'We are not talking to terrorists and extremists'

Islamabad: Negotiating with terrorist and extremists is not an option for Pakistan, said Foreign Minister Makhdoum Shah Mahmoud Qureshi.

"I must make it clear that we are engaging the moderate elements in talks but are not talking to terrorists and extremists," he said.

He urged the United States to expedite the process of providing a multi-billion dollar economic package to set up Reconstruction Industrial Zones in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas along the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan to provide them economic alternatives to curb extremism.

"It has been established that narcotics money is playing a big role in fanning militancy and the economic alternative is the best option to fight it out," Qureshi told Gulf News yesterday in an exclusive interview at his house overlooking the picturesque Margalla Hills in Islamabad.

The Foreign Minister of Pakistan spoke for more than an hour about his country's focus on foreign policy in the post-Musharraf era. He talked about the importance of improving relations with immediate neighbours, with India on top of the list, and volatile Afghanistan in addition to the role of the democratic government in Pakistan on "war against terrorism."

Gulf News: What is the focus of Pakistan's foreign policy in the post-Musharraf era?

Makhdoum Shah Mahmoud Qureshi: Core interests of Pakistan remain the same because foreign policy, at times, is governed by international interests. Right now our interests are to achieve stability and peace in the country. With political stability and peace, we want economic stability and want to rebuild our institutions, which have been weakened over the years due to wrong acts of an individual [referring to Pervez Musharraf].

What are your priorities now?

If we link our foreign policy with domestic issues, our first priorities include regional peace and stability because economic development will come with it.

We are working on improving relations with our neighbours, with India on top of the list. We have had strain relations with India but now the situation has changed. Now both of the countries are strong nuclear powers and have to behave responsibly. Due to the balance of nuclear deterrent, war is no longer an option for any of us.

We have disputes such as Kashmir which are recognised mutually and internationally. We are continuing the mechanism of composite dialogue with India to bring peace and stability in the region. Through dialogues, we have been able to recognise issues and resolve them bilaterally.

We have entered into the fifth round of composite dialogues and Kashmir is one of the key issues, which should be resolved peacefully.

We have agreed to enhance trade relations. The current trade between the two countries stands at $2 billion (Dh7.34 billion) per year. We are encouraging people to people contact as it will help promote links and end misunderstandings.

We are also working to strengthen ties using the democratic bond because both countries now have a democratic government. We will start an exchange of parliamentary delegations soon because we want to improve relations with India and move forward.

How are you dealing with the Afghanistan issue?

Our policy is that we want to see a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. We are facing the consequences of the Soviet invasion and their withdrawal from Afghanistan and still have more than two million Afghan refugees, who have immense impact on economy and social fabric.

Those who were once seen as freedom fighters and liberators during the war against the Soviet Union are now considered extremists and militants posing a great threat to our country - this is not acceptable for us.

They are targeting our cities with bomb blasts in retaliation to military action against them. Peace in Afghanistan is a must for us because we want to open up trade routes with Central Asian states and also want to end our energy crisis by importing gas from these countries. We are victims of the civil war in Afghanistan.

What is your strategy to deal with militancy?

We have reviewed our strategy and developed a comprehensive approach to the issue. We say that militancy cannot be fought by arms alone. We have to use force when required but at the same time we have to address local issues. We have to deal with issues of development, institutional weakness, economic deprivation in militant infested tribal areas, and lack of infrastructure.

Our approach is political engagement with those who do not believe in violence, to pursue socio-economic development, and to use force against armed militants.

Pakistan has been a frontline ally with the US in its war against terrorism? What have you gained?

They [the US] do recognise the valuable role played by Pakistan in the war against terrorism, yet there are disappointments. They want us to do more, but there is definitely recognition because they know that without Pakistan's help and commitment the issue of militancy cannot be resolved.

Whom do you want to see as the next US President - Barack Obama or John McCain?

I would say Pakistan wants to see a president who is friendly with our country. Both the candidates have shown their recognition of the role being played by Pakistan. We want to develop long term strategic relations and I am also visiting the US in September to initiate a dialogue on such strategic partnerships between the two countries.

Is there any shift in Pakistan's foreign policy towards the Arab countries?

The Arab world is the most important part of our foreign policy - first because of its geographical proximity and second because of our energy needs. We have millions of Pakistanis serving in the Arab world and they are very important for our economy. We have common interests and we back each other on international forums. We are seeking huge investments from the Arab world, especially from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

In return for their co-operation to fulfil our energy needs, we are now offering them our agriculture land to meet their food demands. We are in talks with them to invest in our agriculture sector as Pakistan will offer them agriculture land. They bring modern farming tools and investments, and we will cater to their food demands. This way Pakistan and Arab countries can develop economic partnerships.

Why do you want the United Nations to investigate the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto - especially as her political party is in power now. Can't you do it yourself?

We go to the UN because we want the investigation to be credible and impartial because Benazir Bhutto was an international figure.

Unfortunately, investigations that followed after her murder on December 27 last year within Pakistan were rejected by people because they could clearly see the cover-up. People refuse to buy stories sold by the previous government about her murder.

Scotland Yard investigators were here just to determine the cause of death. It is immaterial how she died. We want to know who killed her and who was the financer and why?

We approach the UN because the parliament passed the resolution and that bound the government to request the UN for investigation. Currently modalities are being worked out between the representatives of Pakistan and the UN and the investigation will start soon. I can't give any time frame now.

Why have you appointed ambassadors-at-large when you have diplomatic missions abroad?

Pakistan has seven ambassadors-at-large and their role is to do the job which regular ambassadors are unable to do because of their official compulsions. They interact with civil society members, think tanks and also help build bridges with various institutions.

Biography

Straight career

Makhdoum Shah Mahmoud Hussain Qureshi, born on June 22, 1956 in Murree, was elected on a PPP seat from Multan - his home town. An agriculturist by profession, he completed a BA degree in 1978 from University of the Punjab followed by an MA in 1983 from Cambridge University. During his political career, he has been elected Member of the Punjab Assembly from 1985, 1988 and 1990. He was elected Member of the National Assembly in 1993, 1996 and 2008. He has served as Provincial Minister of Finance Punjab from 1990-93 and as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs from 1994-96.

He is also member of the central executive committee of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and also president of the PPP in Punjab. Currently, he is serving as Foreign Minister of Pakistan.

- A.A.