NABIHA ARIF

1ST SEMESTER
BSSS-1

INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS

DATE OF SUBMISSION:
25 MARCH2022

SUBMITTED TO:
SIR QAISE ZAMAN

ASSIGNMENT 01
Topic of Assignment: Pakistan’s Relations with Neighboring countries and with
Muslim world including super power

Pakistan is the most important partner because of its geostrategic importance. It can serve as a
link between the West and Central Asia, the West and the Muslim world, and the United States
and China. If properly assessed and capitalized through suitable policies, the potential arising
from the new international landscape point to a very bright future for Pakistan. Aside from that,
the world is dealing with energy issues and terrorism. Pakistan is an important transportation
hub and a frontline state in the war on terror. Pakistan has also been a long-time ally of China,
the world's fastest-growing economy. As a result, Pakistan's geostrategic importance would
increase even more in the event of a shift in global politics.
On all sides, Pakistan is surrounded by four major countries China is located in the north. India
is in the north-east. Iran is in the west and Afghanistan is in the north east.
Pakistan’s relations with China
Pakistan and China have had long-standing relations, with mutual interest at the heart of the
strong connections. The goal is to turn strong friendships into strong economic links. Relations
with China began in 1950, when Pakistan became the first Muslim country to recognize the
Republic of China as a separate country. Both countries have exchanged high-level words and
reached agreements on a number of matters. Pakistan's economy benefits from Chinese
military and technical support. China is also supporting Pakistan in upgrading its nuclear power
sector and establishing a seaport in Gwadar. On the Kashmir dispute, China backs Pakistan,
while Pakistan backs China on Tibet, Xinjiang, and Taiwan.
In recent years, the friendship between Pakistan and China has reached new heights.
Delegations come to promote Chinese culture on a regular basis. Similarly, various community
initiatives have been completed to foster goodwill, such as the Pakistan-China Friendship
Centre in Islamabad. Every year, there is also a student exchange between the two countries.
In a recent South Asian democracy poll, 96 percent of Pakistanis said China was the
'friendliest' country. Social projects are also eligible for funding. The Chinese ambassador has
applauded the Chinese language, which is taught in a few private schools.
Economic trade between the two countries is also increasing. Free trade agreement has been
signed recently. Military and technology transaction continue to dominate the economic
relations between the two countries. China has been assisting Pakistan in developing its
infrastructure by constructing power plants, roads, and communication hubs.
The current value of commerce between the two countries is $9 billion, making China Pakistan's
second-largest trading partner. Investment in Pakistan's energy sector, which comes amid a
boom of Chinese investment aimed at bolstering ties. In turn, China has granted Pakistan free
trade zones. The Pak-China economic corridor, which will connect Pakistan with China and
Central Asian countries, is currently under construction. The Gwadar port in southern Pakistan
would act as a trade nerve center for China and in oil commerce. Using the Gwadar port will
shorten the distance these ships must travel and allow for year-round oil transfers.

Pakistan’s relations with India

Pakistan and India have had tense relations since their independence and the partition of the
subcontinent. The wars, which took place in 1948, 1965, and 1971, heightened tensions
between the two countries. The Kashmir issue is still a sore spot in ties. Battles between India
and Pakistan are waged on a cricket ground, demonstrating that the country's antagonism still
exists. Because of this historical hostility, economic relations are strained, despite the cultural
similarities that cannot be disputed.
Pakistani culture is quite close to Indian culture, as Muslims were originally Indian Muslims, and
while we were split after independence, our customs and cultures remained the same. Because
they share similar cuisines and languages, it is even more difficult to distinguish between
Pakistani and Indian music.
The muhajir people were millions of Muslims who migrated from India to the newly formed
Pakistan during the independence struggle. They are primarily based in Karachi and still
maintain family ties in India.
Relations between Pakistan and India have also taken to media and communications platforms,
and Aman ki Asha is a joint-venture effort between the Times of India and the Jang group
calling for global peace and the expansion of diplomatic and cultural ties.
Lahore, Pakistan, and Amritsar, India are connected by the Wagah Border. Hundreds of people
watch the Wagah border ceremony each evening, during which flags are lowered and guards
from both sides perform a pompous post military demonstration and exchange handshakes.
There are still wedding and marriage ties. Some Indians and Pakistanis marry cross-border,
especially with ancestors who came from India in their current generation. Sporting events
between the two nations, such as cricket and hockey, have frequently been political in nature,
and the two nations have closely followed each other.
For both India and Pakistan, transportation has been developed for tourism and commercial
interests, and it is historically and politically significant. Because Urdu is theoretically classed as
an Indo-European language on the western Hindi branch of the language tree, it is a highly
essential link between social relations.
Formally, trade along the straight route has been restricted. Cooperation between the two
countries is being pursued for the benefit of the people. Improved economic cooperation and
commerce between Pakistan and India will benefit the people of both countries. The majority
of India-Pakistan trade goes to Dubai. However, no agreement has been reached between
Pakistan and India on increased trade via land routes. Pakistan refused to provide India with a
land route to Afghanistan under the TTA with Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s relations with Iran

Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan, and the two countries established diplomatic
ties in May 1948. Iran-Pakistan relations have fluctuated over the years. When Pakistan was not
in danger and facing a serious crisis, Iran offered moral, political, diplomatic, and financial
support. However, the events of 9/11, the developing US-Pakistan relationship, and the war on
Iran's flanks have changed that. It has had an impact on the two countries' relations.
The Iran Center of Culture (Khana-e-Farhung) was founded, however it failed to promote
goodwill. Future social tensions between the two countries are expected. Deepening
differences in Pakistan based on race, language, religious sectarianism, and economic issues will
have far-reaching consequences and hinder the internal political system's performance as well
as the pursuit of external policies. Shia-suni Conflicts between sects, in particular, might have
far-reaching consequences for Iran. Iran-Pakistan relations, notably Iran's developing defense
ties with India, may have an impact on Iran-Pakistan relations in the coming years.
Between the two countries, trade volume is rather low. During the fiscal year 2003-2001, Iran
exported $265 million to Pakistan and purchased $92 million from Pakistan. The Pak-Iran Gas
Pipeline, commonly known as the Peace Pipeline, is a pipeline that would transport natural gas
from Iran to Pakistan and was expected to be completed in December 2014.
Textiles, agricultural products, fruits, and iron ore are the most common things traded between
Iran and Pakistan. Iran has also expressed a strong desire to participate in Pakistan's different
commercial, industrial, and mining sectors. Hussain Amini, governor of Iran's Sistan-Balochistan
Province, inked a deal to increase bilateral trade. Owais Ghani, the governor of Pakistan's
Baluchistan province, is his counterpart.

Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan

Pakistan shares its longest borderline with Afghanistan in the north-west; The Durand line that
of 2250 km. Both countries were expected to have a cordial relationship because they are
Islamic republics. However, since Afghanistan's refusal to recognize Pakistan as a sovereign
state in 1947, this prediction has been proven to be incorrect from the start. Pakistan-
Afghanistan relations have been intense ever since.
There is a grave social issue of Afghan refugees who crossed legally and illegally when USA
attacked Afghanistan a decade ago. As a result, the crime rate increased, and Pakistan's
economy suffered as a result of the refugee camps. Pakistan and Afghanistan have never had a
written socio-culture agreement promoting friendship between the two countries.
The Pakistan-Afghanistan Transit Trade Agreement was signed in the 1950s, and its terms have
been re-negotiated several times since then. The most recent contract was signed in 2010. This
treaty gives Afghanistan access to the port of Lahore as well as a land route to export goods to
India.
There is a grave social issue of Afghan refugees who crossed legally and illegally when USA
attacked Afghanistan a decade ago. As a result, the crime rate rose, and Pakistan's economy
suffered as a result of the refugee camps. Pakistan and Afghanistan have never had a written
socio-culture agreement promoting friendship between the two countries. The Pakistan
Afghanistan Transit trade agreement was signed in 1950s its terms have been re-negotiated
several times and the latest contract was signed in 2010 this treaty allows Afghanistan access to
the port of Lahore and also access to a land route to export goods to India.
Trade between the two countries has increased from 830.2 million USD in 2006-07 22 .5 billion
USD in 2010-11 due to non-commercial goods. It declined in the following years. Bilaterally
formal trade is increasing but in formal is higher than former trade.
The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of train tracks
in Pakistan to connect with Pakistan Railways (PR), a project that has been in the works since
2005. In November 2010, the two countries established a joint chamber of commerce to
improve commercial connections and address issues experienced by traders.
Smuggling of products over the turbulent area of Torkhem is another trade challenge between
the two countries. It is estimated that illegal trade between the two countries accounts for
more GDP than legitimate trade. All kinds of products, including automobiles, are illegally
smuggled across the border through Torkhem in containers. Officials from the government
have been paid to be part in this scam. It's still going on and there's no sign of an end in sight.

Pakistan’s relations with the superpower (US)

Since 2001, the United States has aimed to help Pakistan become a more stable, democratic, and
prosperous country that actively combats religious militancy. Following the 9/11 attacks, Congress took
a significant interest in US relations with Pakistan, the world's fifth most populous country, particularly
in terms of counterterrorism and US foreign assistance. Pakistan was one of the world's top receivers of
US foreign aid following 9/11, but the number peaked in FY2010 and has steadily decreased
subsequently, reaching a 20-year low during the Trump Administration.

Relations between the United States and Pakistan have deteriorated significantly over the last decade.
The relationship between Washington and Pakistan has yet to recover from a low point reached in 2011,
when it was discovered that Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden had been allowed years of safe haven
inside Pakistan. A decade later, Pakistan appears to have lost its significance as a US foreign policy
objective. While the US has previously attempted to strike a balance between its relations with Pakistan
and its archrival, India, it now looks to favor India.

The security and terrorism-focused paradigm that has governed US-Pakistan relations since 2001 is
being altered by two major shifts: increased antagonism between the US and China, Pakistan's key
partner, and the US military exit from Afghanistan.

Pakistani leaders are concerned that the Biden Administration's early focus on the Quadrilateral Security
Dialogue, or "Quad," and countering China—combined with the end of the US military's 20-year
presence in Afghanistan—will diminish and color perceptions that Islamabad has fallen into Beijing's
geopolitical "camp." Nonetheless, the US claims that it works "closely with Pakistan on a wide range of
issues ranging from Afghanistan stabilization efforts to counterterrorism to energy to trade and
investment," and that the US is one of Pakistan's largest sources of foreign direct investment and
remains its largest export market.

Pakistani leaders and many independent observers have advocated for a "reset" of bilateral relations
with the Biden Administration, claiming that a long-standing security focus should be replaced with
more holistic cooperation. This is envisioned as a focus on "geoeconomics," with Pakistan seeking
regional integration to accomplish a shared goal of long-term progress. Islamabad presents itself as a
viable economic partner with a focus on growth and investment, as well as participation in key sectors
including as information technology, agriculture, health, energy, and climate change. President Biden
has yet to make contact with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, and the Biden Administration has
shown few signs that a new beginning is on the horizon.

Pakistan’s relations with the Muslim World

Pakistan’s relation with the Muslim world is immensely important. First and foremost, there is a long
history of cordial relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, dating back to the country's early years.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had similar perspectives on major international and regional issues. On
regional and international issues, both countries consult with each other on a regular basis. They
collaborate on the Islamic Conference Organization. Saudi Arabia has backed Pakistan in all of its
conflicts with India, and its stance on Kashmir is pro-Pakistan. Saudi Arabia is a sacred country that
serves as the center of the Muslim Ummah.

The UAE, Kuwait, and other Gulf states are the second important relationship. In fact, Pakistan has
cordial and friendly relations with all Gulf States, and Pakistanis live in all of them. They work in these
countries and contribute to their economies. Pakistan has close and friendly relations with these
countries and states. After the Gwadar port was built, a new era of economic relations began. Pakistan
has received economic assistance and investment from these countries. In some Pakistani universities,
the UAE has established hospitals and Islamic centers where students can learn about Islamic studies
and related subjects. The kingdom of Umman has a large population of Pakistanis, and it occasionally
recruits Baluchistan residents from its army. As a result, this kingdom and Baluchistan have a special
relationship. Official and personal visits to Pakistan are made by the ruling families of these countries. In
terms of QATAR, the relationship is cordial and friendly. A gas pipeline from Qatar to Pakistan is being
considered, and if this project is completed, the economic ties between the two countries will be
strengthened.

Another Muslim country with a long history of friendly relations with Pakistan is Turkey. Turkey has
supported Pakistan in a variety of situations, including wars and peace. Turkey has backed Pakistan in
Kashmir and called for a peaceful solution. If Turkey had backed Pakistan, Pakistan would have backed
Turkey in a variety of situations, including the Cyprus issue. People of Turkish origin, or Turkish
Cypriotes, were a minority in Cyprus, and their rights and interests were a source of contention. Turkey
landed troops in Northern Cyprus in 1974, and the Turkish Cypriotes formed their own separate entity.
For this problem, Pakistan has been supportive of Turkey and Turkish Cypriotes, which Turkey has
appreciated. High-level civil and military visits have occurred; in fact, their top military leaders visited
Pakistan, prompting Pakistani top military leaders to return to Turkey for similar visits. Both have made
significant contributions to multilateral organizations such as CENTO, RCD, ECO, and others.

Bangladesh was founded in December 1971 in a situation that pitted Bangladesh against Pakistan and
Pakistan against Bangladesh. As a result, there was a great deal of animosity between the two countries
in the early years. Bangladesh was once East Pakistan, but due to internal unrest and external
conspiracies, it became Bangladesh. Pakistan had a tense relationship with Bangladesh at first, but it
recognized it in February 1974, and their relationship has gradually improved since then. Despite the
fact that both countries had complaints against each other in the beginning. Countries now have cordial
relations, trade has improved, and senior officials and political leaders have visited. Within the SAARC
framework, both collaborated. In today's world, countries have cordial relations, trade has improved,
and senior officials and political leaders have paid visits. Both collaborated within the SAARC and OIC
frameworks. With the passage of time, both of these countries' relations will grow stronger.

Other Muslim countries with which Pakistan has friendly relations include Indonesia and Malaysia, as
well as Muslim countries in Africa such as Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan, Jordan, Egypt, and others.
Pakistan has friendly relations with all of these countries. This reflects Pakistan's efforts to maintain
close ties with the Muslim world, which is a key aspect of the country's foreign policy. This reflects the
aspiration of Pakistan's people, who have long backed Pakistan's relations with Muslim countries When
there has been a problem in the Muslim world, the people of Pakistan have always stood by them and
supported them in every way. As a result, the Pakistani government has always done the same thing
because it is mandated by the constitution and is also part of Pakistan's political heritage. It also fits in
with Pakistani identity, which is derived from and based on Islam, and it must reflect these values in its
foreign policy.