THIS is with reference to the report ‘Pakistan, St. Kitts & Nevis establish diplomatic ties (Jan 27). Although such a relationship is a routine affair with economic, political and social subtleties, the ties with the Caribbean nation has certainly raised eyebrows owing to a certain element of significance.

St. Kitts is just a speck of an island in the vast Caribbean Sea famous for its sun-drenched beaches, tourism and, more importantly, for being a tax haven for well-heeled personalities. With a small territory and roughly half-a-million inhabitants, compared to Pakistan’s huge population of nearly 230 million, it is the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere both in terms of area and population.

The diplomatic ties cover a wide range of areas, including trade, defence, cultural exchange and environmental cooperation. How the two countries will be beneficial to each other in these areas is something that remains to be seen, given the vast distance between them.

Also, due to the country’s rather dire economic situation, was it necessary for Pakistan to establish such ties with a country that does not happen to be a major participant in global affairs except for being a member of the United Nations?

Fawad Hashmey
Lahore

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2024