HUM111 Handouts Lecture18

COMSATS University Islamabad, Virtual Campus
HUM111 Pakistan Studies

Lecture 18 Handouts
Introduction to Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Background
What is a Foreign policy? Why do we need a Foreign policy? How relations of countries are
going to be with other countries? These are some of the questions that need to be answered. In
today’s world no country can survive on its own. In individual capacity, an individual can be
employed by some employer and can earn his/her living. However, when it comes to states they
cannot be employed by other states so, they must carry out business with other states to give
boost to their economy and improve their socio-economic situation inside the country. Therefore,
to cater the domestic needs, every state needs a viable foreign policy to take care of their
interests.
What is Foreign Policy?

Foreign policy is generally defined as the relation between the sovereign states. It is the
reflection of domestic politics and an interaction among sovereign states.
It is the establishment and development of relations with other countries to protect the national
interest by taking appropriate steps at an international level. The relationships between the two
countries are established based on the principle of equality. It is the choice of any state to have
relation with other state. For example, Pakistan and Israel are two sovereign states but the
foreign policy of Pakistan states, not to have any diplomatic relations with Israel. At domestic
front Pakistan, do not approve any Zionist state in occupied land of Middle East. That is why
Pakistan has never accepted Israel as a sovereign state. Thus, termed these nonexistent relations
as a reflection of domestic politics. At domestic level Pakistan, consider India as a threat for its
security, survival and existence. That is why the foreign policy of Pakistan towards India is
aggressive in nature and vice versa. At domestic fronts, we have good relations with Muslim
countries and they are reflected in our foreign policy.
Pakistan is a Muslim state and it came into being as result of an ideology, so we have friendly
relations with all of the Muslim countries. In this case too, the domestic aspirations are reflected
in foreign policy.
Foreign policy also indicates the principles and preferences on which a country wants to
establish relations with another country.
Pakistan has good relations with China because it is in its preferences. Pakistan considers China
as her good friend and this relationship is beneficial in economic terms as well as the security.
That is why we have good relations with China.
Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

No country today can think of a life independent of other nations, as this is an era of
interdependence we need to achieve our own interest. Every country has to develop relations
with advanced countries to meet its requirements in economic, industrial and technological fields
and is dependent on economically strong countries to support us in various fields. Pakistan needs
to maintain good bilateral relationships with other countries for the sake of trade and security
measures. It is thus necessary for every country to formulate a sound foreign policy.
Pakistan is an important third world country in its developmental stage. It has formulated its
foreign policy keeping in mind its geography, geopolitics and economics needs.
Principles of Pakistan Foreign Policy

Following things should be taken care while formulating the foreign policy of a country.
1. Peaceful coexistence (Live and let live others)

2. Non-alignment (Be Neutral)
3. United Nations Chartered
4. Unity of Islamic world
5. International and Regional Cooperation: Member of South Asian Regional Cooperation
(SARC), Organization of Islamic countries (OIC), World health organization (WHO).
Objectives of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Pakistan’s foreign policy intends to achieve the following objectives;
• National Security
• Economic Development
• Ideology
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Determinants of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
The key determinants of foreign policy of Pakistan are as under:
• Security
• Ideology
• National Interests
• Diplomacy
• Public Opinion
• Decision making
Guiding Principles of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

1. Protection of freedom and sovereignty
Pakistan came into being after great sacrifices of millions of the Muslims, like any other country.
It also considers with deep regard the need for preservation of its independence and does not
allow any country to harm its freedom. Therefore, the principle of protection of independence
and sovereignty is the cornerstone of Pakistan's Foreign Policy.
2. Cordial Relations with Muslim Countries
Pakistan always tries to establish cordial and friendly relations with Muslim countries. It has
always moved its concern against Israel, India and Russia capturing Palestine, Kashmir and
Afghanistan respectively. It has shouldered high responsibilities and used its influence for
safeguarding the rights of the Muslims. Pakistan is also an active member of the Organization of
the Islamic Conference.
3. Non-Interference in Internal Affairs of Other countries
Pakistan has sought to establish normal and friendly relations with all countries especially its
neighboring countries based on universally acknowledged principle of national sovereignty, by
using force and interfering in the internal affairs of state. Pakistan should not interfere in the
internal policy matters of other countries
4. Implementation of U.N Charter
Pakistan's policy is to act upon United Nations Charter and to support all moves by the UN to
implement it. Pakistan has been the member of UN since the year of its birth.
Pakistan must be implementing United Nations charter on the world stage. If United Nations’
policy talks about fundamental human rights then United Nations should implement that policy.
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We are also facing educational emergency in Pakistan because there are some millennium
developmental goals (MDG) for sustainable development. They are the part of the United
Nations charter. Pakistan is part of those implementation efforts such as the policies of (WHO)
for eradicating POLIO which are diligently implemented in Pakistan.
5. Promotion of World Peace
Pakistan’s Policy is to promote peace among nations. It has no aggressive designs against any
country. Neither does it support any such action. Pakistan has always held that the international
disputes should be settled through negotiations rather than in battlefield. Pakistan plays the role
of mediator to settle down the conflicts between various countries with negotiations and by peace
talks. As a guiding principle of foreign policy, Pakistan raises its voice for oppressed countries as
is the situation prevailing in Palestine and Kashmir. Pakistan is the part of many groups in which
they play their role to promote world peace. Therefore, Pakistan is promoting those efforts.
6. Non-Alignment
Pakistan followed the policy of non-alignment that is to keep away from aligning with any big
power block and avoids taking sides in the cold war. It has also withdrawn its association with
SEATO and CENTO.
We should play a neutral role, but this neutrality is related with cold war. In cold world war,
there were two blocks socialist or communist and capitalists. There was another group which
non-alignment group they were not part of any group and they remained non-aligned. Therefore,
under a lot of constraints and security considerations Pakistan became part pf capitalist block as
it just signed SEATO and CENTO with United States of America. So it formally became part of
capitalist group, but when they thought, their interest has been fulfilled then they no longer
remain aligned.
7. Right for Self-Determination and Condemnation of Racial Discrimination
Pakistan is a staunch supporter of the right of self-determination and has been in the forefront of
efforts to eliminate colonialism. It has advocated the right of self-determination of Kashmir.
Page 4 of 4

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COMSATS University Islamabad, Virtual Campus

HUM111 Pakistan Studies

Introduction to Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

What is Foreign Policy?

Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Principles of Pakistan Foreign Policy

1. Peaceful coexistence (Live and let live others)

Objectives of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Guiding Principles of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

2. Cordial Relations with Muslim Countries

3. Non-Interference in Internal Affairs of Other countries

4. Implementation of U.N Charter

5. Promotion of World Peace

7. Right for Self-Determination and Condemnation of Racial Discrimination

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