Former East Pakistan currently recognised as Bangladesh since its separation has gone through many political instabilities and its relations with Pakistan have never been friendly. Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations these have been cold. On the other hand foreign relations of Bangladesh are predominantly strong with India. Bangladesh and India’s relations are strong on social, cultural and economic level. In 2014 the total amount of India’s export to Bangladesh was $6.22 billion and import value was been $508 million. Moreover both states have also forged ties through cultural exchange programs and different assistance, training and capacity building programs like ITEC program and Indira Gandhi Cultural centre in Dhaka. Apart from these programs, more than ten thousand Indian people are living in Bangladesh and engaged in textile sector as either labourers or top professionals.
But if we look at foreign relations of Pakistan and Bangladesh of the past few years, it seems that they have worsened. Both states have also withdrawn their diplomatic missions and Pakistan also avoided attending the SAARC Sanitation Conference, which was held in Dhaka this year. The bilateral trade of Pakistan and Bangladesh is also not very significant. Statistics show that Pakistan’s export to Bangladesh in 2014 have been of $684 million and Pakistan import value remained $54.8 million.
The Government of Pakistan has never tried to thaw relations with Bangladesh. No significant action from diplomats or state officials has been taken to improve the relationship, while India has taken advantage of this situation and improved its ties with Bangladesh on all levels. Mutual cooperation is the reason why India and Bangladesh’s economies are the leading economies of the South Asian region. Pakistan, on the other hand, has lagged behind due to its sour relations with regional states. If this situation keeps on going, Pakistan would suffer.
What is urgently required is for Pakistan to focus on improving its relations with regional countries, especially with neighbouring states. When it comes to relations with Bangladesh and India, political rivalries must not be allowed to impede the benefits that can be gained from economic cooperation. Pakistan government needs to focus on the aspects of track I and track II diplomacy. Track I diplomacy refers to the diplomatic interaction of government officials at a high level to represent the national interest for nation’s welfare and to resolve problems and conflicts with other states. The success of this diplomacy depends on strong diplomatic skills of a diplomat or statesman. Track II diplomacy involves communication of semi officials or un-officials through different platforms. These can be NGO’s, think tanks, media figures, scholars, sportsmen or actors who can represent national interest by influencing or shaping public opinion for the benefit of the state. The key principle of this type of diplomacy is to fill the gaps between the public of the countries, creating partnerships, and improving inter-state linkages.
There are many things that can unite Pakistan with Bangladesh and India. We have shared history, more or less common language, common heritage, literature, art, and culture. These commonalities can be enhanced through track II diplomacy, which in turn can be expanded and taken to another level through skilled diplomacy of leaders. Trilateral cooperation in all areas can be made. Through shared goals, means, and institutions (like SAARC) every regional state including these three can achieve their interests and get satisfactory status on the regional and international level. Especially after the spread of terrorism to the global level, security issues can only be tackled through collective cooperation of states. But this can only be done if both track I and track II diplomacy are practised by these states. This will provide states information, access, visibility, and recognition.
The writer is an observer of international affairs