Reclaiming sovereignty?

A bold, courageous and visionary leadership is integral for enabling and equipping a nation to make and implement decisions independently. Political stability, a vibrant economy, modern infrastructure, peace, and good quality of life further add to the sovereignty of a country. The absence of such necessities augments a country’s dependence on foreign powers and compromises its sovereignty.

Pakistan’s predicament is its diminishing sovereign status that mitigates its ability to formulate independent domestic, foreign and economic policies. This raises the question: Can Pakistan reclaim its sovereignty that has diminished over several decades? What is it that obstructs Pakistan’s independent decision-making process? How can vibrant economic and political institutions help reclaim Pakistan’s sovereignty?

What is sovereignty and why is it termed a double-edged sword? According to the Penguin Dictionary of International Relations, sovereignty means, “the enabling concept of international relations whereby states assert not only ultimate authority within a distinct territorial entity but also assert membership of the international community. The doctrine of sovereignty implies double claim: autonomy in foreign policy and exclusive competence in internal affairs.” According to International Relations: The Key Concepts, a book by Martin Griffiths and Terry O’Callaghan, “In recent years the concept of sovereignty has been the subject of intense debate after many years of relative neglect. Empirically, scholars have explored the degree to which sovereignty is changing in an era of alleged globalisation of economic activities. If the issue for advanced industrialised states is the degree to which their effective sovereignty is being eroded, the question for many poorer states is the degree to which they ever enjoyed effective sovereignty.”

It is imperative to reclaim Pakistan’s sovereignty because the country’s power and prestige are at stake and the capability of leadership to take and implement decisions independently is questionable. Since the 1950s Pakistan has relied on foreign assistance, which has compromised the country’s potential to focus on exports and manufacture items locally. Heavy reliance on imports is one of the main reasons why the country is stuck in a vicious cycle of foreign debt. On the contrary, China and India assert their position in foreign and domestic policies because of their successful policy of self-reliance instead of an import-driven economy. Pakistan’s failure to follow a policy of self-reliance, austerity and minimising dependence on foreign aid and loans has long threatened the country’s sovereignty.

With more than $100 billion of foreign debt, meagre foreign exchange reserves of less than $10 billion, exports of less than $30 billion and inflation touching 15%, Pakistan is hand to mouth in terms of resources. Yet, the mindset of elites living in their comfort zones remains unchanged.

Those at the helm of affairs have paid little to no attention to improving education and health facilities; providing access to clean water and sanitation; making a sustainable public transport system and other utilities available; ensuring good nutrition; etc. In the absence of necessities that are crucial for improving the quality of life along with a lack of rule of law and accountability, one cannot reclaim sovereignty. It is unrealistic to expect respect or restoration of the country’s image when the country is on dole and still needs to borrow more from international financial institutions and allied countries. In some ways, sovereignty is a double-edged sword because while it can demonstrate a country’s power, it also makes the country susceptible to foreign intervention.

The 220 million people of Pakistan dream of reclaiming the country’s sovereignty; however, it is not an easy task and would require three major structural changes at the state and society levels.

First, selfless, bold, courageous, visionary and determined leadership is required to transform Pakistan from a failing to a vibrant state, particularly in the economic arena. This leadership is not limited to those at the helm of affairs but must extend to the rest of the society to restore the diminished ethics and values. Only people with such qualities can resist foreign pressures and rid the country of the bane of debt. If a country is on dole and heavily dependent on foreign loans, it lacks the courage to take and implement independent decisions. Even for the smallest of decisions, particularly those concerned with ensuring the well-being of the public, the country has to seek permission from international lenders. This demonstrates the absence of sovereignty to take even basic decisions for the public. Pakistan has failed to meet economic indicators, and a culture of dependence has permeated the country. To rid itself of this culture and debt trap, the country requires strong leadership.

Second, an elected government should have confidence in its popular support and must not be reliant on other forces to take bold decisions and ensure that the country’s sovereignty is upheld. A civilian government that is unsure of popular support will lack credibility and confidence and fail to take stern decisions. To ensure their credibility, civilian governments must reclaim sovereignty so that they can count on the support of the people and not feel crippled under external pressures.

Finally, strong institutions and their ability to ensure good governance, rule of law, accountability, political stability and economic vibrancy are crucial for reclaiming sovereignty. If these institutions are headed by individuals with integrity, competence, intelligence, commitment, dedication and vision, there is no way that Pakistan will not be able to reclaim its sovereignty.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2022.

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