RTC explores gaps in Pakistan’s relations with African countries

Islamabad, 25 September 2020: Pakistan has missed out big time by not capitalizing on its peacekeeping missions to African countries and its rendered diplomatic support for the right of self-determination of many in 1960s and 70s. The need is now to revitalize that social, political and diplomatic footprint in the region, while creating new economic opportunities aimed at sustaining mutually beneficial ties.

Ambassador (r) Tajammul Altaf, who served in the discussed region as a Pakistani diplomat for three years, stated that the continent of Africa had so much to offer but there were a lot of gaps in Pakistan’s foreign policy to benefit from that potential. The region, according to the former diplomat, had a collective GDP of more than USD3.4 trillion and had an import market of approximately USD4500 billion.

The entire continent was abundant in natural resources including oil, making it a storehouse of strategic raw material and that is why the world powers are trying hard to create their space in the continent.

He however rued that despite having supported many African countries in their freedom struggle in 1960s and 70s and despite having solid relations with them following that, these ties gradually started diminishing.

He bemoaned that where Pakistan once had 27 embassies in Africa, now it is left with only 15 missions due to economic constraints, whereas only 12 African countries have their embassies functioning in Pakistan at present.

Dr Najimdeen shed light on different geo-political, geo-strategic and cultural dimensions to approach this issue while maintaining that there was a lot in between Pakistan and African countries to collaborate on. Beginning from Economic perspective, he said that there could be 3 to 4.6 billion of trade between the two regions. African Free Trade Agreement was also a big opportunity for Pakistan according to the speaker.

D Yamin emphasized on benefitting from Pakistan’s peacekeeping missions in Africa as well as from its African diaspora.

He said that Pakistan has deployed over 5000 troops in Africa to date which go there, build good relations, build hospitals, parks, schools, etc., but come back without capitalizing on these contributions.

Yaqoob stressed on looking at Africa from a perspective of bilateral relations and not that of a colonial mindset. She said that the continent of Africa was an emerging market where Pakistan does not have any footprint.

Dr Abbas’ speech focused on identifying overarching umbrellas which can bring both regions closer to each other.

He pointed out that the two regions had quite a few similarities like both of them were rich in crude production but lacked sorely in value addition. Acceptance and rejection of Western education was a concern at both ends whereas none of them was able to make much advancement in ocean economies. Stressing on finding synergies between the two regions to face their challenges together, the speaker said that the African Union celebrates ‘Africa Day of Seas and Oceans’ on 25th of July every year and Pakistan can use this platform to speak about common challenges and endeavors.

Other than that, the Commonwealth states and islands could also collaborate on enabling safe and sustainable marine economies among them as they have a common challenge on how to move to alternate sources from the ocean into the blue economic domain.

 In addition, he pointed. The transfer of health education, medical knowledge, training and capacity building activities were some other areas where Pakistan can contribute significantly to the African continent’s socio-economic development.

Rahman too stressed the policymakers in Pakistan to focus on Africa in a constant and coherent way by facilitating and strengthening social and mental connectivity between the two regions. He said that