A New Democratic Path for Pakistan

Saleem Raza 

Bradford: The most practical and profitable trade in the world happens with neighboring countries. There are two main reasons: lower transport costs and reduced transit times. Yet, the question remains: how effectively has Pakistan leveraged this advantage with its four key neighbors?

India: Our neighbor with a population of 1.5 billion is currently off-limits as a trade partner due to political hostility. Historical, political, and security considerations have stunted trade relations, depriving Pakistan’s economy of access to one of the largest potential markets in the world.

Afghanistan: Our historical trade partner, Afghanistan, presents an even graver situation. Estimates suggest that formal and informal exports worth five billion dollars have been blocked. Political distrust and mutual animosity have effectively halted commercial exchanges, with little hope of resumption in the near future.

Iran: Relations with Iran are largely limited to energy projects, such as gas pipelines. Pakistan has so far shown limited interest in completing its share of the pipelines. Other trade opportunities, including oil imports, remain largely unexploited, with smuggling acting as the only active channel.

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China: Perhaps the sole bright spot, trade with China is deeply imbalanced. Pakistan imports goods worth $20 billion while exporting only $2 billion in return. This asymmetry highlights the inadequacy of Pakistan’s economic and industrial strategy.

This paints a stark picture of Pakistan’s current economic and foreign policy landscape. Despite being geographically connected to a population of three billion people, Pakistan has failed to leverage these advantages strategically.

 Every global event, such as US military incidents in the region, often provokes an emotional or exaggerated response, but there is a persistent failure to craft a rational, long-term policy.

The question remains: can there be a nation more short-sighted and self-defeating than one which, despite its resources, strategic geography, and historical trade networks, has failed to secure economic and political stability?

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To reclaim Pakistan’s democratic vision, the country must:

Build pragmatic and fair trade relations with neighboring countries.

Prioritize economic benefits and public welfare over political hostility.

Address trade imbalances to strengthen industrial capacity and economic independence.

Formulate foreign policy based on rational, strategic thinking while understanding the global balance of power.

This is not just a political and economic analysis; it is a call to restore Pakistan’s democratic vision. Only by engaging with neighbors and global powers with foresight and wisdom can Pakistan achieve sustainable development and ensure the well-being of its people.

The author, a Pakistan-born creative based in Bradford, UK, is a versatile talent celebrated as a designer, artist, and poet. They hold a postgraduate degree in fashion design from London, showcasing their expertise in both artistic and academic pursuits.

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.