WORKSHOP

FOREIGN POLICY MAKING PROCESS

APRIL 28-29, 2008
GOETHE INSTITUTE, KARACHI

ORGANIZED BY
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI
IN COLLABORATION WITH
THE HANNS SEIDEL FOUNDATION, ISLAMABAD

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Concept paper (1)

About the Department (5)

Program (9)

List of Workshop Participants (12)

CONCEPT PAPER

WORKSHOP ON FOREIGN POLICY MAKING PROCESS
APRIL 28-29, 2008

BACKGROUND

Foreign policy of any country is formulated on the basis of several considerations emanating from internal and external threats and challenges. In a democratic set-up, foreign policy is formulated while taking into account several factors like parliament or assemblies, political parties, interest groups, lobbies, media, research and policy oriented think tanks. Whereas, in an authoritarian set-up powerful individuals or groups matter in the formulation of foreign policy who are neither accountable to public bodies nor involve public opinion in the foreign policy-making process.

Not much work has been done on Pakistan’s foreign policy-making process. Influenced by external factors and geo-political developments, foreign policy makers of Pakistan, like any other authoritarian state, failed to embark on the objective and analytical study to probe why non-political and non-democratic forces played a key role in the decision-making process and how vital decisions, influencing the future of Pakistan, were made without taking people or their representatives into confidence. Lack of proper debate and discussion on important foreign policy issues and challenges and the absence of a proactive approach in dealing with major challenges in the last sixty years, made foreign policy of Pakistan subject of immense criticism.

The pre-eminence of military and intelligence agencies in giving directions on foreign policy matters undermined the role of foreign office, parliament, public opinion as well as civil society groups which could have given their own input on foreign policy formulation and execution. Same may be true of some foreign powers who wielded considerable influence in Pakistan’s foreign policy and its decision-making process. The absence of any proper interaction between academia and foreign office also created a void in foreign affairs which depicted a highly negative image of foreign policy.

As a result of far-reaching changes in global arena following the end of the Cold War at the superpower level, there also arose a need to scientifically design foreign policy agenda of any state and give substantial priority to the issues of international trade, aid and globalization, rather than continuing with traditional approach on foreign policy issues. The lack of proper knowledge about the formulation and execution of foreign policy in Pakistan is primarily an outcome of illiteracy, backwardness, lack of awareness and knowledge on issues influencing foreign policy and so forth. Given the fact that foreign powers, particularly the United States, greatly influenced Pakistan’s foreign policy formulation since mid-1950s, it was widely believed in many circles of the country that it is not foreign office or any other body in Pakistan which is responsible for outlining policies in the realm of external affairs, but the role of Washington and the influence which it exerts on Islamabad’s dealings with the world on important issues. Nevertheless, the issue of sovereignty reigns supreme in the arena of foreign policy as one school of thought questions the ability of foreign office to act independently from the military and external forces in formulating foreign policy; whereas, the second school of thought argues the need for more public debate and transparency on foreign policy issues. The end result of meager societal input on foreign policy matters is lack of feedback which Pakistan’s foreign office should get from non-state entities and civil society groups who possess an independent thinking as far as the country’s foreign policy issues are concerned. Those representing the official side reject any foreign interference in the country’s foreign policy domain and reject any encroachment on external affairs of Pakistan.

In view of dearth of enough discussion and literature on Pakistan’s foreign policy-making process, there is a need of organizing a two-day workshop by the Department of International Relations in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad. The workshop will have two important themes. The first theme will be on foreign policy making process conceptually and in the context of Pakistan and the second theme will examine foreign policy of Pakistan.

Questions

While examining different dimensions of Pakistan’s foreign policy making process following questions will be examined in the workshop.

1. What is meant by foreign policy making process and how non-political and non-democratic forces began to influence Pakistan’s foreign policy making process in the second decade of the independence of the country?
2. How is decision-making a factor in foreign policy-making process?
3. What is the role of foreign office and other government institutions in the foreign policy-making process?
4. What is the role of parliament, assemblies, public opinion, pressure groups, lobbies and media in the formulation and execution of foreign policy?
5. What is the role of research and policy-oriented think tanks in the formulation and execution of foreign policy?
6. How is foreign policy shaped and what are different factors which influence Pakistan’s foreign policy?
7. Why some of the national tragedies could not be averted by pursuing a dynamic foreign policy agenda?
8. What are the objectives, determinants and important goals of Pakistan’s foreign policy and to what extent such goals and objectives have been achieved?
9. What is the role and influence of international actors on Pakistan’s foreign policy?
10. How Pakistan’s relations with the neighboring countries are shaped and what are the significant factors which shape Pakistan’s relations with the Western countries, particularly the United States?
11. To what extent, Pakistan’s foreign policy is influenced by the Arab and Muslim countries?
12. What are the important challenges which Pakistan is facing in the realm of foreign policy particularly after 9/11?

Objectives

Some of the objectives of two-day workshop are as follows:-

1. To discuss in-depth the formulation and execution of Pakistan’s foreign policy and to give policy suggestions in this regard.
2. To create enough awareness, particularly among the students, about different facets of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
3. To explore possible linkages between academia and foreign office.
4. To explore the reasons for the pre-eminence of military and intelligence agencies in the formulation of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
5. To contemplate the reasons for outside influence in Pakistan’s foreign policy.
6. To ponder on ways for formulation of a successful foreign policy by focusing on augmenting economic relations and bettering the image of the country.
7. To embark on an interactive debate and discussion on critical issues in the foreign policy formulation and execution process with reference to Pakistan.
8. To publish the proceedings of workshop in the form of a book.

It is expected that the two-day workshop would raise new questions and generate new ideas in the realm of foreign policy making process with particular reference to Pakistan.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI:-

The Department of International Relations at the University of Karachi is the oldest and biggest Department in the field of International Relations in Pakistan. It was established in 1958 and has the honor of offering Bachelor of Studies (BS), Master of Studies (MS), M.Phil and Ph.D. programs. Prior to its formation, the Department was under General History Department and Professor Dr. Mahmud Hussain was its founding Chairman. Dr. Muhammed Ahsen Chaudhry succeeded Dr. Mahmud Hussain as the Chairman of the Department. He was followed by Dr. Ahmed Abdul Kadeer, Dr. Mujtaba Razvi, Professor Shameem Akhtar, Professor Talat A. Wizarat, Professor Syed Sikander Mehdi and Dr. Khalida Ghous. Currently, Prof. Dr. Moonis Ahmar is the Chairman of the Department. The Department has a faculty of 11 full-time, three co-operative and one part-time teacher and 350 students are studying at the undergraduate, graduate, M. Phil and Ph.D. level.

Since its inception, the Department of International Relations has been active in organizing seminars, conferences and workshops. A number of books have also been published under the Department and several research projects funded by foreign and national foundations have been completed. The syllabus of the Department was revised in 2007 and new courses focusing on the conceptual and regional studies have been offered in the newly introduced four year BS program.

Following Research Projects funded by the International grant making organizations have been given to the Department:-

1. Peace by Process: Lessons for India and Pakistan from the Middle East by the Ford Foundation in August 1997.
2. The Role and Relevance of CBMs in the post-nuclear South Asia by the U.S. Institute of Peace in March 2000.
3. Database on Violence and Terrorism in South Asia: 1971-2004. Project funded by the Ford Foundation and in collaboration with the Regional Center for Strategic Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2003.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

The Department of International Relations offers a four-year BS program and a two-year MS program leading to M.Phil. In addition, the Department offers a PhD program without course work but will soon launch PhD program with course work. Interested students can contact the Office of the Department. Evening program at the B.S and Masters’ level is also offered at the Department.

RESEARCH PROGRAMS

There are three active and functioning research programs running under the auspices of the Department. The research programs include: Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (PPSCR) www.ppscr.org, Program on Refugee and Migration Studies and Program on Water, Energy and Resources (POWER).
The primary purpose of these programs is to involve students in the process of research and training. Various workshops and seminars have been held under the above-mentioned programs in which students have actively participated and presented their papers.

LAUNCHING OF MS PROGRAM ON PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES WITH THE UN UNIVERSITY OF PEACE, COSTA RICA

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by the University of Karachi and the UN University of Peace, Costa Rica to launch MS program on Peace and Conflict Studies from the academic year, 2009. The MS program will also lead to exchange of faculty and students of the two Universities and will also venture into collaborative research.

GRADUATE STUDIES DISCUSSION GROUP

In August 1996, the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi launched Graduate Studies' Discussion Group (GSDG). The idea for launching that program was to provide an informal forum where Graduate Students of the Department, Faculty Members and Visiting Speakers could discuss topics of critical nature and form opinion on various international, regional and national issues. Since then, scholars, experts in different fields, teachers/researchers of Karachi University and students have given their presentations on topics related to national and international politics, security, economic, social and literary affairs. This program, now in its 11th year, has helped a lot in promoting mature and objective thinking among students and has enabled them to come up with new ideas. For further information on GSDG, kindly visit the Department’s website at: www.kuird.org

CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS ORGANIZED

1. Contemporary Central Asia in collaboration with the Hanns Seidal Foundation in October 1994.
2. United Nations at Fifty in collaboration with the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, Karachi in September 1995.
3. Conflicts and Conflict Resolution in South Asia in collaboration with the Hanns Seidal Foundation in December 1996.
4. Internal and External Dynamics of South Asia Security in collaboration with the Frederick Ebert Stifftung in December 1996.
5. Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and Stateless People: The Humanitarian Challenge in collaboration with Hanns Seidal Foundation in September 1997.
6. Peace by Process: Lessons for India and Pakistan from the Middle East in collaboration with Ford Foundation in February 1998.
7. Peace by Process: Lessons for India and Pakistan from the Middle East in collaboration with Ford Foundation in September 1998.
8. Peace by Process: Lessons for India and Pakistan from the Middle East in collaboration with Ford Foundation in Port Said, Egypt in February 1999.
9. Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and Stateless People: The Humanitarian Challenge in collaboration with Hanns Seidal Foundation in April 1999.
10. Arab-Israeli Peace Process: Lessons debated for South Asia in collaboration with Ford Foundation in April 2000.
11. The CTBT Controversy: Different Perceptions in collaboration with the Regional Center for Strategic Studies in April 2000.
12. The Challenge of Confidence Building Measures in 21st century: Problems and prospects for South Asia, February 23 - 25, 2001.
13. Paradigms of Conflict Resolution and Peace Process In South Asia
    December 22-23, 2001.
14. One-day seminar on The World After the U.S.-Iraq War held under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, International Relations Department, University of Karachi on April 27, 2003.
15. A two-day conference on the Middle East held in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad in August 2003.
16. Workshop on Teaching and Research Methods in Conflict Resolution held under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC) on October 9-10, 2004.
17. Two-day International Workshop on The Challenge of Rebuilding Afghanistan held under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad held on March 02-03, 2005.
18. Seminar on The Challenge of Peace and Stability in the Middle East in post-9/11 Scenario under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution on March 26, 2006.
19. Two-day workshop on, Culture of Peace in South Asia in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad in April 2006.
20. Conflict Resolution: Challenges and Realities held under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution on November 30, 2006.
21. Conflict Management Mechanisms and the Challenge of Peace held under the Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi and the Hanns Seidel Foundation on November 26-27, 2007.
22. First International Relations Conference entitled, The State of International Relations in Pakistan organized in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad on March 26-27, 2008.

PROGRAMS FOR 2008

• SAARC Simulation workshop to be held at the University of Karachi and to be participated by the selected students of International Relations Department of Pakistani universities.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT

1. Chaudhri Mohammad Ahsen, Pakistan and Regional Security, Faculty of Arts in cooperation with the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi.
2. Ahmar, Moonis, Contemporary Central Asia (ed.), (Karachi: Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 1995).
3. Ahmar, Moonis, Internal and External Dynamics of South Asia Security (ed.), (Karachi: Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 1998).
4. Wizarat, Talat A. Conflict Resolution in South Asia (ed.), (Karachi: Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 1999).
5. Ahmar, Moonis, The CTBT Controversy: Different Perceptions In South Asia (ed.), (Karachi: Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 2000).
6. Ahmar, Moonis & Farhan H. Siddiqi, The Challenges of Conflict Resolution and Security in 21st Century: Problems and Prospects (eds.), (Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Dept. Of International Relations, University of Karachi)
7. Ahmar, Moonis, The Arab-Israeli Peace Process Lessons for India and Pakistan (ed.), (Karachi: Oxford University Press, 2001).
8. Ahmar, Moonis, The Challenge of Confidence Building in South Asia (ed.), (New Delhi: Har Anand, 2001).
9. Ahmar, Moonis, Chronology of Conflict and Cooperation in South Asia 1947-2001 (ed.), (Karachi: Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 2001).
10. Ahmar, Moonis, Paradigms of Conflict Resolution in South Asia (ed.), (Dhaka: University Press Limited, 2003).
11. Ahmar, Moonis, The World after September 11: Challenges and Opportunities (ed.), (Karachi: Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 2003).
12. Ahmar, Moonis, Different Perceptions on Conflict Resolution: Need for an Alternate Approach (ed.), (Karachi: Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, 2005).
13. Ahmar, Moonis, The Challenge of Rebuilding Afghanistan (ed.), (Karachi: Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad, 2005).

TEACHING FACULTY

• Prof. Dr. Khalida Ghous (On Ex-Pakistan Leave)
• Prof. Dr. Moonis Ahmar (Chairman)
• Dr. Shaista Tabassum (Professor)
• Dr. Sheikh Mutahir Ahmed (Professor)
• Dr. Huma Baqai, Assistant Professor (On Ex-Pakistan Leave)
• Mr. Aamir Hameed, Assistant Professor (On Study Leave)
• Dr. Naeem Ahmed, Assistant Professor
• Ms. Sheila Zulfiqar Ahmed, Lecturer (On physical posting at the Area Study
  Center for Europe)
• Mr. Farhan H. Siddiqi (Lecturer)
• Ms. Nausheen Wasi (Lecturer)
• Mr. Fahimuddin (Lecturer)
• Mr. M. Haroon (Cooperative Lecturer)
• Mr. Owais Ahmed (Cooperative Lecturer)
• Ms. Nabiha Gul (Cooperative Lecturer)
• Prof. Dr. Altaf Khan, Visiting Professor

SEMINAR LIBRARY AND STUDENT’S COMPUTER LAB

The Department has a seminar library which is equipped with text books on International Relations, newspaper clipping files, journals, magazines and newspapers. The Department also has a student’s computer lab which is on-line and has 14 computers and printers.

Prof. Dr. Moonis Ahmar
Chairman
Department of International Relations
University of Karachi
April 15, 2008

PROGRAM

April 28

Inaugural session
9.15-10.30 A.M
Recitation from the Holy Quran
Welcome address by the Workshop Coordinator
Address by the Chairman of International Relations Department
Address by the Representative Hanns Seidel Foundation
Address by the Vice-Chancellor
Key note address by Mr. Shamshad Ahmed, former Foreign Secretary

Tea/Coffee
10.30-10.45 A.M.

First Session
10.45.1.30

Theme: Foreign Policy Making Process-I
Chair: Amb. (Retd) Mansur Alam

• Foreign Policy Making and the Role of Soft Power Dr. Moonis Ahmar, Chair, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi.
• The Role of Parliament. Ms. Fauzia Wahab, Member, National Assembly.
• The Role of Foreign Office by Ambassador (Retd) Tariq Fatemi

Lunch
1.30-2.15 P.M.

Second Session
2.15-4.30 P.M.
Chair: Brig (Retd) A. R. Siddiqi, Eminent Security Analyst
Theme: Foreign Policy Making Process-II

• Role of military and intelligence agencies. Lt. Gen (Retd) Asad Durran, former head, ISI.
• Role of public opinion, media and civil society. Mr. Zafar N. Jaspal, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.

Tea/Coffee break
4.30 P.M.

April 29

Third Session
9.30-11.15 A.M
Chair: Amb (Retd) Shamshad Ahmed

Theme: Foreign Policy of Pakistan

• Historical basis of foreign policy making process. Amb (Retd) Shahid Amin.
• Case Study 1: Afghanistan. Dr. Rasul B. Rais, Professor of Political Science, Lahore University of Management Sciences.
• Case Study 2: India. Amb (Retd) Tanvir Ahmed. Khan, former Foreign Secretary

Tea/Coffee break
11.15-11.45 A.M

Fourth Session
11.45 A.M. to 1.30 P.M.

Chair: Prof. Dr. Mehtab Ali Shah, Department of International Relations, University of Sindh, Jamshoro
Panel Discussion – Is there a way forward?
Moderator: Mr. Ghazi Salahuddin, Editorial Director, Jang Group of Newspaper

1. What are the challenges which Pakistan is facing in the realm of foreign policy?
2. Role of the United States
3. Role of regional countries
4. What kind of international support is demanded?

Lunch
13.30-2.00 P.M

LIST OF WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS

Dr. Moonis Ahmar
Professor & Chairman
Department of International Relations
University of Karachi and Director
Program on Peace Studies and
Conflict Resolution
Telephones: 9261394 (W) 9243965 (H)
0333-2177150 (Cell)
E. Mail: amoonis@hotmail.com
moonisahmar@hotmail.com
ahmar_moonis@yahoo.com

Ambassador (Retd) Shamshad Ahmed
E. Mail: shamshad2001@hotmail.com
Telephone: (042) 6676595
Cell: :0300-4618900

2. Amb (Retd) Shahid Amin
27, Khayaban-e-Amir Khusro
Phase 6, DHA, Karachi
Tel: 5847496
E. Mail: falkland27@hotmail.com

Mr. Richard Asbeck
Representative
Hanns Seidel Foundation
2 Margalla Road
F6/3, Islamabad
E. Mail: islamabad@hss.de
asbeck@hss.de

Lt. Gen (Retd) Assad Durrani
H#7, Street#9, Sector C; DHA (Phase 1); Rawalpindi
Tel: (051) 5788312; cell (0300) 5165534
E. Mail: asad.durrani@gmail.com

Ambassador (Retd) Tariq Fetimi
House No. 287, St. 100
Sector 1-8/4, Islamabad
E. Mail: tfatemi2000@yahoo.com

Mr. Zafar N. Jaspal
Assistant Professor,
Department of International Relations
Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad
E. Mail: jaspal_99@hotmail.com

Ambassador (Retd) Tanvir A. Khan
(051) 4444899 & 430 9276 & 444 3400 and
Cell: 0321 508 3418.
E. Mail: tanvir.a.khan@gmail.com

Dr. Rasul Bux Rais
Professor of Political Science
Lahore University of Management Sciences
E. Mail: rasul@lums.edu.pk

Mr. Ghazi Salahuddin
Editorial Director
Jang Group of Newspaper
E. Mail: ghazi.karachi@gmail.com; ghazi_salahuddin@hotmail

Prof. Dr. Mehtab Ali Shah
Department of International Relations
University of Sindh, Jamshoro
E. Mail: mehtab110@hotmail.com

Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim R. Siddiqui
Vice-Chancellor
University of Karachi
Karachi
Telephone: 9261336, 9261337
E. Mail: vcku@cyber.net.pk

Brig (Retd) A. R. Siddiqi
Executive Director
Regional Institute of Peace and Security Studies karachi.
Telephone: (9221) 5894074

Mr. Farhan H. Siddiqi
Lecturer
Department of International Relations
University of Karachi
E. Mail: Farhan_74@hotmail.com

Ms. Fauzia Wahab
Member, National Assembly
E. Mail: f.wahab@yahoo.com