Daily Times

In the recent general elections, Imran Khan’s party bamboozled political analysts and adversaries by winning an unprecedented number of seats nationwide.

The manifesto of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) remained revolutionary. It included radical poverty alleviation, improving the state of education and economic amelioration.

There was also emphasis on taking pragmatic steps against corruption, broadening the tax base and zero tolerance for racketeered money. There is also a progressive approach to enhance the health sector, to facilitate the farmers and promote export activities. The new government stands committed to ensuring better relations with neigbouring countries. Imran Khan duly mentioned this in his speech as Prime Minister (PM) designate.

Moreover, there was substantial emphasis placed on opting for a balanced and independent foreign policy.

In his first speech to the nation as PM-elect, he reiterated his ambition to take corrective measures to restore the worsening relations with our neighbouring countries. Regarding Afghanistan, the new government seems determined to reach a better understanding with the Ashraf Ghani government.

The Chinese government, since ZA Bhutto’s era till now, has been extending shoulders to help Pakistan’s economy. The recent China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a monumental step in ensuring closer relations for the future. However, the new Finance Minister, Asad Umer has expressed skepticism on advancing Chinese loans, taken by the previous government. Pakistan is currently under colossal debt and on the brink of borrowing more from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Beijing has taken Umer’s statement with a pinch of salt. Meanwhile Mr Umer intends to bring to the Parliament’s attention that the cost of CPEC has exceeded similar Chinese projects in other countries. China has retorted that CPEC provides the lowest loan rates, and that Umer’s hesitance many create a sense of mistrust amongst foreign investors. However the Chinese have been crystal clear on the issue of Indo-Pak bilateral ties; firmly advocating for the countries to resolve their disputes and aim at developing the region.

It is riveting how Putin has cornered the emotional and irrational behaviour of Donald Trump by handpicking allies out of the US basket

It is a hard fact that Pakistan is facing the worst bout of financial instability in its history. But according to credible sources, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has happily agreed to advance $4 billion to the new government and the said bank is an unequivocally Saudi backed financial institution.

Behind this friendly overture, the new government shall have to understand that the loan extension by the IDB has covert objectives; to prevent Pakistan from developing closer relations with Iran. As Saudi-Iran tensions reach new heights, the Muslim world is slowly becoming polarized. Secondly, Saudi Arabia needs military cooperation from Pakistan as its horns are locked in Yemen and Qatar, along with other ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Hence, this monetary help to Pakistan may have strategic implications as well. Conversely, Iran has not been too happy during Sharif’s regime since the unpleasant visit of Irani President Dr Hassan Rouhani.

The foreign policy of India has been not only wicked but astute. When India saw that Pakistan backed out from the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project initiated by the Zardari government and Iranian leaders, India trebled its efforts by not only maintaining business relations but also concretely contributed in establishing the Chabahar Port.

This port has by virtue extended its trading and business to Afghanistan and Central Asian States. China, always dreaming of regional cooperation, has asked Pakistan to balance its relations with both Saudi Arabia and Iran in order to safeguard its own economic gains.

Hence this will be the real test for the PTI government in providing even-handed treatment to both countries. Moreover the new government still has to ameliorate deteriorating relations with the US. Washington is not only apprehensive about CPEC, but also with the mutual military training agreement between Russia and Pakistan. In the international sphere however, it is riveting how Putin has cornered the emotional and irrational behaviour of Donald Trump; by handpicking allies out of the US basket.

Upon such challenging global waters, Pakistan needs to tread carefully. While living in the comity of nations, the present government will have to make a strenuous effort to bring India to the table to help resolve the long standing contentious issue of Kashmir.

On a more positive note, Imran Khan has offered to play the arbitrator between Iran and Saudi Arabia. We also hope that he will be able to maintain relations with both the US and Russia, alongside strengthening regional cooperation.

The writer is an advocate of the Supreme Court, adjunct law professor and a fellow of Oregon State University, USA. He is also co-chairman International Environmental Protection Committee, LHCBA

Published in Daily Times, August 28^th 2018.