Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi on Monday said that India's massive military build-up, both conventional and nuclear, adds to the complications, as it adversely impacts the region's strategic stability. Speaking on "Pakistan's Foreign Policy" at a public-talk here at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI), he said that in the interest of regional peace, stability and sustainable development, improved ties between Pakistan and India remain a necessary condition.
"Meaningful dialogue to settle all issues, in a just manner, remains a sine qua non", he added. He said that there was no alternative but to return to the negotiating table, to resolve all our outstanding disputes, including the core issue of Jammu & Kashmir. As stated clearly by the Prime Minister, he said that Kashmir cannot be relegated to the back burner of history and it is incumbent upon the international community, as well as the UN Security Council, to ensure early implementation of its resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
He pointed out that Indian intransigence continues and has ratcheted up with belligerent statements coming from its Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Home Minister and even the Prime Minister, during his recent visit to Dhaka. As spelt out by our Prime Minister during the Envoys Conference last week, Fatemi reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to peace and co-operation, but it has to be peace with dignity and honour. "An enduring Pakistan-India relationship can only be built on the basis of mutual respect and sovereign equality. We will continue our quest for a peaceful neighbourhood, but there should be reciprocity and acknowledgement of the overtures already made, to promote the dialogue process", he added.
The evolving global environment with multiple challenges and, equal, if not overriding opportunities, are strong determinants for formulation of a dynamic foreign policy. While the core national interests of any nation remain constant, the process of executing the goals and objectives of foreign policy change, according to developments in the domestic, regional and global platforms.
He said that Pakistan's foreign policy is focused on promoting its national interest in the global community and it seeks to safeguard its security and territorial integrity, building peaceful relations with all countries, especially neighbours and pursue the path of economic prosperity. He said that Pakistan seeks peaceful and co-operative relations to acquire its rightful place as a responsible nuclear power. Its geo-strategic and geo-political stature ensures a prominent place for Pakistan, in the global environment, he added.
He said that improved relations with neighbours in the region; deepened friendship, coupled with enhanced co-operation with China; sound relationship with the United States based on mutual respect; stronger bonds with the Muslim world; upgrading ties with Russia and West Asia; protecting interests of its Diaspora and correcting the country's negative image, guide Pakistan's foreign policy.
He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had articulated his vision of "peace for development" and "a peaceful neighbourhood" and it is clear that unless there is peace on our borders and in our region, Pakistan cannot develop socially or economically. "We cannot have stability within the country, when we are faced with tensions without. Therefore, one of the first steps that the Prime Minister took after assuming office, was to reach out to our immediate neighbours - Afghanistan, Iran and India and to send a message of peaceful co-existence and co-operation, free of tensions, for the benefit of the region", he said, adding while we have seen some success as regards Afghanistan, the peace overtures towards India await a response.
During the past two years, he said Pakistan has remained closely engaged with Afghanistan and the efforts continue for building a friendly and good-neighbourly relationship with Afghanistan, on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Obsolete and ill-founded concepts of "strategic depth", are a thing of the past", he added.
Since the new government came to power in Afghanistan in September 2014, he said bilateral relations have been on an upward trajectory. "Today, there is an intensified political engagement, enhanced security and counter-terrorism co-operation, expanded trade and commercial interaction, and deepened regional co-operation", he said, adding the leadership of the two countries have a joint resolve to overcome the past, and build a forward-looking relationship, based on trust and understanding.
He said both Prime Minister Sharif and President Ghani share a vision of a comprehensive and enduring partnership, between Pakistan and Afghanistan, contributing to the security and prosperity of their countries and reinforcing efforts for peace and development in the region. While our trade and economic engagement is expanding, renewed bilateral interaction on the military and intelligence tracks is contributing to mutual confidence and co-ordinated steps to address common security challenges, he said.
He said that the Prime Minister strongly believes in forging a strong trade and economic partnership with Afghanistan. A target of increasing bilateral trade to US $5 billion by the end of 2017 was set during Prime Minister's meeting with Afghan president. He said both sides are working on Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and have commenced negotiations on Trilateral Transit Trade Agreement (TTTA) among Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. He said Pakistan and Afghanistan are facing common challenges, which need to be addressed through common co-ordinated efforts.
With our other great neighbour, he said that Pakistan's friendship remains strong and time-tested, adding relations with China remain the pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy. "Our "all weather" relationship is based upon shared principles and interests and forms the basis of co-operation in diverse fields. Pakistan-China relations are also a contributing factor for stability in the region", he added. He said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will be a 'game-changer' within the region and beyond, is fast becoming a reality. It is the culmination of a shared vision of the leadership of the two countries that believes in peace, security and development throughout this region.
Fatemi said that Pakistan's relations with Iran are stable and friendly, despite occasional hiccups. He said a new phase in our bilateral relations was initiated with the Prime Minister's visit to Tehran in May 2014, which deepened mutual understanding and led to a joint commitment to pursue an economic intensive partnership.
The major projects involve import of electricity and gas from Iran and road transport connectivity, he said, adding the IP gas pipeline is a key project, which would help strengthen Pakistan's energy security. These initiatives would benefit not only Pakistan and Iran, but also the whole region, as they would unleash forces of economic integration and ensure prosperity.
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