Submitted By: Sayyed Ihtisham Ul Haq

Submitted To: Ma'am Qurat-Ul-Ain Abbas

Foreign Policy Of Pakistan

Ndu-Bs-20/S-1541
Objectives and Determinants of Pakistan’s FP

Pakistan has about 220 million residents, making it the world’s sixth most populous country. If it
were a continent, its population would be 25 times that of Nigeria, and its area would be bigger
than that of South Africa. Pakistan is now located between the two most populated countries,
China (1.44 billion) and India (1.43 billion).
It has a very long coastline of 1,046 kilometres, an EEZ of nearly 240,000 square kilometres, and
a total land area of 796,796 square kilometres. The land area of Pakistan is just around 2.6
million square kilometres, making it far less than China (9.6 million square kilometres), India
(3.3 million square kilometres), and Iran (1.6 million square kilometres). This would imply that,
with the exception of Afghanistan, all of Pakistan’s other neighbours are either bigger and more
numerous than Pakistan itself (as is the case with India and China) or more resource-rich (as is
the case with Iran) than Pakistan.

Having such large neighbours and a strategically located coastline that may provide an escape for
landlocked governments are both advantages. Overland shipments between the vast consumer
bases of these countries may find it to be the ideal transit country. Pakistan’s central location
means it serves as a major crossroads for trade between South Asia, the Middle East, and Central
Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Internal considerations and obstacles

There are a number of internal difficulties in Pakistan that have a direct bearing on the country’s
foreign policy and diplomatic connections.
The domestic political atmosphere in Pakistan has a significant impact on the country’s foreign
policy. Changes in the ruling party or coalition, the government’s structure, or the personality of
individuals in control may have a significant impact on Pakistan’s foreign policy. When the
government of Pakistan is unstable or often changes hands, for instance, foreign policy may
become muddled and inconsistent.
Maintaining Pakistan’s sovereignty, safety, and economic development are all major factors in
shaping the country’s foreign policy. When making foreign policy decisions, national interests
are given first priority. Some examples of such goals include fostering cooperative links with
neighbouring nations, developing new commercial partnerships, and ensuring the safety of the
nation’s borders. Pakistan is a nuclear power in a volatile region, therefore this should be taken
into account when it shapes its foreign policy. Pakistan has a strategic position at the crossroads
of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China are among
of the countries that border it. Multiple geopolitical factors influence Pakistan’s foreign policy
and the state of the country’s relations with its neighbours.

Leadership without interference:

Members of Pakistan’s governing class, including the President and the Prime Minister, have
considerable influence on the country’s international relations. Pakistan’s foreign policy and
international relations may be influenced by the divergent opinions, priorities, and diplomatic
skills of its highest authorities.
Changes in foreign policy are possible if the current government is replaced.
Pakistan’s foreign policy may evolve due to changes in the international system, which includes
the global political climate and international standards. Pakistan’s ties to the United States,
China, and Russia, as well as regional and international bodies like the United Nations and the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation, are all influenced by the international order.
Pakistan’s foreign policy is influenced by the country’s domestic economy and government
aims. Trade, investment, and development assistance all have a role in shaping Pakistan’s foreign
relations. Pakistan receives aid money from several different international organizations. The
IMF, the World Bank, and even China are among these financiers.
Pakistan’s government places a premium on building and maintaining ties to forums for
economic cooperation and regional organizations in order to bolster the country’s international
economic linkages. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
are just a few of the International bodies that Pakistan is a member of to foster regional peace
and development.
The advancement of business, regional integration, and economic cooperation are common
themes in Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Pakistan is actively seeking out new economic chances and creating new market alliances in the
Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa in order to expand its business relations with the
governments of these countries. Pakistan has made overt efforts to forge economic ties with
many countries, notably those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Turkey, Iran, and Russia.
Pakistan’s economic relationships are often guided by foreign policy aims such as boosting
export diversification, attracting foreign investment, and reducing the trade deficit.
Pakistan gained its independence from British India in 1947. The continuous disagreements
between Pakistan and its neighbour India have since had a significant impact on Pakistan’s
foreign policy. Pakistan’s foreign policy towards India has been affected not just by the riots,
mass migrations, and unsolved territorial disputes that followed partition, but also by security
concerns, most notably the continuing battle over the disputed region of Kashmir. The conflict
with India, which has lasted for centuries and has featured many wars and ongoing border
skirmishes, has had a significant impact on Pakistan’s foreign policy. Pakistan’s foreign policy is
influenced by the country’s diverse ethnic populations, spoken languages, and cultural norms.
Islam naturally had a significant part in the development of Pakistani culture, as befits a mostly
Muslim nation. Pakistan’s foreign policy is guided by Islamic principles and is designed to
protect Muslims worldwide. This is especially true in South Asia and the Middle East. Pakistan’s
foreign policy is heavily influenced by its cultural ties to other Muslim-majority nations like
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, China, etc., with whom it hopes to foster and maintain allegiance.

Difficulties and outside influences

Pakistan’s foreign policy may be affected by the United States and Russia, as well as smaller
regional countries like India, China, and Afghanistan. Threats to national security, territorial
wars, and regional alliances all come under this umbrella. Numerous foreign geopolitical
concerns have an effect on Pakistan’s strategic perspective and diplomatic relations. Pakistan’s
foreign policy is heavily influenced by security concerns in the South Asian area. Relationships
with countries like India, Afghanistan, and Iran are complicated by border disputes, security
concerns, and regional power competition. Pakistan is a prominent regional power, therefore the
United States, China, and Russia all have a say in the country’s foreign policy. These nations are
persistent in their efforts to influence Pakistani foreign policy for the sake of their own regional
goals, whether they related to counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, or enhanced
economic connections. The state of Pakistan’s economy has significant bearing on the country’s
foreign policy. Pakistan is aggressively pursuing business partnerships and foreign investments
from a variety of countries in an attempt to stimulate economic growth and development.
Pakistan’s connections to countries like China and Saudi Arabia include trade, investment, and
energy cooperation, as well as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.