Pakistan’s growing isolation in the international community has been a matter of concern and adversely affects many aspects of life. Even more important is the need for friends close to home, and in this context the firm handshake retained with Sri Lanka for well over a decade is important to both countries. That handshake was made firmer on Monday as Sri Lanka became the first country in the region to sign an agreement with Pakistan on cooperation on matters of civil nuclear technology. The agreement was signed as Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met at the PM House in Islamabad. This was one of six agreements and two MoUs reached on the occasion. These ranged from agreements on cooperation in the area of shipping and the development of sport, to expanding trade.
Pakistan has for a long time searched for ways to expand civilian nuclear technology – something that could help it meet its growing energy needs. As a developing nation, Sri Lanka too stands to benefit from such an accord. Pakistan’s attempts to obtain help from the US and other western countries have faltered, and this makes the understanding reached with Sri Lanka all the more important. In many ways it also highlights what can be achieved by regional blocs working together. In today’s world, largely dominated by a single superpower, this may be the way to create a greater degree of equality. It is also true that Sri Lanka understands, better than others, many of Pakistan’s problems particularly those with terrorism. It has on several occasions offered support in this area, notably after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team. It has also provided aid for IDPs. The significant civil nuclear accord then takes things further and offers the advantages of mutual cooperation to both countries in developing technology, which, if used with responsibility, could greatly benefit people by offering solutions to our energy
problems. These should not be monopolised by only one set of countries but made available to all.