This refers to the article ‘On sovereignty’ (Dec 31, 2019) by Dr Manzoor Ali Isran. Economic interests primarily determine the nature of relations between different nations. Pakistan can only become fully sovereign when its economy becomes strong enough to repel any pressure from other countries. Pakistan should not build partisan relations with any block to the exclusion of other friendly countries. None of the petroleum-producing countries has raised any objection on investments or joint ventures from commodity-producing countries. Besides economic help, Saudi Arabia has always helped Pakistan in adverse situations.
When the OIC is characterized as toothless despite the membership of the majority of Muslim countries, how can a proposed Islamic block with only four member countries be said to have any credibility. Pakistan should stay away from conflict-based politics and develop cordial relations with all friendly countries.
Dr Najeeb A Khan
Islamabad
