Free, Fair & Transparent Election Without Technology???

“Elections matter, but how much they matter depends entirely on how free, open and fair they are” – Elliott Abrams

With the evolution in science and technology in today’s e-society, modern information and communication systems that have resulted only do not offer easiness for people to find information, but also provides opportunity for people to articulate their wills. The exponential growth of information and communication technologies (ICTs), especially the internet has been useful and yielded positive impact. Numerous studies have witnessed these positive impacts, for instant, in healthcare, e-government and public administrations, education etc.In developed countries ICT have been valuable to the e-societies with e-services. ICTs have brought about a completely innovative and healthier government (e-government) that is seen to be more open to the needs and aspirations of society, more democratic, and more proficient. One key aspect of e-government is the enhancement of e-democracy that engages citizens to support the democratic decision-making processes and strengthen representative democracy through the use of ICTs tool. In particular, the application of ICTs on electoral processes in most developed countries, mainly, electronic voting (e-voting) have been remarkable.In Pakistan, e-democracy and ICT applications in electoral process is at infancy phase where emphasis is gear towards providing public information and services, promoting citizen participation, building trust between government and citizens. Though, much has not been done to guard the integrity of elections i.e. voter registration and voting process but in the last general election perspective, some ICT tools were used in registration verification process via SMS, relevant tools were not effectively employed during voter registration and voting. Furthermore, with the current electoral system in country, it is difficult, if not impossible to track down election frauds, implying that one voter, one registration or one vote is not guaranteed. Consequently, election frauds such as multiple registration, multiple voting, figure falsification and impersonation are not exception, though remains unobserved. Nevertheless, it is believe that when electoral system of this kind exit, the trustworthiness and the integrity of the elections can be threatened or lead to failures and corruption of democracy.

Since, ICTs have turned out to be a significant part of modern society, the term “electronic voting” has become widespread. The term “e-voting” refers to the integration of information and communication technology at one or more stages of the electoral process. It is generally used to describe any type of voting that involves electronic means. However, there are some differences in the definition of electronic voting in terms of the inclusion of the electronic apparatus in the recording of the vote – front-end of the election, or in the counting process – back-end.But, it is fact that when appropriate ICT tools (e-voting) are taken in electoral processes, it can go a long way to rid fraudulent elections practices and uphold its integrity.Electronic voting systems are characterized by the fact that they integrate ICT into the system, which establish many advantages in electoral process in the following ways:

• One of the most potential benefits is the increase in speed of the ballot tabulation process. As the votes are stored digitally and the counting procedure is mechanical, the waiting time for the result is reduced considerably.
• The increase in accuracy of the results is another advantage, but it depends on the kind of system used and design and conditions of the hardware and software, as well as human behavior.
• One key issue that has to be highlighted is the cost associated with electronic voting. The first investment that the government has to make is the purchase of hardware and software, which involves high costs. But it brings economics of scale as the increase of the size of the electoral roll does not increase the cost linearly. It also brings savings in the future elections as the hardware and software are reusable and because the ballots no longer have to be printed, but can now be shown on a computer or terminal screen.
• Accessibility is another added value for electronic voting systems, as it allows alternative ways to access the ballots. It decreases rates of abstention, especially when the remote voting method allows widespread technologies to be used, such as cell phones (for SMS voting) or the internet. The fact that voters do not have to move physically to a vote centre to cast their vote provides geographic independence and better accessibility for people with disabilities, increasing electoral participation.
• Given that the ballots are design through computer systems, multiple languages options can be provided on the ballot. If the system is user-friendly it will also offer more information about each candidate to help the voters in their selection.
• Electronic voting system can help prevent common errors as under-voting (voting for less than the allowed number of candidates) or over-voting (voting for more than the allowed number of candidates).

Today’s e-society obtaining benefits from ICT in various aspects of life ranging from getting ordinary public services to supporting everyday work. The impact of ICTs on elections has been valuable dramatically. It can be used to enhance the democratic process – engage citizens or build trust with the government. Trust building with ICT can also be extended to election process to promote its transparency. Pakistan’s electoral system needs honesty and clearness in its election process and the transparency and trustworthiness of any electoral system is what characterized it to be free and fair which in turn, is one of the foundation stone of democracy. The fact is that, in any democratic society, free and fair election is linked to having a generally acceptable result that goes with organizing and conducting elections in an unbiased and fair manner, devoid of frauds or malpractices. This is because trust and confidence in democracy is only promoted when the electoral system process is transparent and open to all electoral stakeholders. As a nation, we must stand-up and prepare for our will to prevail through a trustworthy and credible electoral exercise along with transfer of power to the true representative not just to the national or provincial assemblies but, to the Union Council level. These are the concerns need observations in the Pakistan’s electoral process and e-voting is solution for free, fair & transparent election.

http://www.diplomacypakistan.com/articles/free-fair-transparent-election-without-technology/

Science & Technology For National Development – Strengthening The S&T Road Map

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“The revolution in communication, energy, environmental sciences and other aspects of science and technology has imparted an importance to S&T considerations in foreign affairs undreamed of a generation ago.” – George Shultz

Prior to the nineteenth century, investment in human capital was not considered especially significant in any country. Similarly, expenditures on schooling, on-the-job training, and other related forms of investment were pretty undersized. This began to transform drastically during this century with the application of science and technology (S&T) to the development of new goods and more efficient methods of production – research and development (R&D). During the twentieth century, education skills, and the acquisition of knowledge have become crucial determinants of a person’s and a nation’s productivity. One can even call the twentieth century the “Age of Human Capital” in the sense that the prime determinant of a country’s standard of living is how it succeeds in developing and utilizing the skills and knowledge, and furthering the education and health of the majority of its inhabitants.  The astonishing evolution in different fields of S&T have had a deep impact on our lives in approximately every subject of our activity, such as health, agriculture, communication, transportation, security and defense. These progresses have been obsessed by an ever-growing degree of exhilarating discoveries, principally emanating from science laboratories in the West, and by their transformation into new products or processes that have flooded world markets. These floods in turn shower gigantic economic rewards on those nations that have the will and vision to make S&T the cornerstone of their development agendas.

The world is today piercingly divided by a technology frontier that separates the technologically advanced countries from the technologically backward ones. The developed countries have been able to use their scientists and engineers for speedy economic growth, whereas the so-called developing countries are relegated to the role of consumers of technological products. They become almost entirely dependent on the advanced countries for most of their needs, be they chemicals, biomedical, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, transportation equipment, or defense equipment. In the course, more and more funds from developing countries are being transferred to developed countries, raising the level of poverty in the developing countries. Hypothetically, the first decade of the twenty-first century has seen the global center of gravity shift toward the Asia-Pacific region. Its population already accounts for more than half of the world’s people and is anticipated to surpass the collective Western World by 2030. The Asia-Pacific is home to the fastest escalating economies in the world and its collective share of global GDP is quickly impending 40 percent. The region has also developed an elaborate system of organizations on S&T, R&D, economic and security matters, promoting continual development and political strength.

Consequently, dependence on S&T as an instrument for achievement of national development goals is a phenomenon seen all over the word. In Pakistan, due to negligence and faulty vision of planners in governments and bureaucracy, the S&T, R&D sector was never given the status mandatory to efficiently use it as a contributor to national development. The current level of S&T efforts in the country in much below the requirements as compared with regional countries and the scientific and technological gap is widening with the passage of time. That's why, to live in the twenty-first century with grace, the immediate formulation and implementation of a well thought-out, well-planned science and technology strategy is urgently needed. In this regards, to strengthening the S&T Road Map, the Government of Pakistan (GoP) and S&T authorities may perform the following role:

·         The government should develop and implement policies that will strengthen Pakistan science and engineering through international cooperation. And, should have mechanisms to participate in the key fields of research cooperation for the world scientific enterprise.

·         The government should muster as much reasoned long-range anticipation as possible about how science and technology may be applied to any and all Pakistan interests.

·         The government should use the Pakistan science base for shorter-range problem assessment. The nation’s scientists and engineers assist the government’s officials, acting as referees and analysts of information with respect to current international issues.

·         The government should monitor S&T developments abroad and understand the S&T, R&D strategies of other nations and regional groupings.

·         The government should plan to take joint action with other nations to address transnational problems, through the necessary bilateral, multilateral frameworks. And, identify the critical needs and provide high-leverage technical cooperation with developing and regional countries.

·         The government should use its technical expertise to support negotiation of new international agreements, conventions, and protocols and integrate expert knowledge in science and engineering into adjudication and regulation at the international level.

Technopolitika: Pak-Sino R&D Cooperation Via CPEC

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Throughout history, integration between different regions has been a key element in enhancing economic activity and trade. This cooperation has long been facilitated by the diverse means of research and development (R&D) and technology innovations, such as railways, roads, and water & power systems etc. Technological innovation not only widened the possibilities of cultural and economic exchange, but also facilitated and fastened such interactions, promoting cooperation and setting up the bases for the globalized world in which we live today. Similarly, infrastructure investment is one of the main pillars of economic growth. It peps economic activity, generating employment and reducing trade costs, improves productivity and directly supports growth in different sectors in the economy.

In 2013, the President of China, Xi Jinping, announced one of the main projects of its foreign policy – the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) the major global Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This ambitious plan seeks to promote regional integration and cooperation through the resignification of the Old Silk Road. OBOR/BRI pursues the development of an economic corridor across Eurasia, by mitigating the infrastructure gap that haunts the continent. The scope of the project, which includes more than 60 countries and guarantees great expenditures, shows up as a turning point in today’s world economic order. Pakistan and China, as the core player in this scenario, progressively becoming the new economic gravitational hubs, escalating its influence in the global politics and ascertaining tighter relations among other nations.

Pakistan enjoys a unique geographical landscape situated at the cross-roads in South Asia, considered as one of the vibrant geostrategic region of the world. In South Asia, there is exceptional Chinese cooperation with Pakistan. China and Pakistan as all weather strategic partners have a history of glorious friendly relations. Both countries always try to make strong these relations through different geo-political, strategic and economic agreements. The Pak-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) is also a key to make strong economic relations of both countries. It is considered to be an extension of China’s proposed 21^st century Silk Road initiative and considered a centre for their relations. CPEC long-term project as a major part of the OBOR the global Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by the Chinese government, scheduled to complete by 2030. CPEC is a joint project that Beijing and Islamabad agreed to finance through Chinese investments. Pakistan sees China’s initiative as a peace and prosperity developer, and the CPEC as a strengthening to the regional economy. While the project has been welcomed by Greater Eurasia (including Russia, Iran and Central Asia), besides the United Kingdom and Western European Countries. Similarly, for Iran, the OBOR will help to fight its geopolitical isolation from the Western world order. Sri Lanka is also a fundamental station on the Maritime Silk Road, looking at China as an opportunity to distance itself from Western and Indian dependence.

Correspondingly, China’s development is part of an elementary transformation of the global distribution of knowledge capital. State-of-the-art technology and world-class scientists are no longer the prerogative of the developed world. Developing countries are claiming increasing shares not only of world trade, manufacturing, and raw material consumption but also of global knowledge resources, both with regard to highly skilled labor and to corporate R&D. China is enthusiastically competing for these resources. The latest long-term plan reflects Beijing’s desire to address growing domestic social and S&T innovation problems through R&D and to become one of the world’s knowledge hub. China’s emergence as a magnet and now even producer of frontier-level science and high technology demands other countries, particularly Pakistan, to formulate education, research, innovation, and development strategies from the scratch. Though facing substantial challenges in its quest to become a world leader in science, technology and innovation, China offers momentous opportunities both for mutually beneficial cooperation in R&D and for trade of knowledge intensive goods and services. China’s opening to the world, prioritization of science and technology, research and development, education and innovation, and desire to acquire knowledge and technology may offer imperative opportunities and vehicles for the CPEC project to institutionalized cooperation on issues of R&D and global relevance.

In a nutshell, CPEC is a project of major importance; it is one which has enough worth to herald the economics of two nations in particular and the development of whole South Asia in general. Slowly and gradually, China is becoming a global leader in science and technology. China’s ambitions to become a global knowledge center could be an optimistic development providing opportunities by working with China, both bilaterally and within international forums (China-ASEAN Science and Technology Partnership Program), the fields of science and technology, research and development, brought under CPEC, can truly prove to be a game-changer for Pakistan.

Pak-Sino Health Diplomacy: A Novel Paradigm For CPEC Project

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The global developments are shifting the nature of human interaction across a wide range of social sphere including the economic, political, cultural, health and environmental. Globalization is driving a world system comprising national economies and societies that are increasingly influenced by factors outside their borders. Contemporary globalization is a driving force behind the rise of health as a foreign policy concern. Currently, many governments are implementing structural and administrative reforms aimed at improving health system performance. Many of these reforms are advocated by international organizations and consequently, the focus tends to concentrate on areas such as financing, management, and structure of health system. Among the major focus of reforms is to ensure quality health care provisions are affordable to all and that health service should be accessible to all.

Historically, Pakistan and China have a multidimensional relationship, providing a good example of peaceful coexistence between two states with differing beliefs, social, cultural, and ever changing geo-political archetypes. China has supported Pakistan economically, militarily and politically, while Pakistan was China’s only reliable free world diplomatic partner during its international isolation. Since its founding in 1949, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been connecting significance to utilize health as a tool for endorsement of foreign relations, playing different function at different times. Similarly, launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013, the OBOR/BRI vision proposed to push economic integration and connectivity across the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe, through the construction of new land and maritime transport infrastructures and the development of pipelines and information networks. This grand vision envisages an overland “Silk Road Economic Belt” across the Eurasian continent and a “Maritime Silk Road” across Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. Given its geo-strategic position, Pakistan is ideally poised to serve as interconnection between the two routes; that is the reason the Chinese leadership has acknowledged CPEC as a flagship project in the whole scheme of OBOR/BRI.

Traditionally, health issues have resided in a political position in policy practice, so as having momentous importance in CPEC project. In recent years, certain health issues have received attention at the highest levels of national and international politics. The threats from bioterrorism, infectious diseases, pandemic and epidemic diseases, viruses of special concern and an increasing awareness of the link between health and economic development have each devised a role in relating health to the traditional foreign policy goals of protecting state security and promoting national economic interests. Health and diplomacy are closely linked phenomenon as health is a highly scientific and technical domain and states cannot ignore the epidemiological reality of many health crises, it can be hypothesized that the health research community and scientific research evidence play a powerful influencing role in the development process.

The architecture of health diplomacy is progressively multifaceted in the 21^st century. The mounting awareness of the prospective value of the assimilation of health in foreign policy as a phenomenon worthy of further attention, principally in the CPEC. The geo-strategic corridor is beneficial not only for Pak-Sino relations but also, for the regional development that will eventually benefit all neighboring countries. In this regard the government of Pakistan, health and foreign policy planners may perform the following roles:

·         Integrate a health perspective into traditional foreign policy and create an information platform for Pak-Sino Health Diplomacy.

·         Establish the coordinating office for Health Diplomacy to highlight the connection between health and well-being, social and economical development.

·         Utilize science and technology, and health personnel in diplomatic activities/missions and promote strategic joint research and development with China and regional countries with high diplomatic importance.

·         And, exhibit good moral character; exceptionally give priority to fight against corruption and nepotism throughout not only CPEC development but also, society as-a-whole.

Pakistan’s location at the cusp of Central Asia, South Asia, and West Asia makes it ideally suited for inter-regional trade. The infrastructures developed under the CPEC will not only facilitate Pakistan but also China, to accomplish the dream of becoming a regional and global trading, diplomatic and health tourism nuclei. Once the projects are put into practice, Pakistan’s geo-strategic location should make it a potential nexus for the Eurasian “Silk Road Economic Belt” and a Southeast Asian “Maritime Silk Road”. The CPEC could then not only serve as a game changer for China and Pakistan, but also for the entire region.

GIS For National Security And Counterterrorism Strategy

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At least for the last three decades, one of the most discussed topics in social sciences is terrorism and national security. However, social sciences lack a logical justification of why terrorism occurs? Why it escalates and de-escalates? Why certain types of victims are selected? And, what determines the choice of weapons? Despite some contributions by scholars from security and regional geopolitics, political science, law and international relations, the state of hypothesis, data and facts about causes of terrorism remains in hysteria.

Justifiably, terrorism remains one of the security challenges of the modern world – together with organized crime, extremism, religious, ethnic and social conflicts. Identifying that terrorism is an artifact of an amalgamation of demographic, economic, and political determinants, a panel of National Research Council observes that “regions most likely to generate terrorist threats have a history of colonialist exploitation by Western interests, and of postcolonial economic and cultural penetration. Particularly in nondemocratic societies, conflicts generally reflect class, ethnic, racial, or religious divisions”.

Since 9/11 attacks and its causes and consequences, the terror events have sparked transformed concern in the deployment of technologies in the fight against terror and national security. Despite the characterization and dimension of terrorism changing over the decades, GIS has been found to be a very effective contrivance. It has the potential of preventing, predicting or countering terrorist attacks, while helping to strategize and support ground level combat operations. GIS application in the fight against terror begins with monitoring and surveillance of terror activity. It moves on to disseminate critical information through the various public service agencies, law enforcement agencies, intelligence departments and homeland security system. In the event of a terror attack, geospatial tools and technologies not only help to secure citizens and property but also, support the ground combat operations.

An act of terrorism does not happen in the vacuum usually has a planning cycle thus, displays distinct temporal trends. At the same time, the planning exposes a bimodal spatial pattern of preparation and target selection. The bimodal geospatial platform is capable to project the terrorist’s pre-attack behavior in a space-time trajectory and the information may available in real time for a decision support system. GIS technology enables a seamless flow of information between intelligence and law enforcements agencies for monitoring and combat operations not only at the local but also, neighborhood level. GIS and related geospatial technologies can be applied to national security and counterterrorism in five principle manners. Firstly, GIS can serve as a tool for intelligence analysis. Secondly, GIS can be employed to simulate scenarios for terrorist attacks to identify and harden targets. Thirdly, GIS can be used to coordinate the immediate response to an actual attack by providing information on the proximity of attacked sites to first responders – police, fire, medical and other resources. Fourthly, GIS as well as GPS, aerial videography, laser detection and ranging (LiDAR) can be used to assess the short-term and intermediate-term effect of an attack and aid in establishing the boundaries of evacuation zones, locating evidence, locating and rescuing victims, building collapse, and so on. Lastly, GIS and satellite remote sensing or digital aerial imagery can be used to coordinate retaliation in the form of air strikes and to assist a whole range of more subtle military, paramilitary and law enforcement responses. 

Areas of GIS Application in National Security and Counterterrorism:

·         Terror Group Surveillance

·         Intelligence Gathering and Visualization

·         Contingency Planning

·         Military/Police Operations

·         Timely Decision Support

·         Real-time management of field operations

·         Monitoring of Potential Targets

·         Area Assessment – terrain, layout, location, roadmap

·         Countering Terrorist Financing

·         Geospatial Intelligence

In the Pakistan context, volatile neighborhood necessitate that the Pakistan Armed Forces have to be prepared for operations across the spectrum of conflict – sub-conventional, conventional and nuclear. Such a threat scenario can only be effectively addressed by the efficient use of modern technologies and systems using GIS tools. The fight against terrorism cannot be efficient without cooperation and coordination of activities and actors. Apart from an adequate legislative framework, which is indispensable for the security system to run smoothly, it is also important to keep the right channels for a swift and reliable exchange of relevant information. It is thus necessary to constantly review the communication and cooperation equipment and processes and make sure they are fit for purpose both in terms of current and long-term needs.

CAS-TWAS Science Diplomacy at USTC

“Nowadays the challenges for science and technology are more and more globalized, and these common problems require scientific exchanges and cooperation in various forms.” – Xi Jinping

As the globalization of science and technology (S&T) is escalating, policy makers around the world are looking for fresh approach to shape and influence its dynamics. In recent times, these efforts have drawn attention on Science Diplomacy – hereafter SD: enabling international scientific research affiliation and influence foreign policies with scientific advice and evidence. SD is considered by most developed countries with advance economy as an initiative and tool that cultivate international relations in the fields of science, technology, innovation and education. The most important benefits of SD include the prospect to promote the domestic scientific environment in foreign countries at the same time advancing an additional foreign policy instrument. Through SD as a foreign policy instrument, international scientific relationships can have stabilizing effects for countries with conflicting ideologies and political systems. Additionally, the scientific constituent of new global challenges, such as climate change, cyber security, food security, sustainable development, demographical transformation and energy etc.

In the present days, the need for SD is growing worldwide, so as in People’s Republic of China. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) – the national academy of PRC, functioning as the national scientific think tank and academic governing body, providing advisory and appraisal services on issues stemming from the national economy, social development, and science and technology progress. CAS is the world’s largest scientific and research organization comprising over 114 research institutes, and has been consistently ranked first among research institutes around the world. Whereas, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is merit-based science academy located on the premises of the Abdus Salam International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), connecting more than 1,000 scientists in some 70 countries. TWAS was founded in 1983 under the leadership of the Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam of Pakistan by a group of distinguished scientists who were determined to do something about the dismal state of scientific research in developing countries with the principal aim to promote scientific capacity and excellence for sustainable development in the South.

In collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is leading different programs to build a bridge between the worlds of science, technology and diplomacy. Currently, five centers of excellence organized by the CAS and TWAS are offering significant opportunity for researchers/scholar from the developing countries to study, train and work in top Beijing-based laboratories.

1.      The CAS-TWAS Center of Excellence for Biotechnology (CoEBio)

2.      The CAS-TWAS Center of Excellence for Water and Environment (CEWE)

3.      The CAS-TWAS Center of Excellence for Climate and Environment Sciences (ICCES)

4.      The CAS-TWAS Center of Excellence for Green Technology (CEGT)

5.      The CAS-TWAS Center of Excellence on Space Science for Disaster Mitigation (SDIM)

Similarly, the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), under the jurisdiction of the CAS is regarded as the “Cradle of Scientific Elites” – one of the most important innovation centers and mushroom place for SD. USTC actively participate in international cooperation in various ways. It is engage in joint research and educational activities with internationally acclaimed organizations such as the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the Max Planck Society, Oxford University, Heidelberg University, Stanford University, MIT, Berkeley, and Yale University, etc. USTC is also member of several important international networks, including the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and Association of East Asian Research Universities.

Presently, USTC is headed by number of renowned professors in the fields of S&T and approximately 18,000 national and international students are studying and executing research work in different departments, institutes and laboratories. USTC commits itself to nurturing the growth of S&T by adhering to a pedagogical philosophy which integrates teaching with research and theory with practice. The university places great emphasis on training domestic and foreign students with the basic theoretical knowledge, intellectual skills and scientific research capabilities practical for future leadership role in their respective country’s development. USTC is not only trying hard to promote international academic exchange and scientific research cooperation via SD but also, maintain effective techniques for ornamental education. Through CAS-TWAS SD, USTC strategically accomplishing its mission: “To Build a Global University and Educate the Brilliant of the World.”

India's Space Diplomacy In 2017: Where Pakistan Is Standing?

“Scientific thought and its creation is the common and shared heritage of mankind.” – Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam

The year is 1961 in history, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, became the first human to journey into outer space. A charismatic 35^th President of United States – John F. Kennedy has taken oath and announces his goal to initiate a project to put “man on the moon” – Apollo program. Something similarly historic is happening in Pakistan, where globally renowned physicist Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam is convincing President of Pakistan Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan to set up a first space agency in the subcontinent. In September that year, Prof. Salam set up the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) headquartered in Karachi. In 1962, SUPARCO with the help from NASA launches its first rocket, Rehbar I, from Karachi shoreline and becomes the third Asian country to launch rockets after Israel and Japan. But despite its head start, the SUPARCO today is decades behind the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in both mission accomplishment and scientific and technical expertise. On 15^th Feb, 2017 ISRO broke a world record by sending 104 mini satellites to space with a single rocket. India is also scheduling to reach Venus and revisit Mars by 2040 – on the contrary, Pakistan has had five satellites in space but, today lacks heavy duty launchers and satellite fabrication facilities and SUPARCO is not predictable to have home-produced satellite launching and producing technology for at least two decades.

What happened to the subcontinent’s oldest space agency? The answer is as clear as day – government apathy, poor education funding, corruption and bad governance. The real fall comes in the 1980s when President Zia-ul-Haq cuts off funding to major projects, including the flagship satellite communication launch. Then, military generals are placed atop the organization, replacing scientists and the focus of the SUPARCO becomes countering India, rather than independent research. Conversely, ISRO launched its first communication satellite and started technology sharing programs with several countries and unveiled a remote sensing satellite system that is now the largest in the world. The agency also successfully attracted national talent, helped by its autonomy, sovereignty and scientists at the apex.

Although India’s space policy concentrates very much on civil space purpose, it did not show strong interests in playing a leading role in regional space cooperation until the recent years. In terms of bilateral cooperation, it freshly presented space-based services to the developing countries to meet diplomatic needs. India has lunched satellites for countries that do not have space launch capabilities. Recently, India has taken excellent steps towards utilization of space diplomacy and reaching out to the neighbors with the expertise in space related technologies and space diplomacy has become an innovative and vibrant mantra of the current government. The SAARC satellite may be considered as an excellent example of the Indian foreign policy to strengthening relations with the neighbors. The modular goal of SAARC satellite is to help South Asian countries for scientific advancement, fighting poverty and illiteracy.

On 5^th May, 2017 the space became a stratospheric podium for diplomatic relations with the launch of India’s South Asia Satellite, funded entirely by India. The South Asia Satellite weighs 2,230 KG and is carrying 12 top-of-line communication transponders, making it India’s most momentous space project. According to the ISRO official documents, the South Asia Satellite will “enable a full range of applications and services to our neighbors in the areas of telecommunication and broadcasting applications viz. DTH, very small aperture terminals (VSATs), tele-education, telemedicine & e-Health and disaster management support”. The satellite also has the potential to offer secure hot lines among the participating nations, additionally, since the South Asia region is enormously prone to earthquakes, cyclones, floods, tsunamis, it may help in providing critical communication links in times of natural disasters.

Just after the successful launch of ISRO most powerful Indian-made rocket on 5^th June, 2017 GSLV Mk III, the space agency launched 712-kg Cartosat-2 series satellite on 23^rd June, 2017 which was carried by India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C38). Indian PSLV crowned with 31 satellites from 15 developing and developed countries, including Austria, Belgium, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. According to ISRO official credentials, “The imagery sent by the satellite will be useful for cartographic applications, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility management like road network monitoring, water distribution, creation of land use maps, precision study, change detection to bring out geographical and manmade features, and various other Land Information System (LIS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) application.”

We are witnessing a fundamental shift in how nations manage their international relations – beyond the classic diplomacy. We are entering in a new world in which knowledge, science and technology, and communication are the key, not only to technological progress and economic prosperity but also, to social cohesion and sustainable development. Technological capabilities in outer space have long been used as an effective tool of foreign policy. The space technologies are playing a vital function in both enhancing productivity in business & economy and facilitating the sociopolitical progress. Pakistan also needs to expand into space diplomacy dynamically as an instrument to expand Pakistani diplomatic influence and soft power projection plus its geo-political and geo-strategic interests. Science and Technology capacity-based diplomacy may very well hold the key to deepening relationships both regionally and internationally for Pakistan. SUPARCO currently administrated by Major General Qaiser Anees Khurram with Rs. 3,500 million (FY 2017-18 budget) must effectively use Pakistan’s space dexterity as a tool in diplomacy and foreign policy not only for regional capacity building and collaboration with developing and developed nations but also for enhancing Pakistan’s role in global framework. Consequently, Pakistan should prolong its efforts in spreading its space diplomatic tentacles to achieve Pakistan’s Space Vision 2040.

http://www.diplomacypakistan.com/articles/indias-space-diplomacy-in-2017-where-pakistan-is-standing/

Addressing A New Paradigm: Infectious Diseases And National Security

“If it creates instability, chaos, conflict and war, that has national security implications.” – Samuel R. Berger

Conventionally, national security has been defined as the safeguarding the state from physical threats. The last two or three decades have seen sharp rise in other non-traditional threats, such as drugs, and diseases. Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and their pandemic potential, pose a challenge to national security in the 21^st century that cannot be overlooked. The historical threat to national security by epidemic diseases is not new; however the threat has increased in recent past and is growing rapidly in developing countries like Pakistan. There are many lines of attack that infectious diseases can intimidate national security i.e. increased rates of morbidity and mortality, massive damage on public health and health infrastructure, political instability, and economic volatility.

The world has changed noticeably ever since World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first set of legally binding regulations aimed at preventing the international spread of disease. At that point in time, the disease situation was quite stable, new diseases were rare and drugs had transfigured the care of many recognized infectious diseases. However, today’s vastly itinerant, interdependent and interconnected world provides innumerable opportunities for the quick stretch of infectious diseases and toxic threats. Infectious diseases are now spreading geographically much faster than at any time in history and currently are the second leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of morbidity. Roughly, there are now nearly 40 to 50 diseases that were unknown a generation ago and disease outbreaks – whether natural, accidental or deliberate in origin, are an increasingly salient national security concern.

Historically, literature on health and security has been scarce and only in the past few years a body of literature on health and security has emerged. At the nexus of health and security lie many poignant examples of the growing threat of biological weapons, the negative impact of naturally occurring infectious diseases, the migration and proliferation of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases to non-endemic areas that fabricate a strong case for including health concerns in the national security debate. Though, health and security have traditionally occupied separate domains, in recent years the imperative fusion between health and national security has been recognized by policymakers, security and defence analysts in both developed and developing countries. Conversely, many medical innovations and technologies currently used in emergency rooms and operating theatres have military origins. Breakthroughs in surgery, trauma care, circulatory access, prosthetics and rehabilitation have come from the field of battle or military R&D.

In Pakistan, the emergence and re-emergence of Chikungunya in Sindh province and spread of Chickenpox in Punjab province along with the dispersion of infectious diseases geographically throughout country demonstrate that Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) are not incorporated and interconnected to address the national health and security issues. Likewise, research and development (R&D) for new tools and technologies to prevent, detect and respond to emerging disease threats and outbreaks have not been considered with growing need in the country. As seen with the Chikungunya and Chickenpox outbreaks, there is a shortage of appropriate diagnostics and vaccines to manage the response and lack of regulatory framework for fast-tracking and surveillance technology, tools and techniques when respond is indispensable.

To cut a long story short, the link between infectious diseases and national security is relatively a new concept in Pakistan. A new paradigm is needed that link infectious diseases to national security and recognize the broad effects of diseases on our society. Response to infectious disease threats should be strategic priority of health and security agencies. Ministry of Defence (MoD) needs to acknowledge its role in ensuring that the state’s population is fit and healthy since there are no signs that the Ministry of Defense (MoD) is awakening to this responsibility. At a time when our conceptions of national security are evolving rapidly, we must look hard at uncertain and non-traditional threats, exceptionally. With uncertainty and ambiguity, a large amount of work is needed to bring analytical clarity to the health and national security paradigm.

http://www.diplomacypakistan.com/articles/addressing-a-new-paradigm-infectious-diseases-and-national-security/

Technopolitika: Science & Technology In International Relations

Science and technology (S&T) are at the same time symbol and engine of modernization. They are therefore subjects of importance and controversy for developing countries. Science is valued for its close relationship to technology and shorthand phrase “Science & Technology” has become so embedded in the vernacular of international relations that it is almost impossible to avoid. As said by Alfred Thayer Mahan, “In a globalized world economy, whoever has the technological edge will dominate the world.”

In international relations, S&T, economics and diplomacy are the most important tools for any nation. Historically, S&T has been one of the main currencies for exchange and dialogue among human societies and sovereign nations. In modern times, it is emerging as an important instrument of techno-economic power that will shape the changing dynamics of international relations. For every sovereign nation both S&T and diplomacy are essential tools for managing international relations, the essence of which is protecting national security and projecting national power. More recently, S&T has not only been effectively used by nations for soft-power projection and establishing the power-balance dynamics between sovereign nations but also, offering unconventional channels of engagement amongst countries that may have political differences. In this changing paradigm, it is highly desirable to understand the importance of S&T dimensions of international relations and the changing dynamics of diplomacy among nations.

In recent past, economic globalization and volatile escalation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) has subjugated the political and corporate agenda that is defining a new prototype where competition and cooperation must coexist among most sensible societies and nations. This will call for skilful ambassadorial strategy of different priorities in future that will have to be based on sound understanding of the role of S&T in international relations. Our world is far more interconnected today, where no nation can afford to be isolated, no matter how powerful or self-sufficient. Technologies of global reach are changing the reference lines and timelines of the geopolitics of international relations, diplomatic perceptions and global affairs.

Since independence, S&T development in Pakistan has been need-based and not really driven by any ‘National Action Plan’. Pakistan also performed very poorly in implementing the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (ST&I) 2012 and Science, Technology & Innovation Strategy 2014-18. While there have been many pockets of excellence in scientific research and technology innovation, the nation as a whole still fares rather poorly in S&T in comparison to most other comparable nations. As a result, there are no long-term plans for synchronizing S&T development or technology acquisition with the objectives of foreign policy or diplomatic agenda. Considerably, the government, S&T specialists and foreign policy makers may perform the following role:

• ·         Government must get its own house in order; leaders should exhibit good moral character and exceptionally eliminate corruption and nepotism from ST&I Policy and from society as-a-whole.
• ·         Establish the coordinating office for S&T based foreign policy and clear position to science and technology diplomacy (STD) as the new axis.
• ·         Utilize science and technology personnel in diplomatic activities/missions and scientific knowledge in formulating and implementing diplomatic policy.
• ·         Promote strategic joint research and development with partner countries with high diplomatic importance.
• ·         Strategically target influential S&T related organizations and promote intellectual exchange. Set a diplomatic agenda based on scientific evidence, and lead international efforts.
• ·         Proactively convey the message that Pakistan will take leadership role for the solution of global challenges by using S&T to achieve desirable international circumstances.

In the modern world of today, S&T is so intimately rooted in national priorities and international equations that it has become an inseparable component of international relations. In the future, S&T will play a role greater than any other factor in shaping relations among nations. Science and technology diplomacy (STD) will not only play the final defining role but also a central role in building and strengthening relationships with other countries. Today is high time for the scientists, scientific and technological communities of Pakistan to play a progressively more visible and critical role as knowledge brokers, creators and disseminators. In these efforts, science and technology diplomacy can and should be central to each of our nations’ focus on foreign policy and our role in the world.

http://www.diplomacypakistan.com/articles/technopolitika-science-technology-in-international-relations/

GIS for strategic security of CPEC

THE 21ST century has seen the establishment of global and regional strategic milieu around the world. This strategic milieu persuades geo-economic and geo-political tactical partnership among regional countries. Regional connectivity is one of the most significant aspects of Pakistan’s foreign policy and Pakistan has been trying to develop good relations with its adjacent countries. Maintaining creditable and healthy relation with China has been an essential part of Pakistan’s foreign policy, as China is Pakistan’s strategic partner and helps Pakistan in maintaining balance of power in the region.

The history of Pak-China relations can be traced back since 1950 and both countries managed their connection in a very productive and articulated way. With the support of China, Pakistan has gained significant important not only in the region but the entire world. In recent years, both China and Pakistan developed a strong bond of trust and Chinese foreign policy gives a special focus to Pakistan in future endeavors of China. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is one of the most prominent example of that. The CPEC is a megaproject that will connect Gwadar and Xinjiang via a network of highways, railways, and pipelines to transport goods, oil and gas. This economic corridor will run about 30,000 KM from Gwadar to Kashgar. The investment package is estimated at over $ 46 billion, comprising special economic zones, dry ports, energy projects, highways, railways, telecommunications, natural gas and oil pipelines connecting China to the Middle East and improving intelligence sharing between the two countries. 

CPEC is an under-construction megaproject which will not only achieve the political and economic objectives through trade and development but also strengthen the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. Pakistan’s leadership illustrates the CPEC as a game changer for Pakistan and the region. On the contrary, the dividends of this project will wholly turn up gradually over a period of 10 to 15 years thus requires an unremitting determination on the part of China and Pakistan to stay firm on the course. A strict scrutiny of the performance and quality of work on different projects is need of time. Similarly, safeguards are needed against corruption, pilferage of material and project payouts. Additionally, security concerns have been the most critical challenge to the CPEC and both Pakistan and China have been trying to meet these. Pakistan faces several challenges in the implementation of the project and these challenges include external and internal. Today’s biggest concern is the safety and security of engineers, technicians and labors working on the corridor project. Providing security to Chinese personnel is today’s major challenge for Pakistan. 

In April 2015, the Pakistan Army announced the establishment of a ‘Special Security Division’, headed by a Major General, for providing safety and security to those working on the project. Decision makers should realize that effective action in complex and dynamic areas require both new analytical tools and new approach of collaborating between stakeholders and these tools must be adequately sophisticated to deal with convolution of the policy arena. Geographic Information System (GIS) meet this sophistication and intelligible requirements. The power of a GIS is its capability to graphically organize and display a series of location-based information. GIS enables strategic security and public safety by helping government agencies protect borders and critical infrastructure. GIS provides a common operating picture that is used for routine operations in mitigation, preparedness, response and revitalization from all kind of emergency events. GIS is a core component of situational awareness and can integrate various sensors, field activity, road closures, threats, assets, critical infrastructure, and weather to better inform emergency and security concerns. The under listed are some recommendations which may help in the use of GIS for CPEC strategic security.

• There is an urgent need for massive acquisition and installation of GIS equipments in the country.

• There should be immediate training of security personnel who will handle GIS technology to curb terrorism in the country. Pak-China counter terrorism mechanism is also required.

• Terrorist hot spots in Pakistan should be map out by the security agencies in collaboration with criminologists and technology experts for the purpose of constant monitoring using the GIS.

• Government should direct its finances to the area of great need such as the GIS. And leaders should exhibit good moral character in their governance and eradicate corruption and nepotism in the society.

• Corruption and nepotism in the public system especially within the security outfits must be drastically tackle. Security agencies must purge themselves of all acts of corruption and nepotism if the GIS must be successful in tackling terrorism and security concern.

The CPEC project will audaciously alter Pakistan’s geographic location into an asset. The ongoing construction of the CPEC is undeniably one of the largest endeavors for socio-economic progress in the country and deployment of GIS technology throughout CPEC will not only enable strategic security but also perfection in disaster management, healthcare planning, food security, water resource management, urban development, public safety, education, and the economy for citizens of that Pakistan.

‘War on Corruption’ – The Anti-Corruption Cooperation in SAARC Countries!

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was formed in December 1985 with seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri-Lanka. Whereas, Afghanistan became the eight member in 2007. SAARC is the regional organization at the government level for the 8 member countries to delineate their differences and promote welfare of the people, improve quality of their life and accelerate economic growth. Since its establishment, SAARC is focused on promoting economic cooperation and growth, mutual assistance in the social, cultural, technical & scientific fields, and the rule of law. SAARC ultimately aims to provide a platform for cooperation and dialogue among the governments of South Asia. Since, South Asia is at a crossroads powered by the vibrant development and fastest-growing region in the world and it can be squeezed faster to find its equitable place in the world. If its member states develop as an incorporated economy this would make South Asia the second-largest economy in the world.

On the contrary, no country is free from the threat of instability whether caused by terrorism, economic-terrorism, bad governance and regional security. Similarly, problems such as corruption, backwardness, poverty, illiteracy, high rate of crime, etc, create sagacity of insecurity among all the member states of South Asia. There have been moments of significant coming together among SAARC states on rule of law issues, particularly drug trafficking, anti-terrorism, anti-corruption, cyber-crime, which are major security challenges for South Asia. South Asian countries do not only rank ill in governance standards but also, poor infrastructure together with defensive policies, corruption and red tape, are key barrier that impede the economic growth of these countries. Even though they have individually launched programs to fight corruption and improve public sector and governance but, every day stories covering issues of corruption appear in South Asian print and electronic media telling stories of corruption, corrupt officials, money laundering, and abuse of power – crimes that propagate political and regional instability.

In recent times, a strong global consensus has emerged that addressing corruption and building good governance is essential for the development of people and economic prosperity of any country or region. Despite the fact, SAARC faces severe challenges in bonding such a diverse region with different political, social and religious traditions. Regardless of lack of common grounds, it is crucial that SAARC countries put aside their difference and work to fabricate common solutions to the problems they are facing in their economic and regional development, as well as rule of law and menace of corruption. The 19^th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit will be held in Islamabad, Pakistan in November, 2016. While speaking at a conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Pakistan, Qamar Zaman Chaudhry said that a regional conference of SAARC member countries on anti-corruption will be hosted by Pakistan to promote bilateral and regional cooperation on anti-corruption issues. In view of the desire of the government of Pakistan the following steps are recommended as the way forward for SAARC countries to combat corruption in the region;

• ·         Governments of SAARC countries should have a zero tolerance for corruption and money laundering in their countries.
• ·         Governments of SAARC countries should educate and involve citizens in building integrity to prevent corruption. Punish the corrupt and support those who have suffered from institutional corruption.
• ·         Governments of SAARC countries should conduct public-education and awareness-raising activities, integrity-building workshops, and other cross-border events to eradicate corruption and poverty.
• ·         Governments of SAARC countries should reform the justice systems by ensuring very stiff and stricter penalties for people found guilty of corrupt practices.
• ·         Governments of SAARC countries should establish a closer link and develop a network of dedicated individuals committed to the objective of ending corruption.
• ·         Governments of SAARC countries should apply the principle of consensus in the allocation of natural resources to prevent regional conflict and use dialogue as a tool of settling regional problems such as insecurity, insurgency, corruption and poverty.

In a nutshell, SAARC has made significant progress in improving socio-economic development and scientific & technological coordination in South Asia. It is now time for it to shift its focus to other, long-standing political, good governance and anti-corruption concerns. SAARC should therefore play an important role in helping member state governments meet their citizens’ demands; this action would contribute to building regional peace, stability and economic prosperity.