1. Critically evaluate Pakistans foreign policy shift towards geo-economics.

How has this

shift affected Pakistan's relations with global powers such as the US and China?

Pakistan's foreign policy has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, emphasizing

geo-economics over traditional geopolitics. This shift is grounded in the realization that sustainable

national development is contingent on economic connectivity, trade, investment, and regional

integration.

The pivot to geo-economics was explicitly stated in Pakistans National Security Policy (2022-2026),

which emphasizes economic security as a key pillar. It reflects a move away from a solely

security-centric approach toward one that promotes economic diplomacy.

**Impact on Relations with China:**

- Pakistans economic partnership with China has deepened under the China-Pakistan Economic

Corridor (CPEC), the flagship project of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

- CPEC remains central to Pakistans geo-economic vision, offering infrastructure, energy, and

trade-related investments.

- However, delays, security concerns, and IMF restrictions have slowed CPECs progress.

**Impact on Relations with the US:**

- Relations with the US have become more complex due to Pakistans closeness with China and the

USs Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at containing Chinese influence.

- The withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan has reduced Pakistans strategic importance for

Washington.

- However, there is a renewed focus on climate cooperation, counter-terrorism, and trade.

**Challenges:**

- Political instability, security threats, and economic mismanagement undermine the shift to
geo-economics.

- Pakistan needs to maintain a balance between the US and China, avoiding bloc politics and

focusing on multilateral partnerships.

In conclusion, while the geo-economic shift is strategic and timely, its success depends on domestic

economic reforms, regional peace, and diplomatic balancing among major powers.

2. Analyze the implications of the evolving Middle East geopoliticsparticularly the Israel-Arab

normalization and Irans regional postureon Pakistan's foreign policy.

The Middle East is undergoing profound geopolitical changes, particularly after the Abraham

Accords (2020) which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the

UAE and Bahrain. Additionally, Iran continues to assert its influence across the region, creating a

dual-polar environment.

**Implications for Pakistan:**

- **Israel-Arab Normalization:** Pakistan faces pressure from friendly Gulf states and Western allies

to reconsider its stance on Israel. However, due to its ideological and domestic considerations,

especially its support for Palestinian statehood, Pakistan has maintained its non-recognition policy.

- **Gulf Diplomacy:** As countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE align economically and

diplomatically with Israel, Pakistan finds itself navigating a sensitive space where its historic ties to

these countries may be affected.

- **Irans Role:** Pakistan shares a long border with Iran and must maintain peaceful bilateral

relations. However, Pakistan also has strategic relations with Irans rivals, especially Saudi Arabia.

The Iran-Saudi detente of 2023, brokered by China, is a welcome development for Pakistans

regional policy.

**Policy Balancing:**
Pakistan must maintain neutrality and promote diplomacy. It continues to emphasize the unity of the

Muslim world, supports a two-state solution in Palestine, and avoids entanglement in regional

rivalries.

In sum, evolving Middle East dynamics require a carefully balanced foreign policy, driven by

pragmatism, national interest, and ideological consistency.

3. Climate change has emerged as a global security threat. Examine Pakistans vulnerabilities

and its response to the climate crisis in the light of recent COP summits.

Pakistan is among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing less

than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions. The catastrophic 2022 floods, which submerged

one-third of the country, highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis.

**Vulnerabilities:**

- Melting glaciers in the north leading to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)

- Water scarcity and desertification

- Heatwaves and erratic rainfall affecting agriculture

- Urban flooding due to poor planning

**Response and Policy Initiatives:**

- **National Adaptation Plan:** Pakistan launched a climate-resilient recovery framework post-2022

floods.

- **Ten Billion Tree Tsunami:** An ambitious reforestation project to restore ecosystems.

- **Climate Smart Agriculture:** Efforts to make agriculture resilient to temperature and water stress.

- **Participation in COP Summits:** At COP27 and COP28, Pakistan actively advocated for climate

justice, resulting in the establishment of a Loss and Damage fund for developing nations.
**Challenges:**

- Limited financial capacity and dependence on international aid

- Weak implementation and governance mechanisms

**Way Forward:**

Pakistan must prioritize climate resilience through regional cooperation, digital monitoring systems,

and institutional strengthening. The climate crisis must be treated not just as an environmental issue

but a core national security concern.

4. Discuss the challenges to national integration in Pakistan with reference to ethnic,

linguistic, and regional identities. How can these be addressed through constitutional and

political reforms?

National integration remains a key challenge in Pakistan due to its ethnic, linguistic, and regional

diversity. The issues have often been exacerbated by political marginalization, uneven development,

and weak federalism.

**Key Challenges:**

- **Ethnic Grievances:** Baloch, Sindhi, and Pashtun nationalists often feel excluded from the

national mainstream.

- **Linguistic Identity:** Urdu's imposition as a national language post-independence sidelined

regional languages, leading to resentment.

- **Provincial Autonomy:** Historically, centralization of power created friction among provinces and

the center.

**Policy Gaps:**

- Inadequate implementation of the 18th Amendment

- Underrepresentation in civil services and resource allocation disparities

**Reforms for Integration:**

- **Strengthening Federalism:** Full implementation of the 18th Amendment and equitable

distribution of resources.

- **Inclusive Governance:** Ensure representation of marginalized communities in political and

bureaucratic structures.

- **Promotion of Cultural Pluralism:** Encourage education in regional languages and cultural

festivals to foster unity in diversity.

- **Dialogue and Development:** Focus on local development, reconciliation, and rehabilitation

programs in conflict-prone areas.

A cohesive national identity can only be built when diversity is celebrated, not suppressed, and

when the federation delivers social justice and equal opportunity for all citizens.

5. Trace the development of constitutionalism in Pakistan from 1947 to 1973. What were the

major obstacles in establishing a stable democratic framework?

The constitutional history of Pakistan from 1947 to 1973 is marked by instability, delayed

constitution-making, military interventions, and institutional weaknesses.

**Key Milestones:**

- **Objective Resolution (1949):** Set the ideological framework for future constitutions.

- **1956 Constitution:** First constitution; established Pakistan as an Islamic republic with a

parliamentary system. It was abrogated by Ayub Khan in 1958.

- **1962 Constitution:** Introduced by Ayub Khan; centralized and presidential in nature. Lacked

public legitimacy.

- **1973 Constitution:** A consensus-based document that established a federal, parliamentary

**Obstacles to Constitutionalism:**

- **Frequent Military Interventions:** Martial laws in 1958, 1969, and 1977 disrupted democratic

continuity.

- **Bureaucratic Dominance:** Civil and military bureaucracies wielded disproportionate power.

- **Ethnic and Regional Disparities:** The failure to accommodate East Pakistans demands led to

the 1971 secession.

- **Weak Political Parties:** Lack of internal democracy and vision among parties weakened

institutional development.

The 1973 Constitution was a major achievement, but its success depends on the continued

commitment to democracy, rule of law, and institutional balance. Without addressing these issues,

constitutionalism remains fragile.