News Analysis |
Shah Mehmood Qureshi, vice President of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and current foreign minister, has urged the nation to stay united in order to create a conductive environment for economic growth and regional peace. He was briefing the National Assembly on the security situation in the wake of two attacks in North Waziristan and Balochistan that left 10 armed forces personnel martyred.
The briefing in this regard was sought by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif. Two days back, 10 soldiers embraced martyrdom and the whole nation mourned its martyred. It has been reported that the Army Chief has vowed to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan at all costs. In recent months, it has been the most destructive attack carried out by the terrorists.
During the meeting PM Khan dictated that performance of Pakistani missions abroad should be improved.
Moreover, Shah also said that there can be many differences among political parties on domestic matters but when it comes to national interest we all are on the same page. “We may have 100 differences of political nature but there is no difference in this nation on Pakistan’s borders, geography, ideology and defense,” Shah Mehmood Qureshi said.
He further highlighted the international expectations from Pakistan. In a globalized world where digital devices have reduced the distance and created a platform for sustained interaction, states are expected to be responsible. “The world expects Pakistan to reaffirm that we are one nation with one objective [and] we desire peace and stability because our own peace and stability is linked to Afghanistan’s peace and stability.”
Read more: FM at the UNGA: Shah Mahmood has a busy day ahead of speech
Pakistan’s current Foreign Policy
After being elected as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan visited the foreign office and chaired a meeting. During the meeting PM Khan dictated that performance of Pakistani missions abroad should be improved. “A positive image of Pakistan should be promoted on a global level,” the premier urged.
The briefing in this regard was sought by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif.
PM Khan has his own understanding of the issues and developments and he is likely to re-frame broad policy 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 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 a mediator, “Pakistan will not take sides rather we will help the involved states to sort out their issues amicably,” he stated.
Read more: Shah Mahmood to start a new era of cooperation with neighbors
Yesterday, while comparing the state of Pakistan’s current foreign relations with those during the previous government, he said that the administration of US President Donald Trump had in 2017 announced the South Asia strategy through which the onus of all hardships faced by Washington in Afghanistan was put on Pakistan. Security and economic assistance and even training programs for Pakistan were suspended by the US and there was a bipartisan agreement in the US Congress against the country, he said.
But there has been a “gradual change of thought” during the PTI government’s 11 months in power, with the US and its allies reaching a “convergence” with Prime Minister Imran that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict, Qureshi added.
PM Khan is expected to deal with India and ensure that the bilateral relations are built on equal basis and Pakistan has not to suffer in any way.
PPP offers unconditional support to PTI
Recently, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari made it clear that despite having severe disagreements with the ruling party, he offered unconditional support to the PM on the matters related to Pakistan’s foreign policy. “In the greater national interest everyone should support Pakistan’s efforts to engage the world. I, therefore, unconditionally support government’s efforts,” he said, adding: “Will always provide constructive criticism when needed but will always support.”
Read more: Shah Mehmood Qureshi set to be foreign minister once again
Having said that in the greater national interest everyone should support Pakistan’s efforts to engage the world. I therefor unconditionally support governments efforts. Will always provide constructive criticism when needed but will always support 🇵🇰 first. 2/2 #TrumpHostsKhan
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 23, 2019
It is worth noting that during the recent visit to the USA PM Khan emerged to be a successful statesman who changed the global narrative. He was able to bring in the issue of Kashmir and informed Americans not to base ties with us on aid or money but rather on trust and equality.
Read more: Shah Mehmood on Pak-US ties: Reimbursement and Taliban talks
He repeatedly maintained that Pakistan wanted respect and trust like a true friend. “We are not here to beg for money,” he asserted. PM Khan’s visit has been marked as one the most successful visit of any rulers to America in recent past. Khan set the tone and agenda of his choice which means that the Pakistani perspective have been validated at global level.