A Turnaround In Ties.

In the recent past, Pakistan's policymakers became convinced that seeking partners in the region would help it more in overcoming the challenges it was facing. The shift in foreign policy paradigm was a right move for the partnership between Islamabad and Washington was not based on equal terms as successive American presidents tried to cover their failures in Afghanistan by scapegoating Pakistan. The shift in Pakistan's foreign policy is visible as Imran met his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev in Shanghai.

Prime Ministers of both the nations agreed on enhancing bilateral relations in diverse areas. Improving cooperation between the two countries is what is needed most at the moment. And both sides have realised the fact that participation in one area of mutual benefit will open vistas for cooperation in other fields. Pakistan has recognised the effectiveness of regionalism only after consistent American betrayals.

The recent thaw in Pakistan-Russia relations is key regional development. The warmth in the bilateral ties indicates that Russia is acting on its strategy of developing new partnerships in the region. The meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two states and the recently concluded military exercises that both sides had held together shows that the two countries are warming up to each other as the changing geo-strategic situation demands so.

Not ignoring the fact that it is in the long-term interest of Pakistan to establish mutually constructive relations with Russia. Efforts should be made to forge ties with...