Adapting to the changing world: New foreign, defence policies ‘within weeks’

PM adviser underscores need for integrated policies.

ISLAMABAD:

After the much-awaited National Internal Security Policy was approved and promulgated, Sartaj Aziz announced that the government is preparing defence and foreign policies that shall be presented before the House within the next few weeks.

Explaining the need for changes, the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security told the National Assembly on Tuesday that issues cannot be resolved with “patchwork and an isolated approach”. “We need to have visionary and integrated policies,” he underscored, adding that a committee of the cabinet on national security policy has also been formed to review the foreign policy as per today’s needs.

He listed four aspects of the upcoming policies: internal security and policy of non-interference; economic development through trade, not aid; fully benefiting from and utilising the country’s geographical location; and promoting Pakistan’s image by strengthening democracy and its economic institutions.

While concluding the debate on foreign policy, Aziz said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s government has adopted a clear, balanced and independent approach. He said no other country is dictating Pakistan’s foreign policy and the government has adopted the policy of ‘no favourites’ and ‘non-interference’.

With an effective National Internal Security Policy, the defence and foreign policies can also be strengthened because these are interlinked, he explained. Pointing at the regional situation that he termed critical, he said, “Pakistan is becoming the melting pot of several external fault lines.”

IP gas pipeline project

“Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project is still under consideration,” the adviser told the National Assembly, responding to concerns raised by parliamentarians during the session.

PPP’s Imran Laghari and Shazia Marri had earlier alleged that the pipeline was shelved at the behest of Saudi Arabia as it hosted PM Nawaz as a state guest for over 10 years during Musharraf’s regime. Why has no amount for the project been allocated in the budget? they asked.

But Aziz addressed the criticism head-on. “The previous government did not consider the time factor and set a short time for the project that is not possible in three years.” However, the adviser added, “We will consider all these aspects of the deal.”

There is an issue of sanctions but it could have not affected the project if Iran and Pakistan had sufficient resources. “But when we have to seek financial assistance internationally then the sanctions are a problem,” he explained the project’s complexity.

Regional politics

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit Iran on the invitation of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, but before that meeting, an economic cooperation forum will also be held.

To a question on India, he said the way is being paved for composite dialogue through working groups and back-channel diplomacy. “India is not being given one sided relaxation in trade and we shall fully safeguard our interests.”

About the United States, he said Islamabad has made Washington believe that its previous policy had not favoured Pakistan. “Pakistan should not be seen through Afghanistan’s lens. During their previous policy, the US had ignored Pakistan’s internal security challenges. Therefore, internal security will also be a component of the strategic partnership with the US.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2014.