Recently, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has witnessed significant unrest. Civilians have engaged in clashes with police amidst widespread protests. The agitation, spearheaded by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, has escalated due to rising inflation and demands for essential resources like electricity and subsidized wheat.
In response to the turmoil, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved an $86 million grant for PoK. This unrest underscores the severe economic challenges and the lack of basic amenities that the region's population is currently experiencing.
Pakistan's economy is grappling with a serious crisis, burdened with foreign debt reaching $124.5 billion, which constitutes approximately 42% of its GDP. The economic growth is projected to be a mere 1.8% for the fiscal year ending June 2024. Despite these economic struggles, Pakistan continues to invest heavily in military expenditure, particularly through collaboration with China.
Amid the ongoing unrest in PoK, India has reiterated its stance regarding the region's status. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized that "one day we will end the illegal occupation of PoK and PoK will join with India." This diplomatic assertion adds a layer of complexity to the already challenging situation.
The military relationship between Pakistan and China has deepened significantly over the last decade. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), between 2019 and 2023, China accounted for 82% of Pakistan's arms imports. This partnership has facilitated the delivery of advanced military hardware, including submarines and other weapon systems.
Furthermore, China stands as a major creditor to Pakistan, with total external debt owed amounting to $26.6 billion as of April 29, 2024. This figure has escalated from $7.6 billion in 2016 to $26.5 billion in 2022. Chinese loans constitute about 23% to 30% of Pakistan’s total foreign debt, highlighting Pakistan's growing economic dependence on China.
India faces significant security challenges due to the military cooperation between Pakistan and China. The substantial arms imports and military capabilities acquired by Pakistan from China enhance its defense posture, which raises concerns for India. Moreover, India must navigate the intricate economic and diplomatic dynamics involving both Pakistan and China. The significant debt Pakistan owes to China and the strengthening military ties between these nations pose strategic challenges for India.
The ongoing unrest in PoK, coupled with Pakistan's economic challenges and its deepening military ties with China, illustrates the multifaceted issues confronting the region. For India, these developments require a vigilant and strategic approach, balancing diplomatic efforts with security preparedness to effectively address the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Q1. What are the main reasons for the unrest in PoK?
Answer: The unrest in PoK is primarily driven by rising inflation, demands for essential services like electricity, and subsidized necessities such as wheat. Protests have been organized by various local groups seeking better living conditions.
Q2. How is Pakistan's economy currently performing?
Answer: Pakistan's economy is struggling significantly, with a foreign debt of $124.5 billion and projected growth of only 1.8% for the fiscal year. The economic crisis is compounded by heavy military spending.
Q3. What is India's position on PoK?
Answer: India maintains that PoK is illegally occupied and asserts that it will eventually be integrated into India, as reiterated by the Indian External Affairs Minister.
Q4. How does Sino-Pak military cooperation affect India?
Answer: The military cooperation between Pakistan and China poses a security threat to India, as it enhances Pakistan's military capabilities and defense posture, necessitating caution from India.
Q5. What are the implications of Pakistan's debt to China?
Answer: Pakistan's significant debt to China, constituting a major part of its foreign debt, indicates growing economic dependence, which could affect its sovereignty and diplomatic decisions in the region.
Question 1: What is the primary cause of unrest in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)?
A) Political instability
B) Rising inflation and demand for basic amenities
C) Military intervention
D) Foreign influence
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: As of April 2024, what is the total external debt Pakistan owes to China?
A) $7.6 billion
B) $26.6 billion
C) $124.5 billion
D) $30 billion
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which country accounts for the majority of Pakistan's arms imports?
A) United States
B) India
C) China
D) Russia
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is the projected economic growth rate for Pakistan in the fiscal year ending June 2024?
A) 3.5%
B) 5%
C) 1.8%
D) 2.2%
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What stance has India taken regarding PoK?
A) Acceptance of the current status
B) Claiming the region as part of India
C) Neutrality
D) Seeking international intervention
Correct Answer: B
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