FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS OF

PAKISTAN

SUBMITTED TO:
MISS TOOBA ASLAM

SUBMITTED BY:
•AQDAS BIBI (FA20-BSM-007)
•AQSA SEHR (FA20-BSM-009)
•IMTASAL AYYUBI (FA20-BSM-024)
•NOOR FATIMA (FA20-BSM-049)
•SHIZA AASHIQ (FA20-BSM-058)
Contents
1) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2
2) INTRODUCTION 3
a. Background Information: 3
b. Purpose: 4
c. Significance of the Study: 4
d. Scope of the study: 4
e. Limitations of the study: 4
3) METHOD OF THE STUDY: 4
4) FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION: 5
i. Ministry of Foreign affairs: 5
ii. Pakistan’s Foreign policy Objectives: 5
iii. Factors determining the Foreign policy of Pakistan 6
iv. Relations with the neighbours 6
v. Relations with the superpowers 7
vi. How independent is Pakistan’s Foreign policy: 7
vii. Ways to make Pakistan’s foreign policy progressive: 8
5) CONCLUSION : 9
6) RECOMMENDATIONS: 10
7) REFERENCES: 11

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1) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Foreign policies are designed to help protect a country’s national interest—its national security, ideological goals and

economic prosperity. Foreign policies are designed to achieve specific objectives and Pakistan’s has been no exception.

Pakistan emerged from the old political framework of India, its nationalism based upon the religious heritage of Islam.

Its national interests were self-preservation, the maintenance of its territorial integrity and political independence.

Owing to the anarchic nature of the international political system, states feel a high degree of insecurity: lacking

systemic guarantees of state security, war remains a legitimate instrument of foreign policy. Self-protection is the sole

protection in an essentially anarchical system. While the primary objective of this report is to examine Pakistan’s foreign

policy, it also evaluates how independenct is Pakistan’s foreign policy. Lastly, the article analyses what can be done to

make our foreign policy more progressive. The determination and implementation a stable foreign policy is one of the

greatest current political challenges in Pakistan.

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 2) INTRODUCTION

a. Background Information:

The creation of Pakistan on 14th August 1947 was one of the most significant international political events following the
end of World War II. It marked the beginning of the collapse of the British Empire, the partition of British India, and the
birth of a new state inspired by a religion: Islam.

In the seven decades of her existence, Pakistan’s path has been filled with internal and external conflicts, ranging from
nationhood, to territorial and natural resources disputes, to terrorism and religious sectarianism. Pakistan’s initial atypical
geography, consisting of two wings separated by Indian territory, proved to be a political, social and governmental challenge,
while it lasted. In 1971, after a civil war and an interstate war with India, Pakistan lost her Eastern wing, resulting in the
liberation of Bangladesh.

In Pakistan, the construction and representation of concepts such as sovereignty and national identity were in constant
tension. The unclear and conflicting views on the role of Islam in the newly formed state helped to generate this tension
between the two ideas. Main state actors like the military-bureaucratic and religious elites maintain this tension.. They
demanded creation of Pakistan on the pretext of becoming a homeland for the Muslims of India, despite their wide diversity,
agglomerated a culturally and ethnically diverse population into a “multi-nation” state. However, the state of Pakistan
continues to validate its existence via her othered relation with India.

Whilst both states continue to share relevant cultural, religious, and linguistic ties, particularly in the northern part of the
subcontinent. The centrality of India to Pakistan’s foreign relations is expressed in various ways. The country’s initial
leadership developed a sense of threat involving Pakistan’s reintegration with India, which would signify a return to a
Hindudominated form of government. One of the ways to deal with this was to further assert the state’s Islamic identity.

The association of a Pakistani national identity with Islam draws heavily on the controversial concept of the two-nation
theory, believed to be “the founding premise of Pakistan” (Haqqani, 2013, p55). The two-nation theory, drawn along the
religious and cultural differences between Muslims and Hindus, was used to ensure the impossibility of a common form of
government for the two major religious communities in an independent India. Mohammad Ali .Tinnah's 'Two Nation Theory',
namely that Hindus and Muslims 'belong to two different civilisations which are based mainly on conflicting ideas and
conceptions', instilled in Pakistanis a Muslim consciousness which not only justified Pakistan's separate existence from India,
but also launched it's course in foreign policy.

Pakistan’s early leadership rallied behind it, and to this day the theory continues to be used as the perceived guarantor of
otherness in relation to India. Whilst Pakistan’s relations with India have been of prime importance to her foreign relations
and policies, relations with the United States and China have also been pivotal in how Pakistan’s state elite has constructed
the country’s representations of a Pakistani identity and nationhood. The political processes that constitute these three

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relations have emerged as a result of a complex relation between religion, the security of the state, and identity/alterity issues.
Pakistan’s foreign policy has been predominantly constructed as one that privileges state security.

b. Purpose:

This report seeks to focus on the analysis of foreign policy of Pakistan and how independent our foreign policy is .

Morover it also highlights how to make it progrerssive.

c. Significance of the Study:

This report provides knowledge about the foreign policy of Pakistan, which holds of great significance

d. Scope of the study:

Foreign policy is one of the wheel with which the system of international politics works. It is part of national
policy. This report will cover the major aspcts of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

e. Limitations of the study:

In Pakistan, foreign policy remains a sensitive theme. One limitation of the topic of study is that it is highly
influenced by the military. this makes it a sensitive topic and not openely talked.

3) METHOD OF THE STUDY:

While collecting data for the analysis of foreign policy of Pakistan , different journals,reports and interviews of

different people belonging to different areas of life were studied. Different online sites were consulted before

stating any statement or any statics, they were confirmed from different site,books, interviews and different

sources.

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 4) FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION:

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan and its first Governor General, in a broadcast talk

to the people of the USA in February 1948, outlined the following goals of Pakistan’s foreign policy:

“Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards all the nations of the world. We do not

cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the principle 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 peoples of the world, and in upholding the

principles of the United Nations Charter.”

i. Ministry of Foreign affairs:

Ministry of foreign affairs formerly represent foreign policy establishment of pakistan. Ministry of foreign affairs
is headed by the foreign minister who coordinates the foreign policy matters with Prime Minister. He issues
country’s foreign policy statements to the press media and defend the activities of his ministry in the parliament
conducts the country’s external relations. His qualities of leadership count a great deal in the success of foreign
policyThe ministry can assume very significant part in formulating the foreign policy. It includes the experts and
specialists of foreign policy and the officials of high ranking. They get ready foreign policy, keeping in see the
fundamental goals and standards of the policy. They formulate the policy, plans and programmers regards to the
needs of foreign policy, and completely coordinate with Troika for its preparation

ii. Pakistan’s Foreign policy Objectives:

Pakistan’s Foreign Policy seeks to protect, promote and advance Pakistan’s national interests in the external
domain.There are six summarized objectives of the foreign policy of Pakistan stated by the ministry of foreign
affairs of pakistan, following are those:

➢ 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
neighbours.
➢ 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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iii. Factors determining the Foreign policy of Pakistan

➢ Pakistan Ideology
➢ Geographical Factor
➢ Principle Or Treaty Of Hudaibia
➢ Regional Factors
➢ Connectivity Through Land Routes
➢ National Security And Prosperity
➢ Message Of Mutual Harmony
➢ Islamic Identity

iv. Relations with the neighbours

a. India
India Since partition, relations between Pakistan and India have been characterized by rivalry and suspicion.
Although many issues divide the two countries, the most sensitive one since independence has been the status of
Kashmir, with three of four wars having been fought over Kashmir (in 1948, 1965 and the Kargil conflict in 1999
which mainly involved irregular forces from Pakistan’s side).

b. Iran
Iran Historically, Pakistan has always had close geopolitical and cultural/religious linkages with Iran. Iran was the
first country to recognize the newly independent state of Pakistan. In the 1960s and 1970s, many economic and
political ties between the two countries were particularly strong, with the signing of the Central Treaty
Organization (CENTO), a US sponsored initiative in which Pakistan, Iran and Turkey pledged to implement
defense cooperation agreements purportedly against possible aggression from the Soviet Union.

c. People’s Republic Of China

Pakistan’s relations with China have always been the most important of its relationships with other countries. It is
based on trust, respect, and mutual benefit. Over the past 55 years, since the two countries established their
diplomatic relations, this relationship has evolved in a manner to serve the interests of both countries.

China and Pakistan are close strategic allies, a relationship that began in 1951 when Pakistan recognised the
People’s Republic of China and broke relations with Taiwan. Favourable relations with China are a key pillar of
Pakistan’s foreign policy. A mutually supportive relationship has developed over the years, benefitting both nations
on diplomatic, economic and military frontiers. Since the 1962 Sino-Indian war, China has supported Pakistan in
most of its disagreements with India, and in response Pakistan has remained steadfast in its support of China’s
territorial sovereignty.

d. Afghanistan
Sharing cultural, ethnic and religious ties, Pakistan and Afghanistan relations have always been close, yet conflicts
over the Durand line, the Soviet Afghan war, Pakistan’s support to the Taliban regime, the role of Pakistan in the
War on Terror and the growing cross-border militancy has strained relations between the two countries.

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 v. Relations with the superpowers

United States :

The period during which Pakistan emerged as independence state is known as the “cold war era.”the US and the
USSR were trying hard to expand their respective spheresof influence. Pakistan had a democratic bend of mind and
had distaste for the soviet philosphy of sociolism.Therefore, Pakistan decided to side with the Americans

The US and Pakistan have enjoyed diplomatic relations since Pakistan’s independence, and have a history of strong
economic and military ties. Although the two countries have been strategic allies over the decades, fear and
mistrust have plagued their relationship on several occasions.

Russia :

Pakistan-Russia relations are undergoing a process of normalization, which presently is moving at a slow pace and
will take some time to reach a stage when the relationship can be termed completely normal.

With Pakistan’s decision to join the international struggle against global terrorism, relations with Russia improved
once more. The Russian Prime Minister visited Pakistan in 2007, emphasizing ways to improve cooperation
between the two countries. Although Putin had stated that Russia would not engage with Pakistan in military and
strategic ties, this was reversed in 2011 when Russia endorsed Pakistan’s bid to join the Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation and offered assistance in partnering in the expansion of Pakistan’s steel and coal sectors.

vi. How independent is Pakistan’s Foreign policy:

Countries like Pakistan cannot afford to pursue an independent foreign policy. How far a country can manipulate
and manage its foreign relations depends on its worth in the comity of nations, reflected through its economic
strength, military prowess and soft power. A country with a begging bowl simply cannot think of pursuing an
independent foreign policy.

The country is not in a position to follow an independent foreign policy. The country is not in a condition to stand
on its own economically, let alone thrive as a regional economic power that can make independent foreign policy
choices. Pakistan has to work on its domestic economic base to boost its local economic output, build institutional
strengths and improve living standards of common citizens to become a state that is respected regionally and
globally and can pursue its national interest vigorously.

Pakistan cannot fully exercise the options of a sovereign state that can pursue an independent foreign policy unless
the country overhauls a prevailing national narrative that propagates the idea of a clash of civilizations between
Islam and the West. It must also end existing institutional confrontations in the country and become economically
independent.

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vii. Ways to make Pakistan’s foreign policy progressive:

Pakistan’s foreign policy is a subject that has long enchanted scholars and practitioners alike, not least because of
the country’s pivotal strategic location. Islamabad’s nuclear weapons, its complicated relations with New Delhi,
and its growing strategic engagements with Beijing mean that it will continue to garner global attention. However,
Pakistan wants the world to look at, and talk about it, differently.

With Pakistan focused on giving its foreign policy a new anchor in geoeconomics, it would not be wrong to
contend that the country’s new narrative should comprise three refrains:

a) First, Pakistan must effectively communicate to regional and global actors that it is a fundamentally safe
country.
b) Second, it must convince the world that steps are being taken to make the investment climate propitious and
friendly.
c) Third, Pakistan will play a prominent role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

➢ Pakistan must bring in consistency and stability to its policymaking.

➢ Dithering over matters of policy will be detrimental to attempts aimed at presenting Pakistan as a state
committed to turning a page in its domestic and foreign affairs. With a view to narrating its story,
Pakistan must send clear, unequivocal messages to the world. This is necessary because equivocation on
the part of Pakistan will be exploited by its nemeses, who have even otherwise launched well-targeted,
multi-pronged disinformation campaigns against it.
➢ Pakistan must undertake structural reforms to enable its economy to grow. According to a recent study,
Pakistan’s economic transformation cannot take place without the reallocation of resources from less
productive activities to productive ones.

Therefore ,today in our country there is a crying need to revisit and redefine foreign policy in such a way that must
improve the image of the country worldwide, and be in the interest of mass public. Dynamic changes are must in
our country. Foreign policy makers need to formulate policy independent rather than at the behest of the outside
powers especially U.S. the policy must be brought to parliament forum so that the transparent, free and fair foreign
policy could be crafted in the larger benefits of its people. Moreover, the current global trend focuses on the
nations, better economic relations then the political hegemonies and point scoring. Pakistani foreign policy makers
reorient its ties with other nations accordingly, so that the nation may be fall behind in the growing reemergence of
Asia in the 21 centaury. The ideal foreign policy of Pakistan is only possible if political will and pragmatic
approach is constructed on strong footing.

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 5) CONCLUSION :

Conclusively, the foreign policy of Pakistan is primarily directed to the pursuit of national goals of seeking peace and

stability through international cooperation. Special emphasis is laid on economic diplomacy to take advantages

offered by the process of globalization as also to face challenges of the 21st century. Our foreign policy is also geared

to project the image of the country as a dynamic and moderate society.

The foreign policy of Pakistan seeks to promote the internationally recognized norms of interstate relations, i.e. respect

for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States, non-interference in the internal affairs of other State; non-aggression

and peaceful settlement of disputes. Pakistan has therefore always sought to develop friendly and cordial relations with

all countries of the world.

Since the country’s inception in 1947, foreign policy has had an unwavering influence on the construction of the state,

and of her relations with the international community. The distressed conditions the new state of Pakistan faced in the

years after her emergence, led the early leadership to procure security in relations with other international partners, like

the US and China. Yet, it was mainly her relations with India that motivated this search for security, which was mostly

translated into assembling a fairly large military force. Unsurprisingly, the armed forces, namely the army in association

with a militarised intelligence started control the country’s foreign policy decisions. The study and analysis of Pakistan’s

foreign policy has followed a conventional approach to International Relations theory.

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6) RECOMMENDATIONS:

The beauty of the art of diplomacy is making one’s adversary one’s companion.foreign challenges faced by Pakistan

have only one solution that is dialogue.

➢ Firstly, Pakistan should try to get India involved in bilateral dialogues if they still pose their stubborn behavior

the issue must be raised at the forum of UNO and SAARC to arrange dialogues to end the animosity and let the

Kashmiris breathe in in the breeze of independence.

➢ Secondly, Pakistan should no longer be a part of anyone’s war but the table of talks for peace of the region. It is

not only the responsibility of government but also responsibility of general public to adopt the positivity rather

than observing and being influenced by the negativity.

➢ Thirdly, Pakistan has always remained with china on good terms but CPEC seems in China’s favor and less in the

interest of citizens of Pakistan. A revisit to the contracts is imperative. Iran and Pakistan should strengthen their

relations through trade. The relations with USA need to redesign now. The dictation should change into

consultation.

➢ Lastly, the Muslim world is faced with many problems. Pakistan must assist OIC in addressing the grievances of

Muslim world so that OIC could serve the cause of it formation.

➢ A topic for further research could be “Challenges faced by Pakistan in implementation of its Foreign policy”

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 7) REFERENCES:

References

• Inam Ullah Leghari M. (2013, March 11). Nation Building in Pakistan. Retrieved from

https://nationbuildinginpakistan.wordpress.com/reviewing-identity-and-nation-building-papers/

• ISPR (2019). 112th Midshipmen & 21st SSC Course Commissioning Parade Held at Pakistan Naval

Academy. 28th December. Available from: https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5566

• International The News (2020). ‘COAS hails Pakistan Army, PLA as ‘key components’ of Pak-China

relations. 1st August. Available from: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/695308-coas-hails-pakistan-

army-plaas-key-components-of-pak-china-relations

• Fair, C., & Ganguly, S. (2015). An Unworthy Ally: Time for Washington to Cut Pakistan Loose. Foreign

Affairs, 94(5), 160-170. Available from http://www.jstor.org/stable/24483747

• Abbas, R. (2012). Ideology of Pakistan in Jalal, A. (2012) ed. The Oxford Companion to Pakistani

History. Karachi: Oxford University Press

• Moskalenko,V. (1974). ‘Pakistan's Foreign Policy.’ Asian Survey, 14(3), 267–278.

http://doi.org/10.2307/2643015

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