Syed Mushahid Hussain Naqvi
In retrospectof Asian maritime affairs, “preponderant blue economy took center stage in domain of geo-economics”whilstsecurity architecture undergoing through successive transformation in the aftermaths of growing competition between regional and global contending powers in the Indian Ocean. Consequent intensifying geopolitical ante potentially necessitates role of Pakistan navy vis-a-vis consolidating national security imperatives. The notion also impliesaccumulating its greater prevalence retention to hold regional strategic relevance. In addition, revamping trends obligates multilateral engagement with global worldfor interest maximization, and to combat formidable traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
Notwithstanding, lurking agendas of adversaries, cognizant with diplomatic exigencies of home, our Naval diplomacy sought to juncture the “look Africa policy” through transforming rhetoric to reality. Evidently two of its ships PNS ASLAT and PNS MOAWIN sailed on overseas deployment around African countries: Morocco, Mauritania, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya and drawn to close at Seychelles.Thus, the two month long visit offered opportunities for public interaction, deliberation with host diplomatic staff and naval officials, which sought to bring substantial gains for our national recognition crescendo, pervasiveness of cordial ties and paving path of far-fetched goals.
Pertinently, the noble gesture of holding free medical camps on humanitarian grounds enormously benefited local populace and it’s acknowledgement as “philanthropic act” promoted national Prestige in visited states.Profound naval ambition gave encouragement toPakistani diaspora in those countries and it also enticed fair bit of identity reverence in African community.
Likewise, Kashmir conflict remained imperative agenda of entire trip, besides elucidating Pakistan’s narrative over theprotracted crisis. Indian flagrant violence, deceitful political gambits and human right violations also exposed in voyage. This marvel strategic maneuvering overtly refuted nefarious propaganda designs inculcated by confronting actors through barefaced lobbies in that region and further validated our stance over conflict resolution.
Adding further, role of Pakistan in mitigating crisis ensued by fallout of transnational terrorism brought into limelight. Apart from highlighting sacrifices in WOT, our top-notched counterinsurgency measures and rigmarole efforts made for gaining perpetual peace in South Asia was dually pass muster by host nations. One of remarkable development is restoration of our image as “peace loving nation” which was tarnished by the menace of terrorism due to overriding misperceptions.
Multi-pronged coherent “naval diplomacy” initiative embarked resounding triumph, however “look Africa policy” pledge to seek preferential treatment by ascertaining avenues of constructive Partnership at diplomatic front.
So far, Pakistan holds only 15 resident mission while 39 countries dispensed on concurrent accreditation diplomacy, henceforth it require viable considerations to outreach in remaining uncharted territory. Emphasizing Track I, Track II diplomacy and multidimensional exchange programs would serve the ambition to bolster ties and enrich prospects of mutual agreements.
In account to this, religious assimilation is fundamental imperative for goal-driven inroads to Muslim majority African states.History also vindicates an extensive engagement of Pakistan in African continent. Since the year 1960, under UN humanitarian assistance and peace keeping campaigns, Islamabad playing frontline role in logistics support, establishing writ of law through its different military and police contingents deployed in multiple states:Congo, Somalia, Sudan,Rwanda and Prevlaka respectively. Keeping those key drivers as perquisite, the contours of collaboration plausibly induce a binding force to transcend into broadening ties.
From economic perspective, African continent is enriched with abundant natural resources and mineral reservoirs. Sustainable diplomatic engagement may rise the impetus of trade and investment. Given the potential that region offers, this could emerge a leading trading destination in foreseeable future for Pakistan. A dismaying fact, the volume of trade is merely confined to 4.6 billion dollars, compared to 65 billion dollars of Indo-African trade which designates India the second largest trading partner of African countries after China.
Adding further, our indigenous market offers diversified goods for export ranging from textile, agricultural equipment, sports accessories, cement, leather, paper paperboard, article of bedding,pharmaceutical and surgical instruments. Domestically, foundation of African cultural studies, conducting seminars and conferences regarding African potential prowess would create awareness among the investors.
Moreover, easy regulations and conduciveenvironment allows maximum opportunities for business investments in Pakistan. Pak- African flourishing relations open corridors of effective utility from the strategicadvantages that Pakistan offers. It can provide access to the Central Asian and other South Asian markets thus broadening the economic sphere for African countries who tend to discover new endeavors for trade. In broader spectrum, it would innovate a trend of cooperation between third world states who generally known for being subservient to the first world states for boosting socio-economic positions.
To put it briefly, “look Africa policy” holds multifaceted economic and strategic advantages. Strategizing coherent and sustainable policy framework would not only bring the countries closer but it will also revamp the economic and security architecture. Thus, there is dire need of imprinting naval diplomacy by the government policy makers to consolidate the global position of the country.
