Redefining Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: From Security to Strategy

Foreign policy is the cornerstone of a country’s engagement with the world, nurturing its international role in maintaining security, economic growth, and political interests. Pakistan, because of its central geographical location and unique past, has played a crucial role in global geopolitics for quite some time. However, its foreign policy often comes under fire for being reaction-oriented and overly focused on security issues, neglecting long-term strategic objectives. In an increasingly interdependent world, Pakistan should adopt a proactive foreign policy and move away from its reactive approach to become an adaptive and effective participant in global events and cooperation. This paradigm shift should emphasize three major aspects: economic development, regional cooperation, and the diversification of international partnerships.

Geo-Economy and Pakistan: Opportunities and Challenges

Using military means as its weapon of choice to achieve goals with its neighbors, Pakistan’s foreign policy has long been centralized around security. This is largely due to its conflict with India and the ongoing dispute over Kashmir. While security is undeniably important, this over-reliance has narrowed the scope and prospects of Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives. Consequently, neighboring countries, which should ideally be Pakistan’s closest allies, often remain at odds. For instance, despite shared borders and common interests, relations with Afghanistan are marked by distrust and territorial conflicts, which limit cooperation on trade and counterterrorism. Similarly, constrained bilateral relations between Pakistan and India have hindered South Asia’s emergence as a strong economic bloc.

Another major issue is Pakistan’s dependency on alliances with the United States and, more recently, China. While these alliances have secured military and economic aid, they have also restricted Pakistan’s autonomy and led to competitive dynamics with its allies. During the Cold War, Pakistan’s alignment with the U.S. strained its relationship with the Soviet Union. Furthermore, its participation in the War on Terror has worsened its international standing. Over-dependence on both Western and Eastern powers has not only increased economic reliance but also limited Pakistan’s ability to establish sustainable regional and international relationships.

The economy, a vital factor in foreign policy, remains one of the most neglected areas in Pakistan. Despite its strategic location, which offers immense potential for trade and connectivity, the country has failed to capitalize on regional economic opportunities. Although the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has yielded some benefits, concerns over public debt and accountability persist. Additionally, Pakistan’s international trade remains confined to limited sectors, offering few options for market and product diversification. Poor economic management has left the country vulnerable to external shocks, reducing its ability to maneuver effectively in global markets.

Pakistan’s foreign policy is also hindered by a lack of coherence and long-term vision. Frequent leadership changes and the absence of a strategic framework have undermined credibility and trust. For example, Pakistan’s fluctuating relationships with Gulf States have created uncertainty in critical areas such as remittances and energy security. Similarly, Pakistan’s ambiguous stance on the Saudi-Iran conflict and the Palestinian cause has led to internal divisions rather than fostering a unified national approach.

Nuclear Deterrence and Strategic Stability in South Asia: A Focus on Pakistan

To address these weaknesses, Pakistan’s foreign policy requires immediate reforms. The country must transition from a security-centric to an economy-driven and regionally integrated approach. China and Vietnam have successfully used foreign policy to spur growth, and Pakistan should follow their example by attracting increased investments through sound policies and enhancing trade. Strengthening ties with neighboring countries, particularly Afghanistan and Iran, while creating economic corridors and improving regional security, can significantly boost Pakistan’s economic growth. Improved relations with India, for instance, could catalyze regional development and foster greater cooperation across South Asia.

Economic diplomacy should be a leading dimension of this shift. Pakistan must diversify its trade partners and enhance its manufacturing and export sectors to become more competitive globally. Leveraging its membership in multilateral organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) could open up new trade and investment opportunities. Transparent and collaborative practices in major projects like CPEC could also enhance Pakistan’s international reputation and yield long-term benefits.

Institutional reforms are equally important in creating a robust foreign policy framework. Establishing think tanks and research institutions to analyze global trends and guide policymakers is critical. Strengthening the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and fostering effective coordination between civilian and military leadership would ensure a more systematic and efficient approach to diplomacy. Additionally, the Pakistani diaspora, a powerful global community, can play a vital role in improving the country’s image and influence on the international stage.

Pakistan stands at a historical turning point in its foreign policy. Rapid global disruptions demand a shift from the traditional security-oriented mindset to a more outward-looking and future-focused approach. Prioritizing economic growth, maintaining peace, and fostering cooperation with international partners will enable Pakistan to become a globally relevant player while addressing its internal challenges. However, this paradigm shift requires political will, institutional reforms, and long-term strategic planning. While the path ahead is challenging, making the right choices today will transform Pakistan’s foreign policy into a tool for prosperity and progress.