Foreign Policy of Pakistan A Study in Light of the 2018 Manifestos of Pakistani Pakistani Political Parties1
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oreign policy is one of the most significant pillars of a state’s national life. It manages manages inter states relations and external affairs in pursuit of a country’s national interests. It is the first line of defence of a country. The functioning of foreign policy at level playing field is possible when a state possesses strong national, economic and security policies. At the same time, the foreign policy helps improving security environment and economic progress of the country. That is i s why foreign policy features prominently in election manifestos of political parties of Pakistan reflecting their promises to deal with sovereign states to achieve Pakistan’s national interests.
Movement (MQM), 6 and Awami National Party (ANP). 7 Salient points of manifestos of the above parties regarding various issues and their approaches are summarised below.
Election manifestos are traditionally issued by various political parties. They may possibly help in making a voter’s voter’s opinion to vote for certain political party but real significance of these documents lies in postelection scenario when the promises and ideals have to be put in practice.
There is consensus on pursuing economic growth and economic diplomacy. Importantly there is a stress to pursue an independent foreign policy. Whereas emphasis has also been laid on ratification of international treaties by the Parliament. The following highlights from various manifestos highlight these points:
Vision on the Foreign Policy, Structural Reforms and Approaches
There is a consensus to pursue core national interests: territorial integrity & sovereignty, socio-economic development, development, pursuing interests of Pakistanis, resolute defence and the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. Undertaking structural and integrated reforms of MOFA and Missions abroad for effective delivery of services also form an important part of the agenda.
This brief review analyses foreign policy approaches as presented in election manifestos of prominent political parties including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Tehreek-i-Insaf 2 (PTI), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), 3 Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), 4 Muttahida Majlis5 i-Amal (MMA), Muttahida Qaumi
PTI has identified four core national interests: territorial integrity & sovereignty, socio-economic development, the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, and protection of Pakistanis in Pakistan and abroad. On the same subject of core interests PPP has listed:
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This brief is p art of a larger study being conducted at IPS to understand the national mood in light of the approach of vario us Political Parties, participating in the elections 2018, on subjects of important issues r elated to the National Agenda.
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PTI has devoted Chapter 7 of Manifesto to foreign policy (p. 55-57)
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PPP has devoted one chapter (p.55-62) to foreign policy 4 PML-N has devoted one and a half page (p.62-63) to the foreign policy 5 MMA has discussed foreign policy issues on two pages (p.2 &6) 6 MQM has discussed foreign policy issues on two pages (p.17&22) 7 ANP has devoted two pages (26-27) to foreign policy
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“Securing our state and defending its sovereignty, pursuing the values values and interests of the the people people through diplomacy, and ensuring resolute defence and dedicated foreign policy” policy”. PPP envisioned Pakistan as a progressive, vibrant and enterprising country through its sovereignty, stability, security economic growth, peaceful coexistence and the role of geoeconomics. PML-N considers “foreign policy to further Pakistan’s ‘political, cultural, diplomatic and economic interests in the international community” community”. PML-N also pledged to ‘accord the highest priority to combatting combatting militancy and terrorism.’ MQM pledges to pursue ‘an independent foreign policy.’ MMA too vowed the formulation of an independent foreign policy seeking a respectful place for Pakistan in i n the comity of nations, and stresses on safeguarding Pakistan’s ideological and geographical boundaries, independence, independence, sovereignty, and fortifying Pakistan’s defence for combatting all sorts of external interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs. affairs. ANP highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s geo-strategic geo-strategic location and focused on its relations with neighbouring countries, tactics of ‘powerful countries eats to to exploit’ Pakistan’s neighbourhood, and thr eats Pakistan’s independence. ANP ANP maintained that it would adjust foreign policy to address threats, ‘to further the national interest in terms of economic and commercial progress,’ and ‘work for an independent foreign policy.’
exploited fully its geo-strategic location and external regional powers have exploited Pakistan’s geogeostrategic location for their advantage. advantage. Here are indications that have been drawn from various manifestos about their position regarding relations with neighbours: MMA did not name specific countries but pledged to develop friendly relations with all countries particularly neighbouring countries on the basis of equality, justice, peaceful coexistence and noninterference. There is no specific reference to Pakistan’s relations with China, Iran and Afghanistan in MQM’s manifesto but it it also vows ‘to ‘to promote close, friendly and honourable relations with the neighbouring countries.’ countries.’ PTI said that it would initiate new policies for conflict resolution and improving Pakistan’s relations with India & Afghanistan and expanding the existing strategic partnership with China. PPP too remarked that it would deepen Pakistan’s ‘economic and political engagement engagement with China,’ enhance strategic partnership and ‘cooperation in the fields of defence, diplomacy, trade and technology.’ technology.’ PML-N PML-N pledged to fortify ties with China by ensuring the success of CPEC projects. ANP stressed that the traditional close relations with China will be maintained and further developed. With reference to Afghanistan, PML-N visibly supports an ‘Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process’ process’ in Afghanistan to achieve peace, security and stability in Pakistan. PPP too pledged to develop relations on the basis of non-interference supporting only ‘Afghan-led peace process’ process’ to ‘stabilisation, reconciliation, and peace without favouring any group.’ PPP, PPP, while discussing about terrorist sanctuaries in eastern Afghanistan, stressed the need to develop ‘greater political, military and intelligence cooperation with Kabul’ to stem stem militant spill over, the regional emergence of Daesh, and drug and arms trafficking.’ The manifesto maintained that Pakistan needed to develop people to people contacts with Afghanistan in addition to engaging with Afghanistan by building Pak-Afghan Pak-Afghan Reconstruction Opportunity Zones and Special Economic Zones in violence affected regions.’ ANP while maintaining to develop ‘friendly and peaceful relations with neighbours’ mentioned ‘special attention to be paid to relations with Afghanistan’…‘on Afghanistan’…‘on the basis of sovereign equality and non-interference non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.’
On the structural issues, PTI pledged to carry out four reforms: A proactive and specialised Foreign Service & MOFA, establishment of an International Law Division in MOFA, linkage of External Publicity Wing with MOFA & Missions abroad, and establishment of a Policy Coordination Cell at the Prime Minister’s Office to coordinate inputs from key national stakeholders. PTI held that it would follow reciprocity, mutual interests and international norms to govern Pakistan’s relations at the bilateral and multilateral levels. PPP wished inject dynamism into foreign policy by crafting a new strategic framework, public diplomacy, diplomacy, integrated reforms of MOFA & Missions. PTI and MMA also vowed to give Parliament the authority to ratify all international treaties. Pakistan’s Relations with Nei ghbouring Countries
The parties are unanimous on improving relations with neighbouring countries based on equality, noninterference in each other’s internal affairs, and the resolution of conflicts through meaningful dialogue, people to people contacts, and more robust economic engagement. A specific remark given in PTI manifesto is worth mentioning here. It says Pakistan has not
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With India, PPP believes in normalising relations through meaningful and sustained dialogue in an atmosphere of mutual respect. PPP declared that it would focus on better relations with India on the basis of people to people contacts, easing of visa restrictions, energy and trade connectivity, and economic cooperation. cooperation. PML- N stressed on stabilising ‘relations with India through a sustained dialogue with the aim to resolving all differences.’ MQM too believes in the policy of peaceful coexistence, coexistence, ‘ believes encourages confidence building measures (CBMs) and dialogue process with India to provide peace, progress and prosperity’ in the region. Without going into much detail, ANP also pledged ‘to establish ‘peaceful, cooperative good neighbourly relations with India’.8
includes countering terrorism emanating from the US.
and
espionage
Reframing Pakistan’s relationship with the US on the basis of reciprocity, reciprocity, mutuality of interests, interests, respect, respect, on ‘a more enduring, balanced and clearly defined partnership, rooted in a shared understanding of national sovereignty’ sovereignty’ is the clear message given in PTI manifesto. PPP also envisages reviving strategic dialogue. It emphasizes in investing ‘in trade, not aid ’, and jump-starting jump-starting ‘proactive engagement with democratic actors in the Congress, American media, civil society, business and entrepreneurial segments.’ PML- N N promises to ‘build relations with the US on the basis of equality and mutuality of interests, specially, in promoting regional peace and security, economy, science, technology and innovation, and exchanges in the field of education.’ ANP says it ‘will strive for normalcy in the relations with t he US based on mutual interests and respect as independent and sovereign states. MMA brings the other dimension of the discourse in light when it pledges to dismantle all external networks of terrorism and espionage emanating from the US, Israel and India.
Relations with Russia, Eurasia & Central Asian Republics
Most political parties have consensus to expand cooperation with Russia, bring CPEC projects in line with Russia’s vision for a Eurasian Economic Union, forge closer relations with the Central Asian Republics, focus on connectivity projects, oil and gas pipelines, transmission transmission lines, and power power projects.
Pakistan’s Relations with the Middle East
PTI maintained that it would expand the emerging cooperation with Russia to take ‘advantage of a renewed Russian outreach outreach to Pakistan.’ PPP vowed vowed to encourage Moscow and Beijing to identify new nodes activities in line with that could help ‘bring CPEC activities Russia’s vision for a Eurasian Economic Union.’ Being a member of the SCO, Pakistan can leverage its pivotal location for forging closer economic and commercial ties and outreach energy market, it says. N also pledges ‘to develop develop relations PML- N relations with Russia on the successes achieved during 2013-18’ 2013-18’ and drawing the Central Asian region ‘closer by l aunching more connectivity projects ranging from oil and gas pipelines, transmission lines, and power projects.’ ANP pledges to pursue peaceful and cooperative relations with Russia and Central Asian Republics ce in based on ‘sovereign equality and non-interferen non-interference each other’s internal affairs.’
There is a broad consensus among political parties to strengthen relations with the Muslim World and that Pakistan must play its non-partisan role in intra-Gulf conflicts for building stability in the Middle East. The direction of this engagement is rooted in strengthening Islamic solidarity, peace and the common economic development and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah and to counter terrorism. ‘Pakistan must play the role of a bridge builder and honest broker amongst the states of the Gulf by adopting a non-partisan role in intra-Gulf intra-Gulf conflicts’, conflicts’, vowsPTI in its manifesto. PPP stresses to interact with the Middle East for building stability in the region and deepening and strengthening Pakistan’s relations with the Muslim world. PPP also pledges to strengthen ‘Islamic solidarity, peace and the common economic development, and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah’ ic terrorists including Daesh, Alto counter ‘Pan-Islam ‘Pan-Islamic Qaeda and their global affiliates,’ balance relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran, and continue diplomatic, economic and security cooperation with Saudi Arabia. PPP emphasizes emphasizes that it i t will remain engaged with Iran in its ‘emergence as a key regional player’ and its ‘growing stakes in multilateral initiatives.’ PML-N PML-N commits to ‘strengthen relations with the Muslim
Pakistan-US Relations
Most of the political parties emphasised to develop Pakistan-US relations on the basis of equality, mutuality of interests, reciprocity, respect, clearly defined partnerships, economic engagement and reviving working dialogue. MMA’s stance also
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A distinct as sessment of manifestos with respect to relations with India and the Kashmir issue gives a rather detailed accoun t of manifestos on this subject separately.
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Ummah, particularly the GCC countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, as well as Iran, Turkey and the Central Asian Republics.’ MMA pledges to strengthen relations with the Muslim Ummah and to establish an effective and strong Muslim bloc in addition to unwavering support to unanimous stance of the Muslim Ummah for the liberation and protection of Qibla e Awal. MMA also pledges that it will mobilise Pakistanis to thwart nefarious efforts of the US and Israel to change status of the Qibla e Awal. ANP states that ‘Pakistan shall play a leading and constructive role in the OIC’ and ‘special attention will attention will be paid by our missions ‘particularly in the Gulf countries and Saudi Arabia ‘where there are many Pakhtun workers.’
carried out a separate & detailed study on consensus and analysis of CPEC project in light of the manifestos.9 Pakistan’s Relations with East Asia, Latin America & Africa
While not covered in detail PTI, PPP, & PML-N manifestos show that they have unanimity of views to forge closer ties with East Asia Africa and Latin America. Recognizing the importance of East Asia, Latin America and Africa the manifesto of PTI pledges ‘to look more attentively towards East Asia’ and core states in Latin America and Africa. PPP commits to forge closer ties, and ‘carve out new openings for Pakistan’s partnerships’ partnerships’ with the Muslim countries in the regions of the Middle East and North Africa. PML N vows to ‘fully support the countries of the third world particularly countries of Africa and Latin America’. America’ .
Pakistan’s Relations with Europe
While not all the parties have addressed addressed Europe as one of the specific focuses, there is consensus to strengthen relations with Europe particularly with the European Union by forging a robust economic partnership, and cooperation in the fields of innovations, science & technology, trade and commerce in the manifestos of three most prominent parties.
The Kashmir Dispute
There is an absolute consensus among political parties to resolve the Kashmir dispute through sustained dialogue with India in accordance with the UNSC resolutions and as per wishes of the people of Kashmir.
Talking in general terms PTI pledges to sustain and increase Pakistan’s relations with the European Union. PPP also pledges also pledges to forge ‘a robust economic partnership with the European Union’ to ‘develop ‘mutually beneficial collaborative links’ in ‘economic, technological and cultural affairs.’ PMLPML N too vows to ‘strengthen relations with the United Kingdom as well as countries of the European Union, particularly in trade, trade, commerce, commerce, and education.’ education.’
PTI says it will prepare a blueprint for resolving the Kashmir Dispute within the parameters of UNSC resolutions. PPP resolves to seek help of the OIC in addressing crises in Kashmir and Palestine and ‘the support for self-determination of the Kashmiri people, together with Pakistan’s support for the issue of Palestine.’ PML-N PML-N envisages resolving the Kashmir Dispute ‘based on Pakistan’s principled policy of providing moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of IOK in their just and heroic struggle for self-determination, in accordance with the UN resolutions.’
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
CPEC has been widely covered in Manifestos of political parties as part of foreign policy or as a separate subject. The gist is that t hat political parties have acknowledged the importance of CPEC as gamechanger for Pakistan, its strategic partnership with China, and overarching role of CPEC as flagship project of BRI. Parties have welcomed CPEC project and emphasised to engage Pakistani people, experts and businessmen in agriculture, domestic manufacturing, joint ventures, value-addition to domestic commodities, and job opportunities for Pakistanis in CPEC projects. They have also underlined the need of transparency, clarity and unanimity of opinions and consensus in the implementation of CPEC projects. Keeping in view overwhelming strategic importance of CPEC, IPS has 9
MMA, emphasizing in some detail, maintains that Pakistan has observed a principled and unanimous stance on the Kashmir Dispute, which is the root cause of all other outstanding issues with India and without its resolution there is no chance of reconciliation with India. Therefore, it is imperative to prevail upon India in negotiations to acknowledge the disputed status of Jammu & Kashmir and accept the right to selfdetermination for the Kashmiris and their liberation from India in accordance with the UN resolutions. MMA also pledges that it will continue its full support
See, Pakistan China Relations and CPEC
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for freedom struggle of Muslims of Kashmir, Palestine and other Muslim minorities in the world. MQM wants to solve the Kashmir dispute through meaningful, sincere and honourable dialogue according to the wishes of Kashmiri people. ANP pledges ‘to solve the issue i ssue of Jammu and Kashmir and other outstanding issues through peaceful negotiations and dialogue.’
PTI says it will strengthen Pakistan’s embassies to provide emergency relief, create a virtual investment desk in key embassies, and provide consular and legal services to Pakistanis jailed abroad. Whereas PML-N vows to provide free legal assistance to Overseas Pakistanis in foreign jails and expedite prisoner agreements. While talking about reversing the brain drain, MQM says it will do it by encouraging overseas Pakistanis to return to Pakistan and provide them economic opportunities and posts. MMA talks about education for the overseas Pakistanis children in Pakistan, PML N also addresses the education issue by saying that it will provide educational opportunities through addition of Overseas Pakistanis Schools and admission in higher education institutions and strengthen community welfare.
Overseas Pakistanis
Most of the parties have pledged to give voting right and reserve seats in the Parliament, to Overseas Pakistanis, extend consular and legal services to Pakistanis in jails abroad through embassies, create better investment opportunities in i n Pakistan for them by providing special economic economic packages packages and and persuade persuade them to invest in Pakistan. PTI vows vows ‘to ensure voting rights for Overseas Pakistanis; MMA also says it will endeavour for the right of vote for overseas Pakistanis. Pakistanis. PML-N not only pledges giving them voting rights, also claims to reserve seats in both houses of Parliament for Overseas Pakistanis; MQM while also vowing for Pakistanis constitutional right to vote, pledges to repeal ban through constitutional amendment on Pakistanis with dual nationality to contest elections in Pakistan’.
Conclusion
It is quite heartening that manifestos of political parties contain broad consensus, similarity of views, and little divergence of opinions, on issues and facets related to the foreign policy. The concepts of structural reforms in MOFA and Missions, independent foreign policy, authority to be given to the Parliament to ratify all international treaties, broad consensus on CPEC, earnest desire to improve ties with the neighbouring countries, and importance of Pakistan’s relations with the US, Europe, Russia, the Central Asian Republics, the Middle East, and Africa and Latin America America give a promising promising hope not only to interact with sovereign states but also to resolve issues on the domestic front. On the basis of this emerging hope, we can expect that the government, to be formed after 2018 elections, will have chances of cooperating with the Parliament, civil bureaucracy and the institutions to craft a well-coordinated independent foreign policy and its implementation. We can also expect that such foreign policy will help meet opportunities emanating from the world and address challenges in a democratic and consensual way.
While PTI talks about creating attractive investment opportunities for them, PML- N says it will offer special currency bonds with returns higher than foreign commercial banks, form Pakistan Talent Bank to curb brain drain. MMA vows to increase exports and foreign investment through cooperation of the overseas Pakistanis by controlling corruption, through self-reliance self-reliance and no foreign loans. l oans. MMA’s manifesto also emphasizes about protection of their properties in Pakistan, security and welfare schemes for them, job and business opportunities on return and respect to be accorded to overseas Pakistanis on return to Pakistan.
Prepared by: Ambassador (r) Tajammul Altaf Senior Research Associate Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad.
For queries: Syed Nadeem Farhat, Senior Research Coordinator,
[email protected] | www.ips.org.pk
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