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Rethinking Pakistan Economy Putting the House in Order
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) extends its sincere gratitude to the core research team members whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in this research report. We are grateful to Saddam Hussein, who provided a substantial contribution to the report as the lead author, along with his technical guidance, insights and astute expertise that deftly crafted this report. Hussein was also involved in designing the outline, methodology as well as contextualizing the themes and data. We convey our recognition with sincere thanks to Zehra Zaidi for demonstrating exceptional leadership and a remarkable aptitude for innovation as the research lead; Elsa Imdad for conducting the literature review and desk review with meticulous attention to detail and updated knowledge; Ramsha Saghir for carrying out the key informant interviews with exceptional skill and insight; and Hamid Mehmood Chouhan for conducting extensive desk research that significantly improved the findings. The Center is also grateful to the subject matter experts whose contributions greatly enhanced the quality and credibility of this report. We are deeply grateful to Zubair Faisal Abbasi, Ali Salman, Sarah Javaid, and, Haroon Sharif, whose participation in the key informant interviews provided insightful analysis and invaluable guidance throughout the research process. Finally, we extend our gratitude to Javed Hassan, for his critical input and final review of the report.
CRSS Workshop Spotlights Innovative Strategies for Community Development
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) hosted an interactive workshop under Global UGRAD’s community development initiative (CDI). Led by UGRAD alumna and CRSS research fellow Elsa Imdad, and facilitated by Mr. Zonaib Tahir, Assistant Professor at the Department of Management Sciences, Quaid-e-Azam University, the workshop aimed to provide Afghan refugee youth and marginalized Pakistani youth with practical insights into community development. The session delved into the concept of social enterprises, highlighting their potential role in driving sustainable community development. Various aspects of economic growth and social well-being were thoroughly explored, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of how social ventures can benefit communities. Another key theme was the importance of leadership in social innovation, emphasizing the need for strong leaders to translate ideas into impactful community projects. A participant from the Afghan refugee community noted, "The workshop gave us a clear understanding of how individual actions can contribute to larger community development goals." Participants also engaged in a brainstorming session, providing an opportunity for collaboration and idea-sharing related to community development. This activity showcased the diverse perspectives and innovative potential of the attendees. A development practitioner shared, "The brainstorming session was a practical exercise, allowing us to discuss challenges and think of potential solutions collaboratively." The diversity of the participants added depth to the discussions, with both Afghan refugees and Pakistani youth finding common objectives and aspirations. The workshop became a space for sharing, learning, and collaboration. Another Pakistani participant mentioned, "Despite our varied backgrounds, there was a shared aim: to uplift our communities. The workshop highlighted the value of working together." Summing up the spirit of the event, a...
About Time for World To Recognise Taliban Regime; Zabiullah Mujahid
August 15 marks Afghanistan’s new Independence Day. Two years ago this day, Kabul plunged into chaos and uncertainty following President Ashraf Ghani’s abrupt departure for Uzbekistan. For several hours the capital had no government, prompting the Taliban – who had been camping on the southern outskirts of Kabul as the transfer of power talks continued – decided to march in. Ironic indeed, an unprecedented return to power of a group that the US-led coalition forces had tried hard for over two decades to defeat. The Taliban interim regime celebrated the day with vows to continue with the “Islamic System” it had fought for – come what may. No diktat, no interference is acceptable. Nor should the world expect us to abandon the RIGHT PATH that we have chosen for ourselves as a result of decades of struggle. During the day both Kabul, the political capital, and Kandahar, the real power center, reverberated with the same resolve to the context of a socio-economically uneasy life across Afghanistan. Unemployment is high, inflation has begun pinching the people like never before and large sections of the female population remain confined to homes. The emirate officials have their own way of explanations for the current situation. In a meeting at his office in Kandahar, Zabihullah Mujahid , the eloquent spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate (the Taliban government), responded to a number of critical questions I posed to him on subjects such as women’s exclusion from education and work, terrorism and economic connectivity. We must look at things from our socio-political context and not necessarily from the western prism, he underlined. “By the Grace of Allah we have successfully survived for two years , this Tuesday is the day of triumph of the jihad that the people of Afghanistan that they waged against the United States and its allies.” “Now that we have demonstrated our resilience and consolidated peace, it is time for the United States and others to formally...
Afghans Must Not Be Punished For Taliban Policies
It is a pity that in the context of unprecedented enormous opportunities and major challenges in Afghanistan, we lack the existence of dynamic leadership with the essential capabilities to take advantage of opportunities and turn challenges into opportunities. No doubt that Afghans are individually hardworking and courageous citizens, but when it comes to the collective status, our background in the last five decades is full of regrettable catastrophes and turmoil. Despite sacrificing millions of innocent lives in the struggle for freedom, they neither achieved the goals of real independence nor avoided internal confrontations, nor preserved the dignity of their values. The most shameful act of the Taliban regime and the regrettable social setback of Afghans as a nation that certainly defamed their national honour questioned their past pride and so-called present victories, is the long-term closure of schools and universities for girls. Most importantly, despite being the most indispensable and collective demand of all Afghans, they have even failed to initiate a public protest against the ban and the immediate opening of girls’ educational institutions. In order to put things back on track and end the current stalemate, get rid of the internal and external isolation, the Taliban need not deviate from religious values, nor should they breach the cultural boundaries. Within the framework of respect for personalities and their statuses, they severely need to urge their leaders to either revise their perceptions regarding the self-defined interpretation of Islamic principles, pay attention to the legitimate concerns of the world community, including the neighbours, or face the terrifying aftermath and destructive outcome of their policies that would certainly devastate the country. It has been almost two years since the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan. Afghans living there are in distressing and difficult situations. The economic condition is dire, the starvation...
Indian citizens’ group punctures government claims on Kashmir
Under the banner of the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir, a citizens’ group that includes retired judges, military officers, and top civil servants, in a report, urges New Delhi to address fears of demographic change. By Iftikhar Gilani Even as four years later Indian Supreme Court began hearing on the revocation of special status to Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, an informal group of concerned Indian citizens that includes former judges, top officials, and even military officers has called Indian government to restore the democratic process, release prisoners, stop media crackdowns, and address fears about demographic changes in the region. Under the banner of the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir, the citizens’ group said that since Aug. 5, 2019, when India revoked limited autonomy and divided the Muslim-majority region into two centrally administered areas, a barrage of laws is being imposed day after day, stoking mistrust and fears. Presenting its fourth annual report, the group, which includes five senior retired judges, four retired army and air force officers, former Home Minister Secretary Gopal Pillai, former External Affairs Secretary Nirupama Rao, and former government interlocutor Radha Kumar, disputed New Delhi’s claims that the region has progressed after its incorporation into the Indian Union. “The facts, however, suggest otherwise. In its three annual and two thematic reports, the forum has documented more than three dozen economic, political, and social rights violations between August 2019 and July 2022, including economic losses of more than 50,000 crore rupees ($6.078 billion), if conservative estimates are made,” the report said. The group noted that Jammu and Kashmir had the most licensed gun owners among all centrally-administered areas and the most gun owners per capital city among all Indian states in 2023. In December 2016, there were 369,191-gun license holders. Later the government banned the issuance of...
No One Home, Who Will Lead Pakistan Out of Current Crises?
The deepening Sino-Saudi economic connections are evident in the remarkable surge in their trade volumes. Starting at $4.1 billion in 2001, the bilateral trade skyrocketed to a staggering $87 billion in 2021, marking a quadruple increase. This noteworthy growth becomes even more intriguing when contrasted with Saudi Arabia's combined trade volume with Western countries and the US, which amounted to $38.8 billion in 2001 and reached $78.2 billion in 2021. The Sino-Saudi strategic partnership is an inspiring example for Pakistan to convert its social capital potential into economic growth and regional connectivity through geo-economics. Pakistan can also benefit from the Sino-Saudi partnership by investing in its human capital development sector; setting up universities and strengthening institutions, as a prerequisite to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Pakistan can position itself to leverage opportunities if it plays its cards well. But unfortunately, no one is home to lead Pakistan out of the current crisis due to lack of leadership by all stakeholders. These were the key takeaways from the webinar on “The New Sino-Saudi Strategic Partnership - Opportunities and Challenges for Pakistan”, organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). Mr. Hamid Sharif, Former Inaugural Managing Director Compliance-Resolution, Evaluation and Integrity at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) spoke during the webinar - as the first guest speaker - on the relationship between AIIB and BRI. He noted added that Breton Woods is where the current global finance system originates. It was essentially a Western-led plan, for the restoration of Europe and ignored the demands of the developing countries. However, all of that changed when Emerging Asia began to have a greater voice and impact on the international economic system. In 2008, the President of the World Bank formed a commission, led by the former president of Mexico, to address some of these...
‘Formation of Inclusive Afghan Government’ Tops Upcoming Moscow Format Agenda
The multilateral ‘Moscow Format’ of nations are to hold their upcoming annual meeting in Russia’s Kazan on September 29, and aims to eradicate terrorism and drug trafficking while stressing the importance of forming a truly inclusive government, reflecting the interests of all major ethno-political groups of the country. The Taliban are expected to attend after missing 2022’s discussions. The Moscow Format was established in 2017 as a regional platform for consultations between special envoys of Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, and Pakistan to promote peace, stability and facilitate national reconciliation in war-ravaged Afghanistan. Later, five Central Asian nations, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan joined the diplomatic outreach. The main emphasis this year will be the formation of an inclusive Afghani government. The Taliban are just one of over 50 tribal groups in Afghanistan, but represent about 55% of the total Afghani population. The Taliban have stated they will permit a more representative Afghan government, but this has not materialised at present. The 2022 joint statement of the country representatives in the Moscow Format noted that while efforts to provide economic and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan should be intensified, it was important from the country’s interim government to “ensure the basic rights and freedoms” of the people. Zamir Kabulov, the Russian special envoy for Afghanistan, has stated that the upcoming meeting in Kazan will emphasize on the inclusivity of the interim Taliban government, counterterrorism and crimes linked to the narcotics trade that was estimated to be worth over US$2.7 billion in 2021. He expressed concerns that there have been “no progress” on these matters. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban government, acknowledged the importance of the meeting as differences between Afghanistan and other countries can be resolved through dialogue, stating that “At the...
China-Afghanistan Relations: Opportunities and Challenges
In 2020, China became the second-largest export destination for Afghan goods after Pakistan. For China, Afghanistan enjoys a strategic geographic position, offering a potential shortcut for imports of oil and gas from the Middle East, along with neighboring Pakistan. Hence, a stable Afghanistan can lead to; increased trade, connectivity, and investment opportunities, aligning with China’s broader regional and global aspirations. China has maintained diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, having recognized the Afghan government at various points in its recent history. China also played a role in facilitating talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, and was one of the first foreign countries to pledge emergency and humanitarian aid (worth 200 million yuan) to Afghanistan. China has also maintained direct communication with the Taliban administration, and both sides have met on several occasions, bilaterally and internationally, to discuss plans for Afghanistan reconstruction. Beijing has also been active in various; international, multilateral talks on Afghan issues with regional and international actors. To give an overview of how China-Afghanistan’s bilateral relationship strengthened over the years, following are the key points: Trade flow between China and Afghanistan: Afghanistan’s main trading partners are its neighbors, and China is one of its largest trading partners. In 2020, China became the second-largest export destination for Afghan goods after Pakistan. It was also the top source of imported goods for Afghan markets, following the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan, and India. (Central Bureau of Statistics of Afghanistan}. According to the International Trade Centre (ICT), Afghanistan’s exports to China have grown over the last 25 years at a yearly rate of 4.84 percent, from US$16.6 million in 1995 to US$49.53 million in 2021. Multilateral engagement efforts: The two sides have established the China-Afghan Joint Committee on Economics and...
U.S. – Taliban Meetings Center on Human Rights, Economic Stabilization, and Counternarcotics
On July 30 and 31, Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West, alongside Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights Rina Amiri, and Chief of the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan based in Doha Karen Decker, led a U.S. delegation to continue discussions regarding critical interests with senior Taliban representatives and technocratic professionals in Doha, Qatar. U.S. officials identified areas for confidence building in support of the Afghan people. The American delegation also expressed deep concern regarding the humanitarian crisis and the need to continue to support aid organizations and UN bodies delivering assistance consistent with humanitarian principles. U.S. officials urged the Taliban to reverse policies responsible for the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly for women, girls, and vulnerable communities. U.S. officials expressed grave concern regarding detentions, media crackdowns, and limits on religious practice. The United States expressed support for the Afghan people’s demands for their rights to be respected and for their voices to shape the future of the country. The American delegation met with representatives of the Afghan Central Bank and Afghan Ministry of Finance to discuss the state of the Afghan economy and the challenges that the banking sector faces. U.S. officials took note of recent data indicating declining inflation, growth of merchandise exports and imports in Afghanistan in 2023, and voiced openness to a technical dialogue regarding economic stabilization issues soon. U.S. officials took note of the Taliban’s continuing commitment to not allow the territory of Afghanistan to be used by anyone to threaten the United States and its allies, and the two sides discussed Taliban efforts to fulfill security commitments. The American delegation acknowledged that there has been a decrease in large-scale terrorist attacks against Afghan civilians. U.S. officials pressed for the immediate and...
Review of CPEC and BRI: Targets, Achievements, Shortcomings, and Future Perspectives
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stands as a symbol of the deep-rooted and unwavering friendship between Pakistan and China. Initiated as a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, CPEC was envisioned to revolutionize Pakistan's infrastructure, energy sector, and economy. Over the years, it has achieved significant milestones, however, like any ambitious endeavor, CPEC has faced challenges that demand thoughtful planning and collaboration for its second phase. This article reviews the targets and achievements of CPEC, identifies its shortcomings, delves into the vision for CPEC Phase-II, including the establishment of new joint working groups, discusses planning, the future, and the way forward for this transformative initiative, and concludes with the immense potential it holds for both nations and the broader region. The Targets of CPEC under BRI Infrastructure Development: CPEC aimed to transform Pakistan's infrastructure by constructing modern transportation networks, including highways, railways, ports, and airports. The goal was to enhance regional connectivity and facilitate trade and economic growth. Energy Security: Addressing Pakistan's energy crisis was a core objective of CPEC. The corridor aimed to develop various energy projects, including coal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, to boost the country's energy capacity and reduce its dependence on costly energy imports. Economic Growth and Industrialization: CPEC aimed to stimulate Pakistan's economic growth by attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) from China. This investment was expected to create job opportunities, spur industrialization, and improve living standards for the Pakistani people. Regional Connectivity: As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, CPEC envisioned fostering regional connectivity by creating a network of roads, railways, and pipelines linking China to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar Port. This connectivity aimed to benefit China,...
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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.