Determinants of

Pakistan’s
Foreign Policy
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 Foreign Policy
 “General objectives that guide the activities and relationships of one state in its
interactions with other state”.
 “Foreign Policy is the mechanism national governments use to guide their
diplomatic interactions and relationships with other countries”.
 “Foreign Policy is a policy that defines the national interest of the state”.
 “Foreign Policy is a tool which articulates objectives, defined in term of national
interest”.
 It is not a constant phenomenon; it is like variable which change

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 Guiding Principles

Statements and Constitution of

Speeches of M.A. Jinnah Pakistan 1973

“Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill

Article 40
towards all the nations of the world. We do not
cherish aggressive designs against any country or
The State shall endeavour to preserve and
nation. We believe in the principle of honesty and fair
strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim
play in national and international dealings and are
countries based on Islamic unity, support the
prepared to make our utmost contribution to the
common interests of the peoples of Asia,
promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations
Africa and Latin America, promote
of the world. Pakistan will never be found lacking in
international peace and security, foster
extending its material and moral support to the
goodwill and friendly relations among all
oppressed and suppressed peoples of the world, and
nations and encourage the settlement of
in upholding the principles of the United Nations
international disputes by peaceful means.
Charter.” ZIA ULLAH GONDAL-PMS 12-03436178822
 Foreign Policy Objectives
 Promotion of Pakistan as a dynamic, progressive, moderate and democratic Islamic State.
 Developing friendly relations with all countries of the world, especially major powers and
immediate neighbors.
 Safeguarding national security and geo-strategic interests, including Kashmir.
 Consolidating our commercial and economic cooperation with international community.
 Safeguarding the interests of Pakistani Diaspora abroad.
 Ensuring optimal utilization of national resources for regional and international
cooperation

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 Foreign Policy Formulation
 Formulation of Foreign Policy is an Executive Function.
 Parliament does not formulate foreign policy but it controls the foreign policy makers.
 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is the main ministry which deals with the Foreign
Affairs matters.
 MOFA prepare proposals for foreign policy by consulting all the stake holders.
 MOFA does not decides but only proposes.
 Foreign policy is formulated by Prime Minister and Cabinet.

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 Determinants of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Geography Ideology Security National Nuclear

Interest Capability

Location Islamic Democratic State

Size
Topography
Weather

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 Determinants of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Economic Advancement Public Support to self-

in Technology
Population determination
Development Opinion Movements

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 Significant Phases of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
Phase 1 (1947-1953)

 Phase of neutrality and non-alignment

 Pakistan joined UN on September 30, 1947
 Pakistan and India’s relations controversy in division of land and assets,
river water dispute and killing of people on both sides.
 Pakistan and US relations: Started initially in 1948. Liaquat Ali Khan visited
US in May 1950. Assistance in Economic Development.
 Pakistan-China Relations: Pakistan was first Muslim country to recognize
China.
 Relations with Muslim Countries: Iran was the first country to recognize
Pakistan. Saudi Arabia provided religious, educational and economical aid
to Pakistan. Afghanistan di not recognize Pakistan. Indonesia and Egypt
were showing reservations. ZIA ULLAH GONDAL-PMS 12-03436178822
Significant Phases of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
Phase 2 (1953-1962)

 Alignment with the West

 Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement.
 Joined SEATO in 1954 an signed Baghdad Pact in 1955.
 Indus Basin Treaty
 Pak-China Agreements

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Significant Phases of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
Phase 3 (1962-1971)

 Transition
 Rethinking about the Alignment Policy.
 Improving relations with USSR
 Improving relations with China
 Diminishing ties with USA
 Crisis of East Pakistan and international response.

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Significant Phases of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
Phase 4 (1972-1979)

 Bilateralism and non-alignment

 Pakistan withdrew from SEATO and CENTO.
 Became a member of NAM in 1979.
 Pakistan tied her relationship with China.
 ZAB visited USSR and also visited USA.
 Due to Pakistan’s nuclear project and burning of US
Embassy in 1979, Pak-US relations were put to the
lowest point.

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Significant Phases of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
Phase 5 (1980-1990)

 Afghanistan crisis and Partnership with the US.

 Pakistan supported Afghanistan in Soviet invasion.
 Pakistan hosted Afghan refugees during this war.
 Due to Soviet invasion US supported Pakistan with
military and financial aid.
 ISI and CIA worked together during this period.
 China also assisted Pakistan during Afghan War with
regard to financial and security matters.

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Significant Phases of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
Phase 6 (1990-2001)

 Post Cold War era.

 Another drift in US-Pak relations.
 Continuation of the Afghanistan Problem
 Insurgency in Kashmir
 Becoming a Nuclear State.

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Significant Phases of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
Phase 7 (2001 Onwards)

 Counter Terrorism
 September 11 and fight against terrorism.
 Increased US support
 Pakistan’s relations with China and Russia.
 Drone strikes and covert warfare.
 CPEC

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