Foreign Policy of Pakistan: Rohail Nazir 44 CTP, Commerce & Trade Group
Foreign Policy of Pakistan: Rohail Nazir 44 CTP, Commerce & Trade Group
Rohail Nazir
44th CTP, Commerce & Trade Group
Learning Objectives
• Meanings of Foreign Policy
• Determinants and Objectives and processes of
Foreign Policy
• Pakistan’s Foreign Policy in Contemporary
World Order
• Challenges and Options
Scheme of Presentation
• Internal Determinants
– Influence of History
– National Factor (China Vs Japan)
– Natural Resources
– Economic Plans
– Role of Media and Think Tanks
– Power dynamics
– Popular Sentiment
Jinnah’s Vision
“Our foreign policy is one of the friendliness and goodwill
toward 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 the utmost contribution to the 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 people of
the world and in upholding the principles of United
Nations Charter”
(Jinnah)
Guiding Principle
“It is of vital importance to Pakistan and India as
independent, sovereign states to collaborate in a friendly
way to jointly defend their frontiers, both on land and sea
against any aggression. But it depends entirely on
whether India and Pakistan can resolve their own
differences. If we can put our house in order internally,
then we may be able to play a very great part externally
in all international affairs. The Indian Government should
shed their superiority complex and deal with Pakistan on
equal footing and fully appreciate the realities”
(Jinnah)
Stated Objectives of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
(Given by MOFA)
1. The primary objective of Pakistan’s foreign policy is to safeguard the
national security, territorial integrity and political sovereignty of the
country.
2. To protect Pakistan’s economic interests abroad.
3. To project the image of Pakistan as a progressive, modern and
democratic Islamic country.
4. To promote peace, stability and friendly relations with Afghanistan.
5. To find the resolution of all disputes with India including the issue of
Kashmir. Raise the Kashmir issue on international forums.
6. To forge cordial and friendly relations with all neighbors, Muslim
countries and the larger international community.
7. To fulfill its responsibilities as a responsible member of the
international community.
8. To prevent and respond to threats and capitalize on opportunities.
9. To safeguard the interests of Pakistani diaspora.
Identifying the National Interests in Muslim
Ummah
1. Shia-Sunni Division
2. Arab and Islamic Nationalism
3. Democracy or Sultanate
4. Revolution or Status Quo
5. Neighbours (Security and Sovereignty)
6. Palestine and Kashmir
7. Re-invigoration of OIC Vs Arab Leage
8. Diaspora
9. Aid and Investment
10. National Sentiment
11. Vested Interests of the ruling class
12. Energy Security
13. Trust (Who stands with us in difficult times?)
14. India
15. Kashmir
National Interests of Pakistan
• Security from Outside Aggression
• Kashmir
• Afghanistan- Durand Line and Friendlier Government
• Un-Embroiled in global/regional quagmires
• Economic Survival
• State sans Terrorism
• Support for freedom fighters
• Responsible Nuclear State
• Democracy, Market Economy
• Not a theocratic State but wants to retain Islamic Identity
• Friendlier relations with Muslim Countries
• Thwart India on every forum especially from becoming a veto
power in UNSC, Nuclear Suppliers Group
Current Challenges
Unipolar to Multipolar Transformation of World Order
• Pakistan is to walk a tightrope between US and China
• Interests with USA
– Remittances (4 B$)
– Exports (7 B$)
– Technology Up-gradation
– Military Hardware
– Influence over international institutions
– Inflow of dollars
– Confluence of Social and Religious beliefs
• Interests with China
– Rival of India
– Last support (AIID, ADB)
– Infrastructure development
– Neighbor
– Shanghai Cooperation Organization
– Relations with Ummah and Middle East
Changing World Order and Challenges
for Pakaistan
1. Economic
2. Social
3. Political
4. Choosing between the two – security or
economic growth
5. Fear of being Left alone – Utility for US or
China
Way Forward
Suggestions
Foreign Policy
https://www.dawn.com/news/1778939
Past Paper Questions
1. Propose prospective foreign policy options
for Pakistan in the wake of Russian invasion
of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. (2022)
2. Pakistan joined Western Camp immediately
after independence. What were the factors
behind this choice and what were the other
options available? Give reasons in detail.