November 23, 2019, is expected to be a make-or-break for Pakistan’s perspective and stance on Kashmir issue when PM Imran Khan addresses the UN General Assembly, primarily on the same issue. On September 12, 2019, SAPM Zulfi Bukhari left for the US for further preparation. With PM Imran Khan’s inspiring personality and convincing speaking skills, high expectations are associated with the UN General Assembly address.
With practically no lobbying mechanism and support system, the ministry for the foreign affair has also contributed their shares in bringing the issue to the world effectively. At the same time, it is fair to say that it’s not enough, and much more is needed. Pakistan is and has always been the centre of global attention and focus. Its geopolitical position has blessed it with the limelight, which embodies a unique combination of challenges and blessings. From the Afghan war in the 1980s to post 9/11 combat against terrorism, Pakistan has contributed to world sustainability and peace through effort and sacrifice. More than 70,000 precious lives fell prey to this war, but Pakistan has remained the unsung hero till now.
With no prominent recognition, during our dedicated effort to please the west, Pakistan has only bagged economic, social, and development challenges. Not only that, time and again, we have been imposed with self-focused and corrupt leaders. After fulfilling the duties assigned with the dedication and contribution of our precious lives, Pakistan is still struggling with its challenges, including Kashmir.
Pakistan’s overseas labour was considerably ignored in the past, which added to the challenges they face in a home away from home
And these challenges are mounting with the passing time. As the country’s economy is now taken over by IMF in many ways, the future is predicted to be more challenging. At the same time, this is not the only battle Pakistan fought in the past 15 years. Lack of any significant foreign policy has led us to self-imposed isolation, which has adversely affected the country in multifold.
Pakistan has the sixth-largest diaspora population in the world after India (1st), Mexico (2nd), Russia (3rd), China (4th), and Bangladesh (5th). These overseas Pakistanis are nothing less than the most precious assets of the Pakistan economy. Their remittances are a critical pillar of Pakistan’s economy, averaging at USD 2886.46 million from 2002 to 2019. It reached its all-time high in the third quarter of 2018 with USD 5557 million. Not only that, Pakistan always awaits its overseas population for rescue when faced with any financial crisis, and they do it to the best of their abilities. Still, Pakistan’s overseas labour was considerably ignored in the past, which added to the challenges they face in a home away from home.
In my opinion, the prime minister’s visit to the US in July 2019 was a quest to regain honour, trust, mutual respect. It was a success on these fronts. At the same time, it revealed the strategic impact of ignoring or failing to invest in overseas labour. The Indian lobby is so grounded and stable in the US that it has successfully shielded its interests in the US. Till the very last moment, Pakistan failed to predict the possible outcome of the visit. Similar trends are being witnessed now.
The strategic drawback that Pakistan faces now did not happen overnight. It has a long history, which rests on a lack of planning and market research. On the contrary, with the dawn of technology, India started investing in technology-related disciplines, with a particular focus on the quality of education and skill set. Now more than 82 per cent of the Indian migrants works in high-technology fields in the US. Similar trends are witnessed in other parts of the world. They have a vocal voice, are grounded well, and influential.
Pakistan failed to understand the changing needs of the international market. Moreover, the skills and education offered to the global market are of inferior quality. The universities lack international attention and ratings. The deserving students usually don’t have the needed resource to continue their studies aboard. The processes of securing international scholarship are complicated and time-consuming. With almost no support system, the Pakistanis prefer to take menial jobs to make ends meet. The government negligence in the past let to the strategic drawback, which was witnessed in the PM Khan’s US visit in July 2019. Here, it is essential to complement the overseas Pakistanis who came for the rescue again and again. The turnout at the Capital One Arena was mesmerising. PM Khan shouldered the event to its peak with his inspiring personality. It was a damage control move, which rewarded the country beyond expectations. Now we need a similar forceful event in Washington, to create the required impact in the UNGA.
Still, we cannot ignore reality, which is alarming and tragic at the same time. With the sixth-largest diaspora population in the world, Pakistan’s international influence is limited. The deficiency of quality education and skill development is now turning into a strategic drawback. The foreign ministry is making a dedicated effort to connect with our friends globally. Pakistan’s evolving geopolitical position is opening a new horizon of prosperity and growth. The Khan government’s perception of economic growth rests on the belief that international investors will invest in Pakistan if the country can assure a corruption-free environment. It is valid to a certain extent, but Pakistan can only retain the investment in the economy, by providing an opportunity for the business to make a profit.
For investing in labour, education, and skill development is inevitable. New alliances are being formed, old strengthened, and the ones broken mended, but to reap its full potential Pakistan has to invest in its labour, and the initiatives taken by the governments in this direction are negligible. Pakistan is the world’s sixth-most populous country with approximately 64 per cent of the population above 30, and 29 per cent below 29 years. Pakistanis as a nation are considered robust, strong, energetic, hardworking and intelligent. It’s high time that we should make our population our strength. Invest in their skill development and education. Offer skilled and educated globally. Work on simplifying labour mobility, and help Pakistanis secure good jobs in the international markets. This will not only boost our global significance but also will complement our economy. Failing to do so, Pakistan can never achieve the full potential of opportunities unfolding shortly.
The writer is author of leadership and success; the missing link; emotional intelligence, a columnist, blogger, social worker, current affairs analyst