Myth and reality of independent foreign policy

Col (r) Ikram Ullah Khan

An enterprising foreign policy requires a diplomatic mind and ability to get ahead of problems rather than get entangled in them and also to help promote national interest in the best possible manner.

In international relations, a great deal has to do with pragmatism rather than emotionalism. It has more to do with head and less to do with heart; and those who fail to fathom this fundamental dictum, falter in their dealing with other nations.

After having been shown the door prematurely through a vote of no-confidence, Imran Khan overwhelmed by emotions and rightly so, has jumped into the fray with foreign conspiracy theory narrative which seems to elicit a massive public response to begin with. He appears quite successful in galvanizing the impulsive masses. It’s quite intriguing to see him building a narrative that he is being targeted for pursuing an independent foreign policy and he sounds pretty convinced that he has been punished for the famous but fateful expression he uttered “Absolutely Not”.

Yes, every patriotic Pakistani with even a modicum of honour in him would say what Khan has said. But then one has to secure the requisite sinew first in order to repulse the expected backlash. Before inviting a wrestler for a duel you have got to build your muscles first, or else be prepared to get knocked out by your formidable opponent, and this is exactly what happened with our Khan. One needs to appreciate that challenging an opponent with an invincible strength always poses problems and Khan as usual erred in making a correct appreciation in this regard.

With your right hand beating the drum of an independent foreign policy while holding a huge begging bowl in your left hand, it sounds a bit inharmonious to assert an independent foreign policy. When you talk of such policy while addressing a charged crowd with conspiracy theory occupying their minds, it is pretty understandable and comes quite hypnotizing to the patriotic audience.

Ideally speaking, nothing could be more desirable than to have an independent foreign policy but mere high-sounding assertions bereft of substance and matching strength to translate them into action are not sufficient to make a country pursue an independent foreign policy unless you bring it to a position that makes it economically strong, militarily invincible, nationally united and secures a position to stand on its feet without crutches. It would be a lunatic’s dream to pursue an independent foreign policy until the country is taken out of the list of borrowers and placed in the category of lenders, to say the least; and for that to happen, you need to take measures that could help break the begging bowl, attain self-reliance and shed economic dependence on others.

Those who plead the case of an independent foreign policy need to see global situation prevailing around, come to grips with reality on ground and devise their diplomatic strategy accordingly. Impulsive political rhetoric may well appeal to emotional elements constituting Khan’s die-hard supporters who have a blind faith in him and are profuse in their praises for his courageous stance taken against a superpower and for challenging the Pharaoh of the time. But the stark reality is that it was diplomatically indiscreet on the part of the Chief Executive of a country to take a superpower head-on. Reservations and objections could be conveyed tactfully with due observance of diplomatic niceties specially when dealing with a super power that has the backing of its mighty allies who stand united behind it specially when it comes to dealing with a Muslim country like Pakistan.

While establishing relations with other countries, particularly Western countries, there is a need to evince a high degree of diplomatic skill, sagacity and pragmatism in order to save the country from the potential harm at the hands of those who have the power and strength to influence the world economic managers. We should bear in mind that antagonizing the US and European Union when they happen to be our great trade partners is not in the interest of Pakistan as it may be harmful on many counts. Moreover, Pakistan is still struggling to come out of the grey list of FATF and without a green signal from the US it’s well-neigh impossible to succeed; and this is a fact whether we like it or not. We need to understand that despite meeting all the conditionalities of FATF, Pakistan continues to find itself in the grey list simply because the US doesn’t want Pakistan to be out of the woods. Besides, the US wields influence over the international lending agencies like IMF and the World Bank to stop extending financial support in the form of loans and financial aid to Pakistan. These are some of the harsh realities which we can’t shut our eyes to.

Lastly, the policy of peaceful co-existence should make the cornerstone of our foreign policy and unnecessary indulgence in brinkmanship should be avoided. Whoever is put in the saddle must keep in mind the guiding principles and foreign policy objectives as given by the father of the nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and also as laid down in the constitution.

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in a broadcast talk to the people of the USA in February 1948, outlined the following objectives of Pakistan’s foreign policy:
“Our foreign policy is based on friendliness and goodwill towards all the nations of the world. We do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the principle of honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world. “

The constitution of Pakistan also lays down guidelines for the conduct of foreign policy of the country. Article 40 of the constitution provides that:
“The State shall endeavour to promote international peace and security, foster goodwill and friendly relations among all nations and encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means.”

So, while pursuing an independent foreign policy we must make the above-quoted objectives and principles our guide in order to steer the country out of the diplomatic quagmire it finds itself sunk deep in at the moment.