Not so smooth a ride this time around
Nawaz Sharif’s visit to New York in September 2013 was strikingly different from the ongoing one. With the initiation of a second season of democratic dispensation and Sharif enjoying majority in National Assembly, many expected him to rectify the civil-military balance thus assuming the central position in policymaking. He had a heavy agenda of engagements when he landed in New York. He had a meeting with the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to discuss the Pak-Iran pipeline. His meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led to an agreement to reduce the LoC tensions. Sharif also talked to the Wall Street Journal. Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul who was concurrently in New York was upbeat about Pak-Afghan ties after take over by Sharif. Secretary of State John Kerry met him with a message from Obama inviting him for talks a month later.
Perceptions have changed as a result of the events that began with the heightening of differences with the army and culminating in the march on Islamabad by the activists led by Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri, followed by a six-week long sit-in and much more in between. At one time sections of media in Pakistan expressed doubts about the survival of the government till practically the entire Parliament came to the Prime Minister’s rescue. The Western media meanwhile talked about a soft coup having taken place in Pakistan.
Sharif is not expected to meet any major US official this time other than Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary John Kerry. Nirendra Modi would meet the leaders of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal but his itinerary has been carefully crafted to ensure that he reaches New York a day after Sharif’s departure.
As usual Sharif’s address before the General Assembly is expected to focus on cooperation-based relationship with neighbouring countries. He is also expected to highlight the Kashmir issue. Many would pore over his speech to find any fine print that might betray possible concessions to the offstage players.
