The recent attendance of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the SCO in Goa was met with criticism from certain groups in Pakistan who opposed the delegation’s attendance, Bilawal Bhutto’s leading the delegation, and the absence of the finance minister from the group. However, those who raised the objections, obviously missed the obvious. The purpose of the meeting was not to engage in bilateral talks with India, but to meet representatives from other countries and exchange ideas on matters of interest.
Despite the strained relationship between India and Pakistan, no bilateral talks took place between Bilawal Bhutto and his Indian counterpart. India did not wish to engage in discussions about issues raised by the Pakistan Foreign Minister, such as the Special Status of Held Kashmir, CPEC, and terrorism, at this multilateral forum.
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However, Bilawal Bhutto did address these issues and expressed his views. Although these remarks were aimed more at the domestic audience, they ensured that the issues were not ignored.
According to Michael Kugelman, a US scholar of South Asian affairs, Bilawal Bhutto accomplished what Islamabad sought: participation in SCO deliberations and separate sideline meetings with all SCO members except India. This multilateral engagement is a positive step toward regional stability.
It is important to note that both countries are not interested in escalating tensions at this time. India sees China as its main rival in the region, not Pakistan. They would not be interested in embroiling themselves with Pakistan.
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Meanwhile, Pakistan is dealing with various issues within its borders, including constitutional crises, economic crises, inflation, and political chaos.
Haqqani raises a valid point by stating that a meeting “such as the one in Goa often “pave the way for a resumption of dialogue”
To achieve regional stability, Pakistan needs to have a working relationship with all its neighbors, including India. The two sides should set up working committees aimed at putting their suspicions and concerns on the table as a first step. As E.A. Bucchianeri said, “Problems are like doors; you have to go through them to put them behind you. If you try and avoid them, be prepared to walk into a wall.” [Vocation of a Gadfly]
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The writer is a lawyer, academic and political analyst. She has authored a book titled ‘A Comparative Analysis of Media & Media Laws in Pakistan.’ She can be contacted at: yasmeenali62@gmail.com and tweets at @yasmeen_9
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