Pakistan’s involvement in diplomatic efforts amid the West Asia crisis is portrayed as that of a “messenger rather than a mediator,” a recent report revealed. The report, from The Secretariat, highlighted that Pakistan’s potential central mediator role could come with risks due to its economic vulnerabilities and non-modern nation-state status.
The report suggested that Pakistan might seek an “economic bailout” as a reward for its involvement, given its struggling economy. Islamabad has reportedly secured a financial arrangement with Riyadh and is in the process of finalizing a package from Washington. Additionally, it is actively seeking support from China in the form of grants and loans.
While Pakistan aims to take credit for any potential peace agreement between the US and Iran, the report emphasized that historical evidence would acknowledge the contributions of various other key players such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Oman. These nations also played significant roles in the peace process.
Despite Pakistan’s aspirations to be seen as a global peacemaker to counter accusations of supporting cross-border terrorism, the report cautioned that such efforts may not absolve its past involvement in fostering terror and extremism. Furthermore, the report underscored Pakistan’s deep strategic, military, and economic ties with China, positioning Islamabad as a crucial partner in China’s military and geopolitical strategies.
China’s substantial military equipment supply to Pakistan, along with leveraging Pakistan for military technology testing, was highlighted. The ongoing development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was also noted for its impact on enhancing Pakistan’s energy and transportation infrastructure while providing China strategic access to the Indian Ocean.
Moreover, China’s unwavering diplomatic backing of Pakistan, shielding it from international censure and impeding UN sanctions against Pakistan-linked terrorist elements, was underscored. Pakistan’s economic challenges, including a limited tax base, heavy reliance on imports, and recurrent balance-of-payments crises necessitating frequent International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailouts, were also highlighted.
