Connect with us

South Asia

Extremely Dangerous situation has emerged in Kashmir

Published

on

Reinforcement of troops and the arrival of fresh troops, deployment & movement of troops in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK), is a signal to big danger. The magnitude and frequency of violation of ceasefire across the line of control. And the use of cluster bombs on innocent citizens is the major threat of big disasters. India wanted to change the demography of Kashmir by force and going for constitutional changes. The situation has emerged “Highly Flammable”. Even intellectual and sensible politicians in India are scared of ongoing actions in Kashmir. Congress has warned the ruling party not to cross all limits, otherwise, they may lose Kashmir forever.

Kashmir issue was basically created at the time of partition of sub-continent in 1947 when the British were leaving Sub-continent creating India with Hindu Majority Areas, and Pakistan with Muslim Majority Areas. As a matter of principle, Kashmir was Muslim Majority Area and supposed to be part of Pakistan. But, the Indian Army entered into Kashmir and occupied two-third of Kashmir. When Pakistan resisted Indian Army in Kashmir, India, approached the United Nation, where a resolution was passed to hold a plebiscite in Kashmir. India kept on denial the Security Council Resolution since 1948. But tried to control Kashmir with Force. 

Last, few decades, Kashmiri people stood against Indian Occupation and wanted the restoration of civil right, where India kept violation of Human Right in Kashmir and crossed all limits. The recent Human Rights Reports were so embarrassing that the UN Secretary-General could not control his emotions and was crying and weeping. Kashmir’s movement is indigenous and peaceful. But India is using excessive force and violating all the human norms by any civilized society. We are afraid, if India kept the same policy, it may become counterproductive and Kashmiri people may be left with no option other than armed struggle.

Pakistan, along with the International community, under the charter of the United Nation, extends moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people. Pakistan being the first-hand neighbor, can see the worsening situation in Occupied Kashmir, and can report to the International community and UN organizations.

India has imposed two full-scale wars on Pakistan on Kashmir Issue and recently on 25 February, violated the aerospace of Pakistan by sending its air force into Pakistan, and dropped Bombs deep inside Pakistan. India, staged a drama of “Puwama” to make an excuse to attack Pakistan. But Pakistan is a responsible state, our leadership is strong and visionary, can understand the consequences. Pakistan observed patience and has not responded immediately. Even, has released arrested prisoner of war an Indian air force pilot, as a goodwill gesture. However, Pakistan demonstrated its strength on 27 February, yet under control. Pakistan understands well the consequences. As both India and Pakistan are nuclear states and can lead to disaster not only limited to both India and Pakistan, but to the whole region or global. On the other hand, India is in the hands of extremists and terrorists, one may expect any un-usual action from them.

Again, India may instigate Pakistan to retaliate, but Pakistan is a mature nation and understand the consequences. Pakistan has also informed the UN and International community the current situation and its seriousness in Kashmir. Trust, the UN, and the International community feels its responsibilities and do all possible means to avert any misadventure by India.

President Trump has offered twice within a couple of weeks to mediate between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir Issue diplomatically. British Parliament has welcomed President Trump’s goodwill gesture. Chinese Foreign Ministry also supported President Trump to mediate. But India keeps on denying the resolution of the UN, and any help from a third country. Also, India is not serious to address this issue bilaterally with Pakistan. India is trying to gain more time until it changes the demography of Kashmir.

India failed to suppress the just struggle of people of Kashmir by force for the last 7 decades, although used all tactics and atrocities. The spirit of Kashmiri people is very high and brave Kashmiri will not surrender to Indian notorious forces. I think, India must understand, if they could not win during the last seventy years, they may not win in the future. The only option for India is to leave Kashmir and leave the Kashmiri people to decide if they want to reunite with Pakistan.

Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.

Continue Reading
Comments

South Asia

International Peacekeeping Day: Pakistan’s Case

Avatar photo

Published

on

Image credit: UN/Haidar Fahs

29th May marks the 75th anniversary of International Peacekeeping Day. In conflict studies, Peacekeeping as term defines those activities and actions that tend to keep conflict and conflicting parties under control and involve such activities that serve as pathway to uproot conflict as a whole and reduce battlefield deaths. UNN Peacekeeping Missions recently have undergone several reforms and evolution to better their efficacy, coherence, and responsiveness for which they have been criticized for. While effectiveness of the very purpose of these missions is highly debated, May 29 calls for commemorating and honoring the services of all those countries and people coming together with a vision to ensure peace, stability, and sustainability across the world. Pakistan is no exception.

The image of Pakistan has, in the international politics has highly revolved around security and strategic realms. Considering that image, Peacekeeping Missions are just one of the many features where Pakistan has carved out its identity as a state that is committed to the security of not only its own but the entire world. Since its fist Peacekeeping Mission in Congo in 1960, Pakistani blue helmets have served with honor and valor in 48 United Nations missions in almost all continents of the world.

While endorsing Action for Peace (A4P) and Action for Peace Plus (A4P+) initiatives-that tend to improve efficacy and consolidate security of Peacekeeping Missions-Pakistan, being one of the few states, institutionalized peacekeeping by such structural initiatives as that of Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS). To date CIPS has run 175 courses, training 2853 Peacekeepers, including 407 officers from other states. In this way, CIPS stands as an embodiment to Pakistan’s efforts of consolidating regionalism and Internationalism and standing as a responsible and capable state thinking for all and common peace and prosperity.

Besides working towards peace and security in war-torn communities, Pakistan has been on the forefront of peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts. Pakistan’s Field Hospital established as part of UN Mission Mali, is providing premium healthcare services, including lifesaving surgeries to the dependent clientele of 3500 UN Peacekeepers besides facilitating affected civilians of the warn-ravaged region. In April 2023, services of Pakistan’s hospital were appreciated at various levels in mission as well as UN headquarters for its constant quest for excellence and being in line with the needs of mission dynamics.

Through professionalism and dedication, Pakistani Peacekeepers have remained pivotal in UN’s efforts to reform and strengthen the Peacekeeping Architecture. Pakistani Engineers are maintaining 1430 kms of main Communication Arteries connecting 45% of the total land territory in the Central African Republic (CAR) and providing assured connectivity to 60% of the population of CAR even during worst climatic conditions.

Pakistan has exercised resolve and manifested resilience and courage in working in some of the most dangerous war-ravaged regions of the world. Not only it has paved the way in ensuring peace and preventing full-fledged war in such regions but its commitments towards humanitarian appeal are no hidden reality. From 2022 South Sudan floods whereby Pakistani engineers constructed for them dyke system to provision of 60 metric tons of various stores in northern part of Abyei to Pakistani doctors and Engagement Teams running awareness and hygiene campaigns to psychological counselling to contributing in education field in various missions, Pakistan has proved resolve and promptness of its security architecture in the region and beyond.

Pakistan also hosts one of the oldest UN Peacekeeping Mission i.e., UN Mission Observer Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to monitor the ceasefire violations on Line of Control and has committed to it unlike the other stakeholder in the domain.

This day, hence, is a time to commemorate the services of Pakistan’s 225, 000 peacekeepers who have served uptil now, as well as honor the martyrdom of 171 Pakistani peacekeepers in the process.

29 May, on one end, is reminisce of Pakistan’s advancing role in UN’s agenda of maintaining peace and security around the world and on the other, it is a contemplating point at the structural amendments still needed in the peacekeeping apparatus of the world so that peace and prosperity is ensured for all nations and people of the world, once and for all.

Continue Reading

South Asia

Striving for Balance: Pakistan’s Climate Equity Drive

Avatar photo

Published

on

A flooded village in Matiari, in the Sindh province of Pakistan. © UNICEF/Asad Zaidi

The world’s population of 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10 and 24 represents the largest group of young people ever recorded in human history. A startling portion of this startling total—710 million children—live in nations that are horribly situated to bear the brunt of the catastrophic effects of the climate crisis. Every newborn child in the modern era faces numerous dangers as a result of the extensive effects of climate change, including dangers to their health and the stability of the economy. Even though they bear the least blame for the current environmental crisis, young people must now deal with an increase in the frequency of extreme weather phenomena.

Since many families, especially those living in developing countries, have been severely impacted by the rising temperatures, there has been a rise in cases of malnutrition and a decrease in food supplies as well as access to safe drinking water. The immune and respiratory systems of the human body have been severely compromised by the rapid decline in air quality, which has resulted in widespread damage and distress.

Therefore, the need for a fundamental paradigm shift within the framework of global climate change governance necessitates a firm embrace of the resounding cry for climate justice at its very core. To effectively reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), strengthen their resilience against the numerous effects of climate change, and, most importantly, deal with the enormous losses incurred as a result of the more frequent and intense occurrences of droughts and floods brought on by the irreversible progression of climate change, developing countries and economies in particular stand in dire need of significant financial assistance.

Regardless, nearly 13,000 people have been injured and over 1,600 have died as a result of the recent catastrophic floods in Pakistan, which have devastated about one-third of the country since the disaster began on June 14, 2022. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the precipitation in July 2022 showed a strikingly disproportionate increase in Balochistan, rising by a staggering 450 percent, and in Sindh, rising by a remarkable 307 percent. These levels represent the highest levels seen in the previous 62 years. These areas, which have been severely impacted, are frequently arid or semi-arid.

Moreover, the findings of the World Weather Attribution Report (WWA) confirm that climate change has been a significant factor in the escalation of this unprecedented flooding, which has resulted in an incredible estimated economic loss of about US$32 billion. Therefore, it is necessary for the international community to pay attention to the call for climate justice and to show unwavering support for those countries coping with the numerous difficulties brought on by climate change.

However, the pressures brought on by climate change are putting Pakistan under a lot of stress right now, making it more susceptible to future changes in the climate and limiting its ability to adapt. The responsibility of wealthy states as outlined in Article 8 of the Paris Agreement must be emphasized, and Pakistan must emphasize the urgent need for adaptation measures. This particular article requires developed countries to contribute financial resources to support developing countries’ efforts at adaptation. Pakistan can effectively advocate for more funding and resources to strengthen its resilience to the effects of climate change by using this platform, while also highlighting the necessity of global cooperation and shared responsibility.

Shortly put, Pakistan’s participation in COP27 offers a significant platform to address the intertwined issues of climate change and sustainable development. Pakistan can highlight its distinct vulnerabilities and the need for increased support from more developed nations through a well-reasoned argument focused on climate adaptation, industry decarbonization, water management, food security, and resource conservation. These initiatives are essential for directing the country toward a trajectory of all-encompassing growth, the eradication of poverty, and ecological equilibrium in the face of a changing climate.

An important turning point for Pakistan was taking control of the COP27 agenda, which strengthened its position as a leader in the international discussion of climate change. Pakistani officials vehemently argued that developing countries should intensify their efforts to advance the cause of climate justice. They emphasized the dire need to deal with climate-related problems with unwavering resolve and the dangerous repercussions of doing nothing, warning that the nation would continue to bear the brunt of climate change’s negative effects. Pakistan’s persistent and thorough approach to addressing climate change unquestionably qualifies as a good foreign policy.

Concludingly, in order to fully address this complex problem, Pakistan must adopt a holistic approach that takes into account all aspects of climate change, from minute details to complex global issues. Additionally, it must work to embrace the positive aspect of climate security, which states that when problems are securitized, they become security conundrums. Through a three-tiered framework that includes local, global, and structural dimensions, policymakers can perceptively examine Pakistan’s environmental quandaries by using securitization as a lens.

Continue Reading

South Asia

Political Crisis, Power Distribution and Taliban in Pakistan

Avatar photo

Published

on

The political crisis in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan tends to evolve. Elite groups in the government and the opposition will be unable to find proper means to resolve the issue. The economic crisis and financial problems will also prevent Islamabad from stabilizing the political situation in the country. In addition, interethnic contradictions between Punjabis and Pashtuns are actively developing in the country, which tends to escalate. The Taliban’s power in neighboring Afghanistan does not contribute to solving the political crisis in Pakistan but contributes to its deterioration. This was stated in a note to Modern Diplomacy by political scientist Georgi Asatryan.

The political scientist also noted that the Pakistan army would give former prime-minister Imran Khan no chance to regain his political standing. “The opposition and political circles close to Khan will attempt to perform protest activity in the country. There will be continued nationwide unrest. The traditional control of the Pakistani military and the ISI over political processes will be raised, and human rights, democratic processes, and freedoms will, unfortunately, be limited. Overall, Pakistan will remain a center of instability in the region”, Georgi Asatryan noted. The political scientist added that the Pashtuns in Pakistan, representing the second largest ethnic group, see Imran Khan as their man and will support him. The same goes for the Taliban in Afghanistan, whose sympathies are also on the side of the Pakistani opposition leader.  

Georgi Asatryan does not rule out the possibility of a new military coup but estimates its possibility in the short-term as unlikely. When a country’s institutions become ineffective, anyone can suspect a situation developing a coup d’etat. This was apparent during the spring protests led by Imran Khan, where Khan’s supporters fought with paramilitary police.

It is also worth citing that the country’s economic situation is complicated and can be described as a full-fledged economic and financial crisis. According to the data, Pakistan has a debt of $ 125 billion, and 25% of this amount is owed to China. The rapid growth of inflation – 36.4% in April, demonstrates the difficult economic circumstances of Pakistan. This indicator is noted as the highest in the last sixty years. Concerning the country’s foreign reserves, Pakistan has only 4.3 billion dollars, which is enough to cover imports for a month. In order to temporarily mitigate the financial situation of the state, Saudi Arabia extended the term of the deposit in foreign currency for $ 3 billion deposited as a loan in 2021. Also, China extended a $2 billion loan to Pakistan at the end of March. Islamabad’s external debt has been plunged by more than $10 billion. This reduced the current account deficit from July 2022 to April 2023 to $3.3 billion, significantly lower than $ 13.6 billion for the same period 2021-2022. This indicator decrease is due to a reduction in imports to $ 47 billion from July 2022 to April 2023 compared to the previous period – $ 65.5 billion.

Continue Reading

Publications

Latest

South Asia4 hours ago

International Peacekeeping Day: Pakistan’s Case

29th May marks the 75th anniversary of International Peacekeeping Day. In conflict studies, Peacekeeping as term defines those activities and...

Americas5 hours ago

Of course, the “Unipolar Party” is over

On the right side of the Pacific, the U.S. media is eagerly asking as many scholars as possible whether the...

South Asia7 hours ago

Striving for Balance: Pakistan’s Climate Equity Drive

The world’s population of 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10 and 24 represents the largest group of young...

Energy10 hours ago

Strategic Partnership Opportunities among ASEAN countries towards Renewable Energy

Quoting from Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, during his plenary speech at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo...

East Asia12 hours ago

Taiwan’s International Status: “A Country Within a Country”

In California, a recent meeting was held between the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, and the U.S. House Speaker, Mr....

Russia15 hours ago

Mikhail Bogdanov’s Passion for Africa and the Critical Russia’s Policy Debates – Part 6

During Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25th, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov reiterated that Moscow’s decision to return...

Putin erdogan sochi Putin erdogan sochi
World News18 hours ago

Newsweek: “Putin scores a win in Turkey’s election”

Russian President Vladimir Putin secured a victory in Turkey’s presidential election results on Sunday, writes ‘Newsweek’. Turkish President Recep Tayyip...

Trending