In 2021, Pakistan-Middle East cooperation should be win-win scenario
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Pakistan has enjoyed cordial relations with most Middle Eastern nations since its inception. It played a proactive role in the decolonization of Tunisia and Algeria. Pakistani professionals and manpower have contributed their share to the monumental development seen by GCC nations post 1973. It has been a steadfast supporter of Palestinian rights. Pakistani and Arab delegations have a tradition of close consultation in international forums. Around the 1973 war, Pakistan stationed its military trainers in a number of Arab countries. Its third largest city, Faisalabad, is named after King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz. Similarly, the largest mosque in the Pakistani capital carries his name.
As the new year arrives, one is tempted to think of ways and means to bolster these ties, which have benefitted both sides. Military co-operation and joint exercises should continue in the interests of regional peace, which is a precondition for secure trade and economic development. Vibrant economic activity is critical for Middle East nations and Pakistan to create new jobs for the youth bulge. Pakistan, a trusted friend, has the requisite human resources. Infrastructural development not only creates jobs for foreign labor, but also for locals in equal measure.
The current economic slump in the Middle East is part of a global recession caused by COVID-19 which has led to a considerable decline in oil prices. The airline business, hospitality industry, tourism and trade have all taken a hit. Resultantly, many countries fell short of their fiscal targets in 2020 on revenue and expenditure sides.
This situation will considerably ease in 2021 as vaccines to bolster immunity become available. Some Pakistanis, who had to return home due to the economic slump in the Middle East, will go back later this year. Hard work and a common cultural ethos make Pakistanis eminently suitable for the Middle East work environment.
Pakistan has been an active member of the Bahrain-based international naval force, dedicated to combat terrorism on the high seas. This shared interest of safe and secure sea trade will grow as Gwadar port gets busier. The time is not very far when regional oil producing countries will export energy resources to China via Pakistan.
Javed Hafeez
Geographic proximity and old trade links between the Gulf trading communities and the Makran Coast make these ties historic. After the advent of Islam in Sindh during Ummayed rule, people-to-people relations assumed a spiritual dimension as sub-continental Muslims started going for their annual pilgrimage. This special dimension has had a long term literary, linguistic and political impact. Had Islam not arrived in the South Asian sub- continent, there would be no Pakistan today. Had the Arabic language been unknown here, Urdu, the national language of Pakistan would not have evolved.
Security of commercial lanes in and around the Arabian Gulf is vital for Pakistan, the Arab countries and indeed the entire world. That is why Pakistan has been an active member of the Bahrain-based international naval force, dedicated to combat terrorism on the high seas. This shared interest of safe and secure sea trade will grow as Gwadar port gets busier. The time is not very far when regional oil producing countries will export energy resources to China via Pakistan.
Commonality of interest and cultural bonds have created a unique empathy for Arabs in Pakistan. A common Pakistani citizen feels grief hearing the news of death and destruction in Libya, Syria or elsewhere. To add more substance to popular empathy, there is a need to widen co-operation. Pakistan is a good destination for Arab investments in petrochemicals, tourism and agriculture. It can offer attractive family tourism packages to Arabs by way of its scenic northern areas in particular. Pakistani professional colleges should also offer more seats to Arab students.
Joint ventures in defense production is yet another promising field. Pakistan assembles tanks, makes all kinds of light arms, rebuilds fighter air craft and jointly makes JF-17 Thunder fighter jets with China. Some Pakistani films and TV serials have already been shown in Arab countries, with Arabic sub-titles.
Similarly, Arabic movies and popular TV serials can be screened with Urdu sub-titles. Pakistan chairs should be established in major Arab universities. Arab countries should establish active and vibrant cultural centers in Pakistan which should not only propagate Arabic teaching through modern means, films and purpose-made reading materials.
I am sanguine that Pakistan’s close ties with Middle Eastern countries in 2021 and beyond, will benefit both immensely. These relations are time tested and hold immense potential.
– Javed Hafeez is a former Pakistani diplomat with much experience of the Middle East. He writes weekly columns in Pakistani and Gulf newspapers and appears regularly on satellite TV channels as a defense and political analyst.
Twitter: @hafiz_javed
