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 down. Relations with China
fall in to the first category.
In the last fifty-five years, Pakistan and China have developed exemplary
cordial and cooperative relations in the political and defense fields.
Acknowledging the fact that in order to sustain a comprehensive cooperative
relationship, substantive economic cooperation, matching the level of political
and strategic cooperation, was absolutely necessary. Enhanced economic
cooperation would not only complete the comprehensiveness of bilateral relations
but also help in achieving peace development and stability in the region.
In the last few years, through frequent interaction between the leadership of
the two countries, 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 increasing. In the past, China
has made valuable contributions to Pakistan’s economic development, particularly
the development of infrastructure and setting up of basic industries.
Some of the projects between both countries are the development of the Gwadar
deep seaport, upgrading of Karakorum Highway, Thar Coal Mining, upgrading of
Pakistan Railways, and Power Generation Projects—both nuclear and nonnuclear—are
some examples of this expanding economic cooperation. Besides this, the two
sides have signed a large number of agreements on economic cooperation. Both
countries are emphasizing expansion of the role and engagement between the
private sectors of the two countries, 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 a tumultuous 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 normalization, which
presently is moving at a slow pace and will take some time to reach a stage when
the relationship can be termed completely normal.
Pakistan seems to be more enthusiastic in improving relations with Russia as
there are solid reasons for this relationship 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 the region’s 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 stands to gain by improving its relations with Russia in terms of
having alternative options such as, 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 neighbors—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 normalization 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 in Afghanistan. Turkey has been part of multiple 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. 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 to 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
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 Erdogan and Mrs Emine 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 become stronger by economic activity,
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
enhance. Whereas, correcting the mistrust in relations with Russia to form a
more meaningful bilateral relationship becomes the requirement of the new era.
It is only with help and harmony with other nations that Pakistan can emerge
from the challenges that it faces.