Pakistan Foreign Policy Change: Right Decision

Talking to the media and also in his address at a seminar in Islamabad, Minister of Defense Khawaja Asif said that the region is facing the consequences of America’s erroneous policies; he also said that Russia and China have roles to play. The minister said that world unrest has become more pronounced with only one world superpower in existence, and the world is in need of balance. He also pointed out that we should seek answers to the region’s problems within the region itself, instead of having them brought from across the ocean.

Before the U.S. became the sole superpower, a balance existed at the international level of power. When Russia was defeated in Afghanistan with Pakistan’s cooperation, the U.S. secured a monopoly at the international level, and sought to bring the whole world under its influence. For this purpose, the policy of carrot or stick was employed — whichever seemed more efficacious under the circumstances. America changed governments, using open war at certain places and cold war at others.

Following the creation of Pakistan, the Pakistani prime minister rejected Russia’s invitation to visit Russia, choosing to visit the U.S. instead. Stung by this, Russia became a supporter of India, and played a part in all its endeavors for damaging Pakistan, so much so, that it freely aided India even in breaking Pakistan up into two pieces. Following its defeat in Afghanistan, Russia could have proven far more dangerous for Pakistan, but the fragmentation it suffered made it incapable of fending even for itself.

The Russian economy is now regaining its strength. China, too, is not second to any country in the economic field. Why should we choose to be victims of the ill effects of unsound U.S. foreign policies? If Minister of Defense Khawaja Asif believes that we can find a solution to our problems within the region, then, why should we look for it 18,000 miles away, across the ocean?

Pakistan already has enviable relations with China, as is known to the whole world. Progress is also now being made in building relations with Russia; in the course of the Russian minister of defense’s visit to Pakistan last week, agreements were reached for Pakistan to purchase arms from Russia. If we can improve relations with Russia without hurting our relations with the United States, we will not create any cause for complaint against us.

Judging from Khawaja Asif’s statement, it seems that Pakistan has decided to bring changes in its foreign policy. This is the right decision, and if followed through, it will undoubtedly lead to a balance of power in the region.