Pakistan's flag

Pakistan is surrounded by some major giants in the region which have caused problems for us in many respects but it has also proved to be a blessing in disguise.  Pakistan shares borders with China, India, Iran, and Afghanistan. China is not only an economic superpower in the world but is also flexing its muscles in military terms, with its regional influence growing. China has a huge interest in Pakistan and is currently investing more than 46 Billion dollars on the projects linked to CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor).On another hand, India with its huge population, increasing military and economic might, is also trying to expand its regional influence. Though India has been an arch-rival of Pakistan right from the partition both the countries can benefit from each other if core issues were resolved.

Iran is not only our neighbor but is an Islamic brother as well. Iran’s role in the Middle Eastern conflicts, its energy resources, and controversial nuclear program make it an avenue of interest for the world powers. Pakistan can take advantage of the resources that Iran has. The presence of American troops in Afghanistan and its land attachment with energy-rich Central Asia also attracts many eyes. Pakistan is very important for the return of peace in Afghanistan and government is currently trying to bring all the fighting parties including Taliban on the table. Pakistan provides the all-important transit trade facility to Afghanistan across its land, apart from the Gwadar port that can serve as an important harbor for Afghanistan, being a landlocked country.

Russia is also in close proximity to Pakistan and being a successor state of Soviet Union, is a military superpower. Russia is challenging US interests in Europe, Middle East and around the world. The ongoing military exercise of Russia with Pakistan symbolizes the closeness of both states after the bitter rivalry of the 80s. Pakistan is one of the largest military and sole nuclear power of the Muslim world and thus makes it a nucleus of the Ummah. During the ongoing military conflicts in the Islamic world and especially in the Middle East, Pakistan has a played a key neutral role. Pakistan being created in the name of Islamic ideology cannot adhere to only one interpretation of Islam and thus can act as a bridge between two major blocks of the Islamic World, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

Iran is governed by the Shia clergy and Saudi Arab by the Wahabi-Salafists, both of them have a strict interpretation of Islam and consider each other as heretics. This is not limited only to ideological tussle but the recent backing of Proxy groups by both countries against each other in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon etc shows the gravity of the situation. Pakistani Prime Minister and Army Chief recently visited Saudi Arabia and Iran to bring them to the table, though not militarised but Pakistan has pursued its policy of neutrality.

Pakistan is fighting a war against terror for the safety of the world now for a decade and the recent successes of Pak Army in operation Zarb-e-Azab can be a role-model for the world. Lastly, the CPEC project will not only transform Pakistani economy but of the whole region if regional countries were inducted into it.