The 'International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan' was co-hosted by the UN and the Government of Pakistan in Geneva. It aimed to secure international support for the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework (4RF) following the 2022 floods. The conference was highly successful, with international donors pledging over $9 billion.
692
The 'Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan' (IFRP), launched by Pakistan in late 2023, primarily affected documented and undocumented nationals of which country?
Citing security concerns and the involvement of undocumented aliens in smuggling and terrorist activities, the Government of Pakistan initiated the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan in late 2023. This led to the return of hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghan nationals. The move aimed to address internal security challenges and ensure that all foreign residents in Pakistan are documented in accordance with international legal standards.
693
The 'Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan' launched by Pakistan in late 2023 primarily resulted in the return of hundreds of thousands of people to which neighbor?
Citing security concerns and the economic burden of undocumented aliens, Pakistan initiated a massive drive to repatriate illegal foreigners, the vast majority being Afghans. While the move was criticized by international human rights organizations, Islamabad defended it as a necessary measure for national security and to curb the 'grey economy' linked to smuggling and terrorism.
694
Which hydroelectric project on the Chenab River is currently being contested by Pakistan at the Hague-based Court of Arbitration as of 2024-2025?
The 850 MW Ratle project is a major point of contention. Pakistan has raised objections to its design, specifically regarding the storage capacity and the speed at which India can manipulate water levels. In 2023, the World Bank allowed the simultaneous processes of a Neutral Expert and a Court of Arbitration to address the Ratle and Kishanganga disputes, reflecting the high stakes of water diplomacy.
695
In 2023, India issued a formal notice to Pakistan seeking to 'modify' the Indus Waters Treaty. Which specific issue did India cite as the reason?
India issued a notice in January 2023, citing Pakistan's move to push for both a Neutral Expert and a Court of Arbitration simultaneously for the same projects. India argued that this 'parallel process' was not envisioned in the treaty and used this as a basis to demand a review of the 62-year-old agreement, a move Pakistan views with extreme caution.
696
Which hydroelectric project on the Chenab River is currently being contested by Pakistan at the Hague-based Court of Arbitration as of 2024-2025?
The 850 MW Ratle project is a major point of contention. Pakistan has raised objections to its design, specifically regarding the storage capacity and the speed at which India can manipulate water levels. In 2023, the World Bank allowed the simultaneous processes of a Neutral Expert and a Court of Arbitration to address the Ratle and Kishanganga disputes, highlighting the increasing complexity of water diplomacy.
697
The 'Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan' launched in 2023 was justified by economic diplomacy as a way to:
The repatriation drive was partly driven by the need to formalize the economy. Pakistan argued that unregistered aliens were heavily involved in the smuggling of dollars and essential commodities, which undermined the country's fiscal stability and its ability to meet IMF targets.
698
Which commodity did Pakistan import from Russia for the first time in discounted prices in 2023-2024 to ease its energy crisis?
As part of its strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce the import bill, Pakistan received its first shipments of discounted Russian crude oil in mid-2023. This was a significant achievement in balancing relations between the West and Russia for national economic benefit.
699
The 'Green Pakistan Initiative' (GPI), launched in 2023, focuses on which area of the economy?
The Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) is a flagship project of the SIFC aimed at bringing millions of acres of uncultivated land under production. It involves corporate farming partnerships with Gulf nations to ensure food security and surplus agricultural exports.
700
In late 2023, Pakistan formally applied for membership in which emerging global economic bloc to diversify its partnerships?
Pakistan formally applied to join the BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in November 2023. This move is part of Pakistan's strategy to align with the 'Global South' and seek alternative avenues for trade, development financing, and multilateral cooperation.
