Who runs our foreign policy?

The issue is not over allowing one of Pakistan’s most decorated and popular army chief, retired General Raheel Sharif, to head the strong coalition of 39 Islamic countries. It’s recognition of Pakistan’s military strength, capacity and capability to fight against terrorism. The secrecy of the very decision that Pakistan would be part of the coalition had even surprised the government, which caused embarrassment to our foreign policy-makers.

Had the decision been taken in consultation and Pakistan taken into confidence, government could have handled the situation at east unlike the one we witnessed when the foreign media reports hit the headlines and our foreign office, concerned ministers and advisers were even aware of, something unprecedented.

The instant reaction from foreign office over the issue was more of an outsider, not aware of the decision. This raised question as to who took this major foreign policy decision, in the first place. In a way, Pakistan was compelled to become part of the coalition, as clearly reflected from the events which followed this surprise announcement. Initially, government expressed its reservations as the move came in the aftermath of Saudi-Yemen conflict. It was followed by a unanimous resolution in the parliament.

Pakistan will now head the coalition and the name of the former army chief is final and reports suggest that the government has formally replied to the letter and the NOC is now merely a formality.

Gen. Raheel enjoyed the reputation of a man with a vast experience in this most difficult war against terrorism. It will be quite a challenge for him to head the coalition in somewhat different circumstances.

Gen. Raheel is likely to come out with some kind of defense after May, when all the defense ministers of the coalition would meet to finalize modalities of this multi-purpose alliance. To head the strong coalition of Islamic countries may have its own positives and by leading the allied force, it can also play a role of a mediator in certain conflicts among the Islamic or Arab countries.

Why this coalition is confined to 39 countries? Have other countries been invited, approached and some of them had refused, or excused or options are open? What is the prime purpose of the coalition. Is it merely a war against terrorism or playing as an alternative to Nato?

It is true that Pakistan can play a role in defusing the tension among the brotherly Islamic countries but the Arab conflicts also have global implications. We are still not sure about the possible policy of US under Donald Trump towards Islamic countries, but it will be tough particularly towards Iran. The recent travel ban on seven Islamic countries could just be the beginning of tough measures to follow in the next four years.

Now, whether the purpose of this coalition would merely be fight against global terror networks like al-Qaeda or Daesh or has a longer strategy is not yet known, but Pakistan certainly is clear that it would not be part of any ‘misadventure.’

Therefore, more clarity is needed and all the details must be unveiled before the Parliament or at least at the foreign office level.

In the absence of any foreign minister, the portfolio is with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and instead of defense minister, adviser on foreign affairs, he should taken parliament and the nation into confidence.

Now, main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, PTI has decided to take up the issue of ‘breach of parliament’ in violation of the last resolution. Both government and opposition need to be more careful in debate as it could have far-reaching implications.

There was no need to make the issue so secretive that even Pakistan was not aware of the decision that it is part of the coalition. All this led to confusion and speculations although under the no circumstances Pakistan would be party to any conflict among the other two countries.

Pakistan certainly could not refuse Saudi Arab, not only in view of its constant support in all walks of life like China, but also because of the kingdom’s special relationship with successive civilian and military rulers, particularly Sharif brothers.

When Pakistan decided not to become part of Saudi-Yemen conflict, it did not go well in Saudi circles and both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former army chief, retired General Raheel Sharif made frequent visit to satisfy Saudi rulers about its decision.

Well-informed sources aware of these developments revealed that government position also weakened after contradictory statements of concerned ministers and advisers followed by a unanimous resolution.

Pakistan has rarely had an independent foreign policy except during 1970s, when former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto came with a concept of Islamic bloc, asked the Arabs to use oil as weapon followed by historic Islamic summit, the kind of financial support he got in making Pakistan a nuclear power.

One of the reasons why the Saudis picked former army chief was his role in the war against terrorism including operation Zarb-e-Azb, his popular image and the respect he commands in world’s military high command, particularly in Muslim countries.

Gen. Sharif also played key role in trying to bridge disputes between the KSA and Iran, particularly during and after Saudi-Yemen conflict.

Therefore, it is important that the role of the coalition be properly defined. At present, at least people of Pakistan are not aware of it. Even parliament has been kept in dark and who knows even the vocal Defense Minister Kh Asif may also not be well-informed about it.

Pakistan has the most organised and disciplined army in the world and certainly among the coalition partners. Some of those retired generals, aware of these developments, have revealed that the main role of Pakistan would be to provide training and capacity building to counter terrorism strategy.

Pakistan should not keep matters too secretive and if the civil and military are on one page on the appointment of Gen. Raheel as well as on coalition, and have also taken Iran into confidence by removing its apprehensions and concerns, a fresh resolution can be tabled and passed, both in support of the coalition and Gen. Raheel. However, it is important for Pakistan as a state to be well aware of the fact that its foreign policy decision should be taken by Pakistan itself.

The writer is the senior columnist and analyst of GEO, The News and Jang

Twitter: @MazharAbbas GEO.