O Level P1 History and Culture of Pakistan Topic 32 Pakistan’s Foreign Relations
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Pakistan’s Foreign Relations
United Nations Organizations
The United Nations Organization has the following important organs:
- General Assembly
- Security Council
- Economic and Social Council
- Trusteeship Council
- Secretariat International Court of Justice
General Assembly
It is the meeting place of 190 members of the UNO. Each country has one vote, but 5 members can represent a country. The General Assembly meets once or twice a year, but emergency meetings can be called any time. The main functions of the General Assembly are approving of the budget, supervising the activities of all departments and granting membership to new entrants.
Security Council
The Security Council is the most important organ because its primary responsibility is to maintain world peace. It has 15 members of which 5 members are permanent (USA, USSR, UK, France and China), and 10 other members are elected for 2 year term. The permanent members have veto power. The Security Council orders ceasefire between two fighting countries and tries to hold talks between them. Security Council can impose economic boycott if a country refuses to accept UN resolutions.
Economic and Social Council
This council is concerned with economic, social cultural, educational and health affairs of the member nations. The council has 54 members elected for 3 years and it holds its meetings at least twice a year. It coordinates the functions of UNCESCO, ILO and WHO.
Trusteeship Council
It is not functioning now.
Secretariat
It is the headquarters of the UNO and has a large number of offices of the Organization. About 14000 workers work in these offices, Secretary General is the chief administrative officer. The members of the secretariat are not allowed to get instructions from any government nor supposed to be influenced by any country.
The Secretary General is elected by the General Assembly for a period of 5 years and can seek re-election. He has often to mediate between two nations, investigate disputes and try to respond to international crises.
International Court of Justice
This court peacefully resolves legal disputes between two states. It has 15 judges drawn from member states elected for 9 year term by the General Assembly. All disputes brought before the court are decided by majority vote.
Organization Of Islamic Conference (OIC)
The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) was founded in August 1969 when the Jews set fire to a part of Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Muslims all over the world were greatly irritated and felt that effective steps should be taken to protect the Islamic countries from the aggressive forces and they realized that the unity of the Muslim countries was essential. It was decided to hold a conference of the heads of all the Muslim countries to discuss the threat faced by the Muslim World.
The first Summit Conference of OIC was held at Rabat (Morocco) in September 1969. The Middle East situation was discussed in detail. The Second summit conference was held at Lahore (Pakistan) in February 1974. Besides the discussion on Palestine problem and condemnation of Jewish aggression, a committee was formed for the elimination of poverty, illiteracy and disease from the Islamic countries. It was decided to set up an Islamic Development Bank for the help of needy countries.
Nine Islamic Summit Conferences have been held so far. The last one was in Qatar in 2000. In all these summit meetings the issues discussed are: The Middle East and Palestine Problem, Kashmir problem, Afghan problem, Iraq-Iran war, and Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Israel's aggression was strongly condemned and it was demanded that Israel should withdraw from the Arab territories and Palestinians should be given a chance to form a state of their own.
The Conference also aimed at the advancement of cultural, scientific, educational and trade interests of all Islamic countries and to create a spirit of cooperation amongst them in all these spheres. Establishment of trade centers and shipping organization was also taken up. In this way the OIC projects the feelings, sentiments and demands of the Muslim world.
But, sad to say, that real unity does not exist among the Muslim countries. At the Summit Conferences speeches are made, resolutions are passed, plans and schemes are approved but no practical step is taken. Every proposal seems to be on paper. There has hardly been any positive or tangible achievement of OIC.
India Pakistan Relations
India is the closest neighbor of Pakistan sharing a common border of over 2000 Kms from Arabian Sea to the mountains of Kashmir. But their relations have been tense and strained right from the time of partition because of three main reasons.
Firstly, the Congress leaders never wanted the partition of the subcontinent. Therefore they created every hindrance for the state of Pakistan. Unfair and unjust methods were adopted in the division of assets in order to destabilize Pakistan. Large scale planned massacre of Muslims in East Punjab and Delhi created massive refugee problem for Pakistan. Canal water dispute was created. Relations have been of unfriendliness and mistrust from the very beginning.
Secondly, the problem of Kashmir has poisoned the relations. War broke out in 1948 and in 1965 over this issue. After the 1965 war both countries signed the Tashkent Agreement, but they again clashed in 1971 when India gave a severe blow to Pakistan through military intervention in former East Pakistan and Bangladesh was created. This was followed by Shimla Agreement. But the basic problem of Kashmir remained unsolved. Thirdly, India is a large country which is much ahead of Pakistan in industry, technology and military strength. Therefore India wants to dominate over all neighboring countries including Pakistan and wants to impose her will on them. India adopts a stubborn attitude in all matters and disregards treaties and agreements at her free will.
The Indus Water Treaty 1960 was an important agreement. It helped Pakistan to solve her canal water problem. But India started building Wular Dam and Salal Dam on Jhelum and Chenab rivers which was against the Indus Water Treaty.
During 1980s, when Russian forces invaded Afghanistan, relations became more strained because India sided with Russia while Pakistan supported Afghan Mujahidin who were fighting against Russian forces.
In September 1981, a no war pact was suggested by Pakistan but India did not agree. Dangers of military attack on Pakistan and on her nuclear installations were averted by diplomatic steps. In 1988 an agreement was signed for not attacking each other’s nuclear installations. Another agreement was signed in 1991 to supply advance information about military exercises, troop’s movement and on prevention of air space violations.
On the other hand, the public of both countries has a keen desire of good relations. There have been strong cultural relations between the two countries. Cricket and hockey matches are played. Singers and artists exchange visits. Pilgrims of one country visit sacred places in the other country. Divided families are eager to visit their relatives.
Pakistan has always expressed her intentions to have friendly relations with India and wants to solve all problems through peaceful negotiations. It is clear that without solving the Kashmir problem all efforts of lasting peace and friendly relations would be fruitless.
Pakistan And Muslim Countries
A good and brotherly relation with Muslim countries has been the corner stone of Pakistan's foreign policy from the very beginning. Muslim countries were given top priority in our foreign relations. Pakistan has enjoyed good relations with almost all the countries of the Islamic World because Islam is the common bond of brotherhood. There are great similarities in way of life, food, dress, customs, and religious festivals in almost all Muslim countries.
Very cordial and close cultural and religious relations have existed between Pakistan and Iran. Persian language had a deep impact on Urdu language and literature. Classes for teaching of Persian language were started at many places in Pakistan. Many Pakistani pilgrims visit the sacred tombs and shrines in Iran on regular basis.
Deep cultural and religious bonds have developed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Pakistan go for Hajj and Umra every year. Their impact is so deep that Urdu language is widely understood in Saudi Arabia. Pakistani scholars go for higher studies in Islamic religion to Saudi universities. Similarly Saudi students study in Pakistani medical and engineering colleges. Saudi Cadets receive military training in armed forces academies of Pakistan on regular basis. Teaching of Arabic through TV and radio was introduced in Pakistan.
Pakistan, Iran and Turkey got bound together by RCD pact in 1964. RCD was later transformed into ECO which includes many Central Asian Republics as well. Unbreakable cultural, linguistic and trade relations exist between Pakistan and its immediate neighbor Afghanistan. Pushto is spoken on both sides of the border and there is great cultural and ethnic similarity. Pakistan has always helped Afghanistan. Over 3 million Afghan refugees have been given shelter in refugee camps in Pakistan. All kind of help is being offered to them from 1980 till now. The Afghan public wishes to keep good relations but the Afghan government has kept hostile attitude towards Pakistan from the very beginning. It may be hoped that good relations will prevail when peace returns to Afghanistan with a stable government.
Very close cultural relations exist between Pakistan and Gulf States. Pakistani artists and singers regularly hold their cultural shows which the public thoroughly enjoys. Sharjah Cricket matches have been very popular and Pakistani sportsmen regularly take part in it. A large number of Pakistani are working in Gulf States and Saudi Arabia and are helping in economic development in these countries.
Pakistan And Bangladesh
Bangladesh was created after a lot of hostilities when the former East Pakistan got separated in December 1971. In the beginning relations remained strained and Pakistan did not recognize Bangladesh for 2 years. It was on the occasion of the OIC Summit Conference at Lahore in Feb. 1974 that Pakistan recognized Bangladesh. Sheikh Mujeeb-ur-Rehman was called to attend the OIC Conference.
Proper diplomatic relations started in 1975 after the visit of Z. A. Bhutto to Bangladesh. Bangladesh demanded division of assets from Pakistan but did not agree to share any liabilities.
Communication link and air services were started in 1976. Close relations developed during the period of president Zia-ur-Rehman. Pakistan offered food and material assistance in 1985 and 1988 floods. In 1979 trade agreements were signed. Trade between the two countries has been steadily increasing. Bangladesh exports tea, jute and jute goods to Pakistan. Pakistan exports machinery, spare parts, and cloth and sports goods to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh and Pakistan support each other on international forums. Bangladesh supports Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Both are members of the SAARC organization under- which a number of agreements have been finalized for the promotion of trade, tourism and exchange of cultural programmes. Trade delegations of both countries exchange visits regularly and the trade between them has been gradually increasing,
Pakistan And Iran
Iran is our neighboring country on the western side sharing a long boundary with Baluchistan. Rail, road and air links existed between the two countries from the very beginning. Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan when it came into existence. Liaquat Ali Khan and King Raza Shah exchanged visits in 1950.
Very strong cultural ties existed between the two countries since medieval times. Persian was the court and official language for many centuries in India before the British brought the English language in 1835. Urdu language is deeply influenced by the Persian language.
Both Iran and Pakistan had leaning towards USA and the West and both joined the CENTO pact in 1954. Several trade agreements for trade and exchange of media information have taken place. In 1965, RCD was established and cultural and economic relations were strengthened. Now ECO has replaced RCD. Iran helped Pakistan during 1965 and 1971 crises. Iran always supported Pakistan on Kashmir issue.
During the Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979, relations became cool because Iran became very hostile towards USA. An Iranian diplomat was killed in Lahore which poisoned the relations between the two countries for some time. But relations improved greatly after a democratic government was set up in Iran. Both Iran and Pakistan decided to withdraw from the CENTO pact in 1979. Iran supported Pakistan during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan during 1979 - 1988 periods.
However, Iran remains our trusted ally and very cordial relations exist between the two countries.
Pakistan And Afghanistan
Afghanistan is the immediate neighbor and shares a long border with Pakistan in the north-west. There have been strong historic bonds of religion, culture and language between the two countries. Kabul and Kandahar have been parts of Indian Kingdom during the Muslim and Mughal rule. Pushto speaking people live on both sides of the border which is called the Durand Line. Afghanistan is a land locked country and her foreign trade passes through Pakistan using the port of Karachi.
But the Afghan government has been hostile and unfriendly from the very beginning under the influence of Russia and India. Afghanistan opposed Pakistan's membership to United Nations in September 1947. She strongly supported the 'Pakhtoonistan' separatist movement which was a clear attempt to weaken and destabilize Pakistan. The Afghan government refused to accept the Durand Line as the international boundary line between the two countries. In spite of this Pakistan has been trying to establish good relations with the brotherly Muslim country. Gen. Iskandar Mirza in 1956 and later Ayub Khan visited Kabul for this purpose.
Twice diplomatic relations were broken in 1955 and in 1961 when Pakistan Embassy in Kabul was attacked and damaged. However, relations were restored and normalized during Ayub Khan's period and further improved during Z.A Bhutto's period. Afghanistan remained neutral during the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars. Z. A. Bhutto and King Zahir Shah exchanged visits, but soon King Zahir Shah was deposed and exiled in 1973. Sardar Daud also visited Pakistan. During the period of successive prime ministers of Afghanistan relations remained strained.
In December 1979, Russian forces invaded Afghanistan. The Afghanistan government was pro-Russian, but the people rose up and took up arms against the Russian forces. The Afghan-freedom fighters (Mujahideen) were given full and whole-hearted support by Pakistan with arms, supplies and training. Pakistan also gave shelter to over 3 million Afghan refugees on humanitarian grounds and they were housed in refugee camps near Peshawar and Quetta. Pakistan however had to pay heavy price for this. Soviet and Afghan planes bombed Pakistani territories several times and drug trafficking and proliferation of arms became common in Pakistan. Afghanistan was caught in civil war after the withdrawal of Russian troops. While Pakistan has been willing to develop good relations with any stable government in Afghanistan in future.
Palestinian Issue
The Palestine problem has been the cause of unrest for the entire Muslim world. The people and government of Pakistan continue with their support and have always acknowledged the right of the Palestinian people. Pakistan has always spoken strongly in favour of the Arab cause in the United Nations, the Security Council and at all other international forums such as NAM etc.
At all OIC meetings Pakistan has stressed for the protection of the rights and interests of the Palestinian people and has always pressed for a just and honorable solution of the problem. Pakistan has always demanded that Israel should vacate the occupied Arab territories and should stop its expansionist designs. Also Israel should stop the killing of innocent Palestinian people.
During the Second OIC summit Conference at Lahore in 1974, the Israeli attitude was strongly condemned. It was demanded that Israel should withdraw from occupied Arab territories and the former status of Jerusalem should be restored. Pakistan recognizes the PLO as the true representative of the Palestinian people. Pakistan does not recognize the state of Israel and has never shown any intention to develop diplomatic relations with that-state.
Pakistan And Egypt
Both Egypt and Pakistan had been under the influence of British rule. Therefore good relations existed between the two countries in the beginning. Egypt became a democratic state in 1953 when King Farooq was deposedan d General Najib came in power.
In 1956, war between Egypt and Britain took place on Suez Canal issue. Pakistan's support for Egypt was lukewarm because Pakistan had become a member of CENTO and SEATO organizations. Relations between the two countries deteriorated. There were other reasons of cold relations as well. Egypt claimed to be the leader of Muslim world. With the emergence of Pakistan as the largest Islamic State, Egypt's claim of leadership was threatened.
Secondly, Jamal Naser, who came in power after Najib, was a believer of Arab nationalism. Naser was more inclined towards India and supported Indian point of view on Kashmir. Egvpt abstained from voting in the UNO on Kashmir. Relations between the two countries improved during the period of Ayub Khan who paid a visit to Cairo and Jamal Naser paid a visit to Pakistan in 1960. At the time of Arab-Israel war, Pakistan fully supported the Arab cause and supported Egypt.
Relations further improved when Anwar Sadaat attended the Second Islamic Summit Conference which was held at Lahore in 1974.
In fact Egypt's close relations with USSR and India had affected the relations between the two countries.
However, relations improved during Zia-ul-Haq's period. Egypt's membership of OIC was suspended when Egypt signed the Camp David Accord with Israel to get back her territories. Egypt was isolated from the Muslim World. In 1984, through the efforts of Zia-ul-Haq, Egypt's membership of OIC was restored during the 4th Summit conference of OIC at Casablanca. Relations between the two countries have been friendly since then and delegations have exchanged visits. Egypt offered help to Pakistan for Afghan refugees.
Pakistan And USSR
Relations between Pakistan and USSR have remained strained from the very beginning. In 1950 Liaquat Ali Khan received an invitation to visit the U.S.S.R. But this visit did not take place and Liaquat Ali Khan visited USA instead. At this Russia got inclined towards India which caused great difficulties for Pakistan in later years. Relations further worsened when Pakistan entered into CENTO and SEATO pacts which were designed to check any possibility of Russian expansion. Russia openly supported India on Kashmir issue and also supported the Pakhtoonistan movement.
One of the most serious incidents in Soviet-Pakistan relations occurred in May 1960 when an American spy plane, known as U2, flew from an American airbase near Peshawar and was shot down while flying over U.S.S.R. Russia gave a very stern warning to Pakistan.
In 1962 the India-China war helped to improve Pakistan's relations with Russia who was greatly annoyed by India's acceptance of arms from USA. U.S.S.R agreed to give a loan of 150 million dollars to Pakistan for oil exploration. Trade agreements also took place.
Relations improved when President Ayub Khan visited Russia in April 1965. After the India-Pakistan War of 1965, the Tashkent agreement was signed between the two countries through the efforts of Russian president. But during 1971 crisis Russia fully supported India with military assistance and Pakistan lost its Eastern Wing.
Z. A. Bhutto visited Russia in 1972 and relations improved. Russia helped Pakistan in setting up a steel mill at Karachi, which has been a great asset to Pakistan.
In December 1979 Russian troops invaded Afghanistan and relations between the two countries deteriorated badly after this because Pakistan was helping the Mujahideen who were fighting against the Russian troops. Russian planes bombed Pakistan territory in NWFP. Thus till 1988 Pakistan was not successful in having good relations with the U.S.S.R. However, after the withdrawal of Russian troops from Afghanistan in 1989 the relations have improved.
Pakistan, UNO And United States
Pakistan was a newly born independent state, which emerged on the world map on 14 August 1947 as the largest Muslim country in the world.
Pakistan was eager to be recognized as a sovereign state by all nations of the world. Therefore Pakistan wished to join the UNO as soon as possible.
From the very beginning Pakistan got involved in arguments for the rights of Kashmiris. It also raised the question of Hyderabad and Junagarh in the Security Council. Therefore Pakistan's membership of UNO was essential. Pakistan also wanted to play its role in peace keeping in the world under the charter of the UNO, and was against any act of territorial aggression, colonialism, nuclear arms race and racial discrimination all over the world. With these purposes and ideals, Pakistan joined the United Nations in September 1947.
Close and good relations existed between Pakistan and USA from the very beginning; especially after Liaqat Ali Khan's visit to USA in 1950 the relations became cordial. Pakistan needed food grains and military equipment which USA could supply. On the other hand, USA wanted a supporter in the region against communism.
Therefore, in 1954 and 1955, Pakistan signed the SEATO and CENTO pacts which were meant to check Russian expansion. With the help of these pacts Pakistan received financial and military assistance from U.S.A.
Relations worsened in 1962 because USA gave huge military aid to Bharat against China. Pakistan's protests were of no avail. Relations also worsened because Pakistan turned to China in 1962 for friendship and Ayub Khan made a visit to China. During the 1965 War, USA did not help Pakistan and instead stopped the usual aid. Relations gradually improved when Pakistan played an important role in bringing USA and China closer in 1969 during the period of Yahya Khan.
In 1971 crises again Pakistan received no help from USA, and in 1972 Mr. Bhutto left the SEATO pact.
In 1979, the American Embassy in Islamabad was attacked by a mob and relations worsened. This was the lowest point of Pakistan - USA relations. All American aid programmes were suspended or cancelled. Pakistan had to pay Rs.20 million by way of compensation. But soon after the relations improved when Russia attacked Afghanistan in December 1979. Pakistan supported and helped the Afghan freedom fighters (Mujahideen) who fought against Russian aggression. Massive military and financial aid came to Pakistan from USA for this purpose. But after the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, Pakistan's importance gradually decreased and American aid was also reduced. However, on the whole, Pakistan has been successful in having good relations with USA between 1947 and 1999.
Pakistan And Britain
Pakistan maintained good and friendly relations with Britain because of the colonial attachment of more than 100 years. Pakistan joined SEATO and CENTO of which UK was a very important member. In 1965 Britain played an important role in finalizing an agreement to solve RANN OF KUTCH dispute with India. Britain remained neutral in 1965 war although it suspended sale of arms to Pakistan. Britain again remained neutral during 1971 crises and advised Pakistan to have a political solution. During the Afghan crisis the British government was firm in support of Pakistan and offered formidable financial assistance for Afghan refugees.
Britain gave much assistance in educational sector through the agency of British Council. Britain remains an important trading partner of Pakistan on account of old colonial links. For historic, economic and political reasons, Britain has remained a valuable ally of Pakistan between 1947 and 1988.
The Commonwealth is an organization of all the former British colonies including UK itself. It was a useful platform for states to exchange views. However, Pakistan withdrew from the commonwealth during Z. A. Bhutto's time on the point of recognition of Bangladesh. During the period of 1972-1988 Pakistan remained cut off from the Commonwealth. But later Pakistan rejoined the Commonwealth during the time of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 1989.
The richer Commonwealth countries have always supplied Pakistan with economic and technical aid. Government of Canada, New Zealand and Australia have been providing valuable financial and technical assistance to Pakistan. Substantial aid has been given to Pakistan for Warsak Project, Mangia Dam and for development of railway and irrigation systems.
On the whole, Pakistan has been successful in having good relations with Britain and Commonwealth countries.
Pakistan And China Relationship
Pakistan recognized the communist government of China in 1950 and supported it in regaining the UNO membership. During 1956-60, leaders of both countries visited each other's country to strengthen economic and cultural relations. In 1963, the boundary line between the two countries was demarcated to avoid any conflict in future. A series of trade agreements were signed in 1960s. China granted $60 million interest free loan and became the world's largest importer of Pakistan's cotton. Pakistan imported industrial machinery and developed the Heavy Mechanical Complex at Taxila. Pakistan International Airline started regular flights to China which resulted in increased business. KaraKoram Highway is the road link that flourishes trade and tourism between the two countries.
China has supported Pakistan's stand on Kashmir issue. During the 1965 war with India, China supplied military aid to Pakistan along with diplomatic assistance. In 1986, the two countries signed a nuclear cooperation treaty which is an indication of very good relations. China gave the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant to Pakistan, constructed near Mianwali and which started operation in 1999.
Now coming to the weaker side, Pakistan did not have good relations with China in its early few years after independence due to pro-American policies (USA and China were rivals). In 1959 Pakistan condemned military action in Tibet which was displeasure for China. In the 1971 war with India, China did not support Pakistan due to former USSR pressure that supported India. During 1990s China wanted Pakistan to resolve its issue of Kashmir with India. Perhaps she wanted a compromise which was a cause of resentment for Pakistan.
Conclusively, it can be said that as a whole Pakistan has maintained cordial relations with China. The two countries have been living in harmony. Delegations from almost all walks of life exchanged visits. Up to 1999, there were strong economic, trade and cultural ties between the two countries. And Pakistan received significant military and industrial equipment from China.
SAARC
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an economic and geopolitical organization of eight countries that are primarily located in South Asia. The SAARC Secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The combined economy of SAARC is the 3rd largest in the world in the terms of GDP .SAARC nations comprise 3% of the world's area and contain 21% (around 1.7 billion) of the world's total population. India makes up over 70% of the area and population among these eight nations. All non-Indian member states except Afghanistan share borders with India but only two other members, Pakistan and Afghanistan, have a border with each other.
The idea of regional political and economic cooperation in South Asia was first raised in 2 May 1980 by Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman and the first summit was held in Dhaka on 8 December 1985, when the organization was established by the governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Since then the organization has expanded by accepting one new full member, Afghanistan, and several observer members.
The SAARC policies aim to promote welfare economics, collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia, and to accelerate socio-cultural development in the region. The SAARC has developed external relations by establishing permanent diplomatic relations with the EU, the UN (as an observer), and other multilateral entities. The official meetings of the leaders of each nation are held annually whilst the foreign ministers meet twice annually. The 18th SAARC Summit was held in Kathmandu from 26-27 November 2014.
