Since the days of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, more than three
decades, we have not seen Pakistan commanding the reigns of international
politics. If you recall, in 1970s it was Pakistan which was at the forefront to
lead the OIC (Organization of Islamic Countries). It was during the time that
Pakistan was the first country to recognize United Arab Emirates. We played a
pivotal role in influencing Saudi rulers to take a stand against the misuse of
resources by the vested interests. At that time, the world’s leading banking
phenomenon BCCI took its existence. We had a surplus of intellectual policy
makers, thinkers, and poets which had a vision for the future of Pakistan. Our
country was seen with lot of respect amongst the international community,
especially the Middle East. But, ever since the Zia era and then the unfortunate
entry of corrupt politics of 90’s, Pakistan started to see its demise in terms
of commanding respect by international players.
After seeing the speech of Imran Khan today, it seems that
he has all the ingredients to become the ideal ambassador of Pakistan in
international arena but with lot of radical changes in his approach. So far,
whenever Imran Khan has addressed think tanks, crowds of smaller size such as
business community, or on policy making matters he has always outshined the
expectations. In addition, whenever he has given interviews to international
media they have always been seen with lot of interest and importance. Right
now, there is no doubt with recent importance of CPEC, countries like China and
Russia have cozied up to Pakistan. But, the main interest of engagement is the
Pakistan Army. As far as Imran Khan is concerned, he needs to realign his team
for foreign policy matter. Let us look at the regional players which are relevant
for Pakistan, and their terms with Imran Khan. China panicked in 2016, when
Imran Khan was attributed to some statements regarding CPEC. Turkey was not
very fond of Imran Khan when he opposed the shutting down of schools in KPK, owned
by Gulen. Same is the impression which pertains at powerful quarters in Saudi
Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Last year, Council of Arab Ambassadors
requested and received meeting with leaders of all major political parties in
Pakistan but PTI failed to give any response. As per sources, recently PTI had
requested a meeting with the Arab ambassadors and we was politely rebuffed,
citing timings restrictions. Therefore, it is highly important for Imran Khan
to revamp his foreign policy strategy.
As the establishment supports the democratic process in
Pakistan, it is important for them also to have someone at Islamabad who can
share the burden of international diplomacy. We need to understand that despite
all the goodwill of Pakistan Army, the international key policy makers always
admire if there is a democratic face to whom they can speak to for bilateral
relations. With the upsetting situation in the region of Middle East,
Pakistan’s role is becoming more and more vital. It will be important also for
Pakistan to finally hire an effective lobbyists team in Washington to engage
them. But, with changing times and geo-politics you can never say no to a
possibility.
The biggest plus for Pakistan is that they are no more
dependent on US political leaders. As we all know, that since a long time US
has had a great influence in Pakistan’s politics. And that has been the key
factor in allowing the likes of corrupt leaders to keep taking turns in
Pakistan’s politics. Even Musharraf, being the most powerful man by controlling
the top position of Army and Presidency, had to eventually budge in to pressure
of NRO. Now, the dynamics are different as both autocratic China and Russia are
favoring Pakistan. This means that Imran Khan, assuming to be the next PM, we
will have a much more room to flex his political muscles in the international
arena assuming he steps up in being more welcoming. Unfortunately, for Pakistan
we have not been so prominent in addressing international platforms mainly
because our last few Prime Ministers or Presidents were all indebted to
international favors. Now, is the time when we can have a PM who has no favor
to return to international kingmakers.
If Imran Khan does get his residence at the Prime Minister
House, he should focus his first few days in exchanging warm wishes with all
countries across the Globe, especially the ones with influence. And post 60
days, he should engage on a tour to re-organize the Middle East countries along
with international players who are of significant importance. He may be a
popular and well known personality in Pakistan, but the international
policymakers still have a lot to know about this potential PM candidate.
To conclude, we hope that Pakistan’s green passport is
respected again like in the 70s across the globe. We are able to pass through
immigration queues across the globe with respect. We are able to attain visas
for business, education and tourism with ease. Like it or not, but for above to
take place we do need a strong international statesman at the helm of affairs.
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