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World Affairs
Pakistan In a Changing World
Interview with Abdul Sattar, Pakistan's Foreign Minister
While underlining Pakistan's firm commitment "to the principles and purposes of the United Nations," Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Abdul Sattar, stresses that Pakistan’s foreign policies have not changed since they are "rooted in state interests and foreign policy does not change with the change of government."
World Affairs (WA): What is the broad framework of Pakistan's foreign policy since the end of the Cold War? Could you give us briefly the principles and fundamental goals that determine its formulation?
Abdul Sattar (AS): Pakistan’s history, ideology, geography and the ethos of its people determine the contours of our foreign policy and define its role in the region as well as among the comity of nations. Peace and development for the welfare of our people are our supreme objectives.
Observance of universally recognised principles embedded in the UN Charter is the key to good-neighbourly cooperation. Outstanding disputes should be resolved peacefully on the basis of justice and international law. Use of intimidation and force cannot conduce to mutual goodwill.
WA: : Since continuity and change characterise the foreign policy of all nations, could you tell us what are the changes introduced in the foreign policy of Pakistan since the establishment of General Pervez Musharraf’s government?
AS: : Rooted in state interests, foreign policy does not change with change of government. We have emphasised the need for resolution of disputes, restraint and responsibility on nuclear issues, promotion of cooperation with China and countries of the Gulf Region and the Middle East. We strive to strengthen peace and stability at the regional and global levels, upholding the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference, mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and amicable settlement of disputes. Pakistan has always espoused the cause of fairplay and justice in international relations. The foreign policy of the present government follows a dynamic course and is responsive to rapid global changes.
WA: Have the North-South configuration and non-alignment, prevalent during the Cold War, lost much of their relevance in the post-Cold War setting? In your opinion, do they need to be redefined in the new context?
AS: Undoubtedly, the lapse of the Cold War requires adjustment to the transformed situation but the basic goals of peace and development remain immutable.
The post-Cold War world is characterised by interdependence and globalisation. This, however, has not led to a just and equitable global order. Conflicts, disparities and discrimination continue to afflict international relations.
The Non-Aligned Movement has to continue to promote peace and economic development among nations. It must seek to remove the inequities in the international economic environment, in particular the adverse consequences of globalisation on the South. The concerns of the developing countries must be addressed in a manner that maximises the benefits of globalisation for the Third World.
Pakistan desires to see NAM continue to play an effective role in all international fora.
WA:: What is Pakistan’s role in the United Nations System? Are there any specific issues on which your Government is focusing on at the United Nations
AS: Pakistan remains firmly committed to the principles and purposes of the United Nations and has fulfilled its obligations under the Charter, including adherence to all UN resolutions. We have actively participated and contributed to the collective efforts of the United Nations to strengthen peace and stability and foster economic development and progress. We have been one of the significant contributors to UN peace-keeping operations.
The central issues for Pakistan at the United Nations are the same as circumscribed by the Millennium Summit themes of peace and development. Peace will require resolution of disputes. In the context of South Asia, it is the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute that is the root cause of tension in the region. We accept this international assessment and work for the solution of the issue consistent with the Security Council resolutions and respect for the Kashmiri right to self-determination.
In the economic and social sector, we have been consistently highlighting the need for strategies to strengthen developing economies with sustained growth and greater UN role to address the iniquitous international economic situation, the negative effects of globalisation as well as the issue of debt and deficit for the low and middle income developing countries.
WA:What is Pakistan’s attitude to the peace process in the Middle East?
AS:Pakistan-US relations are longstanding and multifaceted in character. Despite ups and downs, the relationship has shown resilience, based as it is on mutual respect and sovereign equality and shared values and interests. The US is our largest trading partner and a major investor. We share the values of democracy, freedom, justice and human rights and are cooperating on several important issues such as nuclear non-proliferation, regional security, and terrorism.
The Clinton Administration paid special attention to the region of South Asia, which we view in a positive manner. We feel that, as the sole superpower in the post-Cold War era, the United States has a responsibility to play a greater role in the promotion of peace and security and economic development in the region. President Clinton was the first US president to visit Pakistan in more than thirty years. The visit provided an opportunity for interaction at the highest level and manifested US interest in remaining engaged with Pakistan. In the discussions, we agreed on the objective of preserving peace and stability in the region and reducing tensions by addressing issues which are germane to this tension.
We feel that a balanced and realistic US policy towards India and Pakistan will help promote peace and reconciliation between the two estranged neighbours. We are glad to note that the US agrees with our assessment that the non-resolution of the Kashmiri issue is at the core of tensions in the region. We hope that the US would use its influence with India to promote strategic balance, regional peace and security based on the principles of equity and justice.
In view of this, contrary to the assessment suggested in your question, I am confident that our bilateral relations will gain further on the basis of shared interests and objectives.
WA:What is the present status of Pakistan’s relations with China in the economic, political and military sectors?
AS: Pakistan’s relations with China are based on the common interests of the two countries in promoting peace, stability and development in the region. The two countries also have similar perceptions on most important international and regional issues and have therefore been extending political and diplomatic support to each other in international fora. Ours is an all-weather friendship which has continued to grow in strength and vitality despite changes in the international environment. This serves not only the interest of the two countries but also of the entire region.
Economic cooperation between us has progressed steadily over the years. China is one of our major trading partners and a growing source of investment. Besides, a large number of Chinese corporations are involved in various projects of infrastructure development in Pakistan.
Similarly, the armed forces of the two countries enjoy excellent relations and have developed a mutually beneficial close cooperation through regular exchanges and high level of interaction.
WA:Because of Pakistan’s security concerns, the international community tends to focus essentially on Sino-Pakistan military relations. Though we would like to have your views regarding the military dimension, and the extent to which Pakistan’s security concerns are met through relations with Beijing, could you also highlight some of the salient features of Sino-Pakistan economic relations
AS:The Pakistan-China relationship is an important factor for ensuring peace and stability in the region. Our multi-faceted cooperation extends to the defence area. It is not, however, directed against any third country.
The economic relations between Pakistan and China are expanding at a satisfactory pace but there is still a vast potential of varied and limitless opportunities for their further growth. We are constantly looking at the possibilities of adding more substance to our economic ties by enhancing the volume of trade, entering into joint ventures in various industrial sectors and encouraging the corporate sectors to quicken the pace of business activities.
WA: On Pakistan’s northwestern flank – Afghanistan, and Central Asia – much of the area appears to be in a state of turmoil. Is all this enhancing Pakistan’s security concerns? Do you think that this is an additional security concern that your government must take into account?
AS: Pakistan has friendly relations with all its neighbours to the northwest which include China, Afghanistan, and the Central Asian Republics. The continuing turmoil and tragedy in Afghanistan and the travail of its brotherly people is a source of grief and deep concern to Pakistan. Pakistan wants early restoration of peace in Afghanistan and has made concerted efforts towards this objective.
The Taliban government has, for the first time in the last twenty years, brought peace and rule of law to the areas under their control. Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan is totally peaceful. The conflict has been confined to northeast Afghanistan. We strive to prevent its spill-over into the adjoining countries.
The influx of additional refugees from the war-affected and drought stricken areas of Afghanistan will add a greater burden to Pakistan’s constrained economy. We are already burdened with almost two million Afghan refugees. With our limited resources we can ill-afford to look after more refugees. Pakistan is cooperating with all international efforts to promote durable peace in Afghanistan. We are fully supporting the UN’s latest peace initiative through the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative on Afghanistan.
WA: Geo-politically, historically, culturally, economically, etc, does Pakistan identify itself with South Asia, or does it consider that it has much greater identity with the Islamic world on its western flank?
AS: Located at the tri-junction of three important regions – South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia – Pakistan has diverse linkages with all these regions. It has historic and cultural ties with the Central Asian region, from where our ancestors came and ruled India. The imprint of South Asian culture is indelible in our lifestyle as, before partition, this entire area was under British rule. Indeed, the Middle East is from where Islam came and our ideological moorings can be traced back there as providing the natural basis for our close bonds with Islamic countries.
Being at the confluence of diverse regions, Pakistan’s culture and history is a colourful mix of homogeneity and heterogeneity blended together. This diversity of culture has given us strength and enrichment. It has also made us strategically important. Due to its unique placement, Pakistan seeks to carve out a role for itself forging close political, economic and cultural linkages with all the countries located in the three regions.
WA: How do you see the role of SAARC in regional economic cooperation of South Asia
AS: One of the objectives of SAARC, as envisaged in the Association’s Charter, is to promote active and mutually beneficial cooperation in the economic sphere. This is intended to promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of the region. The SAARC has the potential to achieve these goals provided all the member countries contribute towards creating an environment free of tension and conflicts in South Asia.
In the context of economic cooperation within SAARC, an important step was the signing of an agreement in 1993 on SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) which came into force in December 1995. Its objective was to provide and sustain mutual trade and economic cooperation through the exchange of tariff concessions.
Pakistan is committed to the promotion of economic collaboration in the region but this process should safeguard the interests of all member states. I would reiterate that full-scale economic cooperation cannot take place in an environment of tension and conflicts in the region.
WA:What is your Government’s view regarding the nuclearisation of South Asia?
AS: Pakistan did not want the region to go nuclear. For nearly 25 years, that is, since the nuclear test by India in 1974, we had initiated several proposals for keeping the region free of nuclear weapons. These are well-known even though these are now history. Now that the nuclearisation of South Asia is a reality we favour a policy of restraint and responsibility. Even in the absence of a positive response by India for mutual restraint, we have taken unilateral measures for avoidance of an arms race, nuclear or conventional, maintaining deterrence at the minimum level, risk reduction mechanism and non-induction of destabilising weapon systems, such as ABMs and SLMBs. Our nuclear capability is solely aimed at deterring any aggressive designs against Pakistan.
WA:Now that India and Pakistan have taken the nuclear option do you think that it has now become vital for the two countries to envisage the establishment of modalities to avoid any nuclear conflict
AS: Yes, reduction of nuclear dangers should command high priority. In a nuclear South Asia, it is not only important to avoid a nuclear conflict but any conflict between our two countries. All wars contain an inherent risk of escalation and therefore should be avoided. Our nuclear deterrence aims to prevent any aggression against Pakistan.
As for the establishment of modalities, both our countries owe it to the people of this region and to the international community to put in place mechanisms for the avoidance of conflict and reducing risks of accidental use of nuclear weapons. Our proposals for a strategic restraint regime are still on the table.
WA:Kashmir continues to haunt India-Pakistan relations. Keeping rhetoric aside, how do you think that this intractable issue, which has been with us for almost fifty years, can be resolved? Does your government have any new suggestions to get the two countries out of this deadlock situation?
AS: : We have made known our desire to hold talks with India to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Kashmir. A peaceful resolution of this dispute in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people is essential for the establishment of tension-free relations with India and the promotion of regional cooperation.
India’s continued military occupation of Kashmir and the brutal repression of the Kashmiri people continue to threaten peace and stability in South Asia. It is because of the Kashmir issue that the region has been militarised and nuclearised. As long as the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved, all efforts for peace and stability in the region will remain fruitless. At the Millennium Summit, we drew the attention of world leaders to the Kashmir issue and reiterated our offer of a dialogue with India at any level, at any time and anywhere.
Regrettably, India continues to reject the path of dialogue and rely on a military solution to the Kashmir dispute. This is a misguided approach. India’s policy of state terrorism can never succeed, as the Kashmiris have clearly shown to the whole world that they will not rest till they have achieved the right of self-determination.
WA: It is clear that Pakistan is concerned about its security vis-à-vis India. Has the Musharraf government given any clear thought to the issue? And does it have any concrete suggestions to make as to how this issue can be effectively addressed by the two countries?
AS: Pakistan is a peace-loving country. We are desirous of durable peace and security in South Asia. In fact it is in the interest of both countries to have tension-free bilateral relations. After the nuclear tests of 1998, the security situation in the region has changed. The maintenance of a credible nuclear deterrent is now an essential part of our security policy.
WA: Do you think third party mediation has become necessary to resolve some of the issues that separate India and Pakistan?
AS: : Pakistan wishes to resolve all outstanding issues with India peacefully. We prefer dialogue to confrontation. However, India has never engaged in meaningful talks with Pakistan to resolve bilateral issues. The only disputes which have been settled between the two countries are those in which a third party played the role of a mediator or facilitator. The two examples are the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 which was arrived at through the efforts of the World Bank and the Rann of Kutch dispute which was referred to arbitration after the mediation of the Commonwealth. Since then, none of the issues between the two sides have been resolved, because of India’s intransigence in bilateral talks and its opposition to other methods of peaceful settlement mentioned in Article 33 of the UN Charter.