Weekly Dawn Deconstruction April 18 to April 26, by M.Usman(1).pdf

(ICEP Dawn Deconstruction)
1
Best Reading Experience
WEEKLY DAWN EDITORIALS &
OPINIONS DECONSTRUCTION
ICEP POLICY
We don’t own any of the articles included in this volume, every piece of writing is attributed to
the respective writer.
Knowing the current issues of Pakistan_ internal and external is imperative for Civil service
aspirants. Unlike India, in Pakistan no such digital platform or academic work is available for
aspirants' ease of preparation. Here you are given detailed deconstruction of important news and
articles. Read these editorials and Opinions carefully and keenly. These are important for
widening your knowledge base, improving language skills, understanding key issues, etc. This
section (Editorial/ Opinions) is very useful for English Essay, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs
– and sometimes Islamiat papers as the Exam emphasize more on analysis than giving facts.
💬 To the Point
✍️Presented By: M.Usman
To get Dawn file regularly, whtsapp 0322 2077774
▪ Competitive Exams
▪ Essay Writing
▪ Current Affairs
▪ Pakistan Affairs
▪ Global Issues
▪ Geopolitics
▪ International Relations
▪ Foreign Policy
Dated: April 18 to April 26

2
Tehran visit 08
Istanbul postponement 10
The digital divide 13
Pak-India mediation 14
Doomed to fail 16
Our children 18
Verifying refugees 19
Saudi-Iran talks 20
Vaccine shortfall 22
Worrying decline in FDI 24
Invitation to the climate summit 27
The UK travel ban 28
FM in UAE 29
Vocabulary 31-36
Looking northeast 38
The big bang 41
Leveraging climate capability 43
Ending the ‘forever war’ 46
Elite privileges 49
Ties of sentiment 52
What does the state really want 55
EU needs legislation to counter rise of Islamophobia 58
Leaders’ summit on climate 61
AI and data analytics: The need for regulatory change 63
Is the US-China strategic competition a cold war? 65
Earth day: Time to act not listen and say 69
Women deserve more appreciation 71
Economic insight 74
The development challenge 77
Gilgit-Baltistan and the question of status 79
National population consensus 81
Kashmir and Palestine: a tale of two subjugations 83
Islamophobia: a great challenge 85
Reboot or reset 87
‘Simplifying’ climate change response 90
The SBP’s autonomy 92
Digital health: the future of healthcare in Pakistan 94
Pakistan's creation: a British conspiracy? 96
Beauty without pain 98
Deconstructing Iqbal’s embodiment and selfhood discourses 100
Time for a Confederate States of India? 104
Pandemic-proof globalization ______Foreign Affairs Magazine Article 107
Globalization’s Coming Golden Age ______Foreign Affairs 110
China’s Self-Defeating Economic Statecraft__Foreign Affairs 118
Biden Made the Right Decision on Afghanistan Foreign Affairs 126
Afghanistan Shows the Limits of India’s Power_Foreign Policy Article 129

4
This Week at a glance:_______________Major Developments
▪ India appro-ached Pakistan in December 2020 with an offer to reduce tension
and offered backchannel talks on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and
Kashmir, and Pakistan reciprocated favourably, fresh inf-ormation emanating
from official quarters has confirmed.The Pakistani civil and military
leadership is said to be on the same page on the latest engagement with India.
While in the past, the military had its disagreements with the elected
leadership on policies with India, officials now say that the military high
command wants a greater push for peace in South Asia.
▪ PAKISTAN has pledged to the world that it will drastically reduce its reliance
on fossil fuels by shifting to cleaner energy sources and encouraging electric
vehicles. The SAPM on climate change assured the international community
during a US-hosted virtual conference that the country will shift to 60pc clean
energy and convert 30pc of its overall vehicular fleet to electricity by 2030.
▪ The number of poor living below the national poverty line has actually grown
rapidly under the PTI owing to the ongoing economic slowdown made worse
by the Covid-19 pandemic. The IMF has recently predicted that the percentage
of population living in poverty will grow to 40pc from (as per official claims)
24.3pc in 2015. Other global lenders too have made similar projections. Thus,
we may soon see nearly 85m Pakistanis living in poverty, up by 30m from
around 55m only five years ago. It’s a big jump by any standard, especially
when we have a party in power that claims to have lifted a large number of
poor people out of poverty in KP.
▪ The government, with the support of United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees, has launched a nationwide verification exercise for 1.4 million
Afghan refugees. Minister for States and Frontier Regions Mehboob Sultan
launched the Documentation Renewal and Information Verification Exercise
(Drive) here on April 15, 2021.
▪ Prime Minister Imran Khan on April 16, 2021 unveiled a historic development
package worth Rs446 billion to develop backward areas of PPP-led Sindh
through power supply, irrigation, sports and communication projects.The
package features restoration of 200,000 acres of agricultural land,
upgradation of 14 passports offices, construction of Nai Gaj Dam to irrigate
around 28,800 acres, 306-kilometre Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, gas supply
to 160 villages and annual 30,000 new power connections in the neglected
districts.
▪ President Dr Arif Alvi on April 16, 2021 reappointed Dr Qibla Ayaz as
chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).Mr Alvi also approved the
appointment of CCI members.
▪ Ten of the 32 individuals and entities sanctioned by US President Joe Biden on
April 15, 2021 for participating in Russia`s alleged cybercrimes are based in
Karachi and Lahore, shows an official US statement.On Thursday, President
Biden expelled 10 Russian diplomats and sanctioned almost three dozen
individuals and companies in retaliation for a massive cyberhacking of US

5
federal agencies and interference in the 2020 presidential election. On Friday,
the US Department of the Treasury issued a statement identifying these
individuals and entities. The list names some Pakistani individuals as well,
including Ahmed, Shahzad (a.k.a. Amin, Shahzad) of Lahore.
▪ Mohammad Abdul Joshi and Sirbaz Khan on April 16, 2021 became the first
Pakistanis to scale Annapurna (8,091 meters) peak, the world`s 10th highest,
in Nepal.They hoisted Pakistani flag at the peak. The two were accompanied
by 44 international climbers.
▪ The Establishment Division has refused to make public details of assets owned
by powerful bureaucracy, saying this is a labourious and time-consuming task
which does not fall within its purview and disclosure of their assets will
jeopardise interests of civil servants. The Establishment Division has
challenged the order of the Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) which has
sought disclosure of details of assets owned by civil servants, particularly
officers of powerful service cadres such as the Pakistan Administrative Service
and Police Service of Pakistan.
▪ Saudi and Iranian officials held direct talks this month in a bid to ease
tensions between the two foes, a senior Iranian official and two regional
sources said, as Washington works to revive a 2015 nuclear pact with Tehran
and end the Yemen war.
▪ A UN report on hunger hotspots around the world has urged donor nations to
help reduce Afghanistan`s over-reliance on trade corridors with Pakistan to
help it deal with a rising food crisis.On Friday, UN agencies also warned that
more than 31 million people across West and Central Africa may not have
enough to eat in the coming months as hunger rises in the region.Afghanistan
is the only country from the Asia-Pacific region, which is listed among the
hunger hotspots.
▪ Nasa hopes to score a 21st-century Wright Brothers moment on Monday as it
attempts to send a miniature helicopter buzzing over the surface of Mars in
what would be the first powered, controlled flight of an aircraft on another
planet.Landmark achievements in science and technology can seem humble by
conventional measurements.The Wright Brothers` first controlled flight in the
world of a motor-driven airplane, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903
covered just 120 feet (37 meters) in 12 seconds.
▪ The Foreign Office on April 20, 2021 hailed United Arab Emirates` decision to
roll over $2 billion loan as proof of strong bilateral ties.`The UAE`s decision
to roll over the USD 2 billion deposit by the Abu Dhabi Fund … is yet another
manifestation of the close cooperative relations between the two countries,`
FO spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said in a statement.
▪ Pakistan and Iran will inaugurate the Pishin Mand border crossing point on
April 21, 2021 (today) for facilitating trade.
▪ Russia to launch own space station in 2025. Russia`s space agency said on
April 20, 2021 it hoped to launch its own orbital station in 2025 as Moscow
considers withdrawing from the International Space Station programme to go
it alone.

6
▪ Operations in the parliament should be digitalised completely by January
2023 as this will improve the efficiency, transparency and response of the
government towards important matters, President Dr Arif Alvi said on April
21, 2021.`It is quite important that the project of digitalisation of parliament
should be completed within the stipulated time, the president said while
presiding over a meeting on President`s Initiative for Cyber Efficient
Parliament (PICEP) at the Parliament House.
▪ A US commission on April 21, 2021 recommended for the second year in a row
that India be placed on a blacklist of countries where governments allow
widespread harassment and violence against religious minorities.The
commission also said the Indian government has been stifling dissent and
voiced concern over the rise of restrictions on inter-faith marriages, including
in largest state Uttar Pradesh.
▪ The US House of Representatives on April 22, 2021 narrowly voted, for the
second time in less than a year, to make the District of Columbia the 51st state,
sending it to the Senate where it faces stiff Republican opposition.
▪ British authorities apologised on April 22, 2021 after an investigation found
that at least 161,000 mostly African and Indian military service personnel who
died during World War I weren`t properly honored due to pervasive racism. It
said that number could possibly range up to 350,000.The investigation found
that those service members were either not commemorated by name or
weren`t commemorated at all, according to a report commissioned by the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Between 45,000 and 54,000 other
casualties were commemorated unequally.
▪ NASA has logged another extraterrestrial first on its latest mission to Mars:
converting carbon dioxide from the Martian atmosphere into pure, breathable
oxygen, the US space agency said on Wednesday. The unprecedented
extraction of oxygen, literally out of thin air on Mars, was achieved on Tuesday
by an experimental device aboard Perseverance, a six wheeled science rover
that landed on the Red Planet on Feb 18 after a seven-month journey from
Earth.
▪ The commander of foreign forces in Afghanistan, US Army Gen Scott Miller,
on Sunday said an orderly withdrawal of foreign forces and the handing over
of military bases and equipment to the Afghan forces had begun.Miller said he
was acting on orders based on US President Joe Biden's decision to end
America's longest war, deeming the prolonged and intractable battle in
Afghanistan no longer aligned with American priorities.Earlier this month
Biden said he would withdraw troops from Afghanistan before September 11,
the 20th anniversary of the militant attacks on the World Trade Centre and the
Pentagon that launched the Afghan war.

7
DAWN+ EDITORIALS SECTION

8
Tehran visit | Dawn Editorial
THE two key takeaways from Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood
Qureshi’s trip to Iran on Wednesday were the need for better
border security and trade relations between Islamabad and
Tehran. The meeting with President Hassan Rouhani was
cordial, with the Iranian leader stressing that “security is
common concern” for both states while also adding that
bilateral trade activities needed to be further improved.
Critical Analysis |
The fact is that the Pakistan-Iran relationship, though amiable for the most part, has
not been able to grow to its full potential. There are various reasons for this, most of
them being geopolitical. While both states share a long border and centuries of
cultural, linguistic and religious ties, these links have failed to translate into robust
bilateral trade relations. President Rouhani hinted at “unimplemented agreements”
standing in the way of better trade ties, specifically mentioning the stalled Iran-
Pakistan gas pipeline project. Pakistan has been wary of attracting US sanctions and
annoying friends and benefactors in the Arab world by getting too close to Iran in
the post-1979 era. However, it needs to explain to its friends that one relationship
does not need to come at the cost of the other.
Official Pakistan-Iran trade is only in the region of a few hundred million dollars.
This figure can grow manifold if both states decide to significantly improve trade
ties.
▪ For example, there is a thriving informal border trade in Balochistan. If this
were formalised and the requisite facilities provided in this underdeveloped
part of the country, it could bring jobs to the impoverished region. The recent
deaths of Zamyad drivers in the border area due to hunger and thirst point to
the appalling fact that barely any facilities exist in this desolate region. This
can change if both Iran and Pakistan decide to enhance bilateral trade through
Balochistan.
▪ While the opening of a third border crossing at Pishin-Mand is a welcome
move, many more such points are required, along with infrastructure — roads,
utilities, shops catering to the needs of traders and travellers — to facilitate
trade. If trade brings with it economic prosperity, security concerns can also be
lessened as locals on both sides of the border are provided employment.
Way forward |
The two countries need to work on a joint roadmap to promote trade, while Pakistan
specifically needs to tell those who may be unsettled by the thought of better ties
with Iran that there is no reason for concern.

9
Vocabulary in Context
amiable (adjective) — friendly, agreeable
wary of (adjective ) — cautious of, fearing about possible danger.
Khadija is very wary of strangers.
impoverished region (adjective) — poor region.
appalling fact (adjective) — horrifying, shocking fact.

10
Istanbul postponement | Dawn Editorial
WHILE the postponement of the Istanbul peace talks on
Afghanistan, which were scheduled to be held later this week,
does come as a dampener, it does not mean that the peace
process is dead. In fact, global and regional powers will now
have to step up their efforts to ensure that the Afghan
government and the insurgents continue the dialogue process
and achieve a consensus acceptable to all in Afghanistan.
Critical Analysis |
At this point, the Afghan Taliban’s lack of participation in the Istanbul parleys is
being cited as the major reason for the event’s postponement, while the Turkish
foreign minister has said the talks had been put off till “after Ramazan”. Apparently,
the Taliban are posturing as the Biden administration has pushed back the
withdrawal date of foreign troops from May 1 to Sept 11; the earlier date was agreed
upon by the Taliban and the Trump administration after the two signed the Doha
peace agreement in 2020. The Taliban have adopted the maximalist position that
they will not participate in any peace negotiations until foreign forces leave
Afghanistan, though Pakistan has urged the militia to stay engaged.
At this critical juncture, the Taliban can play hardball and avoid the negotiating
table, rendering years of painstaking diplomatic efforts meaningless as Afghanistan
plunges back into anarchy. However, the alternative is for the armed group to keep
channels open and reach a power-sharing agreement with the Afghan government
and other stakeholders in the country.
Perhaps Pakistan and other Muslim states — the Arabs, Turkey, Iran — can ramp up
diplomatic efforts to ensure that the Taliban do not walk away from the peace
process. It should be clear that achieving peace will require compromises from all
Afghan power players, and the ‘all or nothing’ approach will only pile more misery
upon the hapless Afghan people. With a mix of carrots and sticks, there is a fair
chance of convincing the Taliban.
Way forward |
Moreover, foreign forces must also honour their commitments and withdraw as per
the new deadline, while the government in Kabul must show that it is ready to
defend the whole country without foreign support. The brief window of opportunity
for achieving peace in Afghanistan is closing, and it is not known when — or if — the
next one will open. Therefore, an increased diplomatic push by foreign powers and
internal efforts by the Afghans themselves are required to grab the opportunity
before it slips away yet again.

11
Vocabulary in Context
dampener (noun) — dampener is derived from damper, a damper or
dampener is something which diminishes the effect of something, make a
process slower. There is an Idiom Called “ to put a damper” on something.
This Idiom is important so let’s learn it once forever.

12
step up efforts (phrasal verb) — to increase and fasten the process of
something.
posturing (verb) — taking strategic position.
pushed back (noun) — withdraw, to repel something.
adopted the maximalist position (term) — maximalist position is one which
advocates immediate and direct action to secure the whole of a program or
set of goals.
critical juncture (adj/noun) — Critical point of time, decisive phase of time.
Taliban can play hardball (idiom) — To play hardball means to employ
ruthless methods and tactics in order to succeed, to use any means
necessary to achieve success, to show no mercy while attempting to obtain
something one wants. Hardball is another name for American baseball, as
opposed to softball which is played with a larger, softer ball.
ramp up diplomatic efforts (verb) — bolster or strengthen or increase; "We
ramp up security in the airports to curtail smuggling."
walk away (phrasal verb) — abandon, go away
mix of carrots and sticks (idiom) — mix of reward and punishment,
If an Govt has a carrot and stick approach or policy, they offer people things
in order to persuade them to do something and punish them if they refuse to
do it.The government is proclaiming a carrot-and-stick approach to the
problem of TLP.

13
The digital divide | Dawn Editorial
IN the Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual Inclusive
Internet Index report, measuring internet inclusion in terms
of availability, affordability, relevance and readiness, Pakistan’s
overall ranking has dropped to 90th place among 120 nations;
the second lowest ranking country in Asia and the lowest in
South Asia.
In the midst of a global pandemic that has made the need for internet access even
more evident, the report warns that failure to improve conditions may widen
inequalities between on- and offline populations. Though there are several
improvements that Pakistan has made to improve internet access — chiefly in
affordability due to market competition and lowering mobile phone costs — one of
the most troubling figures is that of the digital gender parity.
Despite an improvement of six percentage points since the previous year, the report
highlights that Pakistan still ranks the highest in the world when it comes to the
gender gap.
The gap in internet access between men and women is 65pc, and 51pc in access to
mobile phones. This massive disparity has been noted in several other reports over
the years, including the recent Mobile Gender Gap Report 2020 measuring mobile
ownership and data usage in 15 low- and middle-income countries.
In a study released in January, the non-profit Media Matters for Democracy found
that six out of 10 women it surveyed faced restrictions at home when using the
internet.
Critical Analysis |
Inequalities across income, geography and gender must be addressed holistically in
Pakistan. Access to information is a fundamental right, yet the fact that there are
still areas in this country without internet services despite the government’s
promises lays bare our commitment to this constitutional guarantee. Digital policies
seem to lack ownership; rather, successive governments as well as state institutions
have been more intent on policing the internet than enabling access and promoting
its use to improve human development. The cost of this failure to imagine the
economic possibilities and social empowerment that the internet opens up is
ultimately being paid by the most disenfranchised among us.
Lays bare (phrasal verb) — to reveal or uncover private information or feelings
He laid bare his soul. The book is an attempt to lay bare the secrets of this very
powerful political family.

14
Pak-India mediation | Dawn Editorial
QUESTIONS had been swirling about what and who has prompted the latest
detente between Pakistan and India. Now, it appears that these queries have been
answered to some extent, with the UAE’s ambassador to Washington saying that his
country was mediating between the rival South Asian states.
Yousef Al Otaiba, while participating in a virtual discussion
confirmed that the UAE is helping bring Pakistan and India
together. While he didn’t expect Islamabad and New Delhi to
“become best friends”, Mr Otaiba did want to see the
relationship as “healthy and functional”. The ambassador’s
comments coincide with reports that Pakistani and Indian
intelligence officials met in Dubai, amongst other locations,
which has apparently played a role in restoring calm along the
Line of Control.
Critical Evaluation |
While India has always been averse to third parties getting involved in mediation,
perhaps the latest round of bilateral contacts have been accepted by New Delhi as
there have been backchannel negotiations, occurring away from the public view.
Moreover, the UAE appears to be an interlocutor that is acceptable to both parties,
as opposed to the US or other Western states playing the role of peacemaker.
Regardless of who is pushing the peace process forward, the fact that Pakistan and
India are talking after a very long period of vitriolic exchanges must be appreciated.
While this country has kept the door for dialogue open, the sentiment has not
always been reciprocated by the other side. However, attitudes in India may be
changing, and even a ‘functional’ relationship is better than a constant state of
confrontation.
Yet despite the positive vibes, people in both countries — especially the respective
media outlets — must not hope for an immediate solution. This bilateral
relationship is one of the most difficult in the world. The states have fought a
number of wars and a high level of mistrust exists between the establishments of the
two sides. So while hope does spring eternal, ground realities must not be forgotten.
In the present circumstances, the best way forward is to quietly continue
backchannel talks, away from angry, noisy lobbies that are unwilling to accept a
peaceful subcontinent. Once there is progress, a blueprint for more formal talks can
be laid out. The fact is that when it comes to Pakistan-India relations even
preliminary negotiations and CBMs on ‘soft’ issues are an achievement. This is the
first step in a long journey of normalisation, and it should be remembered that
several such steps have been taken in the past, only for the process to fizzle out
amongst noise and confusion. The other alternative — of conflict — prophesied by
some, including the US, is quite unsavoury and the leaderships of both countries
owe it to their people to give their all to the peace process, and put decades of wars,
hatred and confrontation behind them.

15
Vocabulary in context
the latest detente between Pakistan and India (noun) — détente means
relaxing of tension, cease-fire, truce, pause
interlocutor (noun) — One who takes part in dialogue or conversation;
vitriolic exchanges (adjective) — harsh and bitter exchange
fizzle out amongst noise and confusion (noun) — fizzle out means to die out
and disappear
something quite unsavoury (adjective) —something morally offensive; "an
unsavory reputation"; "an unsavory scandal".

16
Doomed to fail | Tribune Editorial
Populism is doomed to fail. It may seem a bright idea to some, in the short run. But
sooner or later, it will, due to its very design, backfire. One can analyse the
phenomenon endlessly. And certainly, it points to the deep-rooted and pressing
issues of the moments of history it thrives in. But ultimately, the reason it fails and
will continue to do so is because, as one writer puts it, “the political science of
providing simple answers to complex questions.”
The saga of the Iran nuclear deal is just one illustration of this
principle in action (for those who would choose to ignore ones
closer to home). In recent days, there appears to be some
headway in salvaging (saving) what remains of it, after four
years of Donald Trump’s unbridled egotistical hubris.
Rhetorical criticism on US and Trump populist policies |
While we are told the signs now seem ‘promising’, one cannot help but consider the
opportunities lost. Time that could have led to a significant roll-back of Tehran’s
nuclear ambitions and allowed for the nation of more than 80 million to gradually
re-join the global mainstream has instead resulted in the opposite. Reports suggest
Iran has already breached many of the deal’s restrictions on its nuclear activities in
response to the US withdrawal and re-imposition of sanctions under Trump.
All this for what? Nothing more than pure and utter pettiness. A collective
expression of spite because it could have been seen as part of his predecessor’s
lasting legacy. That is the shape populism always takes. Logic flies out the window
as we egg on a disenfranchised mass to listen to only emotion. Unreasonable
emotion. And so it leads us back to where we started, in the best of cases. In the
worst, to a new hell of our own making.
There is a cautionary moral to all tales of populism for those who rule, perhaps best
summed up by a popular comic book hero: “With great power comes great
responsibility.” Most of us would ponder on and stress the underlying ethics of this
statement. But we should also pay heed to the warning. Like fire, if you toy with
power, it will always burn you in turn.

17
Populism (term) — a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary
people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite
groups.
As we egg on a disenfranchised mass (idiom) — To egg someone on means
to incite a person, to encourage someone to do something, especially
something socially unacceptable, something criminal or something
dangerous. This phrase usually carries a negative connotation.
unbridled egotistical hubris (phrasal verb) —uncontrollable, self-serving
excessive pride in self-confidence.

18
Landless peasants | Tribune Editorial
There are many laws on the statute books in Pakistan and Sindh to protect labour
and socio-economic rights of landless peasants, but unfortunately their presence is
nullified by non-enforcement. The result is that they are the chief factor of
production though, they are often unable to make ends meet.
These (landless peasants) of Sindh work hard yet are not
assured of getting enough food. On the other hand, in Sindh,
80% of all arable lands (cultivatable) are owned by nearly 5%
families. What basically accounts for (basic reason for) non-
implementation of laws relating to agricultural labourers is the
widespread illiteracy in Sindh, which has decreased over the
years from 62.2% to 63%. The female literacy rate is far lower
than the overall percentage.
At a recent event, the Hari Welfare Association (Sindh) disclosed that peasants
have the right to have a significant say in deciding policies with regard to
agriculture, fishing, land, water and other inputs but the irony is that they are
excluded from the process in Sindh and other provinces. Peasants and small
landholders are unaware of the procedure to obtain agricultural inputs like seeds,
fertiliser and working capital on easy terms from state organisations. This facilitates
big farmers to appropriate these facilities for their own benefit. The harsh
conditions force landless peasants from Thar and other regions to move to other
districts during harvest and sowing seasons to work away from home. This
movement proves an additional burden on their inadequate income.
The lack of economic opportunities in rural areas is fuelling rural-urban migration.
The lack of income-generating prospects in rural areas is so acute that poor villagers
prefer to work and live in cities and towns, where they get at least their minimum
needs fulfilled. This situation has stemmed from successive governments’ failure to
increase employment opportunities in rural areas.
In an agricultural country, cattle farming can well be encouraged and dairy
industries can be set up in areas close to villages. This can provide a large number of
people with work.

19
Verifying refugees | Tribune Editorial
Pakistan’s Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees, in
collaboration with the UNHCR, launched a drive on Thursday
to verify the data of the 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees
in the country. Consequently, it will be issuing smart identity
cards containing biometric data to refugees with Proof of
Registration, which will remain valid for two years and allow the
holders to access several services in the country.
The news comes as a welcome step given that the last such exercise had taken place
a decade ago. With the country hosting the second largest refugee population in the
world – of roughly three million, documented and undocumented — its needs
cannot be ignored, especially with the continuously changing political and socio-
economic conditions. With the Afghan peace under process, there are increasing
chances that the refugees will be repatriated (send back to own country) to
Afghanistan once the situation there stabilises. Until then, the data verification and
smart cards will help the government in Pakistan to keep track of the demographics,
healthcare, education and skill levels of the refugee population, and address them
accordingly by providing jobs and schooling. Moreover, it will also strengthen
border security between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
However, it must be noted that a large chunk of the refugee population remains
undocumented. And while the spokesman for the Commissionerate says that a
policy for unregistered refugees will be introduced soon, one cannot be too hopeful.
▪ Back in 2018, PM Imran Khan had pledged Pakistani citizenship for Afghan
refugees, 60% of whom had been born in this country. While no progress has
taken place on the issue and registered refugees were allowed to hold bank
accounts only in 2019, most Afghan refugees continue to call Pakistan their
home with little desire to move to Afghanistan.
Way ahead |
It is important that this verification is used to formulate important policies on
education, property purchase and business ownership as Afghan refugees contribute
greatly to the formal and informal economy. It is also hoped that biometric
verification will allow the government to roll out (introduce, release publicly) the
Covid vaccination programme effectively amongst the refugee population, and not
ignore the group altogether.

20
Saudi-Iran talks | Dawn Editorial
EVER since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, ties between Tehran and Riyadh
have been increasingly strained, affecting sectarian relations across the Muslim
world. While before 1979 both were in the pro-American camp, after the fall of the
Shah, Iran embarked on a journey to ‘export’ its revolution, which obviously did not
sit well with the Arab monarchies. After over four decades, the relationship remains
tense, with proxy conflicts between the two being fought in Iraq, Yemen, Syria and
Lebanon. However, despite the starkly different ideologies both camps adhere to,
coexistence is possible, should there be a desire to live with each other.
A small example of this was recently witnessed in Iraq, where
reportedly a low-level meeting between Saudi and Iranian
officials was held to discuss the Yemen quagmire. There have
been no relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran since the
former broke off ties in 2016 after Riyadh executed Shaikh
Baqir al-Nimr, a Saudi Shia cleric.
Analysis |
Though the talks in Iraq do not constitute a major breakthrough, they do prove that
if both sides wish, engagement is possible. Saudi Arabia is quite keen to extricate
itself from the Yemen crisis, where it has failed to dislodge the Iran-allied Houthis.
Indeed, these parleys should be built on and carried forward, and perhaps the scope
can later be expanded to the greater Saudi-Iranian rivalry playing out across the
Middle East.
Iraq can be a good interlocutor (conversationalist) as it has relations with both
sides; elements within its Shia-majority government have deep ties to Tehran, while
as an Arab state Iraq shares cultural bonds with the Saudis.
In fact it is desirable for states in the region to sort out their own issues. Military
invasions and interventions by outside powers have only led to increased misery in
the Middle East, while Israel is also keen to play up confessional and ethnic
differences.
If Riyadh and Tehran persist, they can succeed in establishing cordial relations and
putting the hostility of the past behind them.

21
Suadi-Iran struggle for dominance in Middle east

22
Vaccine shortfall | Dawn Editorial
THE hope that the slew of Covid-19 vaccinations approved for use since the end of
last year would vanquish the virus, or at least drastically curb infection levels, is
dissipating very fast.
Many countries are struggling with their third or fourth wave,
more devastating than the last. The global death toll has crossed
3m even if the mortality rate has come down overall. However,
the rate of infection is rising faster than before. The inequitable
availability of resources among nations in ‘normal’ times is
reflected during this global health emergency as well. Poorer
countries have far less access to vaccines than others.
Details |
Covax, the WHO’s global shared vaccine programme which aims to make vaccines
available to countries that cannot afford the kind of financial outlay required to
make successful bids for scarce supplies, is falling behind. Consider that within the
period of a fortnight only 2m doses were cleared for shipment to 92 countries under
the programme; during that time, the same number of vaccinations had been
administered in the UK alone.
Uninterrupted supplies under Covax to around a third of the world population were
largely dependent on India which has the world’s largest vaccine-manufacturing
capacity. However, in yet another illustration of the interconnectedness of the world
in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic, the frightening surge of cases in India has
thrown a spanner in the works. As it tries to ramp up its own inoculation
programme for its massive population, India’s vaccine production cannot keep pace.
The country is now actually planning to import vaccines to meet the shortfall. That
is worrying news for countries that were looking to Covax to meet their
requirements. And that includes Pakistan. This country, along with Nigeria and
Indonesia were slated to be among the biggest recipients of vaccines under Covax. It
was announced in early March that 10m doses were to arrive in each country before
June. Whether anything close to that figure materialises remains to be seen.
Countries that do have an adequate supply of vaccines and a population largely
amenable to getting inoculated are sprinting ahead of many others.
▪ For example, in the UK over 32m have received at least one dose and some of
the restrictions in that country have been eased after months. In Pakistan
though, as in many other places, the UK variant is raging with the ‘peak’
nowhere in sight.
Last week, the WHO warned that South Asia is at a “critical phase”. Without a
collective response to a global emergency of this nature, where wealthier nations
look out for those less fortunate, one wonders how far it is possible to defeat the
virus.

23
slew (noun) — a large number or quantity of something.
he asked me a slew of questions.
The hope is dissipating (verb) — to dissipate means to disappear, so hope
was dissipating that every one will be vaccinated.
throw a spanner in works (idiom) — to cause something to not go as
planned.
We were ready to start the project when the bank threw a spanner in the
works by denying the loan.

24
Worrying decline in FDI | Daily Times Editorial
The 35 percent year-on-year decline in Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) in the first three quarters of the outgoing
fiscal is a surprise only to those who haven’t been paying
attention to investment patterns in the country. FDI has been
declining since forever but a clear trend emerged over the last
five years or so as the country began to rely overwhelmingly on
China for the most serious kinds of investments at home. The
pandemic has also played a very negative role, of course, since
Pakistan’s efforts to reach out to other countries for FDI have
yet to bear much fruit precisely because of it.
Details |
In a nutshell, though, this worrying decline and persistent downtrend is the result of
keeping all, or most, of our eggs in one basket. Things began looking up with the
onset of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but it has also had the kind
of political spillover effect that could mean trouble down the road for Pakistan.
China is, after all, America’s new number-one problem and Washington’s Pivot to
Asia policy, crafted in US President Obama’s first term, is meant to directly contain
the Middle Kingdom as it prepares to attain superpower status sometime mid-
century. That puts Pakistan in the eye of the storm for no fault of its own. But it is a
fact of the new century and something that Islamabad will have to learn to live with
and adjust to.
The government is also cautioned against patting itself on the back too much about
the Roshan Digital accounts or offering domestic bonds at very lucrative rates. Bond
is debt at the end of the day and it would be a big mistake on the part of
policymakers to treat it as any sort of foreign investment. It was meant as a vehicle
to raise debt so IFI’s like IMF could be bypassed, etc, but it seems that even with the
high yield the response is not impressive enough to throw out the begging bowl once
and for all.
As a new finance team settles in it will no doubt make sorting out FDI a big priority,
especially since a bunch of other indicators, like the current account and national
reserves, are healthy enough for the time being. But it will most likely have to wait
till the worst of the pandemic is over before making any breakthroughs worth
writing home about. Still, it must be noted that even if FDI is raising some
eyebrows, it is the only important indicator in the red right now, and most of the
rest are doing well enough.

25
Keep all eggs in one basket (idiom) — If someone puts all their eggs in one
basket, they put all their effort or resources into doing one thing so that, if it
fails, they have no alternatives left. The key word here is diversify; don't put
all your eggs in one basket.
political spillover effect (phrase) — Spillover Effect refers to the change in
person's emotion because other people around them feel happy or in
Economics spillover effect means how one Nation changes due to other
nation’s policies.
For example, the teacher received a phone
call that his wife was pregnant with a much-
awaited baby. He goes into class happy and
excited, and although he doesn't tell his class
about the good news, his good mood rubs off
on his students and they feel happy as well.
CPEC has a spillover effect economically and
politically on Pakistan.

26
in the eye of the storm (idiom) — To be at the center of or deeply involved in
an especially difficult, stressful, or hectic situation or period of time. The
"eye," or center, of a storm is surrounded by the strongest winds.
The boss is furious about this blunder—if you go into her office now, you'll
be in the eye of the storm.
patting itself on the back (phrase) — to praise someone or oneself for
something doing remarkable.
The teacher patted all the students on the back for their good work. They
were patting themselves on the back for winning when the final started.
in the red (phrasal verb) — spending more money,If you are in the red, it
means that you have spent more than you have in your account. In other
words, your account is in negative numbers, i.e., you owe money.

27
Invitation to the climate summit | Times Editorial
It’s still not clear what kept the US administration from initially
inviting Pakistan to its virtual summit on climate change, but
the fact that Washington has now changed its decision shows
that it was more likely an oversight than a deliberate snub.
PM Imran Khan himself appeared bewildered at being left out, even though his
government has clearly gone out of its way to encourage as much climate concern as
possible considering all the limitations that come along with being a slow growing,
third world economy. Yet steps like the billion tree tsunami and banning plastic
bags in most parts of the country stood out as sincere efforts in the right direction,
even though no other country of the same standing has done even half as much over
the last few years.
It is a good sign that the Biden administration is so serious about climate. The
previous Donald Trump administration had completely different ideas, and ideals,
and it shocked the whole world when it walked out of the Paris Agreement, the
globally accepted framework to guide climate efforts. In fact, one of the very first
actions of the new president was returning the United States to the said agreement
and everybody is now breathing much easier. Countries like Pakistan must be
appreciated for the work they are doing in this regard because their growth
trajectories do not really allow scaling back industrial activity to check carbon
emissions. Pakistan’s round-about strategy, of sorts, which counts on planting trees
and cutting down on use of non perishable items like plastic, should be emulated on
a very large scale.
It seems a little unfair that rich countries had the freedom to emit as much carbon,
etc, as they liked when they were growing but now fiercely oppose any such
freedoms for those that are not-so-rich. But it makes sense when you consider the
cost that citizens of developing countries have to bear every day in the form of air
pollution, water scarcity, smog, etc, which leads to all sorts of disease like lung
failure, cancer, and the like. So it’s best to rub shoulders and share concerns with
those that have been through this process. The hiccup about first not being invited
notwithstanding, Pakistan should look forward to sharing its own experiences at the
virtual climate summit in a couple of days.
snub (verb) — a refusal to recognize someone you know; "the snub was clearly
intentional" (synonym) ignore, disregard, cut.
2. reject outright and bluntly; "She snubbed his proposal"

28
The UK travel ban | Times Editorial
The way the third wave of the coronavirus has got some governments to cut down on
foreign travelers is understandable because it is everybody’s duty to be extra
cautious in these times. International travel limitations are, in fact, just an extension
of various forms of lockdowns that are presently employed in different degrees in
different countries precisely so contact between people is kept at a minimum and
the virus is kept from spreading even faster. Yet such decisions should be based on
sound data and not give the impression of arbitrarily putting some countries ahead
of others.
As such the frustration of Minister for Human Rights Dr
Shireen Mazari, about UK’s decision to include Pakistan in its
red list of travel ban countries and the associated compulsory
quarantining over there, makes a lot of sense because it does
not seem like a decision that has been properly thought
through.
The minister also produced short videos, along with her tweet, of British Pakistanis
caught in the middle of nowhere without so much as fresh and clean food. As a
result they are experiencing a large number of cases of food poisoning, especially
among children, and are also having to go ahead with their fasts without the ritual
Sehri meal. This situation is clearly untenable, even “inhuman” as Mazsari put it, so
it is good that such concerns have been raised at the level of the federal government.
No doubt the Pakistani government fully backs the efforts of all countries to take
whatever measures they consider necessary to keep themselves as safe from the
virus as possible, but it should also officially make its feelings known about this
particular ban.
The British government has said such decisions are based on sound data and
medical statistics, along with a whole host of other indicators. Yet, as Mazari very
rightly pointed out, it is rather difficult to take such explanations at face value
because other countries like India, which has a much higher positivity rate than
Pakistan and has also now recorded a fresh variant of the coronavirus, are not
included in the red list. Such restrictions are of course a matter of great discomfort
for the people involved because they are made to stay away from their families as
well as their jobs. So the British government should either explain its actions in a
little more detail, along with a timeline for their expected reversal, or it should
consider rolling some of them back right now. Either way, the British travel needs to
be revisited.

29
FM In UAE | The Nation Editorial
Many see Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s three days visit to the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an extraordinary one. It’s his second visit to the
UAE in the last five months. Moreover, FM Qureshi’s trip coincides with his Indian
counterpart’s visit to the emirates as well. Given the presence of the two South Asian
nation’s foreign ministers in the Gulf nation, the reports of UAE as a mediator
between Islamabad and New Delhi will gain more traction.
After the UAE Ambassador to the United States’ (US) Yousef Al
Otaiba’s confirmation of his country’s role in “bringing Kashmir
escalation down,” it is natural that all eyes are on the two
nuclear rival neighbours’ “speculated shift” in bilateral ties.
Although India and Pakistan have denied any meeting of FMs,
many would still try to see beyond the veil of denial.
Nevertheless, irrespective of meetings direct or indirect, what is clear is that
Pakistan will not change its stance regarding Kashmir and India. Kashmir remains
the main point of contention in our relations with India. Hence, even if the ties
between Islamabad and New Delhi get “back to a healthy level,” an unsolved
Kashmir will always remain the main irritant between the two sides.
Instead, peace on Pakistan’s western borders, i.e., Afghanistan will also be on the
mind of FM Qureshi in this upcoming visit. He probably will be stating Pakistan’s
reservations and conveying the same to the UAE about India’s usage of Afghan soil
against Pakistan.
Given the historical ties between UAE and Pakistan, the leadership of the two
nations frequently exchange such meetings to enhance bilateral relations.
Islamabad’s relations with UAE have been embedded with bonds of religion,
history, culture and commercial linkages. FM Qureshi’s visit to the site of Expo2020
Dubai and his meeting with Pakistan Business Council Dubai show that economic
diplomacy is the top priority for Islamabad. Hopefully, FM’s visit will open new
vistas of economic and commercial collaboration between UAE and Pakistan.

30
DAWN VOCABULARY SECTION

31
Understanding Phrasal Verbs used in Dawn
What are Phrasal Verbs?
The English language is all about the use of verbs with prepositions or adverbs to form
a variety of meanings. When the verbs are used with prepositions, adverbs, or both,
they define a different meaning than they denote as an individual word. These
combinations are defined as phrasal verbs and they denote idiomatic meaning only
when considered as a whole.
Definition of Phrasal Verb: When Verbs are followed by prepositions or adverbs to
acquire an idiomatic sense, the combination is known as Phrasal Verbs.
Phrasal Verbs are also known as Group verbs.
Note
These prepositions and adverbs are known in grammar as Particles.
Phrasal Verb Example
• Set in=start (Verb+preposition)
• Set up=establish (verb +adverb)
• Put up with=tolerate (verb +adverb + preposition)
Types of Phrasal Verbs

32
How to Learn Phrasal Verbs in English
Learning Phrasal verbs in English could be tricky and easy if the method is chosen
right. There are many ways to memorize. But here we will focus on the Alphabetical
and Pictorial way. And always use examples that relate to the events that happen in
your day to day life or trending news.
Alphabetical and Pictorial way is a way to note down or preparing notes in alphabetical
order. Alphabetical order is a scientific way that helps the human brain to synchronize
one by one. And picture with proper examples will help you to remember the phrasal
verbs for longer. Then you need to apply all your lesson into sentences and keep on
practicing.
Here we will give an example of How to study Phrasal Verbs in English with the verb
‘Put‘.

33
Important Phrasal Verbs With Meaning
Here we will provide phrasal verb meaning and an important phrasal verb
list. These Phrasal verbs with examples will help you to sharpen your preparation.
Most used Phrasal verbs list with meaning and phrasal verbs sentences
▪ I can not account for (explain) Ramesh babu’s unusual dirty politics.
Phrasal verbs With ACT
▪ Acts upon (Affects) one’s health.
▪ Acting upon (Depending) the news, I went there.
▪ This machine does not act up to (As expected) my expectation.
▪ He acted for me (on behalf of) while I was ill.
▪ I acted on (According to) my brother’s advice.
Phrasal verbs With Bear
• He bore away (won) the first prize.
• He bore down (overcame) all resistance.
• He bore off (to carry with pride) the prize.
• Your point has no bearing on (relevance) the present case.
• Your report bears out (confirms) his story.
• Pride bore him up (sustained) in adversity.
• I cannot bear with (tolerate) such conduct.

34
Phrasal verbs With Blow
▪ The wind blew away (removed) the dry leaves.
▪ The door opened and the boys blew in (into ) the room (arrive noisily,
cheerfully).
▪ The chimnies blow off (emit) thick smoke.
▪ The child blew out (put out) the candle.
▪ The storm will soon blow over (stop blowing).
▪ The engine blew up (exploded).
▪ His abilities have been greatly blown up by his friends (exaggerated).
Phrasal verbs With Break
▪ The thief broke away (freed himself) from the jail.
▪ His health broke down (deteriorated) through over-work.
▪ The sun broke forth (Suddenly appeared) from the clouds.
▪ The robbers broke in ( forced their way in) at night.
▪ Horses are being broken in (trained) for military purposes.
▪ Last night a thief broke into (entered by breaking) my house.
▪ The mob broke in upon (enter by force) the meeting.
▪ He broke off (stopped) in the middle of his speech.
▪ Smallpox has broken out (emergence, spread) in the town.
▪ The thief broke out of the prison (escaped by breaking).
▪ They broke through (forced a passage) the main gate.
▪ The meeting broke up at 10 p.m.
▪ He has broken with me (part from).

35
Phrasal verbs With Bring
▪ His ruin was brought about (caused) by his own folly.
▪ This will bring down (curtail, curb) the prices of things.
▪ The enemy aircraft was brought down.
▪ This tree brings forth (produces) good fruit.
▪ The subject was brought forward (to bring into the discussion) for discussion
in the meeting.
▪ My business brings in (yields) good income.
▪ They tried to bring in (introduce) a new fashion (or a new custom).
▪ Over-eating brings on (causes) dyspepsia.
▪ He has brought out (published) a new edition of his book.
▪ The patient was brought round (recovered) by careful nursing.
▪ After much persuasion, we managed to bring him round (win over).
▪ He was brought up by his aunt (reared).
Phrasal verbs With Burst
▪ A tiger burst forth (came out suddenly) from the jungle.
▪ She burst into (burst into crying) tears at the sight of her son’s misery.
▪ He burst out weeping like a child.(burst into crying)
▪ The rebels burst upon (came suddenly) the king.
Phrasal verbs With Call
▪ I shall call at (visit a place) your house tomorrow morning.
▪ Mr. Roy will call me by (pay a short visit) tomorrow.
▪ I called for (demanded) his explanation.
▪ The situation calls for (requires) immediate action.
▪ His heroism called forth (elicited) the admiration of all.

36
▪ Please call in a doctor (invite).
▪ The strike was called off (Withdrawn).
▪ The noise called off (diverted) my attention.
▪ I shall call on (visit a person) you tomorrow.
▪ He called on (appealed to) me for help.
▪ The troops were called out (retreat) to restore order.
▪ The teacher is calling over the roll.
▪ I called to (addressed loudly) him from the roof.
▪ He was called upon (ordered) to explain his conduct.
▪ I shall call upon (visit) him tomorrow.
▪ I can not call up (remember) his name.
Phrasal verbs With Carry
▪ He carries about a (to carry) pistol wherever he goes.
▪ He was carried away by his enthusiasm.
▪ He was carried away or off by the current.
▪ Cholera has carried off (taken the life of) many of my men.
▪ He carried off (won) all the prizes.
▪ I shall carry on (continue) the work in your absence.
▪ I shall carry out (execute) your orders.
▪ He carried the bill through the council.
▪ Only courage carried him through (to help in going through) the crisis.

37
DAWN+ OPINIONS SECTION

38
Looking northeast | Dawn Opinion
Sakib Sherani
The writer is a former member of the prime minister’s economic advisory council, and heads
a macroeconomic consultancy based in Islamabad.
OVER the past few months, an unexpected and welcome easing of tensions between
Pakistan and India has occurred. A number of confidence-building measures
(CBMs) have been taken by both sides and direct high-level talks have also taken
place in the UAE. These developments appear to have been orchestrated by the new
US administration. Prima facie there are multiple motivations at play, including
ensuring orderly conditions for the US retreat from Afghanistan as well as providing
policy space to India to make some cosmetic moves to ease its repression and
human rights abuses in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
At the same time, perhaps coincidentally, Pakistan has signalled a major policy
shift: a call to ‘bury the past’ and the rolling out of a geo-economics vision. As an
aspiration, it represents the right approach and thinking. However, the new vision
appears to be old wine in a new bottle, with an ambition of ‘regional connectivity’ at
the heart of it. In past iterations (processes), this was a US construct meant to
mainly provide an overland route to India into Afghanistan and Central Asia via
Pakistan. As a corollary, it was also intended to open up trade between the two
hostile neighbours.
On its own, each of these moves and signals is welcome and much-needed.
However, when they are collectively juxtaposed with geopolitical shifts underway,
then a pattern appears to emerge which has foundational ramifications for Pakistan.
Emerging International pattern in Politics |
The US is embroiled (involved) in an escalating strategic competition with China,
and now views the rise of China as a foremost threat to its global dominance. While
US policymakers appear to have adopted a more aggressive and confrontational
approach to China during the Trump administration, China had been identified as a
possible ‘strategic competitor’ as early as 2002. The rise of China’s economy and its
increasing global share had already raised red flags in Washington, D.C. However,
the crossing by China in the last several years of several ‘red lines’ for US strategic
planners upended the conventional thinking within the American security
establishment on how to tackle China’s rise. These include the acquisition of high-
end technological capability, a challenge to the international ‘rules-based’ order set
up by the US to ensure its continued global hegemonic dominance, building of

39
maritime power, and last but not least, the projection of soft power via the Belt and
Road Initiative.
Into this milieu, enter the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The US has made
every effort to wean (breakaway) Pakistan away from it. It has used public
diplomacy to warn of the consequences, leaned on the Pakistani leadership
privately, raised directly as well as via information operations the bogey of China’s
‘debt trap diplomacy’ (put to rest by The Atlantic, and brought the IMF into play. It
has also activated ‘spoilers’ within the government and political actors to sabotage
CPEC. Everything, other than meaningful inducements (besides sops such as
support for the IMF programme).
Unfortunately, in Great Power rivalry there can be no fence-sitters or casual
bystanders. While Pakistan should aim to de-hyphenate its relationship with China
and the US, realistically it will be increasingly difficult to ‘balance’ its relations with
both, especially if the expectation from the US is that Pakistan will tone down its
strategic relationship with China in any way.
A quick review of who brings what to the table for Pakistan is illustrative.
The US has had a transactional relationship with Pakistan for decades, subjecting
its ‘ally’ to arms embargos and financial sanctions on multiple occasions since the
1980s. Under the Obama administration, the relationship broke down almost
completely with the unprovoked killing of 24 Pakistan army soldiers at the Salala
check post by US forces in Afghanistan in November 2011.
As the war in Afghanistan headed towards ignominious (disgraceful) defeat for
America, Pakistan was increasingly subjected to a campaign of demonisation, with
successive US administrations scapegoating the country rather than take ownership
of the outcome.
China, on the other hand, is a strategic ally of Pakistan since the very beginning.
It has provided steadfast and unflinching diplomatic, financial, military and people-
to-people support for Pakistan for virtually the entirety of the latter’s existence. It is
now Pakistan’s main arms supplier at a time when the US has again blocked the
transfer of weapons to the country (the latest episode involves the T-129 ATAK
Turkish gunship helicopters), while deepening its own defence partnership with
India.
By putting together and leading the $62 billion CPEC, China is now playing a
potentially transformational role in Pakistan’s economy. Despite Pakistan’s inability
to conceive a grand design for CPEC, the project offers an unprecedented
opportunity to transform the country’s economy. The immense benefits will accrue,
however, not by limiting CPEC to a transit corridor for two-way shipments to and
from China using Gwadar, or by over-investment in power generation leading to
expensive excess capacity, but by integrating Pakistani firms into the Chinese supply
chain and relocating ‘sunset’ industries from the mainland to Pakistan. This should
have been the clearly articulated central aim and purpose of CPEC for Pakistani
planners from the start.
By focusing on this ‘mission’, constraints to growth (specifically to exports) would
have been identified and seriously addressed — such as bottlenecks in logistics and
physical infrastructure, the low skills level of the domestic labour force,
impediments embedded in the country’s taxation regime etc. If such a coordinated,
single-purpose exercise had been embarked upon several years ago, Pakistan would
have been better positioned by now to achieve its objectives from phase two.

40
Way ahead |
While at the moment we appear quite far from achieving the potential benefits
inherent in an economic corridor such as CPEC, all is not lost.
▪ Improved strategising and better planning even at this late stage can retrieve
the situation, albeit further out than desirable.
▪ Once Pakistan has aligned CPEC with its foundational objective of improving
its external competitiveness and enhancing exports, it should then leverage it
as a conduit for east-west regional connectivity.
▪ The first order of business, however, should remain delivering on the promise
of CPEC.

41
The big bang | Dawn Opinion
Zubeida Mustafa
The writer is an individual contributor with an interest in religion.
OUR politicians — whether in office or in the opposition or on the streets — have a
bizarre mindset. They think of their personal and family’s concerns first rather than
the country’s interests when it faces a grave problem.
Look at the issue of the census and the lurking crisis of population explosion which
seems to worry no one. The census is mandated by the Constitution and is to be held
every 10 years. Its results form the basis of the number of seats in the national and
provincial assemblies and also how the federal divisible pool is distributed among
the provinces.
It is only these considerations that interest our lawmakers and politicians as they
could potentially affect their political fortunes. That also explains why our censuses
have not been without controversy. Only six censuses have been held in Pakistan
since its inception 74 years ago. The head count has been politicised as a result of
which our planning has been lopsided since correct data is not available.
The ruckus (controversy) surrounding the 2017 head count that won the cabinet’s
approval recently, ran into trouble at the Council of Common Interests where the
PPP rejected it.
Presenting statistics |
What should really be worrying the politicians and leaders, but is not, is our
population growth rate and its impact on the country’s governance and pace of
development as well as its human dimension. With 18,000 children being born
every day and the total fertility rate 3.3 (according to UN sources) one can imagine
what an average woman’s life would be like. These figures translate into a heavy
workload for the mother who also has to cope with her own poor health. It also
ensures the family’s slide below the poverty line.
For the country, a high population growth rate (2pc) has a disastrous impact on the
national economy and planning in the social sectors. In 2017, Pakistan’s population
stood at 208 million. In 2021, it has shot up to 225m. At this rate, the rapid rise in
numbers will neutralise all progress made over the years. In fact, this could drag us
back to the brink of disaster.

42
Factors contributing to the failure of population control |
There are multiple factors that account for this gigantic problem that has grave
implications for every sector of our national life. While the government as well as
the political parties are responsible in a major way for neglecting the issue, the
people cannot be condoned for their failure to cooperate and understand the gravity
of a problem that also affects them directly.
Here too the political and military establishment is responsible for fanning the fires
of religiosity and fundamentalism that create a patriarchal mindset and an
environment that opposes family planning. Many religious orators publicly advocate
large families to enhance the strength of their followers. It is not surprising that the
Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2018-19 records a higher number of
women with a fatalistic approach, who justified their big family size saying it was so
destined. Such an approach blocks progress in the uplift of the status of women, a
major factor in a population programme.
The fact of the matter is that the complexity of this issue has not been understood. A
holistic strategy towards gender relations in human development has the greatest
impact on population matters. Thus it is well known that uplifting the status of
women by empowering them through education and inducting them into the labour
force and giving them a role in decision-making brings down fertility rates.
But clinical intervention is also important. In this context, the administration is to
be squarely blamed for the corruption and inefficiency that are said to riddle the
population sector. Doctors in public hospitals often complain of contraceptives not
being available on many occasions when the government is obliged to supply them
free of charge. The biggest evidence of mismanagement are the statistics. The low
contraceptive prevalence rate in Pakistan (a stagnating 26pc) and worse still, the
huge unmet need (17pc) speak volumes for the government’s inability to enforce
accountability.
One just has to look around to see how others have managed where we have failed.
Bangladesh is a case for us to study. In 1971, when we parted ways the country had a
bigger population than Pakistan’s. Now Bangladesh is way down with 160 million
while Pakistan is way ahead. Although women there also complain about not being
provided the treatment they deserve the statistics relating to women are definitely
better than ours.
Way forward |
So much has lately been said about the status of women that there is not much left
to say. What needs to be emphasised, however, is that in matters of reproductive
health at least women should be given a free choice in the matter of birth control
rather than be treated as chattel (personal asset). ‘Mera jism meri marzi’ is, after
all, not an unreasonable demand.

43
Leveraging climate capability | Dawn Opinion
Ali Tauqeer Sheikh
The writer is an expert on climate change and development.
ON April 22, world leaders from 40 countries, 17 of them responsible for four-fifths
of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, held a virtual summit convened by
President Joe Biden. This summit, explicitly designed to make up for the time lost
by America’s withdrawal from the Paris agreement, will help the administration
relaunch the US in the global climate arena, and align global climate policy with his
domestic economic agenda. The ultimate goal is to have a carbon-neutral economy
by 2050 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, starting with a 50pc
reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
The Biden administration has unfolded its four-track climate strategy:
1) the biggest-ever plan for investment in American infrastructure to make it
climate smart;
2) create jobs as a byproduct of climate action (70 million Americans are out of a job
because of Covid-19’s impact);
3) phasing out coal by propelling renewable energy (RE) and Electric Vehicles (EVs)
infrastructure, including making solar, wind and hydro-energy the backbone of the
US economy; and
4) win back leadership in green technologies from China, EU and others.
The summit will help generate support for these actions by linking domestic
economy to the global climate agenda and create a global momentum for climate
action before the climate change conference (COP 26) in November 2021.
Pakistan was not invited to the summit. Thankfully, Malik Amin Aslam, our
dynamic climate change adviser, was invited to the session on adaptation
(adjustment). But regional states Bangladesh, China and India, in addition to Saudi
Arabia from the Arab world, were invited. What do they bring to the table that
Pakistan does not?
Bangladesh |
Bangladesh is presently heading a 48-nation grouping called the Climate
Vulnerability Forum. Put together, they have a population of 1.2 billion and
contribute 5pc of global CO2 emissions. Since CVF involves some of the most

44
vulnerable countries, they have taken a position to stabilise global temperature rise
at 1.5C and each member is committed to net-zero emissions economies before mid-
century. No wonder they wield tremendous moral authority and enjoy support for
many pioneering initiatives. And, this has been CVF’s biggest weapon in global
climate negotiations.
China and India |
While Bangladesh and Pakistan are low-level emitters, China and India are the
world’s highest and third highest carbon emitters respectively. Both countries have
taken impressive strides (footsteps/steps) in wind and solar energy, and have
become the largest producers and users of these technologies. But both China and
India are still addicted to coal power and wish to buy more time to phase out the
fuel. China continues to be the biggest financier and user of fossil fuels as well as
RE. Any international process must engage both countries for a global consensus on
the roadmap. Climate action has not become a mainstream domestic political
agenda in India, unlike as in the US. China is presently leading in several
technologies particularly EVs, energy storage, domestic carbon trading and carbon
bonds, in addition to ecosystem-based approaches for carbon sequestration.
Climate-Relations of big powers
The American effort is to regain some of the space it has lost by augmenting trade
with India, particularly as the latter aspires to become a trade and investment
destination and seeks $170bn every year for its climate targets up to 2030. The three
countries will have plenty to share and demand from each other in trade, technology
and investments without always pointing fingers at one another. US climate envoy
John Kerry’s recent visits to China and India have already defined the contours of
their future climate relations.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, has obstructed, even blocked, international climate
negotiations for decades to protect the interests of the fossil fuel industry. By
inviting Saudi Arabia, the administration has taken the fault lines of American
domestic politics to the Middle East. A transition to RE will deeply cut the world
demand for fossil fuels and therefore it becomes imperative to engage with the oil-
producing world. The administration is taking the battle for American interest
groups to the heart of the Middle East. While the tectonic plates have shifted
elsewhere, the agenda with Pakistan continues to centre on cleaning up the mess
created by 9/11.
Even if it was not invited, this summit was extremely important for Pakistan,
particularly since it will co-host World Environment Day in June this year.
Pakistan will need to take three specific actions to draw greater
attention.
First, fill the ambition gap: Pakistan needs to align with global forces that seek
rapid climate actions. Pakistan should therefore formally support 1) global
temperature stabilising at 1.5C and not at 2C, 2) carbon neutrality by mid-century
and near zero-emissions by 2030, and 3) phasing out coal power plants. A clear
decision is essential, as is its communication of this national ambition to the world
through Nationally Determined Contributions and the National Climate Change
Policy, both presently under revision.
Second, fill the credibility gap: Pakistan’s announcements need to be fully credible,
backed by roadmaps and measured actions. Fantastic declarations will lack in

45
credibility unless supported by financial allocations and verifiable periodic reporting
and disclosures. Historically, Pakistan’s performance and data gaps have been
bigger challenges to credibility than its research and scientific capacity gaps. Given
frequent errors in our data and reporting, deliberate or otherwise, third-party
validation will help overcome the perception gap. Elimination of lingering doubts
will help lessen suspicions and unnecessary international isolation.
Third, demonstrate clarity of purpose. For the world to engage with Pakistan in the
global climate arena, Pakistan will need to show commitment to climate-smart
development planning that
i) leads to decarbonistion of the economy and increasing competitiveness
through RE and affordable energy,
ii) integrates resilience across physical and human capital, and
iii) strengthens macro-fiscal sustainability to protect against climate-induced
shocks that might affect the economy.
There is no better recipe for Pakistan to be part of the international climate change
discourse than to have its own success stories, emerging from these actions, which it
can share with the world.

46
Ending the ‘forever war’ | Dawn Opinion
Zahid Hussain
The writer is the author of No-Win War — The Paradox of US-Pakistan Relations in
Afghanistan’s Shadow.
LAST week, President Joe Biden declared the end of what is described as America’s
‘forever war’ in Afghanistan. The announcement came nearly two decades after
president George W. Bush had initiated hostilities. Declaring that the US had long
ago accomplished its mission, Biden said all the troops would be withdrawn from
Afghanistan by Sept 11.
That would also mark the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America that
led to the start of the longest war the world’s greatest military power has been
fighting. Biden said there was no longer any justification — if there ever was — to
continue fighting an endless war. He maintained that America went to war with
clear goals and that those objectives have been achieved. But it’s not clear what
those objectives were.
An unwinnable war in Afghanistan | Historical Analysis
This may not be an admission of defeat, but neither is it a declaration of victory. It’s
the humbling of the most powerful superpower on earth. After fighting for nearly
two decades, the US is finally exiting an unwinnable war. Three American
presidents since 2001 — George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, and
their respective commanders — were not able to make good on their promises to win
in Afghanistan, described as the “graveyard of empires”.
Tens of thousands of Afghans were killed in the war that cost close to a trillion
dollars. Since 2001, over 775,000 US troops have been deployed in Afghanistan. A
false perception was created that the US was winning the war when that was not the
case.
It is an irony of history that yet another superpower was forced to face
ignominy/humiliation in Afghanistan.
Ironies abound in the US war that turned into a multi-generational one. Many
analysts agree that the war could have ended far more quickly with far less human
and financial costs. The rise of the Afghan Taliban that became a formidable
(frightening) insurgent force also owed itself to America’s imperial hubris.

47
Weeks after the US forces invaded Afghanistan in October 2001, the Taliban
reached a surrender agreement with the newly appointed Afghan president Hamid
Karzai in Kandahar that would have allowed the leaders of the ousted regime to go
home. “The Taliban are finished as a political force,” Mullah Zaeef, the Taliban
ambassador in Islamabad declared. “I think we should go home.”
Under the agreement the Taliban abandoned the city — Kandahar — where the
Taliban movement had originated and that was its stronghold. The relinquishing of
Kandahar signalled the end of Taliban control of the country. But then the US
intervened and stopped Karzai from making any deal with the Taliban leadership.
America’s desire for revenge ended any possibility of a peace deal. The then
secretary of defence, Donald Rumsfield, rejected any negotiated end to the conflict.
It brought an end to the efforts to win the war by negotiation. For the Bush
administration, every Taliban was a terrorist and had to be annihilated. Many
Taliban leaders who had surrendered and returned to their villages were later
arrested and some of them were sent to Guantanamo prison.
In fact, the US didn’t have any understanding of the country when it went to war in
Afghanistan in order to punish the perpetrators of the Sept 11 terrorist attacks. The
ouster of the Taliban regime was not much of a problem for the mightiest military
power on earth. For Washington, the Taliban had been defeated. But that was not
the case.
By 2005, the insurgency had spread to large parts of the country. That was the
beginning of what was described as the second American-Afghan war that the US
forces could never win despite the massive surge of troops under the Obama
administration which had come to power in 2009. It was an unwinnable war but
there was no realisation in Washington about the deteriorating battlefield situation.
It was the American hubris (egotism/arrogance) that would not accept that it was
an unwinnable war.
Moreover, there had been fundamental disagreements on the objectives of the US
operation in Afghanistan within successive US administrations. For some, it was
turning Afghanistan into a democracy; for others it was about bringing a cultural
change in the country. President Biden says that the main objective of clearing
Afghanistan of Al Qaeda and other terrorist organisations that posed a direct threat
to the US had long been achieved particularly after the killing of Osama bin Laden.
But it took 10 more years and thousands of more lives for an American leader to
recognise this fact. It is not just Biden; his predecessor Donald Trump too had
accepted the futility of the ‘forever war’. The February 2020 Doha agreement with
the Taliban had laid the ground for the complete withdrawal of American forces.
In what could be termed as a remarkable twist of fate, some 18 years after the start
of the war US officials sat across the table to negotiate peace with the same
insurgent leaders they had once declared as terrorists and sought to annihilate.
Many in the Taliban negotiating team were former inmates of the infamous
Guantanamo prison. America faced the awkward reality of having to accept some
insurgent leaders who it had listed as terrorists and pursued relentlessly for years
with its entire military might.
It is an irony of history that yet another superpower was forced to face ignominy
in Afghanistan. While the Russian forces pulled out in 1989, a decade after invading
Afghanistan, the Americans were mired in the war there for two decades.

48
President Biden’s announcement has certainly not come as a surprise. Although
there are still some elements in the United States — particularly its military
establishment — who are sceptical, the decision has received overwhelming support.
It may be true that the absence of an agreement between Afghan warring/fighting
sides on a future political set-up has rendered the situation uncertain.
Conclusion |
But an indefinite deployment of American troops won’t help improve the situation.
In fact, the presence of foreign forces has been the basic cause of conflict in
Afghanistan. Regardless of who the adversary was at any point, two generations of
Afghans have known only war. Now it will be left for Afghans to decide about war
and peace in their country.

49
Elite privileges | Dawn Opinion
Dr Niaz Murtaza
The writer is a political economist.
What is meant by pecking order that the following columnist has used?
Pecking order is umbrella term used in so many context, it is basically a hierarchy based on
Power sharing, commonly used in the context of poultry farms and companies etc.
Explanation in terms of poultry:
Hens are social animals and like to be part of a flock. Within just a few days of meeting each
other, they will form a pecking order that is ranked in terms of dominance and it’s perfectly
normal to have lower ranking hens that might get bossed about a bit by those at the top. As
long as each hen is able to enjoy pecking, scratching and spreading her wings in
peace.Pecking order rank determines the order in which chickens are allowed to access food,
water, and dust-bathing areas. ... Even though the top chicken has the right to eat first, he or
she usually lets the others feed, while keeping a vigilant watch for predators, and dines only
after everyone else has had their fill.

50
ELITE political bargains are informal, relatively stable agreements among national
elites about the pecking order of different ethnicities and classes (in our case state
institutions too) in accessing economic privileges. This includes their relative access
to economic resources and opportunities (eg government expenditures, subsidies
and licences, access to state and private capital) and tax burdens.
The idea of elite bargains provides a powerful view of Pakistan’s political economy.
Soon after 1947, elites struck a bargain which has endured until today despite
conflicts among member elite classes. Under it, the military, and not politicians,
assumed coalition leadership, while it co-opted landed elites, capitalists and
religious leaders in return for elite privileges. The limited state resources available
due to low taxes are largely spent on oversized military budgets and generous
subsidies and other support for military elites, landed elites and industrialists while
social expenditures for non-elites are minimised.
▪ A recent UNDP report quantifies these privileges and the inequality spawned
by the elite bargain. It shows that inequality in Pakistan as measured by the
share in income of people in different strata is high. So the richest 20 per cent
have nearly five times more income than the bottom 20pc while asset
inequality is even higher.
▪ The report shows that inequality was higher during the fast-growth dictatorial
era from 2001-08 but reduced under democracy after 2008 despite lower
growth rates.
This shows that democracy produced better results for lower-income people.
Regionally within South Asia, Pakistan ranks towards the middle in terms of
inequality. However, its Human Development Index score is higher than only war-
ravaged and landlocked Afghanistan. Within Pakistan, Balochistan lags far behind
other provinces. Thus, 15 out of Pakistan’s least-developed districts are in
Balochistan. Yet elites in other provinces fail to understand the reasons for the
perpetual unrest there.
Identifying Elite and their privileges | Statistics
The report analyses the privileges enjoyed by landed elites, capitalists, traders and
military elites compared with the severe neglect of lower classes via low social
expenditures. This includes tax breaks/evasions, privilege to buy inputs at lower
prices or sell their own outputs at higher prices than market prices due to state laws
and preferential access to land, capital and services.
Conservative estimates show that the privileges add up annually to nearly Rs370
billion for landed elites, Rs725bn for the corporate sector, Rs600bn for traders and

51
Rs250bn for military elites. This is a total of nearly Rs2 trillion annually for a tiny
sliver of the population. In contrast, Pakistan spent only around Rs1.3tr annually in
recent years on education, health and other social expenditures to cater to the needs
of its masses. Even a chunk of this is siphoned off by the rich.
Being a UN report, it blandly suggests changes in tax, market and social expenditure
policies to reverse this elite bias. However, it ignores contentious power dynamics
due to which the chances of such policies being adopted are low as the same elite
that derives these benefits holds power. This can only happen when the masses are
able to organise themselves to wrest (take/snatch) power from the elites.
Challenges from Non-elites
Challenges from non-elites have taken the form of ethnic rebellions and more
peaceful ones from civil society that have not displaced the elite coalition.
Challenges have also come from within the elite coalition for its leadership. Thus,
landed elites under Bhutto and industrialists under Nawaz Sharif attempted to wrest
overall coalition leadership from the military, instigating coups which soon re-
established military dominance. Had the attempts even succeeded, it would have
just meant one elite group replacing another one at the top. But the UNDP report
shows that even a change in leadership from military to civilian elite politicians
incrementally benefits the masses, as shown by the reduction in inequality after
2008.
This elite bargain perpetuates a low-growth economy given the reliance of
industrialists, commercial and landed elites on state handouts rather than
innovation and high-end outputs. Low economic growth is punctuated by periodic
economic crises caused by fiscal and external imbalances which in turn reflect lack
of economic dynamism spawned by the patronage-driven economy. This
exclusionary elite bargain is failing masses given increasing expectations among
non-elites.
However, urbanisation, education and per capita income trajectories and a mapping
of the power and reach of groups representing non-elites suggest they are still
decades away from becoming strong enough to wrest power. In the interim, a
genuine transformation of the current elite bargain is unlikely. More likely are
piecemeal (slow) changes initiated by elites in response to periodic economic
crises and violent upheavals.

52
Ties of sentiment | Dawn Opinion
Maleeha Lodhi
The writer is a former ambassador to the US, UK & UN.
FEW of Pakistan’s bilateral relationships are so diverse and multidimensional as the
country’s ties with Britain. They reflect a shared history, military, trade, cultural and
educational ties as well as Britain’s role as a development partner and increasingly,
the importance of the Pakistani/Kashmiri diaspora in serving as a living bridge
between the two countries. This doesn’t mean there haven’t been disagreements on
key regional and other issues. But that has rarely diminished the warmth in
relations.
Factors for closer ties with UK |
Over the decades a significant section of Pakistan’s political and business elite went
to college in the UK, which contributed to closer bonds. Tens of thousands of
Pakistanis travel to Britain every year for business, tourism or to visit family; on
average 60,000 visit visas have been issued annually in recent years. This
strengthens the people-to-people dimension. Diplomatic interaction on multilateral
issues is considerable given Britain is a permanent member of the UN Security
Council — a factor Pakistan considers important in dealings with London.
Historically the British media was seen by Islamabad as a key source of influence in
the English-speaking world which could shape perceptions about the country. While
its global impact is arguably less today it remains an
important vehicle for Pakistan to get its narrative out.
For all these reasons a new book by the British academic
Ian Talbot should interest readers in the country. The
History of BritishDiplomacy in Pakistan chronicles
Britain’s diplomacy from Pakistan’s inception, formative
phase and subsequent decades through its political crises,
military interventions, the country’s break-up, wars and
near wars until the ‘War on Terror’. The well-researched
book turns out to be a tour d’horizon of Pakistan’s
tumultuous history and various turning points. But it tells
the story from a British perspective and the vantage point
of its foreign policy goals.

53
Having served as high commissioner to the UK I am in agreement with several of
Talbot’s observations. His assertion that British envoys had easy access to Pakistan’s
policymakers was mirrored by my own experience of being able to reach top British
government ministers, officials and MPs without a problem. London also provides
extraordinary opportunities for public diplomacy and soft power initiatives, which
our Mission vigorously undertook.
▪ For example, we organised a mega-concert showcasing our culture at Trafalgar
Square to mark the 60th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence. British
Pakistanis participated enthusiastically.
The success of the Pakistani diaspora has been impressive. British Pakistanis have
engaged vigorously in politics with several elected to Parliament and many serving
as mayors including the high-profile mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
▪ Today, there are 27 MPs of Pakistani origin, 15 elected to the House of
Commons, 12 in the House of Lords and well over 300 local councillors.
British Pakistanis are also prominent in the media and have made a mark in
many other fields. The frontline role of diaspora doctors in the National
Health Service response to the ongoing pandemic has earned them much
appreciation. Talbot rightly notes the key role of British Pakistanis and, in
describing “diaspora diplomacy”, highlights London’s use of the diaspora to
reinforce ties with Islamabad.
From among the principal takeaways from the book, two are noteworthy. One,
Talbot’s description of UK’s ties with Pakistan being based on “sentiment” in
contrast to America’s relationship with Islamabad that has been “transactional”. The
latter however reflects the reality of an asymmetrical relationship as superpowers
tend to be more transactional. UK’s ties with Pakistan also have transactional
aspects but they do not define the relationship. Talbot argues that “while
Washington utilised ‘hard power’ to forward its interests, Britain had ‘soft power’ in
terms of cultural and historical ties”.
He accords importance to “personal diplomacy” and colonial and post-colonial era
links forged by British diplomats with Pakistan’s political and military elite. This
brings up the second takeaway; that in relations with Pakistan, Britain exercised an
influence far greater than its political, economic and military power. After 1954,
“personal diplomacy compensated for Britain’s diminishing power” writes Talbot.
Britain punched above its weight in no small measure owing to the activism of its
many distinguished envoys including Nicholas Barrington and Mark Lyall Grant — a
tradition the present incumbent Christian Turner is living up to.
In the foreword, Bob Milam, former US ambassador to Pakistan, makes the point
that given the colonial past and longer association, the British understood Pakistan
far better than the Americans and like his predecessors, he often turned to British
diplomats for advice. The book details how the UK and US worked in lockstep on
common goals through the years. Of course, the two countries have different
equities in relations with Pakistan but this distinction is often blurred in official and
popular perceptions in Pakistan. That sometimes made it difficult for me as envoy to
explain to Islamabad that on a specific issue London was not acting at Washington’s
behest.

54
Two portions of the book that are especially interesting deal with early Western
efforts at mediation on Kashmir and involvement of British and American diplomats
in Pakistan’s 2008 democratic transition.
Talbot says that it was the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict that sparked Western concern
about the Chinese ‘threat’ and “created the circumstances for a protracted Western
attempt at mediation over Kashmir”. He recounts that Washington wanted Britain
to play a leading mediatory role in the Anglo-American effort to encourage the two
countries towards a settlement. Several rounds of the Bhutto-Swaran Singh talks
however ended in failure as the positions of Pakistan and India proved
unbridgeable.
As for the 2008 events, Talbot narrates the role played by Britain and America in
forging the deal between president Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto. The highly
secretive diplomacy he recalls began in 2004 and led to Mark Lyall Grant’s trips to
Dubai and US assistant secretary of state Richard Boucher’s “active engagement”
with Benazir and Musharraf. At US urging, Grant arranged the first phone call
between them in 2006. Talbot claims that Condoleezza Rice played a “crucial role”
in the eventual deal which she herself earlier acknowledged in her own book.
Talbot’s book is an eminently readable account of a relationship that has been
remarkably stable and which is now being energised by its growing people-to-people
content.

55
What does the state really want | Dawn Opinion
Muhammad Amir Rana
The writer is a security analyst.
IN Pakistan, frenzied (violently agitated) protests entailing roadblocks and
violence have apparently emerged as a new way of communicating with the state.
While multiple religiously inspired groups have contributed to the development of
this particular protest feature, the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan has taken this chaotic
tactic to new heights. The TLP threat had been growing at an alarming level, and
eventually the government officially banned it under the anti-terrorism laws. The
government also plans to file a reference in the Supreme Court for the group’s
dissolution as a political party.
The TLP has not only become an internal security threat but is also hurting
Pakistan’s international image and its relations with the world. The state has been
tolerating the group for many years overlooking domestic and international
concerns. Certainly, the state institutions have their own assessments and
calculations.
Analysing TLP in security framework |
The TLP’s street saga this past week revealed the potential strength of the new
leadership of the organisation and its cadre. For one, the street power of the group is
still intact despite a relative decrease in its verbal ferocity or hate speech after the
death of its founder Khadim Hussain Rizvi, whose memory will continue to inspire
the TLP support base for a long time. But his demise may have offered the state
institutions the opportunity to limit the bargaining power of the group. The
assessment may have its pros and cons, but the future of such groups would depend
on the state institutions’ approach towards them. If the state continues seeing these
groups through a political lens they will continue thriving in one way or another.
And as in the past, they will resurface, and be allowed to operate, with different
names, and will continue exploiting the religious-ideological and sociocultural
sensitivities of the state and society.
Therefore, it will be important to see how effectively the state enforces the ban on
the TLP and its leaders. The Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and related laws are very
clear and, if applied in letter and spirit, will not allow the group to survive as a
coherent organisation. But history has a different story to tell. Many organisations
have continued to survive, thrive and operate in the country after being banned. The
TLP might not be an exception, especially when it has a support and vote base that
makes it attractive in the power corridors.

56
State institutions pick and choose religious groups when needed for their political
purposes.
However, the TLP is merely an expression of the poor and retrogressive political and
religious-ideological ‘scholarship’ in the country to which many actors and factors
have contributed, ultimately nurturing a unique code of linking power to religion.
The code in particular defines the relationship between state institutions and
religious forces. The code only promotes a narrow worldview, discourages
questioning, and insists on believing in a self-created utopia. But how to deal with a
relationship if it becomes ugly or burdensome? Through negotiations or coercive
means? Both ways are tricky.
Religion: Pakistan’s most confusing subject
Religion has become a delicate subject in the country. But if the state is willing to
show resolve and enforce its authority, the situation can be turned around. It will
have to make one significant change in its attitude, which is to keep religious
scholarship and politics altogether separate. It is pity that the 30,000-plus religious
seminaries, the Islamic studies departments in all universities and colleges, religious
bodies such as the Council of Islamic Ideology as well as the teaching of Islamic
studies up to graduation level have together not been able produce religious
scholarship as compared to other Muslim societies, which have fewer religious
institutions. Google can provide a good view of the participants of any international
forum on religion, state, and society, and we can assess the capabilities of Pakistani
religious scholarship against that. Only a few noteworthy Pakistani names will
appear on the screen — and most of these individuals have either already left the
country after receiving threats or are not part of any state-sponsored religious
institution and initiative.
The economy of religious institutions has badly damaged religious scholarship in
the country, and only promotes the view which suits its financial and political
interests.
The state has empowered them through various means, but mainly through
legislation to please them or as a consequence of pressure from them. State
institutions pick and choose religious groups when needed for their political
purposes. They have developed a synergy at a level, where they don’t go completely
against each other’s interests. State institutions are strong and whenever a group
becomes strong enough and tries to fly high, state institutions trim its feathers
through punitive measures as happened in the case of the TLP.
Do we want to promote religious scholarship, here is how|
If the state wants to promote religious scholarship it can take some simple
measures, starting with providing more space on media and public forums to
genuine scholars. A list of a few dozen scholars from all religious sects — those, who
are considered to have saner opinions and do not have political motives — can be
prepared easily. They will help broaden the worldview of the public and create a
challenge for the religious institutions to review their practices. The beneficiaries of
the religious economy will react and will try to defame them, but if the state remains
committed and protects scholarship, the insanity will certainly subside gradually.

Weekly Dawn Deconstruction April 18 to April 26, by M.Usman(1).pdf

Weekly Dawn Deconstruction April 18 to April 26, by M.Usman(1).pdf

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to Weekly Dawn Deconstruction April 18 to April 26, by M.Usman(1).pdf

Similar to Weekly Dawn Deconstruction April 18 to April 26, by M.Usman(1).pdf (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Weekly Dawn Deconstruction April 18 to April 26, by M.Usman(1).pdf