NATION BUILDING POLICYMAKING CHALLENGES IN PAKISTAN SEEN FROM A DIPLOMAT’S PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Pakistan became an independent country on 14 August, 1947, under the most adverse historical, political and economic circumstances. Yet, it was fortunate in many respects too, with a strategic location, unexplored minerals resources, long coastline, vibrant agriculture, irrigation network, hardworking population and above all a well-trained cadre of loyal civil servants, who comprised the post partition Pakistan Civil Service. While its traditional adversary India was not reconciled to its sovereign existence, was well known. Soon, however a series of tragedies followed i.e. the Kashmir War, the untimely passing away of the Founder of the nation, rehabilitation of refugees, the assassination of the first Prime Minister, controversy on new Capital, protracted Constitutional crisis and alienation and separation of East Pakistan etc.  The Western world, particularly the United States knew Pakistan’s power potential and made sure to keep it on its right side. Pakistan however maintained steadfast solidarity with the liberation struggle of many countries in Asia and Africa during the de-colonization decades of 1950s and 1960s and 1970s. Pakistan’s relative success in pursuing economic growth model (though funded by foreign aid) during the Cold War era, its active role as a spokesperson of the Free world, a close strategic relationship with China, facilitator of US-China normalization of diplomatic relations in 1971, a provider of security in the Gulf and the Middle East, an active role at the United Nations etc. All combined to make Pakistan successfully punch beyond its weight.

Javed, Ambassador (Retired) Syed Hasan. 2023. " Nation Building Policymaking Challenges in Pakistan Seen from A Diplomat’s Perspective." Strategic Thought 2023 (5): 57-68.