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Multilateralism: Hostage to Geo-Politics
At a May 2015 global forum in Beijing, former President Hamid Karzai had talked of high time to "recommit ourselves to peaceful conflict resolution, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of individual countries and non-interference. At the same time he applauded China's push for the meanwhile household concept of One Belt One Road (OBOR). Drawing on Beijing's experience in dealing with its neighbours, Krazai had suggested this Chinese approach could "help our countries rise above narrow interpretations of national security, rooted in multilateralism, dialogue and driven by the spirit of cooperation in an increasingly inter-dependent world. But the failure thus far of the various Afghanistan-focused processes - Heart of Asia (HoA), Quadrilateral Contact Group (QCG), the US-Indo-Afghanistan trilateral, and the Moscow Initiative, the latest of such efforts. Beijing too is now quietly leading a multi-tier trilateral involving both Pakistan and Afghanistan to help the two out of their current acrimony. Beijing realises that without peace and stability in Afghanistan, the outreach and effectiveness of CPEC will remain limited. All these initiatives beg a basic question; can a bi-, tri- or multilateral process succeed when accompanied by conflicting geo-political interests of major stakeholders? While Karzai and his successor President Ghani do verbally commit to the idea of multilateralism for conflict resolution and regional economic development, vested interest in Kabul, it seems, is working against those ideals. The relatively low-level Afghan participation in the two Moscow conferences was perhaps an indicator for this. Both Moscow and Beijing had pleaded with Kabul to elevate the level of participation but in vain. Can it be the reason why Afghanistan has not been invited to a OBOR conference at Beijing middle of the month? Leaders from around three dozen countries, including Prime minister Nawaz Sharif, are officially participating in the high-profile...
For Smooth One-Belt, China Takes Af-Pak Diplomacy up a Notch
China is running full-steam ahead with multi-tier diplomacy to create a synergy of thought and action among regional countries as part of its intense focus on the realization of its ambitious One-Belt, One-Road (OBOR) initiatives. It believes that the objectives would be hard to achieve if political conflicts kept regional countries at loggerheads. Stability and development require peaceful neighbourhoods. China, which is still struggling with many social problems, poverty and economic disparities in various parts of its own turf, is ostensibly anxious to get as many neighbours on board as possible to collectively overcome these challenges—both in and around China. Detractors call this westward expansion. Beijing prefers to peg it as an attempt to share the dividends of economic development with other developing countries for the simple reason that China will prosper only if its neighborhood is stable and benefiting from its trade and development. Recent interactions with Chinese officials, academics and intelligentsia offered insight into how they clearly see a more integrated Asian region as the key to the success of their OBOR initiatives. Beijing also feels that peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan and intra-Afghan dialogue for reconciliation within Afghanistan is the key to the OBOR flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative. This is why, using ministerial, bureaucratic, and civil society channels, Beijing is working hard to convey both to Afghanistan and Pakistan that they must mend fences. China has indicated its readiness to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan too. Yet, the attitude of these two countries would determine the nature and extent of the Chinese involvement in such a process, officials caution They acknowledge that Afghanistan is a “tragedy country” which is still facing problems because of external players. Chinese leadership is also vocal about the external influences on Afghanistan. We believe that no outside power...
CHINA WATCH [April 25- May 2] ‘LONG TERM PLAN’ (LTP) FOR THE CHINA-PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC)
A Chinese diplomat has confirmed that Pakistan and China were working towards the early finalisation of an LPT for the CPEC. Iran has reiterated that it was keen on joining the CEPC. The federal planning, development and reform ministry requested the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to dismiss the petition filed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government. Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong said that since Pakistan was not producing the goods needed in China, it had trade deficit with China. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zakaullah has said that the navy was ready to face any challenge in the Indian Ocean after the completion of the CPEC. Under the revised priority list of the CPEC, Pakistan and China have set the electricity generation capacity at 11,000MW. ‘LTP’ for CPEC: The political and Press Counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Islamabad Jian Han has confirmed that Pakistan and China were working towards the early finalisation of an LPT for the CPEC.[i] It is believed that the concerned ‘LPT’ could be finalised during the Belt and Road summit to be held in Beijing on May 14 and 15. According to Mr. Jian the LPT “would set the focus for CPEC construction in the future.” On the other hand, CPEC’s Project Director Hassan Daud Butt said that the plan would serve as a blueprint for further progress in CPEC from present till 2030.[ii] He added that under Early Harvest Projects, to be completed in 2018, about 7,000 MW of electricity would be added to the national grid and linkages of eastern and western routes would be completed. While China seems to be interested in the construction of CPEC as a launching pad for its grand strategy of ‘Belt and Road Initiative’, Pakistan’s incumbent government is in the rush to cash on the completion of projects for electoral gains in the next general elections. Beyond all the glowing official narratives, many questions and reservations loom large over the different aspects of CPEC which the two governments have yet to address....
Why Not Publish The JIT Report?
Government’s actions based on the JIT report on Dawn Leaks (dismissals of two technocrats) has unfortunately resuscitated the latent fault lines in Pakistan’s political landscape. Almost at the same time, Supreme Court’s Panama ruling has exposed the contradictions as well as the impudence of Pakistan’s ruling elites. As far the Panama ruling, the epilogue of a recent article from former ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi (published in Dawn, May 1) comprehensively encapsulates the worrisome situation that resonated during the Panama case as well. Pakistan is among the countries most exposed to climate change, unmanageable population growth, leadership corruption, criminally irresponsible governance, economic collapse and nuclear catastrophe. With a prime minister temporarily reprieved but permanently discredited by the supreme judiciary, ask not for whom the doomsday clock shall toll. This quote depicts an unfortunate reality of the current day Pakistan; civilian rulers ride into power using the chariot of democracy. But once ensconced in the position of power, their focus turns to personal and party gains instead of thinking of the federation of Pakistan and its teeming millions. Personal greed and self-glorification takes precedence over good responsible governance, transparency and accountability vis a vis the electorate take the back seat. Noted commentator Ayaz Amir rightly described this “a state of mind” during a tv show, thereby meaning that once in power, the ruling elites love to dodge and dribble the law to their advantage, often at the cost of their own claims to democracy. Now to the Dawn leaks; the sacking, first of Pervez Rasheed, and then Tariq Fatmi and Rao Tehseen, the principal information officer, exemplifies this typical attitude; by offering the two as the scapegoats, the government naively believed it would dodge the General Headquarter (GHQ). This the prime minister’s office despite the understanding that the report of the Joint Investigation...
Social Media Not the Forum To Resolve Civ-Mil Tension
Pakistan’s state institutions have yet to learn the art of strategic communication. Confessional video statement of the once-dreaded TTP spokesperson, Ehsanullah Ehsan, that rang on the national media outlets for days and the GHQ reaction over the government notification with regard to the Dawn Leaks offer two glaring examples of the clumsy way the security establishment handles extremely sensitive matters. The instant tweet Saturday by the GHQ spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor saying “the notification (by the government on Dawn Leaks) is rejected” only embarrassed all those who have been saying all along that the military has now adjusted to the new political realities and is taking the backseat as far as national security matters are concerned. Rejection of prime ministerial order is one thing. Making this “displeasure” public through the media is an altogether different ball game, a move that paints the GHQ negatively and reinforces the old perceptions that it dislikes, if not abhors, civilian government actions if they are not up to its satisfaction. Even a layman can figure out that the story by Cyril Almeida was not a startling revelation at all. The treatment of the information strewn by the story was unusual though. And if it came through official sources, the sanction for such a plant must have come from the top. Its simply preposterous to believe that former information minister Pervez Rasheed, or Tariq Fatemi, the adviser or the PIO would have the guts to pass on such information on their own. But coming back to communication modus operandi by the GHQ, particularly since General Raheel Sharif’s days, this raises many eyebrows as well as questions. Even replacing the Operation Zarb-e-Azb with Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad was an unnecessary and cheap ploy to create Gen Bajwa legacy. Major General Ghafoor’s quick tweet of rejection also flows from the same strategy. It therefore drew quite a bit of flak from all and sundry for the simple reason that –...
CRSS Quarterly Security Report Q1, 2017
After witnessing a marked drop in fatalities from violence during last year, the trend continued, despite a sudden upturn in violence during the second month in this quarter. The CPEC initiative, foreign intervention, and security lapses were some factors that led the militants and their supporters to strike using new strategies. Of all the regions in Pakistan, only Sindh showed an upsurge, when compared to data from last year’s first quarter. Every other province/region had declining amounts of violence-related casualties. While the ongoing military operation against outlaws forced the militant outfits like Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Islami (LI), and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) to go into hiding, Da’ish (or Islamic State (IS)) also made itself known by claiming major suicide attacks at two Sufi shrines in Sindh and Balochistan. In February, eleven coordinated attacks were reported across the country. Having lost thousands of militants in security operations, and with thousands more in custody, the militant ability to continue with such attacks was viewed as a shocking development and unprecedented given Pakistan’s recent gains. Overall, the security situation continues to improve, although we are seeing more of a plateau in progress, as expected. It is hoped that with kinetic gains, the state apparatus also focuses on the softer side of things to try and eliminate extremism, which is the root cause of terrorism in the country. To assess and evaluate what new challenges and threats are being faced by the country, this report makes use of the national print and electronic media sources. CRSS endeavors to ensure that the data is as accurate as possible within the available resources. However, it does not rule out errors and omissions, which are always a possibility in such public-source statistical work. Such mistakes, nevertheless, do not grossly affect the overall outcome and conclusions of this report. It must also be said that this work cannot take...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 24, 2017
The Role of Educational Institutions in Imparting Tolerance, Respect for Diversity and Interfaith Harmony The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) focused on the significance of educational institutions in enhancing students’ capacities. The program discussed the importance of extracurricular activities to teach tolerance, respect for diversity, interfaith harmony, critical thinking and peaceful conflict resolution. Moreover, the program shed light on the presence of political parties and student unions in educational institutions, the poor culture of debating and the lack of student societies as well as the role of media and teachers in character building and engaging students in responsible citizenship. Mr. Bakht Zaman, Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at University of Peshawar, and Mr. Shahkar Aziz, a Political Activist based in Peshawar, took part as studio guest in the show. Mr. Zaman said: “The role of teachers and parents is crucial for developing tolerance and building a conflict-free society. We must revive the culture of debate, speech competitions, sports and musical gatherings to create a more peaceful environment.” Mr. Aziz said: “We need to establish societies and clubs in every department where students can have critical discussion on local issues to foster critical thinking, which will ultimately help in raising awareness and tolerance among students.” A radio report was made the part of the program. The report highlighted the lack of tolerance and the absence of interfaith harmony among students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Five callers took part live in the program. They urged the government to include lessons on tolerance, respect for diversity and interfaith harmony in the curricula of KP and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental...
Sabawoon Showcase: April 19, 2017
Importance of First Aid Trainings in Tackling Emergencies The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (alive spirits) focused on the significance of first aid trainings and volunteering in handling natural catastrophes and emergencies in Pakistan. The central themes of discussion were first aid training and capacity building for young people to enhance their skills in handling emergencies. Moreover, the program reported on emergency response teams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), the institutionalization of volunteer and social work, free health facilities for volunteers’ families in Peshawar, ambulance services, blood donations and the role of volunteers in dealing with bomb blasts victims, floods and earth quakes. Mr. Zafar and Mr. Zulfiqar, Volunteers, Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Peshawar, were studio guests in the show. Mr. Zafar said: “Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to different kinds of disasters. Therefore, we need to institutionalize volunteering and we should make it the part of the course completion in educational institutions.” Mr. Zulfiqar said: “After completing an intensive training on first aid, emergency response and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, I have been volunteering in so many emergencies and have been successful in handling it diligently. We need to train more young people to be part of an enthusiastic volunteer movement to deal with emergencies more effectively.” A radio report was made part of the program. The report highlighted the need for people in our society who are qualified in the first aid and emergency response and the role of PRCS to enhance the capacity of youngsters committing themselves for such noble cause as helping victims. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s...
Andrea Margelleti, president, Centro Studi Internationali, Italy, and his delegation in a dialogue on counter terrorism in Pakistan and Afghanistan, hosted by CRSS.
Andrea Margelleti, president, Centro Studi Internationali, Italy, and his delegation in a dialogue on counter terrorism in Pakistan and Afghanistan, hosted by CRSS. Dr.Shoaib Suddle, General Asif Yasin Malik, Ambassador Qazi Hamayun and Ambassador Sanaullah represented Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
Sabawoon Showcase: April 18, 2017
Regional Review on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) The latest episode of Da Simay Jaaj (regional review) discussed several public issues, such as poor condition of roads and means of communication, the revive of co-curricular activities and public awareness about the importance of education. The program discussed the obsolete conditions of general transportation road in district Swat, that has given birth to several issues in the region. Although the local administration is aware of the situation, they have not taken any concrete steps to overcome the problem. Furthermore, the lack of a popper transportation mechanism and the poor condition of the road between Bajour and Mohmand agency was debated. Due to this issues resident are compelled to take a longer route which wastes their resources as well as time. The dirt road in district Bannu was also a topic of the program as it has created severe transportation and communication issues for the locals. Moreover, the program showcased a funfair that was organized by students in Kohat University of Science and Technology. The report stated this funfair was the revival of co-curricular activities in the university since such activities were no longer conducted after terrorism has hit the region. The program also highlighted the enrollment and educational awareness campaign which were initiated by the youth in Kurram Agency. Theses campaigns are aimed at sensitizing locals about the importance of education for the future of their children. Callers Response: Three callers took part in the program. They urged government to provide the basic facilities to the citizen of the country. About Sabawoon: Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through...
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I am also a member of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. Recently, we held a meeting with the Director General of Radio Pakistan and we told them to initiate such local programs (like Constituency Hour) in regional languages to educate and inform people. Even Indian Radio can be heard in FATA which is being used for propaganda purposes and must be closed. Therefore, we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners.