Saturday, May 17, 2008, Jamadi-ul-Awwal 10, 1429    

Reflections on foreign policy

Senator Salim Saifullah

Foreign policy of any country is the reflection of its domestic situation. More the economic and political stability, greater the strength and credibility of foreign policy. Following 18 February elections, the nation has been keenly awaiting actions and policies that will meet their aspirations and respond to their needs. Regrettably there is little evidence that these hopes shall be fulfilled. There is a climate of confusion and disarray, with conflicting statements from the coalition partners on national issues. Instead of addressing the bases issues of direct concern and relevance to the masses, to provide socio-economic justice to them and draw a policy of combating the escalating prices of fuel and food, the government has bogged down in the constitutional issues, popularly known as Judges case. The life of an average man has become unbearable with ever increasing cost of living, rampant corruption and absence of law and order.
Prime Minister Gilani made the right move by articulating his 100-day plan, in his inaugural speech. He promised one job for each family in half of country’s districts and minimum wage for Rs 6000 per month for the workers, among others. The government has already completed almost half of the 100 days and there is no evidence of any concrete action or strategy to deal with these issues. It has led to a sense of frustration and disillusionment among masses. I acknowledge that Gilani inherited these problems, but my regret is that there is no serious effort or framework of a well thought out economic package to provide relief to the suffering masses.
I have prefaced those brief comments, before I proceed with the foreign policy issues to highlight that unless we put our house in order, our foreign relations will suffer from weakness and lack of direction.
We all recognize that Pakistan is today passing through a very critical stage. The situation in our region in particular around our borders demand a strong vigil and unity and cohesion in our ranks. Pressures are growing on us from powers that want to exploit our weakness to further their agenda. The war on terror and the domestic extremism deserves top priority, as both pose a very serious threat to our very existence. The policies of United States towards Pakistan are becoming increasingly intrusive. Negroponte’s warning issued on May 7, - “we will not be satisfied until all the violent extremism emanating from FATA is brought under control. It is unacceptable for extremists to use these areas to plan train for or execute attacks against Afghanistan, Pakistan or the wider world”.
The government must take serious note of this and instead of wasting its time and energy on a interminable, even vicious confrontation with the Presidency. President has time and again assured that he is keen to have a working relationship with this government; still the talk of an “unconstitutional president” by the stalwarts of coalition government continues to poison the environment and blocks the progress towards a harmonious relationship to the detriment of our national interests. The energy crisis is yet another major issue that should claim priority action. So far we have seen only blames and accusation of false and manipulated statistics by Shaukat Aziz government to conceal the true state of our economy. Even if the allegations are true, this blame game is not going to advance the objective. We need to tackle the issue on war-footing basis and move with speed for generation of energy, both locally and by international help. Both IPI and TAPI projects should be signed immediately and small schemes be prepared and implemented for the interim period.
Relations with our neighbors India and Afghanistan, which remain strained despite some CBM needs to be looked into and every effort made to defuse the situation by removing misunderstanding and mistrust. Relations with China – our great friend and ally have come under clouds due to situation in Sinkiang province. We cannot afford any distrust between our two nations and a comprehensive policy to deal with criminal elements responsible should be urgent priority.
I earnestly appeal to the Prime Minister to have a sense of priority on national issues. Instead of devoting its time and energy on judicial crisis and Benazir Bhutto’s murder investigation by UN indulging in hollow promises and blame game recognize the gravity of other challenges facing Pakistan. Storms are gathering and Pakistan’s very integrity is in peril. We cannot afford any more acrimony or enmity. Prime Minister should take charge of the situation and act as the authority to rule and govern and not leave it to political activists, having no representational capacity.

The writer is a former Federal Minister.