In the current volatile atmosphere in the Middle East, the conflict between Tehran and Washington and the impending war with Iran, Pakistan suddenly has to play an important diplomatic role in the Muslim world. Islamabad is emerging as a potential mediator between the U.S. and Iran. Leaders from the highest echelons of the Pakistani state are actively presenting Pakistan as a responsible regional nation to help lead the dialogue during crises, from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Army Chief Asim Munir.
Recent diplomatic talks between American and Iranian officials in Pakistan have reinforced this story further. The Pakistani government and media have tried to portray the nation as a connect between the Muslim world and the west and have revived its old ambition to be a leading voice of the global Muslim community.
However, one’s attention must be drawn to the fact that what a state underdeveloped in economy, government, and public welfare can achieve and accomplish is a matter of serious doubt when it comes to taking the lead in the Muslim world.
Pakistan is at one of its toughest economic crises in recent years. The country has been relying on IMF bailout loans time and again to keep its economy afloat. Foreign currency reserves have dipped to alarmingly low levels at various points, the price of essential commodities is skyrocketing and energy supply is still an issue in daily life. The high cost of electricity, joblessness and the drop in buying power have led to a lot of frustration among millions.
Life is in itself a struggle for many in Pakistan. Middle class families are cutting spending, small businesses are closing down and young graduates are looking for work overseas. However, the politics in Islamabad seem to be more preoccupied with their own grandiose geopolitical agenda and symbolic aura in the Muslim world rather than with their internal problems.
Not all that new. Over the years, Pakistan has tried to uphold its image as a natural leader of the Muslim nations, with a particular reference to the fact that it is the only nuclear armed Muslim majority state. From Kashmir to Palestine, Afghanistan or Islam-related issues in general, Pakistan’s political discourse has often revolved around the concept of “Muslim Ummah”.
But modern Muslim world is much more complicated, however. In the majority of Muslim countries, Islam’s importance has been replaced with economic development, technological progress, infrastructure and foreign investment. Economically, diplomatically and modernizing, countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are making their presence felt. Pakistan has, however, been plagued with political instability, military supremacy in the political arena, weak institutions, and financial crises.
The Pakistan-Iran tensions are also in Pakistan’s interest more than being a matter of ideology. Islamabad is aware that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East will lead to higher oil prices which will adversely affect the already shaky economic scenario in Pakistan. Furthermore, Pakistan also has a considerable shia population which can also trigger sectarian tensions within Pakistan if the instability of Iran gets into Pakistan.
That is, Pakistan’s policy for diplomacy is closely tied to its security and economic interests. But at home, this is hailed as proof that Pakistan is becoming a leading power in the Muslim world.
This gives the impression of a paradox. As far as Pakistan is concerned, it wants to be recognized as a peacemaker and a contributing Muslim force in the international arena. However, it’s also a nation that continues to be severely criticized for democratic backsliding, press freedom, political polarization and human rights issues. Enforced disappearances and state repression continue to be a recurring problem in areas such as Balochistan.
How can a nation be called a leader of others when it doesn’t lead itself well?How can a nation be called a leader of other nations if it can’t be a leader of itself in the areas of stability, economic security, and equal rights? While symbolic diplomacy can serve as an aid to support strong institutions, economic resilience and public trust, it cannot substitute for it.
Here, too, there’s a bit of domestic political showmanship involved in the quest for Muslim-world leadership. International relevance can help governments to shift their focus from domestic controversies. If the inflation rate climbs, employment is lost and discontent among the people increases, and foreign policy successes and nationalist stories become political tools.
In the final analysis, Pakistan should be doing its best to solve its own problems before it can play a role of respectability and influence in the Muslim world. Pakistan’s efforts aimed at strengthening the economy, enhancing education, ensuring democratic accountability and safeguarding the welfare of the common people would do much more for the nations’ image than any show of dramatic geopolitical posturing.
Real leadership is not the result of speeches, televised diplomacy, or symbolic rhetoric. It is constructed on stability, economic strength, public confidence and a state’s right to prioritise dignity and opportunity for its own citizens first.
Thiemo Rickenstorf is a German political analyst with focus on South Asian issues. He holds a degree from Free University of Berlin as well as from Sciences Po, France. Now he is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Euro-Asian Studies. His research interests include regional politics and the geopolitics of South Asia. His e-mail address is [email protected]
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