# Foreign Policy of Pakistan ## Introduction and Meaning of Foreign Policy Like human beings, a state also cannot live in isolation. They need to establish relations with other states and international organizations operating within the international system. This linkage with the outside world is established through a state's foreign policy. ### Definitions of Foreign Policy * **Charles W. Kegley and Eugene R. Wittkopf:** "Foreign policy is the strategy or approach chosen by the national government to achieve its goals in its relations with external entities." * **George Modelski:** "Foreign policy is the system of activities evolved by communities for changing the behaviour of other states and for adjusting their own activities to the international environment." * **Michael H. Hunt:** "Foreign Policy refers to the actions and strategies taken by a nation to safeguard its national interest and achieve goals within the international arena." Thus, foreign policy or foreign relations refers to a government's strategies for dealing with other countries and organizations. It is the strategy which a state uses to protect its international and domestic interests. **The primary purpose of foreign policy is to protect a nation's national interests.** Formulation of foreign policy is influenced by many external and internal factors like ideology, international law, relations with neighbouring states and major powers, geography, history, security concerns, economic standing, international trade, and political system of the country. Foreign policy is formulated by the executive branch with inputs from various departments and agencies. ## Determinants of Pakistan's Foreign Policy Several key determinants influence the current state of Pakistan's foreign policy: 1. **Geography:** Pakistan's strategic location at the junction of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East plays a crucial role. Its nearness to Afghanistan, Iran, and the Arabian Sea impacts its strategic outlook and foreign policy priorities. 2. **Security Concerns:** Security is an essential determinant due to ongoing regional instability and the persistent threat of terrorism. Relations with India, marked by historical conflicts and the Kashmir issue, influence Pakistan's foreign policy. Additionally, Pakistan's role in the global war on terror and its nuclear capabilities are critical factors. 3. **Economic Factors:** Economic interests are vital, with Pakistan's foreign policy driven by the need for foreign aid, investment, and trade relationships. Initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) highlight the importance of economic partnerships. 4. **Islamic Ideology:** The ideological basis of Pakistan, rooted in Islamic principles, profoundly influences its foreign policy. It includes adopting solid ties with Muslim countries and advocating for Islamic causes globally. As a vital member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan often aligns its foreign policy with the collective interests of Muslim-majority countries. 5. **Historical Context:** The historical relationships and conflicts with neighbouring countries, especially India and Afghanistan, continue to shape Pakistan's foreign policy. These historical factors contribute to a focus on national security and territorial integrity. 6. **Domestic Politics:** Internal political dynamics, governance issues, and public opinion significantly impact foreign policy decisions. Political parties and domestic economic conditions are crucial in shaping how Pakistan interacts internationally. 7. **Regional Dynamics:** Shifts in regional geopolitics, such as the changing relationships with Iran and the Gulf States and the evolving ties with Russia and Turkiye, require Pakistan to adapt its foreign policy strategies. 8. **Influence of Major Powers:** Pakistan's foreign policy is significantly influenced by its relationships with major global powers, notably the United States and China. The U.S.-Pakistan relationship has been critical for military aid, while China's economic investments, mainly through CPEC, have strengthened bilateral relations. 9. **Regional Alliances and Organizations:** Pakistan's involvement in regional organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) helps shape its regional policies. 10. **Environmental Concerns:** Global issues like climate change have started influencing Pakistan's foreign policy. Pakistan's vulnerability to climate needs international cooperation for sustainable development and disaster management efforts. 11. **Counter-terrorism and Anti Money Laundering:** Pakistan's commitment to counter-terrorism and anti-money laundering is critical. The country's efforts to combat terrorism and align with international standards on financial regulations influence its international relations. 12. **Technological and Scientific Cooperation:** Enhancing technological and scientific collaboration with other nations is becoming an important focus. This includes partnerships in space technology, nuclear energy, and information technology. ## PAK-US (The Unites States) RELATIONS Significant changes in US-Pakistan ties occurred both before and after the 9/11 attacks, which had a substantial effect on Pakistan's socio-economic circumstances. ### Pre-9/11 Pak-US Relations 1. **Cold War Alliances:** To oppose Soviet dominance during the Cold War, Pakistan joined forces with the United States through military agreements like CENTO and SEATO, receiving significant financial and military support. Pakistan was instrumental in aiding the Mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989). 2. **Sanctions and Disengagement:** The US showed concerns about atomic proliferation, leading to sanctions following the disclosure of Pakistan's nuclear program in the late 1970s, culminating in the **Pressler Amendment in 1985**. After Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in 1998, further sanctions strained relations. ### Post-9/11 Pak-US Relations 1. **Strategic Partnership against Terrorism:** Pakistan joined the US War on Terror as a front-line ally following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. The administration of President Pervez Musharraf consented to work with the United States, permitting the use of Pakistani air bases and offering assistance with intelligence gathering. 2. **Trust Deficit:** Despite cooperation, a severe lack of trust existed. Relations were strained by claims that Pakistan was playing a double game. 3. **Drone Strikes and Sovereignty Issues:** Drone attacks by the United States on terrorists in Pakistan's tribal areas also claimed civilian lives, which infuriated the people and strained ties. ### Impact on the Socio-Economic Situation of Pakistan 1. **Economic Dependency and Aid:** Pakistan's economy was temporarily stabilized by US aid (approx. $10 billion since 2001), but this led to a reliance on outside assistance. 2. **Security and Instability:** Pakistan experienced a surge in terrorism and instability as a result of militant groups' retaliation for Pakistan's participation in the War on Terror. 3. **Social Impact:** Humanitarian problems resulted from widespread population relocation by military actions in FATA (Federally Administrated Tribal Areas). 4. **Economic Challenges:** Economic growth was impeded by persistent instability and security issues discouraging international investment. **Conclusion:** After 9/11, the strategic alliance contributed much to aid and development but also exacerbated socio-economic problems, reliance, and instability. ## Pakistan-China Relations Pakistan and China relations are often described as an **"all-weather strategic partnership."** ### 1. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) CPEC is the flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Valued at over **$62 billion**, CPEC includes a series of infrastructure, energy, and economic projects. * **i. Energy Projects:** Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, Karot Hydropower Plant, Hub Coal Power Plant. * **ii. Gwadar Port:** A deep-sea port in Balochistan, critical for CPEC. Includes Gwadar Free Zone and Gwadar International Airport. * **iii. Transportation Infrastructure:** Karachi-Lahore Motorway, Hazara Motorway, Peshawar-Karachi Railway Line (ML-1). * **iv. Special Economic Zones (SEZs):** Rashakai SEZ, Dhabeji SEZ. ### 2. Karakoram Highway (KKH) Expansion Connects Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass. Expanded and upgraded under CPEC. ### 3. Energy and Power Projects China is developing Pakistan's nuclear energy capabilities (Chashma Nuclear Power Plants, K-2 and K-3 reactors at Karachi). ### 4. Defense Collaboration Includes the **JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jet Program**, transfer of military technology, naval vessels, and air defense systems. ### 5. Agricultural Collaboration Focus on modernizing Pakistan's agriculture sector through Chinese technology and investments. ### 6. Information Technology and Telecommunications Deploying fiber optic cables under CPEC. Companies like Huawei and ZTE play a significant role. ### 7. Cultural and Educational Exchanges Scholarships for Pakistani students, joint research, and Confucius Institutes in Pakistan. ### 8. Health Sector Cooperation Provided significant medical assistance, including vaccines, during the COVID-19 pandemic. ### 9. Financial and Investment Projects Extensive financial assistance, loans, and grants. ### 10. Future Key Projects * **i. Mainline-1 Railway Project (ML-1):** Railway infrastructure upgrade. * **ii. Gwadar Smart City Master Plan:** Developing Gwadar as a futuristic trade hub. * **iii. Kohala and Azad Pattan Hydropower Projects:** Clean energy projects. ## Pakistan-United Kingdom (UK) Relations Pakistan and the United Kingdom share a relationship rooted in historical, economic, political, and cultural connections. ### Key Aspects of Pakistan-UK Relations 1. **Historical Ties:** Legacy of British colonial rule; Pakistan is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 2. **Trade and Economic Relations:** UK is a major trading partner (textiles, garments, sports goods). Bilateral trade stood at approx. **£2.9 billion** in 2021. 3. **Development and Aid:** The UK provides substantial aid focusing on education, health, and poverty alleviation. 4. **Diaspora and People-to-People Links:** Over **1.6 million** people of Pakistani origin in the UK. **34,690** Pakistani students studied in the UK in 2022-2023. 5. **Political and Diplomatic Relations:** The Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) framework strengthens bilateral ties. 6. **Cultural Ties:** Cricket, literature, and art enhance connections. ## Pak-Russia Relations Pakistan's relationship with Russia has experienced significant advancements recently. 1. **Economic and Trade Cooperation:** Discussions on energy agreements like the **North-South Gas Pipeline**. The Soviet Union historically contributed to the **Pakistan Steel Mills (1971)**. Discussions on LNG transactions and upgrading the steel mill are ongoing as of 2024. 2. **Defense and Security:** Pakistan buys Russian military equipment and participates in joint military exercises. 3. **Geopolitical Significance:** Pakistan's involvement in CPEC increases its importance to Russia. 4. **Regional Security:** Shared concerns for stability in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism. **Future Prospects:** * **Geostrategic Significance:** Russia may gain from access to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar port. * **Technology and Energy Sectors:** Cooperation in biotechnology, aviation, and space exploration. ## Pakistan and Central Asian States Pakistan's relationship with Central Asian States (Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan) is rooted in shared history and strategic interests. * **Platforms:** Cooperation via Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). * **Energy Collaboration:** Projects like **CASA-1000** and **TAPI gas pipeline**. * **Connectivity:** Access to global markets via Gwadar port and CPEC. * **Security:** Cooperation on counter-terrorism and stabilizing Afghanistan. ## Pakistan and the European Union (EU) The EU is a political and economic union of 27 European countries. ### Pakistan-Germany Relations * Strong ties since 1951. Germany is Pakistan's **largest trading partner in the EU**. * Cooperation in clean energy, technical training, and education (Goethe-Institut). ### Pakistan-France Relations * Multifaceted relationship involving diplomacy, trade (textiles, machinery), and defense. * French companies (Peugeot, Renault) present in Pakistan. * Cultural ties via Alliance Française. ### Pakistan-Spain Relations * Friendly relations since 1950. Trade focuses on textiles and machinery. * Cultural ties promoted by **Instituto Cervantes**. Spanish taught at NUML. ### Pakistan-Italy Relations * Warm relations since 1948. Italy is a key EU trading partner (textiles, leather). * Italian companies (Fiat, Eni) invest in Pakistan. * **20,607 students** took admissions in Italian Universities in 2023-24. ## SAARC NATIONS AND PAKISTAN The **South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)** was founded in **December 1985** to promote economic and regional integration. Members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. ### Pakistan's Role in SAARC * **Founding Member:** Plays a significant role. * **Economic Cooperation:** Promotes trade via South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). * **Security and Political Issues:** Tensions with India often hamper progress. ### Pakistan's Relations with SAARC Nations * **Afghanistan:** Policy influenced by security concerns and the Taliban's return. Pakistan seeks a stable Afghanistan. * **Bangladesh:** Recent efforts to improve bilateral relations. * **Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives:** Cordial relations. Ties with Sri Lanka include historical trade and defense links. * **India:** Strained relations due to historical conflicts and the **Kashmir issue**. Four wars (1947-48, 1965, 1971, 1999) and ongoing skirmishes. ### Kashmir Conflict The conflict stems from the partition in 1947. Pakistan advocates for a referendum as promised in UN Security Council Resolutions (e.g., Resolution No. 47) to allow Kashmiris self-determination. ## PAKISTAN AND OIC STATES Pakistan has always maintained close ties with Muslim countries. Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan's independence. ### Turkiye * Robust partnership with defense collaboration (joint exercises, UAVs, shipbuilding). * Shared geostrategic interests and cultural exchanges. ### Kingdom of Saudi Arabia * Deep religious and economic relationship. Custodian of Islam's holiest sites. * **$14 billion oil refinery** in Gwadar and significant financial aid. * Strong military collaboration. ### The State of Qatar * Growing partnership in energy (LNG), commerce, and infrastructure. * **$3 billion investment** in Pakistan. Pakistani workers are vital to Qatar's economy. ### United Arab Emirates (UAE) * Robust economic ties; bilateral trade volume **$5.6 billion** (2023-2024). * Over **1.6 million Pakistanis** reside in the UAE. * **$6.2 billion financial aid** and support in international forums. ## Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Pakistan adopted the UN SDGs in **2016**. Pakistan also joined the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1979 to maintain its neutral stance in global power struggles. * **Focus Areas:** Education, health care, clean water, gender equality, renewable energy. * **Initiatives:** Ehsaas initiative (poverty reduction), national SDG framework. * **Goal:** Ending poverty, protecting the environment, and ensuring prosperity by **2030**.