News Analysis |
Prime Minister Imran Khan has reaffirmed on Friday that there will be no compromise on the national interests of Pakistan. The PM was chairing a meeting at the Foreign Office to give broad policy lines to the ministry in order to frame the foreign policy. During the meeting, the PM directed that performance of Pakistani missions abroad should be improved.
“A positive image of Pakistan should be promoted on a global level,” the premier urged during the meeting which was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and other officials. During the meeting which lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua briefed the attendees on Pakistan’s stance on regional and foreign issues.
Pakistan remained unable to present its image as powerful or peaceful before the international community. India, on the other hand, has successfully created an image of emerging soft-power
PM Khan has his own understanding of the issues and developments and he is likely to re-frame broad policies lines in order to make it more effective and give Pakistan a role of leadership. PM Khan is expected to deal with India and ensure that the bilateral relations are built on an equal basis and Pakistan has not to suffer in any way. Most importantly, with regard to Iran-Saudi Arabia rivalry, PM Khan has categorically stated that the role of Pakistan will be of mediator, “Pakistan will not take a side rather we will help the involved states to sort out their issues amicably,” he said.
Imran-Pompeo phone call
Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday rejected a statement by the US State Department on a phone call between PM Imran and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. “Pakistan takes exception to the factually incorrect statement issued by US State Dept. on today’s phone call between PM Imran and Sec Pompeo. There was no mention at all in the conversation about terrorists operating in Pakistan,” FO Spokesperson Dr. Faisal tweeted.
Read more: State Department stands by original readout of phone call between Pompeo…
He also asked the US to “immediately correct” the statement. A readout issued by the US State Department after the phone call had said: “Secretary Pompeo spoke today with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and wished him success. Secretary Pompeo expressed his willingness to work with the new government towards a productive bilateral relationship. Secretary Pompeo raised the importance of Pakistan taking decisive action against all terrorists operating in Pakistan and its vital role in promoting the Afghan peace process.”
PM Khan has always been vocal to differ with a popular expression on media regarding the war on terror. He is very clear about the sacrifices Pakistan has given and policies it has made so far to counter terrorism and extremism.
Pakistani Journalist Hamid Mir has said that this is Naya Pakistan and the United States needs to be reminded that you can’t dictate us now. PM Khan is known for his bold and independent decision and there is no denying of the fact that unlike his predecessors, he is not going to remain silent or unassertive whenever his country’s interests are not safe.
Image of Pakistan
Pakistan remained unable to present its image as powerful or peaceful before the international community. India, on the other hand, has successfully created an image of emerging soft-power. Analysts in Pakistan argue that India has used Bollywood and its writers smartly to create its positive image. Pakistan which has been a victim of terrorism is blamed for the mess created by other states or non-state actors within and outside Pakistan.
Read more: Imran Khan: Pakistan’s Jack Kennedy
There have been no effective measures taken by Pakistan’s foreign office or any premiers in the country to deal with the image of the country and its people at international level. PM Khan has always been vocal to differ with a popular expression on media regarding the war on terror. He is very clear about the sacrifices Pakistan has given and policies it has made so far to counter terrorism and extremism. PM Khan is likely to address the General Assembly of the United Nations in the next month. He is expected to give a positive message from Pakistan.