A historic opportunity for Pakistan

Of bringing Iran and Saudi Arabia closer

Pakistan has worked hard to cultivate friendly relations with all the Gulf countries irrespective of their political systems or sectarian orientations. Muslims in Pakistan belong to different denominations and have lived peacefully with one another since the creation of the country. Despite Islamabad’s close relations with Shah of Iran, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto convened the Islamic Conference where all the prominent Arab leaders, including King Faisal, were present.

Pakistan’s role under the circumstances should be that of a mediator between Saudi Arabia and Iran rather than a partisan. Recent changes in the Iranian policies indicate a heightened sensitivity to the world opinion. Saudi Arabia on the other hand is feeling that it has been let down by the United States particularly, and the West. This provides Pakistan with an opportunity to bring Saudi Arabia and Iran closer by acting as an honest broker and thus playing a historic role in the Gulf which badly needs conciliation. The occasion poses a challenge to Nawaz Sharif, who is in a position to play the role. It is heartening that relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have again warmed up after passing through a brief cooling off under the previous government. The Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud is coming to Pakistan next week on a three-day official visit. Last month the Saudi foreign minister was in Islamabad. And this was followed by a 17-member Saudi defence delegation on a three-day exploratory trip to Pakistan for identifying areas of cooperation. Pakistan should willingly fulfill the defence needs of the Kingdom while avoiding to get involved in security operations aimed at suppressing dissent anywhere in the Gulf. It needs to be remembered that the use of security personnel of Pakistani origin and background in Bahrain during the Arab Spring did not bring a good name to the country.

Has the prime minister handed over to the general the tasks that lie exclusively within the scope of the foreign office?

The COAS, Gen Raheel Sharif is on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia. He is best suited to discuss with the Saudi government its military needs. It is, however, surprising that reports tell of his meeting not only with military officials but also government leaders to discuss the ‘entire gamut of ties’ with Saudi Arabia. Has the prime minister handed over to the general the tasks that lie exclusively within the scope of the foreign office? To strengthen democracy, there is a need to ensure that institutions and government departments strictly operate within their constitutional scope.