Pakistan reiterated that it doesn’t believe in camp politics, per se, but at the same time is aware of its national interests. This reaffirmation came as a testimony from Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who told the Islamabad Security Dialogue that Pakistan is committed to peace, and shuns confrontation. He also referred to the Russian aggression in Ukraine, and called for an immediate ceasefire. This line of action corresponds to the theme taken a day earlier by Prime Minister Imran Khan who said that it’s high time for the country to prioritise its policies in a rational manner. But the army chief took a leap ahead as he categorically said that Pakistan enjoys deep-rooted relations with the US, and that is so without impacting relations with other countries.
Apparently, this was one of the most categorical rejoinder to developments taking place in the wake of ‘letter-gate’, which allegedly hints at a plot to interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs. The resolute posture of Gen Bajwa meant a lot, as he desisted from taking a cue on ensuing disharmony over relations with Washington. He went on to remind that Pakistan shares a long and excellent strategic relationship with the US, which is also the largest export market. Thus, by exhibiting confidence in multilateralism, and his institution’s neutrality in political crisscross, he has furthered the envelope of national reconciliation and progressive development.
The strategic narration was centred at development, rather than confrontation. This is why the army chief condemned Russian aggression against Ukraine. But at the same time, he made it clear that Pakistan understands Russian concerns in terms of NATO’s eastward expansion towards Moscow. He, likewise, unequivocally made a point by saying that Pakistan’s leaning towards China was not out of choice but because of the bias and apartheid of the Western powers towards Pakistan.
As a flashback from his last year’s doctrine spelt out at ISD, Gen Bajwa called upon India to resolve all irritants with Pakistan, including the Kashmir dispute. This is a welcome gesture from the army chief, and goes on to dilate the psyche of peace and development. What more glorious a message can there be for the prosperity of around three billion people in the region.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 3rd, 2022.
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