Foreign Policy of Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects

1- Introduction
2- Understanding FP and Its Traits
3- Importance of FP for a Polity
4- Critical overview of Pakistan’s FP
5- Challenges
a. Internal Challenges
i. Argument: Political instability and frequent changes in government create inconsistency and a lack of
long-term vision in foreign policy, damaging credibility with international partners.
Evidence: The rapid turnover of foreign ministers and shifting stances on issues like relations with the US
and India following elections or military interventions demonstrate this inconsistency. For instance, the
foreign policy approach often alters significantly between elected governments and periods of military
rule.
ii. Argument: A weak economic base constrains Pakistan's strategic autonomy, forcing it into dependent
relationships and limiting its options on the global stage.
Evidence: The recurring need for financial bailout packages from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
and the reliance on economic assistance from allies like China and Gulf states often necessitate foreign
policy concessions that may not align with broader national interests.
b. Regional Challenges
i. Argument: A persistent and deeply adversarial relationship with India, centred on the Kashmir dispute,
dominates Pakistan's foreign policy, diverting immense resources and limiting regional cooperation.
Evidence: The continued military standoff, the allocation of a significant portion of the national budget to
defence, and the shutting down of trade routes are direct consequences of this rivalry.
ii. Argument: Instability in Afghanistan presents a critical security challenge, concerning cross-border
terrorism, refugee flows, and conflicting strategic interests of regional powers.
Evidence: The presence of terrorist groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan
soil and the historical influx of millions of Afghan refugees place a continuous strain on Pakistan's
security and economy.
c. External Challenges
i. Argument: The great power competition between the United States and China places Pakistan in a
difficult position of balancing its relationships, risking the alienation of one or both powers.
Evidence: Pakistan’s deep involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly the China-
Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is often viewed with suspicion in Washington, complicating its
relationship with the US.
ii. Argument: Pakistan faces increasing diplomatic pressure from international bodies like the Financial
Action Task Force (FATF) on issues of terrorism financing and money laundering, which impacts its global
standing.
Evidence: Pakistan's placement on the FATF grey list for several years hampered its international banking
transactions, increased the cost of doing business, and damaged its reputation, requiring significant
diplomatic effort to be removed.
6- Prospects
a. Internal Prospects
i. Argument: Pakistan’s geostrategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle
East is a permanent asset that can be leveraged for economic and diplomatic gain.
Evidence: Projects like CPEC and the potential to become a regional trade and energy transit corridor
(TAPI gas pipeline) offer avenues for economic growth and enhanced regional importance.
ii. Argument: A large and young population represents a significant demographic potential, which, if
educated and skilled, can boost economic productivity and provide a powerful diaspora for soft power.
Evidence: The Pakistani diaspora, particularly in the United Kingdom, North America, and the Middle
East, contributes substantial remittances (over $30 billion annually) and can act as influential
ambassadors for the country.
b. Regional Prospects
i. Argument: There is potential for revitalising regional economic integration through platforms like the
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Economic Cooperation Organisation
(ECO), which would benefit Pakistan's economy.
Evidence: Normalised trade with India and Central Asian republics could open up massive markets for
Pakistani goods and provide cheaper access to energy resources, fostering mutual economic
interdependence.
ii. Argument: A peaceful and stable Afghanistan under the Taliban regime could provide Pakistan with
strategic depth for trade and energy routes into Central Asia, a long-standing objective.
Evidence: The continued push for inclusive government in Afghanistan and support for connectivity
projects like the Trans-Afghan Railway project demonstrates the pursuit of this prospect.
c. External Prospects
i. Argument: Pakistan can act as a key intermediary and partner for major powers, such as China and the
US, in facilitating dialogue and managing conflicts in the region, particularly concerning Afghanistan.
Evidence: Pakistan’s role in supporting the US-Taliban peace talks in Doha demonstrated its unique
position and value as a diplomatic facilitator in a complex region.
ii. Argument: Deepening strategic and economic ties with middle powers and emerging economies can
diversify Pakistan's international partnerships and reduce over-reliance on any single ally.
Evidence: Growing defence and economic cooperation with countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, Indonesia,
and Malaysia opens new avenues for trade, investment, and diplomatic support.
7- Efforts made by Pakistan to deal with the contemporary challenges to its FP
a. Effort: Actively engaging in economic diplomacy to address financial challenges and attract foreign
investment. Evidence: High-level government and military delegations frequently visit Gulf states (e.g.,
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar) to secure financial packages, investment deals, and deferred oil payments to
stabilise the economy.
b. Effort: Pursuing a policy of cross-border terrorism and militancy through military and counter-
terrorism operations. Evidence: The initiation of military operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad
targeted terrorist sanctuaries in the tribal regions, which was a key factor in the country’s removal from
the FATF grey list.
8- Recommendations
a. Recommendation: Pakistan must strive for a national consensus on key foreign policy issues, especially
relations with India, the US, and China, to ensure continuity and stability regardless of domestic political
changes.
b. Recommendation: Economic security must be placed at the centre of foreign policy.This involves
prioritising trade, investment, and regional connectivity over purely geopolitical considerations to
achieve sustainable growth.
c. Recommendation: Invest significantly in public diplomacy and digital outreach to reshape the
international narrative about Pakistan, moving it away from a security-centric discourse to one
highlighting its economic potential, cultural heritage, and democratic aspirations.
9- Critical Analysis
10- Conclusion