Wasi. Pak-cars Relations Synopsis.docx

Research Proposal Pakistan policy towards Central Asian Countries during PMLN regime (2013-2018) conflicts and co-operation

Submitted By:

Malik Ijaz Ahmed M.Phil. Scholar

Supervisor:

Dr. Adail Khan Department of Pakistan Studies Hazara University Mansehra

Department of Pakistan Studies Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan 2016 1

Introduction: Central Asian Republics came into existence in 1991 after the disintegration of U.S.S.R. The Central Asia consists of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan with a total population of over 64.7 million and spread over an area of about four million square kilometers (Javaid & Rashid, 2015). Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the energy-rich and land-locked Central Asian Republics (CARs) have assumed great significance in Pakistan’s foreign policy considerations. Pakistan’s geographical proximity with the Central Asian region, the geopolitical and geo-economic significance of the CARs and the desire to become the gateway to Central Asia have stimulated Islamabad’s interest in building closer political and economic ties with the region, which includes six republics of the former Soviet Union: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan (Shaheen, 2011). Historically, the areas that make up Pakistan have had close cultural and economic relations with the region. Central Asia has been closely tied to its nomadic people and the Silk Route, which has acted as a crossroads for the movement of people, goods, and ideas between Europe and Asia for centuries. Pakistan and the CARs share many things including religion and cultural ties. However, Islamabad’s desire for close political and economic ties with the Central Asian region has been plagued by its foreign policy (Asif, 2011). The history of this relationship can be traced back to the 2nd century B.C up to 17th and 18th century when the nomadic people in both the areas established economic, cultural and religious links with each other and the Indus civilization now comprising Pakistan was part of the dynasties in Central Asia (Shaheen, 2011).

Conflicts: Various irritants and challenges that have a bearing on relations between Pakistan and the Central Asian states are also present. Lack of a common border with any Central Asian state is one of the primary impediments to accessing the region. The only possible access way of Pakistan to Central Asia is Afghanistan but due to security dilemma yet access through Afghanistan is not possible. Another challenge is The conditions in Pakistan have progressively worsened since 9/11 amid a flagging economy, poor law and order and political instability, which have affected Islamabad’s ability to expand economic ties 2

with Central Asia. Although the CARs have large reserves of oil, gas and enormous mineral wealth, they have been unable to tap this wealth on account of their weak economies and lack of technological prowess. Pakistan and the Central Asian republics have signed several memoranda of understanding on economic cooperation and collaboration in various fields. An inter-governmental Joint Economic Commission has also been set up with the countries in the region to give impetus to trade, economic and scientific cooperation. But the expected economic growth has not materialized mainly because of lack of implementation of the agreements (Asif, 2011).

Opportunities: The present relationship between Pakistan and Central Asia is and can be of enormous significance because both the sides can gain greatly from the economic potentials of each other and can boost their social and cultural cooperation as they are blessed with natural and geographic potentials (Malik, 1994). As far Central Asia, Pakistan’s geo-strategic position is of great importance. The most significant and near route for Central Asia to the sea can be provided by Pakistan and Afghanistan. The economic interests of Central Asia can be boosted through Pakistan as the trade can be increased by air and by road. Most of the Central Asian capitals like Tashkent, Dushanbe, Ashkhabad, Almaty and Bishkek can use the Karachi seaport as the nearest one. The future regional economic stability and cooperation can be increased with strong ties of Pakistan and Central Asia. As for Pakistan, the importance of Central Asia cannot be ignored in any way. It was the realization of this importance that Pakistan recognized the Central Asian states and Afghanistan’s stable government is in the interest of Pakistan only because of Pakistan’s policy of gaining access to that region (Asif 2002).

Statement of the Problem: The independence of Central Asian states in 1991 began a new era of political and economic relationship when both the sides felt the need to come closer to develop cooperation on wider basis. Pakistan also extended cooperation and financial support to Central Asian states in the shape of credits in the long term just after the independence of CARs. Since its independence relations of Pakistan with these countries has not improved on that degree which was expected. Though being resources reach region Pakistan could get help from its resources in its energy security 3

but the challenges and irritants are the main hurdle in this respect. Beside energy security there are a lot of fields in which these countries can assist each other. Central Asia is a landlocked region. They can use Pakistan ports for their trade with the rest of world. They can also assist one another in defense, economic, technological and political fields, but the challenges and irritants are the main hurdles in such type of cooperation. To better understand and analyze this, the research will describe their relations and overwhelming challenges and opportunities in detail. Last but not the least this study will investigate the fields in which Pakistan and CARs can assist each other and get benefits from one another potentials. This study will are look to the future of Pak-CARs relations.

Aims and objectives of the study: 1.

To know about the historical background of Pakistan Central Asian relations and its links.

2.

To analysis economic, and political relations between Pakistan and Central Asian states.

3.

To know about the importance of Central Asian republics resources for Pakistan.

Research questions: 1.

What are the interests of Pakistan in central Asian states?

2.

What the existing level are of cooperates among Pakistan and CARs in different fields since its independence?

3.

What is an importance of Pakistan for CARs?

4.

How the existing challenges and irritants in their relation can be removed?

Scope and Significance: Pakistan renounced its foreign policy in 21 Century which has enhanced Islamabad’s cooperation and economic links with Central Asia. However, the present scenario has hastened developments in domestic politics and inter-state relations. Pakistan is trying to develop new avenues for cooperation with the CARs and has strived to improve its image smudged by years of support to extremist elements in Afghanistan. Pakistan, along with the CARs, is an important member of the Economic Cooperation Organization and its observer status in the organizations such as SCO shows the CARs’ acceptance of Pakistan as a valued partner. 4

This research study will provide a brief historical overview of Pakistan CARs relations and will study its various dimension, economic co-operation, cultural ties, and the mutual beneficial fields. It will also study the strategic and political relations of Pakistan with CARs. Moreover, the importance of this study is that the relations between Pakistan and CARs has always, been felt not only because of any new trends in the international and regional political strategies policies.

Research Methodology: This research is qualitative in nature as it perceives Pakistan Central Asian Countries Relation’s Challenges and Opportunities. Inductive method adopted in the study and conclusion. The research is based on historical, comparative and analytical approach used both explanatory and analytical methods. This study is descriptive and explanatory in nature and hence; conducted through extensive and wide literature survey. Secondary sources used to gather the data. Moreover, the research is basically a product of the combination of publish materials, books, journals, newspapers and magazines articles.

Organization of the Study: The study will comprise of five chapters, Chapter No 1: Introduction. Chapter No 2: History of Pak-CARs Relations. Chapter No 3: CARs Importance for Pakistan. Chapter No 4: Pak-CARs Relations. Chapter No 5: Recommendations and Conclusion.

Literature Review: Irum Shaheen studied that, Central Asian region assumes greater importance for Pakistan not for a single reason of historical relationship but there are many factors which induce Pakistan to keep Central Asia as a priority area in the shaping of foreign policy. Since the independence of CARs, various strategic and economic interests have become a significant objective of Pakistan’s policy particularly in the field of energy. For landlocked Central Asia also, Pakistan’s importance is not without any reason. Along with historical and cultural ties which bring both the regions closer, the potential relationship in future can benefit them greatly. The role of the regional organizations and development of infrastructure on both the sides can increase the possibilities of stronger interaction in all the fields. Both Central Asia and Pakistan 5

hold great importance for each other and the changed geopolitical and strategic position has enhanced this significance immensely. This paper analyzes the importance of Central Asia and Pakistan for each other in view of the historical and cultural relationship. Moreover, various motives of Pakistan in the region have also been discussed. The problems and challenges which Pakistan is facing and can face while competing and involving in CARs in the presence of other regional and international players form part of the research and there are various policy options which can work best for Pakistan if adopted in a true sense and with full commitment (Shaheen, 2011). Umbreen Javaid

and Azhar Rashid

studied that, as for as the Pakistan

relations with Central Asia is concerned there are several dimensions but the main emphasis remained on the current outlook of the CARs vis-a-vis Pakistan coupled with Pakistani initiatives and responses. It has also studied the opportunities; and obstacles faced by Pakistan in pursuance of her strategic, political and economic goals towards the CARs. The major impediments in better relations of Pakistan and CARs are lack of common border for better accessibility of the region, unrest in Afghanistan and global war against terrorism. Wakhan corridor is a 16km narrowest point on the Northeastern side of Afghanistan which can connect Pakistan with Tajikistan of Central Asian region but the security situation of Afghanistan and tribal agencies of Pakistan is a principal barrier to pursuit trade relation as well as the energy relations between Central Asia and Pakistan. Due to the geo strategic and geo political importance of Pakistan Central Asia cannot ignore Pakistan (Javaid & Rashid, 2015).

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References: Asif, F., (2011). Pakistan’s ties with Central Asian States Irritants and Challenges. Conflict and Peace Studies, Vol. 4, No. 1. Javaid, U., & Rashid, A., (2015). Oil and Gas Potentials of Central Asian Republics and Relations with Pakistan. South Asian Studies, Vol. 30, No.1. Malik, H., (1994), Central Asia: Its Strategic Importance and Future Prospects. UK: Macmillan Press. Shaheen, I., (2011). Importance of Pakistan-Central Asia Relations: Opportunities and Constraints. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, Vol. 1 No. 14. Asif, N., (2002). “Pakistan’s Interests in Central Asia”, Pakistan Horizon, Karachi, 55 (4).

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