Tahira Khan
According to Sartaj Aziz, it was because of Pakistan diplomatic lobbying which foiled India’s bid to join NSG (Nuclear Supplier’s group). But the reality on the ground reveals something else.
Where was this diplomatic mature campaign when India succeeded in becoming a member of MTCR which has enabled the latter one building joint ventures with Russia and buying of high-end missile technology.
The truth is we are not even able to answer negative statements whether it is from Washington or Delhi. It was because of this diplomatic myth which made us stuck with Balochistan drone issue where other critical developments like F-16 deal and congressional cut on aid was lying ahead.
Our policies, incompatible both with domestic needs and prevailing conditions around the globe, has left us in Isolation leading to tainted relations with almost all the neighbors except China. Perhaps diplomatic apparatus needs to learn lessen from a Pakhtun delegation of Balochistan, KP and FATA which visited Kabul in Nov 2015 and convinced President Ashraf Ghani to meet our premier. At what time when reconciliation process was inevitable, President Ghani didn’t only meet PM Nawaz Sharif but also decided to put forward matters regarding Quadrilateral Co-operation Group (QCG) where drone attack on Mullah Mansoor proved to be a grinding halt.
Diplomacy is all about making things possible in pursuit of one’s long term interests with recognition of peace along the borders and there is no concept of permanent friendship and enmity in international Politics. Pakistan is unable to direct her strategies in accordance with post-cold war paradigms. Despite close ally of US, we are now facing political isolation especially regarding war against terrorism where difficult relations with Afghanistan, Iran and India are adding fuel to the fire.
Pakistan’s sphere of diplomatic approach is already shrinking in the region which has been further reduced by India-centric foreign policy thinking. Instead of having cultural, linguistic and economic ties with Afghanistan, Kabul has seen Indian hegemony with huge economic agreements. We usually withstand pressures by our immature policies like selling idea of CPEC and close co-operation of China. But till when? This will not help in the long run.
Many other crucial developments are on its way which doesn’t only need to be tackled very carefully but can also be used to have upside down effects in our favour. Recent Kashmir violence in Indian Held Kashmir and Chaudhry Nisar role in SAARC are bit to be analyzed methodically. In addition to that, India’s bid to make Balochistan ‘an issue’ is a shameful political approach-silencing voices roaring in favor of Kashmir’s- which needs a thoughtful consideration with measured reply.
It’s high time to end this myth and start working on the direction of foreign policy along with the so called proactive diplomacy if we really want to build constructive ties with other states particularly and neighbors specially. China is our sole ally in the region but, surely, we should now shoulder some of the burden ourselves.
Writer is a Student of BS Honors Political Science, Punjab University, Lahore
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are those of the author and Balochistan Voices not necessarily agrees with them.
Share your comments!
