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Topic

Foreign Intervention in Internal Affairs of Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects.

Abstract

The intervention has been bedeviling the international system for quite a long. The international society has been confronting challenges as well as making gains from the phenomenon. In terms of strong states, the intervention has come as a bounty and on the other hand, weak states have endured sufferings for an intervention taking place on behalf of strong and powerful states. Pakistan being a weak state is no exception. This paper examines the literature available on intervention and its legitimate concern. It illustrates that how interventionism has changed substantially in the latter part of the 20th century and the first half of the 21st century. It has severe implications, as mentioned earlier, that Pakistan, too, borne for more than a half-century. This paper thoroughly outlines the issues, in detail, faced due to the phenomenon and how these consequences pose as a threat to the state of Pakistan.

Key words: intervention, international system, international society, interventionism, consequences.  

 

1.     Introduction

Foreign or international intervention, in terms of international law, is the use of force by one country or a sovereign state in the internal or external affairs of another country.  However, with the passage of time, since the ban on the use of force to achieve national interest by UN, the concept of intervention has undergone many changes and, as result, is carried out differently. Foreign interventions are aimed at achieving national interest in other countries. By and large, interventions can be categorized as political, economic, military, and humanitarian. Historically, great powers have been involved in the internal and external affairs of various countries to achieve their interests. They considered intervention, particularly humanitarian interventions, as legitimate and necessary for peace and democratization. In the contemporary era, with the advent of new modes of subversion, proxies, and hybrid warfare tactics, countries irrespective of their strengths have been seen carrying out interventions to make relative gains. Pakistan has been subject to foreign intervention since its inception. Many western and non-western countries have been interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan. States such as America, the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and India are to name a few that have been playing the game in different time and space. Besides these countries, many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and International Organizations (IOs) have been found intruding on the internal affairs of the country. These countries and organizations have committed interventions either to set up like-minded regimes, formulate policies, or have used proxies to achieve their aims and objectives. The interventions have come either directly or indirectly. All these endeavors, either aggressive or non-aggressive, have significant impacts on countries. Pakistan, too, has been bearing the brunt owing to foreign intrusion in its internal affairs. These interventions, undoubtedly, have greatly influenced the society of Pakistan. These acts are attributed to have social, political, and economic ramifications on the country.

 Most of the ills prevailing in the society are a consequence of foreign powers meddling, overtly or covertly, in the internal affairs of the state. The question arises here that, what challenges did Pakistan faces as a result of foreign interventions in its internal affairs.

2.     Theoretical Framework

I will be using the realist school of thought to assess the concept of intervention in international relations. The realist school of thought considers sovereignty as a significant attribute of the state. Without sovereignty, states are like other organizations. The feature of sovereignty is the one that makes the state distinct from the other organizations. According to realists, state's main aim is to intact its territorial sovereignty and that gives the state right to use force to protect its sovereignty. Similarly, sovereignty leads to a state’s survival and that requires self-help. To ensure statism through self-help states enhance their national power to avert the crisis of security dilemma that is part and parcel of an anarchic world.

3.     Research Question

How foreign intervention, in internal affairs, is posing challenges for Pakistan?

4.   Background

Every state has a right to manage its affairs, internal as well as external, according to its own wishes. This right has been granted in accordance with the principle of state sovereignty. State sovereignty implies that its legitimacy and authority can be established exclusively by reference to the legal system itself. It requires no reference to principles outside that very legal order.[1] the above right of a state establishes a corresponding duty on all other states that is the principle of non-interference. Non-interference in the affairs of other states is an agreed principle of International Law. However, when the principle of non-interference is violated, or when a state interferes in the affairs, it is referred to as intervention. Intervention is defined as a forcible or dictatorial interference by a state in the affairs of another state to impose certain conduct or consequence on that other state.[2] (Oppenheim 1992). This implies that intervention is without consent of the subjected state and intervention always comes from an ex parte, against the will of the state. This challenges the external independence, territorial or personal supremacy of the state concerned. Also, the act of intervention is aimed at making certain conditions according to the wishes and desires of the intervening state. Consequently, the state where the intervention takes place is forced to surrender, against its consent, to the desires of the intervening state.

Intervention maybe military, subversive, economic, diplomatic, to name a few. The military intervention takes place with the use of armed forces, which may become a military occupation of the territory of another state. Subversive interventions imply the conduct of propaganda, by another state, aimed at fomenting of revolt or civil unrest in another state. This phenomenon has been a norm in contemporary internal relations in order to weaken the rival or competing states. Diplomatic or economic intervention may include hurling of threatening tone implying use of force or other coercive measures, short of force, to institute compliance.

Historically, the intervention was widely used as an instrument of national policy. However, the rise of the nation-states system gave, after the treaty of Westphalia, in 1648, birth to the concept of sovereignty. Accordingly, states do not only assert ultimate authority within a distinctive entity but also assert membership of the international community. The doctrine of sovereignty implies a double claim: autonomy in foreign policy and exclusive competence in internal affairs. Internal sovereignty thus refers to supreme decision-making and enforcement authority with regard to a particular territory and population.[3] (Graham; Evans, Graham; Newnham, Jeffery; 1998). External sovereignty, on the other hand, refers to its antithesis; the absence of a supreme international authority and hence the independence of sovereign states.[4] (Graham; Evans, Graham; Newnham, Jeffery; 1998). It is to be noted here that the doctrine of sovereignty essentially leads to the concept of international anarchy, the idea of the absence of a supra-sovereign authority above the state. Hence, the international system of states is characterized by a permanent state of war in which the sovereign authorities are not restrained by an authority. Thus, states have been practicing intervention, either overtly or covertly, to achieve their respective national interests. However, international law restricts states’ behaviors. It means that, in practice, states are not given free hand to under take forceful interference to achieve self-claimed interest. The pronounced effect of international law has deterred states to take any punitive or coercive measures to make certain gains. As a result, during the late 19th century, there was a departure from the principle of intervention to non-intervention. Yet, there were and are still numerous cases of intervention in international relations.

The traditional position on the principle of intervention has greatly changed with the creation of United Nations (UN), in 1945. While the use of force by an individual state has been drastically restrained, the Security Council (SC), one of the organs of the UN, has been given the authority to use the force according to the provisions of U.N charter. It states that, All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.[5] The UN charter has prohibited the use of force by a state in the affairs of another state under Article 2. And, it presses up on to settle its political and territorial disputes according to the peaceful means of settlement enshrined in the charter of UN. The above-mentioned Article clearly prohibits any means of force that is inconsistent with the purpose of the UN. The UN was created, at the end of World War-II, to maintain peace and security of the world. The use of force and other coercive means used by the states are essentials threats to the world peace and security. Therefore, the Draft declaration on Rights and Duties of states prepare by the International Law, in 1949, has set forth non-intervention as one of the duties of a state under Article 3.[6] (Agarwal n.d.). Every state has the duty to refrain from intervention in the internal and external affairs of any other state. In addition, it has also been condemned by the General Assembly the adoption of the “Essentials of Peace” resolution on December 1, 1949. Every state must refrain from any threats or acts, direct or indirect, aimed at imposing the freedom, independence or integrity of any state, or at fomenting civil strife and subverting the will of people in any state.[7] these are the few resolutions that declare intervention illegitimate and directs states not to use force against the other states. Unfortunately, intervention has been used, under the disguise of Humanitarian cases, and covertly to further ulterior motives. Many states have faced intervention carried out by super or middle powers across the globe, these powers use have been justifying use of force either under Article 51 of the UN charter or under the guise of threat to the national security. Pakistan, too, has been subject to foreign intervention, sometimes covertly and other times overtly. The menace has afflicted severe consequences on the state ranging from political instability to economic woes and many other social ills.

Pakistan came into being as a separate state, carved out of the British subcontinent, on August 14, 1947, under very difficult circumstances. The traumatic experience of the partition from Indian Subcontinent coupled with refugee crisis gave it a severe blow to its peaceful existence. Indeed, it came into being in a very peculiar set of circumstances that made it a very difficult country to run. The partition of Indian Subcontinent was reluctantly accepted by the Indian National Congress leadership, they hoped that Pakistan would rejoin India sooner or later as a federation or confederation. Pakistan, therefore, had to face a serious threat to its security from a hostile India from the very beginning of its existence. India’s hostility reflected itself in several ways soon after the Partition: its reluctance to share cash balances and military stores with Pakistan equitably and expeditiously, the stoppage of the flow of river waters into Pakistan through its control on river headworks located in India, and the trade dispute because of Pakistan’s refusal to follow India’s decision to devalue its currency.[8] Since then, India is bent upon to destabilize Pakistan through covert interventions. India in pursuit of its nefarious designs has been indulged in nefarious activities that would lead to a weak or a failed state. Also, the subversive activities of New Delhi are not a new phenomenon for Pakistan. The dismemberment of erstwhile East-Pakistan took place with the help of Indian civil and military leadership. During his visit to Bangladesh in June, PM Modi had admitted that India played a part in the break-up of Pakistan in 1971 Liberation war. He had said that he was proud that Indian troops sacrificed themselves for liberation of Bangladesh.[9] Not only India but also many other states including the United States of America (USA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Israel and other Middle eastern countries have playing the dirty games to weaken the state of Pakistan.

When Pakistan came into being, the cold war between the USA and Soviet Union had already started. Consequently, the world was divided into two blocs i.e., the capitalist and the communist camp. Pakistan in search of its security and development needs, soon after partition, joined the former bloc wherein it was assured of unabated help by the USA. The dependency on the US to fulfill its security and other demands lead to an increased influence of the US in Pakistan. Eventually, the USA used this leverage to achieve its national objectives. During the cold war era, Pakistan affirmed her support to USA against the Soviet Union. This interest-based relationship remained consistent and America kept exploiting Pakistan for its personal gains. The Past two decades are reflection of the earlier past. Since the beginning of War on Terror (WOT), the mantra of do more has augmented the covert actions of the US in Pakistan. Despite being, a non-NATO ally, the USA never recognized Pakistan’s role to end terrorism in the region, rather Washington alleged Islamabad of supporting and sponsoring terrorism. Under this pretext the US has under taken drone strikes in tribal areas of Pakistan without consent of the Pakistani authorities. This drone attacks, killing of Osama bin Laden, presence of Raymond Davis, an agent of black water, are the episodes of US intervention in Pakistan. US drone strikes risk significantly weakening Pakistan's democratic institutions. What has been the whole outcome of these drone attacks is that the US has directly or indirectly contributed to destabilizing or undermining the democratic government.[10] Besides, the economic assistance provided by the US government, instead of making lives of people easier, was aimed at to serve the US interest. The increase in aid inflow during the 1960s is connected with Pakistan’s signing of mutual defense assistance agreements with the US in the cold war era. Aid inflow of the 1980s can be visualized in perspective of the Afghan war. In the 1990s, economic assistance to Pakistan was cut off by the US and other multilateral donors when the Afghan war ended. Aid inflow to Pakistan was further dropped down after the nuclear tests in 1998 and the military takeover in 1999. Most recently, aid inflow is a result of closer Pak-US ties after 9/11.[11]

Furthermore, not only the US and India, the middle Eastern countries too have been carrying out interference, without consent of Islamabad, in the internal and external affairs of the country to further their own agenda. Since the 1970s, Saudi Arabia has exercised enormous influence on Pakistan behind the scenes through its funding of Ahl-e-Hadith and Deobandi madrassas (religious seminaries), which teach a more puritanical version of Islam than had traditionally been practiced in Pakistan.[12] The author argues that the funding is directed up on to propagate their own version of Islam that runs parallel to the ambitions of Iran. In other words, the funding is done in order to enhance its influence and curtail that of Iran. Saudis influence in the country has increased since the Iranian Revolution- in 1979, and the invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet Union. The Iranian revolution instigated Saudis to enhance their influence and the invasion provided a mechanism to do so. The flow of Saudi money was used to train Mujahideen studying in Pakistani Madrassas. In addition, Iran, too, has trained relations with the Islamic republic. Historically, Tehran and Islamabad enjoyed cordial relations with each other. However, after the demise Shah and beginning of 1979 revolution, the relations have been on the downward trajectory. Iran and Pakistan are no longer allies of Cold war, instead they view each other as competitors. Iran views Pakistan as a staunch ally of its arch rival Saudi Arabi.  In recent years, Iran’s overtures toward a partnership with India, as well as Pakistan’s security challenges and struggles with Sunni militancy, have led to a tense relationship between Islamabad and Tehran.[13] Iran friendly overtures with India are seen in Pakistan as anti-Pakistani, and these overtures of Iran are fueling a negative sentiment in Pakistan. It is also believed that Iran is supporting Anti-CPEC sentiment propagated by India and China. Besides the abovementioned countries, various International Lending Institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are meddling in the affairs of Pakistan.

NGOs and INGOs are bodies that carry out work to expedite social development in collaboration with the respective governments across the world. The work of these organizations is based on charity and donor’s sponsorship. Developed countries and philanthropist world wide donate funds to developing countries aimed at to bring in social change thus, comforting the lives of downtrodden population. Yet, these NGOs and INGOs deviated from their prime responsibility, which is to help the locals in collaboration with their governments, in a transparent manner, and conduct activities which are design to promote specific interests under the guise of development work. The government seems increasingly threatened by nonprofit organizations’ role in mobilizing the support of civil society on issues such as violence against women, honor killings, blasphemy law, freedom of the press, accountability, and corruption. The resulting hostility has been reflected in attempts to penetrate various nonprofit organizations and, in extreme cases, in attempts to close them through deregistration.[14] All these bodies work under the State’s Welfare department and need to be registered for oversight and check. The government, as a result of failure to provide necessary documents for registration, has cancelled license of many NGOs on the basis of anti-state agenda. In addition to the NGOs and INGOs, money lending institutions have also been exerting their influence to enhance their sway in the country. Institutions such as International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB), through their policies have attempted to influence decision making in the country. In Pakistan, IMF and World Bank policies have weakened the economy and promoted the interests of the elite. We need new global institutions that are democratically accountable.[15] The author argues that the experience of these lending institution with third world countries including Pakistan are traumatic. These organizations have been for long promoting neoliberal economic agenda, designed to benefit the elite groups, through their Structural Adjustment Policies (SAPs). These endeavors have resulted in a compromised political sovereignty.

5.     Hypothesis

Foreign interventions are dictatorial or forceful interference that result in a compromised sovereignty. When internal and external sovereignty are compromised that gives birth to multitude of consequences of negative nature and plunges the country into a quagmire.

 

 

6.     Significance of the Study

 This paper is aimed at to understand the repercussion of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Pakistan. The concept of intervention has assumed significance as it has bedeviled international system for quite long. Historically, the act of intervention was used as an instrument by great powers to achieve their national objectives at the expense of unstable affairs of the states where intervention would take place. However, with the creation of UN, in 1945, the political experts started viewing it as counterproductive to the international peace and security. Thus, renders the purpose and creation of UN ineffective. The UN was created to save the future generation from the scourge of war, and to maintain a peaceful order in the international relations. Moreover, the concept has adverse implication on the social order of the countries concerned. However, the concept since then has substantially changed and it has taken a new form; covert interference, in form of proxies and economic aid. Yet, states interfere in each other’s’ affairs to destabilize the competitors. Pakistan is no exception. It has been bearing the burnt for years and the prevailing circumstances are outcomes of these covert interventions. The study highlights how these interventions take place in Pakistan and how deeply have these interventions implicated Pakistan.

7.     Challenges of Foreign Intervention in Internal Affairs

A compromised sovereignty, as a result of intervention, leads to a chaotic social order. Following are the challenges Pakistan faced as a result of foreign powers intervention, covert or overt intrusion, in its internal affairs.

      I.         War on Terror spawned terrorism and incurred economic and human losses in Pakistan

Pakistan and the US became allies in the WOT and pledged to eradicate terrorism from the region. In the wake of terrorist attacks on the world trade center and the Pentagon, on September 11, 2001 the global outlook of world politics transformed. In this deadly attack at least thousand people were killed and material losses amounted to billions of dollars were incurred. The unprecedented and never imagined assault on the US mainland was more destructive than the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.[16] The devastating event had left the American nation in a traumatic condition. Consequently, President George W Bush resolved to hunt down the culprits involved in the heinous act. President of Pakistan, on the sad occasion, issued a condemnation and showed his willingness to join the US in the fight against terrorism. Soon after the attack, the global media accused Al-Qaeda of carrying out the deadly attacks. Soon after his address to the nation, by the American President, secretary state, Colin Powel announced that the US expected full cooperation of Pakistan, adding to that, President Bush said that those who harbored terrorist would be treated as terrorists.[17] In consequence to the statements issued by the US authorities, Pakistan had to agree with the global powers. In is crystal clear that the hegemonic tone set by US contained warning. Pakistan, in the wake of the situation, had left with more choice other than to align with the world power. This is a clear reflection of Pakistan having no consent to be part of WOT. Eventually, it cost Pakistan both in terms of human capital and finances. War-related violence has killed 65,000 people in Pakistan in the last 17 years, including 23,000 civilians, 9,000 security personnel.[18] And, in terms of economy, Pakistan has incurred billions of losses. The Pakistani economy suffered $23.77 billion in 2010-11 due to expenses related to war on terrorism.[19] In addition to the losses, new wave of suicide bombing and terrorism started. The Taliban was outraged for Pakistan siding the US on war on terror. Pakistan allied with US for it was compelled by the US and denying could cost Pakistan its survival. Thus, the said intervention in its internal affair is a stark example of a compromised political sovereignty.

   II.         Drones creating instability, fomenting terrorism and weaking democracy

The drone strikes in erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) by the US agencies in the lieu of WOT were tantamount to forceful intervention. These strikes were carried to target Taliban taking sanctuaries in the area. However, these strikes carried out by the US authorities were threatening Pakistan’s territorial sovereignty. CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) drone strikes violate Pakistan's sovereignty, says senior diplomat. Islamabad's high commissioner believes the US should hand over control of the attacks to his government.[20] The International Law and Principles of sovereignty do not allow any state to breach territorial sovereignty of any other state irrespective of their size and power. It is on the record that Pakistan has repeatedly asked the US administration to handover the technology to be operated by its own military. Not only sovereignty but also terrorism would be fueled and democracy at stake owing to the intermittent use of drone technology. The terrorists were being targeted in drone attacks would blame Pakistan for abetting the US in this saga. In retaliation they would carry out suicide bombing across Pakistan. They started their activities inside Pakistan by attacking law enforcement agencies, secular political parties, educational institutions and government installations.[21] Also, the use of drone technology would instigate a negative sentiment against the US and the local people would become sympathizers of the terrorists. The violation of state sovereignty along with civilian casualties could fan grievances in the general populace, i.e., not just within terrorist groups. The resulting sentiments could translate to physical, financial, or ideological support for terrorists.[22] In addition to fanning of terrorism, the drone strikes were contributing for political instability and weakening of democratic norms. To stop continuation of drone strikes in Pakistan, the parliament would pass resolutions against them. Unfortunately, despite the unanimous opposition from the political parties it would not come to halt any soon. In an interview with the Bureau of investigation Journalism, Wajid Shams-ul- Hassan, a senior Diplomat, said, people really make fun of the democratic government – when you pass a resolution against drone attacks in the parliament and nothing happens. The Americans don't listen to you, and they continue to violate your territory.[23] Parliament is considered as the supreme law-making authority of a state and all laws pertaining to its defined territory are immune to any external intrusion. Otherwise, it is tantamount to subversion of the legal authority that is in violation of state law and UN charter.

 III.         Indian interference is posing instability and civil unrest in Pakistan

India’s involvement has created serious implications for the national security and economic progress of Pakistan. Furthermore, this may eventually lead to permanent instability in the region.[24] It is not a new phenomenon, India, since the partition of Indian subcontinent, in 1947, has been trying to weaken Pakistan. The Partition of Indian subcontinent did not bode well for those at the helms in Indian National Congress (INC). One can quote numerous other instances in which Indian leaders have lamented the Partition and expressed the hope that Pakistan would cease to exist as a separate independent and sovereign country and rejoin India as part of a federation.[25] In pursuit of their mission to destabilize Pakistan and to fulfill its aspirations of becoming a hegemon, in the region, it has left no stone unturned. Consequently, face has to face a severe threat to its security from the rival India since its independence. Indian hostility has been reflected on many occasions; be it sharing of assets, water distribution, prevention of Kashmir accession with Pakistan etc. Above all, Indian support of civil unrest in former East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, speaks volume of its interference in internal affairs to weaken Pakistan. The Indian involvement in dismemberment of Pakistan was conceded as fact by the current Prime minister of India, Narender Modi. During his visit to Bangladesh in June, PM Modi had admitted that India played a part in the break-up of Pakistan in 1971 Liberation war. He had said that he was proud that Indian troops sacrificed themselves for liberation of Bangladesh.[26] Furthermore, recently, in 2016, Pakistan captured an Indian spy trying to fuel separatism in India. The Indian Naval officer, Kul Bashan Yadav, later admitted that he was funding the terrorist organizations under the agenda set by its spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). India in search of achieving its objectives, formulated under Kautilya’s philosophy, to control its neighbors to meet its aspiration of becoming a hegemon pursues policy of interference in internal affairs of its neighbors.[27] Pakistan has found evidence regarding Indian interference in Baluchistan, Karachi and erst while Fata. The dossier contains additional information and proof of Indian/RAW interference in Pakistan and involvement in terrorism — particularly in Baluchistan, FATA and Karachi.[28] All these endeavors on part of India are stark examples of Indian involvement in the country to destabilize the state so that Islamabad will yield to New Delhi’s long standing hegemonic aspirations and stop supporting Kashmir cause at international forums.

 

 

 IV.         External Funding to Seminaries Fueling Extremis and Terrorism

The use of terrorist organizations has been a new norm in the interaction of states at global level. States in their interaction spend huge amounts in order to achieve their objectives. Later these organizations are used as proxies. The advent of extremism and terrorism date back to the period of Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, in 1979 and Iranian revolution of 1979. When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, the United States and Saudi Arabia propped up Pakistan to wage a proxy war. The United States took a hands-off stance as it provided money, supplies, and arms to the ISI. The ISI, flush with cash, weapons, and materiel, favored the more extremist jihadi factions fighting the Soviets, thereby cutting out factions who were better fighters and more effective combatants.[29] Since then terrorism surged and extremist groups took hold of Pakistan with Baking of foreign powers including the USA, KSA and Iran. As a result, within Pakistan, Wahabi madrassas spawned and all foreign funds were directed to produce extreme radical groups who would be used later against the Soviet Union as proxies. In addition, the KSA to sway its influence and to spread sunni version of Islam to counter Iran’s backed Shiaism in Pakistan. Since the 1970s, Saudi Arabia has exercised enormous influence on Pakistan behind the scenes through its funding of Ahl-e-Hadith and Deobandi madrassas (religious seminaries), which teach a more puritanical version of Islam than had traditionally been practiced in Pakistan.[30] The tug of war between Riyad and Tehran promotes sectarian divide and that, in turn, fuels extremism. All the Madrasas having a Wahabi version of Islam are sponsored by the Saudi monarch. This leads to funding of proscribe organization such as LEJ, Sipha sahabe etc. that carry out militant activities to advance the agenda of their masters.

 

    V.         NGOs Promoting Foreign Interest instigates Social Unrest

There are plethora of NGOs working in Pakistan like in other countries across the world. The dramatic rise in the numbers has become a norm since the end of 20th century. These NGOs have become part of governance structure in the country. However, the role of these organizations is subject to government’s surveillance and operate under the domestic law. Yet, owing to mushroom growth of these NGOs and governance lacunas these organizations tend to exert their influence that breeds discontent at domestic level. One finds Pakistani NGOs subjected to all types of criticism challenging their legitimacy to exist. They are termed undemocratic creatures, insensitive to culture and religion, existing with the sole aim to act as an agent of foreign countries.[31] They reasons is sometimes these organizations step out of their ambit and overstepping in terms of authority pose serious threat to the political sovereignty of the state. This leads to crisis of sovereignty which is the sole domain of the local government. They do so to promote a specific interest overriding the prescribed space by the concerned governments. Government by keeping the check and balance policy in effect deter transgression of any sorts. y. NGOs are also considered to be anti-state and working on foreign agendas to seek funding. People believe that power and influence of NGOs should be controlled by some legal measure in order to provide some form of visibility and accountability in cases of their preconceived irresponsibility.[32] Pakistan has been home to many foreign NGOs, most of them either work independently or they are associated through their networks. In case they obviate their agenda and try to circumvent the procedures, in lieu of an ulterior motive, states either bar their functioning or declare them as persona non grata. Recently, Pakistan ordered closure of few NGOs for their suspecting role.  the government stated their reason as the organizations’ inability to provide documents for regulatory transparency, many suspect it to be the general mistrust and suspicion on part of the government instead as an official from the Ministry made the following comment, “they were working against Pakistan’s national interests, and were involved in matters related to security and religion.”[33] Thus, in this way organizations intrude in internal affairs and harm national interest through intervention.

 

 

 

 

 

8.     Conclusion

The act of intervention is carried out by states to achieve their national objectives at the expense of sovereignty of the states being intervened. In the course of intervention, usually force is an essential component, however, it can come in form of economic, diplomatic and humanitarian as well in the course of interaction between states. The forceful intervention, with the passage of time, was, however, deemed as illegal for it was threatening the peace and order of the world.  This would be dramatically opposite to what was outlined in UN at its creation. The UN was created with an aim to prevent outbreak of war and to save the future generation from the scourge of war. Hence, the act of intervention was prohibited by the UN charter. This would lead to reduction in forceful intervention in their affairs. In the later part of 20th century, the phenomenon of intervention under went substantial changes and assumed a new form i.e., humanitarian, economic, that was devoid of force. However, proxy intervention till date is sometimes used with force to achieve the objectives. Pakistan faced intervention of various aspect. Global dominant powers breached Pakistan’s sovereignty to attain their own objectives. As a consequence, Pakistan suffered at the hands of the intervening powers. Global powers such as US and others alike meddled in the affairs of Pakistan, sometime covertly and other times overtly, in pursuance of their national interest. US drone attacks, objection on China Pakistan Corridor, and other such acts were acts of intervention that cause a great set back to Pakistan. For instance, terrorism surged in the wake of drone attacks and that inflicted several losses on the Pakistani society. Similarly, intervention by India has fueled civil unrest in Baluchistan, Karachi and former FATA. Furthermore, the middles eastern powers have been pouring funds to achieve their interest. That in turn has spurred extremism and terrorism in the country. Therefore, it can be established that these foreign interventions have been source of the problems Pakistan faced and faces


[1] (Oppenheim 1992)

[2] (Oppenheim 1992)

[3] (Graham; Evans, Graham; Newnham, Jeffery; 1998)

[4] (Graham; Evans, Graham; Newnham, Jeffery; 1998)

[5] Laskar, “Use of Force under Article 51 of the UN Charter.”

[6] (Agarwal n.d.)

[7] “GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION 2131 (XX) OF 21 DECEMBER 1965.”

[8] Husain, Pakistan and a World in Disorder.

[9] “Pakistan to Move UN after Modi Cites India’s Role in 1971 War, Says Its Stand Has Been Vindicated.”

[10] Woods, “CIA Drone Strikes Violate Pakistan’s Sovereignty, Says Senior Diplomat.”

[11] Abbas Haider, “Boon or Bane?: Historical Analysis of Pakistan’s Foreign Aid Inflow.”

[12] Afzal, “Saudi Arabia’s Hold on Pakistan.”

[13] Karim Tariq, “Pakistan’s Relations with Iran and the Implications for Regional Stability.”

[14] Zaman, “NGOs: Difficult Relationship with Pakistani State and Society?”

[15] Khaliq Abdul Syed, “The IMF and World Bank Have Lost All Legitimacy. We Need New Alternatives.”

[16] Sattar Abdul, Pakistan’s Foreign Policy 1947–2019 Fifth Edition.

[17] Sattar Abdul.

[18] Iqbal, “War on Terror Left Half a Million Dead in 17 Years, Says Report.”

[19] “Terrorism in Pakistan.”

[20] Woods, “CIA Drone Strikes Violate Pakistan’s Sovereignty, Says Senior Diplomat.”

[21] Storai and Idrees, “Internally Displaced Persons.”

[22] Mahmood, Jetter, and Mehmood Riffat, “Military Intervention via Drone Strikes.”

[23] Woods, “CIA Drone Strikes Violate Pakistan’s Sovereignty, Says Senior Diplomat.”

[24] Khetran, “Indian Interference in Balochistan.” In pursuit o

[25] Husain, Pakistan and a World in Disorder.

[26] “Pakistan to Move UN after Modi Cites India’s Role in 1971 War, Says Its Stand Has Been Vindicated.”

[27] Khetran, “Indian Interference in Balochistan.”

[28] Dawn.com, “Pakistan Submits Proofs of India’s Involvement in Cross Border Terrorism to UN Chief.”

[29] Roberts and Murphy, “Review of The Making of Terrorism in Pakistan: Historical and Social Roots of Extremism, MurphyEamon.”

[30] Afzal, “Saudi Arabia’s Hold on Pakistan.”

[31] Kahlon, “GOVERNANCE IN PAKISTAN: LEGITIMACY REGIME OF NGOs.”

[32] Kahlon.

[33] Zaman, “NGOs: Difficult Relationship with Pakistani State and Society?”

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Recalcitrant Clergy Obstructing Containment of COVID-19

Pakistan like other countries has banned any sort of congregations.  On the contrary our religious scholars are exhibiting a rigid behavior in this crucial time.  All  the  religions  across the globe  including Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity have postpone d  all religious ceremonies. The  U nited Christian Churches of South Korea, which mainly comprises of Protestants , delayed Easter parade scheduled on April 12, for two months. Similarly, South-East Asian Buddhist community announced delaying of Buddha’s birthday celebration. The association announced, “ The  ritual to celebrate Buddha’s birthday, which was to be held on April 30 th , will  be put off to May 30.  Other festivals faced a similar fate owing to the  spread of the  contagious disease. This type of situation has emerged for the first  time  in the history of south Asia.  Banning of these rituals, as precautionary  measures ,  ...
 Winter of economic recession is coming Almost two weeks ago the United Nations (UN) secretary general warned that a global recession, perhaps of a record dimension was a near certainty. Needless to say, global economy is facing a worst crisis in the recent times. As the epicenter of corona virus leaves China, from where it originated, it starts to cause lockdown and panic across the Europe and has reached to the American landscape in a short span of time. Now, the pandemic has stretched its tentacles across the world; and certainly, many states have surrendered to the scourge. Subsequently, the global economy has experienced a new recession; global domestic product has shrunken implicating other economic indicators around the globe. Industries have been locked down in order to contain the contagion: consequently, production has hit a new low.The contraction of domestic product and disruption of financial activities around the world is setting in a new winter of economic re...