ISLAMABAD: July 25, 2024 – Former Minister Information, Former Chairman Senate Defense Committee, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayyed taking 180 degree line from the topic “Strengthening Pakistan-U.S. Relations” of an International Conference held by a renown thinktank in Islamabad has recommended Pakistan should shift her focus from West to East.
He emphasized on recognizing new realities in the global order with a global shift from West to East and stressed that Pakistan must navigate this new order in line with its core interests.
ISSI- BNU International Conference on “Strengthening Pakistan-U.S. Relations” featured keynote address by H.E. Donald Blome, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan. The conference was attended by a large number of diplomats, practitioners, and academics, showcasing significant interest and engagement.
Following the inaugural session, two separate panel discussions took place. These discussions focused on key drivers of Pakistan-U.S. ties; addressed contemporary challenges in the bilateral, regional, and global contexts; and identified opportunities for mutually beneficial relations, economic partnership, security cooperation, and regional dynamics.
Mushahid Hussain Sayyed further noted historical events, including the Afghan Jihad and the war on terror and their impact on bilateral relations( It was negative and Pak US relations lowered to maximum level).
Moving forward, Mushahid noted, both nations must learn from past mistakes. Pakistan should improve its relations with neighbouring countries like Afghanistan and Iran, while the U.S. must adjust its post-9/11 mindset.
Mushahid criticized US ideological stance of viewing China as an enemy and termed it unproductive. Future geopolitical shifts, as well as potential return of Donald Trump as U.S. President, could influence the dynamics of this partnership. Ultimately, Pakistan’s unique position makes it a vital partner for the U.S., as highlighted by President Ayub Khan’s quote emphasizing the economic and strategic importance of maintaining relations with both the U.S. and China.
The first session, chaired by Ambassador Tehmina Janjua, Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, focused on Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations.
Ambassador Zamir Akram emphasized realism in the relationship, noting its cyclical nature driven by tactical interests and shaped by external factors. He highlighted the need for substantive engagement in trade and investment.
Ambassador Robin Raphel, former senior U.S. Diplomat, praised efforts to stabilize the relationship through dialogues and visits, allowing for candid discussions on divergent issues. She called for enhancing economic opportunities and targeted U.S. assistance in areas like higher education, technology, and green energy.
Ambassador Ali Jehangir Siddiqui, former Pakistan’s Ambassador to U.S., discussed the limited progress in Pakistan-U.S. relations over the past 15 years, emphasizing the importance of enhancing Pakistan’s criminal justice system and setting achievable goals to reduce ‘noise’ in – bilateral relations.
Mr. Vaseem Anvar, former President, American Business Forum, emphasized the need for a sustainable economic partnership, recommending strengthening diplomatic ties, improving infrastructure, and adopting technology to enhance supply chain management and reduce costs. The session concluded with a question and answer segment.
Ambassador Donald Blome : We continue to advocate for upholding the rights of all Pakistanis