FOREIGN

POLICY OF
PAKISTAN
EHSAN KAREEM
(OMG-42ND CTP, FSP-45TH CTP)
 LECTURE NO. 01
In the light of current global
developments, regional
developments and regional
realignments, and the domestic
situation of Pakistan, What are the
key challenges of Pakistan’s Foreign
Policy; What foreign policy vision you
would suggest in the current
WHAT IS FOREIGN POLICY?
It is a set of rules for the engagement of a
state with outside world primarily based on
the national interests of states.

Is this definition narrow in today’s

interdependent world?
REALITIES ABOUT FOREIGN POLICY
Foreign policies are formulated on the basis of
national interests only.
Role of moralities and ideologies in today’s
world?
Foreign policy strengths emerge out of
countries national power, both hard and soft
power.
Foreign policy goals must be in sync with the
national strength of the state.
WHAT IS NATIONAL INTEREST?
It is the set of goals set by a state ; the
fulfillment of which is considered as
necessary for the very survival of that
state and also for the socio-political and
economic development of the people of
that state.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF PAKISTAN’S
FOREIGN POLICY-01
protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity
and territorial integrity of Pakistan.
Socio-economic development of Pakistan.
Ensuring safety and security of strategic
assets.
Just and fair resolution of Kashmir issue.
Developing close relations with
neighbours,muslim world and major powers.
Playing an important role in global peace and
development.
FACTORS
AFFECTING
FOREIGN POLICY
CHOICES OF
PAKISTAN
1)Global Developments
2)Regional Developments
and Regional
Realignments
3)Domestic Situation of
Pakistan
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS
Shift from Uni-polarity to multi-polarity: Strict
alliances have been replaced by the alliances of
convenience.
Economics and politics are interlinked and the
former has trumped the later.
International cooperation is in the wane: declining
UN , EU and other political and financial
institutions. Countries like Pakistan to be affected
by the whims of the mighty
Rise of populism, authoritarianism, ultra
nationalism and islamophobia
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND
REGIONAL REALIGNMENTS
Changing situation in Afghanistan
Situation in Middle-East
Indo-US Strategic Partnership, and the
resultant India’s hegemonic attitude.
Economic Integration in Euro-Asian Region
Situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Changing economic policies of new leadership
in Arab monarchies.
DOMESTIC SITUATION OF PAKISTAN
Security Situation
Political Situation
Economic Situation
KEY CHALLENGES
OF PAKISTAN’S
FOREIGN POLICY
KEY CHALLENGES OF PAKISTAN
FOREIGN POLICY-01
Managing India’s aggressive attitude and
handling situation on Kashmir.
Repairing the broken relation with the United
States of America without turning into a
clientistic state status.
Strengthening strategic partnership with China.
Building multi-dimensional relations with
Russia.
KEY CHALLENGES OF PAKISTAN
FOREIGN POLICY-02
Striking a balanced Foreign Policy towards
Middle-East.
Playing an important role in Afghan Peace
Process and developing trust with the
people of Afghanistan.
Economic Diplomacy: Increasing Pakistan’s
trade and investment relations with
outside world.
WAY FORWARD
WAY FORWARD-01
Ensuring Pakistan’s security: First Priority to
our own security and avoiding indulgence in
affairs of other countries
 A Peaceful neighborhood: securing
peaceful relations with all neighbors without
selling out on key National interests.
Ensuring Socio-Economic development: A
complete shift from dependence to inter-
dependence
WAY FORWARD-02
A shift from security/politics to economy as
key driver of foreign policy.
Converting Pakistan’s Geographical location
into an asset.
THANK YOU