Gwadar and other coastal areas of Balochistan are heavily dependent on electricity imported from Iran. In early 2023, a new transmission line (the Gabd-Polan project) was inaugurated to increase the supply to 100 MW, showcasing a practical area of energy cooperation despite geopolitical hurdles.
732
The first border market between Pakistan and Iran, inaugurated in 2023, is located at which crossing point?
The Mand-Pishin Border Sustenance Marketplace was inaugurated in May 2023. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to formalize border trade, reduce smuggling, and improve the economic conditions of the local populations living on both sides of the frontier.
733
Who is currently serving as the 'Special Representative for Afghanistan' from Pakistan (as of 2025)?
Ambassador (R) Asif Durrani was appointed as the Special Representative in May 2023. His role is to manage the complex diplomatic and security dialogue with the Afghan interim government and represent Pakistan in international forums related to Afghanistan.
734
In late 2023, the Government of Pakistan launched the 'Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan' primarily targeting:
Citing security concerns and the economic burden, Pakistan began a massive drive to deport over 1.7 million undocumented foreigners, the vast majority being Afghans. While the government emphasized it was not targeting a specific nationality, the move created significant diplomatic tension with Kabul and was criticized by international human rights organizations.
735
The 'Green CPEC' initiative announced in 2023 focuses on:
To align with global climate goals, Pakistan and China agreed to prioritize 'Green CPEC.' This involves moving away from coal-fired plants toward hydro, solar, and wind energy projects to ensure that economic growth is environmentally sustainable.
736
Which nuclear power plant in Pakistan was built with significant assistance from China and saw the groundbreaking of its 5th unit (C-5) in 2023?
The Chashma Nuclear Power complex (CHASNUPP) has four operational units (C-1 to C-4) built with Chinese assistance. In July 2023, the groundbreaking for the $3.5 billion C-5 unit was held, reinforcing China's role as Pakistan's primary partner in civil nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
737
Which project on the Chenab River, involving a 850 MW plant, has been referred to 'Neutral Experts' in 2023-2024?
Pakistan has objected to the design of the Ratle project, particularly its pondage and spillway features. In 2023, the World Bank allowed the simultaneous activation of both 'Neutral Experts' and the 'Court of Arbitration' to resolve the Ratle and Kishanganga disputes.
738
In 2023, India issued a formal notice to Pakistan seeking to modify which long-standing bilateral treaty?
In January 2023, India issued a notice to Pakistan to modify the 62-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, citing Pakistan's 'intransigence' over hydroelectric projects. This was the first time India officially sought a modification, creating a new layer of legal and diplomatic complexity.
739
Which Gulf nation signed an agreement in 2024 to invest $1 billion in the operations of the Karachi Port Terminal?
The UAE-based AD Ports Group signed a 25-year concession agreement in 2023/2024 to develop and operate the Karachi Gateway Terminal. This is part of the broader foreign policy shift towards 'investment-not-loans' with GCC partners.
740
The 'Green Pakistan Initiative' launched in 2023 seeks to revolutionize agriculture through partnerships with which country?
The Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) involves large-scale corporate farming and water management projects. It has received significant technical and financial backing from the UAE, aiming to ensure food security and export surplus agricultural products.
