Pakistan’s strategic location is one of its greatest advantages in terms of developing foreign relations with other countries. It’s situated on the oil and trade route to the Persian Gulf and it opens to the Indian Ocean, moreover the neighboring countries comprising of India, China, Iran and Afghanistan are some of the most talked about and front line countries when it comes to International relations. The link to the sea and the strategic land position adds to the importance of Pakistan when it comes to its role in international politics and trade. Currently for the past decade or so Pakistan’s position has strengthened in terms of world politics because of its significant role in War against terror.
After independence in 1947 from the British Rule, its relations with its neighboring countries have not been all harmonious, especially in the case of India. The major issue standing between friendly alliance between India and Pakistan is the problem of Jammu and Kashmir, this dispute over territory has caused the two states to go to war many times. Moving to the Western neighbor Afghanistan, relations have mostly remained stinging mainly due to the influence of India and Russia on the foreign policy of Afghanistan, even though Pakistan has been a home to many Afghani refugees. Iran is also another western neighbor of Pakistan, and being a Muslim nation and thus alike Pakistan, relations with Iran have been more or less tepid. Hence China, Pakistan’s eastern neighbor, has proven to be the only reliable ally of Pakistan over the years ever since its independence. Conversely, when considering international relations it is important to note that they are not any permanent enemies or permanent friends in world politics but permanent interests.
The main objectives of Pakistan’s foreign policy are mainly to promote peace and security at the regional and global levels and more importantly to promote socio-economic progress of the country. In compliance with the United Nations Charter, Pakistan fulfills its international obligations by cooperating and being friendly in its foreign relations on the grounds of sovereign equivalence, non-interference, mutual respect and welfares, and non-violent settlement of conflicts.
When considering Pakistan’s foreign policy it can be said that Pakistan had adopted a pro-active foreign policy. Its policies are based on its history, its geographical location and the goals of its people. The policies also seem to be reactive to the regional and international essentials. The main essence of Pakistan’s foreign policy focuses on a few factors. Firstly Pakistan always aims to develop friendly relations with all countries in the Muslim world, more significantly the major powers and immediate neighbors. Secondly the policy is focused on preservation of vital security and strategic interests of Pakistan. Thirdly the policy aims to resolve the conflict of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the UN resolutions and the desires of the Kashmiris. Lastly, the policy is centered on the economic and commercial interests of Pakistan and also to promote Pakistan as a strong, democratic and progressive, Islamic Country. In pursuing these objectives Pakistan’s bonds with nations or relations become sour, however that is the case with every nation in order to pursue self-interests one has to befriend the right countries and know its enemies well.