Pakistan is benefitting from its new outreach
Pakistan, keeping in view its geostrategic position and econo-political conditions in present times, needs to enhance its bilateral relations with other countries. The association with some nations has been historically harmonious, however, with some it has been more of a roller coaster ride with a fair deal of ups and downs. Relations with China fall in the first category.
In the last fifty-five years, Pakistan and China have developed exemplary cordial and cooperative relations. In order to sustain a comprehensive and cooperative relationship, substantive economic cooperation, in addition to political and strategic cooperation, is absolutely necessary. Enhanced economic cooperation not only completes the comprehensiveness of bilateral relations but also helps in achieving peace development and stability in the region.
In the last few years, through frequent interaction between the leaderships, the two sides have been able to determine a vision for the direction of their bilateral economic relations. Pakistan-China economic relations at present can be termed as evolving and getting stronger day by day. Bilateral trade is surging, investment is increasing, and the number of development projects and joint ventures is also on the rise. In the past, China has made valuable contributions to Pakistan’s economic development, particularly the development of infrastructure and setting up of basic industries.
It was after Pakistan’s antiterrorism role was fully acknowledged by the international community that Pakistan and Russia began to find common ground for engagement
Some mentionable projects are the development of Gwadar deep seaport, upgrading of Karakorum Highway, Thar Coal Mining, upgrading of Pakistan Railways, and Power Generation Projects — both nuclear and non-nuclear. Besides this, the two sides have signed a large number of agreements on economic cooperation. Both are also emphasising expansion of the role and engagement between their private sectors, with the patronage of the respective states, in undertaking initiatives on economic cooperation. From this perspective, Chinese support for Pakistan in the economic sphere is “integral to Pakistan’s development.”
Relations with Russia are of the second variety, where the past has been rather shaky due to both countries being in different blocks during the cold war. Despite the history, Russia has placed a new diplomatic and strategic focus on South Asia, and thus on Pakistan, in recent years. Thus it can be seen that Pakistan-Russia relations are undergoing a process of normalisation.
Pakistan seems to be more enthusiastic in improving relations with Russia as there are solid reasons for it to grow in the future. Among them is the changing geostrategic landscape of this region that provides the rationale for Russia to improve its relations with large and medium-sized powers. For Russia, the benefits of improving bilateral relations with Pakistan are well defined, especially in the context of a regional framework for antiterrorism cooperation as well as Pakistan’s interest in buying Russian weapons systems and expanding economic interaction.
Pakistan also stands to gain in terms of having alternative options for its security needs, technology transfer in the scientific and research fields, access to the Russian market for its exports, and strengthening relations with its Central Asian neighbours — which are difficult to develop beyond a certain level without having improved relations with Russia first.
The mistrust and suspicion of each other continued to exist until Pakistan, following the events of 9/11, pragmatically changed its policy on Afghanistan by denouncing its support of the Taliban. Pakistan, post 9/11, emerged as a crucial member of the international coalition formed by the US against terrorism. Whatever success the antiterrorism coalition has achieved in Afghanistan to dismantle the Taliban regime and destroy the al Qaeda network would have not been possible without the active support and help of Pakistan.
It was after Pakistan’s antiterrorism role was fully acknowledged by the international community that Pakistan and Russia began to find common ground for engagement. The other factor that encouraged improvement in Pak-Russia relations was the beginning of a Pak-India composite dialogue process. To some extent, evolving Indo-US strategic partnership has also influenced setting in of the process of normalisation of relations between Pakistan and Russia.
Another country falling in the category of maintaining harmonious relations is Turkey. When some of the close allies of yesteryears almost abandoned Pakistan, Turkey persistently stood by it — always extending a helping hand, ranging from disaster management to economic revival. The two countries have also been aiming to strengthen and harmonise their geo-strategic objectives related to Afghanistan.
The perspectives of the Turkey and Pakistan are marked by a common outlook and shared objectives. The federal government is trying to re-rail the economy, it has embarked on an ambitious socio-economic and infrastructure development agenda and various steps are being taken to attract both domestic and foreign investment in Pakistan.
Since 9/11, Turkey has played a unique constructive role in the context of Afghanistan. It is the only Muslim country whose military contingent is part of NATO forces stationed there. Turkey has been part of efforts to find a durable solution to the Afghanistan issue. Moreover, whenever tensions arise between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Turkey takes upon itself to narrow down the differences and restore working relationship between the two.
Beside Afghanistan, Turkey has an abiding interest in Central Asia, which is overwhelmingly Turkic in demographic composition
Beside Afghanistan, Turkey has an abiding interest in Central Asia, which is overwhelmingly Turkic in demographic composition. Pakistan and Turkey could work jointly for their outreach endeavours in Central Asia. As drawdown of occupation forces from Afghanistan is in progress, Pakistan must coordinate more closely with Turkey, and both of them with Iran and other immediate neighbours of Afghanistan, to achieve the common goal of a free, prosperous and stable Afghanistan. Pakistan is looking for international support for forging political consensus inside Afghanistan to prevent post 2014 spillover into Pakistan.
Turkey has already been working with the Punjab government. Prominent examples of Turkish investments include the Lahore Metro Bus Service and the Lahore Waste Management Company. Besides these, Turkey is also cooperating in different energy projects. Turkey’s collaboration in low-cost housing schemes, at a time when demand for this category of houses is on rise, would be of great significance. Another area selected for collaboration is the banking sector. Collaboration in banking sector would be catalytic in providing a facilitating environment for trade and connectivity services. Exchange of delegations to gain experience is another agreement which is drawing appreciation from the academia.
Friendship with the Turkish people is part of the legacy inherited from our forefathers. As two pillars of strength, Pakistan and Turkey stand united in the joint endeavour to promote peace and stability in the region. This visit by the Turkish premier and the message sent out during it is one that deserves great appreciation. Mr and Mrs Erdogan are known for their deep love and affection for people of Pakistan as demonstrated during earthquakes and floods. There is no doubt that sky is the limit as far as cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey is concerned. Already bound by deep cultural, historical and linguistic ties, the visit marked transformation of bilateral relationship to a comprehensive and enduring strategic partnership.
Keeping in view the relations that are evolving into much deeper and rewarding associations that would help the country, one can easily assess the significance of the regional countries. Pakistan has had good relations with both China and Turkey that now need to be further enhanced. Whereas, correcting the mistrust in relations with Russia to form a more meaningful bilateral relationship becomes the requirement of the new era.
