Bilawal emphasises imaginative, multidimensional foreign policy for Pakistan
Naveed Ahmad Khan
Islamabad: The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) celebrated its 50th Foundation Day today. The event was attended by a large number of former diplomats, senior officials, members of the Islamabad-based Diplomatic Corps, academics, scholars and researchers, and representatives of civil society, think-tanks, and the media.
The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Delivering his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood dilated in detail on the Institute’s rich history, proactive contributions, and impressive achievements over the past 50 years since its establishment in June 1973. The DG ISSI expressed deep gratitude to the previous Chairmen/Directors General and all scholars and researchers that have been part of the ISSI’s 5-decades journey. Several of them were also attended the ceremony.
As for ISSI’s future vision, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood outlined that it would focus its endeavours on strengthening its interface with all relevant national institutions; promoting interaction with the private sector, civil society and the youth as important stakeholders in the policy process; expanding beneficial collaboration with counterpart think-tanks in major parts of the world; increasing the spotlight on key regions including ASEAN, Central Asia and Africa; keeping focus on global issues such as climate change and arms control &disarmament; and accentuating the pivot to geo-economics as part of comprehensive national security.
In the realm of global situation, the DG ISSI said that the world is going through another defining moment in history, with great-power contestation being the most prominent feature and a spectre of bloc politics and as new cold war haunting the world. “Prudence demands that zero-sum perspectives are avoided, countries are spared the dilemma of making painful choices, and the main protagonists are convinced of the benefits of economic inter-dependence as well as the virtues of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation,” he said.
During his wide-ranging address, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari shared Pakistan’s assessment of the obtaining global environment and gave his perspective on all major aspects of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He said that the world today is beset by the inter-locking food, fuel and financial crises, while the existential threat of climate change looms large. At the same time, the most distinguishing feature of our times is the intensifying great-power contestation – which has in its wake the potential to divide the world, undermine the prospects of international collaboration to tackle global challenges, and even evoke major-power conflict.
The Foreign Minister added that the Foreign Policy of Pakistan must be imaginative, multi-dimensional, and flexible enough to adapt to the rapidly transforming geo-political landscape across the globe. He underscored that Pakistan has clearly voiced its opposition to any bloc politics or relapse into another Cold War. Forging military alliances and assigning the role of ‘net security provider’ to some countries at the expense of others is fraught with grave consequences, he added. He underscored that the key driver of inter-state relations should be cooperation, not confrontation.
In the context of Russia-Ukraine Conflict, the Foreign Minister underlined the importance of adherence to the time-honoured principles of inter-state relations and UN Charter – including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also emphasized the importance of making a beginning towards addressing mutual concerns and resolving the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. This was vital for re-establishing sustainable peace in Europe, the continent that had earlier forsaken war.
The Foreign Minister also covered Pakistan’s relations with China, the U.S., Russia, Europe and the Muslim world.
Regarding relations with India, the Foreign Minister stressed that the prevalent mistrust is primarily due to the illegal and unilateral actions taken by India in IIOJK on 5 August 2019. He said Pakistan remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. If this dispute is resolved in a just and fair manner, not only durable peace will be established in South Asia but also the peace dividends would contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the 1/5 of humanity residing in the region. He added that his recent visit to India for the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Goa was reflective of Pakistan’s commitment to the important multilateral platform of SCO.
On Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister stressed the importance for the world to pursue a pragmatic approach and continue constructive engagement. He also emphasized the need for the Interim Afghan authorities to be responsive to the international community’s expectations regarding inclusivity, respect for human rights, and effective counter-terrorism action.
On the occasion, the ISSI’s 5 Centres presented the Foreign Minister with their new Books/Special Reports, covering themes that are in tandem with the needs of Pakistan.
The CPSC presented its report ‘Towards Connectivity and Engagement: Pathways of Cooperation with Central Asia and Azerbaijan’; ACDC presented its book titled ‘Emerging Threats and Shifting Doctrines: Challenges to Strategic Stability in South Asia’; ISC presented its book titled ‘Fostering Peaceful Coexistence in South Asia through Economic Cooperation and Climate Diplomacy’; CAMEA presented its book titled ‘Pakistan`s Strategic Frontiers’ and CSP presented its reports on ‘Human Security through Development: Pakistan`s Narratives’ and ‘Regional Cooperation on Climate Change in South Asia’.
The Chairman and DG ISSI presented a Special shield to the Foreign Minister on the occasion.
The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a cake celebrating the Golden Jubilee and 50th Foundation Day of ISSI.