Declare neutrality

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, July 20, 2021: in a tense South Asian Subcontinent, a multi-polar system is evolving. Both superpowers and regional powers are using tremendous pressure on Pakistan. Ostensibly, Islamabad seems to be lost in translation. All and sundry want Pakistan on their side given its unique geopolitical situation. The Foreign Office should stop its extemporaneous policy.

However, Pakistan could side with none of these powers. Islamabad could invoke the principle of neutrality on the Swiss model. In 2011, Al-Bab proposed neutrality as the way out.

 

While Pakistan managed to be a permanent member of SCO following unprecedented improvement of its ties with the Russian Federation, the policymakers should seriously think of pursuing a neutral policy towards all regional and international powers.

The unique strategic location of Pakistan obliges Islamabad to pursue strict neutrality especially when the present Cold War era and conflicting interests would inevitably ignite future wars. The foreign policy decision-makers should opt for neutrality as defined in sections 5 and 13 of the Hague Convention of 1907.

This policy would ensure that belligerents would not invade Pakistan. Furthermore, neutrality would not compromise Pakistan’s right to resist, foil or deter any attempt to compromise its neutrality.

A neutral Pakistan would have a better space improving its relations with all superpowers, regional powers, and even states facing internal conflict. Thus, Pakistan would retain its unique relations with traditional allies like the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia. Neutrality should be an incentive to promote better relations with the EU, Iran, and other important states in the GCC, OIC, NAM, SARC, G-8, and African Union.