The Bajwa Doctrine.

THE Bajwa Doctrine 2021 is about one thing: Pakistan's 'march towards a new future'. The doctrine stands on four pillars: putting 'our own house in order'; strategic regional peace building, connectivity and enhanced intra-regional trade.

The doctrine is about moving from jingoism to realism, from chauvinism to pragmatism. The doctrine is about 'burying the past' and focusing on internal security.

In Afghanistan, the only thing that has come out a winner is Pakistan's narrative. President Ashraf Ghani now stands convinced and recognizes Pakistan's 'crucial role' in the Afghan peace process.

On May 10, in a meeting in Kabul with COAS General Bajwa, President Ghani actually 'lauded Pakistan's sincere and positive role in the Afghan peace process.' The landmark Doha Deal has been a victory for Pakistan.

Pakistan has won on two counts. One-India has learnt the limits of its power; Kabul is India-friendly no more. Two-the US has learnt the hard way the reality of its dependence on Pakistan.

In the United States, the Biden administration also stands convinced that Pakistan is a key player in the Afghan peace process.

Under the Bajwa doctrine, Pakistan is now not only pitching for a reset in Pakistan-US ties but the 'broadening of relations beyond Afghanistan'.

Under the Bajwa Doctrine, CPEC 'remains central to our vision, only seeing Pakistan through CPEC prism is also misleading'.

More often than not, Pakistan-US relationship has been cyclical whereby Pakistan has both been the 'most allied ally' and the 'most sanctioned ally'.

The Bajwa Doctrine now pitches to take the Pakistan-US relationship from a 'single anchor' to 'multiple anchors'.

The Pentagon is looking at repositioning its forces in the region, 'bases that can house its soldiers, drone, bombers and artillery to support the Afghan government...'.

The CIA is looking at enhancing its spy networks and creating a real-time response capability to act on specific intelligence.

Over the past four months, COAS General Bajwa has had at least four high level interactions: February 19 with the US Central Command commander General Frank McKenzie; March 21, April 28 and May 24 telephone contacts with Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin III.

In another first, Pakistan and US NSAs met in Geneva on May 23. On May 27, Bill Gates and General Bajwa had a telephonic conversation. On May 28, US Charge d' Affairs called on General Bajwa.

This is unprecedented. Something very significant-including Pakistan's...