ii) Ideological Concerns: Our country has an ideological basis. Pakistan was established on the basis of Two Nation Theory with the sole purpose of providing the South Asian Muslims with a homeland where they could live with dignity and honour in the light of democratic principles enunciated by Islam. The founders of Pakistan believed that the Muslims of Pakistan should invoke Muslims identity as a positive sentiment. This did not imply hatred for any other nation. According the constitution of Pakistan non- Muslims have equal citizenship status, they are free to follow their religious traditions and culture. To safeguard our ideological concerns is a guiding principle of our foreign policy.
iii) Economic Development: Economic well-being of the South Asian Muslims was another objective of the Pakistan Movement. Unfortunately, this objective could not be achieved due to unfavorable circumstance Pakistan had to face. Pakistan still stands in the line of the most underdeveloped countries of the world. In the modern world, balance of trade counts much for the economic development of countries, favourable balance of trade is achieved by increasing exports and keeping the imports at a lower level. Pakistan has made trade agreements with all the big powers and rich countries of the world e.g. the USA, the UK, Canada, Japan, the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China) Big Industrial and developmental projects have been set up with the help of friendly countries, some of these projects are; Mangala Dam, Tarbela Dam, Shahrah-e-Resham, Karachi Steel Mills, Heavy Industries Texila, Karachi Nuclear Energy Project, Chashma Nuclear Energy Project, Gwadar Sea Port, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)etc. Pakistan has joined a number of international organizations working for the economic uplift of their members. Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) was established in 1964 by Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. The Economic Co-operation Organization (ECO), instituted in 1985, is an extended form of the RCD, with the inclusion of new member countries. This organization works for the economic uplift of its member nations. Pakistan is also a member of the WTO. During the OIC summit conference held in Islamabad in 1997, the president of Pakistan emphasized enhanced economic cooperation among the Muslim states and proposed a common market of the Muslim world. Economic self-reliance is an important objective of Pakistan's foreign policy.
iv) Safeguard of the Cultural Heritage: The area which is now Pakistan, has been the abode of the most ancient civilizations of the world. We have always tried to promote our culture and preserve our heritage for the coming generations. In these efforts international community has always stood by our side. Most worth mentioning has been the UNESCO's role. (UNESCO is a specialized body of the UN). Taxila is the centre of Gandhara civilization. Remains of Gandhara civilization spread over a vast area of land are the objects of great reverence for the Buddhist community of the world Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Kot Diji are the centers of the old Indus Valley civilization. Archeologists and historians show keen interest in the study of ancient civilizations, which flourished in our land. Muslim saints (sufia) came to South Asia after the advent of Islam. They left deep imprints on the culture and civilization of this land. The Muslim rulers gave South Asia prosperity and unique architect. International community has rendered valuable assistance for the preservation of our cultural sites. Pakistan has cultural agreements with countries like Iran, Turkey, Indonesia, Libya, the UAE, Iraq Malaysia and a number of Central Asian States. Cultural delegations are frequently exchanged with these countries, this helps us promote our cultural heritage more effectively.
0 Comments