Pakistan has pursued different foreign policy approaches throughout its history based on changing geopolitical circumstances. Initially, it explored friendly relations with all countries after independence. It then aligned with Western countries during the Cold War, joining organizations like SEATO and CENTO. From the 1960s, Pakistan transitioned to bilateral relations and non-alignment. It supported Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion and improved ties with the US. Following the Cold War, Pakistan pursued a nuclear program while dealing with insurgencies in Kashmir and Afghanistan. Since 9/11, Pakistan has played an active but difficult role in counterterrorism efforts while seeking to maintain relations with the US, China, and other countries.

1. FOREIGN POLICY OF
PAKISTAN
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MA International Relations
Presented to; Ms Zahida Parveen
Presented by: Ali Raza Jillani (IR-14-01)

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3. GEO-STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
OF PAKISTAN
Location
West part of South Asia. It lies between the latitudes of
23.30 degree and 35.45 degree north and between the
longitudes of 61 degree and 75.31 degree east of
Greenwich.
Total Area
796096 sq km broad East to West.
1600 kms north to south and about 885 kms broad east to
west.
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4. GEO-STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
OF PAKISTAN
Boundaries
March with Iran, Afghanistan and India bounded to west by
Iran.
To the North by Afghanistan to the North East by China. To
the East and South East by India and to the South by
Arabian Sea Pakistan is separated from Tajikistan by a
narrow strip of Afghan territory called “WAKHAN”
PAKISTAN shares border 2252 km long common border
(Durand Line) with Afghanistan, 585 kms long border with
China, 805 kms long border with Iran and 700 kms long
coast with the Arabian Sea.
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5. FOREIGN POLICY OF
PAKISTAN
Definition
“The external policy of an independent,
sovereign state which it pursues in its
relations with other nations of the world in
order to seek its national interest.”
“The external policy of the state which it
pursues to preserve its ideological character,
safeguard its territorial integrity, maintain its
political sovereignty and guarantee its
economic well being”
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6. OBJECTIVES OF PAKISTAN’S
FOREIGN POLICY
 National Security.
 Territorial Integrity.
 Economic well being.
 National prestige.
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7. DETERMINENTS OF PAKISTAN’S
FOREIGN POLICY
 Geo-Political Settings.
 Historical Legacies and Past Traditions.
 Socio-Economic Condition.
 Political Systems and Structure.
 Ideological Considerations.
 Decision Makers Dream, Images and
Motives.
 External Environment.
 Power Considerations.
 National Interest.
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8. ELEMENTS AFFECTING
FOREIGN POLICY
 Technology leaves impact on foreign policy.
 The national capacity of a state also exercises
profound influence on the foreign policy of
state.
 The social structure of a society also exercise
profound influence on its foreign policy.
 Public opinion is another important element of
country’s foreign policy.
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9. ELEMENTS AFFECTING FOREIGN
POLICY
 The political organization found in a country also
greatly influences the foreign policy. For example
under authoritarian systems quick foreign policy
decisions are taken.
 The press also plays a vital role in foreign policy
formulation process.
 The nature of political accountability prevailing in
a system also greatly influence the foreign policy
of the state.
 The leadership also plays a vital role in the
shaping of a country’s foreign policy.
 The great power structure prevailing in the world
politics also greatly influence the policy of a
country.
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10. ELEMENTS AFFECTING
FOREIGN POLICY
 While making foreign policy the state has
to take note of the international law, treaties
and contracts.
 While formulating its foreign policy a
country has to take note of the reaction of
other states to its various actions.
 Alliances concluded by various states also
greatly influence the foreign policy.
 The world public opinion also influences
the state’s foreign policy.
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11. PHASES OF PAKISTAN’S
FOREIGN POLICY
Phase-I 1947-53 Explorations and friendship with all
1954-62 Alignment with the West
Phase-II 1962-71 Transition
1972-79 The Era of Bilateralism and Non
Alignment
1980-90 Afghanistan and Partnership with US
Phase-III 1990-2001 Post Cold War Era and role of Pak
2001- Onward Counter Terrorism
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12. 1947-53: Exploration and
Friendship with All
• Introduction of Pakistan by Quid ( The 1st
Governor-General)
• Quid Stress to ties with other States
• Outlining the goals of foreign policy, Jinnah declared:
“Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards the
nations of the world. We do not cherish aggressive designs against
any country or nation. We believe in the principle of honesty and
fair-play in national and international dealings and are prepared to
make our utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and
prosperity among the nations of the world. Pakistan will never be
found lacking in extending its material and moral support to the
oppressed and suppressed peoples of the world, and in upholding the
principles of the United Nations Charter.”
• Joining of United Nations (September-30, 1947)
• Preliminary Difficulties with India and Afghanistan
• Ambassador Level Relations with US, Soviet Union and China
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13.  Pak-US Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement (May 1954)
 Alignment with Turkey (April 1954)
 South-East Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO) (September
1954)
 Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) (September 1955)
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1953-62: Alignment with
the West

14.  Rethinking about the Alignment Policy
 Improving Relations with the Soviet Union
 Improving Relations with China
 Diminishing Ties with the U.S.
 Pluralistic Perspective
 Relations with India
 Crisis in East Pakistan and International Response
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1962-71: Transition

15.  Pakistan withdrew from commonwealth and SEATO
 Became a member of NON-allied summit in 1979
 Improved India-Pakistan Relations
 Pakistan ties their relationship with China.
 Relations with Russia and US.
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1972-79: Bilateralism and
nonalignment

16. 1980-90: Afghanistan and
Partnership with the U.S.
 Pakistan supported Afghanistan in Soviet invasion
 Pakistan hosted Afghan refugees during this war
 Revival of Pak-US Relations
 Pak China Relations
 Pakistan and the OIC
 Indo –Pakistan relationship-Policy Dialogue on Pak-
Afghan Relations
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17. 1990-2001: Post-Cold War Era
and Pakistan's Role
 Continuation of the Afghanistan Problem
 Insurgency in Kashmir
 Going Nuclear
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18. 2001 onwards: Pakistan and
Counter Terrorism
 September 11 and Fight Against Terrorism
 Increased U.S. Support
 Pakistan's Relations with China and Russia
 Muslim World and Pakistan
 Transfer of Nuclear Technology
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19. Concluding Remarks:
 Pakistan is currently an active player in the global efforts for
combating religious extremism and terrorism with a policy that
extremism and terrorism pose serious threats to global security
as well as to Pakistan's internal peace, stability and economic
development. Pakistan has made some difficult decisions in
pursuing counter terrorism and for ensuring peace and stability
in the immediate neighborhood in order to boost its image at
the international level, restore international confidence in the
ability of the Pakistani state and government to put their socio-
economic house in order, and shape up as a democratically
oriented, modern and enlightened Muslim polity that does not
allow its territory to be used by extremist groups.
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20. Any Question ???????
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21. Thank you
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