Sansad TV Perspective: Pakistan's National Security Policy

In the series Sansad TV Perspective, we bring you an analysis of the discussion featured on the insightful programme ‘Perspective’ on Sansad TV, on various important topics affecting India and also the world. This analysis will help you immensely for the IAS exam, especially the mains exam, where a well-rounded understanding of topics is a prerequisite for writing answers that fetch good marks.

In this article, we feature the discussion on the topic: Pakistan’s National Security Policy

Anchor – Teena Jha

Participants:

1. Arvind Gupta, Director, Vivekananda International Foundation
2. Sushant Sareen, Strategic Affairs Analyst
3. Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch (Retd.), Director, India Foundation

Context

Pakistan’s Prime Minister recently launched his country’s National Security Policy.

Pakistan’s National Security Policy

• Prepared after seven years of consultations, it is being endorsed as the first policy document with guidelines for achieving national security goals.
• The Policy is divided into eight sections and places the economic security of the country at the core.
• The other sections include,
  • National security and cohesion,
  • Internal security, defence and territorial integrity,
  • Foreign policy
  • Human security
• The validity of the document is for five years, starting from 2022, and is supposed to be updated by the National Security Division in case of requirements.
• It can also be updated whenever a new government is formed in the country.
• The policy mentions that the country wants to improve its relationship with India, although it places the Jammu and Kashmir issue as the core of the bilateral relationship.

Policy’s Position on the United States

• The Policy mentions that cooperation with the US is critical for the country in the region.
• The Policy reiterates the need to diversify the ties with the US through beneficial engagements.
• The document prioritizes communicating the concerns of Pakistan to the US.
• It also mentions the need to work on areas of convergence in various fields.

Policy’s Position on Middle East Nations

• The Policy aims to strengthen the fraternal and religious ties with the Gulf Nations.
• The Policy emphasizes strengthening trade, investment, ties in the energy sector, and defence ties with Saudi Arabia.
• The document emphasizes the need to continue the country’s brotherly relations with Turkey.
• The document also backs the “Two-States Solution” to address the crisis situation in Palestine.

Policy’s Position on UK and EU

• Explore economic and trade initiatives with the UK post Brexit.
• Increase strategic coopertion to counter terrorism.
• The policy mentions the significance of the investment from the European and western countries in the development of its economy.
• In the process, the document reiterates the need to explore opportunities for trade and investment with the EU Nations.

Policy’s Position on China

• Mentions that Pakistan’s deep-rooted historic ties with China are driven by shared interests and mutual understanding.
• The document states that bilateral relations with Beijing continue to expand based on “trust and strategic convergence”.
• It marks out the China Pakistan Economic Corridor as a “project of national importance”, which is redefining regional connectivity and providing momentum to Pakistan’s economy.

Policy’s Position on India

• India is mentioned at least 16 times, more than any other nation in the policy.
• It mentions that a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains at the core of the bilateral relationship.
• The document mentions that the arms build-up by India is a cause of concern for Pakistan.
• Accusing India of “hegemonic designs” and taking one-sided decisions.

Criticism

• The document is criticized as a work for amateurs, which has no new vision, paradigm shift, or fresh thinking.
• It is regarded as an old formulation with new packaging.
• It is said that Pakistan has been late in addressing issues such as economic security, human security and comprehensive national security.
• It is criticized as a move by the Pakistani government to show the rest of the world that the country is progressive, modern and projects itself as a geopolitical hub.
• The policy is deeply hostile to India with the kind of words that are used.
• The document is also contradictory.
• The document is only meant to influence countries in the West and China.

Way Forward

• The core of the policy is centered around the Economy, and for Pakistan to resolve its economic issues, it is important to engage with India.
• To have friendly ties with India, Pakistan has to stop cross-border terrorism and hand over the terrorists that India is demanding.
• Implementation of the policy also poses certain challenges that have to be overcome.
• Pakistan has to stop using Kashmir as a plank to target India if it truly wants peace with India.

Conclusion

Though the policy document talks about geo-economics and geo strategies, it is currently intended to influence the international communities and the United Nations to get out of the current situation and battered economy.

Read more summaries of Perspective in the link.

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