We are living in an age of Globalization and interdependence. This era has greatly revealed Cooperation, economic and political integration and multilateralism. Isolation is almost a nightmare for the nation states and no when can afford it in this century. Under such circumstances, states comprehensively shape their foreign policies in order to attain their economic and strategic interests. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s foreign policy looks directionless and ambiguous in several aspects, due to which result-oriented outcomes are lacking.
It is truly said that one can change enemies and friends, but neighbors can’t be changed. Sadly, Pakistan is looking pointless when it comes to relationships with neighbors. There are several constraints and misunderstandings between Pakistan and its neighbor countries. Pakistan always looks worried about maintaining peace and stability at both eastern and western borders. Talking about Afghanistan, in the mid of 2021, when Taliban gained power there, Pakistan hoped for a better understanding with the new theocratic regime. Earlier, Pakistan had strong concerns of Indian domination over governments in Afghanistan. However, today the ties between Afghan Taliban and Pakistan are not that much healthy that were supposed to be. In fact, there are several areas of misunderstandings and reservations between the two neighbors. Across the border Militancy and TTP presence on Afghanistan soil are the two of the areas, which are negatively impacting Pak-Afghan relationship. Few weeks ago, high officials of Pakistan desired to intervene militarily in Afghan soil in order to eradicate TTP threat, which further worsened the bilateral relationship. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s foreign policy seems clueless and doesn’t get the desired results under the contemporary approach towards Afghanistan.
When it comes to relationships with Iran, bilateral ties are influenced by several factors as well. Pakistan and Iran have witnessed a decline in their relationship over the years. Uncertain situation in the border area between the two countries and international sanctions on Iran, are impacting relations between the two neighbors. More importantly and miserably, Pakistan values the Saudi factor a lot while shaping ties with Iran. Dominating Iran-Saudi rivalry over Pak-Iran relations is another debility of Pakistan’s foreign policy, which presents Pakistan’s approach as hollow and random.
The Kashmir issue is always a major obstacle between Pakistan and India. Both countries have fought several battles on the said flash point. Back in 2019, due to unilateral and ultra-nationalistic actions of Modi’s regime in Kashmir, the bilateral ties dropped remarkably. There is no major communication, coordination and trade between the two nuclear powers. Similarly, the increasing influence of India in the South Asian region, Indian propaganda against Pakistan on the international front and issues on line of control haven’t allowed both states to pursue healthy relations yet.
Ties with China is another major area of Pakistan’s foreign policy and it is highly valued by Pakistani administration. China and Pakistan have enjoyed remarkable ties in the past. Presently, both states experience cordial relationship in several sectors, as Pakistan is an important strategic and economic regional partner of China. However, due to security issues economic ties between the two neighbors are always suffered. China Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC, is the flagship project of China’s mega Belt and Road Initiative BRI, which is supposed to serve economic and strategic interests of both states in the future. Unfortunately, China has shown serious worries time to time regarding the project, due to security concerns in Pakistan. Last year several attacks were noticed on Chinese officials associated with CPEC, which has raised serious questions.
One can change its foes and friends, but can’t change neighbors. Therefore, one should make sure sustainability and uniformity in relations towards its neighbors, especially in uncertain, self-centered and anarchic international political order. Along with smoothing ties with neighbors, Pakistan needs to prioritize Geo-Economic factors while shaping its foreign policy in order to gain long-term and long lasting goals.
By Barkat Ullah.
The writer currently works as a Research Associate at the International Parliamentarians’ Congress Islamabad. He has wide experience in writing for various newspapers. He has a special focus on Afghanistan. He tweets on @BarkatViews.
