There is also the possibility in future that on the model of Pakistan-China relations
KARACHI: It is a commendable Pakistan’s foreign policy initiative to revive the dead relationship with Moscow by conducting joint military drills in the mountainous terrains of Pakistan. This new renaissance and rapprochement has flabbergasted everyone, especially our neighbouring countries Afghanistan and India. This is first time ever in the history of both, Russia and Pakistan, that they are participating in mutual special drills of the armed forces.
Undoubtedly, when we look back at history’s pages, we find that there was a mutual and cordial relationship between Moscow and Islamabad. Russia assisted us in building our steel mill and strengthened us in fulfilling our power and energy requirements. Later, Russia became inclined towards India by enhancing their strategic relationship and became its largest arms supplier when Pakistan impetuously played the wrong card by shaking hands with America. The split further intensified after Russia’s invasion of Afghanistan as Pakistan unconditionally supported the Afghanis in their war against Moscow.
Russia has done more for Pakistan in an instant than America has done in a couple of decades. It must be kept in mind, however, that this change in Russian policy has been caused after the growing tilt of New Delhi towards America, and Russia will not abandon its privileged ties with India for Pakistan. So, it is high time for our government to distinguish between friend and foe and there is a dire need to play our cards meticulously and prudently. We must work to exploit our strategic values by strengthening relationships with Russia and other countries on different forums. There is also the possibility in future that on the model of Pakistan-China relations, we may try to forge a relationship with Russia.
Imran Ali Phull
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2016.
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