The writer is an Islamabad-based TV journalist and tweets @FarrukhKPitafi
Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is not known for thinking, much for speaking. He is the one who received a stinging rebuke from former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani after having presented a check worth $10 million. For Pakistan, similar callousness shown in an interview given by the prince to The Wall Street Journal in November last year has proven to be a constant source of headache. “Nawaz Sharif, specifically, is very much Saudi Arabia’s man in Pakistan,” claimed Mr Talal after having suggested that in case of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, his country could procure nuclear warheads from Islamabad. Since then, a thaw between Washington and Tehran has further driven the House of Saud towards the brink and hence, Islamabad has witnessed a flurry of visits from the royal family.
Clearly as a panic response, Mr Talal’s comment was meant to be a veiled threat. There is no evidence to prove that it was either credible or it had any significant impact other than making things slightly difficult for the Pakistani government. A secretive Saudi handout worth $1.5 billion to Pakistan has added fuel to the fire of rumours here. Sadly, such rumours when viewed against the backdrop of the Abdul Qadeer Khan network’s exploits lead many to totally wrong conclusions. They also betray an uncanny ignorance of the complexity of the post-9/11 Pakistani state and society.
If truth be told, the uncovering of the AQ Khan network and its eventual dismantling had a sobering effect on the Pakistani state. Since then, the nuclear command structure has been reinforced with countless checks and balances and our conceptual framework edified. In other words, it is totally impossible for Pakistan to proliferate again. It is nowhere implied that the Saudi elite wouldn’t want to buy nukes from this country. There is a chance that at the time of the interview, Mr Talal might have thought as much, but nothing of the sort is possible in this fledgling democracy.
That said, let us also examine Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s policies and position. There is no gainsaying that the Saudis played a pivotal role in his rescue from the gallows. But still it is unfair to conclude that he can succumb to any such pressure to be a willing part of a proliferation ring.
There are two more things to be said here. First, the things that are being said about the Saudi connection are not unique. When he went to China, many thought that the country was being rented out to China. During his visit to the UN and the US, many thought that he had gone there to hand over control of the country. Similar fears were expressed about his meeting with Manmohan Singh. But that is more a reflection on his warm personal touch in diplomacy and the sorry cynical place Pakistan has become. So far, he has only brought foreign money and investment to Pakistan using his personal connections, a feat commendable on its own and not otherwise. Those who are acquainted with history know he returned home a changed man and need to, therefore, appreciate that the man is killing himself trying to ameliorate our lot. A tad more trust as a payback will not be misplaced here.
And it is an open secret that there are no free lunches in the international system. Only Saudis can explain why they have paid a hefty sum and are likely to pay more. It obviously can’t be the elusive brotherly affection, which is in short supply even among Gulf Cooperation Council countries. But if they have come here to shop for nukes, weapons, insurgents or a shipment of destabilising ideologies, then they should know Pakistan is a country, not a shop. There, however, is another explanation. A stronger Pakistan can have a stabilising effect on the region and work as a buffer without firing a single shot. Hence, this investment. Pakistan values its closest allies, the US and China, too much and attaches no less importance to Iran, to embarrass them with silly stunts. That has to be remembered.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2014.
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COMMENTS (26)
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Enjoying the crafted conspiracy theories of the international political system. History makes Pakistanis to avoid and totally obstruct the past mistakes of nuclear proliferation. In this age of technological age, nothing can be hidden so easily. We are in the cameras of NSA. Nuclear proliferation is out of question. Pakistan becomes more famous by the crafted stories rather fantasies on every day basis by the international community. Pakistan is much vigilant and cautious about its nuclear security rather than any other state as it is confronted with lots of challenges and threats.
Pakistan maintains its nuclear security as its utmost priority whosoever government or military leadership comes in. The country is very direct and particular about not to be a part of any kind of nuclear proliferation. The visits are the part of diplomatic parameters of the international system. Pakistan is significant player between the Iran and Saudi Arabia. The country respects both of them as important part of Muslim community but on nuclear assets it is obvious that no compromise despite of whosoever comes in.
“Lawrence of Arabia”, must say an interesting connotation. Reality is much different than the history pages. It is an age of diplomacy and states interact with once foes as allies’ ad they are in need. Pakistan supports the Muslim community with open arms always besides nuclear. Categorically, “nuclear” remains aside in all the brotherhood leisures. The country is not at all share, facilitate or strengthen on nuclear ties with any country.
Pakistan should ditch Saudi Arabia and the US and move closer to it's neighbors Afghanistan, Iran, China and India and try to facilitate the creation of a regional economic block. That is the only way this country can be saved.
Saudis know US dollar is nearing the end. They are doling out to everyone.
Pakistani nuclear assets are safe in our army's control. Just like OBL and his harem was safe in Pakistani base for better part of the decade. The world should not worry about our outstanding record. What is a bomb or two between two friends and billions of USD?
When it comes to Saudi royal family and their Whabi beliefs Iran are neither our neighbors not we consider them Muslims. What a sick twisted ideology we have? Is there any neighbor who we have friendly relationship with? China does not have actual easy border with Pakistan except the area of Kashmir that we have giving them away. We do not have close relationship with any country with openness, democracy and basic human rights for all. We love countries with no constitution or democracy and no rights for those born there.
Yes, we will do anything to protect our best friend and our brother. Any objection?
Pakistan is a responsible non proliferation state and since the inception of Dr AQ Khan independent network and illegal trade of nuclear knowhow to other states had made the country to take initiatives of non proliferaton and also to make improvements in the already existing non proliferation efforts.
Interesting read. Pakistan is just a small cog in the wheel ........the real game is being played between the KSA and the USA.
Destabilising ideologies are more dangerous then nuke, our Leadership must keep it in their mind.
Pakistan respects global non-proliferation norms despite its emergent disparity and discriminatory trends. Pakistan made a great effort in supporting the global nonproliferation regime, rules and initiatives. Learning lessons from A Q Khan’s independent proliferation network, the government of Pakistan has taken extraordinary export control measures since the early 2000s, which are now amply recognised by the international community. The idea that Pakistan would be submissive to this nuclear trade simply to honour cooperation with Saudi Arabia is no less implausible than Saddam Hussain arming al Qaeda with nuclear weapons.
Our nation willing to see a changed NS but miserably failed and NS repeating the same mistake which he has committed earlier, e.g promoting militancy and meddling in other countries.. I wonder how the author comes to the conclusion that PMNS has changed and learnt a lot from hi past?
You seem to be going around in circles with no one quite sure what you want to infer. After reading the entire article there is no clue as the what the Quid pro quo is. Can we simplify it this way ---- "what is yours is mine and what is mine is yours" ? Bum, Bum, Bum !!!
Iran has bought pakistani media!
@Nadir Saudi Arabia appears to have strategic depth in Pakistan Actually that DEPTH seems like a "Black Hole" to me ... which has no end ... Pakistan has just managed to start a journey in a Bigger better Black Hole called "Strategic Depth" sponsored by Saudi... Time will tell ... if you live to listen about it ....
"..Those who are acquainted with history know he returned home a changed man and need to, therefore, appreciate that the man is killing himself trying to ameliorate our lot. A tad more trust as a payback will not be misplaced here..." Oh really?
As an Indian, I like Nawaz Sheriff. He is a welcome change from the usual India bating band of Pakistani politicians. I am not entirely sure of his ME Policy,. Perhaps there is a method in his madness and it will work well for the people of Pakistan. Whatever said or unsaid, he has in his few months in power done more to stabilize Pakistan and bring in FDI than a lot of his predecessors. It will not be easy to live down Pakistan's current reputation and the challenges Mr. Sheriff faces are formidable to say the least. I can say this - a lot of Indians like him and feel he is a go-getter and not a seat warrner; that he means well in his overtures to our nation and wants a genuine and healthy relationship. We must give Mr. Sheriff some credit for what he is attempting to do for his nation and give him some time to accomplish the almost impossible - stabilize Pakistan and put her on a course of growth and prosperity and become a respected member in the community of nations. I wish him well. God Bless Nawaz Sheriff.
Many politicos under-estimate NS. So far his policy of making friends in the region is making steady progress. If he can improve law and order issues, the economy will get a jump start. Other political parties fear it and would put road blocks for him. wait and see.
Saudi Arabia appears to have strategic depth in Pakistan.
As the Americans are reducing their foot print in the region, their multi billion dollar military and economic aid to Pakistan will also diminish ... it is logical, and a foregone conclusion that the Saudis would pick up the tab from now on ... China being the other important actor to bring in the necessary support to prop Pakistan up ...
excellent analysis by the writer.
a. Pakistan is much more of a responsible nuclear state as compared to many other nuclear states. In fact, in an earlier report, Pakistan was ranked the second most secure country nukes-wise.
b. Pakistan needs a financial lifeline after the losses that it has endured at the hands of its American friends, in the name of "War on Terror".
c. If KSA has showed in earnest to assist us in whatever way they can, then instead of getting hysterical about it, like 90% of Pakistani media did - to replay the tons of rhetoric that is basically just "drawing room talk" - we should appreciate it. I don't remember the same media criticizing the Kerry Lugar Bill's $7.5B in the same harsh tone as they are hunting down the Saudi lending.
d. The entire media's criticism campaign was based on "assumptions". And the media needs to be told that one should never "assume" as it makes an "ass" out of "u" & "me".
The author is totally naïve and gullible, or thinks it's readers are. First off, if anyone thinks that AQ Khan ran his nuke bazaar without Pakistani military's knowledge, then I gotta bridge to sell. AQ Khan was prevented from being questioned by anyone outside Pakistan and is now living life large. Quid pro quo - you betcha.
Oh puh-lease - about what Pakistani can and cannot do for China. It has been crying hoarse about Kashmir for decades, will not enable normal relations between Inda, Pakistan and Afghanistan, even if it meant millions of subcontinent remain mired in poverty, but, happily gave a chunk of Kashmir - yeah that Kashmir - to China.
And Nawaz Sharif is a warm person, the same dude who okayed Kargil even as he hugged Vajpeyi and even now will not facilitate smooth trade, travel and economic relations between India, Pakistan and Afghanistan on one pretext or another.
During the entire period of it's existence, it has been abundantly clear that Pakistan can do anything and everything, mostly illegal and immoral, for money....and Saudis are probably the worst kind of donors mankind has known. They extract huge price.
Everyone (except the CIA) knows two things:
a. Pakistan's nuke's are 50 % Saudi Arabia's and b. Iran's is developing nukes because it is scared of the Saudi Arabian/Pakistani nukes.
(CIA, please don't drone me, bro!)
very sobering and timely article, the author says, above all else should be pakistan..simple