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FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Geopolitics of Middle East

By
Aqsa Sajjad
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1

The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded in 1904 to forge unity among the national soccer associations and comprises 209 member states rivaling the United Nations Organizations. It started with the cooperation of 8 founding members Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. FIFA is considered as one of the most prestigious sports organizations in the world. It divides the world into six regional confederations i.e., The Confederation of African Football (Africa), the Asian Football Confederation (Asia and Australia), the Union of European Football Associations (Europe), The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (North & Central America and the Caribbean), Oceania Football Confederation (Oceania) and The South American Football Confederation (South America).

Starting in 1930, till date FIFA has held 22 World Cup tournaments that have been organized by 18 countries primarily from Europe and the Americas. The Americas hosted 8 tournaments: 3 in North America and 5 in South America. 11 were held in Europe, 2 in Asia, and 1 in Africa.[1] FIFA Congress decides the hosting venue for holding the World Cup host country through a ballot; a system that evolved over the years after many conflicts within the organization on the selection of the hosting country. Till the 2002 World Cup held in Asia, hosted by South Korea and Japan it was hosted on a set pattern of alternation between Americas and Europe. The decision for the hosting venue generally takes place seven years prior to the tournament. However, the host for FIFA WC 2022 i.e.  Qatar, was chosen 12 years back at the same time when Russia was selected as a host for the 2018 tournament.

The World Cup 2022 held in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022 is one of the most discussed tournaments in the world for a number of reasons. This is the first time when FIFA World Cup was hosted by an Arab Muslim country and 2nd time in Asia since 2002. The tournament also remained in highlights for being the most expensive i.e., 20 times more than the tournaments held since 1930.

Qatar, a small country of 3 million people around 300,000 of whom are permanent residents gained independence in 1971 and became the world’s top LNG exporter by the mid-2000s. The country now holds a sovereign wealth fund of USD 450 billion worth and is amongst one of the countries with the highest GDP and per capita in the world. Qatar got $1.7 billion from FIFA, including the $440 million prize money for the contesting teams. However, it spent an estimated amount of USD 220 billion,[2] roughly 100% of GDP, since winning the bid in 2010. The amount was spent on constructing 7 new stadiums for the international standard matches, refurbishing an old one, and creating a metro system to link the venues of the matches. Besides, out of this amount the funds were used to upgrade an airport, construct new hotels for the visiting fans, and upgradation the roads to host a world-class event. The tournament was held at 8 venues in 5 cities including Al-Daayen, Al-Khor, Al-Wakrah, Al-Rayyan, and the capital city of Doha. The matches were contested between 32 teams.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 held in Qatar is going to have a long-lasting impact. It was a unique event in its nature: as a small Arab country despite multiple controversies managed to uphold its norms and Muslim traditions. It will also help in altering the ‘world view’ of Islam and may help in countering Islamophobia too. Moreover, it is likely to have an enduring impact in terms of an economic boost, modernized and customized civic and sports infrastructure improving the image and international standing of Qatar.  The event commenced with the recitation of the following verses of the Holy Quran by a 20-year-old boy Ghanim Al Muftah, who is also a FIFA World Cup ambassador:

“Oh mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.”[3]

Morgan Freeman and Ghanim al Muftah during the opening ceremony – Source: The Khaleej Times https://www.khaleejtimes.com/fifa-world-cup/fifa-world-cup-2022-look-how-qatar-welcomes-the-football-fans-with-quran-recitation

The ceremony was preceded by an invitation to the world by the host nation. The people were welcomed to visit Qatar with an open-mind and discover it as a pluralist state; knowing about its culture, religion and in the broader sense about the Muslim world, respecting the local customs, traditions, and laws.

Prior to the tournament a statement sent to CNN on behalf of “Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC)” stated that,

It is meant to be “an inclusive and discriminatory-free” World Cup, “There has never been an issue and every event will be delivered safely.” “Everyone is welcome in Qatar, but we are a conservative country, and any public display of affection, regardless of orientation, is frowned upon. We simply ask for people to respect our culture. We all live on the same planet, but we each have different cultures. We welcome all, but we also expect and want people to respect our culture”.[4]

The host country guaranteed the tourists and spectators their safety and security by following the state laws and not undermining them. It also provided surety to the LGBT+ community not to be fearful to visit the country as long as they respect the traditions and values of Qatar. However, being prohibited in Islam consuming alcohol at the stadiums during matches was banned. Facilitating the international fans of football, hard drinks were allowed in designated places including FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations, and licensed venues, away from Qatar’s World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.

Apart from the tournament, Qatar offered many spectacular sights including the sightseeing of the Katara Mosque to the visitors. The event’s most positive impact was a change in visitors’ views on Islam. To many, their visit to Qatar was the first exposure to a Muslim country and Islam. Around two thousand scholars on Islam, from across the globe, who spoke different world languages to preach Islam in their own languages had been brought in. These scholars helped remove the misconceptions about Islamic terrorism, rigidity, aggression, and forced imposition of religion. This resulted in sending a message of peace to the world. Besides, there were QR codes displayed at mosques offering the visitors to know about Islam and Quran in their preferred languages. Electronic boards containing Hadith and Islam in more than 30 languages were displayed in the mosques and outside. An official at Qatar’s Ministry of Religious Endowments told AFP that the goal of the state was not “the number of converts to Islam, but rather the number of those who change their opinion about it.”[5] The initiative was meant to break the barriers and encourage people to learn and understand the peaceful spirit of Islam which is inherited by Qatar. Fans visiting Qatar for the FIFA World Cup can take free guided tours of the Katara Mosque in multiple languages.

Canadian couple Dorinel and Clara Popa pose for a photo inside the Blue Mosque, during Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, in Doha, Nov. 29, 2022.- Source: https://www.voanews.com/a/world-cup-host-qatar-seeks-to-change-minds-on-islam/6862327.html
Fans visiting Qatar for the FIFA World Cup can take free guided tours of the Katara Mosque in multiple languages. – Source: https://www.interfaithamerica.org/world-cup-interfaith-understanding-islam/

Besides the religious and cultural impact on the state of Qatar and the Muslim world, the FIFA World Cup 2022 will further elevate Qatar in multiple domains including socio-economic spheres, creating job opportunities, tourism, diplomacy, and projecting the soft image of the country.

According to estimates, this World Cup generated 1.5 million job opportunities contributing in the state economy in construction, real estate, and hospitality.[6] Moreover, the tournament will surge tourism in Qatar for a long time as it gained extraordinary coverage by international media introducing Qatar to the globe and providing it access to new markets. The event also attracted thousands of people to destinations less likely to be known and visited otherwise. Qatar expects to achieve the target of 6 million visitors annually by 2030, up from 2 million in 2019.

Furthermore, the infrastructure developed for the mega event comprising stadiums, hotels, roads, airports and metro-line for commuters has added to the state property for an economic boost of the country, facilitating the tourists and the diversification of the economy.

The FIFA World Cup helped Qatar in elevating its position from an ordinary sports performer to a key sporting hub of the Middle East, providing it an entry in the global sports business. Winning the bid for the World Cup 2022 in 2010 opened new avenues for Qatar which brought many international sports events to its doors since 2010. Organizing this magnificent event engendered praise for a small Arab country. This has also opened new vistas of income generation and economic diversification in addition to its revenues from oil and gas.

The successful conduct of this mega event is seen as a powerful element to rebrand Qatar’s image including a legacy of being the first Arab Muslim country to host the FIFA World Cup. It also projected the soft image of Qatar enhancing its reputation not only at the regional level but also around the globe. Qatar successfully portrayed the Arab culture beyond its borders by utilizing the event and sending a message of being capable of hosting a world-class event adding to state confidence, illustrating the technological advancement, increased people-to-people interaction, tourism, and cultural manifestations.

The event further helped in enhancing diplomatic relations between Qatar and Gulf countries, which were experiencing bitterness since 2017, as the World Cup left a positive impact on their economies as well in the form of having more tourists visiting Qatar’s neighboring countries. Particularly UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia experienced a notable increase in tourism since the commencement of the tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2022 did not only benefit its host country but also to the FIFA association. Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based news channel reported that the World Cup held at Qatar produced 7.5 billion dollars for FIFA governing body with an increase of $1 billion in revenue from the tournament hosted by Russia in 2018, which is a record in itself.[7] It proved to be a distinguished event from the previously held tournaments which brought different people and cultures closer to one another from across the world. FIFA confirmed the notion by saying,

“Football reinforced its unique cohesive power by uniting the world in a spirit of peace and friendship.”[8]

Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, termed it ‘the best FIFA World Cup ever’

In a statement posted on FIFA’s website on December 20, 2022, Infantino stated that,

“What you have done and what they have done to welcome the world to this country – this beautiful country – has been unbelievable, and everyone felt at home.”[9] He further added that for the first time in the history of modern WC, the world has come together in the tournament held at Qatar.

In short, the very much contested FIFA World Cup 2022 impacted the minds of a number of people from across the world. The western media’s criticism does not align with the social media stories of common people. The analysis of social media persons reflected that Islam was introduced to many non-Muslims around the world, who came to attend the FIFA World Cup, as a religion of peace and harmony. The story of animosity towards Islam and its followers was portrayed through the mainstream media by interpreting Qatar as a country denying basic rights to its citizens as well as the rights of the LGBT community and barring non-Muslims from consuming alcohol in the stadium premises. Qatar, however, practically manifested liberty appropriately, within the local laws and norms.  All in all, the event proved to be a massive hit and gave a message of peace to the world depicting the true spirit of Islam despite prevailing controversies.

Qatar achieved the objectives of making this global event successful by focusing in multiple directions including developing relations with the states and making the people understand about their point of view. Simultaneously, it tried to remove the misperceptions of the people about Islam and its teachings and introduced them to the Muslim Arab culture. The success of Qatar in achieving its objectives was also indicated by the global media in the following words,

“Qatar has sent a powerful message to the world through the World Cup that a nation can keep its cultural and religious values while remaining modern.”[10]

[1] Rudi Schuller, “FIFA World Cup Hosts: List of Every Country That Has Ever Staged the Famous Tournament”, August 2, 2022. https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/soccer/fifa-world-cup-hosts-list-of-every-country-that-has-ever-staged-the-famous-tournament/1oj5lmkizmhej1h2vb30u3kx09, accessed January 22, 2023.

[2] Tariq Panja, “Qatar Got the World Cup It Wanted”, December 18, 2022. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/18/sports/soccer/qatar-world-cup-host.html, accessed January 22, 2023.

[3] FIFA World Cup: Qatar welcomes football fans with Quran recitation, Morgan Freeman narration, November 20 2022. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/fifa-world-cup/fifa-world-cup-2022-look-how-qatar-welcomes-the-football-fans-with-quran-recitation,  accessed January 22, 2023.

[4] Oumaima Latrech, “Qatar Enacts Sex Bans for Unmarried Fans Ahead of World Cup”, June 22, 2022. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/06/349859/qatar-enacts-sex-bans-for-unmarried-fans-ahead-of-world-cup, accessed January 16, 2023.

[5] “World Cup Host Qatar Seeks to Change Minds on Islam”, December 04, 2022. https://www.voanews.com/a/world-cup-host-qatar-seeks-to-change-minds-on-islam/6862327.html, accessed January 16, 2023.

[6] Zahara Malik, “A Lasting Impact: The World Cup on the Middle East region and Beyond”

12 December, 2022. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/opinion/a-lasting-impact-the-world-cup-on-the-middle-east-region-and-beyond, accessed January 16, 2023.

[7] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/12/world-cup-football-financial-windfall/ (accessed January 16, 2023.

[8] FIFA World Cup 2022 praised for its “unique cohesive power”, December 16, 2022. https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/organisation/fifa-council/media-releases/fifa-world-cup-2022-tm-praised-for-its-unique-cohesive-power, accessed January 16, 2023.

[9] “Gianni Infantino: Football is becoming truly global”, December 20, 2022. https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/president/news/gianni-infantino-football-is-becoming-truly-global, accessed January 16, 2023.

[10] “FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022; bright chapter in Doha’s efforts to promote tolerance, coexistence culture”, December 22, 2022. http://en.kabar.kg/news/fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-bright-chapter-in-dohas-efforts-to-promote-tolerance-coexistence-culture/, accessed January 23, 2023.

Indo-Pacific Strategic Developments: Implications for South Asia

By
Noorulain Naseem
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0

The South Asian region- home to 25% of the global population – is marked by deteriorating socio-economic conditions and volatile domestic political environments. The region also lags behind in terms of connectivity and bilateral trade. One of the reasons for bilateralism and regional integration to thrive in the region is India-Pakistan’s nuclear rivalry and Afghanistan’s perpetual instability, which makes it ever difficult for long-term bilateral trust to develop between states. This makes trade, connectivity, diplomacy, and dialogue even more difficult for this conflict-prone region.

The region attempted regional integration and cooperation through frameworks like Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and mega connectivity projects like Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Central Asia-South Asia Power Project CASA 1000, and Tajikistan- Afghanistan- Pakistan- India Gas Pipeline (TAPI). But the deeply shaken security dilemma and lack of collective security awareness in regional states result in delays in the completion of these projects or inefficiency of multilateral forums. With the protracted conflicts, ethnic unrest, and economic challenges still unresolved, the region now faces another challenge in the form of accelerated competition between the US and China, both of whom now aim to expand their respective spheres of influence and strategic competition beyond South Asia onto Indo-Pacific. This makes matters especially concerning for Pakistan, as it faces the aftermath of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in the form of refugee flows, and trans-national terrorism resurging in the volatile border areas. Meanwhile, the growing US-India defense cooperation and strategic alignment for greater Indo-Pacific cooperation make it even harder for Pakistan to lower its threat perceptions towards this partnership.

As much as Pakistan wants to resist becoming a casualty of great power competition, it is placed at the delicate epicenter of South Asia, and Central Asia via Afghanistan, West Asia, and the Indian Ocean. This makes it especially hard for Pakistan to remain indifferent to growing polarities, shifts in alliances, and resulting disruption in the balance of power, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The resulting geopolitical stress is costing Pakistan its foreign policy, security, and economic goals in the shadows of great power competition. Pakistan’s National Security Policy mentions a renewed focus and commitment towards regional economic connectivity, human security, and development-based alliances.

The intensifying strategic competition has distracted the great powers of attention from some of the destabilizing challenges faced by the South Asian region.

US’s Indo-Pacific focus makes India its inevitable defense ally to counter China in the Indian Ocean. Some of the developments of this alliance, like the possibility of India obtaining nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS and QUAD gaining momentum since 2020 Malabar military exercises are of particular concern to both Pakistan and China. In case Washington actually designates India as its “net security provider” in the Indian Ocean, the regional geo-strategic calculus may get seriously destabilized. U.S.-India defense ties have drastically developed in the past decade. U.S. defense corporations are engaging directly with the Indian government to build its domestic arms production and defense technology capacity, which can further accelerate the arms race prevalent between both Pakistan-India and, now, China and India. The joint strategic vision statements and agreements between India and the US to bring India to park with NATO allies seems to indicate quite clearly that Pacific states and India are deliberately building polarity in the Indo-Pacific region. However, the intensifying strategic competition has distracted the great powers of attention from some of the destabilizing challenges faced by the South Asian region. What concerns Pakistan the most is the lack of US and international community engagement in Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian crisis, and leaving the byproducts of the Afghan conflict to be managed by Pakistan and neighboring states alone. In this regard, the Indo-Pacific region is home to some of the world’s thriving economies that are now also integrating India through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. No doubt, India’s economic growth can rescue millions of people in its territory from poverty, but the dangers of Hindutva-led Indian policies and narrative, unfortunately, are being used to target minorities, focusing on religious-identity-based populism.

CPEC and Gwadar can be instrumental in reviving a staggering economy, and make it a transit hub for inter-regional trade.

As India invests heavily in its border infrastructure to facilitate trade links with smaller South Asian states, its bilateral trade with the U.S. hit a record $157 billion in two-way goods and services trade in 2021. In fact, the US is now the top destination for India’s merchandise exports. And yet is it China’s BRI and CPEC that are being securitized by the Indo-Pacific states, and India in particular considers this grand initiative of regional connectivity as an instrument of Chinese supremacy? India, therefore, remains reluctant to be a part of BRI and CPEC, resisting South Asian and Southeast Asian connectivity or related projects like the Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Pipeline (TAPI). For Pakistan, CPEC and Gwadar can be instrumental in reviving a staggering economy and making it a transit hub for inter-regional trade.

The US’ focus on the Indo-Pacific to balance power with China should not be at the expense of South-Asian development, and Pakistan’s history of alliance with the US.

The connectivity links and trade agreements coming under BRI can revive the domestic economies of Central Asia, and South Asia and integrate West Asian and Middle Eastern Markets to rescue the people from staggering poverty, economic stagnation, and resulting under-development. The US focus on the Indo-Pacific to balance power with China should not be at the expense of South-Asian development, and Pakistan’s history of alliance with the US. The alienation of South Asia and investment in defense alliances in the Indo-Pacific by the US might push both regions into zero-sum-based great power competition, making it especially hard for developing states, not to become a casualty of great power rivalry. Therefore, a renewed U.S.-Pakistan engagement, refocused on development, clean energy, and security cooperation beyond Afghanistan, is needed. This can also address the US’ apprehensions about the growing Chinese influence in the region and retain Washington’s strategic relevance in South Asian geopolitics.

Emergence of New Power Centers: Impact on US led World Order

By
Dr. Moonis Ahmar
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3
Morgan Freeman and Ghanim al Muftah during the opening ceremony

In his State of Union address delivered before American Congress on February 7 this year, the US President Joseph Biden primarily focused on domestic issues but also touched upon foreign policy challenges, challenges particularly from the People’s Republic of China. While reiterating that America will continue to play a leadership role in world affairs, he cautioned Congress members against rising threats to global order.

With defense expenditures of $850 billion, debt of $32 trillion and GDP of $24 trillion, the United States is passing through a critical phase because its defense expenditures are going up along with debt, but the economy is declining. Consequently, the leadership role of America to sustain West’s tutelage is under challenge from China and Russia.

 The United States is passing through a critical phase because its defense expenditures are going up along with debt, but the economy is declining. Consequently, the leadership role of America to sustain West’s tutelage is under challenge from China and Russia.

The US President Joseph Biden is in a denial mode asserting that his country is not declining in terms of economy, global security, poor infrastructure and growing racial divide capable of causing enormous damage to America’s credibility and capacity to protect its national interests.

Is there US a declining power and if yes, then why its leadership is unable to reverse the process of a steady waning of its superpower status? How will the vacuum created as a result of American decline will have its ramifications in global order? To what extent the West will accept the US leadership and how rupture in the Atlantic alliance will further jeopardize American influence in global affairs? These are the questions which are raised in the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the growing Sino-Russian nexus to cut the US down to its size.

Historically, no power on earth can sustain its influence and hold forever. Huge empires having their tutelage for centuries diminished and gave rise to new centers of power. But, the example of the United States is different because since it got independence from Britain in 1776 till today, it massively expanded its power. In 2026, the US will celebrate its 250th independence anniversary and from 13 states on July 5, 1776 it expanded to 50 states with enormous economic, technological and military progress surpassing European imperial powers and assuming number one position in global affairs as a superpower following the end of the Second World War.

United States is a classic example to understand how a weak state passed through the process of achieving, strengthening and demonstrating power. There is no other country in the history of the last 300 years which can match with America’s steady success in emerging as a global power. One needs to examine and analyze with critical thinking the projected decline of America from three angles. First, called as the land of opportunities, America regardless of apartheid system, excluding non-whites from basic rights including the right to vote till 1965, was called as the ‘land of opportunities’ and attracted talent from all over the world. Composed of migrants, excluding native Americans who were liquidated since the white European settlements from 16th century onwards, those who assumed leadership role after seeking independence from Britain worked hard to build their country brick by brick and made full use of enormous resources available to their country.

 The turning point in the US leadership role in global affairs was after it had won the Second World War and assumed the responsibility to protect western interests after the decline of European imperial powers.

Taking advantage of their ideal geographical location, American leaders pursued a gradualist approach in seeking a global power status. From a policy of isolation enshrined in Monroe doctrine of December 23, 1823 to winning the civil war of 1860s and the American-Spanish war of 1898, the US abandoned its policy of isolation by joining the First and the Second World War. The turning point in the US leadership role in global affairs was after it had won the Second World War and assumed the responsibility to protect western interests after the decline of European imperial powers. Paradoxically, the United States, which was the richest country of the world after World War Second and financed the historic Marshal Plan for reconstruction of war, devastated Europe in 1948 became the poorest country because of its surging debt of $32 trillion. Even then, at the non-state level, America is the richest country because of the accumulation of enormous wealth in the hands of several hundred billionaires; companies having assets of trillions of dollars and dollar as number one international currency.

The generation which planned and rendered sacrifices for transforming the United States from a weak state in 1776 to a major global power in 1945 is now replaced by a generation which lacks ownership and commitment to their country. As a result, Pax Americana, which replaced Pax Britannica during the 20th century, is no more a reality because 21st century is predicted to be Pax Asiana. Second, realistically speaking, despite the downhill trend of the US economy and it is declining leadership role in global affairs, it is argued that America will continue to influence the world in partnership with the West because of its technological superiority. Unlike the pre-Second World War situation when wars within the West led to the two world wars, after the Second World War, the West has not fought any war with each other. Resolution and management of conflicts, particularly between France and Germany in Europe and the role of the US under the auspices of NATO, tends to ensure Western supremacy in global affairs. Furthermore, Japan, despite being geographically located in Asia, is termed as a first world country having strong ties with the United States. In its essence, it is by default that America is playing a leadership role in global order by representing West and its allies in the developing world.

Following terrorist attacks in New York and Washington DC on September 11, 2001, which killed around 3,000 Americans, the US has managed to prevent a major terrorist attack on its soil. But, the price which it had to pay to counter terrorism is in the form of curtailing human rights and the vicious role of homeland security in apprehending those suspected to be involved in terrorism. Acts of harassment of the Muslim community and the detention of hundreds of Muslims in the notorious Guantanamo Bay prison badly eroded America’s image of the world. Even President Barack Obama during his eight years as American president failed to completely shut-down that prison because under the so-called counter terrorism strategy it was defended by the ultra-conservatives.

Perhaps, the worst phase in the recent American history shattering its image as a democracy got tarnished during the four-years term of former President Donald Trump. His tilt towards white supremacists and measures against Muslim immigrants badly damaged America’s image in global affairs. It was during the Trump era when serious efforts were made to cut America down to its size by offering an alternate world order under the leadership of Russia and China. The two giants of Asia made it clear that they would not allow American tutelage in global order any more. Even European allies of the US were antagonized because of Trump’s policies, which called for lowering the US financial contribution to NATO. The culture of populism, which is perceived to be anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant, further fragmented and polarized American society. Countless acts of lynching of Afro-Americans by the white American police galvanized hatred against the white dominated Trump administration, which significantly contributed to the defeat of Trump led Republican party in November 2020 elections.

Finally, how a country like Pakistan, which despite being the fifth most populated country in the world, will be impacted if the US led world order declines and new centers of power emerge in the coming years? The position taken by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan when Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 antagonized the United States. America wanted Pakistan to condemn Russian attack and wanted its Prime Minister not to visit Moscow the day when Ukraine was attacked. Unfortunately, the failure of Pakistan to focus on its economy and seek political stability augmented its vulnerability because with a weak economy it had to make compromises on its sovereignty. Reaching out to International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a 23rd time in the last 75 years of its history meant acquiescing to American pressure. It also means compromising on its sovereignty by agreeing to harsh conditions of Washington based IMF without realizing the fact that instead of seeking foreign aid, it should have focused on enhancing exports and pursuing a policy of self-reliance. Those at the helm of affairs plunged their country into deep economic crisis.

It would have been better for Pakistan to follow success stories of South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, China, India and the UAE in terms of their economic vibrancy. But, with tunnel vision and meager skills to pull Pakistan from deep economic and political crisis, they further deepened their country’s dependence on IMF, China and the West. In this scenario, alarmists argue that those having an age-old dream to neutralize Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal will take advantage of its economic fiasco and impose conditions which will compel Islamabad to slash its defense expenditures and allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor and control Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.

Given Pakistan’s pressing economic and political condition, its role in global affairs and to deal with the transformation of world order is questionable. Huge power asymmetry between Pakistan and other players in global order, including India, is a major reality. Yet, if governing elites take cognizance of the situation and be mindful of their country’s fragile and failing status, one can expect some better role of Pakistan in the prevailing world order.

Certainly, history teaches us the lesson that no power can sustain its hold over power for long but in case of the United States it is a different story because it is not just America but the West whose survival is stake because of Sino-Russian nexus and the possible cleavage in the Atlantic Alliance.

To sum up, one can argue that in the year 2023 is critical both for Pakistan and the world order. During this year, Pakistan can further sink in the vicious cycle of economic and political crisis or a miracle can happen and pull the country from an impending disaster. It is yet to be seen if miracles take place in today’s world. As far as the world order is concerned, certainly history teaches us the lesson that no power can sustain its hold over power for long but in case of the United States it is a different story because it is not just America but the West whose survival is stake because of Sino-Russian nexus and the possible cleavage in the Atlantic Alliance. Certainly, there is no surety that the world will be better off if the world order transforms as a result of American decline or a multipolar world with responsible global actors will ensure peace and stability.

International Approach and Challenges to South Asian Strategic Stability

By
Dr. Rahat Iqbal
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7

The formation of international regimes established after World-War -I and II was aimed at maintaining international peace and security. However, a stable world order demands a just and fair approach by major powers. Of course, in South Asia, this factor is overshadowed by the complex dynamics of the region. The stability matrix of South Asia is always under stress, due to long-lasting conflicts between — India and Pakistan, further aggravated by great power competition in the broader Asia-Pacific region.

In the global context, the western bloc, primarily the United States (US), is focusing on containing China’s economic rise and its influence in Asia-Pacific through strengthening of bi-lateral trade and strategic partnership with India. Due to great power competition, the international community has overlooked the security element in the context of South Asia, which can endanger regional peace and strategic stability.

Due to great power competition, the international community has overlooked the security element in the context of South Asia, which can endanger regional peace and strategic stability.

In 2008, US and India signed a nuclear deal in order to assist Delhi in coping with its energy crisis. This eventually has led to the potential of strengthening its strategic capability. Under this deal, the US enabled India to get a Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) waiver. This exception to India has set a precedent for its membership in export control regimes, including Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The moment India became a member of MTCR, it extended the range of BrahMos missile from 290km to 490 km. The waiver aggravates the situation and affects regional strategic stability. For instance, in March 2022, this was illustrated during the BrahMos missile incident. This was the first time in history that one Nuclear Weapon State (NWS) launched a missile attack on another NWS, with zero reaction from the international community. The Indian actions or intentions should have attracted the attention of the international community, particularly, as India is considered being an adherent of export control regimes. On the contrary, in a similar development in November 2022, when the eastern border of Poland was likely struck by a conventional S-300 air defense missile of Russia, killing two people. The incident was taken up as a serious matter by the international community.

India has embarked upon building military prowess and strategic advantage in an unprecedented manner. The cooperation by the West has led India to enhance its defensive capabilities through military and technological advancement. It is enhancing its nuclear capabilities by developing its fast breeder reactors, nuclear powered sub-marines, Inter-continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), acquiring Ballistic Missile Defense while strengthening its air defense mechanism. Proliferation of such high-impact weapons capabilities can put the strategic stability at risk. With all this, India can opt for an opportunity to carry out preemptive operations against Pakistan. This is so because India’s weapons/missiles are already on ready to launch mode, which was also anticipated during BrahMos missile incident. Moreover, the strengthening of Indian defense capabilities would assist Delhi in changing its nuclear policy from No First Use (NFU) to First Use and military strategy towards counter force targeting and first strike. This would inevitably compel Pakistan to take some assertive measures in order to prevent any outside threat.

Since India is considered as an important strategic ally of US, its inclusion in other security alliances could further disturb regional peace. For instance, Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad axis) will push India to boost its naval coverage and exercises in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) in order to dominate it. On the other hand, the majority of Pakistan’s trade is seaborne, dependent upon the safe and secure sea-lanes of communications. India, which has a Hindutva ideology and wants to suppress Pakistan in order to maintain its regional supremacy, can get a chance to opt for a naval blockade which can hinder Pakistan’s economic activities in IOR. The Indo-US strategic partnership has enabled Delhi to enhance its defense capabilities, which is reinforced by possible formation of an alliance between India, France and US (INFRUS). This aims to empower India by enhancing its deterrent capabilities against regional powers. In another incident, India became confident of waging a limited war against Islamabad. India conducted a so-called surgical strike against Pakistan in Balakot in 2019. This could have resulted in hardcore response but Pakistan reacted responsibly to deescalate the situation. Given Indian belligerence and hegemonic designs, a future conflict may not remain limited and can escalate to total war in South Asia. This will surely have spillover effects in the region and beyond.

Given Indian belligerence and hegemonic designs, a future conflict may not remain limited and can escalate to total war in South Asia. This will surely have spillover effects in the region and beyond.

The special treatment of India by the US and the west has given it confidence to desire conducting a hot -testing of thermonuclear devices and has been requesting the West for its support, by using the card of stability matrix in Asia-Pacific. If it happens, Pakistan will be left with no option but to enhance its deterrent posture to the best of its capabilities.

It is high time that the international community and the established regimes should realize that the exceptional favors for India for their vested interest can create challenges for sustaining strategic stability in the region. To overcome such challenges, Indian hegemonic ambitions to be a regional policeman must be put in check to maintain regional peace and stability.

Understanding US Security Role in Indo-Pacific

By
Muhammad Abubaker
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3

The International security landscape is undergoing significant changes and appears to be in a period of transition towards a new global order. This transition is marked by growing strategic competition among the US, China, & Russia, as indicated by the US National Security Strategy’s (NSS-22) designation of China as a strategic competitor and Russia as an immediate threat. The US side perceives China as a potential threat to its hegemony and sphere of influence due to its rapid economic growth. To restrict China, the US side is working to restore its security leadership role in the Indo-Pacific by strengthening its alliances with the ocean-going maritime democracies, building new partnerships with Pacific island nations, and reinvigorating the Quad.

The US has increased its footprints in the Indo-Pacific in recognition of the fact that it is the most dynamic region in the world.

The US has increased its footprints in the Indo-Pacific in recognition of the fact that it is the most dynamic region in the world. It is regarded as an economic powerhouse with the potential to affect the future of people residing in different parts of the world over the next century. The US has a vision for the Indo-Pacific region. It wants to see it as a free, open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient area. To achieve that goal requires forging connections between the Indo-Pacific in the East and Euro-Atlantic in the West in order to leverage European interests in the region. This is part of the motivation for the new Australia, UK, and US partnership (AUKUS) to make this vision a reality. Moreover, the US Indo-Pacific strategy is clearly aimed at countering China’s economic growth & calls for investments in democratic institutions & civil society, promoting free trade and maintaining peace & stability across the Taiwan Strait. Apart from that, it also emphasizes aligning with like-minded partners to compete effectively with China and other countries that favor authoritarian systems over democratic systems.

The Bush administration in the mid-2000s launched a significant shift in US military, economic, and diplomatic strategy towards Asia with the goal of managing, rather than containing, China’s rise. This was achieved through a combination of internal and external balancing measures, aimed at expanding the collective power of the US and its allies and partners to discourage China from pursuing hegemony. The Obama administration continued this initiative under the ‘Pivot to Asia’ strategy, which has guided the US policy in the region. The Trump administration further emphasized the importance of Asia in the US foreign policy by introducing the ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ concept, which sought to strengthen ties with India as a counterbalance to China.

The Biden Administration has ushered in a new era of strategic partnership and commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, as evidenced by key initiatives such as the revival of Quad, AUKUS, and Pacific Partnership strategy. These efforts aim to establish a security partnership to counter the perceived Chinese threat, secure an open and free Indo-Pacific, and deter coercion. Additionally, the administration has prioritized engagement with the ASEAN bloc to expand its sphere of influence, and has introduced the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) as part of a broader strategy to maintain a balance of power against China. Analysts have noted that while this strategy is logical and compelling, effectively implementing it will prove to be a formidable challenge. This approach builds on the recognition of the importance of Asia, a focus that previous administration has also placed on strengthening alliances and working collectively to bring greater security and prosperity in the region.

The Quad is seen as a direct challenge to China and its assertiveness in the region, with the goal of managing China’s rise and fostering friendly relations with ASEAN countries.

Recent developments in the Indo-Pacific region indicate that the US, under the Biden administration, is taking steps to counteract China’s growing influence. One key aspect of this strategy is the revival of Quad, an informal security alliance comprising democratic nations such as Japan, Australia, India, and the US. The Quad is seen as a direct challenge to China and its assertiveness in the region, with the goal of managing China’s rise and fostering friendly relations with ASEAN countries. The Quad is also aimed at deterring the use of coercive practices in resolving territorial and political disputes, such as Taiwan, South China Sea (SCS), and East China Sea (ECS). Additionally, the Quad serves as a platform for diplomatic consultation, military cooperation, information exchange, and economic integration. President Biden has expressed concerns about the threat posed by China’s security apparatus, and his approach emphasizes working through multilateral institutions, as demonstrated by multiple Quad summits.

It is important to note that any conflict in the region will be having a detrimental effect on cooperative mechanisms in the region. Therefore, communication and cooperation are key in addressing the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, instead of resorting to quasi-security groupings.

The US side is currently playing a significant security leadership role in the Indo-Pacific region. However, China views this role as a challenge to its own interests and aims to neutralize any anti-China bloc in the region. It has accused the US of stoking tensions and has advised the US to adopt a more cooperative approach, rather than indulging in a new Cold War. China has also urged the US to look beyond its narrow political agendas and has proposed the path of peaceful development. Furthermore, it has denounced the US efforts to impose its will on the Asian region. It is important to note that any conflict in the region will be having a detrimental effect on cooperative mechanisms in the region. Therefore, communication and cooperation are key in addressing the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, instead of resorting to quasi-security groupings.

Africa-Russia & the Changing World Order

By
Dr. Usman
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3

South Africa and Russia have pledged to deepen bilateral relations and will conduct a combined military exercise on the anniversary of Ukraine’s invasion. Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, paid a visit to Pretoria as part of his second trip to Africa since the invasion; he will also allegedly visit Botswana, Angola, and Eswatini. The journey largely served as a declaration of Russia’s “non-isolation,” sending the message that important strategic partnerships still exist despite Western sanctions and attempts to exclude it from the international scene.

The current global geopolitical tensions signal the need for institutional mechanisms that will have the stature form and global trust to promote and support global peace and security, according to the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has suggested Pretoria could use the chairmanship to push for the admission of new members to expand the bloc’s presence and challenge the dominance of global superpowers

Shortly after the invasion of Ukraine, on February 24, 2022, South Africa requested Russia to promptly remove its troops from Ukraine. But the tone has shifted since then. In the ensuing U.N. vote in March to condemn Russia’s actions, South Africa was one of 15 African countries to abstain. Asserting Russia’s withdrawal during their meeting would have been “simplistic and infantile,” South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said at a joint press conference with Lavrov. She also made reference to the massive transfer of arms that has since occurred from Western powers to support Ukraine’s military efforts. In addition, Pandor praised the expanding political, economic, social, and military cooperation between Pretoria and Moscow. It highlighted the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) group of top developing nations’ international obligations in a changing world economy.

South Africa will hold a combined naval drill with Russia and China. Hosting such operations with allies was a natural element of ties, refuting the idea that only certain nations are suitable partners. The combined drill, called “Mosi,” which is Tswana for “Smoke,” was timed to “attract attention worldwide.”

The current global geopolitical tensions signal the need for institutional mechanisms that will have the stature form and global trust to promote and support global peace and security, according to the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has suggested Pretoria could use the chairmanship to push for the admission of new members to expand the bloc’s presence and challenge the dominance of global superpowers. In order to guarantee that it is part of a revised international order, BRICS should take a constructive role in developing processes.

Between February 17 and February 27, South Africa will hold a combined naval drill with Russia and China. Hosting such operations with allies was a natural element of ties, refuting the idea that only certain nations are suitable partners. The combined drill, called “Mosi,” which is Tswana for “Smoke,” was timed to “attract attention worldwide.” South Africa has resolutely refused to be “bullied” despite pressure from its Western allies to support its opposition to the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia’s ability to position itself as an anti-imperialist resistance force, playing on people’s animosity toward Western powers like the U.S., U.K., and France, owing to their history of tyranny on the continent, is key to its appeal to many African states. Russia has been able to take advantage of perceived “patronizing attitudes” from the West and “anti-imperialist emotions” despite its relatively minor trading ties with the African continent compared to that of the European Union.

Thirty years ago, the Russian Federation, then a part of the Soviet Union, supported the anti-apartheid campaign in South Africa, which would later serve as the ANC’s foundation.

Countries like South Africa have bought into Russia’s narrative that it is an anti-colonial power, that it stands up for the underdog, that having one superpower—and having that superpower be the United States—is bad for the world, that there should be multipolarity, and that there should be alternative sources of power and alternative methods of power distribution.

Protesters were waving Russian flags in Burkina Faso as they denounced France and the regional organization ECOWAS in recent weeks, underscoring Russia’s expanding influence. Undoubtedly, there is rising discontent with France in its old playgrounds, while Russia thrives on instability, and its institutions are filling the void left by France’s withdrawal.

Along with spreading pro-Kremlin messages, Russian social media campaigns have capitalized on political rivalries and existing fault lines, such as anti-French or anti-gay prejudice.  Countries like South Africa have bought into Russia’s narrative that it is an anti-colonial power, that it stands up for the underdog, that having one superpower—and having that superpower be the United States—is bad for the world, that there should be multipolarity, and that there should be alternative sources of power and alternative methods of power distribution.

The newly appointed foreign minister of China, Qin Gang, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen have all visited Africa in the last month; Yellen is scheduled to meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa this week. While U.S. President Joe Biden hosted a U.S.-Africa Summit in December, seen as an effort to reclaim some of the influence Washington has lost to China over the past decade or more, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also paid visits to the continent last year.

 

Pakistan-US Strategic Cooperation

By
Asad Malik
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7

With the shift in global power dynamics and America’s policy to contain Chinese global outreach, the reassessment of Pakistan’s ties with US based on Islamabad’s essential importance is more crucial now than ever. The Sino-US ties present balancing act for Pakistan in the aftermath of changing geostrategic environment. The prospects of which are provided by Islamabad’s inclination towards a shift from geo-politics to geo-economics and US’ troops pullout from Kabul and its interest in re-building Sino-US ties. In lieu of prevailing strategic environment of the world, it is imperative to build ties and partnerships through strength and positives that already exists. The expectation of a broad-based bilateral ties of Pak-US seems to be on track.

In last few years, US direct investment in Pakistan increased by 50%, taking it to highest level. Apart from defense cooperation, consumer goods, chemicals, energy, agriculture, business process out-sourcing, transportation, and communications are the major area of investment and cooperation between two states.

As per estimates of IMF, Pakistan is 5th biggest state in terms of population and ranked as 44th largest economy in 2022. The US has long been Pakistan’s largest export market, importing more than $5 billion in Pakistani goods in 2021-22, far surpassing any other country. The US has also been a leading investor in Pakistan for the past 20 years. In last few years, US direct investment in Pakistan increased by 50%, taking it to highest level. Apart from defense cooperation, consumer goods, chemicals, energy, agriculture, business process out-sourcing, transportation, and communications are the major area of investment and cooperation between two states. The US has also sought to deepen commercial ties with Pakistan, including through engagement by senior officials from US Department of Commerce, Department of State, and US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) with Pakistani leaders. However, Pakistan’s business climate has areas that need to be strengthened, including regulation, intellectual property protection, and taxation. The US continues to work with Pakistan to achieve business climate enhancements.

Pakistan extended ground support, air space and other logistical facilitations to NATO for conducting their operations in Afghanistan. In return, during its presence in Afghanistan, successive US administrations had been supporting Pakistan politically, economically and militarily.

During the George Bush’s tenure as US President, America declared Pakistan as ‘non-NATO’ ally. Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf joined hands with America to eliminate terrorists inside Afghanistan. In addition to this, Pakistan extended ground support, air space and other logistical facilitations to NATO for conducting their operations in Afghanistan. In return, during its presence in Afghanistan, successive US administrations had been supporting Pakistan politically, economically and militarily.

Likewise, Pakistan was a close US ally during the cold war that began. Pakistan partnered with US in various counter-terrorism activities as well to bring peace in the region. Their bilateral ties have seen many ups and downs during America’s invasion of US. The bilateral ties between two states soured when Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was found in Abbottabad and Obama administration took him out without informing Pakistan. Their ties have remained strained since then, although bilateral consultations, even high-level visits by Pakistani rulers to Washington, have continued.

Pakistan seeking relations anchored in a mutually benefitting bilateral exchange, a shift from traditional security lens is imperative. As a consequence of transforming regional and global dynamics, the present phases of ties are currently in transition. With the realignment of ties taking place in both countries, a reassessment of bilateral ties becomes crucial.

Regarding Afghan conflict, Pakistan extended full support to both Trump and Biden administrations during their talks with Afghan Taliban and facilitated the evacuation of US personnel from Afghanistan after the Taliban captured Kabul. Pakistan, on its part, has been pushing both Taliban and US to find peaceful solution to Afghan conflict. Pakistan played pivotal role in bringing both Taliban and US on the negotiating table to end the war in Afghanistan. However, after pulling out troops from Afghanistan, US alienated Pakistan not only politically but militarily as well. The abrupt US decision of leaving Afghanistan had created security dilemma for Pakistan. The US, since then, stopped engaging Pakistan at strategic level, economic and political levels.

However, recent strategic environment in the region is compelling US to engage Pakistan at strategic front. Therefore, for the first time in last few years, US emphasized its strategic partnership with Pakistan, while saying Islamabad doesn’t need to strain its ties with China to maintain relationship with Washington. Recently, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto visited US and announced that both countries will start dialogues on counter-terrorism domain next month. Some recent developments such as India’s decision to abstain from UN Security Council vote on Ukraine and a missile deal with Russia apparently have also softened the US attitude towards Pakistan.

Strategic environment in the region is compelling US to engage Pakistan at strategic front. Therefore, for the first time in last few years, US emphasized its strategic partnership with Pakistan, while saying Islamabad doesn’t need to strain its ties with China to maintain relationship with Washington.

With Pakistan seeking relations anchored in a mutually benefitting bilateral exchange, a shift from traditional security lens is imperative. As a consequence of transforming regional and global dynamics, the present phases of ties are currently in transition. With the realignment of ties taking place in both countries, a reassessment of bilateral ties becomes crucial. It requires a partnership that is predicated on developing the relationship exclusive of singular agendas and factors extraneous to bilateral relations. Moreover, the relations must seek a broad based association and alliance that is multifaceted and multi-tier with an increased focus on nontraditional challenges such as climate change, energy, water scarcity, and food and human security.

The relations must seek a broad based association and alliance that is multifaceted and multi-tier with an increased focus on nontraditional challenges such as climate change, energy, water scarcity, and food and human security.

There are multiple opportunities for collaborations in areas that are non-security in nature. Pakistan US ties even during the lowest of the lows have remained workable and cordial. As Pakistan pivots its focus to geo-economics it can reset as well as leverage its relations with US in multiple non-strategic and non-security areas. The ingredients needed to build a secure and broad-based relationship are there it only needs to be anchored correctly.

The current US engagement with Pakistan offers certain lessons for American policymakers. The US must help Pakistan pursue a path that meets its people’s democratic aspirations and socioeconomic needs and is resilient enough to accommodate regional, religious, and sectarian differences. Only such a course can help Pakistan become a stable and responsible member of the international community, at peace with itself and with its neighbors.

The US must help Pakistan pursue a path that meets its people’s democratic aspirations and socioeconomic needs and is resilient enough to accommodate regional, religious, and sectarian differences.

Lastly, in recent years, China has emerged as the key factor in US foreign policies as Washington seeks to contain Beijing’s growing influence. US policy makers see India as a key player in containing China’s influence and in their efforts to please India, they often ignore Pakistan’s interests, even on issues like Kashmir.

Hope and Despair –The Turkey Syria Earthquake 2023

By
Nousheen Ashraf
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1

The 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake is a tragedy that has shocked the world. The magnitude 7.8 and 7.6 earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday are classified as “major” on the Richter scale. A first 7.8-magnitude quake struck at 4.17 am (1.17 GMT) on Monday 6th February 2023, near the Turkish city of Gaziantep, home to about 2 million people. It was followed by a 7.5-magnitude tremor and several aftershocks. It was the most powerful earthquake recorded in the region in over a century. The event struck an already fraught region with a new level of devastation, leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless and thousands dead. The impact of the earthquake was felt across the region.

Recent reports show that the death toll from the Turkey-Syria earthquakes has risen to more than 15,000. At least 12,391 people have died in Turkey, according to officials, while at least 2,992 have been killed in Syria and the number is increasing with every passing day. The situation is tragic in every sense of the word and hundreds of families are still under the rubble.

The situation is tragic in every sense of the word and hundreds of families are still under the rubble. The scale of the destruction is truly unprecedented and will probably take years to recover from. The humanitarian impact of the earthquake has been immense.

The scale of the destruction is truly unprecedented and will probably take years to recover from. The humanitarian impact of the earthquake has been immense. In addition to the lives that were lost, there are now thousands of people who are homeless and in need of basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. The economic impact is also immense, with businesses destroyed and livelihoods ruined. Another looming threat is the harsh weather, since temperatures in the quake-stricken Turkish cities have plunged to a minimum minus five degrees Celsius in the past few days with overnight averages of -7 expected in Gaziantep.

Satellite imagery shows the massive scale of the challenge for emergency crews over the coming days. They show in vivid detail the breadth of the destruction that has unfolded in towns, cities and villages across the region. In the Turkish city of Nurdağı, close to the epicenter of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, the roofs of many buildings have entirely fallen in. Other structures have crumbled all together.

A three-month state of emergency has been declared in 10 Turkish provinces, and aid agencies have warned of “catastrophic” repercussions in northwest Syria, where millions of vulnerable and displaced people were already relying on humanitarian support.

The reports also suggest that for the most affected area of Syria, infrastructure is to be blamed for high toll. The first reason for the quick collapse of the buildings in the Idlib and Aleppo countryside is the violent attacks these cities suffered, with all kinds of heavy weapons over the past 10 years. The destroyed buildings already had a weak infrastructure. Old buildings in Syria were also built without regard to natural disasters, while some newly built ones did not conform to technical and engineering regulations.

old buildings in Syria were also built without regard to natural disasters, while some newly built ones did not conform to technical and engineering regulations.

After Syria’s government lodged a formal request for aid with the bloc two days after a catastrophic earthquake, The European Union will now be working with the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to get aid to both opposition- and government-controlled areas of Syria. The bloc, a major donor of humanitarian aid to Syria, said it was committed to helping Syrians despite the fact that it has placed the authoritarian president, Bashar al-Assad, and some sectors of the Syrian economy under strict sanctions.

Turkey-Syria Earthquake of 2023 shows the importance of disaster preparedness and emergency response. Governments must ensure that buildings are built to withstand seismic activity and that emergency response plans are in place. Further, the international community must also work to promote regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and response. Thousands of lives have been lost, and the death toll is expected to keep rising. Many more people are in need of urgent medical help. Hundreds of thousands, left without homes, must shelter from the freezing cold.

It should mobilize international aid organizations to provide immediate relief to those in need. In addition, long-term aid must be provided to help people rebuild their homes and businesses.

The scale of the disaster in Turkey and Syria keeps growing and the governments of the two cannot cop on their own. The international community must take action to help those affected by the quake. International aid organizations should be mobilized to provide immediate relief to those in need. In addition, long-term aid must be provided to help people rebuild their homes and businesses. The world must work together to provide emergency relief funds and long-term investment in infrastructure to help communities recover.

Pakistan: A Land Brimming with Opportunities

By
Dr. Usman
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0

Pakistan is strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, surrounded by several important countries. Pakistan may develop into a significant economic, energy, and transportation corridor because of its strategic position. Most significantly, Pakistan serves as a gateway to nations in the far east, the Gulf States, and Central Asian states that are wealthy in oil. Pakistan is a land of limitless potential due to its unique characteristic and advantageous position.

Pakistan is one of the world’s resource-rich nations, with significant amounts of coal, gas, diamonds, copper, salt, minerals, and gold.

Pakistan’s economy is the 40th biggest in terms of nominal GDP and the 23rd largest in terms of purchasing power parity. Within the top 10, Pakistan is ranked as the eighth receiver of remittances.  Agriculture, industry, and services make up the bulk of Pakistan’s economy and account for 19 percent, 20 percent, and 61 percent of GDP, respectively. Pakistan is rated fourth for cotton production, fifth for sugarcane production, and eighth and tenth for wheat and rice production, respectively. Pakistan is one of the world’s resource-rich nations, with significant amounts of coal, gas, diamonds, copper, salt, minerals, and gold.

Pakistan has consistently shown to be the most resilient country waiting for its long-overdue ascent. It meets all requirements to be a significant economic force in the area and Asia. It has enormous economic potential.

Pakistan is the world’s fifth-most populous country, with a population of over 220 million people. Of its 65.5 million workers, 10.8 million are employed overseas. Pakistan has the best demographic prospects for growth now that an increasing number of young people are becoming adults. Achieving sustained economic development will be helped by Pakistan’s growing youth bulge, which has various skills. To fully use the potential of the young, the Pakistani government is doing all in its power to equip them with the necessary training, chances for skill development, and employment. Pakistan’s consumer market is expanding quickly and has surpassed 161 million people.

Due to the global financial and economic collapse, mismatched economic policies, the fight against terrorism, energy shortages, natural disasters, and poor governance, Pakistan’s economy has shown remarkable resilience in reaction to shocks on both the internal and foreign fronts. Over the years, all these difficulties significantly hampered Pakistan’s economic progress, which stayed below its potential.

In order to stabilize the balance of payments and boost market confidence, the current administration decided to join the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility. Additionally, extra financial assistance from other bilateral and development partners will help stabilize and transition to rapid and inclusive growth. The current administration is steadfastly devoted to implementing extensive changes across the board. The goal is to make Pakistan a nation of opportunity.

The high-performing agriculture sector is central to the current government’s growth and poverty alleviation strategy. Through the inclusive expansion of the rural economy’s agricultural and non-farming components, it plays a significant role in reducing poverty and socioeconomic uplift.

Real estate makes up a significant portion of the economy, and the government has taken steps to enhance it. The preliminary GDP growth rate for FY2019 stayed at 3.29 percent, mostly due to agricultural growth of 0.85 percent, which was impacted by significant crops’ negative growth of 6.6%. The agricultural industry is Pakistan’s economic backbone, which contributes around 19 percent to the GDP, employs 38.5 percent of the labor force, and continues to be a significant supplier of raw materials for several value-added industries.

The high-performing agriculture sector is central to the current government’s growth and poverty alleviation strategy. Through the inclusive expansion of the rural economy’s agricultural and non-farming components, it plays a significant role in reducing poverty and socioeconomic uplift.

A “National Agriculture Emergency Program” with a budget of Rs. 280 billion has been launched to enhance the agriculture sector and comply with the economy’s needs to achieve overall GDP growth. To maintain a smooth supply and availability in the food supply chain, the program would be implemented with the cooperation of all provinces. It would focus on increasing agricultural output, fisheries and livestock development, and water conservation.

The government is offering incentives to the industrial sector via an export development package, gas and energy subsidies, and long-term trade financing to increase employment in this area. Because of anticipated expansion in the agricultural sector and government efforts in the construction, small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs), tourist, and car sectors, the large-scale manufacturing sector, which reported negative growth in the previous year, is set to recover.

Because of the goods transport services connected to agriculture and wholesale commerce, the expansion of the LSM and agricultural sectors will likely have a positive effect on the services sector. Government incentives for export-oriented businesses and the recovery of agro-based industries will raise worker productivity, supporting the revival of LSM.

Other efforts and accomplishments include the Pakistani government’s active foreign investment promotion strategy and the many economic liberalization steps it has made to make the nation more appealing. For creating industrial units in particular niche industries, such as energy, ports, motorways, electronics, and software, Pakistan provides various tax benefits.

The administration is leaning toward creating Special Economic Zones to attract FDI (SEZs). In this respect, the CPEC prioritizes the Rashakai Economic Zone in Nowshera, the Allama Iqbal Industrial City in Faisalabad, the Dhabejji Industrial Zone in Thatta, the ICT Model Industrial Zone in Islamabad, and the Bostan Industrial Zone in Balochistan. However, other options include Port Qasim, Moqpondass SEZ, Gilgit-Baltistan, Mirpur SEZ, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Momand Marbel City. In these zones, the government will promote a business-friendly atmosphere, increasing exports and generating jobs.

The increase of 11 points in Pakistan’s ease of doing business index would undoubtedly draw in global companies and increase FDI. The Board of Investment will continue to promote a favorable business climate with the assistance of key stakeholders and will make further efforts to improve the ranks on the Global Competitiveness Index and the ease of doing business.

The government is concentrating on enhancing the investment environment to encourage foreign investment in the nation. The government has launched a number of international efforts to achieve this. Russia and Pakistan have reached a contract for an offshore gas pipeline. Saudi Arabia has also shown interest in investing in a new oil refinery in Pakistan’s expanding deep-sea port of Gawadar, which is expected to boost FDI there.

The government is concentrating on enhancing the investment environment to encourage foreign investment in the nation. The government has launched a number of international efforts to achieve this.

Similarly, the government promises to offer the necessary infrastructural facilities for traveling visitors while realizing the potential of the tourism business. To encourage tourism in Pakistan, it is appropriate to provide a visa on arrival.

Pakistan has consistently shown to be the most resilient country waiting for its long-overdue ascent. It meets all requirements to be a significant economic force in the area and Asia. It has enormous economic potential. A World Bank report claims that with strong economic policies, Pakistan’s GDP might reach US$ 2 trillion by 2047. The government has adopted a comprehensive package of economic and structural reforms in order to lay the groundwork for sustainable development and transform Pakistan into an equitable nation with limitless opportunities. The government is well aware of the challenges that Pakistan is currently facing.

What Lies Ahead for India?

By
Asad Malik
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0

The radicalization of Indian society is at its peak under the government of PM Modi. The ultranationalist Hindus are roaming everywhere in India and making the life of general masses, particularly Muslims, miserable. The history of terrorist armed organizations in India is almost 200 years’ old, which clearly means that thousands of Muslims had been killed in India for years. Terrorist organizations in India started terror activities in 1827 When Raja Ram Mohan founded an organization called Brahmo Samaj, which was later renamed Arya Samaj by his successors Dinanand and Dr. Munje. The agenda was to expel Muslims from India by declaring them foreigners. That was the beginning of the idea of ​​a united India.

India has been proactively engaged in destabilizing regional peace. Indian military is directly confronting with the armed forces of Pakistan and China. Similarly, India never missed a chance to malign Pakistan over flimsy grounds.

The successive governments in India have been trying to create negative optics against Pakistani government and armed forces. This trend is being followed since the partition of sub-continent back in 1947. Pakistan bashing and accusing Islamabad of every terrorist incident India has become pivotal part of Indian foreign policy. New Delhi’s diplomatic missions abroad are proactively engaged in misguiding international community against Pakistan. As a result, Indian Muslims are being punished every day in the form of riots. It is an astonishing that these extremist-minded personnel even rose to the ranks of generals in the Indian Army. In a nutshell, it would be fair enough to imply that India has become caldron of anti-Pakistan activities and propaganda.

For BJP, PM Modi remained unblemished during his first term in office notwithstanding unfavorable signs despite what might be expected, remembering lynching of Muslims by encouraged Hindus. Modi’s picture as a down to earth, business-situated leader, who has shunned Hindu fanaticism currently lies shredded. The destitution rate in India is increasing once more. Numerous Hindu youth have been radicalized. Everything necessary in Modi’s India to marshal a horde, as Kapil Mishra showed in Delhi, is a word. And everything necessary to transform the horde’s frenzy into a slaughter against a strict minority is complicity of police. However, across India, fearless residents keep on consuming open spaces in tranquil dissent. They realize that all they have left to spare their majority rule republic is each other. They realize that, quickly, the horde can seek them as well.

Thus, extremist Indian organizations, such as RSS and World India Organization, have changed their cloak over time to show their anger (in the form of sectarian riots) against Indian Muslims to avenge the partition of India and accomplish its so called dream of Akhand Bharat (United India).

Except for certain exceptions, overall Indian media failed to deliver truth to the public and upheld government’ point of view during and after the carnage.

The BJP, a political wing of Hindu racist RSS has stubbornness to stick to a particular ideology of Hindutva and not allow any other one to co-exist or to out-rightly refuse any alternate thought for the supremacy and dominance of Hindus. Intolerance and bigotry, which echoes its parochialism through hate-speech, are the hallmark of BJP.

In addition to this, Hindu zealots, with the help of state, are carrying out attacks against Muslims and other minority community. They are making their lives miserable. Recently, right-wing Hindu government in state of Uttrakhand has ordered demolition of houses of 50,000 Muslims. The Muslim residents in Haldwani town received the shock of their lives as they were asked to vacate the houses. Similarly, Mosques in India are dispensable. 16th century Shahi Masjid demolished in UP for widening of GT road just 2 days before the lower court was set to hear the matter.

Intolerance towards Muslims and other minority groups is on the rise in Narendra Modi-led India with Hindu extremist groups using violence, intimidation, and harassment against minorities on daily basis in the country. Recently, a church was vandalized and a statue of Mary was destroyed in India’s Chhattisgarh state. The critics of restricting freedom of speech often argue that it would amount to taking away the liberty of an individual. However, under the guise of exercising intrinsic rights, many perpetuate the crime of hate speech, giving rise to an air of distrust, and terror as it has become a norm in India.

Now, the time has come where international community must set aside their political, military and economic interests with India and must punish New Delhi for its vicious campaign against Pakistan. They must take notice of New Delhi’s continuous barbaric approach in Jammu and Kashmir where world’s largest humanitarian and communication blockade is going on. Likewise, international human rights organizations must come forward and ensure basic and fundamental rights of Kashmiri people.

With every passing day, Hindutva ideology is being expanded in the country. The goons of armed organization such as RSS and Bajrang Dal are beating, vandalizing and targeting Muslims and other members of lower caste (Dalits).

All this is being done under the patronage of nationalist and warmongering Indian government. Those who questioned Indian government’s fake claim are being killed and tortured publically in BJP-led states. Despite all these biased tendency of Indian government, government officials are still talking about the mantra of so called secular India. But the fact is that Indian democracy is under severe threat due to rise of Hindutva across the country.

It would be wise to say that Indian media has become mouthpiece of BJP and other extremist organizations to fuel more hatred in India. With this approach of Indian political, military and media fraternities, the concept of Nehruvian secular India has been vanishing from Indian society.

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