The foreign policy of a country
is in a sense a protrusion of its internal, social, political and economic
policies. Pakistan was born under ominous circumstances. As with all other
countries, Pakistan’s Foreign Policy is determined by the unpreventable facts of
history and of geography and by special influences which may be of ephemeral
nature. In sagacity, foreign policy is the series of actions taken by varying
sections of the government of a state in its relations with other bodies
similarly acting on the international stage, in order to advance the national
interests.
Foreign Policy consists of the external actions taken by decision makers with
the purpose of achieving long-range goals and short-term objectives. Action is
subdued by the perceived circumstances of the state, which includes its
geography, its economy, its demography its political structure, culture,
tradition and its military-strategic situation. But action is taken with
reference to other bodies (states) similarly acting on the international stage,
and is likewise guarded by their action. This may be called the international
environment of decision-makers.
There are some determinants of Pakistan’s foreign policy; Security, Ideology,
National Interests, Diplomacy, Public Opinion and Decision making. As a matter
of fact, like any other country, the rationally chief influence on foreign
policy of Pakistan lies in the goals that policy seeks to accomplish. These are
generally security, welfare, and preservation or promotion of ethics. The hunt
for security is perennial. All foreign policies of all states are basically
influenced by it. One of the basic goals is the aspiration to maintain or
promote values. Since Pakistan had come into existence in the name of Islam
hence promotion of genial and close relationships with the Muslim states has
shaped the cardinal principle of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Pakistan’s
membership of OIC and unshakable support for the just cause of Palestinians
speak volumes about our efforts in this connection. A country must deal with
other states not on the basis of religion or language but for peace, prosperity
and harmony in the world.
Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah said; our foreign policy is one of the
friendliness and goodwill towards all the nation of the world. We do not
appreciate aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the
principle of honesty and fair-play in national and international dealings, and
are prepared to make our contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity
among the nations of the world. Pakistan will never be found lacking in
extending its material and moral support to the oppressed and suppressed peoples
of the world and in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter. This
is the actual purpose of the pioneer of Pakistan to behave like kind hearted
nation towards those countries which behave well with Pakistan. It must be our
belief that we should promote the message of our Qauid throughout the world that
we are the peace making countries. We do not like aggression and barbarism. Our
Qauid-e-Azam deemed to say that we must contribute to the promotion of peace and
prosperity among the nations of the world but who will tell the world that
Pakistan is fundamentally a peace mounting country? Its people disliked
brutalism so they got up and struggled for freedom so that they would be able to
live in a heaven like country where there is no brutality. They were fed up with
the obnoxious attitude of the rulers of the sub-continent. At last they were
succeeded and got freedom from the violent rulers of the sub-continent and
established a peaceful country Pakistan, in which people from all schools of
thought were taking breath of tranquility and harmony.
On another occasion Qauid-e-Azam expressed to the people of sub-continent; If
you change your past and work together in a spirit that everyone of you, no
matter what community he belongs, no matter, what relations he had with you in
the past, no matter what is his color, caste or creed, is first, second and last
a citizen of this State with equal rights, privileges and obligations there will
be no end to the progress you will make. You should begin to work in that spirit
and in course of time all these angularities of the majority and minority
communities, the Hindu community and the Muslim community because even as
regards Muslims you have Pathans, Punjabis, Shias, Sunnis and so on. Indeed if
you ask me this has been the biggest hindrance in the way of India to attain
freedom and independence and but for this we would have been free people long
ago. You are free to go to your temples; you are free to go to your mosques or
to any other place or worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any
religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the
State. We are starting with the fundamental principle that we all are citizens
and equal citizens of one State. So, the aims and objectives of a state must be
to protect the state at first by ignoring personal issues.
The foreign policy of Pakistan seeks to promote the internationally recognized
norms of interstate relations, i.e. respect for sovereignty and territorial
integrity of all States, non-interference in the internal affairs of other
State; non-aggression and peaceful settlement of disputes. Pakistan has
therefore always sought to develop friendly and cordial relations with all
countries of the world.
It can be said that the world is oblivious of the principles of Pakistan’s
foreign policy. The West seems dubious about Pakistan. It must read and
understand the history and background of Pakistan. Pakistan has always been fair
in all spheres. It has strong relations with all the countries of the world to
maintain peace in the world. Pakistan has been defending all the illogical and
immature acts of violence across the country but it did not let the violent
elements even to shake its structure because of Pakistan’s strong pillars.
The year 2012-2013 witnessed ongoing challenges for our immediate neighborhood
and beyond. The situation in Afghanistan remained uneven having a negative spill
over on Pakistan’s domestic security environment. The country also sustained to
grapple with some wide ranging challenges including the continuing threats of
terrorism and extremism. Nonetheless, we remained committed in our resolve and
conceded an active foreign policy that sought engagement and cooperation with
the international community in order to fulfill our aspirations for development,
peace and security. Pakistan is seeking mutually beneficial relations with Iran
manifested by the numerous agreements that have been signed between the two
sides, the high point being the conclusion of the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline
deal. Our traditional goodwill and historic relations with Turkey are also being
translated into a tangible political and economic partnership. The past year saw
further consolidation of our strategic partnership with China. It touched a new
height of friendliness and cooperation, epitomized by the exchange of numerous
high level visits and winding up of bilateral agreements. With the United
States, our relations are being upgraded from transactional to collaboration.
The US remains one of the most important development and investment partners of
Pakistan. The irritants in the relationship were also managed in a discreet and
practical manner.
Regarding strategic issues, Pakistan continued to act with moderation and
responsibility and strengthened its export control architecture bringing it in
line with the best international standards and practices. While seeking regional
strategic stability and a level playing field in South Asia, we were supportive
of all non-discriminatory measures for non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass
Destruction and their means of delivery.
We are in fact harmless to the world and wish to create a serene world where
there must not be killing, looting, barbarism, extremism, hatred, etc but
unfortunately beside all these acknowledgements the world is not sure about our
soul status. Pakistan will soon flourish in the array of the prosperous and
developed countries.
Pakistan today is a confident, responsible and well integrated member of the
international community. We do not harbor any aggressive or hegemonic design and
wish to live in peace and harmony with all nations of the world. Socio-economic
development in a peaceful and secure neighborhood remains our top most priority.
The conduct of our foreign policy in the years to come will continue to be based
on these ideals to make Pakistan an epitome of world’s peaceful and prosperous
country.