Security in a disorderly world

The modern world is full of new possibilities and ironically also laden with new threats to national security. We live in a world where the multilateral order, devised at the end of the Second World War, has failed to ensure international peace and security. The concept of sovereign equality does exists in text books but is rarely practiced. The universal protection of human rights and democratic norms are also ideals, selectively used for political purposes. There are new threats to navigation in the sea lanes of our region. Threats to cybersecurity are now a global phenomenon. In this kind of fluid scenario, security co-operation among friendly nations becomes imperative.

Only ever vigilant armed forces and people can protect their sovereignty in such a volatile world. The Pakistan Navy has conducted its exercise called Sea Spark in the Arabian Sea recently, to test its fire power. The Pakistan Army and the Royal Saudi Armed Forces conducted a joint military training exercise at a firing range in South Punjab. The event also witnessed the participation of the Cobra gunship helicopters of both countries participating in the exercise. A few weeks ago, the Pak-Bahrain joint exercise Al Badar VIII was held at the National Counter Terrorism Center in Northern Pakistan. 

Non-conventional security threats have increased in our region. The presence of non- state actors in Lebanon, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria and Iraq calls for an innovative approach and determined efforts to tackle the scourge of terror. By stretching its arms as far as Moscow, Daesh has demonstrated its enhanced capability. Missile attacks on commercial ships from Yemen threaten secure international trade, so essential to a robust global economy. These attacks have not only increased east-west sea travel time by days but also jacked up fuel and insurance charges. Terrorism of all kinds is detrimental to the national and international economic activity.

Ties between Pakistan and the Gulf countries are at a level where the change of government does not make any difference or alter bilateral relationships. 

Javed Hafeez

The war in Gaza has not only introduced new combat approaches but has also exposed the inability of the United Nations to ensure global peace. People under occupation have a legitimate right to resistance. However, frequent and unjust use of veto power by a super power has ensured that genocide in Gaza takes place before peace is restored there. Gaza is also a tragedy of huge proportions that has glaringly exposed a yawning gap between official and popular stances around the world. The international security structure, in its current form, has failed to deliver.

It is in this kind of global security environment that Pakistan has been closely co-operating with its GCC friends. Both sides want to stay clear of international security blocks. On the event of its National Day parade held recently in the federal capital, Pakistan’s armed forces displayed their skills with the latest military hardware. Military contingents from China and Azerbaijan also took part in the parade. Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman was the guest of honor. He was decorated with the highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan and met the President and Prime Minister during his brief stay in Islamabad. This was also a clear signal that the GCC countries would be as co-operative with the new government in Islamabad as with previous ones. The ties are at the level of states where a change of government does not make any difference or alter the bilateral relationship. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sharif has responded to a recent letter from President Biden and said that Pakistan is ready to join hands for regional peace. After the Gaza tragedy, the US leadership is talking again about a two state solution in Palestine. This is the solution that the Kingdom and Pakistan fully support. As China and Russia also favor this solution, it is emerging as the internationally accepted position now. As of now, 139 member states of the United Nations recognize the Palestine Authority.

It would appear the United States and other developed nations have realized that without a just and permanent solution of the Palestinian conflict, global peace will remain elusive. And after the disruption of gas supplies from Russia and Ukraine, the international dependence on energy supplies from the Middle East has increased. A volatile Middle East is not good for the international economy. It is here that Pak-GCC security co-operation assumes greater importance. As an active member of the Bahrain-based Coalition Task Force, Pakistan has demonstrated its full commitment to maritime security in its own territorial waters and beyond.

Eternal vigilance is essential to preserve territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Pak-GCC defense and economic co-operation is necessary to contain regional turbulence, ensure peace and regional security. Both sides have worked for a just solution of the Palestinian conflict and will continue to do so. Pakistan has also been striving for United Nations’ reform with a view to making it more democratic, representative and effective. Such efforts are essential in order to ensure peace and security in a disorderly world.

–  Javed Hafeez is a former Pakistani diplomat with much experience of the Middle East. He writes weekly columns in Pakistani and Gulf newspapers and appears regularly on satellite TV channels as a defense and political analyst.
Twitter: @JavedHafiz8