Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Pakistan strives to be the paragon of progressive Islamic states in the world. Primary national issues arise from Pakistan's delicate policies, both domestically and internationally. Delegates will find themselves in a nation of many contradictions; issues will arise from balancing the War on Terror with support for the Palestinian cause and Islamism at home, and promoting democracy while maintaining tight military control on its divided people.

Many political analysts argue that as a result of Musharraf’s strategic policy realignments in response to the War on Terror, Pakistanis at greater risk of radical takeover than ever. With the country’s history of military coups, this is certainly a concern; maintaining a firm miltary grip on especially rebellious provinces, and tight controls on all ranks of government, will prove crucial in the fight at home.

Pakistan’s international political dynamic has been primarily characterized by its hostilities with India. It is the more recent developments that render Pakistan a crucial player in today’s Middle-East. *Abroad, Pakistan’s central role in the War on Terror amounts to fighting its own people, particularly near Afghanistan’s borders and in Kashmir. Close economic ties include gas/oil pipelines with Iran and the central-Asian states, and a steady export of labor to the Gulf States; politically, Pakistan strives to bring the Islamic world to a more progressive democracy that preserves religious foundations.

Finally, Pakistan is the only nuclear power at PICSIM, and the only such power in the entire Muslim world; this is a matter of security interest to the rest of the world, and leverage for Pakistan.

For a better understanding of all these issues, please read the background carefully and remain updated on recent headlines involving Pakistan. Good luck.