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Pakistan, officially the '''Islamic Republic of Pakistan''', is an Islamic fundamentalist country in South Asia created by the British for [[India|Indian]] [[Muslim|Muslims]] on 14 August 1947, despite a significant [[opposition to the partition of India|opposition to the partition of colonial India]]. It is bordered by [[Iran]], [[Afghanistan]], [[India]] and [[China]], and has a coastline on the [[Arabian Sea]]. Its capital is [[Islamabad]]; other major centres include [[Karachi]], [[Lahore]] and [[Peshawar]]. At the time of the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Hindus comprised over 23% of the population.<ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/india/2-yrs-after-it-counted-population-pakistan-silent-on-minority-numbers-6203547/</ref> However, Pakistan is currently 99% Muslim, as many [[Hindu]]s and [[Sikh]]s native were slaughtered during the partition of India<ref>https://hindugenocide.com/islamic-jihad/4million-hindus-persecuted-west-pakistan-partition-plight-hindus-remained/</ref> Forced conversion of non-Muslims is rampant in Pakistan. The Global Human Rights Defense(GHRD) estimates that more than 1,000 Hindu and Christian girls are kidnapped and forced to convert to Islam annually in Pakistan. <ref>https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/hindus-pakistan-nobodys-children</ref> Pakistan is hostile to the United States and is one of the most anti-American countries.<ref>https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/on-pakistani-anti-americanism/</ref> Pakistan is allied with Communist [[China]].<ref>https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/pakistans-alliance-china-comes-high-cost-149471</ref> The Pakistani [[ISI]] and Military are the real powers behind Pakistan and actively sponsors terrorism in Afghanistan against U.S and Afghan troops.<ref>https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/09/pakistan-continues-to-harbor-taliban-including-al-qaeda-linked-haqqanis.php</ref><ref>https://www.dia.mil/FOIA/FOIA-Electronic-Reading-Room/FOIA-Reading-Room-Other-Available-Records/FileId/155424/</ref> Although Pakistan is regarded as a major non-Nato ally, this was due to Pakistan's lobbying efforts.<ref>https://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/img-src-http-talkingpointsmemo-com-images-payne-musharraf-muck-jpg-vspace-5-hspace-5-align-left-stephen-payne-worked-for-pakistan-after-sept-11</ref>There have been attempts by Congress to remove Pakistan's major non-Nato ally status due to their support for terrorism.<ref>https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/73/text?format=txt</ref> Additionally, Pakistan engages in the proliferation of nuclear weapons technology to countries such as Iran and North Korea.<ref>https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2004-04/features/closing-pandoras-box-pakistans-role-nuclear-proliferation</ref><ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/pakistan-sold-iran-nuke-tech-in-1980s-former-president-rafsanjani-reveals/</ref>

Pakistan, officially the '''Islamic Republic of Pakistan''', is an Islamic fundamentalist country in South Asia created by the British for [[India]]n [[Muslim]]s on 14 August 1947, despite a significant [[opposition to the partition of India|opposition to the partition of colonial India]]. It is bordered by [[Iran]], [[Afghanistan]], [[India]] and [[China]], and has a coastline on the [[Arabian Sea]]. Its capital is [[Islamabad]]; other major centres include [[Karachi]], [[Lahore]] and [[Peshawar]]. At the time of the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Hindus comprised over 23% of the population.<ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/india/2-yrs-after-it-counted-population-pakistan-silent-on-minority-numbers-6203547/</ref> However, Pakistan is currently 99% Muslim, as many [[Hindu]]s and [[Sikh]]s native were slaughtered during the partition of India<ref>https://hindugenocide.com/islamic-jihad/4million-hindus-persecuted-west-pakistan-partition-plight-hindus-remained/</ref> Forced conversion of non-Muslims is rampant in Pakistan. The Global Human Rights Defense(GHRD) estimates that more than 1,000 Hindu and Christian girls are kidnapped and forced to convert to Islam annually in Pakistan.<ref>https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/hindus-pakistan-nobodys-children</ref> Pakistan is hostile to the United States and is one of the most anti-American countries.<ref>https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/on-pakistani-anti-americanism/</ref> Pakistan is allied with Communist [[China]].<ref>https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/pakistans-alliance-china-comes-high-cost-149471</ref> The Pakistani [[ISI]] and Military are the real powers behind Pakistan and actively sponsors terrorism in Afghanistan against U.S. and Afghan troops.<ref>https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/09/pakistan-continues-to-harbor-taliban-including-al-qaeda-linked-haqqanis.php</ref><ref>https://www.dia.mil/FOIA/FOIA-Electronic-Reading-Room/FOIA-Reading-Room-Other-Available-Records/FileId/155424/</ref> Although Pakistan is regarded as a major non-Nato ally, this was due to Pakistan's lobbying efforts.<ref>https://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/img-src-http-talkingpointsmemo-com-images-payne-musharraf-muck-jpg-vspace-5-hspace-5-align-left-stephen-payne-worked-for-pakistan-after-sept-11</ref> There have been attempts by Congress to remove Pakistan's major non-Nato ally status due to their support for terrorism.<ref>https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/73/text?format=txt</ref> Additionally, Pakistan engages in the proliferation of nuclear weapons technology to countries such as Iran and North Korea.<ref>https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2004-04/features/closing-pandoras-box-pakistans-role-nuclear-proliferation</ref><ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/pakistan-sold-iran-nuke-tech-in-1980s-former-president-rafsanjani-reveals/</ref>

==History==

==History==

====Partition of India and the Creation of Pakistan====

====Partition of India and the Creation of Pakistan====

[[File:Pashtun girl.jpg|thumb|Pashtun girl from the NWFP.]]

[[File:Pashtun girl.jpg|thumb|Pashtun girl from the NWFP.]]

The idea of a separate Muslim state in British India first emerged in the 1930s. On March 23, 1940, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, leader of the All-India Muslim League, formally endorsed the "Lahore Resolution," calling for the creation of an independent state in regions where Muslims constituted a majority. This resolution was vehemently opposed by nationalist Indian Muslims represented by the [[All India Azad Muslim Conference]], who [[opposition to the partition of India|opposed the partition of India]]; British officials, however, sidelined the All India Azad Muslim Conference.<ref name="Shodganga">{{cite web |title=Towards United and Federate India: 1940-47 |url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/31090/10/10_chapter%205.pdf |accessdate=31 March 2019 |pages=193, 198 |language=English}}</ref> At the end of World War II, the United Kingdom realized that it could no longer hold on to India. The British wanted to maintain their imperialist influence over countries such as Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, so they decided to create Pakistan to give them a foothold in the North-West Frontier Province(NWFP) and Balochistan. Britain however encountered issues with doing this as the NWFP had elected a government from the Indian National Congress and not from the [[Muslim League]]. Therefore, Louis Mountbatten, with the help of his wife Edwina, talked Jawaharlal Nehru into agreeing to a referendum in the NWFP. Although it is claimed that 99% of the votes were in favor of Pakistan, there was widespread fraud and rigging done during the referendum. Khan Abdul Wali Khan the son of Ghaffar Khan cited that an old woman disclosed to him that she alone polled 52 votes in favor of Pakistan.<ref>https://drfakhrulislam.pk/referendum-in-nwfp-a-significant-chapter-of-freedom-movement/#_edn25</ref> <ref>https://www.rediff.com/news/interview/britain-created-pakistan/20171102.htm</ref> In June 1947, the British Government declared that it would bestow full dominion status upon two successor states of the Indian Empire—India and Pakistan, formed from areas in the Indian subcontinent in which Muslims were the majority population. Under this arrangement, the various princely states could freely join either India or Pakistan. Accordingly, on August 14, 1947 Pakistan, comprising West Pakistan with the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP), and East Pakistan with the province of Bengal, became independent. The British were ecstatic about the creation despite the uprooting of 20 million Indians from their homes where their forefathers had lived for a millenia. On August 15, The Times, London published the following editorial, ''"In the hour of its creation Pakistan emerges as the leading state of the Muslim world. Since the collapse of the Turkish empire that world, which extends across the globe from Morocco to Indonesia, has not included a state whose numbers, natural resources and place in history gave it undisputed pre-eminence. The gap is now filled. From today Karachi takes rank as a new centre of Muslim cohesion and rallying point of Muslim thought and aspirations".''<ref>https://indiafacts.org/partition-why-britain-created-pakistan/</ref> East Pakistan later became the independent nation of Bangladesh in 1971.  

The idea of a separate Muslim state in British India first emerged in the 1930s. On March 23, 1940, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, leader of the All-India Muslim League, formally endorsed the "Lahore Resolution," calling for the creation of an independent state in regions where Muslims constituted a majority. This resolution was vehemently opposed by nationalist Indian Muslims represented by the [[All India Azad Muslim Conference]], who [[opposition to the partition of India|opposed the partition of India]]; British officials, however, sidelined the All India Azad Muslim Conference.<ref name="Shodganga">{{cite web |title=Towards United and Federate India: 1940-47 |url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/31090/10/10_chapter%205.pdf |accessdate=31 March 2019 |pages=193, 198 |language=English}}</ref> At the end of World War II, the United Kingdom realized that it could no longer hold on to India. The British wanted to maintain their imperialist influence over countries such as Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, so they decided to create Pakistan to give them a foothold in the North-West Frontier Province(NWFP) and Balochistan. Britain however encountered issues with doing this as the NWFP had elected a government from the Indian National Congress and not from the [[Muslim League]]. Therefore, Louis Mountbatten, with the help of his wife Edwina, talked Jawaharlal Nehru into agreeing to a referendum in the NWFP. Although it is claimed that 99% of the votes were in favor of Pakistan, there was widespread fraud and rigging done during the referendum. Khan Abdul Wali Khan the son of Ghaffar Khan cited that an old woman disclosed to him that she alone polled 52 votes in favor of Pakistan.<ref>https://drfakhrulislam.pk/referendum-in-nwfp-a-significant-chapter-of-freedom-movement/#_edn25</ref><ref>https://www.rediff.com/news/interview/britain-created-pakistan/20171102.htm</ref> In June 1947, the British Government declared that it would bestow full dominion status upon two successor states of the Indian Empire—India and Pakistan, formed from areas in the Indian subcontinent in which Muslims were the majority population. Under this arrangement, the various princely states could freely join either India or Pakistan. Accordingly, on August 14, 1947, Pakistan, comprising West Pakistan with the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP), and East Pakistan with the province of Bengal, became independent. The British were ecstatic about the creation despite the uprooting of 20 million Indians from their homes where their forefathers had lived for a millennia. On August 15, The Times, London published the following editorial, ''"In the hour of its creation Pakistan emerges as the leading state of the Muslim world. Since the collapse of the Turkish empire that world, which extends across the globe from Morocco to Indonesia, has not included a state whose numbers, natural resources and place in history gave it undisputed pre-eminence. The gap is now filled. From today Karachi takes rank as a new centre of Muslim cohesion and rallying point of Muslim thought and aspirations".''<ref>https://indiafacts.org/partition-why-britain-created-pakistan/</ref> East Pakistan later became the independent nation of Bangladesh in 1971.  

The Maharaja of Kashmir was reluctant to make a decision on accession to either Pakistan or India. However, armed incursions into the state by tribesman from the NWFP led him to seek military assistance from India. The Maharaja signed accession papers in October 1947 and allowed Indian troops into the state. The Government of Pakistan, however, refused to recognize the accession and campaigned to reverse the decision. The status of Kashmir remains in dispute to this day.

The Maharaja of Kashmir was reluctant to make a decision on accession to either Pakistan or India. However, armed incursions into the state by tribesman from the NWFP led him to seek military assistance from India. The Maharaja signed accession papers in October 1947 and allowed Indian troops into the state. The Government of Pakistan, however, refused to recognize the accession and campaigned to reverse the decision. The status of Kashmir remains in dispute to this day.

An interim government, headed by Moeen Qureshi, a former World Bank Vice President, took office with a mandate to hold national and provincial assembly elections in October. Despite its brief term, the Qureshi government adopted political, economic, and social reforms that generated considerable domestic support and foreign admiration.  

An interim government, headed by Moeen Qureshi, a former World Bank Vice President, took office with a mandate to hold national and provincial assembly elections in October. Despite its brief term, the Qureshi government adopted political, economic, and social reforms that generated considerable domestic support and foreign admiration.  

In the October 1993 elections, the PPP won a plurality of seats in the National Assembly, and Benazir Bhutto was asked to form a government. However, because it did not acquire a majority in the National Assembly, the PPP's control of the government depended upon the continued support of numerous independent parties, particularly the PML/J (Pakistan Muslim League-Junejo). The unfavorable circumstances surrounding PPP rule—the imperative of preserving a coalition government, the formidable opposition of Nawaz Sharif's PML/N (Pakistani Muslim League-Nawaz) movement, and the insecure provincial administrations—presented significant difficulties for the government of Prime Minister Bhutto. However, the election of Prime Minister Bhutto's close associate, Farooq Leghari, as President in November 1993 gave her a stronger power base.  

In the October 1993 elections, the PPP won a plurality of seats in the National Assembly, and Benazir Bhutto was asked to form a government. However, because it did not acquire a majority in the National Assembly, the PPP's control of the government depended upon the continued support of numerous independent parties, particularly the PML/J (Pakistan Muslim League-Junejo). The unfavorable circumstances surrounding PPP rule—the imperative of preserving a coalition government, the formidable opposition of Nawaz Sharif's PML/N (Pakistani Muslim League-Nawaz) movement, and the insecure provincial administrations—presented significant difficulties for the government of Prime Minister Bhutto. However, the election of Prime Minister Bhutto's close associate, Farooq Leghari, as president in November 1993 gave her a stronger power base.  

[[File:Faisal mosque Pakistan.jpg|thumb|290px|Faisal mosque, Islamabad.]]

[[File:Faisal mosque Pakistan.jpg|thumb|290px|Faisal mosque, Islamabad.]]

In November 1996, President Leghari dismissed the Bhutto government, charging it with corruption, mismanagement of the economy, and implication in extrajudicial killings in Karachi. Elections in February 1997, resulted in an overwhelming victory for the PML/N, and President Leghari called upon Nawaz Sharif to form a government. In March 1997, with the unanimous support of the National Assembly, Sharif amended the Constitution, stripping the President of the power to dismiss the government and making his power to appoint military service chiefs and provincial governors contingent on the "advice" of the Prime Minister. Another amendment prohibited elected members from "floor crossing" or voting against party positions. The Sharif government also engaged in a protracted dispute with the judiciary, culminating in the storming of the Supreme Court by ruling party loyalists and the engineered dismissal of the Chief Justice and the resignation of President Leghari in December 1997.  

In November 1996, President Leghari dismissed the Bhutto government, charging it with corruption, mismanagement of the economy, and implication in extrajudicial killings in Karachi. Elections in February 1997, resulted in an overwhelming victory for the PML/N, and President Leghari called upon Nawaz Sharif to form a government. In March 1997, with the unanimous support of the National Assembly, Sharif amended the Constitution, stripping the President of the power to dismiss the government and making his power to appoint military service chiefs and provincial governors contingent on the "advice" of the Prime Minister. Another amendment prohibited elected members from "floor crossing" or voting against party positions. The Sharif government also engaged in a protracted dispute with the judiciary, culminating in the storming of the Supreme Court by ruling party loyalists and the engineered dismissal of the Chief Justice and the resignation of President Leghari in December 1997.  

After the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked on September 11, 2001, Musharraf faked cooperation with the United States and provided support to Al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters.<ref>https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/pervez-musharraf-was-playing-double-game-with-us-j0dxgv235j2</ref> In a referendum held on April 30, 2002, Musharraf's presidency was extended by five more years. The handover from military to civilian rule came with parliamentary elections in November 2002, and the appointment of a civilian prime minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali. Having previously promised to give up his army post and become a civilian president, General Musharraf announced in late 2004 that he would retain his military role. In August 2004, Shaukat Aziz was sworn in as prime minister, having won a parliamentary vote of confidence, 191 of 342 votes, in which the opposition abstained.  

After the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked on September 11, 2001, Musharraf faked cooperation with the United States and provided support to Al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters.<ref>https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/pervez-musharraf-was-playing-double-game-with-us-j0dxgv235j2</ref> In a referendum held on April 30, 2002, Musharraf's presidency was extended by five more years. The handover from military to civilian rule came with parliamentary elections in November 2002, and the appointment of a civilian prime minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali. Having previously promised to give up his army post and become a civilian president, General Musharraf announced in late 2004 that he would retain his military role. In August 2004, Shaukat Aziz was sworn in as prime minister, having won a parliamentary vote of confidence, 191 of 342 votes, in which the opposition abstained.  

On October 8, 2005 a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. The epicenter of the earthquake was near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, and approximately 60 miles north-northeast of Islamabad. An estimated 75,000 people were killed and 2.5 million people were left homeless. The disaster of such a huge magnitude galvanized an international rescue and reconstruction effort in support of the affected region. The earthquake cost Pakistan $1.1 billion on resettling those affected.

On October 8, 2005, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. The epicenter of the earthquake was near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, and approximately 60 miles north-northeast of Islamabad. An estimated 75,000 people were killed and 2.5 million people were left homeless. The disaster of such a huge magnitude galvanized an international rescue and reconstruction effort in support of the affected region. The earthquake cost Pakistan $1.1 billion on resettling those affected.

====Assassination of Benazir Bhutto====

====Assassination of Benazir Bhutto====

{{main|Persecution of Christians in Pakistan}}

{{main|Persecution of Christians in Pakistan}}

{{main|Persecution of Hindus in Pakistan}}

{{main|Persecution of Hindus in Pakistan}}

==Disputed Territories==

==Disputed Territories==

===Balochistan===

===Balochistan===

===Khyber Pakhtunkhwa===

===Khyber Pakhtunkhwa===

The Durand Line was created in 1893 by the British after the Second Anglo-Afghan War. Afghanistan, however, has never recognized the Durand Line. <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20130510142126/http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2012/10/24/no-change-stance-durand-line-faizi</ref>

The Durand Line was created in 1893 by the British after the Second Anglo-Afghan War. Afghanistan, however, has never recognized the Durand Line.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20130510142126/http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2012/10/24/no-change-stance-durand-line-faizi</ref>

===Sindhudesh===

===Sindhudesh===

==Government and Political Conditions==

==Government and Political Conditions==

[[File:Aiwane Sadr Presidency official residence of the President of Pakistan.jpeg|thumb|300px|Residence of the President of Pakistan.]]

[[File:Aiwane Sadr Presidency official residence of the President of Pakistan.jpeg|thumb|300px|Residence of the President of Pakistan.]]

Pervez Musharraf ran Pakistan from 1999, when as army chief he ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. After losing the support of the army, and in the face of impeachment threats, Musharraf resigned in August 2008.  He was replaced by President Asif Ali Zardari (b. 1955) of the PPP party.<ref>A playboy, in 1987 he married [[Benazir Bhutto]] (1953-2007), leader of the PPP party. She was the daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was the daughter of former president (1971–73) and prime minister (1973–77). She served two terms as prime minister, in 1988–90 and in 1993–96. They had three children. Zadari spent three years in prison and is called “Mr. Ten Percent" because of his fondness for cash kickbacks on government contracts.</ref> However Zardari was so weak in late 2009 that his government seems near collapse. In November 2009 Zardari relinquished his position in Pakistan’s nuclear command structure, turning it over to the prime minister, in what appeared to be an effort to avoid impeachment or prosecution, and retain at least a figurehead post. Zardari is head of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Party (PML-N), taking over after the assassination in 2007 of his wife, former Prime Minister Benazar Bhutto.

Pervez Musharraf ran Pakistan from 1999, when as army chief he ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. After losing the support of the army, and in the face of impeachment threats, Musharraf resigned in August 2008.  He was replaced by President Asif Ali Zardari (b. 1955) of the PPP party.<ref>A playboy, in 1987 he married [[Benazir Bhutto]] (1953-2007), leader of the PPP party. She was the daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was the daughter of former president (1971–73) and prime minister (1973–77). She served two terms as prime minister, in 1988–90 and in 1993–96. They had three children. Zadari spent three years in prison and is called “Mr. Ten Percent" because of his fondness for cash kickbacks on government contracts.</ref> However Zardari was so weak in late 2009 that his government seems near collapse. In November 2009 Zardari relinquished his position in Pakistan's nuclear command structure, turning it over to the prime minister, in what appeared to be an effort to avoid impeachment or prosecution, and retain at least a figurehead post. Zardari is head of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Party (PML-N), taking over after the assassination in 2007 of his wife, former Prime Minister Benazar Bhutto.

===Parties===

===Parties===

*Ambassador to the U.S.--Husain Haqqani<ref>http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/spring_summer2008/110047.htm</ref>

*Ambassador to the U.S.--Husain Haqqani<ref>http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/spring_summer2008/110047.htm</ref>

<!--outdated *Ambassador to the UN--Munir Akram-->

<!--outdated *Ambassador to the UN--Munir Akram-->

In Mar 2022, [[Imran Khan]] was removed as prime minister after no-confidence vote. <ref>[https://www.axios.com/pakistan-imran-khan-removed-prime-minister-no-confidence-6b9722ea-dc5f-43a5-8c04-7d19c44a5320.html Pakistan's Imran Khan removed as prime minister after no-confidence vote], Axios, Apr 8, 2022.</ref>

In Mar 2022, [[Imran Khan]] was removed as prime minister after no-confidence vote.<ref>[https://www.axios.com/pakistan-imran-khan-removed-prime-minister-no-confidence-6b9722ea-dc5f-43a5-8c04-7d19c44a5320.html Pakistan's Imran Khan removed as prime minister after no-confidence vote], Axios, Apr 8, 2022.</ref>

[[File:Lt -Gen -Ahmad-Shuja-Pasha Pakistan.jpg|thumb|left|Lt. Gen. Ahmad Shuja Pasha, the director general of the country’s spy agency.]]

[[File:Lt -Gen -Ahmad-Shuja-Pasha Pakistan.jpg|thumb|left|Lt. Gen. Ahmad Shuja Pasha, the director general of the country's spy agency.]]

===Foreign Relations===

===Foreign Relations===

====Better relations since 2004====

====Better relations since 2004====

The prospects for better relations between India and Pakistan improved in early January 2004 when a summit meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) permitted India’s Prime Minister Vajpayee to meet with President Musharraf. Both leaders agreed to establish a Composite Dialogue to resolve their disputes. The Composite Dialogue focuses on eight issues: confidence building measures, Kashmir, Wullar barrage, promotion of friendly exchanges, Siachen glacier, Sir creek, terrorism and drug trafficking, and economic and commercial cooperation.   

The prospects for better relations between India and Pakistan improved in early January 2004 when a summit meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) permitted India's Prime Minister Vajpayee to meet with President Musharraf. Both leaders agreed to establish a Composite Dialogue to resolve their disputes. The Composite Dialogue focuses on eight issues: confidence building measures, Kashmir, Wullar barrage, promotion of friendly exchanges, Siachen glacier, Sir creek, terrorism and drug trafficking, and economic and commercial cooperation.   

Relations further improved when President Musharraf met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New York in October 2004. Additional steps aimed at improving relations were announced when Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh visited Islamabad in February 2005 and in April 2005 when President Musharraf traveled to India to view a cricket match and hold discussions. In a further display of improved relations, bus service commenced from Pakistan-controlled Kashmir to Srinagar in April 2005. After a destructive earthquake hit the Kashmir region in October 2005, the two countries cooperated with each other to deal with the humanitarian crisis.  

Relations further improved when President Musharraf met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New York in October 2004. Additional steps aimed at improving relations were announced when Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh visited Islamabad in February 2005 and in April 2005 when President Musharraf traveled to India to view a cricket match and hold discussions. In a further display of improved relations, bus service commenced from Pakistan-controlled Kashmir to Srinagar in April 2005. After a destructive earthquake hit the Kashmir region in October 2005, the two countries cooperated with each other to deal with the humanitarian crisis.  

Pakistan was linked with the rise of [[Taliban]] in Afghanistan. In Sep/2021, protesters in Kabul chanted 'Pakistan, Pakistan, Leave Afghanistan,' realizing that Pakistan is behind the rise of Taliban in Afghanistan.<ref>[https://www.memri.org/reports/realizing-pakistan-behind-rise-taliban-afghanistan-protesters-kabul-chant-pakistan-pakistan Realizing That Pakistan Is Behind Rise Of Taliban In Afghanistan, Protesters In Kabul Chant 'Pakistan, Pakistan, Leave Afghanistan,' As Afghan Taliban Appoint FBI's Most Wanted Terrorist Sirajuddin Haqqani As Interior Minister],  Tufail Ahmad, Memri, September 8, 2021</ref>

Pakistan was linked with the rise of [[Taliban]] in Afghanistan. In Sep/2021, protesters in Kabul chanted 'Pakistan, Pakistan, Leave Afghanistan,' realizing that Pakistan is behind the rise of Taliban in Afghanistan.<ref>[https://www.memri.org/reports/realizing-pakistan-behind-rise-taliban-afghanistan-protesters-kabul-chant-pakistan-pakistan Realizing That Pakistan Is Behind Rise Of Taliban In Afghanistan, Protesters In Kabul Chant 'Pakistan, Pakistan, Leave Afghanistan,' As Afghan Taliban Appoint FBI's Most Wanted Terrorist Sirajuddin Haqqani As Interior Minister],  Tufail Ahmad, Memri, September 8, 2021</ref>

Former [[Afghanistan]] President Hamid Karzai stated in Dec 2021: Afghanistan has been facing [[ISIS]] threat from Pakistan. Rejecting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarks on terrorism in his country.<ref>[https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/afghanistan-has-been-facing-isis-threat-from-pakistan-hamid-karzai-121122000153_1.html Afghanistan has been facing ISIS threat from Pakistan: Hamid Karzai], Business Standard, Dec 20, 2021.<blockquote>

Former [[Afghanistan]] President Hamid Karzai stated in Dec 2021: Afghanistan has been facing [[ISIS]] threat from Pakistan. Rejecting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks on terrorism in his country.<ref>[https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/afghanistan-has-been-facing-isis-threat-from-pakistan-hamid-karzai-121122000153_1.html Afghanistan has been facing ISIS threat from Pakistan: Hamid Karzai], Business Standard, Dec 20, 2021.<blockquote>

Rejecting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarks on terrorism in his country, former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on Sunday said that the landlocked country has been facing ISIS’s threat from Pakistan.

Rejecting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarks on terrorism in his country, former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on Sunday said that the landlocked country has been facing ISIS’s threat from Pakistan.

At the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit on Sunday, Imran Khan had said ISIS threatens Pakistan from Afghanistan, adding that stability in Afghanistan is necessary. “We have had attacks from (the) Afghan border, from ISIL (ISIS), into Pakistan,” he said.

At the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit on Sunday, Imran Khan had said ISIS threatens Pakistan from Afghanistan, adding that stability in Afghanistan is necessary. “We have had attacks from (the) Afghan border, from ISIL (ISIS), into Pakistan,” he said.

In 1950, Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the Communist [[China]] (PRC). Following the Sino-Indian hostilities of 1962, Pakistan's relations with China became stronger; since then, the countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits resulting in various agreements. China has provided economic, military, and technical assistance to Pakistan. Favorable relations with China have been a pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy. The PRC strongly supported Pakistan's opposition to Soviet involvement in Afghanistan and is perceived by Pakistan as a regional counterweight to India and Russia.

In 1950, Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the Communist [[China]] (PRC). Following the Sino-Indian hostilities of 1962, Pakistan's relations with China became stronger; since then, the countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits resulting in various agreements. China has provided economic, military, and technical assistance to Pakistan. Favorable relations with China have been a pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy. The PRC strongly supported Pakistan's opposition to Soviet involvement in Afghanistan and is perceived by Pakistan as a regional counterweight to India and Russia.

The port at Gwadar on the Indian Ocean in the disputed territory of Balochistan is a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative.  It’s part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor—or CPEC.  It aims to give China access to the Indian Ocean.  An official CPEC roadway and energy pipeline shows plans to link Gwadar with China’s [[Xinjiang]] Autonomous region.  A 2020 US Naval War College study however says, Chinese analysts have come to view the plan as not viable.  According to reports, “Shipping and industrial activity at the port are negligible. And for the vast majority of Gwadar’s residents, conditions are unchanged or worse.”  China’s fishing trawler fleet has devastated the ocean and forced local fishermen out.  And many of the promised benefits from the CPEC have not happened.  Major projects—including a vocational training center, medical hospital, and desalination plant—have either been delayed, scaled-down, or dropped.  Large scale protests among the local population erupted.

The port at Gwadar on the Indian Ocean in the disputed territory of Balochistan is a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative.  It's part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor—or CPEC.  It aims to give China access to the Indian Ocean.  An official CPEC roadway and energy pipeline shows plans to link Gwadar with China's [[Xinjiang]] Autonomous region.  A 2020 US Naval War College study however says, Chinese analysts have come to view the plan as not viable.  According to reports, “Shipping and industrial activity at the port are negligible. And for the vast majority of Gwadar’s residents, conditions are unchanged or worse.”  China's fishing trawler fleet has devastated the ocean and forced local fishermen out.  And many of the promised benefits from the CPEC have not happened.  Major projects—including a vocational training center, medical hospital, and desalination plant—have either been delayed, scaled-down, or dropped.  Large scale protests among the local population erupted.

====Iran and the Persian Gulf====

====Iran and the Persian Gulf====

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 highlighted the common interest of Pakistan and the United States in peace and stability in South Asia. In 1981, the United States and Pakistan agreed on a $3.2 billion military and economic assistance program aimed at helping Pakistan deal with the heightened threat to security in the region and its economic development needs.  

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 highlighted the common interest of Pakistan and the United States in peace and stability in South Asia. In 1981, the United States and Pakistan agreed on a $3.2 billion military and economic assistance program aimed at helping Pakistan deal with the heightened threat to security in the region and its economic development needs.  

Recognizing national security concerns and accepting Pakistan's assurances that it did not intend to construct a nuclear weapon, Congress waived restrictions (Symington Amendment) on military assistance to Pakistan. In March 1986, the two countries agreed on a second multi-year (FY 1988-93) $4 billion economic development and security assistance program. On October 1, 1990, however, the United States suspended all military assistance and new economic aid to Pakistan under the Pressler Amendment, which required that the President certify annually that Pakistan "does not possess a nuclear explosive device."  

Recognizing national security concerns and accepting Pakistan's assurances that it did not intend to construct a nuclear weapon, Congress waived restrictions (Symington Amendment) on military assistance to Pakistan. In March 1986, the two countries agreed on a second multi-year (FY 1988–93) $4 billion economic development and security assistance program. On October 1, 1990, however, the United States suspended all military assistance and new economic aid to Pakistan under the Pressler Amendment, which required that the President certify annually that Pakistan "does not possess a nuclear explosive device."  

[[File:Pakistani soldier.jpg|thumb|180px|Pakistani soldier.]]

[[File:Pakistani soldier.jpg|thumb|180px|Pakistani soldier.]]

Several incidents of violence against American officials and U.S. mission employees in Pakistan have marred the relationship. In November 1979, false rumors that the United States had participated in the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca provoked a mob attack on the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad in which the chancery was set on fire resulting in the loss of life of American and Pakistani staff. In 1989, an attack on the American Center in Islamabad resulted in six Pakistanis being killed in crossfire with the police. In March 1995, two American employees of the consulate in Karachi were killed and one wounded in an attack on the home-to-office shuttle. In November 1997, four U.S. businessmen were brutally murdered while being driven to work in Karachi. In March 2002 a suicide attacker detonated explosives in a church in Islamabad, killing two Americans associated with the Embassy and three others. There were also unsuccessful attacks by terrorists on the Consulate General in Karachi in May 2002. Another bomb was detonated near American and other businesses in Karachi in November 2005, killing three people and wounding 15 others. On March 2, 2006, a suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives as a vehicle carrying an American Foreign Service officer passed by on its way to Consulate Karachi. The diplomat, the Consulate’s locally employed driver and three other people were killed in the blast; 52 others were wounded.  

Several incidents of violence against American officials and U.S. mission employees in Pakistan have marred the relationship. In November 1979, false rumors that the United States had participated in the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca provoked a mob attack on the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad in which the chancery was set on fire resulting in the loss of life of American and Pakistani staff. In 1989, an attack on the American Center in Islamabad resulted in six Pakistanis being killed in crossfire with the police. In March 1995, two American employees of the consulate in Karachi were killed and one wounded in an attack on the home-to-office shuttle. In November 1997, four U.S. businessmen were brutally murdered while being driven to work in Karachi. In March 2002 a suicide attacker detonated explosives in a church in Islamabad, killing two Americans associated with the Embassy and three others. There were also unsuccessful attacks by terrorists on the Consulate General in Karachi in May 2002. Another bomb was detonated near American and other businesses in Karachi in November 2005, killing three people and wounding 15 others. On March 2, 2006, a suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives as a vehicle carrying an American Foreign Service officer passed by on its way to Consulate Karachi. The diplomat, the consulate's locally employed driver and three other people were killed in the blast; 52 others were wounded.  

The decision by India to conduct nuclear tests in May 1998 and Pakistan's matching response set back U.S. relations in the region, which had seen renewed U.S. Government interest during the second Clinton Administration. A presidential visit scheduled for the first quarter of 1998 was postponed and, under the Glenn Amendment, sanctions restricted the provision of credits, military sales, economic assistance, and loans to the government. The October 1999 overthrow of the democratically elected Sharif government triggered an additional layer of sanctions under Section 508 of the Foreign Appropriations Act, which include restrictions on foreign military financing and economic assistance. U.S. Government assistance to Pakistan was subsequently limited mainly to refugee and counter-narcotics assistance.  

The decision by India to conduct nuclear tests in May 1998 and Pakistan's matching response set back U.S. relations in the region, which had seen renewed U.S. Government interest during the second Clinton Administration. A presidential visit scheduled for the first quarter of 1998 was postponed and, under the Glenn Amendment, sanctions restricted the provision of credits, military sales, economic assistance, and loans to the government. The October 1999 overthrow of the democratically elected Sharif government triggered an additional layer of sanctions under Section 508 of the Foreign Appropriations Act, which include restrictions on foreign military financing and economic assistance. U.S. Government assistance to Pakistan was subsequently limited mainly to refugee and counter-narcotics assistance.  

Since the 9/11 attacks, Pakistan has played a double game with the U.S in Afghanistan. Pakistan will claim that they are an "ally" in the War on Terror by handing over a few Al-Qaeda fighters but at the same time provides material and financial support to Al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in Afghanistan.<ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/10302946</ref>  The United States has stepped up its economic assistance to Pakistan, providing debt relief and support for a major effort for education reform. During President Musharraf's visit to the United States in 2003, President Bush announced that the United States would provide Pakistan with $3 billion in economic and military aid over 5 years. This assistance package commenced during FY 2005.   

Since the 9/11 attacks, Pakistan has played a double game with the U.S. in Afghanistan. Pakistan will claim that they are an "ally" in the War on Terror by handing over a few Al-Qaeda fighters but at the same time provides material and financial support to Al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in Afghanistan.<ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/10302946</ref>  The United States has stepped up its economic assistance to Pakistan, providing debt relief and support for a major effort for education reform. During President Musharraf's visit to the United States in 2003, President Bush announced that the United States would provide Pakistan with $3 billion in economic and military aid over 5 years. This assistance package commenced during FY 2005.   

Following the region’s tragic October 8, 2005 earthquake, the United States responded immediately and generously to Pakistan’s call for assistance. The response was consistent with U.S. humanitarian values and our deep commitment to Pakistan. At the subsequent reconstruction conference in Islamabad on November 19, 2005, the U.S. announced a $510 million commitment to Pakistan for earthquake relief and reconstruction, including humanitarian assistance, military support for relief operations, and anticipated U.S. private contributions.  

Following the region's tragic October 8, 2005 earthquake, the United States responded immediately and generously to Pakistan's call for assistance. The response was consistent with U.S. humanitarian values and our deep commitment to Pakistan. At the subsequent reconstruction conference in Islamabad on November 19, 2005, the U.S. announced a $510 million commitment to Pakistan for earthquake relief and reconstruction, including humanitarian assistance, military support for relief operations, and anticipated U.S. private contributions.  

President Bush and President Musharraf have affirmed the long-term, strategic partnership between their two countries. In 2004, the United States recognized closer bilateral ties with Pakistan by designating Pakistan as a Major Non-NATO Ally. President Bush visited Pakistan in March 2006, where he and President Musharraf reaffirmed their shared commitment to a broad and lasting strategic partnership, agreeing to continue their cooperation on a number of issues including: the war on terror, security in the region, strengthening democratic institutions, trade and investment, education, and earthquake relief and reconstruction.  

President Bush and President Musharraf have affirmed the long-term, strategic partnership between their two countries. In 2004, the United States recognized closer bilateral ties with Pakistan by designating Pakistan as a Major Non-NATO Ally. President Bush visited Pakistan in March 2006, where he and President Musharraf reaffirmed their shared commitment to a broad and lasting strategic partnership, agreeing to continue their cooperation on a number of issues including: the war on terror, security in the region, strengthening democratic institutions, trade and investment, education, and earthquake relief and reconstruction.  

====Secret Service plot====

====Secret Service plot====

In March 2022, two Muslim men, (Iranian) Arian Taherzadeh, 40, and (Pakistani) Haider Ali, 35, were arrested<ref>Katelyn Caralle, [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10696133/How-fake-DHS-agents-spent-18-MONTHS-trying-infiltrate-Secret-Service-Jill-Bidens-detail.html How 'fake' DHS agents spent 18 MONTHS trying to 'infiltrate Secret Service and Jill Biden's detail'], Daily Mail Online, Apr 7, 2022.

In March 2022, two Muslim men, (Iranian) Arian Taherzadeh, 40, and (Pakistani) Haider Ali, 35, were arrested<ref>Katelyn Caralle, [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10696133/How-fake-DHS-agents-spent-18-MONTHS-trying-infiltrate-Secret-Service-Jill-Bidens-detail.html How 'fake' DHS agents spent 18 MONTHS trying to 'infiltrate Secret Service and Jill Biden's detail'], Daily Mail Online, Apr 7, 2022.

<blockquote>Two fake Homeland agents - one 'with ties to Pakistani intelligence and multiple Iranian visas' - spent 18 months 'infiltrating and buying gifts for Jill Biden's Secret Service detail' in luxury DC building where they all lived and partied.</blockquote></ref> for impersonating federal agents and giving actual Secret Service agents gifts and free apartments in Washington. The two fake Homeland agents - one 'with ties to [[Pakistan]]i intelligence<ref>Michael Balsamo, "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/us-man-impersonated-agent-claimed-ties-to-pakistani-intel/2022/04/07/6f49f666-b6a9-11ec-8358-20aa16355fb4_story.html US: Man impersonated agent, claimed ties to Pakistani intel]," ''AP'', via ''WaPo'', April 7, 2022.

<blockquote>Two fake Homeland agents - one 'with ties to Pakistani intelligence and multiple Iranian visas' - spent 18 months 'infiltrating and buying gifts for Jill Biden's Secret Service detail' in luxury DC building where they all lived and partied.</blockquote></ref> for impersonating federal agents and giving actual Secret Service agents gifts and free apartments in Washington. The two fake Homeland agents - one 'with ties to Pakistani intelligence<ref>Michael Balsamo, "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/us-man-impersonated-agent-claimed-ties-to-pakistani-intel/2022/04/07/6f49f666-b6a9-11ec-8358-20aa16355fb4_story.html US: Man impersonated agent, claimed ties to Pakistani intel]," ''AP'', via ''WaPo'', April 7, 2022.

<blockquote>

<blockquote>

WASHINGTON — One of two men accused of impersonating federal agents and giving actual Secret Service agents gifts and free apartments in Washington has claimed to have ties to Pakistani intelligence and had visas showing travel to Pakistan and Iran, federal prosecutors said Thursday.

WASHINGTON — One of two men accused of impersonating federal agents and giving actual Secret Service agents gifts and free apartments in Washington has claimed to have ties to Pakistani intelligence and had visas showing travel to Pakistan and Iran, federal prosecutors said Thursday.

The events of September 11, 2001, and Pakistan's agreement to support the United States led to a waiver of the sanctions, and military assistance resumed to provide spare parts and equipment to enhance Pakistan's capacity to police its western border with Afghanistan and address its legitimate security concerns. In 2003, President Bush announced that the United States would provide Pakistan with $3 billion in economic and military aid over 5 years. This assistance package commenced during FY 2005.

The events of September 11, 2001, and Pakistan's agreement to support the United States led to a waiver of the sanctions, and military assistance resumed to provide spare parts and equipment to enhance Pakistan's capacity to police its western border with Afghanistan and address its legitimate security concerns. In 2003, President Bush announced that the United States would provide Pakistan with $3 billion in economic and military aid over 5 years. This assistance package commenced during FY 2005.

In 2018, the Trump Administration cut off aid to Pakistan. <ref>https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-pakistan-military-exclusive/exclusive-pentagon-cancels-aid-to-pakistan-over-record-on-militants-idUSKCN1LH3TA</ref>

In 2018, the Trump Administration cut off aid to Pakistan.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-pakistan-military-exclusive/exclusive-pentagon-cancels-aid-to-pakistan-over-record-on-militants-idUSKCN1LH3TA</ref>

==Economy==

==Economy==

The government started pursuing market-based economic reform policies in the early 1980s. These reforms began to take hold in 1988, when the government launched an ambitious IMF-assisted structural adjustment program in response to chronic and unsustainable fiscal and external account deficits. The government began to remove barriers to foreign trade and investment, reform the financial system, ease foreign exchange controls, and privatize dozens of state-owned enterprises.  

The government started pursuing market-based economic reform policies in the early 1980s. These reforms began to take hold in 1988, when the government launched an ambitious IMF-assisted structural adjustment program in response to chronic and unsustainable fiscal and external account deficits. The government began to remove barriers to foreign trade and investment, reform the financial system, ease foreign exchange controls, and privatize dozens of state-owned enterprises.  

Although the economy became more structurally sound, it remained vulnerable to external and internal shocks, such as in 1992-93, when devastating floods and political uncertainty combined to depress economic growth sharply. The Asian financial crisis seriously affected Pakistan's major markets for its textile exports. For example, average real GDP growth from 1992 to 1998 dipped to 4.1% annually. Economic reform also was set back by Pakistan's nuclear tests in May 1998, and the subsequent economic sanctions imposed by the G-7. International default was narrowly averted by the partial waiver of sanctions and the subsequent reinstatement of Pakistan's IMF enhanced structural adjustment facility/extended fund facility in early 1999, followed by Paris Club and London Club rescheduling. After taking power in late 1999, President Musharraf instituted policies to stabilize Pakistan's macroeconomic situation. Pakistan continues to struggle with these reforms, having mixed success, especially in reducing its budget and current account deficits.

Although the economy became more structurally sound, it remained vulnerable to external and internal shocks, such as in 1992–93, when devastating floods and political uncertainty combined to depress economic growth sharply. The Asian financial crisis seriously affected Pakistan's major markets for its textile exports. For example, average real GDP growth from 1992 to 1998 dipped to 4.1% annually. Economic reform also was set back by Pakistan's nuclear tests in May 1998, and the subsequent economic sanctions imposed by the G-7. International default was narrowly averted by the partial waiver of sanctions and the subsequent reinstatement of Pakistan's IMF enhanced structural adjustment facility/extended fund facility in early 1999, followed by Paris Club and London Club rescheduling. After taking power in late 1999, President Musharraf instituted policies to stabilize Pakistan's macroeconomic situation. Pakistan continues to struggle with these reforms, having mixed success, especially in reducing its budget and current account deficits.

====Agriculture and Natural Resources====

====Agriculture and Natural Resources====

The reason the PA was so quick to defend Kothari, is because the statements he made predominantly reflect similar statements made over the years by PA officials. 

The reason the PA was so quick to defend Kothari, is because the statements he made predominantly reflect similar statements made over the years by PA officials. 

As Palestinian Media Watch has repeatedly shown, the PA constantly denies Israel’s right to exist and adopts the same anti-Semitic tropes.</blockquote></ref> and the president of the UNHRC of making antisemitic remarks disputing Israel's right to exist and supporting antisemitic conspiracy theories about the "Jewish Lobby" controlling social media.<ref>Tovah Lazaroff, [https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-713501 UNHRC President: Jewish Lobby remark is reasonably considered antisemitic], ''JPost'', July 30, 2022 .</ref>

As Palestinian Media Watch has repeatedly shown, the PA constantly denies Israel’s right to exist and adopts the same anti-Semitic tropes.</blockquote></ref> and the president of the UNHRC of making antisemitic remarks disputing Israel's right to exist and supporting antisemitic conspiracy theories about the "Jewish Lobby" controlling social media.<ref>Tovah Lazaroff, [https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-713501 UNHRC President: Jewish Lobby remark is reasonably considered antisemitic], ''JPost'', July 30, 2022 .</ref>

See: [[United_Nations#Miloon_Kothari_-_UNHRC]]

See: [[United Nations#Miloon Kothari - UNHRC]]

<font size=1>[Reminder, neither Islamic Pakistan nor Islamic Iran share any borders or have any "land disputes" with Israel.]</font>

<font size=1>[Reminder, neither Islamic Pakistan nor Islamic Iran share any borders or have any "land disputes" with Israel.]</font>

====Foreign Trade and Aid====

====Foreign Trade and Aid====

[[File:Islamabad wet road Pakistan.jpg|thumb|320px|left|[[Islamabad]], the capital city of Pakistan.]]

[[File:Islamabad wet road Pakistan.jpg|thumb|320px|left|[[Islamabad]], the capital city of Pakistan.]]

Weak world demand for its exports and domestic political uncertainty have contributed to Pakistan's high trade deficit. In 2004, growth rebounded to approximately 6% with substantial improvement in public and external debt indicators and remained robust with 7.8% growth in 2005. Foreign reserves are at an all-time high of $11.5 billion. Pakistan's exports, which grew by 14.4% in 2005/2006, continue to be dominated by cotton textiles and apparel, despite government diversification efforts. Major imports include petroleum and petroleum products, edible oil, wheat, chemicals, fertilizer, capital goods, industrial raw materials, and consumer products, rising to 38.8% to $25.6 billion. External imbalance has left Pakistan with a growing foreign debt burden. The fiscal imbalance is reflected in a high level of total net public debt, which reached an estimated 92.6% of GDP in 2000-01, more than half involving external liabilities, but decreased to 72.7% in 2003. The fiscal deficit widened from 5.6% of GDP in 1994-95 to 7.7% in 1997-98 before declining to 4.5% in 2006. Despite a rise in tax collection, defense and development expenditure along with transfers to the provinces all rose in the 2006 budget, widening the deficit. Support for loss-making, state-owned enterprises and a weak domestic tax base are critical elements in the recurring fiscal deficits. The Pakistan Telecommunications Company Ltd. (PTCL) represented the largest of Pakistan’s privatization programs for 2005. Despite its economic and political difficulties, Pakistan has taken steps to liberalize its trade and investment regimes, either unilaterally or in the context of commitments made with the World Trade Organization (WTO), IMF, and the World Bank. In 2004-2005, efforts in several crucial areas seemingly intensified, resulting in Pakistan becoming a more open and secure market for its trading partners.  

Weak world demand for its exports and domestic political uncertainty have contributed to Pakistan's high trade deficit. In 2004, growth rebounded to approximately 6% with substantial improvement in public and external debt indicators and remained robust with 7.8% growth in 2005. Foreign reserves are at an all-time high of $11.5 billion. Pakistan's exports, which grew by 14.4% in 2005/2006, continue to be dominated by cotton textiles and apparel, despite government diversification efforts. Major imports include petroleum and petroleum products, edible oil, wheat, chemicals, fertilizer, capital goods, industrial raw materials, and consumer products, rising to 38.8% to $25.6 billion. External imbalance has left Pakistan with a growing foreign debt burden. The fiscal imbalance is reflected in a high level of total net public debt, which reached an estimated 92.6% of GDP in 2000–01, more than half involving external liabilities, but decreased to 72.7% in 2003. The fiscal deficit widened from 5.6% of GDP in 1994–95 to 7.7% in 1997-98 before declining to 4.5% in 2006. Despite a rise in tax collection, defense and development expenditure along with transfers to the provinces all rose in the 2006 budget, widening the deficit. Support for loss-making, state-owned enterprises and a weak domestic tax base are critical elements in the recurring fiscal deficits. The Pakistan Telecommunications Company Ltd. (PTCL) represented the largest of Pakistan's privatization programs for 2005. Despite its economic and political difficulties, Pakistan has taken steps to liberalize its trade and investment regimes, either unilaterally or in the context of commitments made with the World Trade Organization (WTO), IMF, and the World Bank. In 2004–2005, efforts in several crucial areas seemingly intensified, resulting in Pakistan becoming a more open and secure market for its trading partners.  

Pakistan has received significant loan/grant assistance from international financial institutions (e.g., the IMF, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank) and bilateral donors, particularly after it began using its military/financial resources in the war on terror. The United States pledged $3 billion for FY 2005 to FY 2009 in economic and military aid to Pakistan. In addition, the IMF and World Bank have pledged $1 billion in loans to Pakistan. In 2004 to 2007 alone, the World Bank has pledged over $500 million in investment projects.

Pakistan has received significant loan/grant assistance from international financial institutions (e.g., the IMF, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank) and bilateral donors, particularly after it began using its military/financial resources in the war on terror. The United States pledged $3 billion for FY 2005 to FY 2009 in economic and military aid to Pakistan. In addition, the IMF and World Bank have pledged $1 billion in loans to Pakistan. In 2004 to 2007 alone, the World Bank has pledged over $500 million in investment projects.

==Pakistan and Cannibalism==

==Pakistan and Cannibalism==

Two Pakistani cannibal brothers Mohammad Arif Ali and Mohammed Farman Ali, were arrested for digging up more than 100 corpses from their local graveyard in order to eat them.<ref>https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2604350/Boys-HEAD-home-Pakistani-cannibals-dug-100-corpses-local-graveyard-eaten-them.html</ref> Despite this and many other cases, Cannibalism is still legal in Pakistan. <ref>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2136498/bill-man-eaters-rots-cold-storage</ref>

Two Pakistani cannibal brothers Mohammad Arif Ali and Mohammed Farman Ali, were arrested for digging up more than 100 corpses from their local graveyard in order to eat them.<ref>https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2604350/Boys-HEAD-home-Pakistani-cannibals-dug-100-corpses-local-graveyard-eaten-them.html</ref> Despite this and many other cases, Cannibalism is still legal in Pakistan.<ref>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2136498/bill-man-eaters-rots-cold-storage</ref>

==Pakistan and Mental Illness==

==Pakistan and Mental Illness==

It is estimated that over 50 million Pakistanis are mentally ill. <ref>https://www.dawn.com/news/1288880</ref>

It is estimated that over 50 million Pakistanis are mentally ill.<ref>https://www.dawn.com/news/1288880</ref>

==Further reading==

==Further reading==

* [[Big government]] [[Welfare state]] leads to [[socialist]] [[Nanny state]], leads to [[communist]] [[Police state]] - Don't think [[Communism]] is incompatible with [[Islam]].

* [[Big government]] [[Welfare state]] leads to [[socialist]] [[Nanny state]], leads to [[communist]] [[Police state]] - Don't think [[Communism]] is incompatible with [[Islam]].

* [[Gun control]] - key element to create a [[Muslim]] [[Jihadism|jihadist]] police state

* [[Gun control]] - key element to create a [[Muslim]] [[Jihadism|jihadist]] police state

*[[Malik_Faisal_Akram#Islamic_anti-Semitism:_Jihadi_Pakistanis_.22branch.22| Islamic anti-Semitism: Jihadi Pakistanis "branch"]]

*[[Malik Faisal Akram#Islamic anti-Semitism: Jihadi Pakistanis .22branch.22|Islamic anti-Semitism: Jihadi Pakistanis "branch"]]

* [[Asian painting]]

* [[Asian painting]]

*[[Star and Crescent]]

*[[Star and Crescent]]