Islamabad — Pakistan’s foreign policy stands at a critical juncture as the country attempts to strike a balance between its traditional security concerns and a renewed emphasis on economic diplomacy. With its strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Pakistan’s diplomatic approach continues to be shaped by regional rivalries, global alliances, and internal challenges.
Security and Strategic Calculations
At the core of Pakistan’s foreign policy lies its complex relationship with neighboring India. The Kashmir dispute continues to dominate bilateral tensions, with little progress in recent years toward a peaceful resolution. Diplomatic channels remain restricted since the Indian government revoked Article 370 in 2019, altering the special status of Jammu and Kashmir — a move Islamabad strongly opposed.
Simultaneously, Pakistan remains deeply invested in the political situation in Afghanistan. The return of the Taliban in 2021 was seen by many in Islamabad as a strategic development, but stability in the region has proven elusive. Cross-border terrorism, refugee movements, and the threat posed by groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continue to test Pakistan’s western diplomacy.
China and the CPEC Advantage
Pakistan’s “all-weather friendship” with China is a cornerstone of its foreign relations. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multibillion-dollar infrastructure and energy initiative, symbolizes this alliance. CPEC is not only central to Pakistan’s economic revival plans but also reflects its growing alignment with Beijing in a shifting global order.
China’s political support, particularly at forums like the United Nations Security Council, and its investments across various sectors have provided Pakistan with a vital diplomatic and financial lifeline.
U.S. Relations: A Cautious Engagement
Ties with the United States, once defined by military alliances and cooperation in the post-9/11 “War on Terror,” have cooled in recent years. While Washington continues to engage Islamabad on counterterrorism and regional stability, the strategic focus has clearly shifted toward India and the Indo-Pacific region.
Nonetheless, Pakistan seeks to maintain a functional relationship with the U.S., emphasizing areas such as climate cooperation, trade, education, and counter-narcotics. Islamabad has repeatedly stated its desire for “broad-based” relations beyond security matters.
Middle Eastern Balancing Act
Pakistan’s historical ties with Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, remain strong. These relationships are underpinned by economic support, remittances from Pakistani workers, and shared religious and cultural values. However, Islamabad must delicately navigate its relations with Iran — a key neighbor with whom it shares a long, restive border — while maintaining its commitments to the Gulf monarchies.
