Islamabad may take a more active role not at the frontline of the skirmish, but as a mediator between parties
ISLAMABAD: This is in response to the article published on July 1st titled “What the Gulf crisis means for Pakistan,” by Shahzaib Khan. I agree with Khan’s argument. He argues that Pakistan should retain its practice of non-alignment and not engage in the Qatar conflict, the same way we did not in Syria or Yemen, and that this method can be used to strengthen alliances and act as mediator. Neutrality should not be advocated and promoted as Pakistan’s go-to strategy. Instead of constantly acting as a silent, mute bystander — Islamabad may take a more active role not at the frontline of the skirmish, but as a mediator between parties. It is the least we can do as a nuclear power in the region. Pakistan owes it to its neighbours not to be silent on every occasion, just because we are afraid of upsetting stakeholders.
At present, that neutrality seems like the easier route to take. The diplomatic deadlock in the Arabian Peninsula leaves Pakistan in a quandary of either joining the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) or satisfying Iran.
The first option is that Pakistan may join the bandwagon of Arab states in the leadership of KSA against Qatar and invite the wrath of Iran. On the other hand, flagrant support for Arab sequestered Qatar and showing a soft approach for Iran may also be precarious for Islamabad, by making the choosing of sides especially sectarian.
Pakistan enjoys friendly relations with both KSA and Qatar, and its role in this conflict may comprise taking Tehran and Riyadh into confidence.
Wajiha Butt
Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2017.
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