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ICEP DAWN DECONSTRUCTION ▪ Pakistan Affairs

WEEKLY E-MAGAZINE ▪ Global Issues

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MARCH 11 TO MARCH 17 - 2024 ISSUE Relations

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SOURCES
DAWN
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
FOREIGN POILCY
THE ECONOMIST
THE DIPLOMAT
GVS, THE NATION
NEW YORK TIMES
The Washington posts
The Wall Street J.
ICEP CSS/PMS INSTITUTE LAHORE
ICEP CSS/PMS Institute Lahore
1 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)
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2 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

 ARTICLES PAGE NO
Dawn Editorials Section
1 Economic agenda 5-6
2 Online darkness 7-8
3 Exclusionary law 9-10
4 Border Protest 11-12
5 HDI decline 13-14
International Articles
1 How will Pakistan’s new government manage the US-China rivalry? 16-19
2 The never-ending war on truth 20-24
3 India’s Citizenship Amendment Act is a devious anti-Muslim dog whistle 25-28

National Articles
1 Gaza- A Sense of Balance Missing 30-32
2 Kazakhstan leading SCO: A Balancing Act 33-36
3 The Crisis in Balochistan 37-39
4 Punjabi in schools 40-42
5 Foreign policy under Trump 2.0 43-46
Current Affairs MCQS

3 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

 DAWN
EDITORIALS
SECTION

All editorials are compiled from prestigious Pakistan &

World newspapers.

4 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

Economic agenda | Dawn
ON Tuesday, at his first formal interaction with reporters
after assuming control of Q Block, Finance Minister
Muhammad Aurangzeb dropped some clear hints about the
kind of financial policies he intends to pursue, at least in the
short to medium term.
Details:
Signalling the continuation of IMF-mandated stabilisation policies
under the $3bn Stand-by Arrangement, the former banker said that
Pakistan, a sovereign, nuclear state, could no longer afford to continue
with a ‘patchwork’ approach to deep-rooted economic woes if it wanted
to address the challenge posed by low economic growth and inflation.
He was also clear about the Sharif government’s plan to kick-start
discussions for a new, larger and longer IMF loan during the
international lender’s visit for the second and final review of the
current nine-month facility that ends soon.
“We would at least kick-start the process and get this going. Let us see
how they respond,” he said. Further negotiations on the fresh
programme would be taken forward on the sidelines of the spring
meetings of the IMF and World Bank in April in Washington, it was
mentioned.
The finance minister’s message was unmistakable: the government is
aiming for permanent macroeconomic stabilisation even if it comes at
the cost of growth. He said that the country should not expect cash
deposits and debt rollovers from friendly countries, and that it was
necessary to achieve the structural benchmarks laid out in IMF
programmes signed by Pakistan’s previous finance ministers, as
5 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)
turning to patchwork
measures was no
solution. Inflation, he
stressed, could only be
addressed by achieving
macroeconomic
stability.
Critical Evaluation
Faced with a daunting challenge, the minister’s prescription for the
interlinked issues of low growth, balance-of-payment troubles,
inflation and fiscal deficit afflicting the economy indicate a plan for a
consequential overhaul of the government as well as its budget over the
next several years. His plan also represents a significant departure from
the PML-N’s signature economic and financial policies.
The question is: will he get enough room to execute the stabilisation
policies for as long as it is required? What is the guarantee that the
ruling party will support his attempts to effectively tax its core political
constituency of retailers or the powerful real estate mafia? Last but not
the least, how long will the government resist the temptation of
spurring growth without executing the long-standing structural
reforms once forex reserves rise to a comfortable level, as it panders to
its vote bank?
Indeed, the new army-backed SIFC created last year to attract
investment from the Gulf nations is widely expected to help him. Still,
the success of the finance minister’s stabilisation agenda will hinge
largely on his ability to manage the desires and demands of the party in
power, without digressing from the path of reform.
 Vocabulary in context

Difficult Words: 4. Balance-of-payment troubles - difficulties related to a

country's international trade and financial transactions.
1. Mandated - required or ordered by authority.
5. Core political constituency - the primary group of people
2. Overhaul - a thorough examination and repair or renovation of
who consistently support a political party or candidate.
something.
6. Vote bank - a group of voters who are expected to vote
3. Consequential - resulting from or following as a natural
consistently for a particular political party.
outcome.
7. Army-backed SIFC - Special Investment and Finance Cell
4. Constituency - a group of people who support a particular
supported or funded by the military.
politician or party.
8. Gulf nations - countries located around the Persian Gulf,
5. Real estate mafia - a term used to describe organized groups or
typically referring to the Arab states of the Gulf Cooperation
individuals involved in illegal or corrupt activities related to real
Council (GCC).
estate.
6. Reserves - funds or assets held by a country's central bank or Idiomatic Expressions:
government for economic stability.
1. Kick-start - to initiate or begin something quickly or
7. Panders - to gratify or indulge someone's desires or tastes, often
forcefully.
in a negative or opportunistic way.
2. Room to execute - the freedom or opportunity to carry out a
Phrases: plan or action.
3. Turning to - resorting to or relying on something as a
1. Patchwork approach - an approach characterized by
solution.
temporary or incomplete solutions to problems.
4. Signature economic and financial policies - distinctive
2. Spring meetings - annual gatherings typically held in the
policies that are characteristic of a particular government or
spring, often referring to meetings of international
organization.
organizations like the IMF and World Bank.
5. Hinging largely on - depending mainly on.
3. Macroeconomic stability - the condition in which the
6. Digressing from - departing from a main topic or deviating
overall economy is steady and not subject to large fluctuations.
from a planned course of action.

6 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

Online darkness| Dawn
THE digital age is not without a grave demerit — a child’s
screen-time has replaced much of regular life. This concern
is amplified by the presence of online child pornography
rings always on the lookout for vulnerable minors to exploit.
Details:
On Monday, the National Commission on the Rights of Child released a
report, Situational analysis of child online protection in Pakistan,
which asserts that “children may be exposed to inappropriate
content for their age or inappropriate contacts, which makes
them highly vulnerable to violence including sexual abuse
and exploitation — a risk that is growing exponentially with
the rapidly increasing use of technology”, and alerts the
judiciary, lawmakers and civil society to mounting incidents of online
harassment of children through audio and video features.
Way Forward
The answer is not turned-off devices, which are vital for information
and communication. Instead, cybersecurity requires an investment in
training the police for appropriate and prompt response systems, a
cyber-patrolling force that hunts down virtual offenders and combs
through their records for other victims and encouraging families to
come forward to lodge FIRs so a child is guilt-free. The state must clear
the cyber environment with stringent implementation of laws and the
transparent use of funds to ensure safe navigation for our children.
While an ever-transforming web space is not easy to guard, it cannot
grow into a death trap for children’s mental and social health.

In a scenario where past advice — in 2021, NCRC recommended that

the FIA and police be fortified with scientific, financial and human
resources to identify and probe sexually violent content for children —
has fallen on deaf ears, the authorities must heed this warning.
According to Unicef, the impact of any form of online abuse on a child
is multilayered— mental, emotional and physical — ranging from fear
and shame to loss of appetite and sleep. Unaddressed remorse, blame
and anger trigger a bullying-victim cycle for revenge, thereby creating
more perpetrators.

7 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

 Vocabulary in context

Difficult Words:
Idiomatic Expressions:
1. Demerit - a disadvantage or fault.
2. Exploit - to take advantage of someone or something unfairly.
3. Judiciary - the system of courts of law in a country.
4. Fortified - strengthened or protected.
5. Multilayered - having many layers or aspects.
6. Remorse - deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
7. Cybersecurity - measures taken to protect computer systems
and online data from unauthorized access or attack.
8. Cyber-patrolling - monitoring and regulating online activities
to ensure safety and security.
Phrases:
1. On the lookout for - actively searching for something or
someone.
2. Heed this warning - to pay attention to and take action based
on a warning or advice.
3. Bullying-victim cycle - a repetitive pattern where individuals
alternate between being bullies and victims.
4. Clear the cyber environment - to make the online space safe
and free from harmful content or activities.
5. Safe navigation - the ability to use the internet or digital
devices safely and responsibly.

1. Screen-time - the amount of time spent by a person looking at

screens, such as those of computers, smartphones, or TVs.
2. Falling on deaf ears - to be ignored or disregarded.
3. Turned-off devices - shutting down electronic devices.
4. Guilt-free - without feelings of guilt or blame.
5. Death trap - a situation or environment that is extremely
dangerous or harmful.

8 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

Exclusionary law| Dawn
ANY illusions that India remains a secular state that treats all its people Sangh Parivar’s watch, Indian
equally should be put to rest, particularly as the BJP has waged Muslims have faced discriminatory
‘lawfare’ against Indian Muslims during its decade in power. citizenship laws — such as the CAA
and NRC — seen their homes and
Details
mosques bulldozed on flimsy
One of the most blatant examples of using the law to disenfranchise grounds, and watched state
communities has been the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, passed in functionaries publicly attack their
2019. The law calls for granting Indian citizenship to ‘persecuted’ religious and cultural practices. In
minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Members of all other words, Muslims are the new
faiths, except Islam, are welcome to apply for Indian citizenship under untermensch of India. The
the law. On Monday, over four years after the CAA was passed, the notification of the CAA weeks ahead
BJP-led government notified the law. Critics of the ruling party are of polls is clearly an election ploy,
terming the move a cynical ploy to grab votes ahead of general elections though the BJP’s efforts to
that are due to begin next month. On one hand, the BJP, out of its demonise Muslims in order to
apparent ‘benevolence’ towards South Asia’s non-Muslim communities, please its core constituency risks
is inviting them to settle in India. On the other, it is championing creating permanent communal fault
schemes such as the National Register of Citizens, widely seen as a ruse lines. If the Sangh thinks it can
to disenfranchise Indian Muslims if they cannot provide documents to bully minorities into submission, it
prove their citizenship. This case of demographic gerrymandering is mistaken. This campaign of
seems to be in line with the BJP’s goal of rebranding India as an vilification will only expand social
exclusively Hindu rashtra, while pushing its Muslims to the margins. fissures, not heal them. Opposition
Critical Evaluation groups and civil society
organisations in India need to speak
While the BJP seems overly concerned about the plight of non-Muslims out and challenge the BJP’s politics of hate and division.
in South Asia, under its rule, it has subjected India’s own Muslims to
blatant injustice and stood by as Hindu zealots, as well as state
institutions, have unleashed violence upon the community. Under the
9 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)
 Vocabulary in context
Difficult Words:
1. Illusions - false beliefs or perceptions.
2. Disenfranchise - to deprive someone of their rights, typically
the right to vote.
3. Blatant - obvious or conspicuous, often in a negative way.
4. Gerrymandering - manipulating the boundaries of electoral
districts to favor a particular political party or group.
5. Rashtra - a Hindi term meaning nation or country.
6. Zealots - people who are fanatically committed to a cause.
7. Flimsy - lacking solidity or strength, weak or easily damaged.
8. Untermensch - a German term meaning "subhuman," used to
refer to a person considered inferior or of lower status.
9. Vilification - the act of unfairly portraying someone or
something as evil or abhorrent.
10
Phrases:
1. Lawfare - the use of legal actions or laws as a weapon or strategy
in conflict or political disputes.
2. Grab votes - to gain electoral support.
3. Out of its apparent 'benevolence' - seemingly motivated by
kindness or goodwill.
4. Championing schemes - actively promoting or advocating for
certain plans or initiatives.
5. Pushing to the margins - marginalizing or excluding from the
mainstream.
Idiomatic Expressions:
1. Put to rest - to end or resolve something conclusively.
2. Weeks ahead of - a few weeks before.
3. Stand by - to support or remain loyal to.
4. Speak out - to publicly express one's opinions or concerns.
5. Politics of hate and division - strategies or actions that
promote animosity and discord among different groups.
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
Border Protest | Dawn
THE border town of Chaman has been protesting — for nearly five
months now — against the government’s imposition of a passport and
visa mandate for movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Details
Deep-seated discontent prevails in the local populace — traders,
political parties, and civil society members — casting a spotlight on not
just this issue but also the region’s overall economic hardships. The
transition from a relatively open to a regulated crossing with stringent
document requirements, understandably aimed at enhancing security
in an area notorious for smuggling, has inadvertently impacted the
community’s way of life. The local economy, which relies heavily on
small-scale trade, has been hit particularly hard. While trucks have
recently been allowed through, thousands of daily wage workers, who
walk across, have been marginalised.
Critical Evaluation
A recent report by the HRCP highlights not just the immediate
economic repercussions but also the long-term social and
humanitarian implications of the border restrictions. It rightly calls for
a nuanced approach, suggesting engagement with all stakeholders,
including Afghan representatives, to find a balanced resolution that
considers both security needs and the local populace’s welfare.
11
The protesters’ demands, ranging from the abolition of the visa policy
to the restoration of small traders’ welfare packages, represent a
broader plea for recognition, respect, and understanding. The proposal
to facilitate visas on arrival and establish border markets is a
constructive step towards mitigating the economic impact of the new
regulations. These measures, coupled with investments in local
industries and job-creation initiatives as suggested by the HRCP, could
serve as a foundation for sustainable development in Chaman, and the
wider Balochistan. The new government must balance the imperative
of national security with the legitimate needs and rights of its border
communities. It must engage with the protesters, understand their
grievances, and explore interim solutions while working towards long-
term development goals. Dialogue and diplomacy with the protesters,
alongside working with a recalcitrant Kabul, are key to navigating this
complex issue. As mentioned previously in these pages, ensuring that
the security measures are not perceived as punitive, but as part of a
broader strategy to enhance the well-being of all Pakistanis, including
those in Chaman, is essential. The path forward should be marked by
empathy, engagement, and concerted efforts towards economic
empowerment, laying the groundwork for peace and prosperity in the
region.
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
 Vocabulary in context
Difficult Words:
1. Mandate - an official order or requirement.
2. Stringent - strict or rigorous.
3. Inadvertently - unintentionally or accidentally.
4. Marginalised - pushed to the edge or excluded from the
mainstream.
5. Nuanced - having subtle differences or nuances.
6. Repercussions - consequences or effects, typically indirect or
unforeseen.
7. Recalcitrant - stubbornly resistant to authority or control.
8. Perceived - seen or understood in a particular way.
9. Empowerment - the process of giving someone the authority or
power to do something.
Phrases:
1. Casting a spotlight on - drawing attention to or highlighting.
2. Small-scale trade - business activities involving relatively small
quantities of goods.
3. Daily wage workers - individuals who earn a wage for each
day's work.
12
4. Welfare packages - government assistance programs or
benefits aimed at improving people's well-being.
5. Visas on arrival - permission granted to enter a country upon
arrival, without requiring prior application.
6. Job-creation initiatives - efforts to generate employment
opportunities.
7. Recalcitrant Kabul - stubborn or uncooperative behavior from
the government in Kabul, Afghanistan.
8. Marked by empathy - characterized by understanding and
compassion.
Idiomatic Expressions:
1. Way of life - the habits, customs, and values characteristic of a
particular community or society.
2. Balanced resolution - a solution that considers and addresses
multiple perspectives or interests.
3. Path forward - the direction or course of action to be taken in
the future.
4. Laying the groundwork - preparing the necessary foundation
or basis for something.
5. Peace and prosperity - a state of tranquility and well-being.
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
HDI decline | Dawn
THE latest Human Development Report from the UNDP presents a ahead demand innovative solutions and a commitment to overcoming
bleak global outlook, characterized by deepening inequalities and not only local but also global hurdles to development. The report’s call
political polarisation. The report underscores the urgent need for for new financial mechanisms and governance approaches offers a
collective action to navigate through these tumultuous times. pathway for Pakistan to not only improve its HDI ranking but also
contribute to a more equitable world. As Pakistan embarks on this
Details journey, it is imperative that the new government focus on systemic
change, leveraging global cooperation to address the root causes of
Pakistan’s position in this global scenario is particularly concerning. Its
inequality and polarisation. By aligning with global efforts and
descent from the 161st to the 164th position in the Human
prioritising sustainable development and equity, Pakistan can make
Development Index should serve as cause for deep introspection. This
significant strides towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.
setback is a reflection of not just local but also global gridlocks that
hinder the advancement towards equitable development. In the face of
increasing inequalities, the report reveals a concerning trend of
reversing progress in bridging the gap between wealthy and poorer
nations. For Pakistan, the decline in the HDI ranking is attributed to a
combination of social, economic, and political pressures, including
macroeconomic challenges and the after-effects of the devastating
floods of 2022.

Critical Evaluation

Pakistan’s unchanged ranks in the Gender Inequality Index and the

Multidimensional Poverty Index highlight enduring social disparities,
necessitating focused and sustainable interventions. The report
underscores the critical need for global cooperation in addressing these
inequalities, with an emphasis on climate stability and fair technology
access as key areas for action. For Pakistan, this means prioritising
climate and Sustainable Development Goals financing and enhancing
governance to provide global public goods efficiently. The challenges
13 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)
 Vocabulary in context
Difficult Words:
1. Bleak - grim or dismal.
2. Tumultuous - characterized by disorder or turmoil.
3. Gridlocks - situations where progress is impeded due to
opposing forces or circumstances.
4. Macroeconomic - relating to the overall economy, including
factors such as inflation, unemployment, and national income.
5. Enduring - lasting or continuing over a long period of time.
6. Governance - the process or system of governing.
7. Imperative - absolutely necessary or essential.
8. Leveraging - using something to maximum advantage.
9. Equity - fairness or justice, especially in distribution of resources
or opportunities.
Phrases:
1. Cause for deep introspection - reason to reflect deeply on a
situation or issue.
2. Bridge the gap - reduce or eliminate differences or disparities.
3. After-effects - consequences or repercussions following an
event.
4. Embarks on - begins or starts.
14
5. Systemic change - fundamental or comprehensive change
affecting the entire system.
6. Root causes - underlying factors or origins of a problem.
7. Significant strides - important progress or advancements.
Idiomatic Expressions:
1. Characterised by - marked by or showing a particular feature
or quality.
2. Collective action - joint efforts or actions taken by a group of
individuals or entities working together.
3. Prioritising - giving importance or preference to something.
4. Offers a pathway - provides a route or direction for achieving a
goal.
5. Aligning with - conforming or coordinating with a particular
approach or direction.
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
 INTERNATIONAL
ARTICLES
SECTION

All articles are taken from prestigious Pakistan and

World’s newspapers.

15 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

How will Pakistan’s new government manage the US-China rivalry?│ Al Jazeera
I. Introduction
A. Description of the political situation in Pakistan post-election
B. Overview of the challenges faced by the new Sharif government
C. Thesis statement: The foremost foreign policy challenge for the new
Sharif government is maintaining Pakistan’s strategic autonomy while
balancing relations with the US and China amidst their escalating
rivalry.
II. Context of the Election and Political Landscape
A. Overview of the controversial February 8 election
B. Political parties' reactions and allegations of rigging
C. Description of domestic issues and challenges faced by the new
government
III. Foreign Policy Challenges
A. Importance of strategic autonomy for Pakistan
B. Escalating rivalry between the US and China
C. Significance of Pakistan's relationship with both global powers
IV. Pakistan-US Relations
A. Current status of bilateral relationship
B. Impact of US withdrawal from Afghanistan
C. Economic and military support from the US
16
D. Possibilities for future collaboration and improvement of relations
V. Pakistan-China Relations
A. Economic and financial support from China
B. Role of China in Pakistan's economic stability
C. Military assistance and defense ties with China
D. Importance of balancing relations with China and the US
VI. Strategies for the New Government
A. Priority of maintaining a delicate balance between the US and China
B. Focus on deepening relations with each global power without
upsetting the other
C. Potential role of Pakistan as a bridge between Washington and
Beijing
D. Challenges and limitations in achieving diplomatic successes
VII. Conclusion
A. Recap of the primary foreign policy challenge for the new Sharif
government
B. Summary of strategies and priorities outlined in the essay
C. Final thoughts on the complexities of Pakistan's foreign relations
under the new government
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
On March 3, Pakistan’s National Assembly elected Shehbaz Sharif of
the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) as prime minister for a
second time, and tasked him with forming a new coalition government,
following one of the most controversial elections in the country’s
history.
The February 8 election was marred by
allegations of large-scale rigging and
military influence as well as delayed
results. Such allegations and irregularities
surrounding national votes are not
unusual in Pakistan’s chequered
democratic history, but this election cycle
marked a new low as almost all political
parties, albeit to different degrees, have
raised rigging allegations, calling into
question the legitimacy of the entire
election process.
Going forward, the new government is going to face immense political
pressure at home. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan
Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI) party, which was forced to field its candidates as
independents after losing its election symbol, had emerged as the
largest group in the National Assembly with 93 seats and is expected to
continue agitating in parliament as well as the streets. The ruling
PMLN’s primary coalition partner, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP),
meanwhile, made the calculated decision to abstain from taking a
position within the government, leaving Prime Minister Sharif and his
party solely accountable for the many challenges looming on the
horizon.
17
With numerous domestic issues, including a faltering economy,
unprecedented inflation and internal security, high on the agenda, the
new government will be likely have no time to waste on the foreign
policy front.
Of various urgent and important foreign
policy challenges, the most significant and
consequential challenge the new Sharif
government will face is going to be
maintaining Pakistan’s strategic
autonomy, and balancing relations with
the United States and China amid their
escalating rivalry.
In his inaugural speech in the parliament,
Sharif pledged that the country will not be
part of any great game, implying that
Pakistan will not align exclusively with
either the US or China in their ongoing friction. Nonetheless, it is easier
said than done, as the manoeuvring space for balancing relations with
both global powers is fast shrinking.
The signs of troubled times were visible for quite some time, especially
with consistently growing US criticism of Chinese investment projects
in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a
flagship project of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The tensions stemming from efforts to strike a balance between
relations with the US and China had reached a peak last year when
Pakistan opted out of the virtual Democracy Summit co-hosted by US
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
President Joe Biden after participating in the International Forum on
Democracy in Beijing just a week earlier.
At the moment, the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the US
is on a downward spiral. The amount of American military and
economic support to Pakistan is rapidly declining, especially since the
US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Regardless of the shallow and
seemingly transactional nature of bilateral relations, however, the US
remains the largest export market for Pakistani goods. As such, the
direction of the Pakistan-US relations has material consequences for
Islamabad, especially with regard to the timely approval of the crucial
next loan programme of the International Monetary Fund. In this
context, the new Pakistani government is likely eager to improve this
relationship and carry it beyond surface-level interactions.
The Biden administration’s apparent disinterest in alleged election
irregularities in Pakistan serves as a tacit acknowledgement of its
willingness to collaborate with the new government. Nevertheless, the
Pakistan-US relationship is expected to remain at this current level for
some time, as with the presidential elections now so close, Washington
is unlikely to change direction or significantly alter its policies towards
the region in the next few months.
This period of stagnation, however, could be an opportunity for the
new Sharif government to prepare for the future, and devise a strategy
that would allow the two countries to move their relationship to the
next level, find new areas to collaborate and move past the
transactional state of affairs.
All this does not mean Pakistan can afford to neglect its equally
important bilateral relationship with China.
18
While assistance from the US is crucial for securing the next IMF deal,
Pakistan also requires immediate financial support from China to
stabilise its struggling economy. With mounting inflation, dwindling
foreign exchange reserves, and the PMLN’s ambitious
election pledge of achieving 5 percent gross domestic product (GDP)
growth by the end of 2026, Pakistan’s need for Chinese aid and
investment is increasingly urgent.
This is why many expect Sharif to make the first foreign trip of his
second term in power to China. During his time in the opposition,
Sharif severely criticised the PTI government for slowing work on
projects tied to the China-led initiative. Therefore, his new government
is likely to focus on reinvigorating these projects and securing
additional Chinese investment into special economic zones (SEZs) for
the successful culmination of the second phase of CPEC.
In addition to economic support, Pakistan relies on Chinese military
assistance to fulfil its mounting defence needs. As the Indo-US strategic
partnership continues to expand, Pakistan is poised to further deepen
its defence and security ties with China. Chinese help is also crucial for
Islamabad in managing relations with its western neighbours,
Afghanistan and Iran.
However, the challenge for Pakistan’s new government lies in avoiding
alignment with China at the expense of its equally important
relationship with the US. Maintaining a delicate balance between the
two is imperative for Pakistan’s diplomatic and strategic interests.
Many in Islamabad contend that Pakistan can still serve as a bridge
between Washington and Beijing. Nonetheless, the deepening strategic
rivalry between the US and China makes significant diplomatic
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
successes, like Henry Kissinger’s Pakistan-facilitated secret visit to
Beijing in 1971, much more difficult to achieve. Back then, Pakistan was
successful in convincing the US secretary of state to get on a plane
because Washington needed to stop China from getting closer to the
Soviet camp in an already fraught Cold War environment. Today, in the
eyes of the most important political players in Washington, China
appears to have replaced Russia as the primary threat to the US. Thus,
chances for Pakistan to facilitate a positive reconciliation between the
two global powers, let alone a transformation of relations like the one it
achieved in 1971, are almost nonexistent. Moreover, achieving such a
diplomatic feat would necessitate political and economic stability at
home, which is something the Sharif government definitely does not
have at the moment.

For now, Islamabad’s foreign policy priority will be to play a balancing

game and deepen relations with each global power as much as possible
without upsetting the other.

19 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

The never-ending war on truth│ Al Jazeera
I. Introduction
A. Description of the plight of journalists globally
B. Highlighting specific cases of journalists who have been disappeared
or killed
C. The global war on truth tellers, exemplified by the persecution of
journalists, demands urgent attention and action to ensure justice and
protect freedom of the press.
II. Cases of Persecuted Journalists
A. Itai Dzamara in Zimbabwe
1. Circumstances of his disappearance
2. Lack of government action and justice
B. Joao Chamusse in Mozambique
1. Details of his murder and intimidation against journalists
2. Implications for press freedom and democracy
C. Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki in Lesotho
1. Assassination of a critical reporter
2. Suppression of dissent and accountability
III. International Context
A. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
1. Persecution of Palestinian journalists
2. Need for accountability and justice
B. Global Pattern of Repression
1. Similar cases of journalists facing violence and intimidation
worldwide
20
2. Implications for freedom of expression and democracy
IV. Responses and Calls for Action
A. Role of Regional Organizations
1. African Union and Southern African Development Community
2. Importance of press freedom in regional stability
B. International Criminal Court
1. Need for investigation into war crimes against journalists
2. Accountability for state-sponsored violence
C. Civil Society and Advocacy
1. Role of organizations like Reporters Without Borders
2. Mobilizing for justice and press freedom
V. Importance of Protecting Truth Tellers
A. Essential role of journalists in exposing injustice
B. Threats to democracy and human rights without a free press
C. Honoring the legacy of journalists who sacrificed their lives for the
truth
VI. Conclusion
A. Recap of the global war on truth tellers and the urgency of the
situation
B. Call to action for governments, international organizations, and civil
society
C. Emphasis on the need for justice, accountability, and protection of
press freedom in safeguarding democracy and human rights.
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
On March 9, 2015, five men driving a white truck with a concealed heads were submerged in drums of water. When they eventually
number plate abducted Itai Dzamara, a Zimbabwean journalist and appeared in court, they both had burn marks on their bodies. Their
activist, from a barbershop in the Zimbabwean capital Harare. alleged crime was to publish a story about 23 army officers being
arrested for plotting a coup against President Mugabe.
Within seconds, he was bundled into the
unmarked car and driven to an unknown In 2008, Jestina Mukoko, a prominent former
location. TV journalist, who also runs an NGO, was
abducted from her home in the middle of the
Dzamara has not been seen ever since. night, detained incommunicado for days and
tortured by alleged state agents, for her alleged
Eight days before his enforced involvement in planning anti-government
disappearance, he had called on protests.
Zimbabweans to demonstrate against the
tough and deteriorating socioeconomic She thankfully survived her horrific ordeal, and
conditions in their country. returned to her family and advocacy work.

And he had called on then-President But Dzamara has not been as lucky. He has
Robert Mugabe to resign. never returned home to his wife and two young
children.
His forced disappearance was not an
extraordinary event in a country where Every year on the anniversary of his
journalists were (and still are) routinely disappearance, Zimbabweans take to social
harassed and detained by authorities for media to remember him and to vent their
publishing stories deemed to be frustrations about Zimbabwe’s seemingly never-
“politically sensitive” or damaging to ending war on journalists, and truth.
those in positions of power.
Despite efforts by civil society and the main
Sixteen years earlier, in January 1999, two journalists, Mark opposition party, the state appears extremely reluctant to solve
Chavunduka and Ray Choto, who worked for the Standard newspaper, Dzamara’s case and finally deliver justice to his long-suffering family.
were forcibly disappeared for 10 days. While under illegal detention,
they suffered electric shocks to their hands, feet, and genitals and their

21 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

Mugabe has been out of power since 2017, and Zimbabwe is supposedly
a changed country, but to date, the Zimbabwean government has not
even bothered to launch a high-level investigation into Dzamara’s
violent abduction.
This speaks volumes about Harare’s unrelenting contempt for the
truth, and war on those who dare to speak truth to power.
Whoever disappeared Dzamara clearly intended to instil a great deal of
fear in media practitioners and kill journalism in the small southern
African country.
To some extent, they have succeeded.
As recently as this February, a local paper, the NewsHawks, was forced
to abandon its investigations into the Zimbabwe National Army after
subtle threats from senior army officials.
Journalists who dare to investigate military and government
corruption in Zimbabwe still expect to be harassed, unlawfully
arrested, tortured or worse to this day.
Regrettably, Zimbabwe is not an outlier. This proclivity to threaten or
kill the messenger to conceal bitter truths appears to be endemic across
Africa and around the globe.
Joao Chamusse – a veteran Mozambican journalist, and the co-owner
and editor of online newspaper Ponto por Ponto – was found dead in
the backyard of his house in KaTembe, Maputo City, on December 14,
2023. His neighbours said they heard him scream for help before
falling silent.
22
His horrendous murder came on the back of a wave of intimidation
against journalists and media outlets in the run-up to this year’s
general election.
In Lesotho’s capital Maseru, Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki, who was a
prominent reporter for Ts’enolo FM radio station, was shot at least 13
times by unknown assailants as he left the studio after a show in May
2023. Joki was highly critical of state officials, and his death appears
related to his endeavours to expose the truth and hold government
officials accountable for their actions.
It would be amiss to speak of the war on truth tellers without paying
homage to the Palestinian journalists killed in Israel’s war on Gaza. At
least 88 Palestinian media workers have been killed as they braved
shelling to expose Israel’s genocidal violence.
Israel’s war on journalists who expose the injustice of its occupation
and its abuse of Palestinians did not begin with this latest war, either.
Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist and
correspondent for Al Jazeera, was shot dead in May 2022 while
reporting on an Israel raid in the Jenin refugee camp. And Israel had
killed dozens of media workers before her.
I despair at the loss of Abu Akleh, and all the other brave, admirable
Palestinian journalists who had been silenced by Israeli bombs and
bullets.
I mourn for Leqhashasha, Chamusse and all the others who have been
slain for exposing corruption or speaking truth to power.
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
My heart bleeds for the family of Dzamara, and those of other
“disappeared” journalists across the globe, who will likely never learn
what actually happened to their loved ones.
I feel the deepest pain, however, for those journalists who I fear will
meet similar fates in the coming months and years.
Indeed, in the absence of strong legal repercussions, there is every
chance that other journalists will go missing or be killed by “unknown”
people in Zimbabwe.
The same is true for those working in Lesotho, Mozambique and
elsewhere.
And we know Israeli bombs continue to fall on Palestinian journalists
as I write these lines.
When a journalist is killed or disappeared, people are quick to express
sympathy and voice condemnation. Following such news, our social
media timelines always fill with messages honouring their lives and
achievements. Governments, NGOs, and international institutions
issue statements, and vow to hold those responsible to account.
Words of empathy and condemnation are of course commendable, but
what is needed above all is simple: justice.
In the case of Zimbabwe, the African Union and the Southern African
Development Community (SADC) have to stop paying lip service to
press freedom and demand answers from President Emmerson
Mnangagwa. And they should take immediate action to prevent the
repeat of this atrocity.
23
To this end, all relevant regional bodies and the African Union should
move to harmonise national media regulations and ensure member
states do not enact laws that impede fundamental freedoms.
For a long time, unrepentant rogue states have subjected independent-
minded and principled journalists to state-orchestrated repression,
violence and murder.
That is why the International Criminal Court (ICC) must investigate
and prosecute the Israeli officials who have paved the way for the
deaths of 88 Palestinian journalists.
In December 2023, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) filed its second
complaint with the ICC for alleged war crimes committed by the Israeli
army against Palestinian journalists. The RSF has concluded that Israel
has been deliberately targeting Palestinian journalists to silence truth
about its genocidal actions.
In an age where misinformation and disinformation are commonplace,
millions of lives would be placed in constant jeopardy without the work
of fearless and principled truth tellers.
In a time where autocrats like Mnangagwa believe they are beyond
reproach, the truth cannot become a scare commodity.
Nothing will bring back Leqhashasha, Chamusse or Abu Akleh.
I do not believe Dzamara will ever return home, either.
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
But they will forever remain our unsung heroes, like all the others who
lost their lives in this never-ending, global war on the truth and truth
tellers.

Let’s honour their lives by standing up for journalism and bringing

their killers to justice.

Let’s honour their lives by doing everything we can to make sure we do

not lose any other brave truth tellers to senseless state violence.efforts
to design a governance model that respects human rights would be a
powerful counterpoint to the silencing of women’s voices inside the
country.

As the world marks International Women’s Day today, let it be more

than a symbolic celebration. Let it serve as a call to action for the
international community to reevaluate its commitment to protecting
the rights of Afghan women and girls. Concrete steps, such as
accountability and justice, increased female representation in
negotiations, amplifying the voices of Afghan women, and supporting
those who are no longer in Afghanistan, are imperative. The time for
diplomatic rhetoric is over – now is the time for decisive and collective
action to preserve the hard-won rights of Afghan women and girls. In
failing to act decisively, the world risks witnessing the normalization of
this remorseless dismantling.

24 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

India’s Citizenship Amendment Act is a devious anti-Muslim dog whistle│ Al
Jazeera
I. Introduction
A. Overview of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India
B. Context of the CAA within the political landscape of India
C. Thesis statement: The CAA reflects the Hindu-supremacist ideology
of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, contributing to
religious inequality and discrimination against Muslims in India.
II. Background of the CAA
A. Passage of the CAA in 2019 and its controversial nature
B. Criticisms of the CAA's discriminatory provisions targeting Muslims
C. Violations of constitutional principles of equality and secularism
III. Ideological Underpinnings of the CAA
A. BJP's Hindu-supremacist agenda
B. Rationale behind the exclusion of Muslims from the CAA
C. Impact of the CAA on the concept of Indian citizenship
IV. Implementation and Ramifications of the CAA
A. Exclusionary nature of the CAA towards refugees from specific
countries
B. Linkage between the CAA and the National Register of Citizens
(NRC)
C. Disproportionate impact of the CAA on Muslims and other
marginalized communities
25
V. Political and Social Implications
A. Manipulation of religious sentiments for political gains
B. Creation of a hierarchical citizenship structure favoring Hindus over
Muslims
C. Heightened communal tensions and polarization in Indian society
VI. Critique and Resistance against the CAA
A. Civil society opposition and legal challenges to the CAA
B. International condemnation of discriminatory policies in India
C. Calls for justice, equality, and protection of minority rights
VII. Future Outlook and Conclusion
A. Uncertainty surrounding the implementation and enforcement of
the CAA
B. Potential long-term consequences on India's democratic fabric and
social cohesion
C. Final reflections on the need for inclusive and equitable citizenship
laws in India
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
India moved a step closer to formalising itself as a majoritarian country The CAA is a reiteration of the ideology of the BJP, which holds that
with the announcement of the rules to operationalise the Citizenship Muslims do not belong to India in the same way that Hindus do. The
Amendment Act (CAA), which was passed back in 2019 with much government claims that with this amendment it is merely seeking to
controversy. This is yet another move by the Indian government led by help those who had to leave these three countries because of religious
the Hindu-supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to stir the persecution. Muslims are not in the list, as it is assumed that Muslims
simmering communal cauldron. cannot be religiously persecuted in Muslim-majority countries. Critics
point out, however, that Muslim
The move has reignited the debate communities like Hazaras and
about the objective of the Act itself. Ahmadis, who undisputedly face
Passed in 2019, the CAA was religious persecution in their
criticised by jurists and others for homelands, would not have been left
being discriminatory against certain out, if the aim was to help victims of
communities, mainly Muslims. The religious persecution in these
Act claims to provide a faster countries.
pathway to Indian citizenship for
Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, It is also intriguing that the
Buddhists and other minorities who amendment is aiming to help
have come to India illegally from migrants from these three countries
Pakistan, Bangladesh, and only and leaving out those from
Afghanistan. The absence of countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar
Muslims in this list has been causing and Bhutan. Many Tamil Hindus,
outrage and communal tensions who had to leave Sri Lanka due to
since the conception of the Act. In a persecution, have been languishing
clear violation of the Indian in India as refugees without any
Constitution, which demands all people to be treated equally under the state support for decades. This is because India does not have a clear
law, the CAA changes the very concept of Indian citizenship and makes policy for refugees and is not even a signatory to the International
it faith-based. It opens a new path to Indian citizenship for all, except Covenant on Refugees. So the government’s talk of empathy for the
Muslims. persecuted people from the neighbouring countries sounds hollow.

26 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

The real aim of the CCA is to keep the focus on Muslims or Islam in the
most devious and cunning way by singling out three Muslim-majority
countries where religious persecution takes place. The idea is to
reinforce the prejudice in Hindus that wherever Muslims are in
majority, other communities are bound to suffer.
One can read between the lines what the BJP government actually
wants to say. It claimed in a document it issued to explain the objective
of the law that: “Due to the persecution of minorities in those three
Muslim countries, the name of Islam was badly tarnished all around
the world. However, Islam, being a peaceful religion, never preaches or
suggests hatred/violence/any persecution on religious grounds. This
Act, showing compassion and compensation for the persecution,
protects Islam from being tarnished in the name of persecution.”
The government claims that CAA seeks to salvage the image of Islam
which is getting tarnished due to persecution of non-Muslims in these
countries. Even if we ignore the horrible wording of the text, one can
see that it is nothing but a sinister act of dog-whistling. The followers of
the BJP often refer to Islam mockingly as a peaceful religion and
Muslims as peaceful people. But if we take this text at its face value,
what the CAA does is quite contrary to this claim. It actually says that
these Muslim-majority countries persecute their minorities.
There is one more thing. Defending the CAA, the leaders of the BJP,
including Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, have been saying
that it is also to complete the unfinished business of the partition of
India in 1947. What could that be? According to them, the creation of
Pakistan implied a complete transfer of population. Which means all
27
Muslims needed to move to “their” designated country, Pakistan, and
all Hindus to India. Since millions of Muslims remained in India, what
needs to be done is to make India a Hindu-first country by placing
Muslims on an inferior plane. This is what this Act does ideologically.
Muslims cannot attain citizenship through this law, but Hindus can.
This Act should be seen as part of the ideological design of the BJP
which has enacted other laws restricting the lives of Muslims like the
religious freedom laws, anti-cow slaughter laws, and anti-triple talaq
law, which put restrictions on Muslims in ways which Hindus would
never be. In India, Muslims can be converted, but they cannot convert;
Muslim men deserting their wives without a process would be jailed
but not Hindus. Muslims cannot have their food choices, but there is no
such restriction on Hindus. The CAA is yet another way to legalise
religious inequality and discrimination, mainly against Muslims.
Muslims have reasons beyond its ideological or psychological purpose
to fear this Act. The Home Minister had averred that the CAA should
not be seen in isolation. It is to be seen along with the creation of a
National Register of Citizens (NRC). The NRC process would identify
so-called “outsiders” or “infiltrators” and weed them out. He has said
repeatedly that the NRC would be applied to the entire country. It is
again a dog-whistle executive exercise which tells Hindus that outsiders
– who other than Muslims? – would be deprived of citizenship rights
through the process of the NRC. At the same time, Hindus were also
assured that those who were left out would be included using the CAA.
They can get citizenship, but not the Muslims.
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
The NRC has been implemented in the state of Assam. It was done to
appease the Assamese chauvinists who had been demanding non-
Assamese outsiders to be thrown out. An accord was reached between
them and the government of India after violent agitations. The
government promised that those who have entered Assam after 1971
would be identified and declared “illegal”. The NRC was that process of
identifying and excluding the outsiders. The NRC process created
havoc in Assam. Approximately 1.9 million people could not find a
place in the NRC. But contrary to the claim of the BJP, and the popular
perception, more Hindus than Muslims, nearly 1.5 million, got
excluded.
These are mostly Bengali Hindus. The BJP treats them as its natural
constituents. It was to allay their fears that the CAA was brought: to say
that the Hindus thus excluded would get in using the CAA route, but
Muslims would remain out. It also changed the cut-off year. Those who
have entered till 2014 were eligible to get citizenship through CAA. But
Muslims cannot use this route, only Hindus can. We can see that
persons in similar situations, living in India for decades or even
centuries, but unable to show the required papers, are treated
differently by the CAA. Hindus would be allowed to use it to naturalise
themselves as citizens, but Muslims would not be able to do it.
The unsaid argument is that Muslims have these Muslim-majority
countries to go to, but Hindus have only India.
28
There are well-meaning people in India who say that there is no need to
fear the NRC outside Assam as it has not been announced. So Muslims
need not be anxious. But can one take the assertion of the home
minister that NRC would be implemented, and implemented in the
entire country, made on the floor of the parliament, lightly?
It has also been pointed out that the claims by the government to
provide succour to the persecuted people of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and
Bangladesh are insincere as those who have entered India after 2014
are not eligible. This law was enacted in 2019. So does the government
want us to believe that there has been no religious persecution in these
countries after 2014? But the BJP can always assure its constituents
that changes would be brought in the law to correct this anomaly.
While these questions are legitimate, one cannot underestimate the
larger ideological message of this law: There are two sets of rules in
India, one for Hindus and one for Muslims, and Hindus will always
have more rights than Muslims. It is no surprise that Muslims
understand it well.
(ICEP Dawn Magazine)
 NATIONAL
ARTICLES
SECTION

All articles are taken from prestigious Pakistan and

World’s newspapers.

29 (ICEP Dawn Magazine)

Gaza- A Sense of Balance Missing│The Nation
Yasir Javed The writer is a communi-cations professional.

I. Introduction: • Discussion on public opinion shifts in the US and their impact on

• Acknowledgment of the prevalence and abhorrence of sexual policy decisions.
violence in conflict.
• Introduction of the specific incident on October 7th and the IV. Addressing Humanitarian Concerns:
subsequent controversy. • Exploration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its impact on
• Overview of the conflicting narratives from different sources. civilians.
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of ceasefire negotiations and the
II. Contextualizing the Incident: need for urgent action.
• Discussion on the UN's findings and the conflicting reports. • Consideration of the immediate priorities in mitigating suffering
• Examination of the narratives presented by both sides - Hamas and ensuring peace.
and UN's perspective.
• Highlighting the challenges in verifying events in conflict zones. V. Conclusion:
• Recap of the complexities surrounding the October 7th incident.
III. Broader Implications and Responses: • Call for continued scrutiny, empathy, and urgent action to
• Analysis of the broader implications of the incident on the Gaza- address humanitarian concerns.
Israel conflict. • Emphasis on the importance of international cooperation and
• Examination of the international community's response, sensitivity in resolving conflicts.
particularly the United States' stance.

30 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)

 I. Introduction:
Starting with the premise that sexual violence in war is not uncommon, we all
need to acknowledge that it happens, it’s abhorrent, and must be punished
when it occurs. October 7th was no different. If sexual violence occurred,
there is every reason to seek the perpetrators and punish them, but what’s hap-
pened as a result of that fateful day seems... no, it doesn’t seem, it IS
absolutely out of balance and cannot, in any sense of decency, be accepted as
a normal response, nor can it, under any definition, be described as self-
defense.
II. Contextualizing the Incident:
Both the BBC and CNN, from either side of the Atlantic, report that a UN
Team has concluded that there were most likely rapes on October 7th carried
out by Hamas fighters. Hamas, of course, deny the allegations: the BBC
headline reads: “UN Team says Hamas likely carried out sexual violence in
Israel on October 7th”. But, reading on, the UN team held 33 meetings with
Israelis and none with Hamas. The team admitted that not one victim came
forward. Whether rapes, sexual violence, or mutilation of bodies occurred on
that day is vitally important to establish and must eventually be done;
perpetrators must be held responsible, but balance needs to be brought to the
narrative, and the BBC is not very good at doing this. While there was
undoubtedly violence against innocents and there is circumstantial evidence
that sexual violence took place, there is also “limited evidence” that
mutilations occurred, including decapitation or attempts to decapitate.
31 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
III. Broader Implications and Responses:
The official response from Hamas gives a very different story: Our Nar-
rative… Operation Al Aqsa Flood states that: “Avoiding harm to civilians,
especially children, women, and elderly people is a religious and moral
commitment by all the Al-Qassam Brigades’ fighters.” So, there is a direct
contradiction. So many bodies were found partially clothed that it’s hard to
believe nothing of a violent sexual nature happened, but in a conflict, when
there are hundreds of people running around shooting at hundreds of others,
and a massive response from the Israeli military was imminently anticipated,
it’s equally as hard to believe fighters took the time to stop, participate in
rapes, and then continue their slaughter. Notwithstanding what did or did not
happen on 7th October, we must, at least for the time being, critically review
our sources. The UN is always a good starting place, and a search on their
own website is a good indicator that things in Gaza are not as Israelis, Western
Mainstream media, and many Western politicians would like us to believe.
Article after article, report after report, the wording is worrying. Examples
include: Fear for Gaza; A humanitarian crisis; Catastrophic and
unconscionable shameful conditions in Gaza; Lifesaving medical care
collapsing; Babies perishing. I could go on, but the UN messages are clear:
Israel is behaving in an inhuman and overly aggressive manner. The
International Court of Justice has described this as a “plausible genocide”. A
plausible genocide which could stop today if there was a ceasefire, but the US
has told the UN that a ceasefire isn’t needed; what’s needed are sensitive
negotiations. The US is the only country that has vetoed a ceasefire; it is
seemingly not interested in cessation despite Joe Biden’s claims last week that
one was imminent. Hamas representatives are currently in Egypt waiting to
talk about how to achieve this, while Israel’s leaders are in Tel Aviv, having V. Conclusion
decided not to attend the meeting that Joe Biden told us, over ice cream, was
so close to a ceasefire that it would happen as soon as yesterday – it didn’t! Even the US public, normally inured to violence in the Middle East, are
And despite this development, on Saturday, Vice President Harris called on creating a wind of change. But the Administration is not so sensitive to these
Hamas and not on Israel, to agree to an immediate ceasefire. shifting nuances as Kamala Harris and called for Hamas, not Israel, to agree to
an immediate ceasefire as recently as Saturday. The US is correct in one
IV. Addressing Humanitarian Concerns: aspect: “sensitive negotiations” are needed. However, for the reported 71,700
injured people and the families and friends of the 30,410 already dead and
The US is still sending aid, still sending troops to the region, still reporting in thousands missing, those sensitive negotiations can wait – an immediate
all their mainstream media that Hamas is the guilty party, but while this is cessation of the conditions allowing the deaths, injuries, hunger, and thirst of
happening, their citizens are not so convinced. Just over a month ago, public the people who remain in Gaza must surely take priority.
opinion in the US was that over half the population thought Israel had gone
too far. Clearly, this is not a popular war; Every weekend, tens of thousands of
protesters gather and march through cities throughout the USA and other parts
of the world. Their calls for immediate peace are ignored. Aaron Bushnell
became a global talking point: “I’m an active-duty member of the United
States Air Force, and I will no longer be complicit in genocide” was his
message and “Free Palestine” were his final words. Anyone who has seen the
harrowing video of his self-immolation cannot but imagine the physical pain
he endured and the mental anguish that led him to that point. Something many
veterans and service military personnel must also be feeling. Georgetown
University reports the results of polls are moving higher into the “opposing”
camp as time goes on; more and more Americans are in favor of a ceasefire
despite the view that the cause of the current conflict being predominantly
Hamas actions on 7th October.

32 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)

Kazakhstan leading SCO: A Balancing Act│The Nation
Zaman Bajwa The Writer is Executive Director of Islamabad Think Tank YFK
I. Introduction:
• Brief overview of the significance of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a regional institution.
• Introduction to Kazakhstan's strategic role within the
SCO.
II. Kazakhstan's Participation in the SCO:
• Explanation of Kazakhstan's active involvement and
leadership within the SCO.
• Discussion on Kazakhstan's strategic location and its
impact on regional collaboration.
III. Kazakhstan's Contributions to SCO Objectives:
• Analysis of Kazakhstan's efforts in fostering economic
integration and infrastructure development within the
SCO.
• Examination of Kazakhstan's role in establishing the
SCO's agenda and priorities, particularly in economic
cooperation, security, and connectivity.
33 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
IV. Kazakhstan's Approach to Key Issues:
• Evaluation of Kazakhstan's commitment to addressing
environmental concerns and increasing digital
connectivity within the SCO framework.
• Discussion on Kazakhstan's efforts in promoting peace,
security, and sustainable development within the SCO
region.
V. Kazakhstan's Leadership in the SCO:
• Overview of Kazakhstan's role as the chair of the SCO
and its impact on regional stability and integration.
• Analysis of Kazakhstan's initiatives and proposals during
its SCO presidency, including its focus on combating
transnational crime, addressing the Afghan crisis, and
promoting cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
VI. Conclusion:
• Summary of Kazakhstan's strategic importance and
leadership within the SCO.
• Reflection on the potential impact of Kazakhstan's
involvement on regional stability, economic integration,
and cooperation within the SCO framework.
 I. Introduction:
The Shanghai Cooperation Orga-nization (SCO) is a pertinent re-gional
organization across the Eurasian Chessboard. Reinforcing strength and
connectivity among the regional actors, the SCO stands high on the
model of Liberal institutionalism. This theoretical framework pro-vided
by International Rela-tions discourse guarantees the possibility of
cooperation and development among the rationalistic actors through
the platforms provid-ed by International institutes. This hy-pothesis
was validated to be true as the SCO charter rescinded hierarchical
or-der within this organization as this or-ganization provides a chair of
the presi-dency to each permanent member state of this organization
for a year. There-fore, Central Asian Republics especial-ly Kazakhstan
fully utilize this regional forum to serve the interest of their peo-ple
even in the presence of two major powers China and Russia within this
organization. This liberal approach ad-opted by the SCO has paved the
way to look at the conflicts democratically, which is helpful for gaining
consensus between the member states.
played a key role in es­tablishing the SCO’s agenda and pri­orities,
particularly in economic co-operation, security, and connectivity.
Kazakhstan’s leadership in the SCO is distinguished by a strategic
awareness of the organization’s diversified inter­ests, as well as a
dedication to promot-ing a stable and cooperative geopoliti-cal climate.
This is obvious in its efforts to convert the SCO into a more practical
and productive platform that encourag-es member states to cooperate
more in trade and security. Kazakhstan’s active involvement in projects
such as the SCO Business Council and the SCO Develop-ment Bank
demonstrates its dedication to the organization’s goals. These ef­forts
have provided opportunities for member countries to interact on
eco-nomic issues and work towards com-mon regional development
and pros-perity objectives.

II. Kazakhstan's Participation in the SCO:

Indeed, the Shanghai Cooperation Or-ganization (SCO) plays a crucial

role in fostering economic integration and in-frastructure development
among its member states. For Kazakhstan, which is strategically
located at the intersec-tion of Europe and Asia, the SCO pro-vides a
valuable platform to strengthen trade, investment, and transportation
ties with its neighbors. Kazakhstan’s active participation in the
Shanghai Collaboration Organization (SCO) ex-emplifies its strategic
approach to re-gional collaboration and development. Kazakhstan has

34 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)

 III. Kazakhstan's Contributions to SCO Objectives:
Kazakhstan has also demonstrated a commitment to tackling
environmen-tal issues and increasing digital connec-tion within the
SCO framework. This comprehensive balancing strategy is consistent
with its vision of a sustain-able future and efforts to avoid a
geopo­litical division between East and West. Kazakhstan’s role as SCO
chair has also allowed it to push crucial projects, such as the 2025-2027
Programme of Coop-eration on Countering Terrorism, Sep-aratism,
and Extremism. However, the lack of large economic projects and
fi­nance support systems continues to pose a hindrance to the SCO’s
develop-ment. To overcome this impediment, Kazakhstan has
proposed leveraging the Astana International Financial Cen-tre as a
platform for increasing finan-cial and portfolio investments in SCO-
funded regional initiatives. This unique method has the potential to
open up new avenues for economic cooperation and development in
the SCO region.
IV. Kazakhstan's Approach to Key Issues:
The stability of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy is proof that a strategic
approach to international relations works. Char-acteristically
predictable, balanced, and peaceful, the country’s foreign policy has
been central to its role as an active influ-encer in organizations such as
the Shang-hai Cooperation Organization (SCO) This approach is
Kazakhstan’s promise to promote local cohesion is consistent with
stability. Therefore, Kazakhstan is expected to continue to adhere to
these principles in foreign policy. This stabili-ty not only boosts
Kazakhstan’s interna­tional credibility but also contributes to regional
stability and continued devel-opment. SCO is not only about what
35 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
Ka-zakhstan is making out of it, for their na-tional interest but also for
the region. At the first meeting of the SCO National Co-ordination
Council in Almaty in August 2023, Murat Mukushev, SCO Country
Co-ordinator in Kazakhstan, stressed that Kazakh leadership will focus
on address-ing regional and global issues, role en-hancing
organizational growth.
At a meeting of the Council of Heads of State in July 2023, President of
Ka-zakhstan Kassym-Jomrat K. Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan’s SCO
presiden-cy goals. Focused on combating trans-national crime, drug
trafficking, and cybercrime, with plans to update the cooperation
framework against ter-rorism, separatism, and extremism from 2025-
2027 Kazakhstan also uses SCO Anti-Narcotics Strategy for 2024-2029
proposed to sustain long-term. He also highlighted the Afghan crisis as
a bog in the backyard of Eurasia, a major concern, and the plan for the
UN Regional Center for Sustainable Devel-opment Goals.
V. Kazakhstan's Leadership in the SCO:
Known for its nuclear non-prolifer-ation, conflict resolution, and
energy transition efforts, Kazakhstan is pro-posed to focus on peace,
security, and sustainable development in the SCO presidency. This role
is to address not only Kazakhstan’s challenges but also the Central Asia
strategic issues. Its role as an emerging leader in SCO is raising the
voice of people of the Central Asia as well as the whole of Eurasia to the
West. Kazakhstan has offered propos-als to enhance cultural and
humanitar-ian cooperation among SCO countries. These proposals
include initiatives such as the implementation of the “Spiritual Shrines
of the SCO” project, and organiz­ing the SCO International Science and
Practice Seminar on “The Golden Horde and its Legacy”, in Turkestan.
Their goal was to combat climate change. During its Chairmanship,
Kazakhstan is look-ing forward to the adoption of impor-tant
intergovernmental agreements on environmental protection
cooperation, a cooperative program for the develop-ment of specially
protected natural ar-eas and ecotourism, and a Memoran-dum of
Understanding between the SCO Secretariat and UNEP.

VI. Conclusion:

Kazakhstan’s strategic location in the heart of the Eurasian continent

un-doubtedly enhances its role as chair of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organiza-tion (SCO). This important role is ex-pected to contribute to
the stability of Central Asia and the region’s unity has improved. The
central location of the country offers a unique advantage in mediating
local issues and enforc-ing cooperation among SCO member states.
This can lead to a stronger and more prosperous Central Asia.
Kazakh­stan’s presidency in the SCO is there-fore not only a testament
to its growing influence but also an important step to-ward regional
stability and integration. Previous SCO summits have had an im-pact
on geopolitical strategies, limiting the potential for progress. It can
there-fore be difficult to reach a fair agree-ment on urgent safety issues
such as water security. However, if successful, Kazakhstan could focus
on special eco-nomic policy agreements, perhaps in-creasing regional
stability and increas-ing economic integration. Therefore, Kazakhstan’s
leadership of SCO is ex-panding the horizons of its agenda.

36 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)

The Crisis in Balochistan│The Nation
Talal Rafeeq
I. Introduction:
• Brief overview of Balochistan's significance as Pakistan's largest
province with abundant natural resources.
• Introduction to the challenges faced by the people of Balochistan,
including issues related to education, healthcare, poverty, and
inflation.
II. Education Crisis:
• Description of the education system in Balochistan, highlighting
infrastructure deficiencies, funding shortages, and teacher
shortages.
• Discussion on the consequences of the education crisis, such as
high illiteracy rates and limited opportunities for growth and
development.
• Importance of investing in education infrastructure, resources,
and qualified teachers to improve the quality of education in
Balochistan.
III. Healthcare Woes
• Analysis of the healthcare infrastructure in Balochistan,
particularly in rural areas, and the challenges faced in accessing
proper healthcare services.
• Discussion on the prevalence of preventable diseases and the lack
of specialized treatments due to inadequate healthcare facilities.
37 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
• Importance of expanding healthcare services and making them
accessible to all residents of Balochistan, especially in remote
areas.
IV. Poverty and Unemployment:
• Description of the economic hardships faced by the people of
Balochistan, including poverty and high unemployment rates.
• Analysis of the limited employment opportunities, particularly in
rural areas, contributing to economic hardship.
• Importance of creating more employment opportunities aligned
with the province's natural resources to uplift living standards
and promote economic growth.
V. Inflation:
• Discussion on the impact of inflation on households in
Balochistan, particularly the rising costs of essential
commodities.
• Analysis of the strain placed on households due to inflation,
exacerbating existing economic challenges.
• Importance of implementing policies to stabilize prices, increase
agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable economic
growth to alleviate the burden of inflation.
VI. Way forward and Conclusion:
 I. Introduction

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, extends along the Persian Gulf

in the south and shares its borders with Iran and Afghanistan. This vast
province covers an area of 347,190 square kilometers, which accounts
for 43.6 percent of Pakistan’s to­tal land area. Despite its substantial
size, Balo-chistan is the least populated province in Pakistan,
constituting only about five per­cent of the country’s total population.

Furthermore, Balochistan boasts an abun-dance of natural resources,

making it high-ly resource-rich. The province is known for its vast
mineral reserves, including coal, sulfur, chro-mite, iron ore, barytes,
marble, quartzite, and limestone. Moreover, Balochistan holds the
largest deposits of cop-per and gold globally, and its vast oil reserves
contribute significantly to Pakistan’s energy resources.

II. Education Crisis

However, despite the province’s natural wealth, the people of

Balochistan face numerous challenges and dif-ficulties in their daily
lives. One of the most pressing is-sues is the education crisis.
Balochistan’s education system has been marred by a lack of
infrastructure, in-sufficient funding, and a shortage of qualified III. Healthcare Woes and Poverty and Unemployment
teachers. Consequently, many children are unable to access qual-ity
education, resulting in high illiteracy rates and lim-ited opportunities In addition to the education crisis, Balochistan’s healthcare system also
for future growth and development. faces significant woes. The province lacks sufficient medical facilities,
especially in rural areas, making it difficult for residents to access
proper healthcare services. This inadequate health-care infrastructure
leads to a higher prevalence of pre-ventable diseases and a lack of
38 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
specialized treatments, negatively impacting the overall well-being of
the pop-ulation. Poverty is another critical issue that plagues
Balochistan. Despite its vast natural resources, a large portion of the
population lives below the poverty line. Limited employment
opportunities, particularly in ru-ral areas, contribute to this economic
hardship. Unem-ployment rates remain high, leaving many individuals
and families struggling to meet their basic needs and improve their
living conditions.
IV. Inflation:
Moreover, the province is grappling with inflation, which further
exacerbates the challenges faced by the people of Balochistan. The
rising cost of essential commodities, such as food and fuel, puts
additional strain on households, making it even more challeng-ing for
them to make ends meet.
V. Way forward
The current state of Balochistan is a cause for con-cern on several
fronts. The province requires signifi-cant attention and support from
the government and relevant authorities to address these challenges
effec-tively. Efforts must be made to improve the education system by
investing in infrastructure, providing ade-quate resources, and
39 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
implementing policies that at-tract and retain qualified teachers.
Simultaneously, healthcare services need to be expanded and made
ac-cessible to all, especially in remote areas. To combat poverty and
unemployment, the government should focus on creating more
employment opportunities, particularly in sectors aligned with the
province’s nat­ural resources. This would not only uplift the standard
of living for individuals and families but also contrib-ute to the overall
economic growth of the region.
Furthermore, measures need to be taken to address the issue of
inflation. The government should implement policies that stabilize
prices, increase agricultural pro-ductivity, and promote sustainable
economic growth to alleviate the burden placed on the people of
Balochistan.
VI. Conclusion
The education crisis, healthcare woes, poverty, infla-tion, and
unemployment all contribute to the current state of Balochistan. It is
crucial for the government and relevant authorities to work towards
addressing these issues and improving the quality of life for the
residents of Balochistan. Only through concerted ef-forts and effective
policies can the province realize its full potential and provide a better
future for its people.
Punjabi in schools Dawn
Faisal Bari The writer is a senior research fellow at the Institute of Development and Economic Alternatives, and an associate professor of
economics at Lums.
I. Introduction:
• Introduction to the announcement made by the Chief Minister of
Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz, regarding the inclusion of Punjabi
language in schools.
• Brief overview of the significance of Punjabi language in Pakistan
and the challenges faced by it.
• Overview of the essay's focus on the implications of teaching
Punjabi in schools.
II. Importance of Teaching Punjabi:
• Explanation of the significance of Punjabi language, spoken by a
large population in Pakistan and worldwide.
• Discussion on the benefits of teaching in a child's native language,
including facilitating mental development and improving
learning outcomes.
III. Challenges and Considerations:
• Analysis of the challenges in implementing Punjabi as a subject in
schools, including curriculum development and teacher
availability.
• Discussion on the existing burden on students and teachers due
to multiple subjects and the need for prioritization.
40 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
IV. Medium of Instruction vs. Subject Teaching:
• Comparison between using Punjabi as a medium of instruction
and teaching it as a subject.
• Analysis of the potential impact on learning outcomes and
cultural preservation.
V. Policy Implications and Follow-up:
• Examination of the policy statement made by the Chief Minister
and its implications for language revival and cultural
preservation.
• Discussion on the need for a well-thought-out implementation
plan and follow-up actions to ensure effective integration of
Punjabi in the education system.
VI. Conclusion:
• Recap of the importance of reviving Punjabi language in Punjab's
education system.
• Emphasis on the need for a balanced approach considering both
linguistic and educational perspectives.
• Call for concerted efforts to ensure the successful implementation
of the announced policy and the revival of Punjabi language and
culture.
 I. Introduction:
THE chief minister of Punjab, Ms Maryam Nawaz, has said that
Punjabi will be taught across schools in the province. This was
announced at the Punjab Culture Day ceremony last week.
It is a welcome announcement. Some 80 million people speak Punjabi
in Pakistan and, worldwide, Punjabi speakers number around 110m.
Why should the language of so many not be taught in schools? If 80m
or so speak the language and are able to express what they need to in
Punjabi, why would there be an issue with using Punjabi in schools,
and why could it not be a medium of instruction for children whose
mother tongue is Punjabi, the language spoken at home?
II. Importance of Teaching Punjabi:
There is strong evidence that the child’s early education should be in
the language that he or she brings to school. This facilitates the child’s
mental development, and it makes learning easier and better as well. If
children speak Punjabi at home, this should be the medium of
instruction in the early years. Once the child has learnt the basics of it,
the medium can be shifted to other languages that might have been
introduced as subjects early on.
So, teaching in Punjabi in the early years makes sense for large areas in
Punjab — just as it makes sense to have Sindhi in early education in
Sindh and Pashto in KP, and so on. In fact, around 80 languages are
spoken in the country. If there is a significant number of children who
speak a particular language in a particular area, it makes sense to use
that language in early education to allow the children to become
interested in learning.
41 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
Teaching in Punjabi in the early years makes sense for large areas in
the province.
III. Challenges and Considerations:
It is sometimes argued that many of the smaller languages do not boast
a lot of books or other written material. But this is not a substantial
objection to the use of these languages. We do not need a lot of written
material, as early learning depends (and should depend) far more on
auditory learning than on reading and writing. And if some early-years
books are needed for children, producing them in a particular language
is not too taxing a task.
Teaching in the child’s language will help the child feel more
comfortable in school and acquire the basics of the language(s) he or
she is being exposed to as well as benefit from the conceptual
development that is needed at this stage.
IV. Medium of Instruction vs. Subject Teaching:
However, I do not think that is what Ms Maryam Nawaz was talking
about. I think she was saying that Punjabi would be introduced as
another subject in school. The idea is, of course, very welcome, given
the poor status Punjabi has as a language in the province and country.
Still, it does complicate matters a bit more.
We already have too many subjects and learning objectives for each
subject. Our students and teachers are overburdened as it is. They
learn/ teach English, Urdu, social studies, mathematics, Islamiat and
Quran nazra. And there is a lot within each subject as well. Regarding
curricula in South Asia, many experts have commented that we
overburden our students and teachers and make the latter race to
complete the curricula rather than focus on what students should be
learning. Should another subject be added without taking something
out? Will students gain from this or feel more encumbered?
Students are already learning at least two languages (Urdu and
English) even in the early years. Do we want to add another language as
a subject? In some places, students are taught the essentials of Arabic
as well. We need to think about cutting back.
Do we have teachers to teach Punjabi as a subject? Do keep in mind
that Punjabi as the medium of instruction in the early years is very
different from teaching Punjabi as a subject. And the ability to speak a
language is no qualification for being able to teach it too. We do not
even have teachers who can properly teach Urdu and English as
languages: how are we going to get teachers for Punjabi in
approximately 120,000 schools in the province?
V. Policy Implications and Follow-up:
We will also need to develop the curriculum and reading material for it.
If the chief minister is serious about bringing in Punjabi as a subject, it
will require quite a bit of planning. Of course, there is the bigger
question: when millions of children are out of school and the quality of
education in most schools is poor, should we focus our energies on
introducing Punjabi as a subject or on other priorities? From an
42 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
education perspective, the answer is clear. But from a political and
linguistic perspective, the answer might be different.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s larger point about the need to revive
Punjabi, to restore it to the status that it should have, and the need to
preserve Punjabi culture is well taken. But for this to happen, it is not
the teaching of Punjabi as a subject that is going to be important; using
Punjabi (and other home languages) as a medium of instruction in the
early years of education might be more important.
Punjabi needs to become the medium of communication and
interaction in most areas in Punjab. Once the use of Punjabi becomes
‘normalised’ and the real and perceived ‘stigma’ against using Punjabi
is weakened, a revival can take place.
VI. Conclusion:
The use of Punjabi as a medium of instruction makes sense from this
perspective as well as for improving learning among young children
who speak Punjabi at home. Introducing Punjabi as a subject in
schools, though perhaps useful, will require significant adjustments
that need to be thought through and which require a good
implementation plan as well. But the chief minister has made a very
important and needed policy statement. Now it remains to be seen
what the follow-up is going to be.
Foreign policy under Trump 2.0│Dawn
Maleeha Lodhi
I. Introduction:
• Overview of the speculation surrounding the potential return of
Donald Trump to the presidency.
• Introduction to the general perception of the US among the
international community and its implications for future
engagement with the world.
II. Analysis of the Intensely Polarized State of the US:
• Discussion on the political gridlock, government shutdowns, and
institutional dysfunction in the US.
• Examination of the impact of domestic challenges on
Washington's international engagement and reliability.
III. Assessment of Trump's Unpredictability and 'America
First' Approach:
• Analysis of the disruptive nature of Trump's unilateralist
approach and its effect on US foreign policy during his first term.
• Evaluation of the challenges posed by Trump's mercurial
personality and isolationist tendencies.
43 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
IV. Comparison of Trump and Biden's Foreign Policy
Approaches:
• Comparison of Trump and Biden's policies on key issues such as
China, trade, and international leadership.
• Examination of the similarities and differences between Trump
and Biden's approaches to global challenges.
V. Implications of Trump's Potential Return for
International Relations:
• Analysis of the potential consequences of Trump's return to office
for US allies and adversaries.
• Examination of Trump's transactional view of foreign relations
and its impact on US engagement with the world.
VI. Assessment of Trump's Domestic Agenda and Its
Potential Impact on Foreign Policy:
• Discussion on Trump's domestic priorities, including downsizing
the 'administrative state' and revamping the deep state.
• Evaluation of the potential repercussions of Trump's domestic
agenda on US foreign policy.
VII. Conclusion:
 I. Introduction

WHAT will US foreign policy look like under Donald Trump 2.0?
Governments and people across the world have already started
assessing this as the former president appears increasingly likely to
return to power even though the election is far too early to call. But
irrespective of who wins the presidential race, there is a general
perception of the US among the international community that is
informing assessments about Washington’s future engagement with
the world.

II. Analysis of the Intensely Polarized State of the US:

This concerns the intensely polarised state of the country, which

frequently gridlocks the political system, threatens government
shutdowns and paralyses Congress. So much so that agreement on the
budget proves elusive, and even aid to America’s closest ally (Israel)
fails to pass Congress. Institutional dysfunction and other challenges to
its democracy compels administrations to be much more preoccupied
with domestic challenges and troubles.
This in turn means Washington’s international engagement is neither
seen as sustained nor consistent and US reliability also comes into
question. This at a time when the US is no longer the sole dominant
power in a growing multipolar world, which imposes limits on its
power.
III. Assessment of Trump's Unpredictability and 'America
First' Approach
The prospect of another Trump presidency only reinforces this
perception given both his unpredictability and ‘America First’
unilateralist approach, which produced so much disruption and
discontinuity in foreign policy in his first term and eroded America’s
international standing. His isolationist approach also made the country
retrench from its global role.
As he is now a known quantity, will it be easier for the world to deal
with him? Not necessarily. His mercurial and whimsical personality
makes it uncertain whether his second term will just mimic the first
and offer more of the same in foreign policy. His impulsiveness makes

44 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)

it difficult to gauge his future policies with certainty especially as he is
capable of suddenly changing course.
IV. Comparison of Trump and Biden's Foreign Policy
Approaches:
When Joe Biden became president, his defining phrase of how his
administration would depart from Trump was ‘America is back’. It
meant more expansive and energetic US engagement with the world in
line with traditional US policy and global role. But in several core areas
his approach was not different from that of his predecessor.
In others, his administration’s declaratory policy was not matched by
operational reality, as for example the aim to ‘restore America’s global
leadership’. On China, his policy differed little from Trump’s, except
perhaps in tone. On trade their approach was identical. Trump-era
tariffs not only remained intact but were supplemented by tech
restrictions unleashing an intense tech war.
Biden’s aggressive stance towards Beijing and policy to contain China
of course reflected the political consensus in the US for a tougher
posture towards Beijing. For their part, Chinese officials saw little to
distinguish between Trump and Biden’s policies This prompted
Chinese leaders to repeatedly warn Washington against engaging in a
Cold War and describe the Biden administration’s strategy as one of
‘confrontational competition’.
In many respects, Biden’s worldview seemed stuck in the past and not
in sync with a vastly transformed world. For example, his effort to cast
the world into a defining battle between democracy and authoritarian
45 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
rule was a throwback to a Cold War paradigm and rhetoric. The idea
never took off, not least because American democracy itself had
regressed.
His chaotic management of the US military withdrawal from
Afghanistan was a major blow to US image and credibility. He failed to
mediate peace to bring the costly Ukraine war to an end. His policy on
Israel’s war in Gaza isolated the US from the international community,
which wanted the conflict to end, but instead, witnessed repeated
American vetoes of ceasefire resolutions in the UN Security Council.
This and Washington’s arming of Israel also eroded support for Biden
from within his own party, especially among young and liberal
Democrats.
V. Implications of Trump's Potential Return for
International Relations:
Not that Trump will be any different on this issue given his staunch
pro-Israel stance, which also appeals to his supporters among
evangelical Christians. He said last week that Israel should continue its
military offensive until “complete victory” and “finish the problem”.
His other utterances during the campaign have a familiar ring. He has
repeated the America First rhetoric, talked of imposing new trade
restrictions/ tariffs on China and ending its most favoured nation
trading status.
He also chastised Nato allies for not sharing the defence burden. He
said in his second term, America would fundamentally rethink “Nato’s
purpose and its mission” and ask European nations to reimburse the
US billions of dollars for military supplies it sent to Ukraine. He even
said he would encourage Russia to attack ‘delinquent’ Nato countries
who don’t spend what they should on defence.
Much of this is campaign rhetoric. But there is little question that a
man who brings business instincts to politics has a strong aversion to
supporting wars or getting America embroiled in other people’s wars.
Which is why European countries should worry most about his return
and about the US security guarantee for Europe. Trump will likely force
Ukraine into negotiations with Russia to seek a peace deal to end the
war and would be unconcerned if the outcome favoured Moscow.
He has often bragged he can end the war in 24 hours. There is also
strong opposition among Republicans and party supporters to aid for
Ukraine. Trump’s stance on Ukraine has implications for the Taiwan
issue, which he has seldom referred to. Trump has also never said
America would intervene militarily if China ‘invaded’ Taiwan, as Biden
once declared.
46 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
Because Trump has a transactional view of foreign relations that would
make his policies unpredictable but also open to pragmatic
possibilities. His administration would prefer to strike deals with
competitors and rivals rather than try to subdue them, especially given
his admiration for strongmen at the helm in some of these countries.
His resistance to detail in his foreign policy pronouncements gives him
room to manoeuvre and adapt.
VI. Assessment of Trump's Domestic Agenda and Its
Potential Impact on Foreign Policy
Trump’s more ambitious, if not sweeping, plans are on the domestic
front, which aim to downsize the ‘administrative state’ and revamp the
deep state but will also be driven by revenge. That means the American
people will have more to fear from Trump’s return than the
international community.
 Current affairs MCQS Compilation
Who is the Current Chief Minister of PUNJAB?
A. Maryam Nawaz Who is the Current President of Pakistan?
B. Mohsin Naqvi A. Mamnoon Hussain
C. Hamza Shahbaz Sharif B. Dr. Arif Alvi
D. None of these C. Asif Ali Zardari
D. Aitzaz Ahsan
Who is the Current Chief Minister of KHYBER
PAKHTUNKHWA? Who is the Current Director General of Federal Investigation
A. Pervez Khattak
Agency (DG FIA)?
B. Mr. Muhammad Azam khan
A. Mohsin Butt
C. Ali Amin Gandapur
B. Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir
D. Mehmood Khan
C. Wajid Zia
D. None
Who is the Current IG of National Highways and Motorway
Police (NHMP) ?
Who is the Current Chief Minister of SINDH?
A. Khalid Mahmood
A. Syed Murad Ali Shah
B. Sultan Ali Khawaja
B. Qaim Ali Shah
C. Salman Choudhry
C. Zahid Qurban Alvi
D. None of these
D. None of These

Who is the Current Chief Minister of BALOCHISTAN?

Who is the Current Chairman of Federal Board of Revenue
A. Sarfraz Bugti
B. Abdul Quddus Bizenjo (FBR)?
C. Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki A. Muhammad Javed Ghani
D. Ghous Bakhsh Barozai B. Malik Amjad Zubair Tiwana
C. Asim Ahmad
D. Dr Ashfaq Ahmed

47 (ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)