An effort has been made by Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) to explain government’s response to media reports regarding isolation of Pakistan at the international level. FO Spokesman Nafees Zakaria has dismissed all news that Pakistan has become isolated in the international community, adding that the perception needed to be corrected as Pakistan is very much engaged in world affairs.
Undoubtedly, Pakistani high-ups as well as citizens are active at the international level. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has carried out a record number of tours to foreign countries. Pakistani businessmen and tourists visit different parts of the world. Currently, the premier is on a tour to Azerbaijan. Last month, Pakistani and Russian troops conducted their first-ever joint military exercises in Pakistan, which is being termed as a historic moment of cooperation between the two countries. These are positive developments, yet these ventures have failed to bring desired results. Pakistan is considered a ‘pariah’ state by a number of countries. There are cases that show a bleak picture of Pakistani society, which is believed to be a conservative one by many.
In the world of sports, Pakistan is facing a boycott by many sports loving nations. Since 2009, cricket has been suspended in the country due to the tragic attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, and no international side except minnow Zimbabwe has considered it safe to tour Pakistan. Quite recently, the postponement of SAARC summit in Islamabad has proved a great setback to Pakistan’s foreign policy.
