ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign policy chief, Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday said that the government is preparing foreign and defence policies which will soon be presented in the National Assembly.
“We are preparing defence and foreign policies that shall be presented before the House within next few weeks”, said Aziz, who is the prime minister’s advisor on foreign affairs and national security.
“The issues cannot be resolved with patch-work and isolated approach. But, we need to have visionary and integrated policies,” he said.
The advisor deliberated on number of local, regional and global changes and explained that the government was devising future policies keeping in view these changes. He added that the government would focus on both internal and external challenges to address the problems.
Aziz said that four major areas will be taken care of in the upcoming policies, which he briefly summarized as internal security and policy of non-interference; economic development through trade and not aid; fully benefiting from geographical location; and promoting Pakistan’s image by strengthening democracy and economic institutions in the country shall be basic components of our policies.
He claimed that Pakistan-Afghan relations were on their way to normalcy after the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) government had made them believe about Pakistan's policy of non-interference.
“Bringing in a favorite regime in Afghanistan is no more our policy. We have conveyed them and the previous atmosphere of no trust is now improving towards strong bilateral relations.”
“We have a clear policy of not interfering in other countries affairs. But, we shall also not accept hegemony of any other country,” he added.
In regard to relations with India, he said that the way was being paved for composite dialogue through working groups and back-channel diplomacy.
About United States, he said that Pakistan has made US believe that its previous policy had not favored Pakistan. “Pakistan should not be seen through the Afghan lens. During their previous, policy the US had ignored Pakistan's internal security challenges.Therefore, internal security will also be a component of strategic partnership with the US.”
Pakistan is also seeking investment in different sectors including the energy sector and investment of US$ 30 to $32 billion in Pakistan would bring about positive changes, he added. The government also keeps a keen eye on changing scenarios and new emerging alliances.
Regional cooperation is another important component of the government’s policy as, he said, menaces like terrorism cannot be overcome without adopting a regional approach because it is not a war between armies of any two countries.
Focusing the basic contours of upcoming foreign policy, the Advisor said that it would focus internal security and economic development through trade and investment. Moreover, he added that Pakistan would fully benefit from its regional importance by extending links to Central Asian states and improving internal security.
Aziz also stated that Pakistan was not providing arms to Saudi Arabia for use in Syria. Moreover, India is not being given one-sided relaxation in trade and we shall fully safeguard our interests, he said.
Iran is our nearest Muslim country and the government is engaged with them to resolve bilateral issues. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will also be visiting Iran on invitation of Iranian President, Sartaj Aziz said.
He explained that the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline was Pakistan’s priority but the project cannot be completed before next three years.
“There is an issue of sanctions but it could have not affected the project if Iran and Pakistan had sufficient resources. But, when we have to seek financial assistance internationally then the sanctions are a problem.”
He said the government would ensure that it creates and pursues a clear, balanced and effective sovereign foreign policy to safeguard the country’s national and international interests.
He said the internal and external threats are also being kept under consideration while framing the policies and he has been briefing the House and Standing Committees on these issues. The opinion of the House will also be fully taken care of while framing these policies, he said.