Foreign Policy of Pakistan,

(Objectives, Principles, Phases, Issues, Challenges, Failures, Achievements,

and Recommendations)

1. Introduction

2. Definition of Foreign Policy

A state's foreign policy or external policy (as opposed to internal or domestic policy) is its
objectives and activities in relation to its interactions with other states, unions, and other political
entities, whether bilaterally or through multilateral platforms.

Foreign policy is the rational pursuit of a set of national objectives. “Pursuit” suggests action,
steps, and roles that will delineate the attitude or behaviour of a state in the external context.
Foreign policy may be like a wedding ring with which the domestic context of a nation
solemnizes its union with the international community. Such political “marriage” is underlined
by the ambitions and desires of state; hence foreign policy is a means to an end for states.

Scholars have described foreign policy as a pattern of behaviour that one state adopts in relation
with other states, an idea that other scholars consider as the strategy and tactics employed by the
state in its relation with other states in the international system. Foreign policy is thus a plan or
programme of actions of a state, which determines the sum-total of the state’s objectives in the
international system. Put differently, they are the actions of a state toward the external
environment and the conditions – usually domestic – under which such actions are formulated.
This seems to agree with Henry Kissinger’s often quoted submission that in foreign policy
analysis, the domestic structure is taken as given, as foreign policy begins where domestic policy
ends.

3.      Variable factors behind the formation of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

                               i.)            Ideology of Pakistan

                             ii.)            History and culture

iii.)            Type of government
                          

iv.)            International, and global influence

                          
                              v.)            Geographical factors and significance

                           vi.)            Economic development

                         vii.)            Geopolitical and geostrategic factors and new world order

4.      Objectives of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

                               i.)            Territorial integrity

                             ii.)            Settlement of Jammu and Kashmir issue

                           iii.)            Preservation of nuclear deterrence of Pakistan

                           iv.)            Economic Prosperity

                             v.)            Propagation of image of Pakistan as a strong, dynamic and progressive

state

                           vi.)            Strong friendly cooperation with china

                         vii.)            Mutually beneficial and strong ties with all major powers

viii.)            Durable peace and stability in Afghanistan

                      

                           ix.)            Promotion of Nuclear Non Proliferation objectives and combating

international terrorism, crime and drug trafficking

                             x.)            Promotion and protection of interests and welfare of overseas Pakistanis  

5.      Principles of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

                               i.)            Mutual Co existence

                             ii.)            Non Alignment

                           iii.)            Bilateral Relations

                           iv.)            Charter of UNO

                             v.)            Favor of rights of self determination of suppressed nationalities

                           vi.)            Unity of Muslim Ummah

                         vii.)            Arms Control and Disarmament

 viii.)            End of Racial Discrimination
                      

ix.)            Propagation of regional and global cooperation, peace and security

                          

                             x.)            Relations with neighboring states

6.      Phases of Foreign Policy of Pakistan

                               i.)            Phase 1: 1947-53 Exploration and Friendship with all

i. Foundation of foreign policy under the guidance of Quid-e-Azam

                                                                     
Mohammad Ali Jinnah- Founding Father of Pakistan

                                                             ii.      Unparalleled Relations with India and Plethora of Problems for

Pakistan

                                                           iii.      Afghanistan refuse to recognize Pakistan’s Sovereignty

                                                           iv.      Security imperatives

                                                             v.      Relations with Muslim Countries

                                                           vi.      Relations with USA and USSR

                                                         vii.      Recognition of China as an independent sovereign State

viii.      First Indo Pak war 1948 and Indian factor

                                                      

                                                           ix.      Early problems of Pakistan and direction of Pakistan’s Foreign

Policy

                             ii.)            Phase 2: 1953-62 Alignments with the West

i. Collaboration with the USA

                                                                     

a)      Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement

b)      SEATO (South East Asia Treaty Organization)

c)      CENTO (Central Treaty Organization)

d)     Defense and Economic Assistance from the USA

                                                             ii.      Cost of alignment with the West

                                                           iii.      Friendly understanding with the China

                                                           iv.      Indus Water Treaty with India

                                                             v.      Incidence of U-2 

                                                           vi.      Singing of RCD (Regional Cooperation for Development) 

iii.)            Phase 3: 1962-71 Transition Phase

                          

i. Rethinking and changing dynamics of policy of alignment with the

                                                                     
west

                                                             ii.      Developing ties with USSR

                                                           iii.      Ameliorate correspondence with China

                                                           iv.      Plummet curbs with USA

                                                             v.      War of Pakistan and India in 1965

                                                           vi.      Pluralistic perspective of Pakistan’s foreign policy

                                                         vii.      Kashmir issue and six rounds of talk

viii.      Crisis in East Pakistan and international response

                                                      

iv.)            Phase 4: 1972-79 Bilateralism and Non Alignment

                          

i. Separation of East Pakistan and new dimensions of Pakistan’s

                                                                     
foreign Policy

                                                             ii.      Independent approach toward world

                                                           iii.      Shimla Agreement and developing Relations with India

                                                           iv.      Straightening ties with the super powers

                                                             v.      Pakistan’s stance toward nuclear technology and US response

                                                           vi.      Pakistan and Muslim world (OIC conference held in Pakistan)

                             v.)            Phase 5: 1980-90 Afghanistan with Partnership with the USA

i. Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and involvement of Pakistan in

                                                                     
Proxy war

                                                             ii.      Revival of Pakistan-US flourishing relations

                                                           iii.      Barter trade agreement

                                                           iv.      Pakistan and OIC

                                                             v.      Diplomatic relations with India including Cricket diplomacy

                                                           vi.      The Geneva Accord

vii.      Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan and problems for Pakistan

                                                        

                           vi.)            Phase 6: 1990-2001 Post Cold War Era and Pakistan’s Dilemmas

i. Disappointing attitude of USA after soviet withdrawal

                                                                     

                                                             ii.      Emergence of unending disputes in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s

dilemma

                                                           iii.      Insurgency in Kashmir

                                                           iv.      Pakistan’s Nuclear program and western response

                                                             v.      Kargil War with India and failure of Pakistan to handle the issue
at international forum

                                                           vi.      Divergent interests in Pakistan’s foreign policy due to political

instability

                         vii.)            Phase 7: 2001-2008 Pakistan and Counter Terrorism

i. Incidence of 9/11 and global war against terrorism and Pakistan

                                                                     

                                                             ii.      Increased US support

                                                           iii.      Détente with India

                                                           iv.      Muslim world and Pakistan

                                                             v.      Issue of transfer of nuclear technology

                                                           vi.      Modern enlightenment of General Musharaf and image of

Pakistan

viii.)            Phase 8: 2008-2013 Diversification of Foreign Policy

                      

i. Pak US Ties
                                                                     
 a)      Kerry Loggar Bill

b)      US drone strikes

c)      Mystery of OBL (Osama Bin Laden)

d)     Diplomatic Storms

a.       Issue of Raymand Davis

b.      GHQ attack

c.       Salala Checkpost attack and breakage of supply line of

NATO

                                                             ii.      Pak Russia relations

a)      Moscow visit

                                                           iii.      Pak Iran bonding

a)      Iran Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project

                                                           iv.      Pakistan India strange relations due to Mumbai attack

ix.)            Phase 9: 2013-2018 Changing global patterns and Pakistan’s Perspective

                          

i. Becoming full permanent membership of SCO Pakistan and India

                                                                     

                                                             ii.      Pakistan and China Relations and CPEC and OBOR

                                                           iii.      Unclear diplomacy towards Afghanistan

                                                           iv.      Pak Iran and proxy war of Saudi and Iran

                                                             v.       Indian lobby against Pakistan

                                                           vi.      Gulbashan Yadev case and Pakistan’s perspective

vii.      Pakistan’s successful operation against terrorism

                                                        

                             x.)            Phase 10: 2018-onward Revival of Foreign Policy under the supervision of
new Government

i. Relations with India

                                                                     
 a)      Kashmir issue

b)      Surgical strikes of India

c)      Indian violation of international laws

d)     Incidence of Pulwama and retaliation of Pakistan

e)      Abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A

f)       Citizenship amendment Law

g)      Diplomacy law

                                                             ii.      US Aghan Peace Deal and role of Pakistan

                                                           iii.      Second Phase of CPEC

                                                           iv.      Iran and Pakistan

a)      Terrorist activities on western border of Pakistan

b)      Houti Rebels attack on Saudi Arabia Oil Fields and Response

of Pakistan

c)      Visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan to Iran

                                                             v.      Bonding with Turkey

a)      Turkish Investment in Pakistan

b)      Joint military exercise of Pakistan and Turkey

                                                           vi.      Relations with Malaysia

a)      Pakistan was unable to attend Islam Summit held in

kaulalampur

b)      Inauguration of proton plant in Pakistan

c)      Developing relations in trade and tourism

                                                         vii.      Relations with Arab countries

viii.      Bilateral ties with Russia

                                                      
 ix.      OIC and Pakistan’s emerging leadership
                                                          

                                                             x.      SCO and perspective of Pakistan

xi.      Response of UNSC on Indian’s Kashmir Policy

                                                          

7.      Conclusion

Foreign Policy of Pakistan,

(Objectives, Principles, Phases, Issues, Challenges, Failures, Achievements,
and Recommendations) –

Challenges to Foreign Policy of Pakistan

1.      Challenges to foreign policy of Pakistan

a.      Security concerns since incidence of 9/11

i. Terrorists’ attacks on Pakistan

                                                                     

1.      GHQ

2.      army public school

3.      naval base Karachi

4.      multiple incidence in northern and north western areas of

Pakistan

5.      numerous attacks in almost all areas of Pakistan

6.      inculcate the differences in shia and sunni and other ethical

and regional conflicts

                                                             ii.      drone attacks of USA

iii.      Afghanistan Dilemma
                                                          

iv.      Declaration of Pakistan as terrorist sponsored state by anti

                                                          
Pakistani propaganda

                                                             v.      Intolerant and hegemonic attitude and policies of India

1.      Ignition of Kashmir cause due to

 a.       Abrogation of article 370 and 35A

b.      Continuous lock down since august 5, 2019

c.       Citizenship amendment act

d.      Violation of Geneva Convention

e.       Incidence of Pulwama and drama of surgical strike and

Pakistan’s retaliation

2.      Hydro politics of India on Pakistan

3.      Support of anti Pakistan elements – both direct and indirect

intervention in Pakistan

4.      Ignition of separatist movement in Baluchistan by supporting

both militarily and financially to BLA

5.      Isolationist policy of India against Pakistan by investing in

Iran, and Afghanistan and Gulf countries

6.        Against CPEC and Pakistan’s close ties with China

b.       Pakistan’s economic backwardness due to  

i. FATF
                                                                     

                                                             ii.      Low foreign investment

                                                           iii.      Poor industrial performance

                                                           iv.      Unending load shedding

                                                             v.      Lack of technical expertise

                                                           vi.      Lack of diversified products

vii.      Other factors
                                                        

c.       CPEC threats and opportunities

i. Debt trap policy of China and failure of Pakistan’s government to

                                                                     
fulfill the desired targets

                                                             ii.      Pakistan’s dependence on China from western dependency

                                                           iii.      Attitude of neighboring states against Pakistan

d.      Middle East Plethora

i. Cold war between Saudi Arab and Iran

                                                                     

                                                             ii.      Pakistan’s lack of participation in Islamic Summit in Kaulampur

                                                           iii.      Emergence of New block in Muslim Ummah

                                                           iv.      Israel Issue

e.       Sino US Rivalry and Pakistan

i. Trade war
                                                                     

                                                             ii.      Corona blame game

                                                           iii.      US president’s remarks and world opinion

                                                           iv.       Pakistan and US diverging interests. i.e. China and Pakistan vs US

and India

                                                             v.      Politics in East Asia like south China Sea, TPP, ASEAN states

                                                           vi.      SCO and US concern

vii.      China’s growing influence in world

                                                        

7 Most Important Determinants Of Foreign Policy

 by Avijit Biswas

In the modern world, no single state can survive on its own. Each state is bound by
interdependence. This is why every state has to dream of good relations with other states. As a
member of the international society, the relations of the states are determined and controlled by
foreign policy. Several things also determine foreign policy and those things are
called determinants of foreign policy.

Table of Contents
  What is Foreign Policy?

 Determinants of Foreign Policy

o 1. Geographical Location

o 2. Population

o 3. History

o 4. Economic Resources

o 5. Ideology

o 6. Efficiency of Government and Nature of Political Leadership

o 7. Quality of Diplomacy

 Conclusion

What is Foreign Policy?

Foreign policy is involved in international relations and activities. Broadly speaking, foreign
policy is formed by the type of activities and behaviors associated with its own interests related
to other states. It is the decision-making process for pursuing certain international activities.

Foreign policy refers to the summation of a state’s response to the international environment, the
current and expected decision-making. The medium of meeting national interests and goals is
intimately involved with foreign policy.

Determinants of Foreign Policy

Each state formulates foreign policy to meet specific goals in the international field. That policy
is not solely dependent on the wishes and consciences of policy makers.

Foreign policy leaders have to decide on foreign policy issues after many considerations. They
are influenced by many elements. The factors that influence foreign policy are called the
determinants of foreign policy.

The determinants of foreign policy are many. Specific factors may play a key role in
determining the foreign policy of a particular state. But this does not mean that a single
entity can become a determinant of foreign policy. In fact, more than one element is spread
over foreign policy. Some of them can be considered primary and some can be considered as a
secondary component.

Major 7 determinants of Foreign Policy are:

 1. Geographical Location

2. Population

3. History

4. Economic Resources

5. Ideology

6. The efficiency of Government and Nature of Political Leadership

7. Quality of Diplomacy

1. Geographical Location

There are two aspects of the influence of geography on foreign policy – the geographical
environment of the state and the political importance of its geographical location. The state’s
geographical environment refers to its size, area, and climate.

The ideal geographical environments of the state are:

 The size of the state will be such that it will help the residents to maintain a decent living
standard.

 The climate needs to be favorable to hard labor.

 Terrain needs to be supportive of national resistance. Mountains, Rivers, sea-borne

countries enjoy the advantage of being free from foreign invasions for natural reasons.

 The shape of the state needs to be such that one can easily fast during the war period.

In nature, it is not possible to achieve the favorable geographical environment of a country. The
geographical location of each country is particularly influenced by its foreign policy. Its insular
position in Great Britain helps spread connectivity with other countries. Again the United States
has succeeded in pursuing a policy of separation from Europe for its geographical location.

2. Population

The population is considered one of the important determinants of foreign policy. For a long
time, the population has been regarded as an important criterion for measuring state power. In
the past war, the massive infantry of the People’s Republic of China helped to resist the US
forces.

The relation between population and foreign policy gains importance in terms of the capability of
a state. The importance of the population to determine the policies of solidarity among all parts
of the citizens, the development of political organizations, the quality of the public, the
promotion of political consciousness, the spread of the political participation, the pressure of
public opinion, the type of government etc.

However, its quality is particularly important with respect to population size. Citizens’ skills,
abilities, and quality money help to spread national influence.

3. History

Each nation’s history is influenced by its foreign policy. The outline of the history of each nation
is formed through the special circumstances of the chips and events. It is possible to identify its
identity.

The geographical boundaries of each nation are determined through the constraints of historical
events. Through the history of the development of a nation, many basic features of foreign policy
are developed. In light of historical experience, each nation forms the basis of its foreign policy.

4. Economic Resources

The nature and style of foreign policy is largely determined by economic resources. The
economic strength of a state is an indicator of its affordability. The effect of that ability is
reflected in relations with other states.

The main objective of the economic structure is to utilize the country’s land, labor, capital and
enterprises for production. Distribution of economic wealth produced, consumption, public
welfare, improvement of living standard of the citizens etc. are also included in the economic
activities of the state.

A country rich in natural resources can easily achieve its economic prosperity. For example,
mineral oil has become one of the most important political hubs of Middle East international
politics.

Natural resources and industrial development are the basis of the international status of a
country. In the present world, each country’s resistance depends on the rate of industrialization
and natural resources.

5. Ideology

Each state-system is governed by specific political ideologies. The values, policies, programs,
objectives, and goals of a state are governed by that ideology. Ideology does not simply
determine the internal policies and values of a state; is governed by foreign policy and those
ideologies. So it can be considered one of the most important determinants of foreign policy.

For example, socialist states are convinced of the principles of international peace, friendship,
mutual cooperation, refusal to interfere in the internal affairs of other states, etc.
In the end, capitalism maintains its existence through exploitation and oppression of home and
abroad. It is for this reason that capitalist countries follow aggressive policies in economic,
political, and cultural fields.

6. Efficiency of Government and Nature of Political Leadership

Government leaders are the main source and strength of foreign policy. The role of the state at
any given time and the type of foreign policy to be followed depends on the quality of the
decision makers.

On the basis of practical experience, it can be said that foreign policy cannot be separated from
the nature of government leadership under any circumstances.

Foreign policy decisions are bound to be influenced by the leadership of the government,
including psychological structure, political experience and foresight, personality, realization of
world-politics. For this reason, it is possible to notice differences in political issues between
leaders of the same political party.

7. Quality of Diplomacy

Quality of diplomacy one of the most important determinants of foreign policy. The success or
failure of a state in international Politics depends on its diplomatic tactics and excellence. Each
of the goals and objectives of the state is determined by the diplomatic ingenuity of the
government.

All the goals of foreign policy are determined by the people involved in diplomatic activity. It is
through diplomatic activity that the main linkages and differences with other states are resolved.
Diplomats determine the mechanism for combining different interests.

Conclusion

From the above discussion on the determinants of foreign policy, it can be seen that foreign
policy is influenced by many factors. In space and time, a particular element can gain importance
in comparison to different elements. In many situations, any ingredient or determinant may seem
irrelevant.

Again, due to the change of space or time, that element can play a major determinant. Also, some
factors can influence joint foreign policymaking. Therefore, it is not possible to formulate a
universal theory about the role of a particular determinant.