Perspective:

Dr. Abid Qayyum Sulehri (Economist):

The first-ever National Security Policy cites not only the conventional security but the financial security of the people in the country as well. As per NSP document of foreign policy section, Pakistan aims to get the Kashmir issue resolved in accordance with UN resolutions. Pakistan has a principle stance and presented the Kashmir issue on all international forums including the United Nations. The economy is considered as the main tool in the development of a country. If we took the example of the Soviet Union, it was having a huge force but due to the financial constraints, the Soviet Union disintegrated into certain states. Meanwhile, the United States did not focused on the improvement of infrastructure in Afghanistan. After its withdrawal, the Afghan people are in trouble and suffering from many problems. According to National Security Policy, the government must focus on human security, job creation in the country, and social protection to the deprived segment of the society. Pakistan at this point of time is coping with certain internal and external threats. The external factor which is beyond our control is increase of petroleum prices. The increase in petroleum prices internationally resulted in the increased inflation as well. We have to balance our imports and the main focus should be to increase exports and discourage imports.

Waheed Ahmed (Former Ambassador):

 The peace and stability in Afghanistan is not only in the interest of Pakistan but for the region as well. The opportunities of trade, foreign investment and economic activities are linked with a peaceful and stable region. The foreign minister has rightly pointed out that Pakistan will continue to support Afghan brethren and the government within its resources in this crucial time. Pakistan is also urging the world not to abandon the Afghan government and its people and look for the avenues where the international community can assist Afghan people. The Afghan people are very resilient and I am hopeful that if there is peace and stability in Afghanistan, they can improve their livelihood. The European Union is always forthcoming as for as the humanitarian crisis is concerned and I am confident that the European Union will definitely come forward to support the Afghan government and its people.

Nuqta-e-Nazar

Dr. Khurram Iqbal (IR Expert): 

The economy and security are complimented by each other. We have to take economic development and defense capabilities parallel. The priorities are being defined in the document of National Security Policy. The top priority is given to economic development and strengthening defense capabilities are also part of this important document. One thing is for sure that only a strong economy guarantees a strong defense system in a country. It is a very positive development that Pakistan managed to document its first-ever National Security Policy and the need of the hour is to publish this document globally. The developed countries prioritize the non-conventional security threat including economic development, poverty alleviation and others. But unfortunately the South Asian region is still linked with conventional security threats.

Mansoor Ahmed (Ambassador to Afghanistan): 

Pakistan is leaving no space unturned to facilitate the people of Afghanistan in the current scenario. Islamabad has provided 50,000 tons of wheat along with medical facilities and other food stuff for the people of Afghanistan. Pakistan shares the longest border with Afghanistan and its people have brotherly affiliation with Afghan people. After the political change on 15th of August in the war-torn country, the banking system in Afghanistan is not operating, which is adding to the problems of the new Afghan government. The United States has also frozen the Afghan assets due to which the threats of a humanitarian crisis are looming in Kabul. Pakistan at its end held an important OIC foreign minister conference to discuss Afghan issues and also tried its utmost to engage the world community to make collective efforts to support the Afghan government and its people.