IN an interview with a foreign television channel, Prime Minister Imran Khan candidly talked about internal and external issues of interest to Pakistan, conveying a reassuring message that he has clear-headed approach on vital issues. He categorically stated that Pakistan’s economic future was linked to China, stressing the country would like to benefit from the way China made progress and lifted its people out of poverty. Similarly, emphasizing that the country expects Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) to play a leading role on Kashmir issue, he declared that Saudi Arabia will always be a friend of Pakistan.
The remarks of the Prime Minister would not only be appreciated by people of Pakistan but also send positive signals to our sincere friends in the backdrop of attempts being made by some local and foreign circles to create a wedge in ties with them. Both Saudi Arabia and China have stood by Pakistan during challenging economic and political periods and bailed out the country when others were watching as silent spectators. China is, perhaps, the only country assistance and cooperation of which brought a visible change in the life of the people. Apart from the contribution that China has made to socio-economic progress of the country from the day one, no one can deny that the historic initiative of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), envisaging massive investment in the country, has made a difference for people of Pakistan including those of remote and backward regions. There have been covert and overt pressure on Pakistan to either abandon CPEC or slow down implementation of projects under its umbrella but the country is determined to move forward firmly on the charted course. An indication to this also came during the interview when the Prime Minister rejected the notion of renegotiating some aspects of CPEC. Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing also pointed out on Thursday that both the countries were aware of the dangers to CPEC and were committed to overcome them. Hopefully, the forthcoming visit of the Chinese President, which has been rescheduled due to Coronavirus, would give fresh impetus to implementation and expansion of the CPEC. As for Saudi Arabia, the two countries always enjoyed cordial relations and people of Pakistan have deep love and affection for leadership and people of the Kingdom.
OIC has consistently supported Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir and its Contact Group, which also includes Saudi Arabia, has been instrumental in highlighting brutalities of Indian occupation forces against Kashmiris and their legitimate struggle for right of self-determination. This position has also been vindicated when the OIC Secretary-General recently met Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the organization. The views of the Prime Minister on Palestinian issue are also very clear as he believes the dispute would not die down even if some countries recognize Israel. There are scores of UN resolutions on different aspects of the Middle-East issue and an overwhelming majority of the international community fully supports rights of Palestinians and an end to Israeli occupation of Arab lands. The issue would remain alive as long as Palestinians are determined to continue their struggle for a just solution and temporal hiccups would ultimately evaporate. About smooth relationship of the PTI Government with the top brass of Army, this should result in better service delivery and protection of rights of the country on foreign policy issues. The support of the Army means the Government need not worry about any effort aimed at destabilization and can focus at delivery, which is not ideal at the moment. The Government has peace of mind and, therefore, instead of wasting its time and energy in endless tension with the opposition, it should improve governance and ensure trickledown effect of its policies and programmes as it has already completed two years and next three years ought to be result-oriented as far as welfare and betterment of the common man is concerned. The Prime Minister has proven leadership qualities as has repeatedly been highlighted by his pronouncements, advocacy of the causes of Pakistan at different international forums including the United Nations and launching of people-centric initiatives. However, the pace of implementation needs to be reviewed and this can be done by ensuring assignment of right job to the right person at all tiers and levels of governance.
