Pakistan’s relations with its neighbors are at low ebb and particularly with India, they are tense. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto tells Fazid Ali Wazid of Arab Times that these are very dangerous ends and are the results of a poorly thought out and implemented foreign policy. We produce except from the interview.

Arab Times how do you view the current geopolitical situation in the Arabian Gulf and its effects on subcontinent?

Benazir Bhutto/The geopolitical situation in the Gulf is very tense; the aftermath of the Gulf War is in an uneasy peace that is only holding because of large-scale US presence in the area. No progress has been made to solve the underlying issues that have resulted in conflagration between Arab states and between Iraq and iran, Its impact on the subcontinent is not direct. However, tension in the region has affected our relations with the Gulf States. Secondly, it has resulted in 2 major down turn in remittances to Pakistan from the Gulf region. Q: Would you comment on Sharif government: foreign policy and how would you differentiate It from your?

A: The present government’s foreign policy has resulted in Pakistan being isolated in the community of nations. The United States has cut off all aid to Pakistan and assistance from multilateral sources is drying up. There is loud talk that Pakistan could be declared a terrorist state.

Our traditional allies the Arab countries are also not coming forth with any significant help. In fact, the UAE has just expelled over 2,000 Pakistanis. Our relations with our neighbors are at a low ebb. Relations with India are tense. These are very dangerous trends and are the results of a poorly thought out and implemented foreign policy.

On the contrary, during Pakistan Peoples Party’s government, Pakistan managed to get an unanimous resolution on Kashmir in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). The relations with the West and particularly the United States were very good and there was adecscalation of tension in the subcontinent with Pakistan signing treaties of no attack on nuclear facilities with India.

In a short period of 20 months, Pakistan was able to project the image of a modem Islamic state whose leadership was respected the world over. A There has been a lot of controversies over Pakistan’s nuclear program, Present government differs on your stand and statements, would you elaborate? A: Pakistan’s nuclear program has been advertised all over the world as dangerous to international stability whereas the fact is that its basic purpose is to use the nuclear technology for energy. Unfortunately, the present government has managed to get the worse of both worlds, its spokesman have given the impression that we already possess a bomb. This is something that alarms many governments, most prominently the United States.

I have always categorically stated that Pakistan must have the right to develop its nuclear facilities for energy purpose. Those within Pakistan who are trying to project a different purpose are doing no favor.

Q:How do you view the current situation in one part of Kashmir and what efforts do you suggest to pressurize India to avoid reported atrocities.

A:The situation in occupied Kashmir is very alarming. India has unleashed its armed forces over the poor people of Kashmir who are suffering untold misery and hardship. Indian atrocities in the Valley are unfortunately being ignored by the world community which is tragic. Pakistan should continue to pressurize India on international “forums, to desist from the course of action it has adopted. It should play a more active role in awakening world conscience. Q:PakIndia bilateral relations?

A:Pakistan’s bilateral relations with India are at a low ebb. Indian atrocities in Kashmir have further worsened our relations. We see diplomats from both the countries being declared persons not grata, The situation on the borders is also tense with frequent exchange of fire in Siachin. We are moving in a direction that can only be called dangerous. Both the countries need to sit down across a table and seriously try to resolve the issues outstanding between them.

Q:What do you think of Islamisation and human rights record of the present government of Pakistan?

A:The human rights record of our government and this regime bears no comparison, We emptied the jails of political prisoners, they have filled them with arrests of their opponents. We recognized the right of dissent, opened up the press and treated our adversaries with respect.

Article extracted from this publication >>  February 12, 1993