SOLUTION OF CURRENT AFFAIRS PAPER

OF SPECIAL CSS 23 BY FARHAN AHMAD

MIRZA

1- Pakistan’s economy is currently under severe stress with low foreign

reserves, a depreciating currency, and exponentially high inflation. What
measures can be taken in the short and medium terms to stabilize the
deteriorating economic conditions?

Answer
1-Introduction ( start with recent economic data and end with quote) With dwindling foreign
reserves of almost 5$ billion , that too borrowed from friendly countries signify that fact that
Pakistan’s economy is in dire straits. Resultantly , people have been hit hard with unprecedented
inflation and currency has depreciated to all time lowest. Hence , immediate short term
measures to rescue the economy include Secure external financing, Tighten fiscal policy,
Improve the business climate , take steps towards digitalization , tighten accountability
mechanism and boost Export promotion by provision of cheap and uninterrupted energy to
industrial sector. Furthermore, medium term measures should be taken to broaden the tax base
, cut informal economy and earn from privitisation.

2-Write a 2,3 causes of economic stress of Pakistan

3-Give facts and figure on foreign reserves ( draw charts, pie charts) , exchange rate and inflation
rate
4-Discuss measures
4A) Short term measures ( Secure external financing, Tighten fiscal policy, Improve the business
climate , take steps towards digitalization , tighten accountability mechanism and boost Export
promotion by provision of cheap and uninterrupted energy to industrial sector )
4B) Medium term measures ( see my notes )
5- Conclusion.

2- Since its birth, Pakistan has been struggling with the problems of
governance, largely caused by democratic instability, corruption, lack of
accountability, and absence of institutional reforms. Discuss in detail the
linkages and accumulated impact of these factors on socio-economic
development of the country.
ANSWER
1-Introduction

2A) Effects of Democratic Instability on governance :

Frequent changes in government and military interventions have disrupted the democratic process in
Pakistan. Political instability leads to policy inconsistencies and a lack of continuity in development plans.
Long-standing political feuds and power struggles divert resources and attention away from socio-
economic development.

2B) Effects of Corruption on governance :

Rampant corruption has eroded public trust and impeded economic growth.Corrupt practices divert
public funds away from essential services and infrastructure development.Foreign investment is deterred
due to concerns about corruption and its impact on business operations.

2c) Effects of Lack of Accountability on governance :

The absence of strong accountability mechanisms allows corrupt practices to thrive.Public officials often
act with impunity, as they are not held responsible for their actions.This lack of accountability
contributes to inefficiency and mismanagement of public resources.

2D) Effects of Absence of Institutional Reforms on governance :

Pakistan's institutions often lack transparency, efficiency, and the capacity to deliver essential services
effectively. Reforms in key areas such as education, healthcare, and taxation are often delayed or
inadequately implemented .The absence of modern, efficient institutions hinders the country's ability to
respond to the changing needs of its population and economy.

The cumulative impact of these factors on

socio-economic development is profound:

A) Economic Growth: Pakistan's economic growth is hindered by political instability and corruption,
which deter foreign investment and slow down domestic economic activities. ( give a
comparison with Singapore)

B) Social Services: The lack of effective institutions and misallocation of resources result in
inadequate healthcare, education, and social services, which affect human development
indicators and overall well-being. ( Scandinavian countries )

C) Infrastructure: Poor governance leads to suboptimal infrastructure development, impacting

transportation, energy supply, and communication networks, which are essential for economic
growth.
 D) Investment Climate: The environment for investment is negatively affected by political instability
and corruption, making it difficult for businesses to thrive and create jobs.

E) Poverty and Inequality: The combination of inadequate social services, limited economic
opportunities, and corruption exacerbates poverty and income inequality in Pakistan.

F) Global Competitiveness: A weak governance system and a lack of institutional reforms limit
Pakistan's competitiveness on the global stage, affecting its ability to attract international
partners and benefit from global markets.

G) Absence of institutional reforms in the energy sector

Conclusion
Succinctly , the interplay of democratic instability, corruption, lack of accountability, and absence of
institutional reforms has created a challenging environment for Pakistan's socio-economic development.
Addressing these issues requires comprehensive efforts in political reform, anti-corruption measures,
strengthening of institutions, and the promotion of a stable and conducive investment climate. Only by
addressing these challenges can Pakistan unlock its potential for sustainable socio-economic
development.

3- China’s proactive diplomacy has successfully achieved rapprochement

between the two traditional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran. Analyze the impact
of this significant development on the geo-politics of the region.
ANSWER
1-Introduction ( recent fact and quote )

2-Tracing down China’s efforts in rapprochement between Iran and KSA.

3-Impact of this rapprochement on geopolitics of the region

Answer from my notes

4- Opportunities and challenges for Pakistan
5- Draw map of middle east and write reference of books in notes
6- Conclusion

4- Whatare the critical issues in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations since the Taliban

took over Kabul in 2021.
ANSWER
1-Introduction

2- Tracing the background of Pak-Afghan relation

3- Analyzing the critical issues in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations since the Taliban took over Kabul in 2021

A) Refugee Crisis: The fall of Kabul triggered a significant influx of Afghan refugees into Pakistan,
which poses humanitarian, economic, and security challenges. Pakistan is hosting millions of
Afghan refugees, adding pressure to its already strained resources.( MENTION GOVT INITIATIVE
ON IT )

B) Security Concerns as Afghanistan is a grey zone for terrorist organisations : Pakistan is

concerned about the potential spillover of violence and instability from Afghanistan. It fears that
Afghan soil might be used as a base for anti-Pakistan militant groups. Balancing this security
concern while engaging with the new Afghan government is a critical challenge. ( WRITE RECENT
FIGURES OF RISE IN TERRORIST ATTACKS)

C) Smuggling of dollar cross border: The Afghan economy is in shambles, and the country is heavily
dependent on international aid. Pakistan's ability and willingness to provide economic support to
the Taliban-led government, while dealing with its own economic challenges, is a critical issue.

D) Border Management : Pakistan shares a long and porous border with Afghanistan. Effective
border management to prevent the illegal movement of people, goods, and militancy is crucial
for both countries' security and stability.

E) Challenges posed to pak’s foreign policy in changing Regional Dynamics: Pakistan is navigating
complex regional dynamics involving China, Russia, Iran, and other neighboring countries, each
with its own interests in Afghanistan. Balancing these regional relationships is a significant
challenge.
 F) Drug Trade and increasing cannabis consumption : Afghanistan is a major producer of illicit
drugs, and the drug trade has been a concern for both Pakistan and the international
community. Controlling drug trafficking and its associated challenges is a shared concern.
G) Cross border sanctuaries and support from India
4-Solutions to these critical issues ( View my notes )
5- Draw map of PAK-AFG

6-Conclusion

In a nutshell, the Afghanistan-Pakistan relations since the Taliban's takeover in 2021 are marked by a
complex web of challenges, including security concerns, refugee issues, economic and humanitarian aid,
recognition of the Taliban government, and balancing regional interests. Navigating these issues while
preserving Pakistan's own security and stability is a multifaceted diplomatic endeavor.

5- The world is falling short of achieving gender equality despite global efforts. If
the current trends continue, eight percent of women and girls global population
will live in extreme poverty by 2030. Suggest strategies to improve gender
balance, especially with reference to Pakistan

ANSWER:-
1- Introduction
2- Recent stats and figures on gender equality in Pakistan
3- Recent facts of poverty in Pakistan
4- strategies to improve gender balance, especially with reference to Pakistan

A) Education for All:

Ensure universal access to quality education for both girls and boys. This includes addressing barriers
such as gender-based violence, early marriages, and cultural norms that limit girls' access to education.
( ARTICLE 25-A, WRITE QUOTES OF QUAID AND MANDELA )

B) Empowerment through Economic Opportunities Supportive Policies in the Workplace:

Promote economic empowerment for women through skills training, vocational programs, and
entrepreneurship support. Encourage women to enter various sectors of the workforce. ( WRITE ABOUT
LAWS GOVT HAS PASSED FOR IT , MODELS OF BANGLADESH AND VIETNAM )
C) Political Participation to achieve gender balance :

Encourage and support women's participation in political and decision-making processes. Implement
quotas and affirmative action policies to ensure adequate representation of women in elected offices.
( EXAMPLE OF RAWANDA )

D) Healthcare Access:

Improve women's access to quality healthcare services, including maternal health, family planning, and
reproductive health services. Address cultural stigmas surrounding women's health issues.

E) Access to Technology:

Promote digital literacy and access to technology for women. This can open up opportunities for online
learning, entrepreneurship, and communication.

F) Partnerships and International Collaboration:

Collaborate with international organizations, NGOs, and civil society to share best practices and
resources for advancing gender equality.

G) Gender-sensitive Budgeting:

Implement gender-responsive budgeting to ensure that government funds are allocated to programs and
services that specifically target gender disparities.( EXAMPLE OF KPK )

h) Addressing gender-based violence. Gender-based violence is a major obstacle to gender

equality. In Pakistan, gender-based violence is widespread and includes domestic violence, sexual
harassment, and honor killings.

( View my notes on it )

CONCLUSION

In Pakistan, the government, civil society organizations, and international partners can work together to
implement these strategies effectively. The success of these efforts will depend on a multi-faceted
approach that addresses both legal and cultural barriers and promotes an inclusive and equitable society
for all. It is essential to prioritize gender equality as a fundamental goal for the nation's development and
prosperity.
6-Write a note on the expansion of BRICS and its attempts towards de-
dollarization of the international economy, highlighting its global and regional
implications.
ANSWER
1- INTRODUCTION
2- BACKGROUND OF BRICS
3- RECENT EXPANSION OF BRICS
4- BRICS ATTEMPT TOWARDS DEDOLLARISATION of international economy
( answer from my notes , write 3,4 points in it ) ( New Development Bank (NDB): Contingent
Reserve Arrangement (CRA) Trade Settlement in National Currencies )

5-Global implications of BRICS EXPANSION AND DE-DOLLARIATION

( Reduced Dollar Hegemony: Shift in Economic Power: Increased Geopolitical Influence First, it
would reduce the US dollar's status as the world's reserve currency. This would weaken
the US economy and reduce its global influence. Second, it would make the global
financial system more diverse and less vulnerable to US economic shocks. Third, it
would create new opportunities for emerging economies and developing countries )

6-Regional implications of BRICS EXPANSION AND DE-DOLLARIATION

( Regional Economic Development, Reduced Financial Vulnerability, Trade and Investment and
increased geopolitical leverage )
7-BRICS EXPANSION AND opportunities for Pakistan

8-Conclusion

7-India
has emerged as an economic and political power in the past few years.
What are the likely implications of this scenario for the region’s strategic
dynamics in general and Pakistan in particular?
Answer:
1-Introduction

2- Analsying Indian economic rise ( View my notes )

3- Analysing the Indian political rise ( discuss about Alliances and summits )
 4-Implication of Indian rise for the region’s strategic dynamics

A) IMPACTS ON SOUTH ASIA ( Increased competition for resources and influence in the
region, A shift in the balance of power in South Asia
5- Implications for Pakistan ( Diplomatic , security and water and energy , A decrease in
Pakistan's regional influence)
6- Suggestions for Pakistan to minimize the implications ( A greater need for Pakistan to
strengthen its ties with other countries)
7- Conclusion

In this question draw map of South Asia and highlight on PAK-INDIA

Answer of this question is perfectly explained in my notes

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