“A MAN in solitude is either a god or a beast” — this might be true in case of man but as far as states are concerned neither the gods nor the beasts live in solitude but has some kind of ‘allies’ and friends to support their interests.

On the other hand, a state like Pakistan whose foreign policy is India-centric has neither an ally nor a friend today while India is being covered by every single state whether Muslim or non-Muslim.

Our ally, the US has not only cancelled the agreed deal of F-16s but also droned the settled area of Balochistan, and is about to be tied in a holy knot with our ‘adversaries’ which signifies something more than the spokesperson for our foreign ministry can think about. Saudi Arabia, too, isn’t happy with us on our reaction to its renewed proxy war against Iran and is willing to extend its business ties with India.

Our neighbours are turning tables on their critics and excelling their way in the world arena. China, no doubt a good friend, is realising the great dream of the silk road through ‘one belt one road’, which would establish it as the only power of its kind for centuries to come.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi has renewed the national pride of Indians and is playing his cards most shrewdly, both at home and abroad, which directly or indirectly is so far proving detrimental to Pakistan’s interest.

Iran, our friend but opponent of Saudi Arabia, is gradually arising out of the annoyance caused by its 1979 revolution to the democratic West and is seen now as a possible ally both by the US (in the far-off future) and Russia. And last but not the least, Afghanistan is determined to make its future.

And in the midst of three allies and China we are dreaming of ‘Naya Pakistan’ in the old Pakistan where the policy of reconciliation is adored over national interests, where democracy is in danger when the issue of corruption is raised and so on.

Today Pakistan is facing a most dangerous foreign policy crisis as there is no foreign minister to be made accountable while the prime minister prefers to do the job himself from the ICU ward and to prove his love for Pakistan!

Shahan Liaqat Sayyed

Bannu

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2016