1

Research Proposal

Pakistans Foreign
Policy
Pakistans Foreign Policy since 1999

Naba Anwer

Pakistans Foreign Policy from 1999

Foreign Policy can be defined as the process of dealing or the interaction of a state in world system is
called foreign policy. According to George Modelski the system of activities evolved by communities for
changing the behavior of other states for adjusting their own activities to the international environment is
called foreign policy.
Whilst according to Rdee Foreign policy involves the formulation and implementations of a group of
principles negotiating with other states to protect its interests.
The above definitions make it clear that foreign policy is the group of principles determined by the states.
These principles involve those interests which influence the behavior of the states, tending to establish
their relations to further and promote them.

Summary /Abstract
In this research the various internal and external variables that affects/affected Pakistans Foreign policy
shall be discussed and analyzed in detail. Furthermore, a look shall be taken on how Pakistans Foreign
policy has evolved, what are its preferences, the changing geopolitical environment , the significance of
Pakistan in the International order and the current challenges as well as opportunities that lay in waiting to
be realized. Pakistan should realize the changing of winds and adjust its future Foreign policies/relations
in accordance of Multi-polarity in the international/global world.

Main Question
1) What Foreign Polices has Pakistan developed and implemented after 1999?

Subsidiary Questions
1) Has the 9/11 incident significantly changed Pakistans Foreign policies and implementation? If
so, explain how.
2) Regarding which countries does Pakistan have favorable Foreign policies for and why?
3) Regarding which countries does Pakistan have unfavorable Foreign policies for and why?
4) Does Pakistan being an Islamic Republic have an impact on its subsequent Foreign Polices?
5) How have internal issues inside of Pakistan, such as drones, terrorism and political instability
affected Pakistans foreign policies?

Variables
Variables of Pakistans foreign policy:

Internal Factors
1). Size
2).Geography
3).The Cultural and Historical Traditions
4).Economic Developments
5). Advancement in technology
6). National capacity
7): Social Structure and ideology
8): Political Accountability and Public Opinion
9): Leadership
10). National Interests
11). Geopolitics

External Factors
1). Power structure
2). International Organizations
3). Reaction of other states

Methods
Research shall be done through the main use of secondary data and sources, such as pre-existing articles,
books, and internet. It will also include thorough analysis of the interviews given by the Pakistani
Officials about their changing stance on Foreign policy itself.

Bibliography
https://www.academia.edu/3653981/Variables_of_Pakistans_Foreign_Policy
https://www.academia.edu/6948559/Pakistans_Foreign_Policy_In_Post_American_World
http://www.dawn.com/news/659832/cover-story-focused-on-india-pakistans-foreign-policy
Explaining Pakistans Foreign Policy: Escaping India : By Aparna Pande

Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy can be defined as the process of dealing or the interaction of a state in world system is
called foreign policy.
According to George Modelski the system of activities evolved by communities for changing the
behavior of other states for adjusting their own activities to the international environment is called foreign
policy.
According to Rdee Foreign policy involves the formulation and implementations of a group of principles
negotiating with other states to protect its interests.
The above definitions make it clear that foreign policy is the group of principles determined by the states.
These principles involve those interests which influence the behavior of the states, tending to establish
their relations to further and promote them.

Four Theories of Foreign Policy

Innenpolitik assumes that foreign policy is a direct outgrowth of domestic politics. Issues such as
ideology, culture, and economics are oft-cited factors shaping states foreign policies. Rose criticizes
Innenpolitik theorists for failing to explain why similar states behave dissimilarly (and vice versa).
Offensive realists also termed aggressive realists posit a Hobbesian world wherein states seek to
maximize what little security they have. Foreign policy then consists of nervous states jockeying for
position within this anarchic framework. (149) According to Rose, offensive realism falls short because
states in similar structural positions often behave dissimilarly.
Defensive realists also conceive of the system as fundamentally anarchic, but the anarchy is more
innocuous. States can deal with most external threats through tweaks of the power balance; only in certain
fear-breeding situations or with irrational rogue states does international violence break out. Foreign
policy consists of (largely peaceable) reactions to systemic factors.
Neoclassical realists reject the assumption that states sole aim is security; instead, states attempt to use
their power to direct the international system towards their own goals and preferences. Therefore, states
that are more powerful will prosecute foreign policies that are more far-reaching. Unit level factors also
matter, though; factors such as state structure and lites psychology refract international politics and
determine responses.
Variables of Pakistans foreign policy
Variables of foreign policy mean those determinants and factors which influence the foreign policy of a
country. There are many factors which are regularly influencing Pakistans foreign policy. It is not
possible to discuss all of them here so we will discuss some of them here briefly. Broadly speaking, these
factors fall into two categories which are internal and external factors.

Internal Factors
Internal factors are those factors which compel any country to adopt certain foreign policy internally.
Some of these are given as follows.

Size
The size of a states territory as well as its population greatly influences its foreign policy. Pakistan has
neither a large territory like Russia and China nor very small like Israel and Bahrain. So it has not to deal
so much neighboring countries to set its policy. Pakistan has more than 160 million population but it has
little job opportunities so it is facing so many problems simultaneously. Therefore it is not in the position
to play an active role in international community.

Geography
The geography of a country including climate, fertility and location influence the countrys foreign policy.
Pakistan has a feasible climate so it is an agricultural country. It exports many cash crops so it has made
good relations with those countries which need these things. Pakistan has trade relations with 80
countries. Pakistan exports cotton, rice, wool, leather, fish, carpets, shoes, and tobacco, medicines and
sports items.

The Cultural and Historical Traditions

The cultural and historical traditions of a country also deeply influence the foreign policy.
Pakistan enjoys the common culture and historical experiences so it does not face any difficulty
to determine its foreign policy. Most of its population is Muslim so it has a clear cut policy that
Pakistan will favor the resistance movements in Palestine, Kashmir and other countries. There
are no two opinions about good relationships with Islamic world.

Economic Developments
The economic development has its greater impact on foreign policy of that country. Pakistan is not
among industrial countries of the world so its economy is weak. Therefore it is dependent upon World
Bank, Asian Development Bank, IMF and United States of America. These above mentioned institutions
and countries always interfere in internal matters of Pakistan which restricts it to make a free foreign
Policy. It has become frontline state in the so-called War against Terrorism due to the matter of economy.
Pakistan joined many pacts and alliances due to its weak economy. It is compelled to be silent against US
drone attacks because it is dependent upon US.

Advancement in technology
Advancement in technology, which affects military and economic capabilities of a state, also exercises
profound influence on foreign policy of that particular state. Pakistan has a strong and well equipped
military which has shown its capabilities in many international issues as UN Force. Pakistan is 7 th World
Atomic Power so its position is strong in the region. It can talk to India and other countries on equal level.
India used to threaten Pakistan before our Nuclear Test so our foreign policy about India was little bit
different than that is right now. Now we are able to answer any action from India against our national
interest.

National capacity
A national capacity of a state also exercises great influence on its foreign policy. National capacity
depends on military might, technological advancement and economic development. Our neighboring
friend China has increased its national capacity but we cannot increase it due to certain reasons. That is
why our foreign policy is not set according to national will. We could not solve Kashmir Issue even after
66 years of independence.

Social Structure and ideology

The social structure of a society also exercises profound influence on its foreign policy. A society which is
sharply divided on the basis of wealth, religion, ideology regional imbalances etc. cannot pursue effective
foreign policy on account of division and lack of co-operation among various groups. But Pakistan has
more or less homogeneous society possessing strong sense of national unity and similar ideology that is
why it is not difficult to our think tanks to set foreign policy. It is easier to them to take a decision as it is
possible to determine the common public opinion about any specific issue.

Political Accountability and Public Opinion

The nature of political accountability prevailing in a system also greatly influences the foreign policy of
the country. Pakistan has different types of regimes in history so the nature of public accountability has
also been different in different regimes. In democratic eras, the demands of citizen and groups are given
much importance and get articulated and transmitted to foreign policy formulators. Policy formulators
anticipated these demands while formulating the foreign policy. In military regimes, public reactions are
never given any importance in formulation of foreign policy. If these were given required importance,
Pakistan were not become a front line state in Afghan war.

Leadership
It also plays an important role in the shaping of countrys foreign policy. Pakistans politics is mainly
driven by our leaderships. From Quaid-e-Azam to Asif Ali Zardari, each important step about our fate is
taken by our leaders. Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan chose to join US-Camp in Cold War era which affected
Pakistan very much. Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto decided to make atom bomb and Mr. Nawaz Sharif decided
to explode it. These two positive steps of our leaders gave Pakistan an equal position to India in world
politics.

National Interests
It is one of the main determinants of foreign policy of any country. Our foreign policy is normally
changed by changing our national interests. We considered India as a threat when Kashmir dispute was at
its peak. Now we have normalized our relations and given MFN status to India due to our national
interests. That is why someone said that there is neither eternal friend nor eternal foe but eternal national
interests.

Geopolitics
Pakistans geopolitics has affected its foreign policy very much. It is located on the bank of Arabian Sea
so it was once the expected target of USSR in Cold War Era. This threat compelled Pakistan to help
Taliban to fight against USSR. USA has always much interest in Pakistan due to its geopolitical situation.

Iran is one of our neighbors who is an opponent of USA. But USA cannot take any action against Iran
without help of Pakistan. Pakistan will never allow any world power to use its soil against its eternal
friend.

External Factors
Power structure:
The power structure prevailing in the world politics also greatly influences the policy of a country. In
Cold War Era there was bi-polar system in the world so Pakistan opted US-Camp. It helped Pakistan to
protect its territory against any action of USSR. After Cold War Era, the world became uni-polar and USA
became the king of the world. Pakistan became an ally of USA and titled as non-NATO ally during
Afghan War. So its foreign policy was totally influenced by US-Policies.

International Organizations
The contemporary international organizations have the deep impact on the foreign policy of Pakistan.
While deciding about foreign policy, leaders have to keep in mind the international law, treaties and
contracts and the commitments international as well as regional organizations. The most influencing
organizations are The United Nations, International Monitory Fund (IMF), and The World Bank.

Reaction of other states

While formulating its foreign policy, Pakistan has to take note of the reaction of other states to its various
actions. If Pakistan tries to normalize its relation with Israel, it will face a strong apposition of Muslim
Countries. If it allows USA to land its military planes in Quetta, Iran will pressurize Pakistan to change its
policy

Guiding Principles of Pakistans Foreign Policy

Protection of freedom and sovereignty
Pakistan came into being after great sacrifices of millions of Muslims, like any other country, she also
considers with deep regard the need for preservation of its independence and does not allow any country
to harm its freedom .Therefore, the principle of protection of independence and sovereignty is the corner
stone of Pakistan's Foreign Policy

Cordial Relations with Muslim Countries:

Pakistan always tries to establish cordial and friendly relations with Muslim countries. It has always
moved its concern against Israel, India and U.S.S.R capturing Palestine, Kashmir and Afghanistan
respectively. She has shouldered high responsibilities and used her influence for safeguarding the rights of
the Muslims. Pakistan is also an active member of the Islamic Conference.

Non Interference in Internal Affairs of Other countries

Pakistan has sought to establish normal and friendly relations with all countries especially its

neighboring countries, on the basis of universally acknowledge the principle of national

sovereignty, on use of force, on-interference in the internal affairs of state.

Implementation of U.N Charter

Pakistan's policy is to act upon UN Charter and to support all moves by the UN to implement it. Pakistan
has been the member of UN since the year of its birth.

Promotion of World Peace

Pakistan policy is to promote peace among nations. It has no aggressive designs against any country.
Neither does it support any such action. Pakistan has always held that the international disputes should be
settled through negotiations rather than non-battlefield.

NON-ALIGNMENT:
Pakistan follows the policy of Non-Alignment that is to keep away from alignment with any big power
bloc and avoids taking sides in the cold war. It has also given up its association with SEATO and CENTO
and was included in NAM in 1979.

Support for Self-Determination and Condemnation of Racial

Discrimination
Pakistan is a staunch supporter of the right of self-determination and has been in the fore front of efforts
to eliminate colonialism. It has advocated the right of self-determination of Kashmir.
The guiding principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy are rooted in the country's Islamic ideology, its rich
cultural heritage and historical experience.
As an Islamic and non-aligned country, Pakistan supports Islamic values and firmly upholds the above
mentioned principles, which hold out the promotion of a just and unbiased world order in which nations
can live in peace and security.

Current Focusing Points

The major focus of Pakistan's foreign policy is security against external and internal challenges to its
national identity, territorial, integrity and independence. Another foreign policy interest is the cultivation
of close and brotherly relations with the Muslim states.
Pakistan highlights sovereign equality of states, bilateralism, mutuality of interests, and non-interference
in each other's domestic affairs as the cardinal features of its foreign policy.
Pakistan firmly believes that it has to work within the norms and institutions of the international system
but it supports their restructuring for bringing them in line with the realities currently obtaining in the
International system. It also identifies with the political and economic concerns of the developing
countries. Pakistan, therefore, maintains a strong faith in the principles enunciated in the United Nations

Charter and takes an active part in the deliberations of the UN and other International and regional
organizations.
Other leading foreign policy goals include support to the right of self-determination for the subjugated
nations, oppositions to colonialism, peaceful resolution of inter-state disputes, arms control and nuclear
non-proliferation, and promotion of peace and stability through international and regional cooperation.
Pakistan is the second largest Muslim country in terms of percentage of population (after Indonesia), and
its status as a declared nuclear power, being the only Islamic nation to have that status, plays a part in its
international role. It has a violent independent foreign policy, especially when it comes to issues such as
development of nuclear weapons, construction of nuclear reactors, foreign military purchases and other
issues that are vital to its national interests.
Pakistan has a strategic geo-political location at the corridor of world major maritime oil supply lines, and
has close proximity to the resource and oil rich central Asian countries.
Pakistan is an important member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a major non-NATO
ally of the war against terrorism, and has a highly disciplined military, which is the world's eighth-largest
standing military force.
Historically, Pakistan's foreign policy has encompassed difficult relations with the Republic of India;
especially on the core-issue of Kashmir, over which it has fought three wars.
However it has had long-standing close relations with its other neighbors Afghanistan, Iran and China,
extensive security and economic interests in the Persian Gulf and wide-ranging bilateral relations with the
United States and other Western countries. Due to intention of Soviet expansion, Pakistan has strong
relations with the People's Republic of China during much of the Cold War and good relations with the
United States of America. Today, the People's Republic of China remains Pakistan's closest ally.

Major Alliance
Pakistan has historically maintained brotherly and friendly relations with all the Arab and Muslim
countries under the banner of OIC. Apart from friendly relations with Muslim countries, China and USA
are also seen as major partners.

Major Rivalries
Pakistan and India have fought 3 wars in the past. The continuing dispute over the status of
Kashmir inflames opinion in both nations and makes friendly relations difficult.
Also, Pakistan and Israel maintain no diplomatic relations due to the Palestinian issue.

International Organization and Foreign Policy

Pakistan is an active member of the United Nations. It was a member of the CENTO and SEATO military
alliances. Its alliance with the United States was especially close after the Soviets invaded the
neighboring country of Afghanistan.
In 1964, Pakistan signed the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) Pact with Turkey and Iran,
when all three countries were closely allied with the U.S., and as neighbors of the Soviet Union, worried
about the expansion policy of USSR. To this day, Pakistan has a close relationship with Turkey. RCD
became obsolete after the Iranian Revolution, and a Pakistani-Turkish initiative led to the founding of the
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in 1985.

Pakistan is the leading member of the Coffee Club to oppose Indian membership in the United Nations
Security Council.
Pakistan began with an independent foreign policy in 1947. However, it tilted towards the West in a
period of 7 years due to serious economic and security pressures. It pursued independent to non-aligned
foreign policy from mid-60s to the end of the 1970s and assigned a great importance to its interaction
with the Muslim states and the issues and problems of the developing world.
It maintained a policy of close interaction in the security and economic fields with the West in general and
the U.S. in particular in the mid and late 1950s, the 1980s, and now since 2012.
It is currently an active player in the global efforts for combating religious extremism and terrorism with a
policy that extremism and terrorism pose serious threats to global security as well as to Pakistan's internal
peace, stability and economic development.
Pakistan has made some difficult decisions in pursuing counter terrorism and for ensuring peace and
stability in the immediate neighborhood in order to boost its image at the international level, restore
international confidence in the ability of the Pakistani state and government to put their socio-economic
house in order. And shape up as a democratically oriented, modern and enlightened Muslim state that
does not allow its territory to be used by extremist groups .

The quest for security has been at the heart of Pakistans foreign policy since independence. Pakistans
security environment derives its origins from the circumstances in which Pakistan was created. The
violence accompanying the portion leading to the emergence of the two independent states of Pakistan
and India generated hostility, which continues to afflict relations between the two countries mainly
because of the unresolved issue of Jammu and Kashmir. The issue is the source of continuing tensions and
conflict, and shaped the unstable and tense security environment in the region. The historical perspective
of Pakistans foreign policy falls in five broad phases. The first period covers the time from the UN
enforced cease-fire of 1949 to the 1965 war over Kashmir. During this period Pakistan allied itself with
the West by joining the Baghdad Pact and its successor, CENTO, and SEATO. The primary motivation
underlying our membership of these alliances had been the need to redress our defence vulnerability and
achieve a reasonable military equilibrium with India.
The second phase runs from 1965 to the 1971 crisis in East Pakistan. The 1965 war, which was sparked
by the Jammu and Kashmir issue, had led to a drastic reduction in economic and military assistance to
Pakistan. The increase in defense expenditure together with the decline in foreign assistance compounded
economic difficulties and aggravated political problems led by a sense of alienations in East Pakistan.
India played on this crisis and eventually imposed war on Pakistan. During the third phase from 1971 to
1989 Pakistan remained engaged in rebuilding itself and facing the challenge of the Soviet military
intervention in neighboring Afghanistan, which lasted for over a decade since 1979, and has spawned a
conflict that continues to ravage Afghanistan.
The fourth phase covers the period from 1990 to the nuclear tests of May 1998. Two important events
from the security perspective took place in 1990. USA clamped economic and military sanctions on
Pakistan under the prissier Amendment (which widened the conventional gap between India and
Pakistan). That same year the intensification of the freedom movement in occupied Kashmir. The last two
years, the current phase, have witnessed important developments in Pakistans foreign policy. These
includes prime Minister, Nawaz Sharifs initiative to resume bilateral dialogue with India soon after
taking office, the nuclear tests that radically altered the security environment of South Asia last year, the
security dialogue with the united States and the crisis in Kargil. These developments, together with the

continuing conflict in Afghanistan, represent the major preoccupations of our policy makers. Meanwhile,
trade and economy have acquired increasing importance in our foreign relations. The Nuclear Challenge
The India nuclear test in early May 1998 posed one of the gravest security challenges to Pakistan since its
independence. The Indian nuclear tests drastically altered the strategic balance. The hostile statements
made by important Indian leaders following thee tests verged on nuclear blackmail and underscored
dangers to Pakistan in Indias latest bid to establish its hegemony in the region. The Indian media also
started questioning the credibility of Pakistans nuclear capability. The Indian political analysts
commented that by testing India had called Pakistans bluff. This was a dangerous assertion, which
could lead to miscalculation and misadventure against Pakistan. In the wake of the Indian tests, Pakistan
undertook consultations especially with major powers. It was evident that in the absence Of a nuclear
umbrella, Pakistan was alone to face a nuclear India. It became imperative to discard the policy of nuclear
ambiguity. Demonstrate our nuclear capability and therefore restore the strategic balance in the interest of
peace and security in South Asia.
Pakistan consequently conducted nuclear test explosions on 38 and 30 May 1998,thus establishing
nuclear deterrence in the interest of its security and self-defense. It is important to distinguish between the
motivations of Pakistan and India in conducting nuclear tests. Since independence and until the first
nuclear tests by India in 1974, Pakistan did not seek the nuclear options for the non-nuclear weapons
states. India, however, challenged the nuclear paradigm of the day, betraying its own nuclear ambitions,
which became evident in 1974. Pakistan could no longer ignore the threat to its security. Therefore, it
started developing a nuclear program. At the same time, however, Pakistan took initiatives to keep South
Asia free of nuclear weapons. These initiatives were pursued for a quarter of a century at multilateral and
bilateral levels with India. The 1998 test by India however destroyed the prospects of keeping our region
free of nuclear weapons.
Following its tests Pakistan declared a unilateral moratorium on testing and its desire to prevent a nuclear
arms race in South Asia. During the Foreign Secretaries Level talks in October 1998, under the agenda
item for Peace and Security, Pakistan offered a Strategic Restraint Regime with India. This was based on
the concept of preventing a nuclear arms race by maintaining nuclear deterrence at the minimum levels
and desisting from introducing new and more destabilizing systems in the region. Pakistans offer for
nuclear restraint has yet to evoke a positive response from India. Indeed the portents are discouraging as
India shows every inclination to pursue an ambitious nuclear weapons and missile program. Clearly
Indias tests and its nuclear ambitions are status driven and impelled by its hegemonic ambitions. Our
tests were a response to our security needs. Pakistan does not pursue a policy of territorial
aggrandizement, nor is it prepared to accept the dominance and dictates of any power.
We desire stability and avoidance of conflict in our region. It is for that reasons that Pakistan considers
the sanctions imposed by the United States and other G-8 countries following the test as unjust and
unwarranted. The sanctions damaged Pakistans economic and security interests when they were imposed
in 1990 under the Pressler amendment. They were unjust then, as they are not now, nor do they serve to
promote the cause of either peace or non-proliferation in our region. Our point of view has gradually
come to be appreciated and there has been an easing of sanctions. The international financial institutions
have resumed tending to Pakistan. However, Pakistan continues to maintain that all sanctions must be
removed. Kashmir, Kargil and Normalization with India the nuclear dimension has added to the dangers
that the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute poses to peace and stability in South Asia. Kashmir
has been the root cause of conflict and tension in the region, now it has become a nuclear flash point. The
world recognizes the dangerous nature of the Kashmir dispute.
The UN Security Council deliberating on the nuclear tests in South Asia, acknowledged, in its resolution
1172, Kashmir as the root cause of tension in South Asia. Conscious of its centrality to peace and security
in South Asia, soon after assuming office, the former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif offered a dialogue to

India to address the Kashmir issue. India first agreed on a mechanism for an integrated dialogue in June
1997, but later it reneged on its commitment. Pakistans perseverance in search of a serious dialogue with
India led to the visit of Prime Minister Vajpayee to Lahore where the two sides agreed to intensify their
efforts to resolve their outstanding differences including Kashmir remained stalled. Meanwhile, the
struggle of the Kashmiri freedom fighters which has been continuing for over a decade assumed a new
intensity as they moved their operation to the Kargil sector, capturing Kargil heights and threatening the
Srinager-Leh road. India reacted violently and made large-scale military deployment to lodge the freedom
fighters. India also mobilized its Air Force and heated up the entire Line of Control. Two Indian Mig
aircraft were shot down on the Pakistan side of LoC in late May escalating matters further. The Indian
leadership, with its eyes on the forthcoming Indian elections, whipped up war hysteria among the Indian
population against Pakistan. This led to a highly dangerous situation in a nuclear environment. While
Pakistan pursued peace initiatives, India persisted in its intransigence and ware mongering. The Kargil
crisis also focused international attention on Kashmir. At the same time there was considerable
international anxiety over the prospect of a wider conflict between the two nuclear capable states. The
Kargil crisis ended following hectic diplomatic activity, which culminated in a meeting between the then
Prime Minister, and President Clinton on 4 July 1999.
The Prime Minister appealed to the freedom fighters to vacate the Kargil heights to give negotiations and
the peace process a chance. As part of the Washington agreement President Clinton gave an assurance of
his personal interest in the resumption and intensification of efforts for resolving all issues including
Kashmir. Thus Pakistan succeeded in engaging the US President in an unprecedented commitment aimed
at facilitating a settlement of the Kashmir issue. The long standing Kashmir issue represents a challenge
to the international community both in its political and human rights dimensions. Politically, it is a
nuclear flash point.
Also, unless Kashmir is resolved, Kargil, like situations will reoccur and the security climate will
continue to deteriorate. It is also a major obstacle in the path of the two countries devoting all their
energies to socio economic development and wellbeing of their people. Kashmir is witness to the gravest
human rights violation at the hands of over 700,000 security forces stationed in Indian occupied Kashmir.
This is the largest military concentration anywhere in the world. The Kashmiri people are facing brutal
repression on a daily basis. In the last ten years, more than 65,000 Kashmiris have been martyred and
over 90,000 are missing. Hundreds of villages and thousands of houses have been destroyed and burned
down. International Amnesty and Human Rights Watch and other reputable international humanitarian
organizations have documented these human rights violations.
The international community has to take a strong notice of this situation specially now that we are living
in the world where individual human rights are also a matter of international concern. Pakistan believes
that the international community, in particular the United Nations and the major powers, have an
important role to play in persuading India to stop its repression against the Kashmiris and respect human
rights, and to engage in a meaningful and productive dialogue with Pakistan to resolve this dispute.
Pakistan has proposed several confidence-building measures to address the human rights situation in
Kashmir. First and foremost, the international community should ask India to thin out its military
presence observers and human rights and media representatives to the Kashmir valley. At the political
level, Pakistan is agreeable to international mediation and engagement for a result-oriented dialogue with
India. Pakistan has also requested the UN Secretary General to appoint his representative to address the
issue. Kashmir is an obstacle both to peace in South Asia and normalization of relations with India.
Progress towards the resolution of the Kashmir issue will have its dividends in improvement of relations
between the two countries in a variety of areas including trade.
In June 1997, Pakistan and India had agreed to identify all the outstanding issues in a structured and
focused dialogue. They agreed to set up a mechanism of eight separate, working groups at the Secretaries

level to address; Peace and security including confidence building measures, Jammu and Kashmir,
Siachen, Wuller Barage project/Tulbul navigation project, Sir Creek, Terrorism and drug trafficking,
Economic and commercial cooperation, and Promotion of friendly exchanges in various fields. The
subsequent Lahore Declaration generated hope for progress. However, the dialogue has since remained
stalled. Apart from commitment by both sides to intensify their efforts to resolve all issues, including the
core issue of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lahore Declaration and accompanying Memorandum of
Understanding addressed the issues of peace and security in a nuclearized South Asia. This included
CBMs for early warning in respect of missile tests, notification in case of accidental, unauthorized or
unexplained incidents that could minimize unclear risks. These measures are necessary to avoid the risk
of a conflict between the two nuclear capable neighbors. Pakistan is also ready to reach understanding for
nuclear and missile restraints. It has already proposed a strategic restraint regime to prevent nuclear arms
in the region. However, past experience demonstrates that normalization of relations between the two
countries will append on progress towards the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The shooting down by Indian military aircraft of an unarmed Pakistan Navy aircraft, inside Pakistani
airspace on 10 August 1999, killing 16 naval personnel, further complicated the situation in the region.
Pakistan lodged a strong protest with the Government of India, over the violation of its airspace as well as
of the bilateral agreement on the Prevention of Airspace Violations of 6 April 1991. Pakistan also claimed
compensation for the loss of life and aircraft. Afghanistan Conflict and Opening with Central Asia The
conflict in Afghanistan has also been a continuing source of concern to us.
Pakistan has suffered more than any other country from the continuation of the conflict there. For us, vital
security interests are linked to stability on our western and northern borders. We therefore seek peace,
stability and national reconciliation in Afghanistan. This will open new opportunities in our economic and
commercial relations with the Central Asian States. At present the conflict in Afghanistan stands in the
way of developing these ties. So far, however, all efforts for a peaceful settlement have been thwarted by
factional and ethnic rivalries, and outside interests exploiting intra-Afghan differences. In pursuit of the
peace process in Afghanistan, Pakistan has employed a multi-pronged strategy including the active use of
shuttle diplomacy, joint missions and close liaison with the Central Asian States, the UN and the OIC. We
would like to see the installation of a multi-ethnic government in accordance with the wishes of the
Afghan people, and have accordingly maintained contact with parties on both sides of the political divide
in Afghanistan.
When natural disaster struck in Afghanistan in areas held by the Northern Alliance, we were the first to
provide humanitarian assistance. It was due to Pakistans efforts that the Afghan parties met in a steering
committee in April-May 1998 in Islamabad work out the modalities of convening an Ulema Commission
to devise a solution to Afghanistans problems in accordance with Sharia. A near breakthrough was
achieved, when the process was derailed by the Hizb-e-Wahdat of the Northern Alliance. Pakistans
diplomatic efforts intensified in the latter half of 1998 (after the fall of Mazar-I-Sharif to the Taliban)
when the former Minister of State and senior officials paid two rounds of visits to the Central Asian
States. Between then and now the Foreign Ministers of all the Central Asian States have visited Islamabad
in connection with Afghanistan. During this period,
Pakistan also coordinated closely with neighboring Iran with which it launched a joint mission to
promote an Afghan peace process in June - July 1998. The killing of diplomatic and other personnel at
Irans Mission in Mazar-I-Sharif precipitated a grave crisis late last summer with the amassing of critical
role in defusing the situation through the dispatch of special envoys, including the former Foreign
Minister and the former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to Tehran, and a fruitful meeting between
the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Khatami at the United Nations last September. The
two leaders decided that regular contacts between senior officials would promote understanding and
improve relations further. The Foreign Secretary accordingly visited Tehran in the first week of January

1999 for bilateral consultations with his Iranian counterpart, during his visit he was also received by the
Foreign Minister and the President. The first regional meeting of the six plus two (Pakistan, Iran, China,
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the United States and Russia) was held in Tashkent on 19- 20 July,
1998 providing an opportunity for the representatives of Taliban and the United Front to sit together at the
negotiating table.
The Tashkent talks were important for bringing the two sides together on the same platform, and for
keeping the 6 + 2 process alive. Pakistan remains committed to working with the UN, the OIC,
Afghanistans neighbors, and the Afghan parties to restore and promote peace in the war-tom country.
Pakistan aims to revive historical and cultural ties with the people of the newly independent Republics in
Central Asia, (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan) and to
develop mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with them. We have been collaborating with
them in the areas of transit routes, credit facilities, and establishment of gas and oil pipelines, technical
assistance programs, and banking. The restoration of peace in Afghanistan will allow the potential for
such collaboration to take off. Relations with Islamic Countries Pakistan attach a special value to its
relations with Islamic countries and is committed unreservedly to all Muslim causes and the strengthening
of cooperation among Islamic countries. This has been an unshakeable pillar of our foreign policy.
Pakistan has earned the esteem of the Islamic world for its consistent and effective advocacy of Muslim
causes, especially at the United Nations.
This year, Pakistan was the driving force behind the meeting in Geneva of OIC Foreign Ministers, on
Kosovo. The then Prime Minister paid a visit to a Kosovar refugee camp in Albania as an expression of
solidarity. The Islamic world stretches from the Far East Morocco in the West and provides Pakistan with
special bonds that stretch half way across the globe and across cultures. The support of the Ummah has
contributed to our success in having our resolutions adopted at the UN, and in elections to various UN
bodies. To celebrate the fiftieth year of its independence, Pakistan hosted an Extraordinary Session of the
OIC Summit on 23 March 1997. The meeting was attended by all Member States of the OIC. Twentyeight Presidents, Crown Princes, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers, as well as
the Special Envoys of monarchs were present. Twenty-one countries were represented by their Foreign
Ministers. For the first time, a member of the delegation representing the Kashmiri people was given an
opportunity to address the plenary session. The Summit marked the solidarity of the Ummah with the
people and Government of Pakistan.
The Islamic countries have extended consistent support to us on Kashmir. Pakistan is satisfied with the
outcome of the OIC Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) held in Burkina Faso in Jue 1999. Our
position emphasizing recourse to dialogue and negotiations was forcefully endorsed by the ICFM. The
Conference reaffirmed the right to self-determination of the people of Kashmir and decided to appoint a
special envoy on Kashmir. The support that we received from the Islamic countries during the Kargil
crisis was a further source of satisfaction to us. The special relations that Pakistan maintains with the
countries of the Middle East have a historical, cultural, religious, strategic and economic basis. The
relations are numbered by mutual trust and confidence that have stood the test of time. Over the years
Pakistan and the Gulf states have shown marked awareness of each other security concerns. This has been
a continuing process, unaffected by changes of government or other factors in the international
environment.
Pakistans support for Arab causes, beginning with the decolonization process in the Middle East and
North Africa and our continuing commitment to Palestinian self-determination, rooted in our national
ethos, and dates back to Pakistans own creation. Similarly the Arab states have shown understanding and
support for our position on Kashmir. The reaction of Arab Governments to the nuclear-ization of South
Asia and the recent crisis along the Line of Control in Kashmir reinforced the shared perceptions and
commonality of interests that we have with them. Soon after the Indian tests in May 1998 several Arab

states sent their special envoys to Pakistan as an expression of solidarity. When Pakistan faced sanctions
after its own tests, many Islamic countries extended economic support to Pakistan. During the Kargil
crisis, the GCC states renewed their call for the UN to take up its role to solve the dispute in accordance
with the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Pakistans principled stand on the Gulf crisis has won it respect
and credibility.
Pakistan has consistently declared its opposition to the use of force in the Gulf as this has a negative
impact on the regions stability, Pakistan instead advocates a diplomatic solution, and retains the hope that
the international community will take steps to alleviate the sufferings of the Iraqi people. High level
bilateral exchanges during the period under review have been plentiful; the emphasis has been on trade
and economic issues. Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Bin Adbdul Aziz of Saudi
Arabia visited Pakistan last October as part of a tour of eight important countries, the highest-level visit
from Saudi Arabia in fourteen years. Prince Sultan, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister
of Saudi Arabia visited Pakistan this year, as did the Amir of Qatar and the Vice President of Yemen.
Yasser Arafat, President of Palestine has visited Pakistan twice in the last two years. Pakistan also has an
active program of educational, cultural and technical assistance for students from Palestine and the Gulf
region. The historic, cultural and religious ties Pakistan has with Iran and Turkey have been reinforced by
their partnership first in the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) and now in the Economic
Cooperation Organization (ECO). Iran is an important strategic neighbour of Pakistan and a partner in
regional peace and security, maintaining close ties with Iran is a major element of our foreign policy.
Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkey remain close and fratemal.
The President of Turkey visited Pakistan for the inauguration of the construction by a Turkish company
of the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway, while the President of Pakistan visited Turkey in October 1998 to
attend the celebrations in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic.
Relations with Major Powers and Regional Blocs Pakistan are committed to the continuous development
of beneficial and strong ties with all major powers. Our friendly cooperation with China is exemplary.
Our ties with the United States have a long history of cooperation, which need to be reinforced in the new
post-cold war situation. The transformed global environment must also define and strengthen our relations
with Russia. The European Union and Far East and South East Asia are emerging as new economic power
centers and major partners of Pakistan in trade, economic and technological cooperation. Our foreign
policy is designed to integrate Pakistan into the new global dispensation where trade, economic and
technological development and the information revolution have assumed primacy. Relations with China
continue to be one of the pillars of our foreign policy. The breadth of this all weather relationship is
exemplified by the numerous contacts at all levels and in all spheres. Pakistan and China have
traditionally extended support to each other on matters of concern to them whether it is Kashmir, Taiwan
or human rights. From the security perspective our foreign policy is aimed at further promoting and
strengthening our traditional, close and cooperative relations with China.
The countries share perceptions on the international situation and our common reading of global strategic
trends reinforces co-ordination and cooperation between Pakistan and China. China is the only major
power that shares our concerns regarding Indias regional ambitions. China adopted a principled position
on the South Asian nuclear tests expressing grave concern over Indias tests, and understanding for
Pakistans, in the circumstances, Pakistan is fully supportive of Chinas advocacy of a multi-polar world.
We share Chinas belief in the need for a just and equitable international economic order and reform of
the international financial system. Pakistan lays considerable premium on its relations with the countries
in East and South East Asia. Japan has been the largest bilateral donor to Pakistan and a major trade
partner. Japan reacted negatively to our nuclear tests and also imposed economic sanctions. Pakistan and
Japan are engaged in a dialogue on security matters and export control regimes, which has considerably
allayed Japanese concerns.

The former Foreign Ministers visit to Japan late in 1998 created a better understanding of our security
concerns and compulsions. Although the economic meltdown in South East Asia and difficulties faced by
Pakistan in the aftermath of the nuclearization of South Asia, did have a negative impact, we continue to
make consistent efforts to strengthen our political and economic links with the ASEAN countries. Our
Look East policy remains an important aspect of our foreign policy. Pakistan enjoys sectorial dialogue
partnership with ASEAN in several key areas and is looking forward to becoming a full dialogue partner.
The ASEAN-Pakistan joint Sectorial Cooperation Committee was established in the recent past to
institutionalize interaction with ASEAN. Pakistans relations with United States suffered a setback
following our nuclear tests but improved after the former Prime Minster?s meeting with President Clinton
in Washington in December 1998. As a consequence of this visit, the economic sanctions imposed by the
US after the nuclear tests were eased, and the international financial institutions resumed their lending
programs for Pakistan.
The visit also led to a better appreciation of our legitimate security concerns. A notable achievement was
the amicable resolution of the f-16?s issue. From the perspective of regional peace in South Asia,
President Clinton acknowledged the need for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute and expressed his
willingness to play a role in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan. After our nuclear tests, the US
and Pakistan (and the US and India) embarked on a dialogue focused on nuclear related and security
issues. Specifically it pertains to nuclear and non-proliferation benchmarks namely CTBT, the fissile
material convention, nuclear and missile restraint and export controls. The fifth Benchmark is security
related and refers to dialogue between Pakistan and India and the resolution of all disputes including
Kashmir. The dialogue on the nuclear-related issues is a continuing process. On CTBT Pakistans position
was authoritatively stated by the Prime Minister in his address to the 53rd Session of the UN General
Assembly in September 1998. Pakistan has no objection in principle to the treaty, for which it voted at the
UN General Assembly in 1996. However, it is necessary to remove the coercive atmosphere caused by the
sanctions before Pakistan can adhere to the treaty. On FMC Pakistan is participating in the negotiations
for a convention at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.
The negotiations on the question of existing stock piles are a special concern for Pakistan. On nuclear and
missile restraints Pakistan has already processed to India a strategic regime with a view to maintaining
nuclear deterrence at the minimum level. Pakistan is clear that any restraints will have to be mutual with
India. Our assurances to the world on the export of sensitive technologies have always been categorical.
Pakistan attaches great importance to its cooperation with the members of the G-8 and the European
Union, with which it enjoys close and cordial relations. Mindful of the inherent strength of Europe and to
take advantage of its new strategy towards Asia, Pakistan has endeavored to intensify relations with major
European countries and increase our interaction with the European Union. Participation in International
and Regional Organizations Pakistan has always played an active and constructive role in accordance
with its commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations. The stature that Pakistan
enjoys as a champion of the developing countries and the Islamic world is manifested by its consistent
success in elections to various UN bodies. During 1998 Pakistan was elected to the Committee on the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Non-governmental Organizations Committee. The commission
on Human Rights, the UNICEF Executive Board, the Commission on Human Settlements, the Intergovernmental Working Groups on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting, and the Advisory
Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. During the period under review Pakistan ratified
the international Convention on Nuclear Safety on 30th September 1997, and the Chemical Weapons
Convention a month later.
This year Pakistan ratified Amended Protocol 11 of the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention,
which regulates the use of landmines. Pakistan has been elected to two consecutive terms from 1998 to
2002, on the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. It was
elected to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency in September 1997, for a

two years term. The issue of reform and the expansion of UN Security Council have far reaching
implications for the global political order. Pakistan and a group of like-minded countries were successful
in moving a resolution adopted by consensus in the General Assembly at is 53rd session, which calls for
the support of two thirds of the UN membership for any decision relating to the expansion and reform of
the Security Council. Pakistan remains committed to evolving a credible formula on this matter, which
enjoys the general agreement of the UN membership. Pakistan is an active member of the Non-aligned
Movement, which represents the voice and political and economic interest, of the developing world. At
this NAM forum, Pakistan has helped the evolution of consensus on important disarmament and arms
control issues and the United Nations reform process.
Pakistan is member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the
Economic cooperation Organization (ECO), SAARC provides useful framework to its seven member
states (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan) collectively to promote
peace, stability, Cooperation, and progress in South Asia. At all SAARAC gathering, Pakistan has
advocated its conviction that a peaceful and secure environment in the region is indispensable for the
promotion of economic development, progress and Prosperity. Pakistan believes that SAARC would
receive a tremendous boost were the underlying causes of tension removed. At the 10th SAARC Summit
in Colombo in July 1998, Pakistan launched a Peace, Security and Development Initiative, which
essentially underscore the need for promoting a regional process on security and cooperation.
The concepts underlying the proposals are reflected in the Summit deceleration. Pakistan, Iran and Turkey
are the founding members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the successor organization
of the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD). ECO has played an important role in the
strengthening and promotion of multi-dimensional cooperation and sustained socioeconomic growth
among the member states. The other members are Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyza Republic,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Besides strengthening the centuries old ties that
exist between the people of these countries ECO is intended to build infrastructural links, and promote
business exchanges and economic development. In terms of infrastructure the ECO is focusing on the
development of a modern transport and communications system, a network of gas and oil pipeline and
interconnection of power grids within the region. Pakistan?s interest in ECO reflects its belief in regional
cooperative arrangements, which foster regional development and economic progress and prosperity
through collective endeavors.
We aspire to make ECO an effective instrument of regional cooperation serving the needs of 340 million
people in the ten member states spread over an area of over 7 million square kilometers. Globalization
and Economic Development The end of the cold war signified the beginning of a new year in
international relations in which the political and economic ideologies of the market economy gained
ascendancy. Liberalization, privatization and monetary-fiscal discipline were promoted as a panacea for
developing and developed countries alike. For a time globalization promised the spread of global
prosperity. However, in some cases globalization prejudiced the economic growth of the countries. The
East Asian crisis raised questions about the wisdom of rapid financial and trade liberalization and the
social implications of globalization, particularly in the absence of sound macro-economic policies and
regulatory mechanism. The social and economic impact of globalization calls for a coherent approach to
be adopted by the world community.
An impetus must be given to economic growth in all parts of the world, and this growth must then be
sustained. Conditionality of the international financial instructions must not ignore the ground realities.
Protectionism is incompatible with free trade policies and the global markets, particularly of the
developed economies, must be kept open and new protectionism disguised as environmental concerns or
labor standards, must be resisted. The debt burden which hinders the growth and development of a large
number of countries must be addressed. These are the objectives that Pakistan has been promoting in the

international forums, particularly the World Trade Organization, and in our negotiations with regional
organizations such as European Union.
The driving force behind the economic and commercial policies devised by the government is to bring in
foreign direct investment and diversify and enhance our export base. We are working to integrate
ourselves in the regional and multi-lateral economic forums, so as to benefit from being part of larger
economic zones. With a view to realizing our broader economic objectives through greater equity in the
international economic system. Pakistan has been actively co-coordinating with the developing countries
to present untied front in negotiations at the World Trade Organization. The developing countries need to
take the initiative to place their own proposals on the WTO agenda, and suggest improvements in WTO
procedures and mechanisms. What is required today is the realization that there is unity in the efforts of
the South And the North for economic and social development. Globalization must also be given a human
face to ensure that its opportunities and benefits can be shared by all under a new concept of global
community where all human beings entitled to? Life of dignity? And to the right? To development.?
Security? Military and economic? Are the fundamental concerns of todays Pakistan recognizes that a
strong economy is indispensable for the promotion of its national objectives. This consideration
dominates the new priorities of our foreign policy in todays world. Pakistans missions abroad are
Adjusting to this new reality, and developing a fresh orientation towards the promotion of the nations
interests in the economic, commercial and Technological fields.
Over the recent past, concerted efforts have been made by the foreign Ministry to facilitate this objective
through the exchange of information by Electronic means. As a first step the Foreign Ministry established
direct contact with the Chambers of Commerce, the Privatization Commission, the Export Promotion
Bureau and other organizations dealing with financial and economic matters. Secondly, the Missions
abroad have been brought just one step below he e-commerce level. Today almost sixty missions are
equipped with e-mail. Some have set up web sites, and the others have been advised to set up home
pages. Another important responsibility of Pakistanis Missions abroad is the welfare of overseas
Pakistanis. Overseas Pakistanis constitute an important instrument for achieving our economic and other
objectives; they can play an important role in projecting Pakistans image abroad, encouraging foreign
investment through their own investment in Pakistan, and in lobbying on behalf of their country,
particularly in the Western democracies. Promoting a better understanding and knowledge abroad of
Pakistan, and promoting progress and prosperity of its people through trade and development continues to
be a major preoccupation of Pakistans foreign policy.

Evolution of Pakistans Foreign Policy

Pakistan began with an independent foreign policy in 1947. Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali
Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan and its first Governor-General, gave two special talks on radio to
introduce Pakistan to the people of the United States and Australia, which is the quintessential expression
of Pakistan's foreign policy.
Pakistan joined the United Nations on 30 September 1947, as a new member and stayed in the
Commonwealth. Its leadership established contacts with other states, emphasizing friendship with all,
promotion of peace and harmony, support for liberation of the colonized people, and a strict observance of
the principles of international conduct as enshrined in the
UN Charter.
However, it tilted towards the West in a period of 7 years due to serious economic and security
pressures3. It maintained a policy of close interaction in the security and economic fields with the West in
general and the U.S. in particular in the mid and late 1950s, the 1980s, and now since September 2001. It

pursued independent to non-aligned foreign policy from mid-60s to the end of the 1970s and assigned a
great importance to its interaction with the Muslim states and the issues and problems of the developing
world.
Pakistan is currently an active player in the global efforts for combating religious extremism and
terrorism with a policy that these pose serious threats to global security as well as to Pakistan's internal
peace, stability and economic development. Pakistan has made some difficult decisions in pursuing
counter terrorism and for ensuring peace and stability in the immediate neighborhood, in order to boost its
image at the international level, restore international confidence in the ability of the Pakistani state and
government to put their socioeconomic house in order, and shape up as a democratically oriented, modern
and enlightened Muslim polity that does not allow its territory to be used by extremist groups.

Pakistans Foreign Policy Preferences

Pakistan recognizes that it is neither possible nor advisable to stay in isolation in the present day
interdependent and complex international system. It needs to interact with other states, international and
regional organizations and supranational actors in order to protect and promote its national interests and
sovereign identity.
The major focus of Pakistan's foreign policy is security against external and internal challenges to its
national identity, territorial integrity and independence. Pakistan's goals have remained more or less
constant, although their scope was often redefined and new dimensions were added to them. The
diplomatic and military strategies to pursue these goals varied over time. The changes in the strategies are
understandable because a host of factors influence the foreign policy choices of a country, which include
the dynamics of regional and international situation, the availability of human and material resources and
the disposition and priorities of the policy makers. As these change over time, foreign policy must also
change in its approach to bilateral, regional and global issues and problems .

Changing Geopolitical Environment

The dynamic nature of geo-political environment is in transition. Review of the scenario dictates that
along with US, China and India are progressing rapidly on the ladders of international power stature
whereas Brazil and Russia are also rising slowly. For EU to become a major pole in the coming order, it
will need a more coherent approach and a more integrated strategy. Among the Muslim world, Turkey is
the emerging Muslim power of the 21st century4. We are now in a new, fast-evolving multipolar world.
By 2025, six emerging economies - Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Russia - will
collectively account for about one-half of global growth5. For now, the US dollar remains the most
important international currency. In Global Development Horizons 20116, the World Bank presents what
it believes to be the most probable global currency scenario in 2025, a multicurrency arrangement
centered on the dollar, euro, and renminbi (Chinese Yuan).
The world economy is on the verge of a transformative change - the transition to a Post American and
multipolar world economic order.It is changing. It is becoming increasingly multipolar with the
emergence of China, India, Brazil, and with the resurgence of Russia forming the so-called BRIC8. The
world is also becoming increasingly interdependent, not only economically as recently illustrated with
the US financial crisis turning into a global economic crisis, but also regarding the threats and challenges
modern societies face, such as terrorism, climate change, and poverty and energy scarcity.
This multipolarity in the age of interdependence, or interpolarity9 as Giovanni Grevi names it, will most
likely shape the 21st century. In this milieu, American efforts are to retain its unipolarity to a stage where

the emerging competitors and challengers are moving to a position of asserting their influence. This is
likely to result in geo-economic, geo-political and geostrategic changes, realignments and re-assertions, in
certain regions, which are likely to play important roles.

Significance of Pakistan in International Order

Historian Paul Kennedy named Pakistan as one of the nine pivotal states whose future evolution would
not only determine the fate of their region, but also affect international stability. He maintains in his
article in the Foreign Affairs Quarterly that "progress by a pivotal state such as Pakistan would help not
only the region but also promote US interests in trade and in investment".
The Renminbi (RMB, sign: ; code: CNY; also CN) means "People's Currency, is the official currency
of People's Republic of China. Renminbi is legal tender in mainland China, but not in Hong Kong or

Macau. It is issued by the People's Bank of China, the monetary authority of China.
8 BRIC acronym and concept was coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs analyst James ONeill in order to
encourage investment in emerging economies, without any idea that his concept would turn into a real
diplomatic forum almost eight years later. On 16 June 2009, the heads of state of the four BRIC countries
(Brazil, Russia, India and China) held their first official summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia, at the end of
which they claimed a more democratic and just multipolar world order.
9 Based on a diagnosis of current developments, Giovanni Grevi argues that many factors point to the
emergence of an interpolar world. Interpolarity can be defined as multipolarity in the age of
interdependence. The redistribution of power at the global level, leading to a multipolar international
system, and deepening interdependence is the two basic dimensions of the transition away from the postCold War world. See Giovanni Grevi, The Interpolar World: A New Scenario.
Similarly, in late 2005, Goldman Sachs introduced the concept of the Next Eleven (N-11)12.
Its purpose was to identify those countries that could potentially have a BRIC-like impact in rivaling the
G7, and Pakistan is one of these countries. The N-11 weight in the global economy and global trade has
been slowly increasing, with a contribution to global growth of around 9% over the last few years.
South Asian Security Analyst Stephen P Cohn13 said While history has been unkind towards
Pakistan, its geography has been its greatest benefit. Pakistan is located in a region which has great
political, economic and security significance. The region has been hub of activities of great powers for
decades. Historically, it has witnessed intervention of three great powers including Britain, Ex USSR, and
USA. Pakistan therefore sits at the crossroads of strategic interests of major world powers an unenviable
predicament or an enviable opportunity.
Other than that, Pakistan has at least six different regional clusters14 of countries that represent huge
opportunities. These include Afghanistan and Central Asia; Iran and the
Middle East; the East African coastline; SAARC countries to the east; the ASEAN countries in the east
Indian Ocean region; and China to northeast. There is a need to develop a strategy of engagement with
each of these sub-regions to maximize mutual economic and commercial benefits. Pakistans security and
prosperity in the future therefore depends in a large way on how it exploits this geo-political tangle vis-vis these major contenders and different regional clusters. It is here that Pakistans ability to generate a
cooperative response from the great powers would be tested.
Pakistan has developed as a principal actor and a vital personality of its own. Now it is supposed to secure
and protect its all vital interests at all cost. Pakistan should demonstrate and follow an independent and
principled foreign policy in the pursuit of its national interests. In the current phase of rapidly globalizing
world, Pakistans foreign policy needs a fresh look drastically. The policy has to be adjusted over the
coming years in a manner best suited to secure our interest.

Challenges for Pakistan

To maintain the geo-political status-quo, major US concerns are likely to remain focused on
Asia. These include containment of emerging China, sustaining support for a countervailing India, a
resurgent Russia and a concerned Muslim world attempting to redefine its place in the world polity. While
US led efforts aimed at containment of Russia are stabilizing almost along the original Russian borders in
Europe, endeavors to curtail her expansion towards the south and limit Russian and Chinese influence in
Eurasian hinterland are underway.
Pakistan may not and should not become a party to any of the big powers and use its influence to generate
a cooperative and all-supportive environment for future stability of the region. Pakistans decision makers
must appreciate the strength Pakistan has placed itself in, despite the impediments and must not lose this
strategic advantage. The success of Pakistani grand strategy depends upon its ability to manipulate corelation of contending powers to its own advantage.

Opportunities for Pakistan

Any challenge can be turned into opportunity provided suitable response is generated based on natural
and acquired strengths. Pakistan has all the natural strengths needed to make it a strong and progressive
country. These include a large and industrious nation with a rich cultural and historical heritage, a large
and fertile land mass, large fresh water rivers and lakes17, multiple agro-climatic zones, large mineral
resources and substantive fossil fuel deposits and important geo-strategic location.
In addition, Pakistan has also acquired strengths, which give it further advantages. These include a large
skilled work force comprising excellent scientists, engineers, doctors, technicians, educationists, bankers
and businessmen, a potentially invigorating and unifying national ideology based on Islam, a large and
veteran military equipped with modern weaponry, indigenously developed nuclear capability and a strong
and experienced bureaucratic system capable of providing a strong framework for the state structures.
Pakistani nation possesses most important trait of resilience18 which was clearly evident in1965 War,
Earthquake of 2005, floods 2010 and 2011and Swat IDP crises.
Although Pakistan has been blessed with natural and acquired strengths in abundance, its image has been
deteriorating into misgoverned and failed states. Goldman Sachs argued that, since Brazil, Russia, India
and China are developing rapidly, by 2050 their combined economies could eclipse the combined
economies of the current richest countries of the world. The name BRIC was given to this group of
countries and it began splashing on every piece of publication ensuring the presence and emerging
strengths of the respective countries.
It helped build investor confidence in these economies.
In fact, Af-Pak, Islamic bomb and failed state are all marketing buzz words used to brand
Pakistan. Pakistan was unable to cash on the N-11. With time, it was clarified that the N-11may never be
as big as BRIC, but they will emerge nonetheless. May be this is not as exciting, but there is a need to
pursue the thought in any case. Pakistan is one of the biggest users of the Internet and mobile phones in
the world. Access from China to warm waters; from Central Asian countries to the most densely
populated democracy in the world, we have it all. Moreover, an overflowing supply of young population.
These are signs investors over the world look for. There is a need to exploit the inherent and acquired
strengths of Pakistan.
Simon Anholt, an expert in nation branding said that Places can only change their images by changing
the way they behave

Realization of Changing Winds

Fortunately, Pakistani authorities are cognizant of the changing world scenario. A seminar was also held
on the topic The Contemporary Environment: Is a New Cold War in the making at National Defense
University Islamabad 28 May 2009. The findings of the seminar were (1) Unipolarity is already declining.
The US may be a dominant power in the Future but with reduced muscles in the wake of emerging
economic entities. (2) There is an unprecedented transfer of the economic power from west to the rest of
the emerging influential blocs (EU, Russia and China). Consequently, this flow of wealth also brings
change in their military prowess; these transformations are directed towards big shift in international
political system. (3) The direction of Pakistans policies must be in consonance with evolving global
realities in the next decade. It would be unwise to continue putting all eggs in one basket. (4) A muchneeded diversification in Pakistans posture should be adequately depicted in the quality and depth of
relationship with EU, Russia and China. The policy direction should keep all options open to establish
tracks of cooperation and collaborations with these regions or countries.

Adjusting Sails for Multipolarity

The unfolding scenario dictates that in Post American World, although many power contenders are
emerging, US influence on world affairs will not diminish and would remain a reality for years to come.
However, sever mistrust has been created between Pakistan and US in the aftermath of Abbottabad
Operation and attack on Salalah Check Post, which needs to be removed.
As Russia, India and China are emerging powers; Pakistan is adjusting sails according to changing winds
of multipolarity. Pakistan already enjoys very cordial relations with China.
Recently a currency swap agreement has been signed between Pakistan and China for enhancement of
bilateral trade20. To increase cooperation and interdependence with India,
Pakistan has decided to grant Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to India. Recently a new gate has been
opened at Wahga Borders, Lahore for bilateral trade with India. To improve relations between business
communities, exhibition of Indian products was organized in Pakistan and same was reciprocated by
India.
In part of regional approach, within the framework of trilateral cooperation Presidents of
Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan held the Third Trilateral Summit in Islamabad on 17 February
2012. The three Presidents pledged to enhance cooperation among the countries comprehensively for
realizing the shared aspiration of their peoples for peace, security, stability and economic prosperity.
Turkey and Pakistan already enjoy very cordial relationship based on common heritage and similar views
on world affairs. Recently a currency swap agreement has been signed between Turkey and Pakistan on
01 November 2011 for enhancement of bilateral trade.
Pakistan has diplomatic relations with Brazil and has purchased 100 MAR-1 SEAD23 missiles from
Brazil in 2008 for Pakistan Air Force. This initiative was aimed at diversification of defense procurement
and greater engagement with South American Countries.
Pakistan has also started pursuing good relations with Russia. At the invitation of Russian
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mrs. Hina Rabbani Khar paid an
official visit to the Russian Federation on 7-9 February 2012. Earlier President Asif Ali Zardaris
undertook official visit to Moscow in May 2011 and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani met with his
Russian counterpart on the sidelines of the SCOs Heads of Government meeting in November 2011. The
two sides agreed that the Shanghai Cooperation

Organization (SCO) had become an important forum for regional security and economic cooperation. The
Russian side re-affirmed its support for Pakistans full membership of the Organization. Negotiations are
also under way for modernizing Pakistan Steel Mills with assistance of Russia.

Conclusion
Pakistans foreign policy is influenced by two main types of factors which are internal factors and
external factors. Our country cannot ignore any one type of these factors. So it this claim is not true that
the foreign policy of any country especially Pakistan is not affected by any factor and it is according to
the will of its population because the will of the population is also a factor affecting the foreign policy.

To sum up, world history is full of tales of rising and falling empires. Power centers emerge on
the world and diminish with the time. The only permanent attribute of the world order is change.
Twentieth century has seen the transformation from multipolar world prior WWI to bipolar world
after WWII and finally the unipolar world after the demise of Soviet Union. The 21st century is
believed to be a Post American World with multipolar world order where US will no doubt have
the significant role but along with US, China, India and Russia are likely to appear as major
economic poles. It is the need of the hour to adjust our course according to changing winds. The
engagement with rising powers is required in diplomatic, economic and defence forums in order
to meet challenges and exploit opportunities provided by emerging scenario.
Pakistan started its foreign policy as an independent, sovereign and non- aligned state.
However, repeatedly it had aligned to West in order to protect its security concerns and socio
economic uplift of the country. These alignments have resulted into a donor-based Economy
tarnished the social fiber of the society and stopped the economic uplift of the country due to
deteriorating law and order conditions. Pakistan already enjoys very cordial relations with China
and Turkey. Pakistan has started pursuing its relations with other emerging powers, Brazil,
Russia and India. There is a need to formulate an independent and sovereign foreign and
economic policy to cater for the future changes in the international order and to capitalize on the
strengths enjoyed by Pakistan.

Recommendations
In view of the changing scenario, recommendations are made in ensuing paragraphs.
Pakistan should capitalize on regional countries for better trade, investment and energy shortfalls. The
existing forums of ECO, SAARC, SCO and OIC may be exploited for diversified foreign policy options.
The existing relations with US may be fostered for long-term benefits of the country. The mistrust caused
by Abbottabad operation and Salalah Check Post attacks may be removed after mutual discussions and
not comprising on core national interests.
Avenues must be explored for greater cooperation with Russia. Modernization of Pakistan Steel may be
taken as springboard for enhanced cooperation.
The cooperation and collaboration with Turkey and China be further enhanced to people to people level.
Indias rise as an economic giant equipped with requisite hard and soft power is a reality.
Options may be explored to engage with India on win-win situation without compromising on national
interests. Bilateral trade and transit trade to Central Asian Region are considered the important aspects,
which can be beneficial for both states. These initiatives are likely to increase economic dependence of
India on Pakistan, which can be used to avert wars.