PAK302 Assignment 2 Solution spring 2023

 

PAK 302

Assignment No. 2 

Solution

Spring 2023

Q: Do you think that Zia ul Haq’s administrative and economic Policies were different from those of Ayub Khan? Explain with five valid points.  (10 Marks)

 

Solution:

Zia ul Haq and Ayub Khan were two prominent military leaders who served as presidents of Pakistan at different times. While there are similarities between their administrative and economic policies, there are also notable differences. While both leaders had authoritarian tendencies, Zia ul Haq's emphasis on Islamization and his approach to governance and the economy set him apart from Ayub Khan's developmental and centralized policies.

 

Five differences in their approaches are:

1.     Governance Style:

 

Ayub Khan pursued a centralized and authoritarian governance style, implementing the Basic Democracy System and concentrating power in his hands. In contrast, Zia ul Haq adopted a more decentralized approach by appointing local government representatives through indirect elections.

 

2.     Islamization Policy:

 

Zia ul Haq introduced a significant Islamization policy during his regime, aiming to Islamize various aspects of society and law. He implemented Islamic laws such as Hudood Ordinance, Qisas and blasphemy laws. Ayub Khan, on the other hand, did not emphasize Islamization to the same extent during his rule.

 

3.     Economic Policy:

 

Ayub Khan's economic policy focused on state-led development and industrialization, known as the "Basic Democracy" or "Developmental Economics." He encouraged foreign investment, promoted large-scale industries, and initiated the Green Revolution to boost agriculture. Zia ul Haq, however, pursued a policy of "Islamization of the economy" by promoting Islamic banking and discouraging interest-based transactions.

 

4.     Foreign Policy:

 

Ayub Khan pursued a policy of close alignment with the United States, particularly during the Cold War era. He entered into military alliances such as SEATO and CENTO. Zia ul Haq, in contrast, shifted Pakistan's foreign policy towards Islamic countries and emphasized building stronger ties with Muslim nations, including support for the Afghan Mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan War.

 

5.     Media and Press Freedom:

 

Ayub Khan's regime introduced press censorship and restricted media freedom to a certain extent. Zia ul Haq, while also imposing restrictions on the media, allowed more press freedom compared to Ayub Khan's era.

 

Q2: How do you analyze the significance of Geo strategic location of Pakistan? Explain with five valid points.  (5 Marks)

 

Solution:

The geostrategic location of Pakistan holds significant importance due to its position in South Asia and its proximity to various geopolitical hotspots. Pakistan's geostrategic location grants it significant advantages in terms of trade, connectivity, energy security, military position, and diplomatic influence. Its central position in the region positions Pakistan as a crucial player in shaping regional dynamics and engaging with global powers.

Significance of Pakistan's geostrategic location:

·        Pakistan serves as a crucial bridge connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It shares borders with Iran, Afghanistan, China, and India. Its location allows for potential trade routes and energy corridors, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which connects the Arabian Sea to western China.

 

·        Pakistan's location gives it a strategic advantage in South Asia, allowing it to exert influence in the region. It shares a tense border with India and plays a key role in the geopolitics of the Indian subcontinent. The rivalry between the two countries impacts regional dynamics and security.

 

 

·        Pakistan's coastline along the Arabian Sea grants it accesses to vital international maritime trade routes. The ports of Karachi and Gwadar have significant economic potential, enabling Pakistan to serve as a maritime gateway for trade between the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

 

·        Pakistan's location near the resource-rich region of the Middle East gives it access to significant energy resources. It has historically relied on imports of oil and gas, and its geostrategic position allows for potential energy cooperation and the development of alternative energy routes.

 

·        Pakistan's proximity to Afghanistan has made it a key player in the Afghan conflict. It has served as a crucial transit and supply route for foreign forces and has facilitated peace negotiations between various Afghan factions. Its location influences regional stability and the prospects for peace in Afghanistan.