Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Conundrum

In the changing new dynamics of foreign policy, traditional rivalries and hostilities between countries are gradually turning into economic relationships. In the contemporary world, countries prefer the goal of shared economic prosperity and human development over their centuries old intractable disputes. Channels of dialogue and negotiations are kept open and the economic interests of countries take precedence over hardcore ideologies. But presently for Pakistan, things are not hunky-dory on the foreign policy front because of some recent set-backs.
The rejection of US to provide F-16s to Pakistan, the recent drone strike in Balochistan, the developments at Chabahar port and perpetual antagonism with India and Afghanistan – indicate the need of a pragmatic and workable change in foreign policy. The constant ridge between civilian government and military establishment on issues pertaining to foreign policy is a stumbling block towards its success. While the civilian government wants normalisation of relations with other countries and economic benefits from it, the security imperatives of the country prevent military from giving all matters into the hands of civil government. This friction results into an inflexible foreign policy and Pakistan struggles to gain fruits of economic and diplomatic cooperation with other countries.
Pakistan needs a thorough assessment of its current foreign policy and to weigh its losses against the benefits. For this to happen, civilian and military officials have to shun their differences and provide space to each other’s viewpoint. A strong economy, political stability, abundant energy and a satisfactory law and order situation would attract foreign investment, thus building new economic and diplomatic partnerships with other countries. Moreover, Pakistan needs active lobbying in powerful countries to push for its interests. Only a flexible and pragmatic foreign policy would revive Pakistan’s lost status in the world.

Fakeha Faiz

Islamabad