Category Archives: Foreign Policy of Pakistan

Will there be peace?

Foreign Policy of Pakistan, War and Peace

By Zubeida Mustafa
Source: Dawn

AS the prospects of peace in South Asia become brighter, one waits with bated breath to see the outcome of the recent initiatives in the region. There have been so many false dawns that it is difficult not to feel sceptical.

Didn’t we see the promise of peace emanating from Tashkent in 1966, Simla in 1972, Lahore in 1999 and Agra in 2001, which all came to nought? Each time we were told in a burst of euphoria that it was to be different on that occasion, only to find ourselves back to square one before long.
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How effective is the China card

Foreign Policy of Pakistan

By Zubeida Mustafa
Source: Dawn

THE euphoria generated by President Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Beijing earlier this month has glossed over some hard realities of international politics in South Asia.

The visit was described as “outstanding” and a “success” by the two sides. There was a lot of talk about the “all weather relationship” and their ties being as “high as the mountains and as deep as the oceans”.
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Enlightened moderation

Foreign Policy of Pakistan, Terrorism and Violence

By Zubeida Mustafa
Source: Dawn

IN his thought-provoking speech before the UN General Assembly, President Pervez Musharraf said that many Muslims believed that their religion was being demonized. At the same time the West perceived the Islamic world as volatile and the Muslims as fanatics and extremists. He called for “reflection, introspection and action” and proposed a strategy of “enlightened moderation”.
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A challenge for the envoys

Foreign Policy of Pakistan, War and Peace

By Zubeida Mustafa
Source: Dawn

AT the envoys’ conference in Islamabad last week, the president asked the ambassadors to project Pakistan as a pivotal state in South Asia. It is to be shown as being engaged in the task of shaping a tolerant society seeking peace with its neighbours and making strides in the economic sphere. Such a positive image would help Islamabad’s standing in foreign affairs and facilitate the achievement of its foreign policy goals and attracting foreign investment.
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