ISLAMABAD: In his first foreign policy directives, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi ordered continued diplomatic and political support for freedom struggle in India-held Kashmir, continued focus on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and greater emphasis on economic diplomacy.

He gave the directives at the first briefing he received on foreign policy. The briefing was given by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua. Newly-appointed Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif also attended the session.

“The briefing covered in detail issues of importance in Pakistan’s foreign policy,” the Prime Minister Office said in a statement.

PM directs continued support for Kashmiris, focus on CPEC, economic diplomacy

Mr Abbasi appears to be giving foreign affairs extra attention. He has appointed a full-time foreign minister unlike his predecessor Nawaz Sharif whose policies he has vowed to follow. Mr Sharif had kept the foreign minister’s slot vacant during his little over four years in office.

The briefing by the Foreign Office was one of the first briefings he received from the ministries. And even before finalising his cabinet, he met Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong.

It was initially expected that foreign policy might not get adequate attention of the new government because of other issues dominating its immediate agenda.

The PM Office statement was conspicuously silent on challenges in relations with the United States. The Trump administration is reviewing its policy on Afghanistan. The new policy is expected to have greater regional perspective and there are hints that Washington will opt for a tougher line on Pakistan for allegedly not eliminating terror sanctuaries.

US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asia Alice Wells, who was here on a two-day visit, reminded of that irritant in the ties. “Pakistani soil must not be used to plan or conduct terrorist attacks against its neighbours,” Ambassador Wells was quoted as saying in a departure statement issued by the US Embassy.

On the issue of Kashmir, the PM Office said: “Prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to the just struggle of people of Indian-occupied Kashmir for their right of self-determination. He directed continued projection of grave human rights violations in IoK by the Indian occupation forces.”

The prime minister ordered continuity of policy on economic diplomacy, which his predecessor emphasised a lot, but little was then achieved because of continuing challenges at home. Mr Sharif had in one of his initial policy directions said his government’s foreign policy would be driven by economic considerations.

Underscoring the importance of economic diplomacy, Mr Abbasi said it would help Pakistan achieve its true economic potential through win-win partnerships with other countries.

The prime minister said the CPEC would continue unaffected and he would personally supervise the implementation of the corridor projects.

During his meeting with Mr Abbasi late on Thursday night, the Chinese ambassador conveyed Beijing’s satisfaction over “smooth transition” and assured continued support for Pakistan’s development.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2017