T HE world`s media is abuzz with predictions that the global economy in the next three decades will be determined by the rise of China, India and Russia, which all lie in Pakistan`s geophysical proximity.

Therefore, it is imperative that Pakistan play its cards properly.

Likewise, the annual National Security Council Paper of America says that the US is going to enhance its direct and indirect interventionist policies in the Af ro-Middle East, Central and South Asia, and the Asia-Pacific geographical regions like never before to curtail and restrict the growing military and economic prowess of China and Russia.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani recently hinted at a US-Israel-India nexus emerging. This statement is not entirely erroneous. Nonetheless, Pakistan must ensure that it does not get sandwiched between these three rising Asian powers or sidelined either.

We must, therefore, strive to remain relevant in this region and beyond for which we need to undertake rapid social, political, economic and demographic reforms.

The parliament, superior judiciary, armed forces and the well-establishedthink-tanks all have a critical responsibility to perform in the years ahead so that no one can disrupt Pakistan`s march towards enlightenment, pluralism, development and global neutrality.

We need to initiate productive deliberations with the US, China, Russia, Japan, India, Turkey, Europe, the Arab world and Africa regarding our vision for the future.

We should aim to strengthen our existing relationships with all great powers and develop fresh ties where need be.

Moreover, we must pursue a zero tolerance policy towards pressure groups or sub-national state actors. Our present scenario can aptly be described as one of `ship navigation in dark, treacherous routes, and shark infested waters`. Can anyone disagree? Abbas R. Siddiqi Lahore