In his first exclusive interview since being appointed as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Rabat, Syed Adil Gilani, one of the key minds behind institutionalizing transparency and anti-corruption in South Asia—as the founder of Transparency International Pakistan, spoke to Assahifa Arabic. He revealed Pakistan’s true stance on the dangerous military escalation with India, directing sharp accusations at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he described as a “cunning enemy” who undermines dialogue and exploits crises for electoral gain.
Gilani, who previously served as ambassador to Serbia and contributed to drafting anti-corruption legislation in Pakistan, outlined Islamabad’s response to what he called a “premeditated act of aggression” by New Delhi. He warned that the region could slide into a nuclear confrontation and stressed that Pakistan would respond in a "strict and proportionate" manner if war were imposed on it.
The ambassador also spoke on the Pakistani-Moroccan ties, revealing promising prospects for bilateral cooperation in defense, economy, and technology. He also hinted at a potential shift in Pakistan’s stance on the Moroccan Sahara issue, stating that “development and prosperity in the southern provinces is a reality” and affirming that any solution under UN auspices acceptable to all parties would be welcomed by Islamabad.
Your appointment as ambassador to Rabat coincided with one of the most serious crises between Pakistan and India. How does Islamabad view the Indian attack? Do you see it as a temporary reaction or a strategic shift in India’s doctrine?
Pakistan sees these attacks as a blatant violation of all norms and rules in today’s time. Our sovereignty has been breached that merited befitting response. It’s not a reaction, rather a premeditated act to achieve political gains. There is absolutely no space to adopt such a doctrine and it is being dealt accordingly.
- Interestingly, India had proposed joint talks and set a deadline of May 8, but then abruptly withdrew from the agreement on April 23, followed by missile strikes on Pakistani areas. In your view, was this a diplomatic tactic, or was India trying to send a message?
Prime Minister Modi is a cunning enemy and is responsible for shrinking the space available for dialogue and mediation within Indian diplomatic and political circles. Mr. Modi is publicly known as a fundamentalist with anti-Muslim views, and he is held accountable for the 2002 Gujarat massacre, during which thousands of Muslims were killed under his watch. The recent deceptive operation in Jammu and Kashmir, along with the accusations against Pakistan, is nothing more than a new political ploy by Modi’s government during the election period.
- To what extent do you think the tension between the two countries could escalate, especially if India follows through on its threats regarding water sources? Do you believe the situation could lead to an open war?
The situation is certainly serious, and any further military escalation will be met with an effective and strong response from Pakistan. We consider that there is nothing in the Indus Waters Treaty, which is overseen by the World Bank, that allows for its unilateral termination. Therefore, any such aggression will be addressed through the appropriate channels. Pakistan does not seek war, but if it is imposed upon us, our response will be appropriate, proportionate, and resolute.
- Are you concerned that such a war could escalate into a devastating nuclear conflict, the likes of which the world hasn't seen since World War II?
Nuclear arsenal is primarily used as a deterrent to conventional war to an acceptable limit. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear weapon state, committed to upholding its international obligations and bilateral agreements. As a responsible nuclear weapon state, it is not our wish to begin a devastating nuclear conflict. However, it is imperative for sanity to prevail on the side of India to prevent any further escalation.
- After all these developments, do you believe the UN Security Council has responded with the seriousness the situation requires? Or do you sense a kind of international indifference when it comes to the stability of South Asia?
The UNSC and the international community have been regularly briefed about the dangerous situation with India. The UN has rightly suggested that India refrain from any misadventure. We shall keep all stakeholders informed for transparency and keep all channels of communication open.
- Moving on to Pakistan-Morocco relations, with your recent appointment, how would you assess the current state of these ties?
The cooperation between the two countries is based on the historical and cultural understanding of each other’s priorities and is enhancing significantly. It has been mutually agreed to widen our scope of cooperation to include all important facets of the bilateral partnership.
- Since you met with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, is there a concrete agenda to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas like politics, defense, economy, and cybersecurity etc.?
Yes, both sides are keen to develop the relations, and all these areas have the potential to bring the two countries even closer.
- Are you open to bilateral defense agreements with Morocco, especially given Morocco’s interest in your expertise in developing industrial partnerships with countries like China and Turkey? Could Pakistan be part of this Moroccan strategy?
Yes, we are committed to enhancing our defense partnership with Morocco in all fields of mutual interest.
- Economically, some believe Morocco and Pakistan are more complementary than competitive, especially in African markets and South-South cooperation. Do you plan to pursue strategic partnerships in areas such as trade, technology, or infrastructure?
Of course, we are brotherly countries, and economic opportunities will be capitalized on to the advantage of both countries.
- On the topic of geopolitics, the Moroccan Sahara issue has become a recurring subject in Rabat’s international relations, particularly with Islamic countries. Is Pakistan’s position on this issue still unchanged, or has your stance on Morocco’s autonomy initiative evolved?
There are no permanent solutions to an issue, and our policy towards this aspect is also under review. We acknowledge the development work and prosperity Morocco is bringing in the Sahara. Any solution acceptable to all stakeholders under the auspices of the UN will be acceptable to us.
- Is there any thinking within Pakistan’s decision-making circles about engaging more positively with Morocco’s position, especially given your shared views on fighting separatism, extremism, and promoting regional stability?
For Pakistan, Morocco holds great importance and is renowned as a significant regional player and a brotherly country with strong historical and cultural linkages. Our shared priorities in various fields are complementary and hold the potential of far-reaching collaboration.
