provinces,
especially the smaller provinces. However, we need to understand that the development
process takes a long time to bear fruit. We need to be patient to evaluate the development
process and wait for the full execution of all interventions. The early signs of development
dividends are visible and the second phase of CPEC will help spread it on a wider scale.

The writer is a politicaleconomist. He is currentlyserving as director, Asia Study Center,

SDPI.

30 ICEP CSS-PMS Dawn