CSS Past Paper 2023 Current Affairs Descriptive (Part 2)
CSS | Past Paper | Compulsory | 2023 | Part 2 | Descriptive
Below is the solution to PART-II (COMPULSORY) of the CSS Past Paper 2023 Current Affairs Descriptive (Part 2).
Question 2
Discuss historic Pakistan and Turkey bilateral relations beyond the areas of socio-economic and strategic realms. Explain its geopolitical ripple effects in the Himalayas, the Arabian Peninsula, and the South Caucasus.
Introduction
Pakistan and Turkey share a deep-rooted friendship based on cultural, religious, and historical bonds. While their cooperation in socio-economic and strategic areas is well known, their ties also go beyond that. Both countries support each other on global platforms, coordinate on regional issues, and shape alliances that influence various regions like the Himalayas, Arabian Peninsula, and South Caucasus.
Historic Bilateral Relations (Beyond Socio-Economic and Strategic)
- Cultural and Religious Ties
- Turkey and Pakistan both belong to the Muslim world and have supported Islamic unity.
- Pakistani people supported the Khilafat Movement for the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century.
- Diplomatic and Political Support
- Turkey supports Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.
- Pakistan supports Turkey’s position on Northern Cyprus and its regional concerns.
- Defense Collaboration (Non-strategic Tech)
- Cooperation in military training, drone technology, and joint production of arms.
- Cultural defense cooperation beyond just strategy—promoting Turkish military culture in Pakistani institutions.
- Media and Soft Power Exchange
- Turkish dramas like Ertugrul Ghazi are hugely popular in Pakistan.
- This has created a strong people-to-people connection and mutual respect.
Geopolitical Ripple Effects
1. In the Himalayas
- Support on Kashmir
- Turkey openly supports Pakistan on Kashmir in the UN and OIC.
- This challenges Indian diplomacy and puts pressure on New Delhi.
- China-Pakistan-Turkey Nexus
- Turkey’s close ties with China and Pakistan create a subtle alliance in the region.
- This indirectly affects India’s influence in the Himalayas.
2. In the Arabian Peninsula
- Independent Muslim Bloc Vision
- Turkey, Pakistan, and Malaysia once proposed an alternative to Saudi-led OIC.
- This created new political groupings, especially after Pakistan skipped the Kuala Lumpur Summit under Saudi pressure.
- Turkey-Qatar-Pakistan Axis
- All three have strong relations and military cooperation.
- This weakens UAE-Saudi influence and gives Pakistan more options in Gulf politics.
- Balancing Gulf Power
- Pakistan and Turkey act as a balance to the UAE-Saudi axis on issues like Palestine and Iran.
3. In the South Caucasus
- Nagorno-Karabakh War
- Pakistan supported Azerbaijan, along with Turkey.
- This increased Pakistan’s visibility in the South Caucasus.
- Strategic Alliance with Azerbaijan
- The Pakistan-Turkey-Azerbaijan trilateral ties grew stronger.
- It challenges Armenian and even Russian influence in the region.
- Defense Industry Influence
- Turkish drones and Pakistani support in the Caucasus created a new power projection channel.
Conclusion
Pakistan-Turkey relations go far beyond trade and defense. Their strong diplomatic, cultural, and religious bond is creating ripple effects across multiple regions. From the icy Himalayas to the hot deserts of Arabia and the mountains of the Caucasus, this partnership is reshaping regional politics. With shared goals and deeper cooperation, their alliance can play a bigger role in the future Muslim world and international order.
Question 3
The UN climate summit (COP-27) in Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt) discussed Pakistan catastrophic summer floods exacerbated by climate change and the country is facing imminent threat of epidemics and other multi-dimensional dangers. Discuss the COP-27 roadmap to face the challenge of climate change and proposed measures for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Pakistan.
Introduction
In 2022, Pakistan faced one of the worst floods in its history, affecting over 33 million people. Experts said climate change played a major role in causing heavy rains and glacial melting. At the COP-27 summit held in Egypt in 2022, Pakistan’s case was highlighted as a key example of climate injustice—where a country contributes less than 1% to global emissions but suffers some of the worst impacts.
COP-27 Roadmap on Climate Change
- Establishment of ‘Loss and Damage Fund’
- The most historic outcome of COP-27.
- It aims to support developing countries like Pakistan that suffer climate disasters.
- Pakistan led the developing nations’ push for this fund.
- Climate Finance Commitment
- Developed nations were urged to fulfill their pledge of $100 billion annually to help poorer countries deal with climate change.
- This fund is supposed to support both mitigation and adaptation.
- Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)
- A framework was set to help vulnerable countries improve their resilience through early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and data sharing.
- Energy Transition Dialogue
- Emphasis on phasing down fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy.
- Countries like Pakistan were encouraged to develop solar and wind power with global help.
- Climate Justice Advocacy
- Pakistan’s leadership, especially at COP-27, brought attention to the “climate injustice” being faced by the Global South.
Challenges for Pakistan
- Rising temperatures and heatwaves
- Melting glaciers and floods
- Water scarcity and food insecurity
- Disease outbreaks like dengue, cholera after floods
- Massive damage to homes, crops, infrastructure
Proposed Measures for Pakistan’s Reconstruction & Rehabilitation
- Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
- Roads, schools, hospitals must be rebuilt with flood-resistance features.
- Urban planning should include drainage systems and green zones.
- Early Warning Systems
- Investing in weather forecast systems and disaster response training.
- Local communities should be trained for quick evacuation and first aid.
- Green Development Projects
- Promote afforestation, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture.
- Reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
- Healthcare & Epidemic Prevention
- Establish mobile clinics in flood-affected areas.
- Vaccination, clean drinking water, and sanitation must be top priority.
- International Climate Financing
- Pakistan should actively seek grants from the Loss and Damage Fund.
- Bilateral deals with countries for climate tech and aid.
- Climate Education and Awareness
- Schools and media should teach people about climate safety and protection.
- Farmers should be guided about climate-smart farming.
- Strong Institutional Framework
- NDMA and provincial disaster agencies must be strengthened.
- Coordination between federal, provincial, and district levels is crucial.
Conclusion
COP-27 was a turning point where Pakistan’s climate tragedy helped push the world toward climate justice. Now, Pakistan must use this momentum to secure funds, build better, and plan for a climate-resilient future. The world must also realize that climate change is a shared danger, and helping countries like Pakistan is not charity—it is a shared responsibility.
Question 4
Discuss the core causes of Russian invasion of Ukraine which have considerable socio-economic, political, and strategic consequences on the world. Explain its devastating impact on Pakistan and its severe lesson for the country’s survival.
Introduction
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, starting the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. This war has affected not just the two countries but the entire world. From food and energy crises to new security blocs, the consequences have been serious. For countries like Pakistan, the war is a reminder of how fast geopolitics can change and how vulnerable smaller economies are.
Core Causes of Russian Invasion
- NATO Expansion
- Russia strongly opposed NATO moving closer to its borders.
- Ukraine’s desire to join NATO was seen as a threat by Moscow.
- Historical Claims
- Putin claimed Ukraine is historically part of the “Russian world.”
- He used nationalism and past Soviet identity to justify the war.
- Fear of Western Influence
- Russia believed that Western-backed democracy in Ukraine would weaken Russian control in Eastern Europe.
- Crimea and Donbas Issue
- Russia had already annexed Crimea in 2014.
- In 2022, it supported rebels in Donbas and wanted full control of the region.
- Geopolitical Power Projection
- Russia wanted to reassert itself as a superpower and challenge US and EU dominance.
Global Socio-Economic, Political, and Strategic Consequences
- Energy Crisis
- Europe was dependent on Russian gas. The war caused shortages and high fuel prices globally.
- Food Insecurity
- Ukraine and Russia are major wheat exporters. War disrupted global food supply chains, especially in poor countries.
- Economic Recession Threat
- Oil and inflation shocks slowed down global growth and triggered financial crises in many countries.
- New Security Alliances
- Finland and Sweden joined NATO.
- US strengthened military presence in Europe.
- Military Spending Increased
- Countries began boosting their defense budgets, fearing future conflicts.
- Global Polarization
- The world began to divide again: US-led West vs. Russia-China-Iran type alliances.
Impact on Pakistan
- Inflation and Fuel Prices
- Pakistan faced a major economic crisis as oil and wheat became expensive.
- This worsened the balance of payments crisis.
- IMF Pressure and Political Instability
- Global economic shifts led to tougher IMF conditions and internal political tensions.
- Missed Oil Deals with Russia
- Pakistan explored cheap Russian oil but was hesitant due to Western pressure.
- Diplomatic Challenges
- Pakistan had to balance ties with both the West and Russia while avoiding sanctions.
- Import-Export Disruptions
- Supply chain delays hurt trade and industrial sectors.
Severe Lessons for Pakistan’s Survival
- Geopolitical Neutrality is Risky
- Pakistan must have a clear, balanced foreign policy based on national interest.
- Energy Independence is a Must
- Pakistan needs to diversify its energy sources and invest in local energy production.
- Food Security Needs Priority
- Heavy reliance on imports like wheat is dangerous in global crises.
- Economic Resilience is Key
- Pakistan must build strong reserves, reduce debt, and focus on exports to survive shocks.
- Regional Stability Matters
- Pakistan should promote peace in South Asia to avoid being dragged into larger conflicts.
Conclusion
The Russia-Ukraine war has shaken the world and exposed the weakness of global peace systems. For Pakistan, it was both an economic shock and a strategic lesson. If Pakistan wants to survive in today’s fast-changing world, it must learn to be economically strong, diplomatically smart, and regionally secure.
Question 5
Discuss the project idea of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is the great leap forward of economic regionalization in the globalized world. Explain its potential advantages, challenges, and future prospects.
Introduction
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is one of the flagship projects of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It was officially launched in 2015 and aims to connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan to Xinjiang in China through a network of roads, railways, pipelines, and energy projects. CPEC is not just a development project, but a major shift towards regional connectivity, trade, and geopolitical alignment in South Asia and beyond.
CPEC as a Leap in Economic Regionalization
- CPEC acts as a bridge between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
- It connects China with the Arabian Sea, cutting trade time and cost.
- It is seen as a corridor of opportunity for regional countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asian states.
- Promotes economic integration in a globalized world where trade routes decide power.
Potential Advantages of CPEC
- Economic Growth for Pakistan
- Infrastructure projects create jobs and attract foreign investment.
- Boost to industries, real estate, and small businesses.
- Energy Sector Improvement
- Power plants under CPEC help reduce Pakistan’s electricity shortage.
- Solar, coal, hydro, and wind projects included.
- Gwadar Port Development
- Gwadar will become a global shipping hub.
- Brings new trade and transit revenues.
- Improved Connectivity
- Roads and highways connect remote areas to urban centers.
- Better trade routes to China and Central Asia.
- Strategic Alliance with China
- Strengthens Pakistan’s global position through deepening China ties.
- Military and diplomatic cooperation also grows stronger.
Challenges to CPEC
- Security Threats
- Attacks on Chinese workers and CPEC sites by separatist groups in Balochistan.
- Regional instability, especially due to India’s opposition.
- Debt Trap Concerns
- Critics say Pakistan may fall into debt due to heavy borrowing for CPEC projects.
- Governance and Transparency Issues
- Lack of public data on CPEC agreements and spending.
- Fear of corruption and mismanagement.
- Local Grievances
- People of Balochistan and KP feel excluded from project benefits.
- Demands for equal development and job quotas.
- Geopolitical Tensions
- US and India view CPEC as a threat to their influence.
- CPEC passes through disputed territory (Gilgit-Baltistan), causing friction with India.
Future Prospects of CPEC
- Industrial Zones (SEZs)
- Special Economic Zones planned to boost local manufacturing and exports.
- Regional Expansion
- Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia may join, making CPEC a regional project.
- Digital and Agricultural Corridors
- New projects in IT, e-commerce, and smart agriculture are being discussed.
- Sustainability Focus
- Shift towards renewable energy and environmentally friendly practices needed.
- People-to-People Links
- Cultural and educational exchange between China and Pakistan growing.
Conclusion
CPEC is a golden opportunity for Pakistan and the region to enter a new era of connectivity and prosperity. While the project faces serious challenges, its long-term success depends on political stability, inclusive development, transparency, and strong security. If handled wisely, CPEC can truly transform Pakistan’s future and strengthen regional cooperation in a globalized world.
Question 6
November 15, 2022, will be a historic date in humanity’s history because at this date the Earth’s population reached to the 8 billion mark. Critically discuss that the 21st century is a century of rapid population growth which has a devastating negative impact in the world. Explain the severe consequences of rapid population growth which will affect every country on earth.
Introduction
On November 15, 2022, the world officially crossed the population mark of 8 billion people, according to the United Nations. While it reflects human survival and medical advancement, it also raises alarms about overpopulation and the pressure it puts on resources, environment, and global peace. The 21st century is witnessing population growth at an unprecedented rate, especially in developing countries, which brings more challenges than benefits.
Why the 21st Century is a Century of Rapid Population Growth?
- High birth rates in poor countries
- Longer life expectancy due to better healthcare
- Urbanization without proper planning
- Cultural and social factors that encourage large families
According to UN data, more than 50% of future population growth will come from just 8 countries, including Pakistan, India, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.
Severe Global Consequences of Rapid Population Growth
1. Resource Depletion
- Increased pressure on food, water, and energy.
- Forests are cut for housing, leading to deforestation and climate change.
- Overfishing and groundwater depletion are rising.
2. Environmental Degradation
- More people means more pollution—air, water, and land.
- Carbon emissions increase due to transportation, industry, and energy needs.
- Leads to global warming, extreme weather, and natural disasters.
3. Unemployment and Poverty
- In many countries, job creation is slower than population growth.
- More people fight for fewer jobs, leading to poverty and crime.
- Widening gap between rich and poor.
4. Healthcare Burden
- Overcrowded hospitals, poor maternal health, and spread of diseases.
- Developing countries struggle to provide basic health services to everyone.
5. Education Crisis
- Overloaded schools, low teacher-to-student ratios.
- Millions of children out of school, especially girls.
6. Housing and Urban Pressure
- Rapid urbanization leads to slums, lack of sanitation, and pollution.
- Infrastructure collapses under pressure—roads, electricity, water systems.
7. Political and Social Tensions
- Competition over land, jobs, and services causes conflicts.
- Rise in nationalism, migration issues, and xenophobia.
8. Food Insecurity
- Global food production cannot meet rising demand.
- Leads to malnutrition, hunger, and high food prices.
Impact on Every Country
- Developing countries face poverty, unemployment, and weak services.
- Developed countries face aging populations and labor shortages—but also worry about immigration.
- Climate change worsens for everyone, affecting agriculture, water, and health worldwide.
Conclusion
The rise to 8 billion people marks a major turning point for humanity. Without proper planning, this growth can turn into a global crisis. Countries must focus on family planning, education, women empowerment, and sustainability. Only then can population become a strength rather than a burden. The time to act is now, before the 8 billion become 10 billion.
Question 7
Critically discuss the conceptualized energy’s influence on the world geo-politics and its distinctiveness of global energy governance.
Introduction
Energy is not just about fuel or electricity—it’s a core element of global power and politics. The way countries access, control, and trade energy resources (like oil, gas, and renewables) defines modern geopolitics. Conceptualizing energy means understanding it not only as a resource but also as a tool of influence, conflict, and cooperation. Energy governance, on the other hand, refers to how global energy is managed, regulated, and distributed.
Conceptualized Energy’s Influence on Geo-Politics
- Energy as a Strategic Weapon
- Countries like Russia use gas exports as a political tool (e.g. cutting supplies to Europe).
- The 2022 Ukraine war proved how energy supplies can change political decisions.
- Energy Security Drives Alliances
- Nations form regional alliances (e.g., OPEC, IEA, and even China-Pakistan ties under CPEC) for energy access.
- US-Saudi Arabia relations are mostly based on oil security.
- Control over Energy Routes
- Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and South China Sea are key routes. Whoever controls them holds power.
- Conflicts in these areas often involve energy interests.
- Shifting Global Power Through Energy Transition
- As the world moves to renewables, new leaders like China (in solar panels) are rising.
- Oil-rich Gulf countries are investing in green energy to stay relevant.
- Energy and Military Strategy
- Military bases, operations, and logistics depend on fuel supply.
- Countries secure their energy before wars or conflicts (e.g., US in Iraq).
Distinctiveness of Global Energy Governance
- Fragmented Institutions
- Unlike trade (WTO) or health (WHO), there is no single global body for energy governance.
- Instead, it’s handled by groups like OPEC, IEA, IRENA, etc., with different goals.
- Producer vs Consumer Conflict
- Governance is divided: producers (like Russia, Saudi) vs consumers (like Europe, India).
- Energy pricing, supply, and climate goals often clash.
- Lack of Binding Rules
- Most agreements are voluntary. There is no global law that controls energy sharing or use.
- Climate and Energy Overlap
- Governance now includes climate change issues (Paris Agreement, COP).
- This adds pressure on oil producers to reduce fossil fuel use, which causes tension.
- Transition Dilemma
- Some countries rely on oil exports; others want clean energy.
- Balancing development vs sustainability is a challenge in governance.
Modern Trends in Energy Geopolitics
- Green Energy Race: China leads in solar, EU in wind, and US in innovation.
- Critical Minerals Politics: Lithium, cobalt, and rare earths now matter more than oil.
- Hydrogen and Nuclear Energy are also becoming important in future planning.
Conclusion
Energy today is more than just oil and gas—it’s a force that shapes foreign policy, war, peace, and even global leadership. The lack of unified energy governance makes the world more vulnerable to crisis, especially as we move toward a green future. To ensure stability, cooperation, and fairness, a stronger and more inclusive global energy framework is urgently needed.
Question 8
Critically discuss that why Pakistan’s economic growth continues to be “Balance-of-Payments” constraint which is one of the core causes to keep the foreign exchange reserves under pressure. Do you think that Pakistan’s export performance remains the most relevant long-term challenge to alleviate the balance-of-payments constraint for sustained economic growth and explain radical structural reforms to improve export performance?
Introduction
Pakistan’s economy has always struggled with balance-of-payments (BoP) problems. The country imports more than it exports, leading to trade deficits and pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Every few years, Pakistan faces a balance-of-payments crisis, goes to the IMF, and adopts short-term fixes. But the root cause is the weak export sector, which has failed to grow with time.
Why BoP is a Core Constraint for Pakistan?
- High Import Dependency
- Pakistan relies heavily on imports for fuel, machinery, chemicals, and food.
- Even basic industries depend on imported raw material.
- Low and Uncompetitive Exports
- Exports are limited to low-value textiles and rice.
- Lack of diversification and poor quality reduces global competitiveness.
- Narrow Industrial Base
- Economy is consumption-based, not production-driven.
- Few industries are export-oriented.
- Rupee Devaluation and Inflation
- Currency devaluation to fix BoP causes inflation.
- Public suffers and production costs rise.
- Debt and Interest Payments
- BoP crisis increases foreign borrowing, creating a debt trap.
- Large part of reserves goes to debt servicing.
- Global Shocks (Oil, Covid, Ukraine War)
- External shocks increase import bills and reduce remittances and export demand.
Is Export Performance the Key to Solve BoP Crisis?
Yes. Exports are the long-term solution to BoP problems because:
- They bring in foreign exchange without increasing debt.
- They support industrial growth and job creation.
- Countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh fixed their BoP by boosting exports.
So, export growth is Pakistan’s best option for economic stability and independence.
Radical Structural Reforms Needed
- Diversification of Exports
- Move beyond textiles to IT, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and food processing.
- Encourage startups and services exports.
- Energy and Infrastructure Development
- Reliable electricity, ports, and roads lower export costs.
- Special Economic Zones (SEZs) should be fully functional under CPEC.
- Tax and Regulatory Reform
- Simplify tax laws for exporters.
- Reduce red tape and make it easier to do business.
- Skilled Workforce Development
- Invest in vocational and technical education.
- Match skills with modern industry needs.
- Export Financing and Credit Access
- Provide low-interest loans and export insurance.
- Create a strong banking system for exporters.
- Value Addition and Branding
- Focus on quality and brand image.
- Add value to raw products before exporting.
- Trade Agreements and Market Access
- Sign FTAs with more countries.
- Explore new markets in Africa, Central Asia, and South America.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s economic growth is always at risk due to its chronic BoP crisis. The only sustainable way out is strong, diverse, and competitive export performance. With the right reforms, policies, and long-term vision, Pakistan can boost exports, stabilize reserves, and grow its economy without begging for bailouts every few years.
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