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Forgin Policy

Pakistan's foreign policy is driven by national security, economic development, and diplomatic balancing amid geopolitical challenges. Key objectives include countering terrorism, maintaining nuclear deterrence, and fostering economic ties, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The country faces challenges such as economic fragility, internal instability, and the need to diversify partnerships while navigating U.S.-China rivalry.

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9 views3 pages

Forgin Policy

Pakistan's foreign policy is driven by national security, economic development, and diplomatic balancing amid geopolitical challenges. Key objectives include countering terrorism, maintaining nuclear deterrence, and fostering economic ties, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The country faces challenges such as economic fragility, internal instability, and the need to diversify partnerships while navigating U.S.-China rivalry.

Uploaded by

sharafnazrind
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Foreign Policy of Pakistan: Objectives and Strategic Priorities

Pakistan’s foreign policy is shaped by its geopolitical realities, security imperatives, and
economic needs. Rooted in the principle of "friendship with all nations" articulated by its
founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Islamabad’s diplomatic strategy seeks to safeguard
sovereignty, ensure national security, and foster economic development while navigating a
complex international landscape . Below is an analysis of its core objectives and challenges:

---

1. National Security and Regional Stability

- Counterterrorism and Border Security: Pakistan faces multi-front security threats,


notably from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan and Baloch separatists
like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Cross-border terrorism has strained relations with
Kabul, while attacks on Chinese personnel under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) have heightened tensions with Beijing .

- Nuclear Deterrence: As a nuclear-armed state, Pakistan prioritizes maintaining credible


deterrence against India, particularly over the Kashmir dispute. Recent hostilities, such as
the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, underscore the volatile dynamics and risks of escalation .

- Balancing Regional Rivalries: Managing adversarial ties with India, cautious engagement
with Iran, and stabilizing Afghanistan remain critical to avoiding a "two-front" security crisis .

---

2. Economic Development and Strategic Partnerships

- China as a Cornerstone: CPEC ($62 billion) is central to Pakistan’s economic ambitions


but faces challenges, including security threats to Chinese workers and concerns over debt
sustainability. Beijing has demanded a joint security mechanism, risking sovereignty
compromises .

- U.S. Relations in Flux: Historically a key ally, the U.S. now prioritizes India as a
counterweight to China. Under Trump’s second term, Pakistan faces uncertainty due to
potential tariffs on Chinese goods and reduced U.S. interest in South Asia. However,
cooperation on critical minerals (e.g., lithium, rare earths) offers a potential economic bridge
.
- Diversification Efforts: Engaging Gulf states, Russia, and the EU for trade and
investment to reduce dependency on traditional partners .

---

3. Diplomatic Balancing in Great Power Competition

- Navigating U.S.-China Rivalry: Pakistan’s alignment with China through CPEC


complicates relations with the U.S., which views India as its primary regional partner.
Islamabad must avoid entanglement in Sino-U.S. tensions while leveraging both for
economic and security gains .

- Multilateral Engagement: Active participation in the UN (including its 2025 Security


Council term), SCO, and OIC to amplify its voice on issues like Kashmir and Afghan stability
.

---

4. Regional Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution

-Afghanistan: Persistent tensions with the Taliban regime over TTP sanctuaries have led to
military strikes and retaliatory attacks. Islamabad seeks Kabul’s cooperation but faces limited
leverage .

-Kashmir Advocacy: Pakistan consistently internationalizes the Kashmir dispute, opposing


India’s 2019 annexation. However, Modi’s government shows no interest in dialogue,
prolonging the stalemate

-Middle East Balancing: Maintaining ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran amid their rivalry, while
securing remittances and energy supplies from Gulf states .

---

5. Promoting International Legitimacy and Soft Power

-Countering Indian Narratives: Highlighting human rights violations in Kashmir and


positioning itself as a victim of Indian aggression in global forums .

- Economic Diplomacy: Emphasizing geoeconomic goals like regional connectivity and


climate resilience to attract foreign investment, though internal instability undermines these
efforts .

---

Challenges and Future Prospects

-Economic Fragility: Reliance on IMF bailouts and debt restructuring (e.g., $3 billion 2023
IMF deal) limits foreign policy autonomy .
- Internal Instability: Political polarization, military influence, and democratic backsliding
weaken diplomatic coherence .

- Strategic Adaptation: To avoid overreliance on China, Pakistan must diversify


partnerships, address CPEC security concerns, and revitalize U.S. ties through
non-traditional avenues like critical minerals and climate resilience .

---
Conclusion
Pakistan’s foreign policy aims to balance security, sovereignty, and economic survival in a
multipolar world. While its alliance with China remains pivotal, recalibrating relations with the
U.S., resolving internal governance crises, and stabilizing regional ties are essential for
long-term strategic resilience. Success hinges on pragmatic diplomacy and economic
reforms to transform its narrative from a "security state" to a "geoeconomic hub" .

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