In a recent conversation with NHS Media, Barrister Hamid Bishani shed light on the diplomatic isolation of Pakistan in the face of evolving regional dynamics, including the Arab world’s shifting alliances and Pakistan’s faltering foreign policy.
Key Points:
- Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation in a rapidly evolving regional landscape is a growing concern.
- Pakistan’s historical attempts to contribute to Gulf security were outsourced, damaging its international image.
- The shifting alliances in the region have left Pakistan facing accusations of playing a double game.
- The importance of mending diplomatic ties with neighboring countries cannot be overstated.
- The need for Pakistan to reassess its foreign policy, engage in regional alliances, and improve its education system is becoming increasingly evident to prevent further isolation.
Barrister Bishani began by pointing out the significant strides Israel has made in forging ties with Muslim and Arab nations, while Pakistan remained largely sidelined. The Arab world, traditionally seen as a leader in the Muslim community, held a different perspective. Pakistan’s claims of playing a substantial role in Arab affairs were not mirrored in Arab perceptions.
Highlighting a critical moment in history, Dr. Bishani recalled Pakistan’s offer to the United States and NATO in the 1950s and 1960s to resolve Gulf security issues by providing armed soldiers and training. Regrettably, this offer was outsourced, damaging Pakistan’s image, and siphoning funds into the hands of corrupt elites and leaders. This decision proved detrimental to Pakistan’s interests.
Barrister dismissed the notion that Pakistan’s contributions to the United States should have guaranteed unwavering support. He noted how even Hillary Clinton, in her final speeches, accused Pakistan of playing a double game, further eroding its standing.
Discussing Saudi Arabia’s evolving role, Barrister Bishani emphasized that the nation had become the wealthiest Islamic country in recent decades. Saudi Arabia’s leaders increasingly scrutinized how funds sent to other countries were utilized, pointing out a lack of clear evidence or substantial outcomes.
In contrast, Pakistan’s interactions with Saudi Arabia remained predominantly military-focused, failing to alter Saudi Arabia’s perception of the country. While Arab nations offered Pakistan opportunities, Pakistan chose a different path, one that negatively affected its position in the region.
Barrister Bishani emphasized the importance of Pakistan mending ties with India. Such a move could provide Pakistan with new opportunities and open up diplomatic avenues. However, Pakistan’s actions have pushed it toward deeper diplomatic isolation.
Bishani argued that Pakistan’s relevance in the face of the Israel-Palestine issue should be reevaluated. If other Muslim nations are forging ties with Israel while the Palestinian issue persists, Pakistan must recognize its relative importance in the global landscape.
Considering Saudi Arabia’s potential ties with Israel, Dr. Bishani urged Pakistan to be a part of these discussions rather than resorting to rivalry or blackmail. Failure to engage could lead Pakistan into unprecedented diplomatic isolation.
Bishani illustrated Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation through Prime Minister Anwar Ul Haq Kakar’s recent visit to the United States, where he received minimal importance and protocol. This isolation reflects Pakistan’s lack of a cohesive foreign policy.
Furthermore, Bishani lamented Pakistan’s education system, which lacks the capacity to teach and project diplomatic norms and values on the global stage. Pakistan’s leaders’ readiness to address international forums while stifling dissent at home exemplifies this paradox.
Pakistan’s current trajectory towards diplomatic isolation is a cause for concern. Bishani’s assessment highlights the urgent need for Pakistan to reassess its foreign policy, engage in regional alliances, and focus on improving its education system to regain its standing on the global stage. Failure to do so may result in further isolation and a deepening of its diplomatic crisis.
