KARACHI:
The topmost priority of any state, government, or institution should be ensuring the welfare of citizens, developing human resources, and upholding the rule of law. However, Pakistan has continuously lagged in providing basic necessities to its citizens. It is because of this that we rank low in human development indices.
Given the precarious state of our economy, the country does not have the liberty or fiscal room to assume the role of becoming a major player in regional strategic politics. It may be a populist move to claim any that Pakistan has played a role in the recent changes made in Afghanistan or to harp on the victory or defeat of those involved in the war. However, we must understand that neither will serve our long-term or short-term interests. National security and state sovereignty hinge on the economy. To achieve economic progress, Pakistan needs to avoid policies that it has pursued for decades and de-escalate political animosities within the country.
Pakistan cannot take an active part in Afghan politics. We must let them decide their own fate and focus on our own country. This pendulum-like swing from one extreme to another has caused major upheavals within the country. Instead of engaging in regional politics, we must confine ourselves to protecting our own borders against regional and international adversaries.
Ali Malik Tariq
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2021.
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