Omer Jaffar
Foreign policy refers to the actions and strategies designed and implemented strategically by a country in order to achieve its national interests to manage relationships with other states. There have always been certain tools that align foreign policy which include a sound economic foundation, diplomacy, and strategic force. Foreign policy has become one of the most debated topics in Pakistan today. The former Prime Minister, Mr.Imran Khan, has time and time again repeated how he has made concrete efforts for Pakistan to have an independent foreign policy. This essentially means that Pakistan is a friendly country for everyone and an enemy to none. It does not want to pick sides or be part of any bloc when it comes to the struggle for power between the world’s superpowers. The Ex-Prime Minister insists that it is about time Pakistan does what is best for itself and stops fighting wars that are not in its interest. He has also reiterated that making efforts for an independent foreign policy is the sole reason his government was ousted by foreign powers. The powers Mr.Khan mentions are said to be in disagreement with the Ex-premier’s move to lay foundation for complete independent foreign policy. There is no doubt that the cold war seems to be resurging in the 21st century although with little intensity. The United States and Russia have once again locked horns in Ukraine and it is no surprise that Pakistan has found itself in the middle of it. Pakistan must realise that formalising an independent foreign policy will be indeed a revolutionary step for the country, but there are certain prerequisites that are essential to guarantee its success. These consist of primarily having a self-sustaining economy and great military strength. The question is whether Pakistan has what it takes to adopt and sustain an independent policy? Sadly, the answer is no. Policy makers and people at the helm of affairs must realise that Pakistan is a developing country with a very weak economy and we are dependent on international institutions for bail out packages every now and then. Furthermore, we also rely on countries that we have hostile relations with at the moment for trade especially United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union that are among our major export markets. Similarly, we heavily rely on the imports that come from these countries as our production and manufacturing industry is in shambles. We further need to realise that the military might that Pakistan enjoys in the form of nuclear arsenal and a battle hardened professional military is not enough for a sustaining an independent foreign policy. Pakistan needs to analyse very carefully and must weigh up its options wisely. The only long term solution is to improve its economy and continue enhancing its military capability to adopt a complete independent foreign policy.
