KARACHI:
A country’s ability to advance national interests and foreign policy objectives is directly related to its influence in the international arena. Therefore, optics are important. A significant component of supremacy and clout in the contemporary digital and interconnected world is a country’s soft power, which builds a good image of a nation. The soft image largely depends on how a country is perceived by others globally.
Currently, Pakistan is mired in complex challenges from economic issues to facing a bad reputation on multiple social and economic indicators. Failure to project a soft image deters investors from investing in a country, which they perceive as unpeaceful and unstable. To build a desirable reputation in the international community, the government must work with global human rights organisations and international surveyors on the economy.
Pakistan was ranked lowest in recent global surveys on economic and social indicators, democracy, human rights, and gender equality. The country’s poor position on these touchstones has tarnished its image in the global community. It degrades a country’s standing and influence at all international forums and impedes its ability to advance national interests. It should serve as a wake-up call for concerned quarters to address the bottlenecks.
Asad Aziz
Khushab
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2022.
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