Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, foreign minister of Pakistan since March 2008, spoke at the John F. Kennedy, Jr. Forum at the Institute of Politics tonight. Professor R. Nicholas Burns of the Kennedy School moderated the event, which featured a statement from Qureshi and a question and answer session.
6:01 PM: Qureshi and Burns come out to a round of applause. Burns takes the podium and describes the foreign minister’s day: lunch with the faculty, a tour of the Yard, and a meeting with students at the College.
6:02: Burns announces that Qureshi is headed to Washington, D.C. following the forum to take part in the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Burns goes on to stress the importance of maintaining relations between the two countries, stating that Pakistan is the “most essential partner” in the struggle against terrorism.
6:05: As Burns’s introductory remarks come to a close, he describes how it is a complex relationship, “not without its misunderstandings.” Nevertheless, “no country is more important to our country” and to global peace than Pakistan.
6:07: Pakistan is at a “critical crossroad,” says Qureshi, as his nation enters the third phase of the Strategic Dialogue. “These are no ordinary times.” At this point of his speech, the foreign minister outlines steps his nation has taken to restore democratic ideals, including the institution of free and fair democratic elections.
6:12: He shifts the focus to the summer floods that caused thousands of fatalities and billions of dollars worth of damage, calling the ordeal a “true test of national character.”
6:15: Pakistan is used to being manipulated and disappointed by the U.S., describes Qureshi, who cites America’s past support of Pakistan’s military dictators.
6:18: This attitude is especially reflective among the population, which still perceives the U.S. as an enemy. “This is the mindset… we need to reverse [it].”
6:20: Qureshi mentions the Kerry-Lugar bill for the first time. A popular topic of discussion on the night, the bill promises to triple civilian aid to Pakistan. We are trying to create a long-term, mutually-beneficial relationship, he remarks. “We are an ally.”
6:22: As expected, Qureshi addresses America’s unmanned drone attacks and the recent NATO helicopter attack. The latter, he says, “infuriated the public.” The NATO attack, which occurred several weeks ago, killed three Pakistani soldiers. Qureshi describes the event as “two steps back.”
6:24: The foreign minister certainly did not shy away from the contentious topics tonight: he recommends a treaty for Congress and starts talking about India and Kashmir. “We need trade, not aid,” he says. Congress needs to draft a “free trade treaty” and open up U.S. markets to Pakistani markets. In addition, he firmly states how his country is “willing to engage India in a dialogue.”
6:27: The event shifts to the question and answer session. The first question asks the minister how he thinks the war in Afghanistan will evolve and what the end state will be. A stable peaceful Afghanistan in turn leads to a peaceful Pakistan, he describes. There is a new realization that we need to coexist, he continues. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is “often demonized.” He reminds the audience that no other group has apprehended more Al-Qaeda than the ISI.
6:32: What are strategies to end corruption back home? “Thank you for realizing how difficult my job is,” he says, much to the laughter of the audience. He outlines how the country is making a concerted effort to ensure transparency and accountability. He harps on Pakistan’s developments over the past few years, referencing its democracy, free debate in parliament, and independent judiciary. He also cites its strong media culture, stating that “nothing gets hidden.” Finally, he stresses how the government needs to change through the “ballot box.”
6:38: What other practical areas of collaboration do you see between Pakistan and the U.S.? Qureshi says, “I am trying to bridge the trust deficit.” He moves on to the issue of Kerry-Lugar, which he vehemently defended in the media and parliament. It was “a kind gesture of Americans,” citing the $7.5 billion of American tax money that will go to Pakistan.
6:43: An audience member asks about India-Pakistan relations. “There are some outstanding issues,” which “have to be addressed,” he starts. Qureshi remarks how India and Pakistan need to realize that they are neighbors and always will be neighbors. He goes on to describe his experience in relation to the Mumbai terrorist attack. “I condemned it that day,” he says.
6:47: Someone in the audience inquires about Pakistan’s stance on Iran and its nuclear program. Qureshi segues into his answer by explaining the circumstances surrounding his nation’s decision to go nuclear. It was a “natural reaction to India’s program,” he says. In terms of Iran, “I don’t think they have justification to go nuclear. Who is threatening Iran? No one.”
6:56: The last question of the night returns to the topic of Afghanistan and the Karzai administration. “Anything that would promote stability in Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s security interest,” he concludes.
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