Pakistan and Morocco: A History of Cooperation and Friendship.

Byline: Muhammad Asif Noor

The diplomatic ties between Morocco and Pakistan, established in the 1950s following Pakistan's independence, have remained consistently strong and pragmatic. Their relationship is characterized by practical cooperation rather than mere symbolism. Morocco maintains an embassy in Islamabad, while Pakistan reciprocates with its embassy in Rabat. Both nations share membership in important international organizations, such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Group of 77, and Non-Aligned Movement. These memberships underscore their mutual interests and collaborative global engagement. Their gradual and steady growth of their diplomatic relations exemplifies the significance of consistent diplomatic efforts.

The historical significance of the relationship dates back to Morocco's struggle for self-determination when Ahmed Balafrej (who would later become the Prime Minister of Morocco) assumed the responsibility of representing Morocco's stance before the UN Security Council in 1952. His objective encompassed advocating Morocco's cause for independence and securing international solidarity.

However, his plans were obstructed by French delegates who argued that due to Morocco's ongoing colonial status, Balafrej, being a French subject, needed more credibility to voice his views on the global platform. Recognizing the magnitude of the circumstance and the necessity to offer Balafrej an avenue to express Morocco's aspirations, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Zafarullah Khan precisely executed a rapid and strategic response. In an effective move, the Pakistani embassy was established in the United States, and Balafrej was accorded Pakistani nationality along with an accompanying Pakistani passport.

This strategic move allowed Balafrej to address the UN Security Council as a Pakistani citizen, bypassing the restrictions imposed by the French authorities. He was no longer a delegate stifled by French regulations, but rather a free citizen with the right to express his views freely. The impact of Pakistan's support reverberated deeply within the Moroccan independence movement. Balafrej's impassioned speech resonated on a global scale, casting a spotlight on Morocco's struggle and eliciting substantial attention and empathy. Pakistan's involvement propelled Morocco's struggle for independence into the international arena and rejuvinated the nationalist sentiments within Morocco.

Balafrej's capacity to articulate his nation's...