Pakistan’s narrow foreign policy

This is with reference to Ibrahim Sajid Malick’s “Pakis­tan’s narrow foreign policy” (June 25).

This is with reference to Ibrahim Sajid Malick’s “Pakistan’s narrow foreign policy” (June 25). Critics contend that many of the stated institutional and development goals of US assistance to Pakistan remain largely unmet in part due to a perceived US reliance on security related aid. One major study found that only about one-tenth of US aid was being directed toward development, governance, and humanitarian programs.

Thus, a south-south policy of enhanced cooperation and structured inducements is likely to be more effective than an American policy based on pressure and threats. A costly downside of American foreign policy is that it empowers the country’s military and intelligence agencies, who have stunted the growth and development of democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2010.