KARACHI:
Pakistan, often described as the “pivot of Asia,” occupies a unique and irreplaceable position on the global stage. This is not just due to its geographical location but also its immense strategic value. As global powers like the United States and China vie for influence, Pakistan finds itself at the crossroads of a complex and potentially transformative intersection of interests. Despite the tensions between these two superpowers, their mutual stakes in Pakistan reveal an intriguing convergence of interests that could shape the future of the region and beyond.
It is rare to find issues on which both the US and China see eye to eye. Yet, Pakistan’s stability is one such issue. For China, Pakistan is a cornerstone of Beijing’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. The stakes are high, and Beijing knows that a stable Pakistan is essential for the success of its global economic ambitions. On the other hand, the US, while pursuing its own strategic objectives, recognises the importance of a stable Pakistan for maintaining peace and security in the volatile South Asian region. The US has long relied on Pakistan to help manage the complex situation in Afghanistan, and any destabilisation of Pakistan could jeopardise these efforts, leading to a resurgence of extremism and violence that would have far-reaching consequences.
Imagine a chessboard where Pakistan holds a crucial position that can tip the balance of power in any direction. But with its nuclear arsenal and formidable military, Pakistan is a force to be reckoned with. Any attempt to undermine its sovereignty or economic stability could push the nation into forming new alliances or even defensive pacts, altering the regional power dynamics in ways that could have global repercussions.
Gulab Umid
Turbat
