Tahira Khan
‘Myth of Independence’ by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto – The former president of Pakistan and chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)- came shortly after the Indo-Pak war of 1965 with sweeping treatise on the issues and causes that affect our foreign policy along with a coherent elaboration of both the world’s affair and key regional players.
Book is, particularly, focused on fragile and perplexed nature of Pak’s foreign policy with special demonstration of our failure in protecting and safeguarding the principal of independence and sovereignty, within its true spirits, and which are considered to be the most vital parts of self-interest strategies. Both factors are important in determining state’s survival and security in this globalized world which is a kind of vicious circle of contemporary challenges only. In addition, diplomacy and democracy are introduced with a new and unique format.
Author starts opening of book with the introduction of equality and reasons behind the struggle of different groups who strive against each other in pursuit of quality life and in order to meet the socio-political and economic challenges. Intriguingly, he mentions one very important fact that eyes of war has now shifted towards Asia from Europe which was a furnace of war long time ago. He solidified his arguments by inclusion of the Vietnam War along with other Asian wars like rivalry between Arab states and Israel, as an example.
He, further, continues by exploring the role of America and hypocrite Indian neutralism in the region where US One Dimensional approach of diplomacy greatly beleaguered the balance of power. He, critically, evaluated the way of American dealings with India which resulted in cut-off aid for Pakistan in accordance with the appeasement of Nehru administration. This U-TURN demanded Pakistan’s withdrawal from CENTO and SEATO agreements. The dynamic political strategies of President Kennedy are also discussed with much greater extent.
British thought of Sub-continent as a ‘biggest jewel in the crown’ and for this kind of thinking creation of Pakistan or division of India was a strategy of loss only ,especially, in the context of neo-colonialism which is used by west for encircling People’s Republic of China from time to time with other Asian rivals like Russia and Iran. This, I think, is the best way to determine or make sense of our historical account of events, ideological platform (Two-Nation’s theory and 1971 tragedy) and British hindrance being paved in the way of Indian Muslims’ fight for self-determination. Moreover, Quid-e-Azam provided great deal in providing political platform for this movement of separate state for Muslims.
At the time, when Indo-Chinese relations became tensed and reached at a point of no return, American think-tank took great advantage of the situation with policy of real politick. They, first, redefined relations of mutual co-operation with India by offering both the economic and military assistance with provision of dominant role over Pakistan. Then, they prepared India to follow their policy of curtailing the widespread influence of China so that American dominancy in Asia and Europe faces no such real threats. This emerging geo-political scenario asked Pakistan for nothing but a long term agreement and security pact with Soviet Union and China respectively. Current conditions, also, demand the same strategy but, unfortunately, we are, still, stuck with the same abnormal and duplicitous Yes-No approach of US diplomatic apparatus. Being unable to tackle this problematic tie and due to worse relations with almost every neighboring country, we are, now, facing complete geo-political isolation.
According to Bhutto, it is because of our negligence towards the agricultural sector in second Five Year Plan due to which our economic development is not only lagging behind as compared to other Asian states but we also need foreign assistance to meet the level of self-sufficiency. All food resources are in dire need of proper framework for strategies and their though implementation.
Leader is the most crucial factor in determining the progress of any state and this importance has been explained by Bhutto in the following words;
“It is for the leaders to hold high the banner of Independence and March forward with confidence in a spirit of dedication.”
Bizarrely, sub-continent politics run on the concept of individual leadership like MQM means Altaf Hussain, PTI means Imran Khan, PPP means Bhutto etc where political parties are lacking proper mechanism and infrastructure with some sense of reliability factor. This may be the reason behind our failure in the process of National Integration through various nation-building projects.
As far as Indo-Pak relations are considered, he advocated tougher stance against India with his unique way of dealing with the Indian nationalism. He stated; “were it not for the hatred for Pakistan prevalent in India, India would have found it extremely difficult to restrain her polyglot provinces from breaking away”. This intelligent statesman didn’t only removed faulty lines, bordering our ideology, with much genius turn in the light of history and attitude of Indo-Pak political elite but also showed why the creation of Pakistan was necessary for the restoration of peace, stability and tranquility within the sub-continent region. Whereas, the leaders of both countries still need confidence and redefinition of political strategies to break with the past. Indian establishment policy is, always, shaped to reabsorb Pakistan with their region where the concept of ‘Akhand Baharat’ is adding fuel to the fire.
More importantly, the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir is explained with detailed consequences and logical reasons. Why we must voice for the plight of Kashmiri people? Why it is beneficial for India to take hold of that region? Why West has resumed silence over the issue? These questions have been answered critically in the wake of US-India relations to undermine Pakistan and to stop the growing power of Chinese.
Undoubtedly, book is having through insight regarding the foreign relations in this regional chaos with challenging interests of great powers who always try to mold smaller nations in their favor. But, author has missed one very dominant aspect i.e. the role of non-state actors or MNC’s (Multi-National Corporations) which are adversely affecting the foreign policies and sovereignty as well. Besides, military development is given an upper hand over economic development which is, somehow, absurd in understanding. Arms race in Asia day-by-day and this has to be stopped. Imagine, one of the fatal nuclear weapon goes in hands if ISIS or any other terrorist organization. Would they be able to turn the whole scenario upside down or not? Most probably, the answer is going to be affirmative in tone. If one single weapon can turn the equation in south-Asia and Middle East then why nuclear arms race is speeded with that much grace? It’s high time to spend resources for improving the life of people instead of Nuclear Arms Race.
By carrying arguments towards its logical conclusion, book demands Pak foreign policy to be independent in nature and being formulated on the bases of our own self-determination; uninfluenced by global powers and their requirements in the south-Asia. It must follow principle objectives such as healthy relations with neighbors with the policy of non-interference and abandoning of strategic violence. Pakistan must maintain good relations with China, Russia, US, Eastern and Western Europe with the intentions of mutual goodwill. Indeed, we should shoulder some of the burden by tackling confused international relations rather than depending on other which, later on, exploit us for the sake of their own self-interests.
Writer is a Student of BS (Honors) Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore
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