Gulf War Crisis: Challenges for Pakistan
Situation in the Gulf region is precarious after Israel – USA joint attacks on Iran. Many countries with stable economies are now feeling the heat and striving hard to absorb the economic jolts of war which has expanded rapidly in the region.
Swift retaliatory strikes on American bases in Gulf states and blockade of Strait of Hormuz by Iran has stunned her rivals. Much has been said about the devastating effects of Hormuz blockade on international economy, supply chains and oil prices.
Pakistan has also confronted the first shock in the form of almost unavoidable big hike in fuel prices. Besides economic troubles, Pakistan has to sail through troubled waters of complicated geo-political and multi-faceted security challenges. On external front, balancing the ties between Iran and the Gulf countries is an uphill task. We have brotherly trust based relations with Iran, KSA and rest of the Gulf states. Nature of our strategic pacts with KSA vis-à-vis Gulf states and trust-based ties with Iran simultaneously pose big challenges as well as opportunities.
Pakistan has the options of either choosing the sides in the brewing conflict or engaging with all stakeholders having a singular aim of restoring the peace by curbing the expansion of war. Pakistan seems to be on right track as evident from the recent state level peace centric engagements with major stakeholders.
On internal front; much needed unity, political consensus and peace are the essential ingredients for formulation of suitable policy amid brewing crisis in the Gulf region. This must be kept in mind that remaining isolated from the present crisis is not a feasible option for Pakistan.
Principle Based Diplomatic Response
Since the beginning of war between Iran and US Israel duo, Pakistan has adopted a very cautious, calculated and principle-based stance.
At no stage, Pakistan shown any hesitation in condemning the Israel-USA strikes on Iran which led to the tragic martyrdom of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with close relatives, innocent primary school girls of Minab and numerous non-combatant civilians. PM, foreign minister (who happens to be Deputy PM as well) and Pakistan’s representative at UN loudly condemned the Israeli aggressions against Iran and Lebanon. Though, aggression against Iran had no legitimacy or justification, however, Iranian retaliatory strikes on those US military bases which are situated in Gulf countries; have added more complications to the current crisis. While claiming the responsibility for most of the strikes, Tehran has explicitly denied any strike inside KSA, Turkey and Azerbaijan. These attacks apparently seem to be handy work of Israeli regime which intends deeper divisions and cracks among the Gulf countries.
While having a defence pact with KSA; Pakistan also wants stability in next door neighbor Iran. Any military clash between both brotherly states will not only damage the collective interests of Muslim countries but also bring Pakistan in a tight spot. Pakistan has adopted a right course by advocating for peace and convincing regional players for seeking peaceful solutions. PM along with CDF has proceeded on an urgent tour of KSA which revolves around the security situation amid expansion of war in Gulf states.
Despite being unbiased, Pakistan should analyze the unpredictable evolving crisis and continue to formulate possible options to tackle any undesired development in near future. This is not possible without ample use of collective wisdom at all relevant domestic forums. Government arranged an in-camera briefing on the prevailing situation for political leadership. Ironically, PTI disappointed the political commentators by preferring a boycott over participation in briefing.
Political Immaturity on National Issues
PTI has not done it for the first time! Track record of the party about trivializing the sensitive national issues is very bleak.
As usual, PTI leadership linked the participation in security briefing with the health issues of imprisoned former PM Imran Khan. Political commentators are questioning the PTI for unnecessarily conditioning every matter to the demand of meeting with party founding chairman. Why do the party leadership always seem unable to make any reasonable strategy to tackle the national issues.
Present extra-ordinary crisis, which has triggered with Gulf war, merits input from all political quarters with sincere involvement. Unfortunately, PTI has once again opted to stand on the wrong side and reminded its critics the highly controversial and vague party stance on the issue of cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan. Willful isolation of PTI from such important discourses has started disappointing the saner party supporters who expect due representation of their sentiments in parliament.
Non-participation or inaction on part of PTI on the sensitive national issues like Gulf war crisis and counter terrorism operations is disservice to the country as well as dishonesty with the voters.
Leader of The Opposition: Another Wrong Choice!
Few optimistic analysts expected rationality based response from leader of the opposition in National Assembly. Mr Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who is counted among senior politicians, amply disappointed all those who were expecting mature response matching to the length of his political career and repute. Those who had a fair idea about Mr Achakzai’s self style approach to the national issues; were not surprised when opposition leader joined the boycott band wagon of PTI.
Critical questions raised on PTI for nominating Mr Achakzai as opposition leader in national assembly have proved logical. His non participation in important in-camera briefing is enough to prove him unsuitable for important slots like leader of the opposition in National Assembly.
His past controversial statements had been radiating negative vibes of ethnic prejudice. It will not be an overstatement that elevation of Mr Achakzai as opposition leader is another addition in the list of unwise decisions made by the PTI.
Appreciable Religious and Sectarian Unity
It is heartening to see that prominent religious leaders and parties are responding with lot of responsibility. Violence in initial phase of protests immediately after Israeli strikes on Iran was effectively contained by the LEAs.
Religious leadership merits appreciation for peaceful expression of solidarity with brother Muslim states, condemnation of Israeli aggression and due consideration of national interests under environment.
Final Words
These are extra-ordinary times! Expansion of war in territories of our friendly Muslim countries has become a test of our collective wisdom. Our fragile economic conditions, political polarization and surging wave of cross border terrorism demand a serious head on shoulders. So far, Pakistan has adopted a rational approach and emerged as a ‘partner in peace’.
Future unfolding of crisis in Gulf region might compel Pakistan for making hard or bitter decisions. National unity and political consensus is the best way to tackle the harder challenges waiting ahead. Nation expects mature and sensible response from the opposition especially the PTI which seems locked with self-style victimhood rhetoric.