ISLAMABAD: Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed observed on Friday that Pakistan is on the cusp of a strategic breakthrough, as the South Asian geopolitical landscape is being reshaped by shifting alliances and interests, creating new avenues for regional connectivity and development.
At the Training the Trainers workshop, hosted by the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) in Islamabad, Senator Syed underscored the country’s considerable geo-economic potential, fueled by significant developments both within and outside its borders.
He identified the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a critical catalyst, remarking that it will forge a vital trade link between Central Asia and the Indian Ocean through Pakistan, thereby amplifying trade and economic integration.
According to him, the cessation of conflict in Afghanistan has presented Pakistan with strategic space for the first time in 42 years.
CPEC identified as vital trade link between Central Asia and Indian Ocean through Pakistan
He further highlighted the geopolitical shifts that add to this strategic opening, including the Iran-Saudi rapprochement and the political change in Bangladesh.
Additionally, the diminished influence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi compared to his previous term was mentioned as a factor contributing to a more favourable regional environment for Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan’s hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and its application for membership in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are steps towards greater international integration and recognition of its strategic role.
Despite these positive indicators, Mr Syed did not shy away from addressing the internal challenges facing the country.
He stressed that many of the country’s problems are self-created and therefore, can be rectified. According to him, the resilience and spirit of the people of the country are key factors that will drive the country to overcome these obstacles and move forward.
During the inaugural session of the workshop, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, former Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, outlined seven key features that define today’s strategic landscape.
She cautioned against referring to the current global situation as a “world order”, suggesting it is more akin to a “global world disorder”.
Her key points included the economic shift toward multipolarity with wealth and power moving from the West to other regions, the escalating US-China confrontation highlighted by Washington’s strategy to contain China, and increased East-West tensions, notably exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Additionally, she noted the growing threats to multilateralism and the rules-based international order, the rise of populism, technological disruptions in a hyperconnected world, and the emergence of middle powers determined to forge their own foreign policy paths independently of major international alliances.
Addressing the workshop, CISS Executive Director Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi said that Pakistan is a pivotal state located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East which highlights its geopolitical importance.
Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2024
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