OPINION Vol.1, No.1 June 2013 - National Defence University

Imperatives for Reaping the Benefits of Globalization. These include political / internal stability,
consistency in policies, good governance, macro-economic stability and knowledge-based economy,
energy self-sufficiency, technological / educational base, Human Resource Development (HRD), and soft
image.
Contours of Foreign Policy. To achieve real dividends of globalization, contours of foreign policy also
need to be defined. These include:-
State Sovereignty. Even though part of the greater international community wherein important
foreign policy decisions cannot be taken in isolation, Pakistan must take important decisions in
line with its supreme national interests and aspirations of its masses. We have to be part of global
community on important issues including terrorism. But our geographical and ideological
boundaries are sacrosanct and inviolable. Geographical intrusions in the recent past are a brazen
act of violation of our sovereignty and beyond compromise. The government must take a strong
diplomatic stance with US on these issues.
War on Terror. While we must abhor terrorism in all its forms and there are no qualms about
it; we must tailor the approach towards fighting it out. We must build national consensus to
acknowledge that the on-going counter-terrorism campaign is critical to our national security.
The campaign should be given a national colour and decision to launch operation in North
Waziristan Agency (NWA), and role in Afghan reconciliation process should be in line with our
overall counter terrorism strategy and not on any foreign dictates. The ‘Do More’ Mantra should
rather be reversed.
Regional vs Global Approach. The importance of regionalism cannot be over-emphasized. In
Pakistan’s perspective, ‘Look East’ policy is therefore a recommended course of action for
Pakistan. 74 However, we should shun ‘either’ and ‘or’ from our glossary and learn to manage
relations with multiple centers of power simultaneously.
Economic Organizations vs Security Organizations. It has been historically proven that our
entry into any security assistance program has adversely affected us in the long run. It is also a
bitter conclusion that no country would fend for another in the times of crises. It is therefore
recommended that we must prefer economic cooperation organizations more than the security
related organizations. However, an economic organization morphing into security organization
can also be worked out essentially at regional level.
Adopting ‘Politics of Globalization’ Approach / Threat Mitigation. Pakistan must manage
relations with India and re-orientate our relationship with US on new lines based on equality and
mutual respect. We must exude positivity and appear as a responsible and dependable nation
which plays an important role in international politics. Being a likeable figure in the international
arena is likely to go a long way in helping us achieve international justice on issues of national
security.
Economic Policy. Following is suggested in this regard:-
Economic Sovereignty. Economic sovereignty once achieved, political and geographical
sovereignty will also be assured. We must make an earnest effort to gradually rid ourselves of the
IFIs and donor countries. Only then can we take independent decisions best suited for our
country.
International Trade. We must diversify our trade and think beyond EU, US and Middle East.
Africa and Asia-Pacific especially Australia is a huge market which must be capitalized.
Measures to enhance international competitiveness are product diversification, value addition,
widening industrial base, Quality Control, shifting from low to high tech production, HRD, and
focus on branding and marketing.
Regional Trade. We must open-up trade with India on the basis of economic centrality to
increase its stakes inside Pakistan. This can be a step towards threat mitigation. However,
concerns of our industrialists must be addressed in a pragmatic manner to enable level playing
field. Both the countries must resort to direct instead of indirect trade. Pakistan must engage
India to reduce its safeguard policies and NTBs. We must also reactivate the forums of ECO and
SAARC to fully utilize the trade potentials.
OPINION Vol.1 No.1 75 June 2013