Pakistan, Jan. 28 -- Pakistan and Myanmar have moved to revive a relationship that, for years, existed mostly as protocol. This week's visit by Myanmar's Foreign Minister Than Swe and the decision to institutionalise engagement through an MoU on political consultations signal a diplomatic reset after a long lull.

The reset is notable precisely because the Rohingya crisis had hardened the tone. Pakistan has, time and again, condemned Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya at international forums and, at different moments, extended humanitarian assistance. Islamabad now emphasises dialogue and diplomacy as the route to resolving contentious issues.

The government will argue, reasonably, that Pakistan's foreign policy cannot be trapped in per...