SFPR for adopting effective foreign policy on modern lines

A think tank of the Senate condemning the Indian state terrorism in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) on Thursday urged the government to adopt an effective foreign policy on modern lines. A meeting of the Senate Forum for Policy Research (SFPR), which was held here under the chairmanship of former Senator Col Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi (retd), deliberated on the country's foreign policy.
Mashhadi said Pakistan always wants good relations with international community and the recent foreign visits of Prime Minister Imran Khan are part of this strategy. He said that the Senate committee will not force the government regarding foreign policy issue but it can only give suggestions and recommendations in this regard.
"There is always a need of improvement in governance," he added. Former Senator Sehar Kamran while appreciating the efforts in compiling the report stressed the need for further consolidation so that it may provide the basis for a strong foreign policy that would go a long way in improving international ties. The recommendations were seconded by most of the members of the forum.
She was of the view that a proactive approach towards foreign policy needs to be adopted. She said that foreign policy should be in line with the determinants of national security strategy as well as elements of national power.
She added that a coherent long-term foreign policy based on consensus and proactive diplomacy is vital to secure Pakistan's national interest. She stressed the need for Pakistan to concentrate on building and enhancing its image internationally and strengthening of regional institutions. She added that keeping pace with changes at international order is imperative to strike changes in national foreign policy.
Senator Jehanzeb Jamaldini asserted the need to maintain cordial ties with neighbours to maintain peace and stability in Pakistan and within the region. He said that for this, SFPR report on Foreign Policy would play an important role through its recommendations to achieve these goals.
He stressed the need for improvement in ties with Iran and said that for Pakistan's own security it is imperative that Iran is not isolated. Jamaldini emphasised that the committee should submit a comprehensive and detailed report on foreign policy before the Senate as there are many things which need proper attention in this regard.
Senator Nuzhat Sadiq said that the Chinese have shown great concern over slow progress in development of the Gwadar seaport, to which as an ally and friend Pakistan must pay heed. Senator Sehar Kamran presented a resolution on Kashmir that was unanimously passed. The resolution said, "The members of this forum express their solidarity with the people of Kashmir. We strongly condemn Indian brutality and atrocities and call for resolution of the Kashmir issue at the earliest as per aspirations of the people of Kashmir and according to UN Resolution."