As the geopolitical situation evolves in Pakistan’s backyard and soft power diplomacy paves way for regional cooperation, the foreign policy makers at home are now in a better position to secure maximum advantage from the emerging eco-political scenario. China and Iran have secured the notable 25-years strategic deal of $400 billion centered on a bilateral cooperation in economic and military domains, therefore, the time is ripe to set things right.
With optimism and economic prosperity in the air, it is prudent to see the real facts on the ground. We can see the China-US ties become frosty which many analysts dub as being the return of the “Cold War”. Pakistan is facing challenges from multiple fronts. If we take history to be our guide, it is undeniable that the US and Pakistan have shared a long, checkered relationship. This is a test for Islamabad as it needs to play its cards well on a highly contested international checkerboard. As China cements the strategic deal with Iran, a window of opportunity also opens up for Pakistan who can play a fundamental role in this promising relationship by becoming an important channel in the BRI venture.
Nevertheless, there is still more than meets the eye. As the US remains in an antagonistic relationship with China and is crushing Iran through its crippling sanctions after the collapse of JCPOA, we hear voices suggesting that India has backed out from the key Iranian projects to avoid enraging Washington. In this respect, Pakistan needs to harbour deft diplomacy if it wants to take advantage of the important regional developments. Moreover, regional integration can help Pakistan and its neighbours if proper planning is conducted.
Hadia Mukhtar
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 25th, 2020.
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