Musharraf’s successful foreign policy
Maha Shah

Gen. Musharraf is a man on a mission. His vision for Pakistan cannot be seen through the myopic eyes of his critics. The most important factor behind the vibrant and forward looking foreign policy is President Musharraf’s gift of communication. He has molded our foreign policy in accordance with the evolving global trends. Promotion of national interests remains on top of his agenda. Pakistan’s desire to reach out is coupled with working towards achieving international peace, security and progress. “I would like to see Pakistan with honor, dignity and respect amongst the nations of the World”, President Musharraf said in January, 2004.
After Musharraf assumed control over Pakistan’s state of affairs in 1999, he breathed new life into the rusting foreign policy of Pakistan. He opened new horizons and his visits to Latin America, Australia and New Zealand have set a new benchmark in Pakistan’s history.
President Musharraf’s energies have primarily been focused in introducing far-reaching reforms which is evident by the phenomenal 8.4 per cent rise in GDP in 2005. The positive macroeconomic indicators of Pakistan have ensured stability to the previously uncertain economy which was at the brink of being declared a ‘defaulted state’. Pakistan is the only country which has escaped the clutches of IMF. A turnaround was achieved when external balance payment was transformed from a deficit of about $5 billion into a surplus. Our menacing high fiscal deficit has been reduced to a mere 3.8 per cent. Export growth by 90 per cent, rise in revenue collection by 100 per cent and increase in remittances received by 400 per cent over the past 5 years offer insight into the sea change in the economic complexion of Pakistan.
Such a vibrant, stable economy promotes an environment conducive to investments. The success of incentives which have been introduced to attract investors both at home and abroad can be reflected by the fact that $1.5 billion of foreign direct investment is flowing into Pakistan. There has been a dramatic increase in upward trend in the privatization activity. Banking sector reforms served as a catalyst in overall economic growth. Even the World Bank President, Paul D. Wolfowitz lauded the dynamism of our government’s policies which had created an investment-friendly environment.
21st Century is an era of geo-economics and interdependence. Pakistan by virtue of its strategically pivotal geographical location can act as a bridge of economic progress and the sharing of the vast energy potential between Central and South Asia. Pakistan can act as the only trade corridor to the land-locked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. Gwadar port with rail and road infrastructure provides connectivity between Central Asia and Pakistan through Afghanistan for mutual gains. Gwadar port also offers tremendous future investment and export prospects in Pakistan. India being the 6th largest energy consumer has to rely on Pakistan for oil and gas imports from Turkmenistan and Iran. The 12th SAARC Summit held in Islamabad in January 2004 was a fresh impetus to the progress and prosperity of the peoples of South Asia. Peace and economic ties promotion in South Asia paves the way for both intra and inter-regional cooperation between Central Asia and SAARC countries. Signing of SAFTA is a giant leap towards free trade within our region.
As far as relations with India are concerned, a new wave of optimism is evident after the historical summit between President Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Kashmir conflict resolution holds utmost significance on Musharraf’s agenda. CBMs have accelerated the process of rapprochement between the two countries.
Another problem facing South Asia is of Afghanistan. Pakistan is committed towards bringing stability, harmony and peace into Afghanistan. Pakistan is providing support in restoration of democracy, anti-terrorism campaign and providing resources for reconstruction in Afghanistan.
In the wake of 9/11 attacks, cataclysmic changes in world affairs has given Pakistan a unique opportunity to redefine its mission abroad. Adjusting to this new reality Pakistan developed a new orientation and became a frontline state in the war against terrorism. This stance has been appreciated by the international community. Musharraf’s sagacity and wisdom has enabled Pakistan to protect its vital interests and promote national causes. President Musharraf’s visits to US, UK and Australia apart from being targeted to enhance foreign relations also emphasized Pakistan alliance in the international war on terrorism. More than 70,000 troops are involved in fighting al Qaeda members in Pakistan and this has yielded fruitful results as all the major operatives have been arrested in Pakistan and more than 700 deported.
The Bush administration has expressed his desire that “an enhanced and enduring relationship” with Pakistan would continue to thrive in the years ahead. The US leadership has played its role to diffuse border tension between Pakistan and India.
A trading zone of South American countries has agreed to initiate a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Pakistan. It was one of the outcomes of President Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Latin American countries. Latin America imports rice, surgical instruments, textiles, sports and leather goods and Pakistan is a major exporter of these things. We have the best rice in the world. We export surgical instruments to the United States and Russia.
Friendship with China constitutes the cornerstone of our foreign policy. The time-honoured friendship between the two countries, celebrated its golden jubilee in 2001. Chinese investment and financing covering economic cooperation in railways, mining, telecommunication and tourism has crossed the $1 billion mark.
President Musharraf’s visits to Australia and New Zealand in June 2005 were part of Pakistan’s policy of “Vision East Asia”. During the visit mutual commonalities were highlighted and cooperation at the economic front extended. New Zealand and Australia agreed to provide technical expertise to Pakistan in mining, dairy products and food and fruit processing industries. Over the past 5 years Australia has provided 5,000 scholarships to Pakistani students, which is commendable. New Zealand is also following this example.
There is a telecom boom in Pakistan. The number of mobile phones used in Pakistan has risen to 10 and a half millions over the past year. Mobile phone companies like Nokia and Sony Ercicson of the Scandinavian countries have realized the potential of Pakistan as a major market.
Pakistan has cooperated with European countries in many diverse fields. Pakistan enjoys meaningful trade relations, foreign investments and development assistance from European countries. Pakistan’s position has been elevated ever since 9/11 amongst the European countries. Appreciation of Pakistan government’s policies and reforms has added another dimension to relations with the European Union. “France holds its full support to the policies of President Musharraf on counter terrorism and non-proliferation and the steps taken towards normalization of relations with India” (Dominique de Villepin, Foreign Minister of France Feb 29, 2004)
President’s unique concept of Enlightened Moderation is the need of the hour and needs to be implemented at the global level. Muslims must act upon the first prong of this two-pronged strategy. They must work towards improving their downward sloping social indicators. Self introspection demands the Muslim World to shun militancy and extremism and come across as a balanced, tolerant and progressive Ummah. This is the only route for Muslims to relive their glorious past. The misperceived Muslims who are the sufferers as well as the perpetrators should break the chains of alienation and project the true essence of Islam. We can proudly say that our President has assumed the role of the focal point determined to unify the Muslim Ummah. He stresses that the OIC should be used as a vehicle to meet the demands of the challenges of 21st century. OIC, the sole representative of the whole Muslim World, needs restructuring and reorganizing.
Enlightened Moderation realizes that the root causes of terrorism and extremism like poverty, illiteracy, deprivation, powerlessness need to be addressed. It is here that the second prong comes into action. Pakistan has continued to play a key role in urging the West especially the United States to concentrate efforts towards resolution of all political disputes with justice and also assist the socio economic uplift of the Muslim World. Pakistan can serve as a bridge in promoting understanding between the Islamic society and the West.
Musharraf has always urged Pakistanis at home and abroad to play a role in projecting the ‘soft face’ of Pakistan. Positive projection of the societal transformation in Pakistan can be achieved through our art, culture, tourism resources and sports. We can boast of the successful rescue operation undertaken by the Pakistan Army to save the life of a Slovenian Mountaineer.
This century is an era of globalization. President Musharraf holds the view that it is important to correct the economic asymmetry that exists around the world; the fruits of globalization must be distributed equally. Consistency and continuity in policies, prudent macroeconomic policies, financial discipline, wide-ranging structural reforms and a resurgent economy are the essential ingredients which can steer any nation towards the path of prosperity.

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