Daily Times

Pakistan is indeed on the verge of new beginning. Our geopolitical location is gaining global attention and recognition. With that, the challenges faced by the country are mounting as well. International politics is changing multifold with every passing day. From the Middle East to Central Asia & South Caucasus region, the decisions taken are reshaping global politics. The conflict between China and India is alarming too. After the U.S.-Taliban Peace Deal, the USA considers India its most trusted ally, making our border even more sensitive. In short, globally, there are new strategies made, new goals set, and new alliances being made. Moreover, in Pakistan, local politics is equally vigilant, but this time a thin line has been sadly crossed.

In the last few days, the internet has been blown away, with the eyes of all the well-wishers and adversaries of Pakistan set on the ex-Prime Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. In conversation with the press, he claimed that Pakistan made Tomahawk missiles in the early 2000s by using Reverse-Engineered. It is interesting to explore what can make three times ex-prime minister table the state secrets to the world, potentially jeopardizing the country’s future, our motherland, Pakistan.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) undoubtedly is the game-changer for Pakistan, but its advantages to China and drawbacks to the USA are humongous. Through CEPAC, Russia can quickly maximize its reach to the warm waters. U.S. is alarmed by CEPEC due to its broader linkage to China’s global Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Project. Beijing considers Washington’s reservations on CPEC as an attack on the BRI. Pakistan enjoys lasting friendly relations with China; it still finds itself in the middle of two economic and political heavyweights.

With the Afghanistan peace deal, nuclear power status, and effectively countering terrorism, the past illuminant attraction does not enjoy the historical limelight

It is a fact that Muslim world has never been divided like it is now, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran openly confronting each other. On the other hand, Turkey is face to face with the West in Syria, Libya, the Black Sea, and Azerbaijan. Pakistan, though economically challenged, is the only Muslim nuclear power. It is considered the backbone of the Muslim world, and countries leading the different sections of the divided Muslim world want it on their side. In short, the pressure on Pakistan is mounting with every passing moment.

Except for the economic challenges faced, Pakistan has successfully counter all the challenges revealed by 2020. Its performance during the global pandemic is incredibly commendable. There is a synergy between the government and the military. Moreover, in Pakistan, the opposition is consumed by self-interest, which hampers its capacity to highlight I.K.’s government’s drawbacks. With limited hope to gain from the local establishment, the opposition generally, and PML (N) mainly aims to gain and retain the attention of the foreign establishment for help and resurrection. In the present global situation, this is more alarming than ever before.

Pakistan has a history of political leaders resorting to the international establishment for gaining power. Pakistan, with geopolitical significance, volatile border, and aggressive neighbor, always has something to offer to the world. From information sharing on Khalistani secessionists to Raymond Allen Davis, NROs, Pervez Musharraf bounty scandal, and Dawn leaks, our history is full of unexplained events which left the parties involved with power and privileges.

In the current situation, the PML (N) is again aiming to attract attention beyond borders. Nawaz Sharif has exploited all the available options to gain an advantage within Pakistan and failed. With all the endeavors failing terribly to seek a truce with the military establishment, there is nothing much left but to use the platform to offer something worth to the global establishment. Historically, having direct collusion with Pakistan military makes the situation juicy and is the most effective way to gain international attention. Similar inclination can be seen evidently in PML (N) political approach nowadays. With that well done, what can PML (N) has to offer, which can be valuable, making them worth the power?

With the Afghanistan peace deal, nuclear power status, and effectively countering terrorism, the past illuminant attraction does not enjoy the historical limelight. However, there are other expectations, which can do magic for the PML (N) if full-filled.

PML (N) is openly targeting CEPC though AsimSaleemBajwa, which fills the prerequisite of pitching your worth beyond borders; confronts the Pakistan military. KSA has shown its mistrust in the I.K. government in a subtitle manner as Pakistan’s inclination towards Turkey is gradually increasing. After UAE recognized Israel, KSA has given mixed signs on its take on the matter. On the other hand, the USA is confident that more countries, including KSA, will soon recognize Israel. Pakistan has taken a clear stand, which has alarmed Israel, its present and future allies. As Pakistan continues to sour Israel’s eye; after 27thFebruary 2019 attack, Israel turned skeptical about India’s potential to pin Pakistan in near and far future. Therefore, it is maneuvering to get as close to the Pakistan border as it can. An alliance with UAE is one practical step towards that target. The rationale behind recognizing Israel is also echoing in PML (N) chambers through at the moment not that forceful. Therefore, PML (N) is marketing itself as the complete package, which is desirable, attractive, and worthwhile for the international establishment.

The sectarian divide in the Muslim world has been revealed mercilessly in Azerbaijan and Armenia conflict. Pakistan is a sect diverse country. In the past, external powers have manipulated the rich sectarian culture to weaken Pakistan or misuse its position. Similar trends are being witnessed lately in some parts in Pakistan.

Sadly such alliance costs Pakistan a bit of its future. It comes with a high price. Our leaders in the past have bargained the nation’s wellbeing, future, and prosperity for petty self-gains, and history is all set to repeat itself. I.K., no doubt, is struggling with system loopholes, economic issues, and team flaws. At the same time, he is one leader who is loyal to Pakistan’s interest and feels deeply for the Muslim world, but he can counter the PML (N) maneuver? With the statement regarding Pakistan missiles, Nawaz Sharif has shown his willingness to offer what the West seeks from a Pakistani leader in power.

Additionally, it’s a threat to I.K’s government and military establishment to table other state secrets as and when needed. No doubt, it is not befitting a person who held the PM office three times, but sadly, this is what we call politics in our flawed democratic system. Moreover, if PML (N) succeeds in securing a deal, it will have a devastating impact on Pakistan’s present and future. I.K. has the vision to change, achieve prosperity, lift the poor, synergy with the military, and sincerity for the Muslim world, but Nawaz Sharif has state secrets and willingness to bend. In short, Pakistan is at the verge of real truing point, which will define our future.

Author of leadership and success; the missing link; emotional intelligence, a columnist, blogger, social worker, current affairs analyst