KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Pakistan’s foreign policy is mainly shaped by security concerns and rivalry with India.
- Pakistan often views foreign affairs through an India-centered perspective.
- Relations with Afghanistan and the US are strongly linked to militancy issues.
- Projects like China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have increased the importance of economic diplomacy.
- Foreign policy should also focus on domestic stability and public interests.
- Pakistan needs a more balanced policy based on peace, trade, and development.
OVERVIEW
Pakistan’s foreign policy has mostly focused on security concerns because the country believes it lives in a dangerous region. The main concern has always been India, which is much larger and seen as Pakistan’s biggest threat. Because of this, Pakistan has shaped many of its foreign relations around security issues, militant groups, and competition with India. However, this narrow approach has often damaged Pakistan’s international image and limited its opportunities. To move forward, Pakistan needs a broader and more balanced foreign policy that includes economic growth, regional cooperation, and stronger parliamentary oversight.
SECURITY-CENTERED FOREIGN POLICY AND INDIA’S INFLUENCE
Pakistan’s foreign policy has mainly been shaped by the belief that the country lives in an unsafe region. Pakistan sees India as its biggest threat because India is larger and militarily stronger. Because of this, Pakistan has often focused more on security concerns rather than wider national development.
Pakistan also tends to view foreign policy through an India-centered perspective. Many decisions regarding diplomacy, security, and regional relations are influenced by competition with India. This point is discussed in the paper titled Perception and Reality of Pakistan’s India Centric Foreign Policy. The authors say,
The history of Pakistan-India relations testifies that since the very beginning, they are based on mutual distrust and antagonism. Similarly, in the past seven decades, the two countries could not solve their long-standing bilateral issues. Therefore, persistence of disputes and resultant hostilities on both sides prevails. However, with Narendra Modi coming to power in 2014, the bilateral relations are subject to further deterioration due to his and his party’s traditional anti-Pakistan stance.
Pakistani nationalism is often defined by opposition to India instead of building an independent national identity. Relations with India are sometimes seen not only as political conflict but also as a conflict between “Hindu India” and “Muslim Pakistan,” which deepens divisions and weakens broader ideas of equal citizenship.
Major disputes such as Kashmir, water sharing, and the Siachen Glacier continue to increase tensions and strongly influence Pakistan’s foreign policy choices. Pakistan needs to move beyond this narrow India-focused approach and adopt a more balanced strategy.
RELATIONS WITH AFGHANISTAN, MILITANCY, AND REGIONAL INSTABILITY
Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan has often been shaped by concerns about India. One major reason Pakistan supported the Taliban government was to prevent India from gaining influence in Afghanistan. Since the 1970s, Pakistan has supported Islamist groups because it believed Afghanistan was encouraging Pashtun nationalist movements against Pakistan.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan also depend heavily on the Afghan Taliban. When Taliban attacks take place in Afghanistan, Pakistan often faces international criticism because of its past connections. Pakistan’s role in peace efforts has sometimes been praised, but a single attack can quickly damage diplomatic progress.
Some militant groups try to create conflict between Pakistan and India, both nuclear states, in order to spread chaos. Pakistan’s inability to properly investigate these incidents creates the impression internationally that it is either involved or unwilling to take serious action.
DEPENDENCE ON MAJOR POWERS AND RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES
Pakistan has historically depended on powerful countries for political and military support, especially the United States. During the Cold War, Pakistan believed the US would continue supporting it under all circumstances. Because of this dependence, Pakistan sometimes focused more on external alliances rather than solving internal political and economic challenges.
Pakistan’s international relations with countries like India, Afghanistan, and the US have often been connected to militancy and security concerns. This narrow focus has damaged Pakistan’s image internationally and reduced opportunities for broader diplomatic and economic partnerships. Pakistan needs to move away from depending too heavily on major powers and focus on more independent policymaking.
ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY, CPEC, AND REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY
Pakistan needs to make economic development a central part of foreign policy instead of focusing only on security. Economic strength, trade partnerships, and international investment are now essential parts of successful foreign policy. Security concerns can also sometimes be solved through economic cooperation rather than military competition.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has become one of Pakistan’s most important development projects. As China increases its economic presence in Pakistan, it must also deal with local political groups and security challenges.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which includes CPEC, shows how geoeconomics and regional connectivity are becoming increasingly important in world politics. Pakistan must learn how to benefit from these global economic changes and make trade and development part of its long-term foreign policy strategy.
CHINA’S GROWING ROLE AND REGIONAL COOPERATION
China is becoming more powerful globally, and Pakistan has always paid close attention to Chinese concerns. Because of China’s growing influence, it may increasingly shape Pakistan’s foreign policy decisions, especially regarding neighboring countries.
China also faces security concerns because militant groups operating in Pakistan’s western and tribal areas can threaten Chinese projects and workers. Although China has often supported Pakistan internationally, this support may weaken if militancy remains a serious problem.
In 2018, foreign ministers from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China met in Beijing and discussed connecting Afghanistan to CPEC. Improving conditions in border areas was identified as an important priority. China has also encouraged the Indian-supported Chabahar Port in Iran to cooperate alongside Gwadar Port. Reports also suggested changing the name of CPEC to reduce Indian concerns and improve regional cooperation.
DOMESTIC STABILITY, INCLUSIVE POLICYMAKING, AND THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENT
Foreign policy should not only focus on international relations but also on how decisions affect people inside Pakistan. Domestic peace, social stability, and public welfare are closely connected to foreign policy. Policymakers cannot ignore internal conditions when making decisions abroad.
Pakistan is a diverse country, so foreign policy should represent the interests of all communities instead of being shaped by only a few powerful groups. An inclusive foreign policy can reduce public backlash and create stronger national unity.
Parliament should also play a greater role in foreign policy decisions. Parliamentary committees on foreign affairs can monitor policies, improve accountability, and ensure decisions are made in the country’s best interest. A stronger parliamentary role would make Pakistan’s foreign policy more democratic, transparent, and better connected to public needs.
CONCLUSION
Pakistan’s foreign policy has long been shaped by security fears, especially competition with India. While security remains important, relying too heavily on this narrow approach has limited Pakistan’s progress and harmed its international reputation. To succeed in the future, Pakistan needs a broader foreign policy that focuses on economic development, regional cooperation, internal stability, and inclusive decision-making. A balanced and modern foreign policy can help Pakistan improve both its international standing and domestic development.
LINKS AND RESOURCES TO READ MORE ABOUT FOREIGN POLICY IMPERATIVES FOR PAKISTAN
- Strategic Dimensions of Pakistan's Foreign Policy: The Role of CPEC, Energy Security, and Environmental Sustainability.
- Appraisal of the Dynamics of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy and Its Contemporary Relations with Neighboring Countries.
- Embryonic World Order: Implications For Pakistan's Foreign Policy, Geopolitical Agendas And Foreign Affairs.