Muhammad Shoaib Khan
Foreign policy is one of wheel with which the system of international politics works. It is part of national policy. It comprises of national concerns that are to be facilitated in relations to other states. Foreign Policy guides a state in satisfying its national concerns and securing lawful place along with comity of homeland states. So, it would be remarked that foreign policy would live as long as independent states work internationally.
In 1948, Pakistan’s foreign policy was sketched by its founder, Quaid-e- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He stated and I quote; our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill to-wards all the nations of the world. We do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the principal 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, unquote.
India’s stubborn antagonism to the creation of Pakistan, Pakistan developed a fear composite of India. This feeling of anxiety compelled the policy makers in Pakistan to find support of a big power to counterpoise the Indian threat. In reality, India hated independence of Pakistan and had a wish to undo it at its earliest stage. Birth of Pakistan was noticed as the main obstacle in the achievement of the Hindu dream of starting Ram Raj in the Akhand Bharart. Propaganda was done against creation of Pakistan and Hindus started propagating that Pakistan will not sustain for long time and will crumple earlier or later and at last will become to be a part of India once again, but this was not the case. It was not just desire of the Indian leadership but they did their best to destroy the sovereignty of Pakistan. For achievement of this objective in 1948, India occupied Kashmir; in 1965 enforced war on Pakistan at Run of Kutch and in 1971, sent its armed forces to help secessionists in East Pakistan leading to its partition from Pakistan.
So, objective and determinant of Pakistan foreign policy is its national security. So since its birth Pakistan gave importance to the national security, establishing external relationships with other countries. Pakistan respects national integrity and the political independence of other countries, and expects from others to do the same.
In my opinion, key areas of foreign policy which Pakistan need to tackle are relations with US and China, maintaining relations with Russia especially after Ukraine crisis, dealing with Afghan situation after Kabul fall, to maintain equilibrium relationship with KSA and Iran and lastly most importantly managing relationship with India.
Now, at first when it comes to US then it is well known that Pakistan is strategic ally of US since its birth, we have seen several era’s when tensions emerged in between the two countries, issues like WoT, Afghan invasion, NATO supply and OBL operation caused serious mistrust in between the two sides. Even in FATF review meeting US didn’t helped Pakistan to come out of the grey list. The aforementioned issues led Pakistan to overlook and rethink its dependence on US. Secondly, when it comes to Pakistan relations with Russia, then both countries did not enjoyed good diplomatic relations in past due to several reasons, but at present Pakistan is also looking towards Russia as well to fulfill its needs especially in energy sector. Recently PM IK visited Russia and discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in between the two countries. Critiques termed the timing of visit not worthy due to Russia-Ukraine conflict but counter argument is that Pakistan premiere visit to Russia was planned before the tensions emerged in between Russia and Ukraine. Pakistan gained from that visit both diplomatically and economically. At third I think it’s the US withdrawal from Afghanistan that cause Pakistan to rethink on its foreign policy because the way US troops left Afghanistan was not expected, due to which humanitarian crisis and security threats to region emerged. Pakistan is now solely on its own doing efforts to help Afghan refugees to overcome human catastrophe. Fourth factor is situation in Middle East and role of Pakistan especially when it comes to KSA-Iran tensions, Pakistan enjoys good relations with both countries but there is impression that Pakistan is more inclined towards KSA than Iran. Pakistan once again diplomatically tried to engage both countries on negotiations table and somehow remained successful. If both Iran and KSA remain calm and resolve their issues then it could be beneficial for the region and for Pakistan as well. Last issue which could be addressed in Pakistan foreign policy is its relations with India, as bitter relations of both countries have affected both countries, now Pakistan is urging India to resolve Kashmir issue so that our region could progress. If both countries start trade then it will have impact on region and its prosperity. As recently Pakistan announced it national security policy which clearly indicated that Pakistan is more focused towards economic gains rather than having armed conflict with India. I think, if the aforementioned issues will be addressed and tackled by Pakistan then it will be beneficial for Pakistan. So there is a transition in foreign policy of Pakistan which clearly says that look towards allies in east as well, rather than only relying on western countries
If Pakistan wants to realign its foreign policy then at first it needs to boost economy, as it is an important factor in modern era to build diplomatic relations with world by having a strong economy. One of examples is China which is implementing it by investing in different countries. In an increasingly multipolar world, Pakistan also needs to raise its diplomatic game by vigorous outreach to other key countries and actors beyond governments to secure its foreign policy goals.
Pakistan needs to proactively devise mechanisms to gear up with the transforming international political order. A foreign policy with an exemption of even one great power may lead the state back to the Cold War dynamics. Pakistan might end itself walking the tightrope between its geo-strategic interests with the US against its geo-economic interests with China. Pakistan’s future partnership with any of the great powers must not compromise its strategic autonomy. Pakistan’s foreign policy outlook on international forums has remained rather coherent since the new government has assumed office.
The writer is political and media analyst who regularly writes on international political issues. Feedback can be given at m.shoaib_khan@live.com
