Foreign policy rethink.

LOCATED as the country is in a tough neighbourhood, and confronting multiple external and internal crises, it is essential that Pakistan's foreign policy is progressive and receptive to swiftly changing global realities, without compromising on principles. In this regard, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's comments made at a think tank in Islamabad recently about the need to engage with India, as well as addressing the country's 'isolation' in the international arena, are food for thought.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari was of the view that disengagement with India had not worked in Pakistan's favour, while calling for a focus on economic diplomacy and engagement with this country's eastern neighbour. In particular, he said that disengagement - specifically after India unilaterally made changes to occupied Kashmir's special status in 2019 - had not helped the Kashmir cause, or addressed rising Islamophobia in India, while arguing that better ties could have aided Pakistan in tackling these key issues with that country.

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Considering the sensitivity of the matter, the Foreign Office later said there had been no change in Pakistan's policy towards India, and that while this country desired constructive engagement, Delhi's 'unabated hostility ... impeded the prospects of peace'.

The matter of ties with India is indeed complicated. Pakistan's position on India-held Kashmir - as well as the condemnation of anti-Muslim violence under BJP rule and the recent vile remarks targeting the Holy Prophet (PBUH) - is a principled one. For there to be long-lasting peace in South Asia, the Kashmir issue needs to be resolved as per the wishes of the disputed region's people, while anti-Muslim violence and...

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