A war is being fought in the Middle East and a war is being fought by Pakistan.

There is a major difference between the two. The war imposed on Iran is aimed at destruction, whereas Pakistan’s war is for peace. From where did Pakistan derive the energy to fight such a significant war? This is the million-dollar question. After the martyrdom of King Faisal, when Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud assumed the exalted office of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, comparisons between him and his predecessor began immediately. A perceptive observer remarked that succeeding a towering personality like King Faisal presents a double challenge: confronting the demands of one’s own era while enduring comparison with one’s predecessor. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has faced a somewhat similar situation, yet with the passage of time, he appears to be rising above such comparisons.

A politician’s capability can be judged by several measures, one of which is the ability to build a strong team and carry it along. In dealing with national affairs and challenges, what has been Shehbaz Sharif’s approach? This is an important question. I have had the privilege of meeting the Prime Minister several times and listening to his views on key national matters. I can say with confidence that he believes in collective effort; solitary flight is not part of his temperament. After the May conflict, when Pakistan’s global profile rose sharply, some people in a gathering praised the Prime Minister. As often happens, some resorted to excessive praise to gain attention. Hearing this, he raised his index finger in his characteristic manner and said: “Pakistan’s success lies in teamwork. This reality must never be ignored.”

What constitutes this teamwork? Pakistan’s current governance structure reveals three centres: the Prime Minister and his cabinet, the Presidency and Rawalpindi. History shows that Rawalpindi has acquired particular significance due to certain enduring factors. As a result, differences of opinion have at times emerged between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, often with painful consequences witnessed over the years. Such differences may arise from conflicts of interest or from divergent professional perspectives. In such situations, the greatest quality of leadership is the ability to carry everyone along despite disagreement.

It has been two years since the present government took office. During this period, several internal and external challenges emerged that could have driven these centres apart, yet this did not happen. This is the source of the energy Pakistan has displayed on the global stage. While the Prime Minister’s ability to maintain cohesion is important, it is not sufficient on its own. Cooperation and goodwill from other stakeholders are equally essential. Pakistan is fortunate that, in this difficult period, President Asif Ali Zardari and the defence forces, under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, have extended full cooperation to the government in all national matters.

The same factor explains Pakistan’s renewed importance internationally. In the previous government’s tenure, Pakistan was pushed into isolation through a calculated design. The PDM government, however, treated this as a challenge and managed to change the situation within a few months. Alongside the efforts of the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also played an active role as Foreign Minister. Another reason for Pakistan’s growing importance is its serious effort to promote peace within South Asia and with Afghanistan. In contrast, India and its political and military leadership have behaved like a rogue actor. When India imposed conflict, Pakistan responded decisively and gained the upper hand. Yet, when friendly countries—especially the United States—called for a ceasefire, Pakistan did not hesitate. This is how a responsible power committed to peace should act. It is this seriousness that has earned Pakistan the confidence of the international community, leading to trust in its role in the Middle East crisis.

For this reason, the world is looking toward Pakistan’s leadership in the search for peace. The conference of the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt in Islamabad resonated globally. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar ensured that the conference proceeded despite suffering an accident and he even traveled to China in an injured condition. This reflects the sense of responsibility shown by Pakistan’s leadership in a global crisis—something the world is witnessing, including Iran, which is facing an extraordinary trial. Pakistan today enjoys the trust of Iran, the United States and Saudi Arabia—an extraordinary development in global politics that strengthens the prospects for peace in the region. With China already part of this process, more countries are likely to join. What greater honour could there be for Pakistan?

—This writer is former advisor to the President of Pakistan, author & mass media theorist.

(farooq.adilbhuta@gmail,com)

© Pakistan Observer