Geopolitics is the study of how geographical arrangements reinforce political power.

Arrangements include boundaries, coalitions, natural resources etc. Every country has its
unique geographical and geopolitical position. But it is not always possible for the state to get
materialize all the possible benefits from their unique locations, either due to lack of political
will(domestic factor) or global and even regional level geopolitics. A countries geopolitics
function, with some exceptions, on three level that is domestic, regional and international level.
There are some exceptions means the geography or geopolitical positions of a state doesn’t
affect with that much intensity as it does the weaker states.
Geopolitical Locations of Pakistan
Pakistan’s geopolitical setting is very unique and extending one as, in the south it touches
Arabian Sea while in the North it knocks at the doors of Central Asia. Having hostile India at East
while war trodden Afghanistan at West Pakistan’ security has always been very centric in
formulation of policies. Although at Northern and western proximities two friendly states Iran
and China have proved the unique location of Pakistan a blessing. Otherwise regionally and
globally Pakistan has always been the fertile field of geopolitical games and vested interests of
major powers. Pakistan’s geopolitical strategy has been India centric regionally, tilted towards
United states globally and religiously influenced domestically. India centric means making the
existential threat from India as the center of policy formulation from the day of inception till
date. While keeping the security threats in mind Pakistan signed CENTO and SEATO which
influenced Pakistan’s relation in the coming years till today. According to the constitution of
Pakistan Islam has been declared the state religion which in some ways creating issues in
making the policy in compliance with the liberal world order. It is because of this outlook
Pakistan has distinct policies for Muslim countries.
Regional Level
On this level Pakistan has been facing two major issues since the inception. One is the hostility
of India and secondly Afghanistan’ always changing behavior. Afghanistan since 1973 is war
trodden and filed of fight for major powers that directly affects the security and foreign policy
of Pakistan.
International level
Internationally, more precisely historically, the region where Pakistan lies is one of the hot
regions for major powers’ vested interest. Either it is Great Game, Afghan Jihad or post 9/11
attack’s’ war on terror.
Domestic Level
On this level Pakistan faces two problems one is with its religious outlook as Islam is state
religion while second is the lack of will of political leadership to formulate a pragmatic and
feasible geopolitical policy.
Geopolitical Analysis
Events in the geopolitical terms cannot be predicted and anticipated in the way they happen.
No one predicted the fall of USSR and 9/11 attacks. But they didn’t only happen but also change
the entire upcoming foreign policies, security strategies and geopolitical alliances.
The analysis of geopolitics is all about to bring the policy formulation that focuses on the
geopolitical change that is about to come. It basically clears the ways, warns the coming threats
and imbalances likely to occur in the fowling years. Like after the Afghan war the wave of
extremism and terrorism was not anticipated by Pakistani leadership.

Geopolitical strategy of Pakistan(ideas):

1
After the end of the 20th century Pakistan had started its new century with a government of
Dictator. Who sent the established and set democratically government to home. The dictatorial
era and first era of 20th century was dominated by the new geopolitical change because it the
century marked first years with the terror attacks on world trade center. USA waged its war on
terror in Afghanistan against Alqaidah. Musharraf regime supported allied forces thus Pakistan
plunged into new game.
After this era Pakistan oscillated between KSA, China and USA. China sees Pakistan in terms of
CPEC, KSA gives Pakistan financial support and USA has its own vested interest.
Still after 70 years Pakistan is marred with security policies under different security
apparatuses. This policy of security orientation must be changed with the change in
referent objects. This can only be done by the civil and democratically elected government so
no more non democratic forces must be allowed to take over the government.
2
After the abrogation of special status of Kahmir Pakistan cannot any more trust Indian nefarious
and hegemonic designs of India, so the policy towards India must be on the basis of equally
assured interests. There must be balance of threat by Pakistan with no more idealistic policies.
3
Recently Prime minister Imran khan has clearly said the Pakistan would not give its basis to US
amid US withdrawal from Afghanistan. This policy of not submitting sovereignty to US depicts
Pakistan’s new geopolitical alignment. Pakistan can balance this with the complete alignment
with China.
4
 In alignment with China Pakistan has two problems, one is FATF sword hanging on Pakistan and
secondly the deteriorated economic muscles of Pakistan which needs IMF injection. For this
Pakistan can have ab policy of engagement policy. By balancing the relations with China
through CPEC and USA through Taliban. As USA needs face saving after 20 years of war against
Taliban.
5
Pakistan’s foundations are ideological and they must be extended and shown in foreign policy
with very calculated way so that they might not backfire. There is no need to complete
epistemological surrender in terms of ideology against liberal world order. But it must be
carried with intense care.
6
In Middle East Pakistan has deep relations with KSA Turkey and Iran. But due to differences
between Iran and and KSA Pakistan has been in somehow difficult position to balance. Pakistan
must go for the policy of not inverention in any Middle Eastern politics. Rather should be
facilitator to improve the relations.
7
Turkey has developed relations with China and can provide it's route for BRI project . Pakistan
has better opportunity to bring Turkey into it. This will give an uper hand to Pakistan in it's
geopolitical strategies in Middle East.
8
Indian attempts to sabotage CPEC must be carefully analyzed and responded with all possible
way.