Daily Times

The newly elected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government led by Prime Minister (PM), Imran Khan, has chosen Foreign Minister (FM), Shah Mehmood Qureshi, to represent the state at the 73rd UN General Assembly session to be held in New York City, next month. With over a hundred world leaders expected to be in attendance at the event, the PM should visit personally, and address the international community.

In light of the complexities of the global political order, there is no better time than this for the PM to shine and present Pakistan’s views on regional and global matters. This would also give him the opportunity to interact and initiate a personal rapport with leading international figures, some who also called to congratulate him on his party’s victory. Given his stature as a widely-known international celebrity, the world would certainly value his opinions.

Imran Khan, in his first televised appearance as PM on August 19, 2018, did not broach the subject of foreign policy in detail, but one thing that he did focus on was his peaceful overtures towards Islamabad’s neighbours. This highlights the hope and optimism the PM brings to the table. Pakistan has historically had a tumultuous civil-military relationship, however, this in no way signifies that they are not on the same page working towards a common goal i.e, peace and prosperity for all. Moreover, in recent times, Pakistan’s civil-military leadership has chosen to strengthen ties with traditional rivals to ensure lasting stability in the region. Whilst elements based in the region and certain parts of the globe are constantly bent upon destabilising security, the Khan-led government has enormous potential to sail through these storms and create history.

There is no better time than this for the PM to shine and present Pakistan’s views on regional and global matters. This would also give him the opportunity to interact and initiate a personal rapport with leading international figures, some who also called to congratulate him on his party’s victory

Moreover, a new foreign policy doctrine could reshape Pakistani diplomacy, given how in his recent media interaction, Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s witty and condescending remarks greatly resembled Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s public posturing. It would not be unexpected to find the new PM lauding his stance on foreign policy, as both believe in the ‘Pakistan first’ policy. This slogan was first coined in the early 2000, by former president, Pervez Musharraf. However, the difference between the cases is yet to be observed.

The PM must not miss the golden opportunity to attend the 73rd UNGA session next month. It is a make or break situation for him in terms of international diplomacy. His robust austerity measures are highly prioritised but this visit is far too important to delegate to another minister. In the following years, he can send the FM to attend UNGA like other world leaders opt to do. For this one however, it would be preferred if he went himself. Reportedly, a smaller delegation than usual is being sent to the US, which is quite welcoming.

The PM could also potentially embark on a brief sideline journey to address a select number of academiccommunities or think tanks, especially those affiliated with Ivy League universities. This could assist in neutralising the widespread negative media perception of Pakistan in the West and promote the notion of peace and prosperity

The PM could also potentially embark on a brief sideline journey to address a select number of academic communities or think tanks, especially those affiliated with Ivy League universities. This could assist in neutralising the widespread negative media perception of Pakistan in the West and promote the notion of peace and prosperity.

Perhaps, he could follow in the footsteps of John F Kennedy or Lee Kuan Yew, who were monumentally successful in shaping their respective state’s foreign policies.

Mr Prime Minister, the world waits to hear from you in New York City!

The writer is Diplomatic Correspondent, Daily Times. He can be reached at hassankhan440@gmail.comand tweets @mhassankhan06

Published in Daily Times, August 28^th 2018.