Collected works on foreign policy launched

Islamabad: Former Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua has said that amid great-power politics, Pakistan should steer clear of aligning with any specific camp.

Ms Janjua was referring to a suggestion from Dr Baqai’s book “Collected works on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy” during a talk organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS) here Wednesday.

Ms Janjua said that the book particularly underscores the overarching issues in the current global environment dominated by escalating rivalry between the US and China. It delves into the nature of this rivalry, its impact on the region, and potential responses by Pakistan. However, she stressed the increasing importance of addressing the challenges associated with maintaining such a balance and the importance of close coordination among all relevant institutions and stakeholders.

Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan observed that the book serves as a valuable resource, offering insights into the emerging issues faced by Pakistan and providing a guide to understanding international developments over the past five years.

Dr Neelum Nigar from ISS said that Dr Baqai's extensive body of work stands as a testament to her dedication to unraveling the complexities of foreign affairs and security policy. Through meticulous research, thoughtful commentary, and a deep understanding of the geopolitical landscape, the author provided us with invaluable insights that resonate with the pulse of our times.

Abdul Basit, Pakistan’s former High Commissioner to India, expressed appreciation for the book as a valuable addition to the existing literature addressing Pakistan's intricate foreign policy and security challenges. Shedding light on the hurdles surrounding Pakistan's foreign policy, he noted that although the country has clear foreign policy objectives, there's room for improvement in effectively utilising its foreign policy options. Drawing attention to specific articles in the book, Mr Basit emphasised that geo-economics must be considered within a broader context and not in isolation.

Dr Baqai, in her exposition of the book illuminated its focus on Pakistan's foreign, domestic and security policies within the context of various constraints and compulsions. Despite facing numerous challenges, Pakistan effectively safeguarded its core interests. She stressed that these challenges significantly influenced all facets of Pakistan's foreign policy, shaping its relationships with key nations such as Afghanistan, the United States, and India, and its engagement with global alliance structures.