As Prepared:
Afghanistan, Southwest Asia & the Gulf: Pakistan’s Perspective
Your Highness,
Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kingdom of Bahrain,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is my great pleasure to be part of the prestigious Manama Dialogue. The Dialogue, spearheaded by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, affords a unique forum for public and private discussions on the security issues confronting this region. Over time, it is evolving into an institutionalized framework for serious deliberations. Pakistan has been happy to have been part of these discussions. For giving me the opportunity to share my views, may I register at the outset, my very profound thanks.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Pakistan is not just part of the Gulf’s neighbourhood. We are also, in many ways, an extension of it. Our security interests overlap over a wide range of areas and domains. We are part of the same broad common economic and security space. Our development and security prospects are closely intertwined.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Pakistan is, currently, passing through a difficult phase. But I urge you not to let these difficulties cloud reality.The despicable acts of a handful of criminals must not give you the wrong message about Pakistan.
Pakistan is a democracy of 170 million. A vibrant, diverse and talented society. Home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. With vast agriculture potential; and one of the largest irrigation systems. A strategic location and enormous mineral potential. And, above all, the resilience that is at display every day.
Each day, through acts of desperation, terrorists seek to undermine our determination to decisively uproot them. They only serve to strengthen our resolve.
Pakistan is determined to win this struggle. Our resolve is insurmountable; as in our victory, the world has high stakes.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The situation that we are confronted with is not of our own making. It has roots in history.Particularly, in the deliberate exploitation of religion, three decades ago, to defeat a super power.Pakistan has been in the eye of the storm since.
We bore the brunt of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan; the ensuing status of a front line State against communist expansion;;and three and a half million Afghan refugees. The gun and drug culture and the radicalization of madrassahs were also gifts of the Afghan war.Obviously, they pose serious challenges.
Now the world recognizes that the abandonment of Afghanistan following the Soviet withdrawal, at the end of the cold war, was a grave error. Terrorism is the product of that period of neglect.
That period of parched earth; of destroyed infrastructure; of governance conspicuous by its absence; and of social oppression and economic injustice.
All of that provided fertile ground for germination of extremism and extremist ideologies.
The ascent of the Taliban movement, and its subsequent hijack by Al Qaeda, has to be seen in this context.
The Iranian Revolution and the Iran-Iraq war both left their imprints on our region.As did the festering Kashmir Dispute and denial to the people of Kashmir, their legitimate demand for self-determination.
Then came 9/11 and the arrival of NATO forces in Afghanistan.The international community got together to hunt down Al Qaeda and the Taliban. And also to correct a historic wrong.
The Bonn Agreement, the London Compact and UNAMA were manifestations of the international community’s commitment to Afghanistan and its people.
While the intent was noble, the implementation and the policy left a lot to be desired.
For the past eight years, there was an inordinate amount of focus on militarism and military solutions. Efforts aimed at reconstruction and rehabilitation did not trickle down to the common Afghan.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Pakistan welcomes recent US policy announcement on Afghanistan; and President Obama’s reaffirmation of partnership between the two countries based on mutual interest, mutual respect and mutual trust.
We, however, look forward to engaging closely with the U.S. in understanding the full import of the strategy; and ensuring that there is no adverse fall out on Pakistan.
There is need for clarity and coordination on all aspects of implementation of the strategy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Until Mumbai, Pakistan’s relations with India, its neighbor to the East, had been improving. Our Composite Dialogue, which sought to resolve all issues including Kashmir through negotiations, was on track.
Mumbai was a terrible setback. I was in India when this despicable act of terror unfolded. I condemned it in the strongest possible terms: and my heart still goes out to the 170 families that lost their dear ones. Pakistanis feel the pain and anguish of Mumbai. We feel it more as Pakistan faces a Mumbai every day.
The perpetrators of Mumbai attacks sought to scuttle the dialogue process; and return our two nations to the days of acrimony and despair. Regrettably, so far, they seem to be succeeding. Pakistan has been forthcoming in its response to Mumbai attacks. Today, the trial of the accused is proceeding ahead in accordance with our judicial process. The serious and sustained efforts Pakistan is making should be acknowledged. India should move forward with Pakistan in strengthening the logic and momentum of peace and prosperity.
Terrorism is a common threat for both India and Pakistan. Finger pointing, point scoring and conditionalities betray a myopic mindset. That gives ammunition to enemies of peace.
Dialogue is the only option. Working together to address common challenges is the only way forward.
The international community also has a responsibility. They should play a positive role in helping the two countries resume the Composite Dialogue process.
Pakistan is committed to the principles of non-interference and good neighbourly relations. We expect the same from our neighbours.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Despite odds, Pakistan has achieved a democratic setup, an independent judiciary, a thriving and free media, and a vibrant civil society. Above all, we have achieved a national consensus to confront, defeat and ultimately root out terrorism and extremism from our society. Extremism is not indigenous to our people. Our ethos is tolerance rooted in the best traditions of Islamic Sufism. The problem of terrorism and extremism was grafted in our region.
No nation has done more than we have in combating terrorism and extremism. The success of the Malakand operation, the ongoing operations in South Waziristan, the daily sacrifices of our army and police, the intensity of suicide bombings on innocent civilians – they all clearly demonstrate the resolve, sincerity and determination of our people to surmount the challenge.
We have no doubt that we shall prevail. Yet, a lot remains to be done. Military force is just one component of a wide range of measures required to uproot and cleanse our society of terrorism and extremism.Rehabilitation of the IDPs, reconstruction and development of the affected areas; and a modern and well equipped police force are prerequisites for any worthwhile strategy. It is in these areas that the international community needs to be more forthcoming.
The fruits of development in our tribal areas and Balochistan would not be restricted to Pakistan only. It would have a huge effect on southern and eastern Afghanistan.
Afghanistan has yet to develop effective bureaucratic, judicial and police structures in these areas. Therefore, a development push from across the border in FATA and Balochistan is the best option available.
This was the rationale behind establishing ROZs in these areas; and we hope that the US and the international community would contribute towards the success of our development efforts.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A successful strategy on Afghanistan requires complete identity of views, purposes and objectives between the partners. Our primary focus should be to make a visible difference in the lives of our peoples in terms of security and socio-economic development. Countries of the region bear a special responsibility in our quest to achieve regional stability.
Countries of the Gulf too, have a responsibility and a role. Early conclusion of a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the GCC can boost trade, spur growth and catalyze socioeconomic change across the region. It can prove to be a truly transformational tool in our quest to quell the disease of extremism and terrorism at its roots.
It is also important for Pakistan and the GCC to work together to look into the matter of terrorist funding;And ensure that no money is transferred to militant coffers under the guise of philanthropy.
No discourse on Gulf security is perhaps complete without a discussion on the Iranian nuclear issue. The issue has the potential to destabilize the entire region and the world. We can ill afford a conflagration. Pakistan, like other regional States, is justifiably concerned.
Within the NPT framework, Pakistan supports Iran’s right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We feel that coercion would be counter-productive; and we wish to see a negotiated settlement. Recent developments have given us cause for hope. Pakistan encourages all parties to continue to pursue the path of dialogue and accommodation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Pakistan is well on its way to defeat militants militarily. I have no doubt we will vanquish terrorism. But let us not fall into the trap of believing that security is simply the absence of threat; or the wherewithal to mitigate it. It is the ability to promote collective well being. It is on this crucial field that the battle for hearts and minds will be won. It is through development that we will be able to turn the page and usher in a new dawn. We have to give our people cause for hope; by translating pledges into actions that speak for themselves. Let us move forward together.
I thank you.
