FOREIGN POLICY OF PAKISTAN

OUTLINE
1. Introduction
2. What the Foreign Policy Means
3. Importance of Foreign Policy
4. Pakistan's Foreign Policy in light of QUAID-E-AZAM'S Words
5. Foreign Policy Objectives
6. Elements Affecting Foreign Policy
7. Determinants of Pakistan Foreign Policy
1. Ideology
2. Geography
3. History
4. Domestic Policies
5. Security
6. Economic Compulsions
8. Brief Overview of Phases

 The first phase:( 1949 - 65)

 The Second phase:( 1965 - 71)
 The Third phase:( 1971 - 89)
 The Fourth phase: (1990 - 98)
 The post 9/11 era
 Diversification of foreign policy under the PPP (2008-2013)
 Current democratic setup (2013 till present)

9. Challenges of Pakistan foreign policy

1. Co-existence
2. Relations with India
3. Policies with Iran
4. Pakistan’s nuclear program
5. Kashmir Issue and Nuclearisation in South Asia
6. Islamic unity
7 .Globalization an Emerging Threat to Foreign Policy of Pakistan
8. Anti-terrorism Movement
9. Drone Attacks
10. Afghan Issue
11. CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor)
10. Recommendation
11. Conclusion

“The foreign policy of a country is in a sense a projection of its internal policies, social, political
and economic.”
(F. M. Muhammad Ayub Khan)

Introduction:
Realism remains the foundation school of thought for any foreign policy analyst. Realists are the
traditionalists in International Relations and Security Studies. Thus, the core assumption of
groupism, egoism and power centrism continue to be used to justify foreign policy behavior,
which is built around national interest.
Pakistan emerged on the map of the world on 14th August 1947 and it inherited the foreign policy
from British India. After independence Pakistan made some changes in British policy according
to the ideology and the objectives of Pakistan Movement.
No country today can think of a life independent of other nations. Every country has to develop
relations with other countries so as to meets its requirements in economical, industrial and
technological fields. It is thus necessary for every country to formulate a sound foreign policy.
Pakistan is an important third world country in its developmental stage. It also has formulated her
foreign policy keeping in mind its geography, politics and economics.

What the Foreign Policy Means

Plan of action adopted by one nation in regards to its diplomatic dealings with other countries.
Foreign policies are established as a systematic way to deal with issues that may arise with other
countries.
Encyclopedia Britannica
General objectives that guide the activities and relationships of one state in its interactions with
other states.

Importance of Foreign Policy

 It is not possible to safeguard the country’s interest unless necessary policies and
strategies are to be formed, which is the result of adopting firm and practical foreign
policy.
 To attain honor and security of one state and its political stability from other states.
 Through which a country can become friends from one country and the vise versa, by
dealing with diplomatically to attain state’s protection.
Pakistan's Foreign Policy in light of QUAID-E-AZAM'S Words
The Founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned the newly
independent Muslim state’s foreign policy to be one of “peace with all, and enmity with none”.
Pakistan must follow the doctrine of non-alignment, said the Quaid-i-Azam, in his broadcast talk
to the people of the USA in February 1948 said:
“Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and good-will towards all the nations of the world. We
do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the policy of
honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost
contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world. Pakistan
will never be found lacking in extending its material and moral support to the oppressed and
suppressed of the United Nations Charter.”
Foreign Policy Objectives
1. Promotion Pakistan as a dynamic, progressive, moderate, and democratic Islamic country.
2. Developing friendly relations with all countries of the world, especially major powers and
immediate neighbors.
3. Safeguarding national security and geo-strategic interests, including Kashmir.
4. Consolidating our commercial and economic cooperation with international community.
 5. Safeguarding the interests of Pakistani Diaspora abroad.
6. Ensuring optimal utilization of national resources for regional and international cooperation.

Elements Affecting Foreign Policy

 The political organization found in a country also greatly influences the foreign policy.
For example under authoritarian systems quick foreign policy decisions are taken.
 The press also plays a vital role in foreign policy formulation process.
 The nature of political accountability prevailing in a system also greatly influences the
foreign policy of the state.
 The leadership also plays a vital role in the shaping of a country’s foreign policy.
 The great power structure prevailing in the world politics also greatly influence the policy
of a country.
 While making foreign policy the state has to take note of the international law, treaties
and contracts.
 While formulating its foreign policy a country has to take note of the reaction of other
states to its various actions.
 Alliances concluded by various states also greatly influence the foreign policy.
 The world public opinion also influences the state’s foreign policy.
Determinants of Pakistan Foreign Policy
Ideology
Pakistan was created as a homeland for Muslims of British India after a long freedom struggle. Islam was
at the core of this struggle because Two Nation Theory reinforced that Muslims were a separate nation,
with their distinct cultural, ideological and religious values. In the establishment of Pakistan, Muslims
actually dreamed of a separate homeland where they could spend their lives according to the teachings of
the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah also vowed to preserve the Islamic ideology of the country. He
said:“Pakistan not only means freedom and independence but the Muslim Ideology which has to be
preserved, which has come to us as a precious gift and treasure and which, we hope other will share with
us.”

So, it was not possible for our foreign policy makers to set aside this ideology while framing country’s
foreign policy. Hence Islamic ideology has always been a central focus in this realm.

Geography

“The foreign policy of a country is determined by its geography”.

— Napoleon Bonaparte

For the policymakers, it is important to take into considerations factors like what country’s neighbors are,
as their attitude, irrespective of their size or power, has a direct bearing especially on issues of its security,
development and resource allocation. No country could change its geography nor choose its neighbors.
So, in Pakistan, sole consideration has been on safeguarding and preserving country’s independence and
territorial integrity. Geography, thus, placed on Pakistan the onerous responsibility of consistent vigilance
and careful conduct of its relations not only with its immediate neighbors but also with the rest of the
world.

History
Since its inception, Pakistan has been facing complex challenges. Hence, the country’s foreign policy is
also guided by its history. Pakistan and India relations have been marred by distrust and antagonism.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have also been at odds since long, major concern being the Durand Line which
Afghanistan is not willing to accept an international border. Thanks to the old imperial connections, we
immediately got sucked into the Cold War struggle. In the process, we encountered unbroken series of
crises and challenges that perhaps, no other country in the world has ever experienced. So, foreign policy
makers cannot remain oblivious to these factors.

Domestic Policies

The foreign policy of a country is linked to its domestic policies, governance issues and political
situation. A country’s standing in the international community always corresponds directly to its political,
social, economic and strategic strength. Foreign policy cannot be divorced from domestic considerations.
It is an outcome of national priorities, strength and weaknesses. Unlike large powers, mistakes in foreign
policy can be very costly for a developing country like Pakistan. Pakistan’s position in the world is
constrained by its weak economics and its dependence on foreign finances. And, that has been a big
challenge before the policymakers.

Security

Internal and external security is the most important factor in Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Historian Paul Kennedy named Pakistan as one of the nine pivotal states whose future evolution would
not only determine the fate of their region, but also affect international stability. Pakistan has developed
as a principal actor and a vital personality of its own. So, it is supposed to secure and protect its all vital
interests, at all costs.

Economic Compulsions
Pakistan as a developing country also needs to establish and maintain cordial relations with those states
with whom it can maximize its trade relations or from whom it can obtain maximum economic aid.
Pakistan’s position in the world is constrained by its weak economics and its dependence on foreign
finances. The main aim of Pakistan’s foreign policy is to boost economic trade.

Brief Overview of Phases

The first phase:

The first period covers the time from the UN enforced cease-fire of 1949 to the 1965 war over Kashmir.
During this period Pakistan allied itself with the West by joining the Baghdad Pact and its successor,
CENTO, and SEATO. The primary motivation underlying our membership of these alliances had been
the need to redress our defence vulnerability and achieve a reasonable military equilibrium with India.

The second phase:

The second phase runs from 1965 to the 1971 crisis in East Pakistan. The 1965 war, which was sparked
by the Jammu and Kashmir issue, had led to a drastic reduction in economic and military assistance to
Pakistan. The increase in defence expenditure together with the decline in foreign assistance compounded
economic difficulties and aggravated political problems led by a sense of alienations in East Pakistan.
India played on this crisis and eventually imposed war on Pakistan.
The third phase:

During the third phase from 1971 to 1989 Pakistan remained engaged in rebuilding itself and facing the
challenge of the Soviet military intervention in neighboring Afghanistan, which lasted for over a decade
since 1979, and has spawned a conflict that continues to ravage Afghanistan.

The fourth phase:

The fourth phase covers the period from 1990 to the nuclear tests of May 1998. Two important events
from the security perspective took place in 1990. USA clamped economic and military sanctions on
Pakistan under the prissier Amendment (which widened the conventional gap between India and
Pakistan). That same year the intensification of the freedom movement in occupied Kashmir.

The post 9/11 era

Under the Glenn Amendment, the Clinton administration imposed economic and military sanctions on
both Pakistan and India, owing to their nuclear tests in May 1998. After the fateful 9/11 incident, the US
not only lifted the sanction on Pakistan but also made Islamabad its most-allied ally in the US-led war on
terror. The Bush administration employed a “carrot and stick” policy to goad Pakistan into partnering
with the US against terrorists in Afghanistan.

During the Musharraf era, Pakistan and India decided to reduce their nuclear arsenals and resolve the
Kashmir issue in the Agra summit of July 2001. However, the Indian intransigence scuttled the Agra
understanding. Menacingly, the attacks on the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001, brought both
countries on the verge of a border confrontation with the potential of escalating into a full-blown nuclear
showdown. But after extensive efforts, both the countries agreed and enforced a ceasefire on the Line of
Control on November 26, 2003.

Diversification of foreign policy under the PPP (2008-2013)

Though the PPP government was plagued with scandals of massive corruption, it did succeed in
diversifying the foreign relations of the country. The US signed the Kerry-Luger Bill in October 2009 to
grant $7.5 billion in non-military aid to Pakistan. Besides, both the civilian and military leadership played
a pivotal role in resetting the Pak-Russia relations through high-profile visits to Moscow. Importantly,
Pak-Iran relations also improved after the signing of the Iran-Pak (IP) gas pipeline. However, the climate
of trust between Pakistan and India, achieved during the Musharraf era, turned into hostility after the 2008
Mumbai attack, which India blamed on a Pakistan-based militant group.

Current democratic setup (2013 till present)

The current democratic dispensation under the PML-N – during premiership of Nawaz Sharif – achieved
two major objectives on the foreign policy front. Firstly, the country has received the full-membership of
the SCO that will tremendously help Pakistan work with China, Russia and Central Asian Republics in
combating the three evils of extremism, terrorism and separatism in the region. Secondly, China has
decided to invest around $62 billion through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for upgrading
Pakistan’s transport infrastructure and energy sector. Both the successes will probably make the country a
trade hub in the region.

The present government has also failed to employ adroit diplomacy in highlighting gross violations of
human rights being committed in the Indian-occupied Kashmir. The Indian lobby has continued to play
the obstructive role in preventing the US from selling F-16s and providing the remaining Coalition
Support Fund to Pakistan. Moreover, the government has failed to convince the world about Indian
sponsoring of terrorism and insurgency inside Pakistan despite the availability of evidence such as the
disclosures of detained Indian spy, Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Despite losing about 50,000 lives and over $120 billion in the war on terror, the US is still sceptical of
Pakistan’s military actions against the Haqqani Network in North Waziristan. Washington has recently
passed a bill making the payment of $50 million conditional to Pakistan’s visible military measures
against the Haqqanis. Furthermore, the US is also reluctant to conclude a civilian nuclear accord with
Pakistan and is not supportive of Islamabad’s bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). This
manifests the failure of the government in terms of dexterously using diplomacy to enhance economic and
security partnership with the US.

Challenges of Pakistan foreign policy:

Co-existence

Pakistan supports the idea of living together with peace and Pakistan cultivating good relation with China
which is dis-like by Afghanistan and India. USA didn’t like to see Pakistan as a developing country they
tries to do terrorism activities in Pakistan so the China didn’t create a good relation with Pakistan. This is
the biggest challenge to Pakistan that they do co-existence with the countries while other countries like
India and America.

Relations with India

 From the independence of Pakistan (1947) to till now the relation between India and Pakistan if
going toward hostility.
 The relation between violent due to numerous of factors that develop a bad relation with them.
This is mainly due to the division of sub-continent, that’s why the peace full co-existent is
diminished.
 Both countries having the atomic power and India influences its power toward the united nation
and USA also support to do so.
 The conflict of Kashmir between the two countries is creating bad effect in the relation between
them.
 India also cause the disturbance in the border attached with the Pakistan that issues and affect the
relation between the countries in bad stages.
 The Kashmir issue, the main and common problem that we face now days is the Kashmir
problem between the two countries

Policies with Iran

 Pakistan and Iran are enjoying a friendly relation between each other’s. Both countries have
batter relation to develop peace in the world. As of the same religion of Muslim both countries
protect each other in different prospective. Both are helping each other in diplomatic, politically
and as well as financial supported to each other.
 At the beginning, Iran help the Pakistan in different situation even in Indo Pak war and provide
aid in any of the disaster. The challenge’s among the nations is to develop better relation between
them self. The most of the project that work out by the help of Iran in Pakistan the Gas pipeline in
 the Pakistan. As both having good relation and neighboring country have move toward the
betterment.
 The trade between Iran and Pakistan is of many goods and also help each other in different
problems

Pakistan’s nuclear program

Pakistan becomes nuclear country in 1998 after a lot of difficulties because the campaign of US which is
against the countries who are making weapons for mass destruction. As the beginning US is against of
Pakistan being an Islamic state so there are number of problems faced by Pakistan. There are some of the
reports of US intelligence official are quoting that Pakistan supplied nuclear technology to North Korea.

Kashmir Issue and Nuclearisation in South Asia

 The issue of Kashmir and nuclearisation is a great challenge of Pakistan Foreign policy. Pakistan
and India fought wars of 1956, 1971 and 1999 of Kargil and in 1998 on the issue of Kashmir. The
relationship between Pakistan and India is based on security dilemma this make both the states
nuclear power. Both state fought several war against them but the main conflict of Kashmir is
remain undo for these war was held. The conflict of Kashmir is an unfinished business. In south
Asian region there is a civil deal that are great concern by the Pakistani point of view because this
deals can unstabilized the balance of power in south Asia,
 “Pakistan opposes the deal on the grounds that it would lead to a new nuclear arms race in South
Asia; would undermine the global nonproliferation regime; and that it “does not accept
discriminatory treatment” and would have preferred a “package deal” that accommodates the
energy security interests of both India and Pakistan.”

Islamic unity

Pakistan support the idea of Islamic unity but it is also a great challenge to the Pakistan Foreign policy
because Afghanistan India and America create a bad image of Pakistan and Muslims all over the world
and also blamed that the attack on world trade center 9/11 incidence to Muslim community that create a
bad image on other countries and India also against to the Muslims. India and America didn’t want that
there is a Islamic unity so that was a great challenge that Pakistan is facing.

Globalization an Emerging Threat to Foreign Policy of Pakistan

For under developed countries this is the challenge rather than opportunity. In globalization only for those
countries that are politically and economically strong can survive in this kind of world. Every nation have
their own principles according to their national interests to formulate and execute the foreign policy
keeping in view challenges and opportunities that foreign politics provides. There are principles of
monetary policy, fiscal transparency insurance and payment system, securities, corporate, governance and
the entire draw up of other fields. To overcome this challenge Pakistan must take steps to flourish the
economic performance and stabilized the political system. In south Asia where India is involve not only
in arm race but also contribute in economic system and compete the nations in region and world.

Anti-terrorism Movement

Pakistan was sanctioned country in the world and it supported US to fight against terrorism. Amil Kansi
and Ramzi yusuf these people are involved in the terrorist community so Pakistan has decided that these
two people were handed to the US to avoid any terrorism activities. On incidence of 9/11 Pakistan has a
great influence from US so Pakistani government decided to corporate with US and shared long border to
attack on Afghanistan and India started action against terrorism in Kashmir and Pakistan accused of
terrorism activities in Kashmir and India. When US attack on Iraq Delhi war against on Iraq and pretext
to attack on Pakistan. So Pakistan faced a lot of Challenges.

Drone Attacks

 Drone attack is also a challenge of Pakistan Foreign policy but it is a singular challenge for
Pakistan after the terrorism. There are two school of thoughts on the drone attack.
 One’s says that it was a government agreement that strike by CIA to kill Tehreek-e-Taliban (a
terrorist group) from the country. On the other hand the point of view is that to violence of
Pakistan sovereignty and kill lot of innocent people

Afghan Issue

During cold war Russia invaded Afghanistan, with the help of Pakistan America defeated Russia in
Afghanistan which ends the destructions of Soviet Union (USSR). This creates huge political and
economic vacuum in Afghanistan which also have negative impact on Pakistan in terms of Afghan
refugees. After 9/11 America invaded Afghanistan again to destroy the terrorism which they cultivate
during cold war. Both nations Pakistan and Afghanistan facing the same situations especially in terms of
terrorism and instability in states. Indian influence in Afghanistan creates flaw for Pakistan Foreign
policy.

CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor)

There are three parts of one belt one roads exist in the world first one is northern corridor from Beijing to
London through train and the second one is central corridor from Shanghai to Paris the third part is
kashgir to Gawadar which is China Pakistan economic corridor India have problems with CPEC they
claiming in news that Gilgit Baltistan is there area. Pakistan is getting benefit of it which is unbeneficial
for India China is making Industries in Pakistan which is helpful for both China and Pakistan but India is
not happy they are creating problems.

Recommendation:

 A clear foreign policy is still lacking

 Need to quickly address these challenges
 Lack of concrete and clear foreign policy and national stand
 Needs to convince the international world to help in stopping drone attacks which are against
international law
 Needs to involve China, European Union, Muslim countries, OIC, western media etc. to stop
drone attacks through an impressive diplomatic initiatives
 Invite western media to visit places where drone attacks are made to observe the actual casualties
of innocent people
 Protecting Pakistani dignity and label of being a terrorist
 Pakistan needs to wash away the title of extremist and project the real face as a peace loving
country
 Through our foreign policy we need to present a picture that we are a responsible and moderate
Muslim country
  Waziristan operation is going successful- now also use negotiation and dialogue with weak
Taliban to help in arriving at a more sustainable peace in the region
 Kashmir issue be raised on all diplomatic level and talks on this issue shall be re-scheduled and
should be the main agenda
 Talks with Baluchistan leaders and sardars through grand jirga
 Economic reforms and attractive package be introduced and more provincial autonomy be given
to provinces
 Inviting foreign teams to come to Pakistan for playing and assuring them of complete security
(also announcing attractive incentives to players to initiate foreign visits)
 Pakistan needs to reconsider, reschedule and reframe its foreign policy and set new priorities and
goals to promote and protect its national interests.
 Needs to work more closely with China, middle-east and European countries as well as US

Conclusion:

Traditionally, Pakistan has been a security-driven state and that’s the reason why more emphasis has been
on state-building over nation-building. However, changing regional as well as world dynamics present
our foreign policy makers with a set of complex challenges. This is perhaps the most opportune time that
Pakistan should reap the benefits of its geographical location and its importance to the whole world. Our
foreign policy makers should move forward with extreme prudence.

The Foreign policy of Pakistan is directly influenced by military and intelligence agencies of the country
which causes failure for democratic governments and lack of political leadership. The biggest cause of
failure in Pakistan foreign policy is too dependent in terms of economy and military assistance on super
power countries specially America. Pakistan have insufficient ability to produce electricity according to
demand. Pakistan can see towards central Asian states to fulfill the demand of electric supply in summer
season because these states have extra power generation capacity in summer seasons while Pakistan faces
excessive demand in this season but Pakistan unable to take indicative due to foreign influence.