EXTERNAL overreach and internal underreach have long characterised the approach of governments in the country. Pakistan’s history bears testimony to a phenomenon that has seen ruling elites focus more attention and energy on external engagements rather than on fixing perennial and mounting problems at home. Pre­occupation with foreign pursuits has translated into less concentration on domestic challenges — as if the former can substitute for the latter.

Today too this stands out in sharp relief, as evidenced by the inordinate time spent by Pakistani leaders on foreign trips, regardless of pressing issues at home. For example, during the floods earlier this year that especially hit Punjab, the prime minister spent more time overseas than at home visiting the affected areas. More recently, he chose to preside over a cabinet meeting to approve the 27th Constitutional Amendment — no ordinary piece of legislation — by video link from Baku, where he was on a visit, which was hardly crucial.

Supporters of the government justify these more-than-frequent overseas visits as indicative of Pakistan’s renewed prominence on the international stage, attributing this to the effectiveness of the government’s foreign policy. But foreign policy gains are measured by outcomes, not activity. The real test is whether that delivers anything substantive to the country, and not the number of foreign visits undertaken by a leader or how he personally benefits from such tours. This is not to say Pakistan should not be diplomatically active. But diplomatic engagements should be purposeful and result-oriented, and not take priority over unaddressed........

© Dawn