DIVIDENDS OF CIVIL-MILITARY DIPLOMACY
Taimoor Mustafa
Diplomacy stands as the barometer of a nation’s prowess in influencing global affairs, safeguarding its national interests, and cultivating harmonious relationships with other nations. It serves as the linchpin for enhancing a nation’s reputation, credibility, and influence on the world stage. The visionary founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah articulated the foundational tenets of our nation’s foreign policy, accentuating a stance of amity and goodwill towards all nations. Pakistan avows no aggressive designs against any country and expresses readiness to contribute significantly to the promotion of global peace and prosperity.
In the span of nearly a year, the collective diplomatic efforts of the civil-military leadership have begun yielding dividends, with notable achievements on various international fronts. A significant milestone was reached at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where Pakistan’s four proposals aimed at fostering nuclear disarmament and global peace were approved. The international community’s endorsement of these proposals underscores Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in addressing critical global challenges.
Notably, a resolution on “Controlling Conventional Arms Regionally” was passed at the UNGA, despite opposition from India. This success exemplifies the nuanced geopolitics surrounding the matter, with Pakistan effectively navigating complex diplomatic terrain to achieve its objectives. The resilience displayed in the face of Indian opposition demonstrates Pakistan’s adeptness in garnering diplomatic successes and advancing its interests on the global stage.
Another aspect in Pakistan’s diplomatic capacity is the recent victory in securing the UNESCO vice-chair position for the 2023–2025 term. This accomplishment not only signifies a significant elevation in the country’s global standing in diplomacy but also underscores Pakistan’s commitment to advancing science, education, and culture on the international stage. The win over India in this prestigious position reflects Pakistan’s dedication to promoting cultural stewardship and lays the groundwork for future regional development.
Furthermore, Pakistan received recognition at COP28 in Dubai for its principled stance on climate finance for developing countries. The approval of a new fund to assist developing nations in managing climate-related disasters underscores Pakistan’s proactive role in advocating for climate justice. This diplomatic achievement aligns with Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to supporting developing nations that bear the brunt of climate change impacts despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions.
A significant breakthrough in the realm of disarmament diplomacy is Pakistan’s appointment as the chairperson for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for a two-year tenure. The election of Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the OPCW as the chairperson for the 28th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention is a testament to Pakistan’s diplomatic prowess. This role not only places Pakistan at the forefront of global efforts to eliminate chemical weapons but also underscores the nation’s commitment to international peace and security.
Economically, Pakistan has achieved a crucial milestone by reaching an accord on investment modalities, paving the way for the anticipated ratification of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). These advancements not only showcase diplomatic tenacity but also set a precedent for a pragmatic and collaborative approach in protracted negotiations. The economic implications of such agreements are far-reaching, positioning Pakistan favorably in the global economic landscape.
The pivotal role played by the Pakistan Army in the nation’s recent diplomatic triumphs is particularly commendable. In the domains of defense diplomacy, peacekeeping missions, and securing substantial investments for Pakistan’s fragile economy under the auspices of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the military has been instrumental. The establishment of SIFC and its impact on attracting valuable international investments underscore the synergy between civil and military institutions in projecting Pakistan’s positive economic outlook.
Furthermore, the proactive endeavors of the Pakistan Army in fostering stability and security have dispelled misconceptions, especially at the international level. The collaborative civil-military diplomatic approach adopted by Pakistan signifies a holistic strategy aimed at achieving security, stability, and long-term prosperity. The multifaceted successes on the diplomatic front underscore the efficacy of this approach in addressing diverse global challenges and furthering Pakistan’s interests on the world stage
In conclusion, Pakistan’s recent diplomatic achievements underscore the nation’s commitment to fostering global peace, promoting cultural stewardship, addressing climate challenges, and securing economic partnerships. The collaborative efforts of civil and military leadership have proven instrumental in navigating complex diplomatic terrains and positioning Pakistan as a key player in international affairs. As the nation continues on this trajectory, it is poised to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the global discourse on critical issues by posing Pakistan in the international arena as a potential international player.