Experts: Prioritise self-interest over reactive diplomacy

Policymakers, economists, and other leaders underscored the need for Pakistan to adopt a self-interest-driven approach to policy-making, one that places national priorities above external reactions, particularly from neighbouring India.

The second day of The Future Summit (TFS) 9th Edition in Karachi carried forward an assertive national dialogue on redefining Pakistan's global posture, economic resilience, and leadership mindset. Thought leaders, policymakers, and corporate executives emphasised that Pakistan must prioritise its own strategic and economic interests, even when such decisions might not align with expectations from regional or global actors, particularly India.

The discussion, which took place during a session titled "The Geopolitical Chessboard – Pakistan at the Strategic Crossroads," underscored the importance of pragmatic and interest-based policy-making. Speakers agreed that Pakistan's future depends on self-reliance, regional connectivity, and leadership that places citizens' welfare above external approval or reactive diplomacy.

Dr Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University and former National Security Adviser, asserted that all policies must serve citizens first. "Every citizen needs safety, security, and dignity — everything else is secondary," he said. He urged policymakers to focus on social indicators and regional connectivity. "If opening trade with India benefits Pakistan, it should be pursued regardless of India's response. This approach would also help clear Pakistan's image on the international stage."

He emphasised framing policies solely based on what benefits Pakistan's economy and its people, rather than waiting for reciprocity from other countries. He argued that if reopening trade or easing visa restrictions with India serves Pakistan's economic interests, such measures should be taken unilaterally to boost growth and improve the country's international image.

Emphasising a pragmatic shift in governance, the panellists also called for greater focus on uplifting underprivileged communities and ensuring that national policies reflect the needs of ordinary citizens, rather than being swayed by geopolitical considerations or foreign perceptions.

Dr Ishrat Husain, economist, author, and former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), highlighted the crucial link between geo-economics and geo-politics. "A country's relevance depends on its integration into global supply chains and the tech sphere," he said. He stressed boosting domestic productivity and services exports, including skilled labour, which the World Trade Organisation recognises as a legitimate export category. "Remittances are the earnings of our people - the export of manpower must be part of our balance of payments," he explained.

Dr Husain called for education reform to strengthen science and mathematics from early levels, ensuring efficient human resource utilisation. "We must generate resources to repay debts and find our niche in the global value chain," he said, noting that Pakistan's military strength has earned it respect, but sustained economic competitiveness will define future success.

Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar, the longest-serving caretaker prime minister, who chaired the session, said that Pakistan's success lies in achieving "strategic convergence" between diplomacy, defence, and development. "Creativity is hidden in concealed moments, and we need to capitalise on ours," he remarked, urging a shift away from reactionary politics towards long-term planning and institutional coherence.

Former chairman joint chiefs of staff committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat set the tone for the session with a keynote on "Reassessing Pakistan's Strategic Position Amid Global Power Transitions." He noted that the emerging world order is defined by fluid multipolarity, where China plays a pivotal role in the evolving power equation. "It is difficult for India to be a swing power. The Islamic world is forming unaligned blocs. This is the strategic geography," he observed.

General Hayat argued that Pakistan must move beyond traditional alignments to assert digital and economic sovereignty. "Cyber geography is now more important than physical geography," he warned.