Mubarak Baloch
‘National interest’ is defined to be the true reflection of peoples’ aspirations promoting their country’s interest within and outside the borders. These goals and ambitions could be military, economic, cultural etc. It is a very important concept in the context of international relations. Pursuing the national interest is the inherent component of every country’s foreign policy. National interest is often pursued by being reciprocal to other sovereign states in order to ensure support from them. There are various mechanisms to promote national interest. Mostly, the old dictum “ends justify the means” is upheld. Thus putting a wedge in the relations of two countries seen justified, if this helps ones national interest. Identifying proxies and using these as foreign policy tools to advance national interest has now become a norm. Like Saudi Arabia holds soft for Ahle-Hadith school of thought, Iran endears the Shia Muslims, if to go back to cold war era Mujahideen, a conglomerate of vrious hues, were doing as proxy of America and of its allies against Soviet forces in Afghanistan. On the similar pattern after the emergence of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) concept a number of countries being anathema to possible China’s rise and salutary effect on Pakistan’s economy to accrue from CPEC started opposing it while exploiting the proxy forces which are either created or already existing. These are being used to scuttle the smooth execution of CPEC projects that also includes creating unrest in Pakistan in any shape.
Pakistan has a serious concern of being hemmed in by both overt and covert adversaries. Apart from TTP, Baloch dissidents are also being hosted in India-managed-America-dominated Afghan soil. These elements are being used as proxy against Pakistan. There are certain other countries like United Kingdom hosting some dissidents including one political party chief in London. Altaf Hussain has been living there for the last about two decades. Sitting unworried and with iron fist managing the party affairs from the far off land. His party exercised absolute sway heretofore in the metropolitan city of Pakistan thanks to its militant muscle’s deterrence. Though lately he has been walking on a tight rope after he resorted to vilification spree against Pakistan and institutions here. His diatribe caused much ire against his party in Pakistan and the state rage has justifiably rose against the man who have been jeopardizing peace in Karachi, the business hub and other urban pockets in Sindh.
His recent vitriolic attack on institutions of country and his appeal to Pakistan hostile countries like India, Israel etc for being helpful to him for refloating his party wading through troubled waters are the activities played as catalyst bringing much pressure on the party. Despite repeated requests and appeals even through diplomatic channels from Islamabad, London did not come hard on MQM supremo. The latter even successfully survived the allegations of killing Dr. Imran Farooq in London. Metropolitan police insipidly investigated him not only on murder charges but also on charges of money laundering. He has been either exonerated of charges or probably the charges are not pursued in relevant court of law thanks to vested interests.
Besides, a Baloch dissident sitting ensconced in London was imprisoned for sometime by British government. The man is now free and is avowedly carrying out activities targeting peace in the largest province of Pakistan. The connivance of the British government with the disruptive activities of individuals has some vested interests hamstringing peace efforts so that CPEC does not have smooth passage to take off. Without peace and tranquility in country such mega projects are obviously impossible to come to fruition.
The use of proxies for advancing national interest is unfortunately getting more relevance in this region. British, the former ruler of sub-continent has been manipulating the internal situation of Pakistan through proxies. Resistance coupled with reaction from the countries like Pakistan against such forces is justified. On the other hand meddlesome role of such characters would hamper the economic activity. The latter has direct relevance with the prosperity of the country. And lack or absence of economic activity would squeeze the rise of people’s living standard forcing them to survive in poverty. National interests may be pursued but not at the cost of the peace and prosperity of other countries. Conversely; the adverse effects emanating from such turbulence sometimes also give birth to unpleasant situations to the dislike of countries which are involved in rearing and nurturing proxies. Exploiting ethnic, racial, sectarian and other divides at the cost of internal harmony in Pakistan is going to be un-helpful for peace in the region. Pakistan’s grouse is justified against such countries and it must strengthen itself by exercising all possible options so that such machinations are shot down.
