In matters of statecraft, there is no scope of emotions and only national interests are considered supreme.
ISLAMABAD: This is with reference to the Editorial “Iran gas pipeline” (March 15). In matters of statecraft, there is no scope of emotions and only national interests are considered supreme. Hence, we cannot blame China for backing out of financing the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, as it had to protect its own interests first. It is time that Pakistan reflected on its diplomacy and the whole scenario needs to be considered dispassionately. China’s decision must never cast a shadow on our historic relations with that country. Since independence, Pakistan has been conducting lopsided diplomacy. All our foreign policy options had nothing to do with our national interests as they only served the interests of our rulers. Let us be pragmatic and consider other options for financing the pipeline, while continuing to do business with China and India if it is in our national interest.
Asif Alvi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 18th, 2012.
