Navigating Pakistan’s National Interest: A Strategic Perspective

As a Pakistani, I believe that our nation has the potential to emerge as a beacon of stability, prosperity, and peace in a region fraught with challenges and conflicts. By prioritizing self-reliance, food security, environmental conservation, strategic alliances, defense capabilities, human capital development, and social welfare, Pakistan can chart a course toward a brighter future for its people and secure its rightful place in the community of nations – Author

• Self-Reliance: Prioritize indigenous capabilities across sectors to reduce dependence on external resources and negotiate from a position of strength in international affairs.
• Food Security: Invest in agricultural infrastructure and sustainable practices to ensure food security, mitigating social unrest and bolstering resilience against external pressures.
• Strategic Alliances: Navigate shifting geopolitical dynamics while safeguarding national interests through balanced partnerships and alliances, maximizing economic and security benefits.
• Defense and Sovereignty: Strengthen border security, intelligence capabilities, and diplomatic efforts to deter external threats and safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty against hybrid warfare tactics.
• Human Capital Development: Invest in education, healthcare, and social welfare to empower citizens, drive sustainable economic growth, and foster social cohesion, ensuring a prosperous future for Pakistan.

The concept of National interest has become very important and relevant especially in current complex power pole politics in terms of international relations because it provides the data and material upon which the foreign policy of any nation is defined and evolved. The national interest is a sovereign state’s set goals and ambitions such as social development, health, education, economy, military-industrial complex, national security, etc. that need to be considered by the government as ultimate targets. Elaborating national interest, a bit further, it refers to the claims, objectives, goals, demands, and interests that a nation always tries to preserve, protect, defend, and secure in relations with a comity of nations.

The five eye nations (Britain, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) have a common interest in dominating other nations together as a bloc. Alliances are built for that purpose. Britain has captured major choke points in nations like Gibraltar and others like Falkland and many island nations. The US has a basis in all around the world. Russia seeks its main interest in the region SCO Bricks and ECO with securing its border from NATO. The national interest of a nation is directly proportional to the size and stature of that country. A country with huge resources population and economic viability must stretch its interests because these ingredients dictate the country to stretch and flex its muscles.

The national interest may have multiple ingredients depending upon the nation’s contemporary governance and social status such as national security, defense, overall prosperity, and social well-being. The successful foreign policy is the reflection of all four above ingredients. While formulating foreign policy, all stakeholders, executing functions, and statesmen are guided by their respective national interests. It is the purpose of foreign policy to conduct foreign relations to achieve national interest to the maximum extent.

The national interests of Pakistan may be defined and evolved based on its existing contemporary challenges. The country has an obsolete governance system that is not functioning and hence the deliverance almost does not exist. Pakistan inherited governance problems since its creation due to multiple internal and external factors.

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These factors include wars with India, the Founding father’s demise just one year after its independence, shortage of funds, Cold War era bloc politics, delay in drafting the constitution, inadequate governance machinery, and political instability. The practical failures of all Pakistani governments to shape the effective good Governance model along with its key ingredients and absence of national interest definition as state policy, has resulted in the country in a directionless situation that is impacting negatively in terms of national security, economy, and foreign policy.

A few key areas that must be considered as the collective wisdom in terms of National Interest are:

Self-reliance:

Self-reliant nations can bargain well in terms of preserving national interests and foreign policy. Specifically, Self-reliant in defense and the military-industrial complex. Pakistan must develop a mixed blend of economic models that covers military hardware sales, tourism, agriculture, and regional connectivity projects for revenue generation. Pakistan has a strong military establishment and solid defense-related infrastructure along with an effective nuclear deterrence, so we must leverage this aspect for immediate commercial gains.

Food security:

For Pakistan, food security is a matter of national security as well. So, Pakistan needs to address food insecurity in both rural and urban areas via multi-sectoral intervention that should improve production, processing, transport, storage, and marketing. It also needs to make markets more accessible for both the producers and the consumers.

Develop local/rural-based facilities and infrastructure to prevent urban growth. It includes basic life necessities, job opportunities along basic health facilities.

Curb expansion of residential societies by required legislation. We have been observing the rapid spread of real estate businesses and uncontrolled residential societies. The land and real estate groups buy agricultural land at cheap prices and develop residential landmarks – this boosts the squeezing of the agriculture farm lands creating a huge gap in terms of national self-sufficiency in the food sector.

Encourage the agriculture sector with planning and Research & Development. Food-related agriculture can be improved by demonstrating at least three technologies e.g. Utilizing drone technology, calibration of spraying equipment, digitalization of pest monitoring and surveillance data, and remote sensing. Simultaneously applying international best practices to ensure safe and environmentally friendly management of locusts and other pests.

Encourage vertical farming in addition to modernizing the agriculture sector, etc.

Pakistan is experiencing the worst impact of climate change due to developed countries emitting greenhouse gases. It is good that Pakistan is raising this issue at the UN level, even then more emphasis needs to be put on by the Pakistan government to get a fruitful monitory outcome

Local Manufacturing:

Social compliance, quality, and security are the three key issues that arise when assessing the challenges of manufacturing in Pakistan. A lack of transparency is the biggest contributor to the social compliance challenge when sourcing from Pakistan. With a low number of labor inspectors to enforce safety rules and labor codes, the working conditions can often be difficult across small manufacturing workshops. Only factory audits conducted by international brands enable some level of enforcement of safety and labor codes. Regardless, Pakistan must develop conditions to nourish local manufacturing since this could be the backbone for national security and in terms of contributing to the economy.

Evolving Maritime Blue Navy & Blue Economy:

The naval doctrine Must cover the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. The dominion of interest for Pakistan is supposed to be beyond its extended Exclusive Economic Zone. This dominion of interest will further stretch when Pakistan-China joint naval forces collaborate in the coming future for CPEC security matters covering a considerable part of the Indian Ocean. For example, Pakistan maintains very close ties with Sri Lanka, it is imperative to keep Sri Lankans on her side while dealing with the Indian hegemony in the Indian Ocean. Since India has negative ambitions towards CPEC and our EEZ, Pakistan must try and encircle India from every side possible in IOR with Chinese support. In this regard, in addition to Gwadar port, Pakistan should start considering Jewani as an exclusive joint naval port with a Chinese navy presence hence controlling the choke points nearby and controlling rouge Indian and Irani elements.

Pakistan maintains close military ties with all Gulf States (GCC) like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain. The energy needs of Pakistan are strongly associated with these States via the Strait of Hormuz along with other economic stakes. Similarly, the holy cities of Mecca and Madinah are located near the shores of the Red Sea adjacent to Bab El Mandab. For Pakistan, the security of these two holy cities is the prime factor that dictates deeper defense ties with Saudi Arabia with a special emphasis on military presence if such a time were to come. Since this Red Sea area of Saudi Arabia is open to the Gulf of Aqaba and has an Israeli port Elat next to it, it becomes strategically important for both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, to keep in mind the previous Arab-Israel conflicts.

Pakistan must watch this small Gulf to counter any emerging challenge resulting from the Indo-Israel alliance which is certainly not in favor of Pakistan. Even the dominion of interest for Pakistan stretches up to the Mediterranean Sea for conducting naval exercises with the Turkish navy and other regional countries. In Pakistan’s 290,000 Sq. Km area of maritime influence, seafood is a precious resource where our fish production in the marine sector, extending up to 35 nautical miles from the coast, is nearly 70 percent while the remaining 30 percent is obtained from the inland sector. There is no reliable data on the quantum of fish resources beyond the 35 nautical miles limit in the EEZ which is routinely transgressed by fishing trawlers from other countries. Pakistan is losing precious economic opportunities due to the absence of reliable fishery data across its EEZ and extended shelf. The trespassers who are equipped with the latest technology for fish processing are taking huge benefits because of this capability gap.

Water security:

Water security is the lifeline for Pakistan due to all rivers coming from Indian-occupied territories. Pakistan is facing a water crisis, with a growing population and limited water resources. The country is estimated to have a water deficit of up to 40%. This has led to a lack of access to water for drinking and irrigation, resulting in food insecurity. The key way forward is, Integrating & investing in water management/Infrastructure, improving water efficiency & Water preservation techniques, and Recycle/reusing & Improving Water Quality:

World Pole politics, Pakistani diaspora vs SCO/BRICS:

Pakistan is in a challenging position when it comes to choosing between poles. From the date of its creation, Pakistan preferred to align with the Western bloc hence all commercial and defence-related interests are strongly pegged with Western countries (5 eye nations). As a result of this bond, millions of Pakistanis are residing in the western countries as diaspora. Pakistan’s major trade is pegged with Western countries and Pakistan is also enjoying GSP(+) status. On the other hand, due to the emergence of SCO and BRICS in the region, Pakistan has tilted towards the SCO and BRICS bloc. The strategic interests of 5 eye nations and NATO may not seem to be aligned with the sovereignty of Pakistan. The Western strategic interest is aligned with India and focused on the containment of China. Pakistan’s foreign policy is always influenced by Western-oriented thinking with strong interaction with NATO.

Many historical examples can be given like the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan but the incident after 9/11 and consequent events compelled Pakistan to rethink its global engagement as far as dealing with big powers is concerned. The opportunity came through the Gwadar Port and CPEC which opened the doors for another power axis that is China and Russia. Moreover, Pakistan became a full SCO member recently giving a clear indication to the Western bloc that Islamabad is responding to a strategic paradigm shift due to the consequence of the war on terror and unilateral expansionism. This club has been the potential center for regional geopolitics as well as economic wellbeing under OBOR where Pakistan has the key status due to its flagship, the CPEC project. This bloc has huge potential to extend CPEC scope into Central Asian States, the Caucasus, and deep into Russia. If Iran is added, it could involve the Caspian potential. The challenge is to benefit from such a power bloc in our economic well-being and geo-strategic gains for example the Kashmir issue.

The challenge here is how to maintain fair relations with NATO countries, especially the United States – this enormous challenge requires an aggressive foreign policy and a very well-motivated Foreign Office staff. The successful caliber in foreign policy terms is to keep relations with both blocs but have a predominant tilt towards the region. NATO and Western countries have a lesser economic stake in Pakistan rather than expansionism. On the other hand, China is there with its full economic agenda. The best practice will be to use the pros and cons of both rival blocs and use them in the best interests of Pakistan. Also, keep in mind that fair practices and stand-on principles will be the ultimate strength in the diplomacy world. This is an extremely challenging area and leadership wisdom is required to handle when the situation arrives because diaspora and reliance on Western trade could be used as a twisting mechanism from the Western bloc. This would be the time to identify national interest if Pakistan is forced to choose between the Eastern or Western bloc.

Curbing the foreign intervention:

Pakistan being in the Western bloc from its creation, unfortunately it has always been a soft target in terms of foreign intervention which is still present and even cultivating as time passes. The major 5 eye embassies and high commissions in Islamabad and consulates in major cities are actively involved in the unusual intervention, induction, and injection. These diplomats must respect the norms of international relations when it comes to diplomatic activities and duties. In this regard, the major responsibility goes to the government and its departments which are responsible for implementing order in regards to foreign missions.  Pakistan’s national interest is to curb extraordinary freedom given to such diplomatic missions and make them comply with rules and regulations.

Visa requirements for Afghan Refugees & other immigrants:

The time has come to put curbs on Afghan nationals and Afghan refugees who are mostly being used as a human resource, rather than human fodder for adverse activities against Pakistan. They are carrying out businesses in every big city and are grouped like small Mafias in every financial and residential district of Pakistan. They use the bribe culture to get away with their crimes and are abusing Pakistani Passports and National Identity Cards. Afghan nationals own considerable real estate in Pakistan and they are also engaged in smuggling and dollar manipulation. They have B-type currency exchange companies that are one of the main sources of dollar devaluation, as dollars are being smuggled to Afghanistan via these B-type Afghan exchange dealers. Pakistan decided to send illegal Afghan refugees back and enforced a strict visa regime around illegal presence in the country for all illegal foreign nationals. In this regard, no entry without a visa at the Afghan border has been has been fully reinforced. This is one of Pakistan’s core national interests to control and regulate the Pak-Afghan border to curb smuggling and other illegal activities.

Controlling Media:

Control Media is in the greater national interest. In normal practices, Media freedom Should be monitored via an effective regulatory authority yet in Pakistan, this freedom is sometimes noticed as going against the national interest of the Nation. In the Western world where freedom of speech is advertised, when it comes to core national interest, this freedom is curbed and no media outlet can go against the interest of the nation. Curbing the anti-state narrative on all forms of media, counter-narrative groups must be created to handle any anti-Pakistan trend on social media. No harmful trend should be allowed to be transmitted/spread a negative image under any external agenda. Moreover, Counter and keep a close eye on media anchors who may ignite the situation by frequently switching their versions. Please note that media groups and personnel are some of the key tools being used in such types of warfare.

A sharp awareness campaign must be initiated to let the Pakistani nation know about the lethalness of 5th generation warfare in which all forms of media play a key role. This is the warfare that was lately used for destroying Libya, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen along with some pieces taken from the Yugoslavian model. In this warfare, a multi-pronged approach is used to destabilize a country with help from various forms of media, igniting regional and internal disputes, utilizing internal overt and covert proxies like Baluchistan Liberation Army BLA), TTP (and religious sectarian groups, etc. Having said that, however, Pakistan is the only country that defeated the 5th Gen-warfare elements and developed effective IBO procedures in this regard.

The Concept of Good Governance:

A country without an effective governance mechanism, cannot progress, compete and grow in the comity of nations. Pakistan, unfortunately, is the victim of bad governance since its creation. In the context of Governance and Pakistan’s national interests, below three points below are elaborated to demonstrate the criticality and relation between governance and the national interest of Pakistan.

Good Governance:

A Universal Imperative: Whether in developed or underdeveloped nations, the principles of good governance, including the rule of law, are crucial for sustainable growth and societal well-being.

The Heartbeat of Prosperity:

Good governance fosters a culture of reform, accountability, and proactive decision-making, serving as the bedrock for a prosperous nation and a robust democracy.

Pakistan’s Path to Progress:

By prioritizing honest leadership, accountability, and effective governance structures, Pakistan can unlock its true potential and pave the way for a brighter future.

In a world marked by diverse political landscapes and varying levels of economic development, one thing remains constant: the significance of good governance in determining a nation’s prosperity. Regardless of whether a country including Pakistan, is considered developed or underdeveloped, the principles of good governance are indispensable for sustainable growth and well-being. Among these principles, the rule of law stands out as paramount.

Good governance is akin to the beating heart of a prosperous nation. It fosters a culture of reform, efficient implementation, proactive decision-making, just rewards for virtuous behavior, a consistent rhythm of progress, and unwavering accountability. In countries where the model of good governance thrives, its impact on economic and social development is undeniable. It not only cultivates healthy and vocal societies but also strengthens the foundations of democracy.

Embracing the timeless adage that “Honesty is the best policy,” our primary objective is to establish an actionable governance model tailored to meet the needs of the people of Pakistan. This model aims to ensure effective governance at every level of government, from the grassroots to the highest echelons. Its applicability extends to all government institutions, their functions, and relevant stakeholders, encompassing units ranging from tehsils and districts to divisions, provinces, and the entire nation.

Within this governance model, four distinct levels—Union Council/Town Committee, District Council/Metropolitan Corporation, Provincial, and Federal—form the framework for efficient governance. Irrespective of a country’s governance structure, it invariably operates on two key models: governance and deliverance. While the deliverance model obliges the government to provide citizens with necessities and guarantee constitutional rights, the governance model is indispensable to ensure the seamless delivery of these fundamental needs to every citizen’s doorstep. The structure of provincial and federal governments is meticulously defined in the constitution, but the same cannot be said for the union and district councils. This oversight urgently demands rectification. Without an efficient local government structure, the constitutional guarantees of necessities remain elusive for citizens.

The core of our governance model is depicted in Figure 1, comprising three essential domains: Leadership, Execution Pillars, and Enablers. Leadership characteristics vital to this model include leading from the front, inspiring and motivating, taking initiative, fostering collaboration, promoting alignment, and building trust.

Within the Execution Pillars, key functions include the presence of honest individuals with domain expertise, inspirational and motivational leadership that leads by example, unwavering commitment, inclusivity, a clear and shared vision, units and organizations guided by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and SMART goals, staunch measures to prevent system leaks (such as smuggling, power theft, and tax evasion), and the introduction of a reform-oriented culture across all vital functions, including Law & Justice, Civil Service, Police, and Correctional System.

In the Enabler domain, the cornerstone elements are honest individuals with subject expertise, government support, and a shared vision that unites all stakeholders.

In conclusion, good governance is not a luxury but a necessity for any nation striving for prosperity, whether developed or underdeveloped. It is the linchpin that ensures the efficient delivery of basic necessities and constitutional rights to every citizen. To achieve this, we must prioritize the establishment of a robust governance model, addressing gaps in local government structures, and fostering a culture of honesty, accountability, and reform at every level of governance. Only then can we unlock the true potential of our nation and pave the way for a brighter future.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

Pakistan is located in an area where major geo-strategic transformation is taking place rapidly due to many factors involving the US-India partnership in the Indian Ocean region (IOR), the new emerging SCO bloc, Chinese led OBOR project in which CPEC is the critical part and rapidly magnifying independence movements in India. Moreover, the ongoing rift between GCC nations is an addition to the regional complexity which has impacted heavily on the region’s inter-connectivity and foreign policy.

Due to these mentioned factors, it is clear that the region in which Pakistan is located will be subject to many conflicts in coming future due to the power struggle between different power players and their subsequent economic and strategic interests. Moreover, the emergence of the Indian naval alliance with the Australian, US, and other Pacific navies is a notable factor for Pakistan’s policymakers and it must be responded to with a solid plan and role recognition. Pakistan is building a vast network of road and power infrastructure through CPEC under OBOR vision with the help of China and this is of utmost importance for the economy and strategic interest of Pakistan, hence this becomes one of the vital national interests of Pakistan. To protect this huge national interest, a reliable powerful navy is essential to sustain uninterrupted trade activities.

To meet these challenges, several steps have been taken and there is a great sense of realization amongst leadership to strengthen the naval power. Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is 240,000 Sq Km, with a continental shelf extending a further 50,000 sq km. The area is rich in fishery, possibly hydrocarbons and seabed resources and Pakistan aspires to leverage the EEZ for socio-economic development. It is, therefore, in Pakistan’s interest to see that the environment at sea is secure and stable to pursue legitimate interests unimpeded.

Under OBOR Vision which adds new economic and strategic dimensions to the above-mentioned challenges, the strengthening ties between Pakistan and China through CPEC is also another dimension because China wants to safeguard its oil supply from the Middle East that passes mainly through the strait of Malacca which is mainly under Allied influence and can come under naval blockade in case of any high-level tensions between US and China. So geopolitical importance of CPEC is a critical factor for future Chinese engagement with Maritime security in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean along with the Pakistan navy.

Pakistan’s National interest Compliance and challenges

Pakistan certainly has few institutions that continuously study, monitor, and watch the national interest of Pakistan when the utmost need arrives. In This regard, some examples can be quoted where national interest was exhibited and demonstrated in its full essence.

• Pakistan didn’t involve itself in the 2015 Saudi Yemen war, hence serving the national interest
• Pakistan’s refusal in the 2024 Maritime collation against Yemen, served the national interest.
• Pakistan’s nuclear program & 1998 Nuclear explosion were in the national interest.
• Fighting terrorism and creating a National action plan was the core national interest.
• Strike back at Iran on 18 Jan 2024 is in the national interest.
• National image perception and image building are the national interest.
• Protecting national assets and national symbols is the national interest of the nation. In this regard, 9^th May perpetrators must be punished in grand national interest. The attacks on military cantonments are the core treason.

The main challenge comes when Pakistan must choose between commercial interest and the image or perception of the nation. For instance, if a fugitive is wanted and the host country refuses to return him and threatens to cut diplomatic ties with the cancellation of GSP + status, then it will be a leadership decision what to choose. Commercial and diaspora-related interests are limiting factors when it comes to bargaining with developed nations.

Conclusion:

Defining the core national interest is in the greater benefit of the nations. What happens if nations don’t define the national interest along with lack of Will, the ultimate consequences may include Confused government functions, degraded performance, compromise on sovereignty, Lower status in the comity of nations, and internal/external Vulnerability. In Pakistan’s context, the continuity of Pakistan’s vital lifeline in terms of water and food security, securing land and sea trade routes, local manufacturing, local body government system, effective governance, finding alternative banking channels, diaspora placements, and balance in pole politics are the key ingredients of the national interest. In Pakistan, the ultimate national interest is to respect the constitution of Pakistan and each function within the state Must work as per defined parameters. In this way, the final goal of a democratic and prosperous Pakistan will be achievable.

Externally, being Pakistan a nuclear nation with huge resources, a Military-industrial complex, and natural resources, Pakistan must stretch its Naval domain of interest from the Arabian Sea, IOR, Red Sea, Mediterranean, and black sea. Reiterating the national interest of a nation is directly proportional to the size and stature of that country. A country with huge resources population and economic viability must stretch its interests. Because these ingredients dictate the country to stretch and flex the muscles to get the right status and share in this dangerous power pole world.

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Written by Mr. A. Hafiz, on February 24, 2024 in The Islamabad Telegraph https://theislamabadtelegraph.com/2024/02/navigating-pakistans-national-interest-a-strategic-perspective/

Navigating Pakistan’s National Interest: A Strategic Perspective