INTRODUCTION OF FOREIGN POLICY :

Foreign policy is shaped by a variety of factors, including a country’s national interests,

values, and resources. It is often developed and implemented by the country’s government,
although other actors, such as civil society organizations, businesses, and individuals, may also
play a role in shaping foreign policy.

Foreign policy is an important aspect of international relations, as it determines how a

country or other actor engages with the rest of the world and how it seeks to achieve its goals
and interests in the international system. It is also a key factor in shaping the relationships and
interactions between countries and other actors, and it can have significant consequences for
global peace and stability.

TYPES OF FOREIGN POLICY :

There are several different types of foreign policy, which can be classified based on their
goals and approaches. Some common types of the foreign policy include:

Offensive foreign policy: This type of foreign policy involves aggressively pursuing one’s own
interests at the expense of other countries. It may involve the use of military force or other
forms of coercion.

Defensive foreign policy: This type of foreign policy is focused on protecting a country’s
interests and preserving its independence. It may involve building up military capabilities or
forming alliances with other countries.

Cooperative foreign policy: This type of foreign policy involves working with other countries to
achieve common goals. It may involve negotiations and compromise in order to achieve
mutually beneficial outcomes.

Isolationist foreign policy: This type of foreign policy involves limiting a country’s involvement
in international affairs and avoiding entanglements with other countries.

Interventionist foreign policy: This type of foreign policy involves actively intervening in other
countries’ affairs, often promoting democracy or human rights.

Multilateral foreign policy: This type of foreign policy involves working through international
organizations or coalitions in order to achieve foreign policy goals.
IMPORTANCE OF FOREIGN POLICY:

•It is not possible to safeguard the country’s interest unless necessary policies andstrategies
are to be formed, which is the result of adopting firm and practical foreign policy.

•To attain honor and security of one state and its political stability from other states.
•Through which a country can become friends from one country and the vise versa, by dealing
with diplomatically to attain state’s protection

Foreign policy is crucial for a nation's well-being as it dictates how it interacts with other
countries, shapes international relations, promotes national interests, ensures security, fosters
economic growth through trade agreements, and contributes to global stability and peace.
Effective foreign policy enables a country to navigate geopolitical challenges, build alliances,
address global issues, and advance its values and objectives on the world stage.

PAKISTAN'S FOREIGN POLICY IN LIGHT OF QUAID E AZAM'S WORDS:

The Founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned the newly
independent Muslim state’s foreign policy to be one of “peace with all, and enmity with
none”.Pakistan must follow the doctrine of non-alignment, said the Quaid-i-Azam, in his
broadcast talkto the people of the USA in February 1948 said:

“Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and good -will towards all the nations of the
world. Wedo not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the
policy ofhonesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared to make
our utmostcontribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the
world. Pakistanwill never be found lacking in extending its material and moral support to the
oppressed and suppressed of the United Nations Charter.”

FOREIGN POLICY OBJECTIVES:

1.Promotion Pakistan as a dynamic, progressive, moderate, and democratic Islamic country.

2. Developing friendly relations with all countries of the world, especially major powers
andimmediate neighbors.

3. Safeguarding national security and geo-strategic interests, including Kashmir.

4. Consolidating our commercial and economic cooperation with international community.

5. Safeguarding the interests of Pakistani Diaspora abroad.

6. Ensuring optimal utilization of national resources for regional and international cooperation.

ELEMENTS AFFECTING FOREIGN POLICY:

•The political organization found in a country also greatly influences the foreign policy.For
example under authoritarian systems quick foreign policy decisions are taken.

•The press also plays a vital role in foreign policy formulation process.
•The nature of political accountability prevailing in a system also greatly influences theforeign
policy of the state.

•The leadership also plays a vital role in the shaping of a country’s foreign policy.
•The great power structure prevailing in the world politics also greatly influence the policyof a
country.

•While making foreign policy the state has to take note of the international law, treatiesand
contracts.

•While formulating its foreign policy a country has to take note of the reaction of otherstates
to its various actions.

•Alliances concluded by various states also greatly influence the foreign policy.
•The world public opinion also influences the state’s foreign policy.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:
Pakistan's foreign policy objectives focus on safeguarding national security, promoting
economic development, ensuring a peaceful external environment, and adopting a balanced
approach to enhance its strategic position.

Recent strategic visions emphasize strengthening ties with China through initiatives like
the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and prioritizing peaceful relations with
neighboring countries like Afghanistan and the US. The country aims to enhance global and
regional cooperation by engaging with Muslim nations, regional organizations, and potentially
the EU.. Additionally, Pakistan seeks to maintain strong relations with China, leverage economic
opportunities in the Gulf region, and prioritize regional stability through improved ties with
Afghanistan and India..

The country's foreign policy is guided by principles of respect for sovereignty, non-
interference, and peaceful dispute resolution. Overall, Pakistan's foreign policy objectives are
geared towards enhancing diplomatic space, socio-economic development, and strategic
partnerships while navigating complex global scenarios.

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS:
Pakistan maintains diplomatic relations with various countries, including South Sudan,
the Philippines, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt,
Turkey, and the United States. Notably, Pakistan and the United States established diplomatic
relatio.s on August 15, 1947, with the U.S. being one of the first nations to recognize
Pakistan.This relationship encompasses economic cooperation, defense ties, and people-to-
people connections. The U.S. has been a significant economic partner for Pakistan and remains
its largest export market... Additionally, Pakistan has a sizable diaspora in the U.S., contributing
to the deepening of bilateral ties. Over the years, both countries have engaged in various
dialogues and consultations on matters of mutual interest to strengthen their diplomatic
relations.

SECURITY AND DEFENSE :

Pakistan's new National Security Policy (NSP) focuses on

safeguarding various domains like land, air, sea, cyber, and space,
emphasizing defense modernization and indigenization.The NSP aims to
protect Pakistan's Exclusive Economic Zone and strengthen its sea lines of
communication. It highlights the need for cyber security upgrades and a
whole-of-nation approach to counter hybrid warfare threats.. The NSP
acknowledges the Indian Ocean region as contested space and
underscores full spectrum deterrence against India's modernization efforts
Additionally, the NSP prioritizes human security, gender security, and
economic security, marking a comprehensive shift in Pakistan's security
approach. Defense spending in Pakistan remains high to sustain
deterrence and counter terrorism.The Pakistan Armed Forces play a crucial
role in the country's defense strategy and have been pivotal since its
inception

These sources provide insights into Pakistan's evolving security and

defense strategies, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to address
modern challenges while maintaining deterrence capabilities.

ECONOMIC RELATIONS:

Pakistan has a significant economic relationship with the United

States, with two-way trade reaching approximately $9.15 billion in 2022..
The U.S. is Pakistan's largest single export market and one of its largest
sources of foreign investment.This economic partnership has been
longstanding, with decades of development assistance supporting various
sectors in Pakistan.

The U.S. and Pakistan have a Trade and Investment Framework

Agreement (TIFA) to discuss bilateral trade issues.American companies
like Pepsi-Cola, Coca-Cola, and General Electric International have a strong
presence in Pakistan across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and
technology Despite challenges like security threats, Pakistan offers
attractive trade and investment opportunities due to factors like simple
work permit rules and a large entrepreneurial class.. Pakistan's economy is
the 44th largest globally by IMF estimates in 2022, showcasing its
economic significance on the world stage.
REGIONAL FOCUS :
Pakistan's regional focus primarily centers on the northern
parts of the country, particularly the high mountain area of Gilgit-
Baltistan, Regionally, Pakistan faces challenges such as extremist
groups along its border with Afghanistan and tensions with
Taliban-led Afghanistan.

The country also experiences internal and external

conflicts, with issues like extremism, intolerance, and economic
fragility affecting social cohesion and stability.. Pakistan's
regional economic integration efforts aim to enhance trade and
transit competitiveness through collaboration with public and
private sector stakeholders to increase trade volumes and access
to international markets.Overall, Pakistan's regional focus
involves addressing security concerns, promoting economic
development through trade initiatives, and managing internal
conflicts to foster stability and growth in the region.

CRISIS MANAGEMENT:
The crisis management of Pakistan's foreign policy
involves a multifaceted approach. The Crisis Management Unit
(CMU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a pivotal role in
handling various crises. Initially established to assist overseas
Pakistanis during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CMU has
expanded its scope to address evolving national and global
challenges .Recent efforts include facilitating inbound travelers
during the pandemic, coordinating evacuations from Afghanistan,
providing relief during natural disasters like floods, and assisting
in international relief efforts .Additionally, Pakistan is facing an
existential economic crisis, with rising inflation and external debt
obligations threatening stability. Efforts are being made to secure
bailouts and manage debt through negotiations with international
partners like the IMF, China, and Middle Eastern countries
.Furthermore, there are ongoing concerns about political turmoil
and potential default if reform choices are not implemented.
Amidst these challenges, experts like Adil Najam highlight
significant institutional implosions within Pakistan's political
landscape.

CONCLUSION :
Pakistan's foreign policy is characterized by a
multifaceted approach aimed at safeguarding national interests,
maintaining regional stability, and fostering international
cooperation. Key priorities include strengthening relations with
strategic allies like China and Saudi Arabia, engaging in diplomacy
to address regional challenges such as the situation in
Afghanistan, and pursuing economic partnerships to enhance
development opportunities. Pakistan also seeks to balance its
relations with major powers like the United States and Russia
while advocating for its interests in international forums such as
the United Nations. Overall, Pakistan's foreign policy aims to
promote peace, security, and prosperity both domestically and
globally.