5TH ANNIVERSARY – IISS ASIA SECURITY SUMMIT
THE SHANGRI-LA DIALOUGE SINGAPORE 2006
NATIONAL SECURITY – SETTING PRIORITIES
ADDRESS BY
GENERAL EHSAN UL HAQ, NI(M)
CHAIRMAN JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE
PAKISTAN ARMED FORCES
SUNDAY, 4 JUNE 2006 AT THE SHANGRI LA HOTEL
Professor Francois Heisbourg, Chairman IISS
Dr John Chipman, Director IISS
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
1. It is indeed a privilege to participate in the Shangrila Dialogue, which has emerged as a credible platform for discussions on Asian Security and Stability. It is also a source of great pleasure to have the opportunity to share my thoughts with such a distinguished gathering on Pakistan's security priorities.
2. Pakistan of today and tomorrow is not Pakistan of the past. Confident and vibrant, this nation of 160 Million is committed to a democratic, moderate, tolerant and progressive Islamic polity, as envisioned by our founding fathers. It is strategically located at the cross-roads of three vital regions of the world – South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia. We seek friendship and cooperation with the international community especially our neighbours. We are an active participant in the regional organisations and as part of the Government's “Look East” vision, are working towards close collaboration with South East Asia. We are seeking resolution of disputes with India, supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan and urge the resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue. Our objectives have been clear – to ensure peace, stability and progress for our people. To achieve these objectives, we in Pakistan continue to work with determination for peace within and beyond our borders.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
3. This is the vision and objectives that determine our national security priorities. National Security, as we view it, is a complex mission that requires a holistic and coordinated effort from the entire nation, whether in the government or in the civil society. It transcends beyond military might and is increasingly related to non- military terms including economy, energy and natural resources, human capital including intellectual capability, education and health care, governance, internal stability, etc.
4. We are cognizant that the national security in the 21st Century has to be in synch with the international environment and the regional security matrix. The world is in the midst of a paradigm shift ushered in by the dramatic developments of the last decade and events of 9/11. The factors underlying this change include:-
a. New global power balance following the end of the cold war.
b. Threat of nuclear proliferation and terrorism.
c. Rapid advances in technology.
d. Information revolution.
e. Increasing globalization.
5. To safeguard our national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Pakistan has pursued a comprehensive and carefully calibrated policy for national reforms based on six broad elements, which we believe are the essence of our national security:-
a. Economic Sovereignty.
b. Stable Political Process.
c. Internal Security.
d. Credible Defence / Deterrence.
e. Good Governance.
f. Effective Diplomacy aimed at Conflict Resolution.
6. Determined and sustained implementation of these elements supported by wide ranging reforms, have ensured significant transformation in all facets of our national life. Within this broad framework, I shall now amplify Pakistan’s priorities / policies on some of the key issues.
7. On the International Front, Pakistan’s decision, a difficult but necessary one, to join the GWOT was in the interest of peace and stability in the region as well as Pakistan’s own security concerns. The world has acknowledged that without Pakistan’s active support, the Coalition or ISAF or the UN could not have succeeded in Afghanistan as they did. Pakistan’s intelligence services and security forces have “provided more support, captured more terrorists and committed more troops than any other nation in the Global war on terror” (Christine Fair, The Counter Terror Coalition). As I speak, Pakistani forces are still battling Al-Qaeda militants on Pakistan – Afghan border and in the adjoining tribal areas. In fact over the last five years Pakistan has borne the main brunt of Al-Qaeda terrorism. President Musharraf has survived three attempts on his life, the Prime Minister has barely escaped an assassination attempt and our military commanders have been targeted in urban areas. Yes, in this new environment, the common threat of international terrorism also endangers Pakistan’s security. This is an important national priority for us.
8. But it has come at a heavy price with loss of many precious lives and huge economic losses. While we remain steadfast in our opposition to terrorism, we are convinced that a lasting solution to this problem requires elimination of its root causes. We believe that terrorism stems from the denial of justice, from deprivation and deep sense of humiliation-an environment manifested at its worst in the occupation of other nations/people . We must address the problem of terrorism holistically and not just focus on one aspect while ignoring the others. We must also challenge the false notion of a clash between Islam and the western civilization. After all, the causes of terrorism are political and not religious. Moreover, we must reject the pernicious attempts to associate terrorism with the Islamic faith. Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance, compassion and forbearance, which preaches inter-faith understanding.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
9. The Kashmir dispute has remained at the heart of the tensions between Pakistan and India ever since our independence in 1947. For us, this is more than an issue of territory and we seek its peaceful resolution. We have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to a dialogue process with India which was resumed in January 2004 and has contributed towards an appreciable reduction in tension in South Asia. Nothing should be allowed to derail this engagement. We have also agreed on several confidence building measures and people to people contacts. While creating the atmosphere, CBMs can not be an end in themselves.
10. Any number of confidence building measures would turn out to be futile, as long as there is no movement on the core issue of Kashmir. In fact, resolution of the issue of Kashmir itself would be the biggest CBM of all, which can usher us into an era of peace, stability and socio-economic progress, which the teeming millions of South Asia so dearly crave for.
11. The attainment of a final settlement shall require a solution, which is acceptable to all three stakeholders – Pakistan, India and the Kashmiris. For this, all sides will need to demonstrate courage, sincerity and flexibility.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
12. Pakistan’s nuclear capability must be viewed in the context of other regional countries pursuit of the nuclear option and our legitimate security concerns. Pakistan does not seek regional domination or great power status. We do not threaten any country and wish to live in peace. Our strategic capabilities have been developed in self-defence following the introduction of nuclear weapons into South Asia in 1974 that disrupted the security balance by further accentuating the serious differential in conventional forces, to our detriment. Again in 1998 we were not the one to initiate nuclear tests. But were obliged to respond in order to re-establish the credibility of our deterrence. As a nuclear weapon state, we adhere to a doctrine of minimum credible deterrence and are opposed to any nuclear proliferation as well as arms race in the region. Accordingly, we have proposed a Strategic Restraint Regime to India. We also believe that the induction of anti ballistic missile systems would have a destabilizing impact on the entire region. Pakistan is also committed to the prevention of nuclear proliferation and has developed a strong command and control structure to protect our strategic assets as well as effective export controls to ensure against nuclear leakage. However, we believe that no restrictions should be imposed on peaceful uses of nuclear energy under appropriate safeguards and any discrimination in this regards would be counter productive. As a fossil fuel deficit country, we need to develop nuclear power generation to meet the growing needs for energy required for our expanding economy (8800 MWs by 2025). We are prepared to accept all safeguards for our civilian nuclear power sector.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
13. Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the subsequent Afghan civil war, Pakistan has been confronted with the influx of more than three million Afghan refugees, the infusion of drugs and weapons, as well as incursions by extremists and terrorists. Since 9/11, Pakistan has fully supported the international war on terrorism within and beyond Afghanistan and has deployed more that 80,000 troops on our common border, leading to the elimination or apprehension of several hundred terrorists, which has broken the back of Al-Qaeda. At the same time, Pakistan has contributed significantly to efforts for reconstruction and rehabilitation in the country apart from assisting in the Afghan electoral process. Afghanistan is a country with which Pakistan shares ties of religion, history, culture, and language. Pakistan has provided unrestricted transit access to landlocked Afghanistan, invested heavily in the Afghan economy, and helping in rebuilding their infrastructure. Pakistan’s trade has gone over a billion and a dollars and is growing.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
14. Now allow me to say few words on our domestic front. Pakistan shares the concerns of the international community about extremism and are determined that extremists have no place in Pakistan society and their growth must be curtailed through comprehensive reforms. Even before 9/11, President Musharraf in his 12th October 1999 speech had stated that Pakistan was no longer a safe place for extremists. Since then of course, numerous measures have been taken to ban and curb the activities of extremist groups, institute educational reforms, etc.
15. In this regard Pakistan has also taken important anti terrorist measures, including steps to strengthen the domestic legal measures against terrorism have been taken. Pakistan has also signed or ratified 11 out of 13 UN Conventions and Protocols against terrorism. Even prior to 9/11 Pakistan enacted the 1997 Anti-terrorism Act, which has now been amended to take account of post 9/11 realities.
16. In the GWOT Pakistan has cooperated with the ISAF/NATO and US in a number of ways but particularly intelligence sharing. It is well known that numerous Al-Qaeda leaders have been captured in Pakistan but what is less known is the immense contribution made by Pakistani intelligence sharing leading to success around the world and foiling of serious terrorist attacks. Pakistan's Navy has been an active participant in the Coalition Task Force operating in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea and is presently commanding CTF – 150.
17. In the new security environment Pakistan has taken a series of steps in improving the capabilities of its internal security/ police forces and intelligence services. Pakistan has created a national criminal database and is the first country in the region to successfully install PISCES, a terrorist-interdiction programme set at our airports and overland border crossings.
18. It is in keeping with the true letter and spirit of the Islamic faith that President Pervez Musharraf has presented the concept of “Enlightened Moderation”, to promote inter-civilization harmony instead of a clash of civilizations. This concept exhorts Muslim societies to reform and reject extremism. At the same time, it calls upon the west to facilitate resolution of issues that have caused anger and frustration among Muslims. Enlightened Moderation aims, therefore, to win hearts and minds, which will ensure a permanent victory for peace and tolerance over extremism and violence. More than ever before, we need to work for inter-faith harmony and understanding.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
19. We believe that a strong economy is an important element of our security. Our determined and sustained efforts have ensured a dramatic transformation in Pakistan over the last half-decade. We have been able to reform, restructure, and revive our economy. We have based our reforms on the principles of deregulation, liberalization, and privatisation. Last year we achieved a growth rate of 8.4 percent, one of the highest in Asia. Our agricultural, industrial, and services sectors are growing rapidly. Foreign exchange reserves and FDI are at an all-time high. Exports are steadily increasing and diversifying into new and more areas. To sustain this momentum, the government is now implementing a second generation of broad-ranging structural reforms, especially in the areas of institution building, infrastructure development, and investment in human capital.
20. At the same time, we are proceeding with the consolidation of our transparency and democratic institutions. On coming to power, the present government created the institution of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to address the problem of corruption that unfortunately tarnished the image of the political leadership. NAB has been instrumental in recovering considerable sums of money and acts as an effective deterrent to corruption. When President Musharraf came to power, chronic problems of administrative corruption and inefficiency existed at all levels of government, particularly at the local level. A Devolution of Power plan was announced, which has been described as a silent revolution and has facilitated greater reliance on community participation and social mobilization in the design and delivery and monitoring of local projects to ensure the greater relevance of programs to the actual needs of the masses. Our reforms also take into account issues of political, social and economic powers and discrimination. Seats have been reserved, in the legislature and decision making bodies, for the marginalized, the minorities, and above all, women who have lately come to constitute a majority of the population. Almost one third seats have been reserved for women in the Federal and Provincial legislative. As a consequence we have been able to provide transparent and responsible governance including a vibrant opposition and a free media; empower women and minorities and improve the delivery of social sector services especially education and health.
21. Priorities of Defence. Keeping in view what I have explained, I would now like to highlight our priorities of Defence.
a. First the Threat Perceptions: Our Enduring Priority. On the external front, Pakistan actively seeks a peaceful international order. It harbours no designs on any territory of any state. It has always sought and upheld the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
b. To safeguard its security and territorial integrity, Pakistan pursues a Defence policy, which is in conformity with the prevailing geo-strategic environment and measures up to the requirement of its national aims and aspirations. The armed forces and other elements of national power act in unison and are orchestrated to counter all existing and potential threats. There is emphasis on active and full participation by the entire nation in the defence of the country.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
22. Pakistan over the years has made good progress in its aim of maximizing national self-reliance in as many areas of weapon system and ancillaries as can be achieved within technological constraints. In this, we have been seeking collaboration with reliable partners and friendly countries. Determination in self-reliance in defense production has been learnt the hard way by a history of sanctions at critical junctures of Pakistan’s brief existence.
23. Pakistan has actively participated in stability operations in different parts of the world, in one of the most visible and constructive activities of the UN. Over the years Pakistan’s peacekeeping contribution record has been impressive. Since 1960 it has participated in over 18 missions and today singly contributes 14.5% of the global UN peacekeeping operations. Amongst the 100 personnel-contributing countries, Pakistan ranks the highest, by currently making a contribution of 8544 personnel (military and police) to UN missions in Africa, Asia and Europe. 90 Pakistan peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives for the noble task of peace in the world.
24. In the wake of the traumatic experience of the recent earthquake, we have been increasingly conscious of the urgency of a broader concept of Human Security. A National Disaster Relief Organisation is being structured on the experience of the successful management of the earthquake relief effort. We have also been responding to rescue and disaster relief operations in Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia. Contingents comprising engineers and medical established relief camps while Pakistan Navy undertook rescue operation in Maldives. Pakistan had also sent medical contingent with relief goods to Iran and Turkey recently when these countries were struck by earthquakes to assist in disaster relief operations. At present our contingents are operating in Indonesia to help our brethren hit by the Earthquake.
25. To summarize, Pakistan’s security imperative are:-
a. Economic stability.
b. Ensure domestic stability and defeat internal threats.
c. Deter aggression.
d. Work in harmony with the comity of nations to defeat terrorism and ensure regional and global security and stability.
26. I will conclude by saying that Pakistan takes its international security commitments seriously and strenuously strives towards a more stable region and international order. Pakistan beside actively engaged in GWOT, also contributes one of the largest numbers of our service men to stability operations throughout the world and have frequently suffered causalities resulting in orphans and widows at home. We remain steadfast and committed to global and regional peace and stability in quest of better future for our coming generations.
