Expert: Prof. Dr. Nazir Hussain ®, Former Dean Social Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University
Dr. Nazir Hussain, an expert on Pakistan’s foreign relations provided insights into the country’s complex role in Middle Eastern security. The discussion revealed Pakistan’s delicate balancing act between ideological ties, geopolitical realities, and economic necessities.
He highlighted Pakistan’s significance in the Muslim world, emphasizing its ideological connection to the Middle East due to the presence of holy sites in Makkah and Madinah. Additionally, Pakistan’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause was noted, drawing parallels to its concerns regarding Kashmir.
A key challenge for Pakistan, as explained by the Dr. Nazir, is maintaining equilibrium between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two regional powers often at odds. This balancing act has influenced Pakistan’s involvement in regional conflicts. For instance, while Pakistan participated in the 1990-1991 Gulf War, it declined to join the Yemen War in 2015.
The interview shed light on Pakistan’s geopolitical and economic considerations. Iran’s proximity, sharing a 900-kilometer border with Pakistan, necessitates maintaining good relations. Iran supplies electricity to Pakistan’s Balochistan region and engages in border trade. Conversely, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states represent crucial economic ties, with approximately four million Pakistanis working in these countries and remitting significant funds annually.
Dr. Nazir emphasized Pakistan’s experience with terrorism, stemming from the Afghanistan crisis and Kashmir issues. This background has made Pakistan particularly attentive to counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East, learning from experiences in countries like Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
Regarding mediation efforts, he highlighted Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran. While China has recently taken a more prominent role in this process, Pakistan initiated similar efforts in 1997 during an extraordinary Islamic summit.
The interview touched upon Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, clarifying that these assets are solely for national security and not intended to be shared with any other country. He also discussed the economic importance of Pakistani workers in Gulf states, emphasizing the need for skill development to ensure continued employment opportunities in the face of technological advancements.
On the Palestinian issue, Dr. Nazir reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution and Palestinian self-determination, drawing parallels to the Kashmir situation. The discussion also covered Pakistan’s relationship with the United States, noting that U.S. influence affects Pakistan’s policy towards China, and also impacts Middle East-related decisions.
Dr. Nazir advised against Pakistan’s direct military involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, suggesting instead a focus on diplomatic and political efforts to support peace initiatives. The interview also highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly through the development of Gwadar Port and its potential connections to Middle Eastern countries.
In conclusion, he emphasized that Pakistan’s ability to pursue an independent foreign policy in the Middle East largely depends on its domestic political and economic stability. A strong and stable Pakistan, he argued, would be better positioned to safeguard its national security interests without compromising its relationships with regional powers.
