The bitter home truth about our foreign policy is that none of the major political parties can deny the opening narrative of PML(N)’s Manifesto for the 2013 election, “Pakistan today is at war within, while isolated abroad. Its independence and sovereignty stand compromised, its economic weaknesses are forcing us to go begging bowl in hand, while foreign states undertake unilateral strikes on its territory and non-state actors use it as a sanctuary to pursue their own agendas, oblivious to Pakistan’s national interests”. We have been muddling along on a “passage to nowhere” because of the self-serving agendas of both our civil and military rulers alike.
Pakistan’s geographical location is a strategic asset rather than from a liability, the “Strategic Vision” must re-balance the geo-strategic and geo-economic priorities. This can only flow from a coherent “National Security Strategy,” we have none! Briefing the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on June 25, 2014, the PM’s Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, said, “top priority would be accorded to country’s own security rather than the agendas and priorities of other countries. Pakistan’s security can only be protected by eliminating the rapidly advancing culture of extremism, intolerance and violence from society. Only a concerted political and military strategy including a policy of non-interference in the affairs of other countries can make this possible.” Given our rulers ready willingness to sell the country down the river for their own survival, are these crucial caveats possible?
Our political parties not being on the same page about some of our foreign policy considerations, on points of consensus a “Common Minimum Agenda” must be drafted. We must decrease our dependence on others, the core objective being economic revival and sustained development political differences notwithstanding. We must eschew our populist rhetoric to reduce the gap between the expectations of our people and functional reality. Without energy we cannot have manufacturing, without manufacturing economic development is not possible. Pursuing expansion of investment and trade (and not aid), resolving the energy crisis must be a priority. Eliminating extremism will mean peace within and on our borders leading to economic emancipation of the people.
Pakistan is not only a geo-political bridge from north to south but also a geo-economic corridor connecting east with west. From Gwadar to Kashgar with China, Central Asia and West Asia, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) underlines our strong relations with China. The CPEC is a “game-changer” for expanding regional trade and investment, energy infrastructure and economic integration. The Ukraine crisis and the western sanctions thereof gives us a geo-political opportunity as Russia (with China’s support) attempts to integrate Eurasia into the world economy. Closer ties with the ASEAN countries, Africa and Latin America diaspora opens new avenues for economic cooperation.
Some moron (or morons) crafted the enduring delusion that Afghanistan gives us “strategic depth”, presently it only gives us strategic headaches. Intensified dialogue with whoever is in power in Kabul may not altogether prevent but could minimize use of territory against each other and help reduce the present trust deficit. Constructive engagement will ensure effective border management and revenue generation from transit trade, the return of 3 million Afghan refugees and facilitate counter-narcotics operations.
While increased trade and economic linkages with India is necessary, peace is not possible without resolving outstanding issues like Kashmir and the water issue. PM Mian Nawaz Sharif’s participation in Indian PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony was a huge plus, leading to lessening of hostile rhetoric. Photo-ops aside, unless a genuine and credible process addresses mutual concerns, meaningful change in the relationship will remain elusive.
We must transform our relationship with the US by challenging the narrative, we are simply not getting our message across. The US is a key partner not only in trade and investment but for enhanced defence and security considerations, particularly in countering terrorism. Increased market access and investments in energy and other projects will force-multiply our socio-economic development. Our nuclear status must be given the same recognition as India. To fill the impending vacuum in the region, the US must treat us as a partner rather than a supplicant. Up-grading relations with European Union (EU) and intensive bi-lateral engagement with individual countries as well as within EU framework has started to produce results. The recent GSP+ status granted by EU to Pakistan helped boost Pakistan’s textile exports, contributing to economic revival by generating employment.
The Islamic World is central to Pakistan’s foreign policy, with excellent relations with Saudi Arabia at the very core. The ties with Turkey have been further strengthened and economic cooperation vastly enhanced. Recent govt initiatives and enhanced bilateral trade in the face of sanctions is changing the adverse perceptions bedeviling our relations with Iran. Continuing engagement with ECO, SAARC, OIC and ASEAN countries is important in both the global and regional context, traditional ties with UAE, Malaysia, Qatar and Bahrain must be expanded. Can we gloss over our special relationship with Bangladesh and our complementary economies that can only be force-multiplied by a no-visa no-tariffs regime?
Looking after the Pakistani community abroad, our foreign missions must mobilize their potential to advance our national interests. Effectively defending Pakistan’s position on strategic issues at multilateral fora to safeguard national security, nuclear programme and geo-strategic interests, our diplomats must pursue balanced ‘relationships eschewing involvement in issues where our direct interests are not at stake. Building a grand national narrative, a soft image must project and enhance our international stature. Internally political maturity must sustain the first indications of possible economic resuscitation, moves for de-radicalization, elimination of terrorism, positive movement on human rights and a credible image of a more tolerant society.
The diplomatic space must enhance our foreign policy options, the core elements of foreign policy imperatives remaining (1) constructive engagement (2) non-interference; and (3) advancement of trade, investment and economic cooperation.
(Some Extracts from talk on “National Security Strategy” delivered in National Defence College (NDC) 12 years earlier in 2002 before it became National Defence University (NDU)).
