The negotiation issue has existed pretty much throughout the entire history of Pakistan. I've written about it in many places. Because the negotiations are a civilian and democratic traits, and there has been little time with democracy in Pakistan, these institutions haven't been built.
The history of Pakistan shows you serious examples of where lack of negotiation and communication was evident. People are too short tempered. If a politicians doesn't seem to be working out, let's take the entire system out. This is very extreme. Same thing in politicians. IK doesn't like NS, let's start a campaign with no logic and do sit ins that damage the entire country. Not trying to bring in politics here but just making a point that negotiation skills don't exist. Overtime these will be developed. The Indians can negotiate the living out of anything. That's because they've always stayed inside a system where people discussed their things out in the Parliament (nasty or polite, that's a different story).
Another example is post 911, when Mushy was asked to cooperate, he had no choice. So obviously the decision was right. BUT, unlike a civilian government, he couldn't tell the US that look, we'll support you all the way. But please give us a month to make sure we assess the situation and tell a case to our voters; and tell you (the US) also, what would we need to support you.
A month after (similar to what happened with the Yemen situation), you go to the parliament, you build a case, and you assess damages. Ask the US politely that we are with you all the way. But will you also help us as a partner and get rid of all of our debt so we have a better chance at the future? Oh and btw, per year cost to support you, in addition to forgiving / paying off our national debt, will be $ 1 or 2 billion a year and here is the breakdown in a list, and another number to rebuild FATA with schools, universities and all so NOT to repeat the Mujahedeen drama and to be able to brainwsh these crazy people from the Talibans and put them to work, and jobs through the investments.
Its simple, black and white, shows Pakistan's willingness to help the US, and also outlined the fact that Pakistan wants a better future so the debt should go away, and that there will be expenses to support the US. Which is obviously expected.
This would only happen if there was a civilian rule. But because Mushy wasn't used to negotiations, he made the decision on one phone call and life moved forward.
Now fast forward to the topic, with the Arabs, the SAME situation. Pakistan did a pact with them to defend them. That's HUGE. But how do you defend someone when their opponents, say Israel for example, (although I don't consider them an opponent anymore), flies everything top tier from F-15's, F-16's and now soon to be inducted, the JSF??? Iran will be buying top tier jets the second sanctions are lifted!!!
So, someone needed to tell the Saudis that to defend you, we need modern warfare. We are not asking you to buy us EFT's or F-15's, but how about invest a couple of billions into the JFT program and buy some as a second tier, light combat fighter, and help us with your connections with the French in getting advanced avionics and missiles for the plane.
Imagine where this program would be if that had happened in 2010!! So I agree, the negotiation skills are not there yet. However, these should be built incrementally and get stronger as leaders start to hash their issues out in the Parliament and tell (and show with example) their vote bank to have patience, even if things aren't going in their favor. Tolerance is the key. You turn a nation to resolve issues inside their parliament, you've killed majority of the violence, whether social, political, ethnic or sectarian.
Because people learn to live with others and opposite opinion and discuss things out, and accept a difference of opinion.
