THE term national interest has probably been misdefined in Pakistan. For political leaders, it is about political-cum-economic benefits and for others it is limited to security aspects.

The military aspect of the national interest has been overemphasised for the years. The need, therefore, is to create a balance among various shades of state policy.

At present the crisis may be attributed to lack of imbalance. The Kashmir issue remains unaddressed.

Pakistan should redesign its foreign policy to get economic benefits as well.

Aziz Siyal

Dera Murad Jamali

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2016