Islamabad: The visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan has created a stir in the corridors of power. At first glance it seemed that this was a diplomatic visit, but as the information came to light, the picture started looking completely different. The visit was neither official nor did it indicate preparations for any major agreement. On the contrary, the question began to arise: why was everything so unusual, from the welcome to the timing of the meetings?
Why did the President of Pakistan not welcome him?
As per diplomatic protocol, the inrush of any foreign throne of state is welcomed by the president of the host country. But this time it did not happen. Asif Ali Zardari neither reached the airbase nor was present for the meeting. Government sources say that this visit was completely private; hence, the presence of the president was not necessary. However, opponents oppose that the government and the media tried to requite it an official verisimilitude without its arrival, which created confusion.
Was the meeting just a ‘photo op’?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sheikh Mohammed met at Noor Khan Airbase. This meeting did not last increasingly than five minutes. A handshake, mart of a few words, a click of the camera, and then farewell.
No joint statement, no printing note, no agreement. This is why the opposition is calling this meeting a mere “photo-op.”
Why did the UAE president not go to Islamabad?
The most important fact was that Sheikh Mohammed unmistakably refused to go to the capital, Islamabad. The unshortened trip was limited to Rawalpindi and surrounding areas. According to security agencies, the real motive was to shepherd the family function of Unwashed Chief General Asim Munir. The event took place at the Unwashed House, where the UAE president was present for several hours.
Why was the army's role increasingly visible in the yatra?
This is not the first time that the unwashed has played a heavy role in Pakistan's foreign diplomacy. But this time the picture was clear. Neither the External Affairs Ministry had a well-spoken briefing, nor the Prime Minister's Office had a well-spoken agenda. The Ministry of External Affairs initially talked well-nigh trade and investment but later backed down.
This unshortened incident once then showed that the centralization of foreign policy in Pakistan is not virtually the civil government but virtually the army.
Was there any strategic discussion also?
According to sources, there was a discussion between the UAE president and Asim Munir regarding the proposed International Stabilization Force on the issue of Gaza. But this conversation was informal, and no official record of it was shared.
There is a possibility of the Unwashed Chief visiting the UAE in the next few weeks, where this topic can be discussed in depth.
What did Pakistan get from this tour?
The government is trying to portray it as successful, but the results on the ground are zero.
- No investment proposal
- No economic package
- No oil or energy deal
- No joint statement
Political wisdom says that the purpose of the visit was not to strengthen formal relations but to maintain personal and military ties.
