Foreign policy refers to the strategy or approach chosen by the national government to achieve its goals in its relations with external entities. According to Charles W. Kegley and Eugene R. Wittkopf, it is "the strategy or approach chosen by the national government to achieve its goals in its relations with external entities."
Another definition describes it as "the system of activities evolved by communities for changing the behaviour of other states and adjusting their own activities to the international environment."
Pakistan's foreign policy is guided by the following core objectives:
- National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity — Protecting Pakistan's borders and independence from external interference.
- Economic Development — Attracting foreign investment, trade partnerships, and development aid.
- Solidarity with the Muslim World (Ummah) — Strengthening ties with Muslim-majority nations through the OIC and bilateral relations.
- Resolution of the Kashmir Dispute — Pursuing a peaceful resolution in accordance with UNSC Resolution 47 (1948), which mandates a free plebiscite.
- Regional Stability — Promoting peace in South Asia and Central Asia through diplomacy.
- Non-interference — Respecting the sovereignty of other nations.
- Adherence to the UN Charter and international law
- Peaceful coexistence and non-aggression
- Support for self-determination of peoples
- Promotion of disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation
- Strengthening of regional organizations (SAARC, ECO, OIC, SCO)
| Determinant | Explanation |
|---|
| Geography | Located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East — a strategic 'bridge' for trade and energy corridors |
| History | Partition of 1947, wars with India, and the Kashmir dispute shape foreign policy priorities |
| Economy | Dependence on foreign aid, remittances, and trade influences alignment with donor countries |
| Military | Strong military establishment plays a significant role in foreign and security policy |
| Islam | Religious identity drives solidarity with Muslim nations and OIC membership |
| Nuclear Capability | Pakistan's nuclear deterrence shapes its security posture and relations with major powers |
- Pakistan–US relations have been complex, oscillating between alliance and tension.
- Pakistan joined SEATO (1954) and CENTO (1955) as part of US-led Cold War alliances.
- After 9/11 (2001), Pakistan became a frontline state in the US-led War on Terror, receiving billions in military and economic aid.
- Relations strained over drone strikes, Raymond Davis incident, and the Abbottabad operation (2011).
- Post-2018: Relations cooled further amid US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
- Pakistan and China share an "all-weather strategic partnership."
- Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan's independence in 1947; China established formal ties shortly after.
- Key cooperation areas: CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), JF-17 Thunder fighter jet (jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation), military technology transfer, and infrastructure development.
- China consistently supports Pakistan's position on Kashmir at the UN Security Council.
- Historical ties through Commonwealth membership.
- Large Pakistani diaspora in the UK strengthens people-to-people and economic links.
- Cooperation in trade, education, and counter-terrorism.
- Pakistan seeks connectivity with Central Asia through Afghanistan (CASA-1000, TAPI pipeline).
- ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) provides a multilateral framework.
- SCO membership (full member since 2017) enhances engagement with Central Asian republics.
- Pakistan is a founding member of SAARC (1985).
- Relations with India remain the most challenging due to the Kashmir dispute, cross-border terrorism allegations, and the 1971 war.
- Pakistan advocates for trade liberalization and people-to-people contact within SAARC.
- Pakistan is an active member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
- Advocates for Muslim causes globally, including Palestine and Kashmir.
- Hosts OIC summits and contributes to Islamic solidarity.
- Pakistan benefits from GSP+ trade status with the EU, allowing preferential tariffs.
- Cooperation in human rights, democracy, and development.
- Strong bilateral ties based on Islamic solidarity, investment, and diaspora remittances.
- Saudi Arabia and UAE are major sources of remittances for Pakistan.
- Turkey and Pakistan share defense and diplomatic cooperation.
Pakistan joined the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1979 during the Havana Summit, signaling a shift toward a more neutral stance during the Cold War era.
- Social impact: Millions of Afghan refugees, internal displacement, rise of extremism, and loss of civilian lives in terrorist attacks.
- Economic impact: Estimated losses exceeding $100 billion; disruption of trade and investment.
- Political impact: Strained civil-military relations, pressure from the US, and sovereignty concerns over drone strikes.