Pakistan seems diplomatically isolated these days. Its relations with the United States are strained while it does not have good terms with any of its neighbours except China.

The signing of a trilateral agreement by India, Iran and Afghanistan in Tehran on May 23 to build and run the strategically important Chabahar port on the southern coast of Iran is supposed to act as a counterweight to Pakistan’s Gwadar port, the flagship project for the China Pakistan Economic Corridosr.

Pakistan has always extended her full and whole-hearted support to Afghanistan to promote peace and stability in that country. However, it seems Kabul has lent its ears to a regional power, which has poisoned its mind against Pakistan. Iran it also seems has some reservations with Pakistan.

In such circumstances when the odds are heavily against Pakistan, Islamabad should pre-empt trouble and initiate contact with these countries to address their grievances. The interests of our state dictate we adopt a posture that offers a win-win solution for all and ensures economic development of the region.

Guldar Khan Wazir

Loralai

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2016