Addressing Pakistan’s new foreign policy in the Gulf and beyond
https://arab.news/wpbpq
The foreign policy of any country is guided by its core national interests and the factors that define those national interests are multiple. These include geo-political concerns, economic and commercial dividends and security imperatives. In today’s global village setting, international interaction has increased. While the core interests of a country generally do not change with a change in government, foreign policy nuances and the style of conduct may undergo alterations. Pakistan, with a new government in the saddle, is likely to see such a course correction.
It is pertinent to mention two distortions that lately crept into Pakistan’s foreign relations. The first of these was a kind of cold political relationship with the United States though commercial ties and defense co-operation remain on track. Secondly, the pace of work in projects related to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) slowed down for a variety of reasons. EU envoys resident in Pakistan had publicly urged the government to condemn the Russian attack on Ukraine. The former PM took exception to this.
The United States is the foremost destination for Pakistani exports. The textile sector alone accounts for about 60 percent of Pakistani exports and half of these go to the EU member countries. Last year, when a mob demanded the expulsion of the French ambassador, the government resisted the move. It knew that accepting such demands would result in collective EU action-- especially as Pakistani textiles enjoy preferential tariffs within EU member states.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has a long experience of business and governance. He is also aware of the importance of foreign relations in the economic progress of Pakistan and has said Pakistan will approach the EU again for extended preferential treatment in its market.
In the not-too-distant future, Gulf energy resources will pass via Pakistan to Western China. This will result in robust Pak-Arab-China collaboration in trade.
Javed Hafeez
In his maiden speech before the parliament after his election, Shehbaz Sharif mentioned some important countries: the US, China, EU collectively, all GCC member states, India, Russia, Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan. China is the foremost investor in Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy projects. The US and EU are not only vital to Pakistani trade, they are also important in international financial institutions.
The GCC nations fulfil Pakistan’s energy needs, host a large Pakistani diaspora and have long standing security co-operation. The Gulf region accounts for the bulk of foreign exchange remittances to Pakistan. While bilateral defense co-operation was all encompassing in the past, it is now more focused on maritime security. Pakistan has been an active member of the Bahrain-based international naval force that works to ensure the security of commercial vessels till the Gulf of Aden. Empathy for the Middle East’s causes in general and support for the Palestinian issue in particular, have been a permanent feature of Pakistani foreign policy.
Of all neighbors of Pakistan, India and China are important for entirely different reasons. With India, Pakistan has had problematic relations mainly due to the unresolved Kashmir issue. PM Shehbaz did underline the need for early resolution of the Kashmir problem. It is now expected that a cease-fire on the Line of Control will hold and the aggressive rhetoric will be toned down from both sides. Sharif may even open trade with India-- his family has traditionally maintained good relations with successive Indian leaders.
CPEC is now in its second phase. This phase will be crucial as it includes the development of economic zones. The Chinese leadership was impressed by governing skills and the speedy delivery of Shehbaz Sharif when he was Chief Minister of Punjab. With his becoming Prime Minister, new enthusiasm is palpable on both sides. In the not too distant future, Gulf energy resources will pass via Pakistan to Western China. This will result in robust Pak-Arab-China collaboration in trade.
It is expected that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China will be the foremost ports of call for the new Prime Minister. This also depicts the importance that Islamabad attaches to these brotherly nations. The Kingdom, being custodian of the two holy shrines, is a coveted destination for all Muslims. During a telephonic call, Prime Minister Sharif invited the Emir of Qatar to visit Pakistan. He also has a personal rapport with top leaders in the Gulf region.
International relations require even headed leaders and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is such a person. PM Imran’s accusation that the US had conspired for regime change in Pakistan finds no traction with the new set-up in Islamabad, and bilateral relations should improve. Phase II of CPEC will pick up greater speed, and behind it all, a business-like Shehbaz Sharif will give new momentum to good relations with our neighbors, the GCC states in particular.
- 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: @JavedHafiz8
