Non-aligned in conflict

Pakistan lived up to its image of being non-aligned in conflict. While reiterating that the crisis in Ukraine needs a negotiated solution, Islamabad has once again called for a dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow. The resolve was made public on the eve of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s visit to Pakistan, wherein both the states also stressed for returning to the Black Sea Grain Deal, which stands ruptured owing to the Russian knee-jerk reaction in an attempt to showcase its muscles. The contention was simple and one-liner: Pakistan values its relations with both Russia and Ukraine, and does not want to be seen as favouring one over another. Moreover, as the issue is related to regional peace and security, Pakistan’s endeavour is to work for broadened serenity so that the fissures of warfare are addressed in a congenial manner.

Pakistan’s stated orientation is to shun bloc politics, and it is trying to convince even the United States and China that it is national interests that matter over alignment. This is why despite being a major recipient and beneficiary of the multi-billion dollar CPEC project under the BRI initiative, Pakistan is not seen as a clientele state in the Chinese camp. It has mushroomed its relations with the United States, too, and is working on a broader horizon of counter-terrorism, peace and security in the Southwest Asian region.

Same is the case when it comes to Russia and Ukraine. Pakistan has, of late, enhanced its interaction with Moscow, and the series of high-profile visits is a case in point. The import of Russian crude, and the understanding to promote bilateral trade are steps in the direction of expanding foreign relations in the spheres of economy. As far as Ukraine is concerned, Pakistan has astute defence production interaction, and looks up to it for supply of food grains. This is why it feels the pain of war-mongering, and advocates a dialogue-based settlement of irritants since the Russian onslaught on Ukrainian territory in February 2021. Russia and Ukraine can look up to Pakistan to act as a bridge in brokering a reconciliation, and that is what is needed earnestly.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 24^th, 2023.

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