Foreign Minister Qureshi Discusses US-Pakistan Relations

Foreign Minister of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi discussed the ways to improve the sometimes-tense partnership between his country and the United States during a packed Institute of Politics forum last night.

Qureshi, who spent the earlier part of the day touring Harvard and visiting classes, told the audience that he hoped to “bridge [the] trust deficit” that currently hinders relations between Pakistan and the United States by working toward a deeper understanding—and a greater sense of compassion—between the two countries.

“I think we have taken some steps forward, but we have a long way to go,” Qureshi said, adding that the United States could improve relations with his country by approving a free trade treaty and appropriating more aid for the millions of Pakistanis affected by recent flooding in the nation.

Qureshi will be in Washington D.C. today to lead the Pakistani delegation in the third round of talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about the two nation’s relationship and future.

During his IOP appearance, Qureshi highlighted several of his nation’s recent achievements, including forming a democratically elected government, criminalizing violence against women, and developing a free press.

He addressed Pakistan’s relationship with India and Afghanistan, advocating diplomacy and dialogue to resolve regional disputes. In discussing Pakistan’s relationship with its neighbors, he also affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fighting the Taliban within his nation’s own borders, noting that both the United States and Pakistan have suffered due to the “terrorist cancer.”

But Qureshi also spoke about the tensions that continue to make Pakistanis distrustful of the American government. He cited a recent Pew Research Center poll, which indicated that 60 percent of Pakistanis view the United States as an enemy.

“There is a reason why our people believe what they believe,” Qureshi said, adding that many Pakistanis distrust the United States because the American government has supported Pakistani military dictators in the past and caused instability by pulling out of the region following the Cold War.

Can Soylu ’14, who attended the event,  said that he was impressed by Qureshi’s willingness to openly voice his opinion that the United States has not always been a good ally to Pakistan.

Omer Aftab ’11, a native of Pakistan, said that he found Qureshi courageous, in that he “didn’t shy away from any questions” posed by the audience. Aftab also applauded the foreign minister for his willingness to present the Pakistani case to an American audience, and his directness in addressing Pakistan’s relationship with neighboring countries.