UNIT–11: Foreign Policy of Pakistan

Section 6 – Pakistan & International Affairs

Overview of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy — Meaning & Definitions
Definition
Foreign policy = Strategy a government uses in dealing with other states to protect national
interests.

Key Features

Feature Explanation
National Interest Protection Sovereignty, Security, Development
International Cooperation Trade, Alliances, Peace
Adaptability Reacts to global changes
Executive-Driven Led by government; involves ministries & agencies

Purpose of Pakistan Foreign Policy

✔ Safeguard national interest

✔ Improve global image
✔ Promote trade & diplomacy
✔ Ensure peace and development

Determinants of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Determinant Importance
Geography Location near Afghanistan, China, Central Asia, Middle East →
geopolitical significance
Security Concerns India rivalry, terrorism, nuclear capability
Economic Factors Aid, trade, CPEC, investment
Islamic Ideology OIC role, global Muslim causes
Historical Context Conflicts with India & Afghanistan
Domestic Politics Govt policy shifts, public opinion
Regional Dynamics Middle East politics, ties with Türkiye, Gulf
 Major Powers US & China shaping decisions
Influence
Organizations SAARC, ECO improving regional integration
Environmental International climate cooperation
Concerns
Counter Terrorism FATF compliance, global war on terror
Science & Technology Nuclear & space cooperation

Pakistan–United States Relations

Chronological Timeline & Phases
Era Nature of Relations Key Events
Cold War Era (1950– Strong alliance SEATO, CENTO, aid & military partnership,
1989) Afghan Jihad
1990s Distrust & sanctions Pressler Amendment → end military aid after
nuclear tests
Post-9/11 (2001– Counterterrorism alliance War on Terror, drone strikes, billions in aid
2014)
2015–2017 Decline Conditional aid, mistrust peaks
2018–Present “Transactional” Focus on Afghanistan exit negotiations
relationship

Pre-9/11 Pak–US Relations

1️⃣ old War Alliances
Pakistan supported US vs. Soviet Union
→ Got financial + military assistance
→ US saw Pakistan as key player in South Asia
→ Pakistan helped Mujahideen in Soviet-Afghan War (1979–89)

2️⃣ Sanctions & Disengagement

 US worried about Pakistan’s nuclear program

 Pressler Amendment (1985) → Sanctions applied
 After 1998 nuclear tests → Relationship worsened

Post-9/11 Pak–US Relations

1️⃣ War on Terror Alliance

Pakistan given:
  Military aid
 Economic funds
 Recognized as Major Non-NATO Ally

2️⃣ Trust Deficit

US accused Pakistan of role with Afghan Taliban
Pakistan accused US of:

 Threatening sovereignty
 Using drone attacks killing civilians

3️⃣ Drone Strikes & Sovereignty Issue

→ Increased anti-American sentiment
→ Damaged political trust
U.S. aid increased slightly from 2013–2016, but fell sharply in 2017 due to political mistrust,
shift in American foreign policy, and the “Do more” pressure on Pakistan.

Socio-Economic Impact on Pakistan

Impact Type Positive Effects Negative Effects
Economic Temporary stabilization; $10bn+ funds Dependency, corruption, inflation
Security Intelligence sharing, military aid Terror retaliation, instability
Social Humanitarian relief & training Displacement in FATA & PTSD
Politics Global attention Perceived loss of sovereignty

Conclusion: Aid + exploitation → long-term instability

Reasons for fluctuating Pak-US relations

 Nuclear issue
 Terrorism accusations
 Strategic interest changes
  India-US growing ties
 Public mistrust

Pakistan–China Relations

Termed an “All-Weather Strategic Partnership”

Major Areas of Cooperation

Sector Key Projects/Benefits

CPEC $62+ bn investment — infrastructure, energy
Gwadar Port Trade hub to Middle East/Africa
SEZs Foreign investment, jobs
KKH Expansion Regional connectivity
Defense JF-17 jets, naval cooperation
Agriculture Food security modernization
IT & Telecom Huawei & ZTE involvement
Education & Culture Scholarships, Confucius Institutes
Health COVID-19 assistance
Future Projects ML-1 Rail, New Hydro projects

China = Pakistan’s largest long-term economic partner

Map: Belt & Road — CPEC Route

China (Kashgar)
│
Khunjerab Pass
│
KKH → Gilgit → Islamabad → Lahore
│
 Karachi / Gwadar Port
↓
Export routes (Middle East & Africa)

Pakistan–UK Relations
Importance
Key Area
Historical Ties Colonial past → Commonwealth
Trade UK big buyer of Pakistani textiles & sports goods
Aid & Development Education, health, poverty reduction
Diaspora 1.6M Pakistanis in UK = bridge of influence
Politics & Diplomacy Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (2011)
Cultural Ties Cricket, media, student exchanges

Pakistan–Russia Relations
Historical Background
Time Period Status
Cold War Era Strained → Pakistan aligned with US
Post-2000 Gradual improvement
Last decade Greater cooperation (economy + defense)

Key Cooperation Areas

Sector Details
Energy North–South Gas Pipeline agreement
Trade Machinery, steel, LNG projects
Defense Military exercises, Russian hardware purchases
Geopolitics Shared concerns → Afghanistan stability
BRI/CPEC Russia may join for economic access

Future Prospects
Field Opportunities
LNG Imports Russian terminals expected by 2026
Steel Industry Reviving Pakistan Steel Mills with Russian help
Transportation More corridor connectivity
 Diplomacy Better regional strategic alignment

Why Russia Relations Matter

 Pakistan diversifies foreign policy away from US dependency
 Russia gains warm-water access via Pakistan routes
 Joint fight against terrorism

📌Relationship is promising but limited by:

 Indian–Russia strong ties

 US pressure
 Ukraine war sanctions complications

Pakistan & Central Asian States

Countries: Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan

Focus Areas:

 Regional trade & security (SCO + ECO)

 Energy corridors → TAPI Pipeline
 Anti-terrorism cooperation
 Cultural & academic exchanges

Pakistan – European Union (EU) Relations

Overview
 EU = political + economic union of 27 countries.
 Works with Pakistan for peace, stability, economic progress.
  Cooperation in areas:
✔ Trade
✔ Security
✔ Environment
✔ Human Rights
 EU members mentioned in book:
France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece

Major Pillars of Pak-EU Relations

Pillar Details
Economic & Trade EU is major export market for Pakistan goods (textiles,
Cooperation leather, sports goods)
Peace & Regional Stability Cooperation especially linked with Afghanistan’s stability
Human Rights & Democracy Part of EU’s foreign policy development engagement
Support
Development & Education Financial + technical aid to Pakistan for health, education
Support & poverty reduction
Environment & Climate Addressing climate change and sustainable growth

Pak–EU Trade Growth

Trade Level
│ 📈 Gradual Increase
│ 📈
│ 📈
│ 📈
│ 📈
└────────────────────────────────────→ Years
(Growing exports + cooperation)

📌 Bilateral trade has increased, showing strengthening relations.

Why EU is Important for Pakistan

 Promotes peace & security
  Encourages development & aid
 Helps strengthen diplomacy
 Enhances trade opportunities
 Supports cultural exchange & education

Concept Map

Pakistan – EU
│
┌─────────────────────┼─────────────────────┐
│ │ │
Economic Cooperation Security Focus Development Support
│ │ │
Trade of goods Afghanistan stability Health, education,
Exports: textiles Counterterrorism disaster relief
│
Cultural & People-to-People Links

Conclusion
Pak-EU relations are multidimensional, improving trade, strengthening diplomatic ties, and
supporting Pakistan in achieving peace, stability, and economic growth.

Pakistan–Germany Relations
📌 Diplomatic relations since: 1951
📌 Germany = Largest trading partner in EU for Pakistan

Area Details
Trade Pakistan exports textiles, leather; imports machinery, chemicals
Development Cooperation Clean energy, technical skills, humanitarian aid
Humanitarian Support Earthquake/flood relief, counterterrorism support
Education & Culture Goethe-Institut, German scholarships for Pakistanis
Advocacy Supports Pakistan's GSP+ status in EU

➡ Overall: Partnership focused on economic development, education & peace

Pakistan–France Relations
📌 Diplomatic ties since: 1947
📌 Multidimensional: Defense + Trade + Culture

Sector Highlights
Trade France imports textiles & sports goods; exports automobiles &
machinery
Defense Counterterrorism, regional security dialogues (Afghanistan)
Cooperation
Cultural/Education Alliance Française promotes French language; scholarships
Disaster Relief 2005 earthquake & 2010 floods support

➡ Shared concerns: Climate change, regional stability, EU cooperation

Pakistan–Spain Relations
📌 Diplomatic ties since: 1950

Area Contributions
Trade Important EU buyer of Pakistani textiles & sports items
Development Aid Rural development, healthcare, disaster support
Culture Spanish taught at NUML; Instituto Cervantes
Education Pakistani students increasing in Spain
Tourism Improving visa facilitation

➡ Future potential in renewable energy & infrastructure

Pakistan–Italy Relations
📌 Diplomatic ties since: 1948

Area Details
Trade Textiles, leather goods; Italy invests in infrastructure
Education & Culture Italian Cultural Institute, scholarships
Defense & Security Counterterrorism, regional peace
Social Projects Girls’ education support
People-to-People 20,607 Pakistani students in Italy (2023–24)
Growing partnership in renewables & high-tech industry

SAARC & Pakistan

(South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)
📌 Founded: 1985
📌 Members: 8 (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan)

Pakistan's Role

Domain Role
Founding Member Strong supporter of regional cooperation
Economic initiatives SAFTA, SAARC Food Bank, Payment Council
Cultural programs Exchanges to enhance peace
Major Issue India-Pakistan tension has harmed SAARC progress

Pakistan’s Relations with SAARC Countries

Afghanistan

 Security-focused approach
 Goal: Prevent terrorism, control refugee inflow
 Humanitarian & economic aid provided
 Stability in Afghanistan is key to regional security

Bangladesh

 Relations improving recently

 Cooperation on trade & diplomacy increasing

Country Nature of Relations

Nepal Diplomatic + regional cooperation
Sri Lanka Strong defense + trade + education ties
Bhutan Minimal relations, mostly in SAARC forums
Maldives Diplomatic + educational + regional cooperation

📌 Slow SAARC progress → Mostly due to Indo-Pak rivalry

Pakistan–India Relations
Key reasons for conflict:

 Kashmir dispute
 Border tensions & wars → 1️948, 1️965, 1️971️, 1️999
  Terrorism accusations
 Water disputes + Siachen issue
 Negative public perception

📌 Result:

 Bilateral relations > SAARC cooperation

 Peace initiatives frequently stalled

The Kashmir Conflict

Issue Pakistan’s Position India’s Position
Accession Kashmir should choose destiny (UN Legal accession to India
Plebiscite)
Demography Muslim-majority → should join Secular democracy = no
Pakistan religious basis
UN Resolution 47 → referendum required Calls it bilateral issue
Involvement

📌 Current Status:
LoC skirmishes, political suppression, unresolved humanitarian crisis

Pakistan & OIC States

Türkiye
 Joint defense production → UAVs, warships
 Trade expansion through MOUs
 Cultural & academic cooperation
 Shared geostrategic interests (Middle East – Central Asia)

➡ Strong strategic + economic partnership

Saudi Arabia
 Deep religious + economic partnership
 Major investor → Gwadar Oil Refinery ($1️4 billion)
 Defense cooperation & diaspora (2.5+ million Pakistanis)
 Occasionally political friction due to shifting alliances
➡ Future collaborations in defense & trade

Qatar
 $3️ bn investment → energy + infrastructure
 Large Pakistani workforce = remittances
 Increasing agriculture & technology cooperation

➡ Joint push for SDGs & regional peace

UAE
 Largest trading partner in Middle East
 $5.6 bn trade volume (2023–24)
 1.6M+ Pakistanis living in UAE
 Investment → oil/gas, ports, infrastructure

➡ Strong people-to-people & financial ties

Pakistan & Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs)
📌 Adopted SDGs in 2016 — among first countries
📌 National SDG framework created

SDG Focus Areas Pakistan’s Initiatives

Poverty & Social Welfare Ehsaas & BISP
Education & Health Expanded facilities
Clean Energy & Water Green energy & water programs
Climate Action Disaster management policies

📌 Challenges:

 Resource constraints
 Political instability
 Economic inequality

➡ Long-term progress requires international support + stable governance