World Desk, AnyTV, Islamabad
Published by: Harendra Chaudhary
Updated Fri, 25 Feb 2022 07:08 PM IST
Summary
Analysts have warned that the timing of Imran’s visit to Moscow could land Pakistan in trouble. Russia attacked Ukraine while Imran was in Moscow. Critics say that in such a situation Imran Khan should have left the journey midway and returned.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warmly received Pakistan Prime Minister Imran in Moscow. For this he also broke his COVID protocol. Prime Minister’s supporters in Pakistan are projecting him as a big achievement of Imran Khan. He has claimed that the reception received in Moscow is an indication of Khan’s international status. After 23 years a Pakistani Prime Minister has visited Russia.
But analysts have cautioned that the timing of Imran’s visit to Moscow could land Pakistan in trouble. Russia attacked Ukraine while Imran was in Moscow. Critics say that in such a situation, Imran Khan should have left the journey midway and returned. But after he had commented that he had come to Russia on an exciting occasion, he was heavily trolled on social media.
When the news of the Russian attack came, a section of the Western media reported that Imran Khan was returning after leaving his trip midway. But Pakistan’s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry immediately denied it. In this case only clarification has been given by the Government of Pakistan that the program of the yatra was already made. Then, despite the attack, Putin continued his programs as usual, including talks with Imran Khan.
US South Asian expert Adam Weinstein has warned that a one-pronged foreign policy towards regional powers could cost him dearly. He pointed out that Imran Khan is one of the few heads of government that US President Joe Biden has yet to call after taking office. Other analysts say that the latest indications given by Imran Khan of closer ties with Russia may increase America’s resentment towards him and Pakistan.
It is important to maintain balance in foreign relations
Uzair Yunus, director of the South Asia Center of American think tank Atlantic Council, has said that when Imran Khan visited Moscow, there could not have been a worse time for this visit. However, Yunus also said that this visit is the result of years of diplomatic effort, so it will be considered important.
In an analysis written in the newspaper Dawn, journalist Zahid Hussain has cautioned that Pakistan should take a cautious stand amid the changed geo-political situation. He said that improving relations with Russia is welcome, but maintaining balance in foreign relations is also very important. There is a need to ensure that Pakistan does not appear to be supporting one side against the other.
Analyst Kamran Yusuf in the newspaper Express Tribune wrote that if the incident in Ukraine had not happened, the outcome of Imran Khan’s visit would certainly have been different. But now in the new situation, Pakistan will have to walk with caution. Especially given that for decades Pakistan’s economic and strategic interests were linked to the US.
Expansion
Russian President Vladimir Putin warmly received Pakistan Prime Minister Imran in Moscow. For this he also broke his COVID protocol. Prime Minister’s supporters in Pakistan are projecting him as a big achievement of Imran Khan. He has claimed that the reception received in Moscow is an indication of Khan’s international status. After 23 years a Pakistani Prime Minister has visited Russia.
But analysts have cautioned that the timing of Imran’s visit to Moscow could land Pakistan in trouble. Russia attacked Ukraine while Imran was in Moscow. Critics say that in such a situation, Imran Khan should have left the journey midway and returned. But after he had commented that he had come to Russia on an exciting occasion, he was heavily trolled on social media.
When the news of the Russian attack came, a section of the Western media reported that Imran Khan was returning after leaving his trip midway. But Pakistan’s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry immediately denied it. In this case only clarification has been given by the Government of Pakistan that the program of the yatra was already made. Then, despite the attack, Putin continued his programs as usual, including talks with Imran Khan.
US South Asian expert Adam Weinstein has warned that a one-pronged foreign policy towards regional powers could cost him dearly. He pointed out that Imran Khan is one of the few heads of government that US President Joe Biden has yet to call after taking office. Other analysts say that the latest indications given by Imran Khan of closer ties with Russia may increase America’s resentment towards him and Pakistan.
It is important to maintain balance in foreign relations
Uzair Yunus, director of the South Asia Center of American think tank Atlantic Council, has said that when Imran Khan visited Moscow, there could not have been a worse time for this visit. However, Yunus also said that this visit is the result of years of diplomatic effort, so it will be considered important.
In an analysis written in the newspaper Dawn, journalist Zahid Hussain has cautioned that Pakistan should take a cautious stand amid the changed geo-political situation. He said that improving relations with Russia is welcome, but maintaining balance in foreign relations is also very important. There is a need to ensure that Pakistan does not appear to be supporting one side against the other.
Analyst Kamran Yusuf in the newspaper Express Tribune wrote that if the incident in Ukraine had not happened, the outcome of Imran Khan’s visit would certainly have been different. But now in the new situation, Pakistan will have to walk with caution. Especially given that for decades Pakistan’s economic and strategic interests were linked to the US.