Changing dynamics of Foreign Policy of Pakistan and global

dynamics
Pakistan’s Foreign Policy seeks to protect, promote and advance Pakistan’s national
interests in the external domain.

The Foreign Ministry contributes towards safeguarding Pakistan’s security and advancing
Pakistan’s development agenda for progress and prosperity following the guiding principles
laid out by our founding fathers.

Foreign policy is the substance of nation’s efforts to promote its interest vis-à-vis other nations –
NORMAL HILLS

ELEMENTS OF FOREIGN POLICY

The foreign policy of a nation is always made and implemented with an eye
on the situation in various regions of the world .
The various factors/elements are as following

1- Size of territory
2- Geographical factor (role of English channel in British FP )
3- Level and nature of economic development
4- Cultural and historical factors
5- Political accountability and role of government institutions
6- Ideology
7- Global strategic environment
8- Technology
9- Alliances and international treaties.

Objectives of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Pakistan‟s foreign policy is essentially geared at achieving its national
objectives of peace and stability through international cooperation.

A focus is placed on economic diplomacy in order to take advantage of the

globalization process and to meet the problems of the 21st century. The
objective is also to present an image of a dynamic and reasonable society.

Correspondingly, Pakistan‟s foreign policy strives to promote globally

accepted standards of interstate relations, such as respect for the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, non-interference in the
internal affairs of other states, non-aggression, and peaceful resolution of
disputes.
Therefore, Pakistan has always attempted to establish amicable and
cordial relationships with other nations. The most effective methods and
strategies for achieving these Foreign Policy objectives have evolved over
time.

In light of the guiding principles laid down by the founding fathers and the constitution as
also aspirations of the people of Pakistan, the objectives of foreign policy can be
summarized as under:

– Promotion of Pakistan as a dynamic, progressive, moderate, and democratic Islamic

country.

– Developing friendly relations with all countries of the world, especially major powers and
immediate neighbors. ( Article 40 ; Muslim countries )

– 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.
CHANGING WORLD ORDER

a) Evolution of new world order from unipolar to multipolar

b) Indo-pacific region as a stage of a cold war between the USA and China

c) Indo-Israeli-US nexus potentially altering the balance of power

d) The tussle between Iran and KSA for dominance in the Middle East

e) The trilateral axis of Russia-China-Pakistan -a pivotal

Pakistan's foreign policy in response to

global power dynamics
a) Building friendly Relationships with world-leading power players

b) Playing the role of mediator to end hostilities between Iran and KSA

c) Facilitating the peace deal between the U.S. and the Taliban

d) A peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue

e) Neutral role in the proxy wars of the Middle East

Factors that are shaping the foreign policy of Pakistan

The hostile relationship with India, the changing behavior of the US from
time to time, US policies in the Asian region after 9/11, the US „Pivot to Asia‟
policy, and Indo-US strategic cooperation were things that drove Pakistan to
re-shape its foreign policy
DRIVERS OF TRANSITION IN FOREIGN POLICY

 Political Leadership

 Organisational Autonomy
  Domestic power equation

 Changing Regional and International Political Environment

Pakistan’s place in the rivalry between the United States and China
The US government says that in the future, relations with China, which is a
revisionist state, will be “competitive, adversarial, and cooperative.”

The launch of the Quad, Build Back a Better World, AUKUS, the Coalition of
Democracies, and foundational agreements with India are all parts of the
United States‟ global strategy to fight China in the economic and security
sectors.

Pakistan doesn‟t want to be in the middle of this conflict, and it wants to

keep good relations with both of the world‟s major powers.

The Sino-US spiralling systematic rivalry and competition shrink Islamabad’s space for
manoeuvring between them to cater for its economic and security needs without upsetting
anyone. Pakistan needs to adopt a hedging policy instead of a bandwagon or balance of
power. Experts explain that hedging strategy necessitates the avoidance of binaries in
international politics, prioritizes its economic gains and stabilizes domestic politics. Pakistan
needs to manoeuvre between US and China to maximize its security and economic needs.
Pakistan has very less space to make big detours owing to its internal political unrest and bad
economic condition.

Strained relationship with India

For decades, relations between India and Pakistan have been at a stalemate.
There has been no discussion regarding the critical issues that both nations
are facing.

Two of the three major wars between India and Pakistan, in 1947 and 1965,
as well as a short war in 1999, were caused by disagreements over territory
in Kashmir.

Pakistan must reconsider its Strategy

Due to recent events in the region, Pakistan must reconsider its international
relations strategy. However, Pakistan should prepare for the possibility that it
will be required to take a clear stance in a future conflict between the United
States and China.

In the midst of South Asia‟s geostrategic fulcrum, Russia and China are
providing Pakistan with opportunities to become a more powerful nation.

China hopes that Russia will join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,
which has recently made considerable progress. Since then, Pakistan has
authorized Russian use of the Gwadar Port for exports from that nation.

Pakistan will only benefit from a multi-polar new world order in South Asia if
it knows its economic, military, and fiscal policies so it doesn‟t get involved in
the power politics of the major powers, which would be bad for Pakistan.

In international relations, there is no such thing as a permanent enemy or

ally for Pakistan‟s foreign policy.

Pakistan’s Efforts at Reconciliation with Iran and Saudi Arabia

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran are one of the most significant
conflicts defining the Middle East‟s central stage.
Saudi Arabia and Iran have frequently acted as rivals for influence in the
Middle East. Pakistan works with both of these countries and tries to keep
the peace and stability in the area.

For the sake of regional peace and stability, Pakistan volunteered to bridge
the chasm between Iran and Saudi Arabia for the sake of cooperation
because, in today‟s world, only cooperation is rewarded and defection is not.

Whenever Saudi Arabia has required Pakistan‟s assistance in a time of crisis,

Pakistan has been at the forefront. Pakistan has been a key part of Saudi
Arabia‟s “Looking East” policy because it has been a place to start.

Likewise, as a close neighbor, Pakistan places a high value on its relations

with Iran and seeks to preserve them.

Pakistan is also opposed to a schism between the country‟s two largest

religious groups, Sunni and Shia. Pakistan has taken steps to defuse the
escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Pakistan-China ‘Iron brothers’

In contrast to the animosity and mistrust that characterize Sino-Indian and
Pakistan-Indian relations, Pakistan‟s relationship with China represents a
bright spot in its foreign policy.

This cooperation, which is often used as a model for how states should work
with each other, has grown over the last seventy years, even though there
have been some problems.

In addition, the CPEC is a partnership initiative with no ulterior motive. Its

objective is to assist Pakistan in overcoming its severe development deficit
and facilitate the nation‟s emergence as a regional commercial and energy
powerhouse.

Adapting to Russia
Improving relations with Russia has been a foreign policy objective of
Pakistan. The relationship between Pakistan and the US has gotten worse
because Pakistan hasn‟t done enough to stop terrorists from using Pakistan
as a base to operate in Afghanistan.

In the meantime, a resurgent Russia is attempting to reassert itself as a

major player on the international stage and is actively attempting to expand
its sphere of influence in South Asia.
Pakistan remains neutral in Russia-Ukraine War
The ongoing war, which started when Russia invaded Ukraine, has made the
world split into east and west.

Pakistan hasn‟t taken a side on the issue, so it didn‟t vote for a US-backed
resolution that asked other countries to condemn Russia for going to war in
Ukraine.

EMERGING TRENDS IN PAKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY: A

CRITICAL APPRAISAL

 Policy towards Great Powers

 Foreign Policy towards the Regional States

 Policy towards the Muslim World

Suggestions
Today, Pakistan‟s foreign policy needs to be looked at again and rethought in
a way that improves the country‟s image abroad and works for the public
good.

The policy must be brought to a parliamentary forum so that a transparent,

free, and fair foreign policy can be formulated for the greater good of the
nation‟s citizens rather than at the behest of external powers, especially the
United States.

Pakistan can only have the best foreign policy if it has a strong political will
and acts in a practical way.

As a nation, Pakistan must be viewed as dynamic and forward-thinking while

maintaining cordial relations with the world‟s major powers and our
neighbors.

Pakistan must also safeguard its geostrategic and national security interests,
which include Kashmir. At the same time, Pakistan must also strengthen its
economic and commercial ties with foreign nations.

Pragmatic evaluation of long-term national interests

• Diversification of the foreign policy

• Strive for balanced foreign policy between East and West

• Diplomatic Maneuvering

• Not based on imbalances

• Need for coherent and consistent approach and synergy between military
and political leadership

• Address the intellectual gaps

 As the Foreign Office has repeatedly reiterated the centrality of economic self-
sufficiency for pursuing an independent foreign policy, tangible steps need to be taken
in the said direction.

 Pakistan must revisit its bilateral ties with Iran and Afghanistan in order to strengthen
Pakistan’s economic diplomacy stance. I