Pakistan’s diplomatic achievement to mediate for a two-week ceasefire between the US & Iran is one of the most significant developments since the end of World War II. Due to the tireless efforts of Pakistan’s high-level delegations, both parties have gathered in the capital to attend the ‘Islamabad Talks’. Pakistan is in the limelight as the host of these talks; all eyes are on Islamabad for the expected outcome of ongoing negotiations.

Most political pundits & analysts are optimistic about a breakthrough between the US & Iran. It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan has played its role in bringing the contestants to the negotiating table. Now, the onus is on the concerned parties rather than on the host. If the talks result in the end of the decades-long hostility between the belligerents, it would add to the diplomatic recognition of Pakistan. Even if the talks are unable to bring an immediate positive outcome, it would not affect Pakistan’s prestige as a peacemaker.

Pakistan has been a key player in certain geopolitical moments of world history since its inception; it facilitated the historic diplomatic breakthrough between the US & China in the early 1970s; it is just an example. Ironically, due to certain internal & external reasons, it could not translate those moments into the long-term national interest of the country.

This is the right time for Pakistan to translate this historical opportunity into a geoeconomic hub of regional & trans-regional economic activities. The history of the rise & fall of nations indicates that apart from the dedicated struggle or bad choices of the elite, the internal & external environment has been equally important for the make-or-break of states. Pakistan is lucky enough to have an internal & external structure in its own favour.

Internally, civil-military relations are ideally good. To defeat India in last year’s conflict & this recent diplomatic recognition has further cemented the bond between Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif & Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Moreover, due to internal politics & vested interests of the PTI leadership, the government is free from the resistance of the opposition parties & the public in general.

In the same fashion, in the changing power dynamics in regional & trans-regional affairs, Pakistan is favoured by the external structure as well. At the diplomatic & foreign policy fronts, Pakistan has earned the trust & recognition of all the key players, including the US, China, Russia, the EU, Turkey, the KSA & Iran.

If sanity prevails on the Indian side, the Modi government must realise that it should consider Pakistan as a regional player & should come out of its self-perceived & egoistic illusion of dominating the region

If sanity prevails on the Indian side, the Modi government must realise that it should consider Pakistan as a regional player & should come out of its self-perceived & egoistic illusion of dominating the region

The test of leadership starts here to convert this world-recognised opportunity into national integration & economic development. The civil-military leadership needs to continue with this high spirit & dedication at internal & external fronts. At the domestic front, the government needs to fix the political & ethnic fault lines by winning the hearts & minds of those who are on the other side of the line.

The government should make serious efforts to negotiate with the PTI leadership to win their support for the betterment of the nation. Similarly, one more chance may be given to the Baloch groups, who are angry with the government & even those who are fighting against the state. Success at these fronts is a prerequisite for national integration & cohesiveness. Internal strength is the foundation for power & influence at the external front.

At the external front, Pakistan needs to conclude the ongoing negotiations with the Afghan Taliban by persisting in the principled stance that the Afghan Taliban must not allow its soil to be used by the TTP in terrorist activities. Moreover, it is high time for Pakistan to utilise this diplomatic clout to settle its long-standing issues with India.

The Modi government is under severe pressure from opposition parties & sane voices. To develop cordial relations with Pakistan is also in the interest of India. Pakistan needs to use its good relations with the US to break through the permanent settlement of all issues, including Kashmir & water with India. If sanity prevails on the Indian side, the Modi government must realise that it should consider Pakistan as a regional player & should come out of its self-perceived & egoistic illusion of dominating the region.

Last but not least, Pakistan must use this golden opportunity to develop economic & strategic relations with the Middle Eastern states. For the achievement of this goal, Pakistan may extend the mutual defence pact with the KSA to other states like Turkey, Egypt & Qatar. This recent visit of the Finance Minister of KSA is a good sign, but this is the right time to move beyond the signing of agreements to real & concrete steps for investment.

Since last May, Pakistan has been the destination for some countries for the acquisition of fighter planes and weapons. So, the government should focus more on this aspect of economic growth. In sum, these diplomatic & foreign policy achievements would be the launching pad for the achievement of the smart power of the country in the region & beyond.

© The Friday Times