The Islamic party Tehreek-e-Lubaik Pakistan is holding violent rallies in many Pakistani cities, calling for the deportation of the French ambassador and a complete boycott of France.
The federal government of Pakistan had reached a four-point agreement with Khadim Hussain Rizvi, former head of Tehreek-e-Lubaik Pakistan, on November 16, 2020, demanding the deportation of the French ambassador to Islamabad. The French ambassador was to be sent back after the legislation was passed by the parliament.
In October last year, a French history teacher was assassinated for showing controversial sketches of the Prophet of Islam in his classroom, after French President Emmanuel McChrystal promised to protect the country's secular values.
France's stance against alleged Islamic extremism was supported by many worldwide, but the majority in the Islamic world was outraged.
The products of France were also boycotted by the people of several Islamic countries, including Pakistan, while the Pakistani Foreign Office had summoned the French ambassador to Pakistan and recorded a strong protest.
However, the religious party Tehreek-e-Lubaik Pakistan insisted that the French ambassador be deported. But what will be the consequences for Pakistan at the diplomatic and international level?
What will be the consequences of deportation of the French Ambassador to Pakistan?
The deportation of the French ambassador is not only complex but could have a direct impact on Pakistan's international reputation and relations.
Former Ambassador of Pakistan to France Ghalib Iqbal said that relations between Pakistan and France were very good in the past but in recent times relations between the two countries have deteriorated due to the improvement and closeness of relations between France and India.
"If Pakistan today, under pressure from a religious party, expels the French ambassador, it will have an impact not only on bilateral relations between Pakistan and France but also on various international forums such as the Security Council and the European Union." France, of which France is a permanent member, could face difficulties.
Former ambassador Ghalib Iqbal has said that the deportation of the French ambassador will provoke a strong reaction not only from France but also from other Western countries because any country that comes under pressure from a group and accepts their demands. Therefore, achieving an independent foreign and domestic policy becomes very difficult.
Dr. Khurram Iqbal, head of the international relations department at the National Defense University in Islamabad, said that although the FATF, an organization that prevents the financing of terrorists, did not mention the Tehreek-e-Libek among the extremist organizations that were objected to. But France is a key member of the FATF and the deportation of its ambassador will certainly have an impact on Pakistan's position.
It may be recalled that in February this year, the FATF had decided to keep Pakistan on the gray list and had given Pakistan till June to work further on the remaining three of the 27 recommended recommendations.
At a meeting in February, France strongly opposed removing Pakistan from the gray list.
Ghalib Iqbal, Pakistan's former ambassador to France, also believes that deporting the French ambassador could put Pakistan under severe pressure not only in the FATF but also in dealing with other countries.
According to Dr. Khurram Iqbal, “France is an important country of the European Union and Europe is an important market for Pakistan's products. This decision could have economic consequences for Pakistan while France is running several development projects in Pakistan. Can be affected.
In addition, Pakistanis living in Europe, especially in France, may also face difficulties.
What can Pakistan do other than deport the French ambassador?
Although the leadership of the religious party Tehreek-e-Labeek-e-Pakistan insists that the French ambassador be deported, and according to foreign policy experts, the decision could lead to serious diplomatic consequences for Pakistan. What are the options available for the solution?
Former ambassador Ghalib Iqbal says that there is no Pakistani ambassador to France at the moment but if there was an ambassador, he could have been recalled for a few months for consultations, which may have serious consequences like the bulk deportation of the French ambassador. Would not
Ghalib Iqbal says that the government must consult with the people to keep them peaceful but it must be kept in mind that in diplomacy you never make decisions to please the people but you make the decisions that you make. Benefit for and you have to do business in a very professional way. You have to see if this decision is good for your country or not, if it is good for your country then you should take it regardless of the serious consequences.
He says, "You can't deport the French ambassador and then tell the world we were compelled,". If you think this decision is right for you, take it to the Parliament of Pakistan and act accordingly.
Dr. Khurram Iqbal says that while the Pakistani government can use its political offices to inform the Western countries, especially the French government, about the sentiments of the Pakistani people on this issue, it is also important that the government of Tehreek-e-Libek Pakistan Take action against leaders under laws such as inciting hatred and violence so that such groups do not take the law into their own hands in the future and prevent the spread of extremism in Pakistani society.
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