While Mr Sharif faces these daunting challenges he deserves unqualified support of all who believe in peace.
ISLAMABAD: The foreign policy guidelines, recently issued to Pakistani diplomats in foreign countries after the installation of the new government, are based on two points: economic diplomacy and a peaceful neighbourhood. The incoming government has two sparkling feathers in its cap.
The first is related to the first peaceful transfer of power since 1947. This achievement became possible, not because, but in spite of the conspiracies hatched by the outgoing government. Many hurdles, including governor’s rule in Punjab, were created to block a peaceful transition.
Nawaz Sharif honoured his commitment to the Charter of Democracy and braced unwarranted criticism from much of the general public for letting what many perceived to be a corrupt government to remain in power. He stood his ground and triumphed in making the first peaceful transition a reality. In his first address to parliament he struck a most welcome note by graciously and generously giving undeserved credit to his predecessors for this success.
The second credit relates to the new government’s emphasis on concentrating on economic diplomacy and friendship with neighbours — a welcome departure from previous administrations.
This is, of course, easier said than done. State and non-state actors, including foreign powers, will erect roadblocks on the path to normalisation of relations with our neighbours, especially India.
Nawaz Sharif has the vision, experience and the mandate to translate his dream of a peaceful South Asia into reality. If the PML-N government can forge friendly relations with our four geographical neighbours, there is no limit to the progress which Pakistan can make and nothing can stop us from assuming a leading role in international affairs. Since my early days, I have never made a secret of my passion for peaceful transition, economic diplomacy and for Pakistan to be living in a peaceful regional neighbourhood — and perhaps, my dream is finally coming true. While Mr Sharif faces these daunting challenges he deserves unqualified support of all who believe in peace, progress and prosperity of humanity, including Pakistan.
Ambassador (retd) BA Malik
Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2013.
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