August 2024)
TOPICS TO BE COVERED
• ATTACKS IN BALOCHISTAN
• CANADA’S POLICY OF REDUCING LOW WAGE TEMPORARY WORKERS
• PACIFIC ISLAND FORUM
• MCQs
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ATTACKS IN BALOCHISTAN
On August 26, 2024, Baloch militants in Balochistan's Musakhail district targeted buses and trucks traveling to and from Punjab. They stopped vehicles, checked passengers' identities, and killed 23 people identified as Punjabis. The militants also set fire to 10 vehicles.
Historical Context: This attack is part of a larger pattern of violence in Balochistan, where similar incidents targeting Punjabis have occurred:
• In April 2024, militants killed nine Punjabis near Noshki.
• In October 2023, six Punjabi laborers were killed in Kech district.
• In 2015, 20 workers from Sindh and Punjab were killed near Turbat.
BACKGROUND
• Balochistan has been a hotspot of conflict since Pakistan's creation in 1947.
• The first insurgency began in 1948 after Balochistan’s accession to Pakistan was forced.
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• Multiple insurgencies followed, including significant ones from 1958-1959, 1962-1963, and 1973-1977. The current phase of insurgency started in 2003.
BALOCH LIBERATION ARMY
• Goals: The BLA seeks independence for Balochistan, a resource-rich province in southwestern Pakistan. They argue that the central government exploits Balochistan’s resources unfairly.
• Targets: The BLA targets key infrastructure, security posts, and Chinese interests in the region. Their attacks have included strikes on the Gwadar port, Pakistani stock exchange, and the Chinese consulate in Karachi.
• Tactics: The group has expanded its tactics from guerrilla warfare to include suicide bombings and direct assaults on military and naval bases.
The BLA's actions have strained relations between Pakistan and Iran, with both countries accusing each other of harboring militants.
REASONS FOR INSURGENCY
• Ethnic Tensions: Balochistan's ethnic and cultural identity is distinct from that of Punjabis. The Baloch people have historically felt marginalized within the Pakistani state, which is dominated by Punjabis. The perception of Punjabi dominance extends to politics, bureaucracy, and even sports.
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• Economic Discontent: Despite Balochistan's rich natural resources, including oil, gold and copper and its strategic location, the province remains underdeveloped and impoverished. The local population feels that they do not benefit from the province’s resources, which are often exploited by the central government and external entities like China. For instance, the Gwadar port, a major development project, has been criticized for benefiting outsiders rather than local Baloch.
• Strategic Importance: The province’s location and resources are vital for Pakistan and China. Balochistan's coastline is near critical shipping lanes, and it plays a significant role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• Human Rights Issues: Balochistan has seen protests over alleged abuses by security forces, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
CURRENT STATUS
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a key insurgent group, has claimed responsibility for the recent attack. They have warned of more such actions. The violence is driven by longstanding grievances against the Punjabi-dominated Pakistani state, which many Baloch people feel oppressed their cultural and economic rights.
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Conclusion:
The recent attack on Punjabi travelers reflects deep-seated ethnic and economic tensions between Balochistan and the central Pakistani state. The ongoing insurgency is fueled by a complex mix of historical grievances, economic disparity, and ethnic discord.
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CANADA’S POLICY OF REDUCING ‘LOW
WAGE TEMPORARYWORKERS’
On August 26, 2024, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a policy to “reduce the number of low-wage, temporary foreign workers” in the country. This policy aims to decrease the proportion of such workers from 6.2% of the population in 2023 to 5% over the next 3 years.
WHO ARE THE TEMPORARY WORKERS?
• Temporary Work Visa Holders: Individuals employed in Canada for a fixed term, typically earning between CAD 13-19 per hour (approx Rs 800-1,200 per hour).
• International Students: Students who stay in Canada post-graduation on work visas ranging from one to three years while applying for Permanent Residency (PR). They are also permitted to work within restrictions during their studies.
• Spouse Open Work Permit Holders: Spouses of international students who are allowed to work in Canada under this permit, often in low-wage jobs.
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Workers: Foreign workers hired when Canadian employers cannot find local candidates to fill positions.
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• Special Humanitarian Pathways Arrivals: Includes those under CUAET (CanadaUkraine Authorization for Emergency Travel), asylum-seekers, and participants in reciprocal youth programs.
HOW WILL THIS POLICY IMPACT INDIANS?
Canada’s decision to reduce low-wage, temporary foreign workers is likely to have significant implications for Indians, who have been a major part of this workforce. Key impacts include:
• International Students: Indians make up around 40% of Canada’s international student population. Restrictions on temporary workers could limit opportunities for Indian students and their spouses, affecting their income and prospects of transitioning to Permanent Residency.
• Punjab Impact: More than 50% of Indian arrivals, including students and low-wage workers, come from Punjab. The policy change is likely to disproportionately affect individuals from this state, who rely heavily on temporary work opportunities.
• Policy Changes: Until recently, Canada had no caps on international students or Spouse Open Work Permits. New restrictions, including recent caps and a shift in policy focus, are expected to limit these opportunities.
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BROADER IMPLICATIONS
• Economic Contribution: Temporary workers play crucial roles in sectors such as construction, early childhood education, and healthcare. The reduction in their numbers could impact these industries, potentially creating labor shortages.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Mark Miller, emphasized the need to make the system more efficient. This could involve providing clearer pathways to Permanent Residency for temporary workers, which might mitigate some negative impacts.
• Policy Directions: The policy could evolve in 2 directions:
• Restrictions: Limiting the entry of new temporary workers and not extending work visas for those already in Canada.
• Opportunities for PR: Offering more opportunities for temporary workers to transition to Permanent Residency, thus integrating them into the Canadian economy more fully.
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PACIFIC ISLAND FORUM
Why in News?
The annual 53rd meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) commenced on August 26 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, with over 1,500 delegates from around 40 countries in attendance.
• This year's discussions are focused on:
a. Climate change and
b. The strategic influence battle between China and the US.
THE FORUM
• Formation and Members
• Established: 1971
• Members: 18 member states- Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
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• Objectives
• Goals: Promote economic growth, improve political governance and security, and enhance regional cooperation.
• Vision: A resilient Pacific region characterized by peace, security, social inclusion, and prosperity for all Pacific peoples.
• Decision-Making
• Process: Issues are discussed and decisions are made by consensus at the annual meeting. Implemented by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
MEMBERSCLIMATE CHANGE
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• Current Concerns
• Impact: Rising sea levels, ocean warming, and acidification are severely affecting Pacific Islands. The South West Pacific has experienced sea level rises more than twice the global average over the past 30 years.
• WMO report : On August 27, a World Meteorological Organization report revealed that faster-than-average sea level rise, ocean warming, and acidification are threatening the Pacific Islands. The South West Pacific was worst hit by sea level rises, in some places by more than double the global average in the past 30 years, according to the analysis.
• Responses and Funding
• UN Secretary-General: António Guterres emphasized the urgency of addressing rising sea levels and their effects on coastal communities.
• Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF): A regional fund aimed at climate action, currently $380 million short of its $500 million target.
CHINA - US DYNAMICS
• Geopolitical Tensions
• China’s Role: Strengthened ties with PIF members, including security agreements with the Solomon Islands, raising concerns in Australia and the US.
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• US Presence: Significant delegation led by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell.
• Forum Dynamics
• China’s Involvement: Largest-ever delegation from China at this year’s meeting.
• Security Perspectives: Divergent views on security issues between Pacific nations and major development partners, as noted by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown.
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MCQs
Which of the following countries share boundary with Balochistan province of Pakistan? 1. Iran 2. Afghanistan
3. Turkmenistan
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 1 & 3
(C) Only 1 & 2
(D) All of the above
Ans. (C)
2. Consider the following statements and mark the correct one:
1. The Gwadar port lies in the Balochistan region.
2. Balochistan region is mineral rich.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 & 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
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3. Who among these can be categorised as Temporary workers in Canada?
1. International Students
2. Distress Migrants
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 & 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (C)
4. Which of the following was the agenda for Pacific Island Forum’s 2024 meet?
1. Dealing the USA- China Dynamics in the region.
2. Establishing strategic partnership with each other in the forum.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 & 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 1
Ans. (A)
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5 Which of the countries is not part of the Pacific Island Forum?
(A) Australia
(B) New Zealand
(C) Nauru
(D) Indonesia
Ans. (D)