Pakistan at Strategic cross roads
By Dr Ashraf Chohan
Editor Daily Rapid Lahore
Chairman PMLN UK
US supports Israel for right or wrong and this is unlikely to change sooner.
Any potential threat to Israel is taken as threat to US.
US has imposed sanctions on Pakistan due to ballistic missile production plans and alliance
What are options for Pakistan to develop defense as well as continue to improve its economy.
Pakistan faces a challenging balancing act: developing a robust defense while simultaneously improving its economy under the shadow of sanctions and regional tensions. Here are some options for Pakistan to pursue both objectives:
- Diversify Defense Partnerships
To reduce dependence on the U.S. and counter sanctions:
• Strengthen Relations with China: Leverage the existing Pakistan-China alliance (e.g., CPEC) for defense technology transfer, joint ventures, and economic investments.
• Deepen Ties with Russia: Collaborate with Russia for advanced weaponry and explore energy partnerships to reduce reliance on Western markets.
• Expand Cooperation with Muslim Countries: Countries like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE could provide funding, expertise, or collaborative projects in defense and economic development.
- Prioritize Indigenous Defense Development
Pakistan can reduce its reliance on foreign imports and mitigate sanctions through:
• Enhancing R&D Capacity: Invest in organizations like NESCOM and SUPARCO for indigenous missile, drone, and defense systems development.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage private sector involvement in defense manufacturing, creating a self-reliant industry.
• Reverse Engineering: Use existing equipment and global expertise to innovate locally.
- Economic Strategies to Counter Sanctions
Sanctions can strain Pakistan’s economy, so it must diversify and stabilize its economic base:
• Boost Exports: Focus on textiles, IT services, and agriculture to increase foreign exchange reserves.
• Leverage Geopolitical Position: Use its location to serve as a trade and energy corridor between Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia.
• Seek Alternative Financial Systems: Collaborate with countries like China and Russia to reduce dependence on the dollar through trade in local currencies or systems like BRICS’s alternative payment mechanisms.
- Strengthen Domestic Governance
Economic improvement requires strong internal governance:
• Tax Reforms: Expand the tax base and combat tax evasion to increase government revenue.
• Reduce Corruption: Improve transparency and accountability to attract foreign investment.
• Energy Reforms: Invest in renewable energy and reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuels.
- Pursue Regional Peace and Stability
A stable region is critical for economic growth and defense focus:
• Improve India Relations: While challenging, dialogue with India could reduce defense spending and allow economic resources to be redirected.
• Stabilize Afghanistan: Work with regional powers to ensure a peaceful Afghanistan, minimizing security threats and enabling trade routes.
- Diplomacy and Soft Power • Lobby in the U.S.: Use Pakistani diaspora and lobbying firms to influence U.S. policymakers and reduce sanctions’ impact. • Expand International Alliances: Build relations with European and Asian nations that support balanced policies. • Cultural Diplomacy: Showcase Pakistan’s cultural, educational, and technological achievements to improve its global image.
- Emphasize Economic Independence • CPEC Optimization: Fully utilize the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for industrialization and infrastructure development. • Free Trade Agreements: Sign FTAs with ASEAN, Central Asian countries, and African nations to open new markets. • Domestic Industrial Growth: Develop key industries like steel, technology, and agriculture to reduce reliance on imports.
By combining defense self-reliance, economic diversification, and proactive diplomacy, Pakistan can navigate the dual challenge of sanctions and economic growth while maintaining its security and sovereignty.
