Pakistan’s Renewed MENA Engagement Aligns with Regional Stability and Growth Vision: Iftikhar Ali Malik

Lahore, Jan 4: Former President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Iftikhar Ali Malik, has said that Pakistan’s renewed diplomatic, economic and security focus is increasingly aligned with the strategic vision of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) partnership, which emphasizes regional stability, connectivity and shared prosperity.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the veteran trader leader said Pakistan’s growing engagement with the MENA region is already delivering tangible outcomes, particularly in the area of defence cooperation. He noted that in the prevailing global environment, Pakistan needs to recalibrate its regional strategy by maintaining a balanced and constructive relationship with its key economic and strategic partners in the Gulf.

Malik said that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has strengthened its geopolitical and geoeconomic standing through an accommodative and pragmatic foreign policy approach. He highlighted Pakistan’s unique geostrategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, describing the country as a natural bridge between energy-rich Gulf states and rapidly growing Asian markets.

From a security standpoint, he said Pakistan’s extensive counterterrorism experience and highly professional armed forces make it a credible partner in promoting regional stability. “Sustainable peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without cooperation from strong Muslim-majority countries that have successfully addressed internal security challenges while engaging positively with the international community,” he added.

On the economic front, Malik said Pakistan’s focus on regional connectivity through ports, highways and energy corridors complements MENA countries’ efforts to diversify their economies beyond hydrocarbons and strengthen links with Asian growth hubs. He emphasized that Pakistan’s support for dialogue, economic cooperation and non-interference aligns well with the vision of a pragmatic and inclusive MENA partnership aimed at long-term stability and development rather than conflict.

He concluded that Pakistan’s evolving role in the region positions it as a valuable partner in advancing shared goals of peace, prosperity and regional integration.