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Foriegn Policy of Pakistan

Principles of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Introduction

No country today can think of a life independent of other nations. Every country has to develop

relations with other countries so as to meet its requirements in economical, industrial and

technological fields. It is thus necessary for every country to formulate a sound foreign policy.

Pakistan is an important third world country, in its developmental stage. It also has formulated

her foreign policy keeping in mind its geography, politics and economics.

Definition of Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy can be defined as

Relations between sovereign states. It is a reflection of domestic politics and an interaction

among sovereign states. It indicates the principles and preferences on which a country wants to

establish relations with another country.

Pakistan's Foreign Policy in Light of Quaid-e-Azam's Words

The father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam defined Foreign Policy towards other countries of the

world in 1948, as follows

Our Foreign Policy is one of friendliness and good-will towards all the nations of the world. We

do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the policy of

honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost

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.

Basic Goals of Pakistan's Foreign Policy

1. Maintenance of territorial integrity.

2. Maintenance of its political independence.

3. Acceleration of social and economic development.

4. Strengthening its place on the globe.

5. Keeping cordial and friendly relations with all countries.

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Guiding Principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy

Following are the basic principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy:

1. Protection of Freedom and Sovereignity

Pakistan came into being after great sacrifices of million of Muslims. Like any other country, she

also considers with deep regard the need for preservation of its independence and does not allow

any country to harm its freedom. Therefore, the principle of protection of independence and

sovereignity is the corner stone of Pakistan's Foreign Policy.

2. Cordial Relations with Muslim Countries

Pakistan always tries to establish cordial and friendly relations with Muslim countries. It has

always moved its concern against Israel, India and U.S.S.R capturing Palestine, Kashmir and

Afghanistan respectively. She has shouldered high responsibilities and used her influence for

safeguarding the rights of the Muslims. Pakistan is also an active member of the Islamic

Conference.

3. Non-Interference in Internal Affairs of Other Countries

Pakistan has sought to establish normal and friendly relations with all countries especially in

neighbouring countries, on the basis of universally acknowledge the principle of national

sovereignity, non use of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

4. Implementation of U.N Charter

Pakistan's policy is to act upon UN charter and to support all moves by the UN to implement it.

Pakistan has been the member of UN since the year of its birth.

5. Promotion of World Peace

Pakistan's policy is to promote peace among nations. It has no aggressive designs against any

country. Neither does it support any such action. Pakistan has always held that the international

disputes should be settled through negotiations rather than non-battlefield.

6. Non-Alignment

Pakistan follows the policy of Non-Alignment i.e. to keep away from alignment with any big

power bloc, and avoids taking sides in the cold war. It has also given up its association with

SEATO and CENTO and was included in NAM in 1979.

7. Support for Self-Determination and Condemnation of Racial Discrimination

Pakistan is a stomach supporter of the right of self-determination and has been in the fore front

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of efforts to eliminate colonialism and racism. It has advocated the right of self-determination

of Kashmir.

8. Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament

Pakistan is deeply conscious of the fact that international peace and security cannot be achieved

and sustained in the world with arms. Disarmament is the imperative condition for truly durable

peace in the world. Pakistan has a vital stake in promotion of disarmament both in the nuclear

and conventional fields. It is included in the principles of its foreign policy that a collective

endeavour by countries at the regional level to promote disarmament and enhance security at the

lowest possible level of armaments is an indispensable result to their advocacy of global

disarmament.

9. Member of International Organization

Pakistan had become the member of the British Commonwealth with the time of its

establishment. In addition it is the member of United Nations (U.N), Non-Aligned Movement

(NAM), Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO),

South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC), Association of South East Asian

Nations (ASEAN), and D-Eight. Being a member of International Organizations the objectives

of Pakistan are to struggle for world peace, to unify the Muslim countries and to promote

regional co-operation.

Conclusion

The guiding principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy are rooted in the country's Islamic ideology,

its rich cultural heritage and historical experience. As an Islamic and non-aligned country,

Pakistan supports Islamic causes and firmly upholds the above mentioned principles, which hold

out the promise of a just and equitable world order in which nations can live in peace and

security.

Pakistan’s Relations with United States

Pakistan's relationship with the West, particularly the United States, was of major importance.

Geographically the USA is not a neighbor of Pakistan, but interests of politician, Bureaucracy

and Generals have brought both the countries close together. The United States and Pakistan

established diplomatic relations in 1947.

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Liaquat Ali Khan's Visit 1950

In 1949 the US Secretary of State extended invitation to the Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan for

a visit to the United States. The Prime Minister visited USA at the end of 1950. During his visit

he tried to identify Pakistan as more near to the West and Islam more near to Christianity than to

Communism and begged for economic and military aid.

SEATO and CENTO 1954-55

Pakistan's relations with the United States developed against the backdrop of the Cold War.

Pakistan's strategic geographic position made it a valuable partner in Western alliance systems to

contain the spread of communism. In 1954 Pakistan signed a Mutual Defence Agreement with

the United States and subsequently became a member of SEATO (South East Asian Treaty

Organization) and CENTO (Central Treaty Organization). The U.S. agreement to provide

economic and military assistance to Pakistan and the latter's partnership in the Baghdad Pact

CENTO and SEATO strengthened relations between the two nations.

Pakistan as Washington's Closest Ally

Pakistan also used as a base for United States military reconnaissance flights over Soviet

territory. During the cold War years, Pakistan was considered one of Washington's closest allies

in Asia. Pakistan, in return, received large amounts of economic and military assistance.

1965 and 1971 Wars and United States

The United States suspended military assistance to both the countries involved in the conflict of

1965. However, the U.S. suspension of military assistance during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan was

generated a widespread feeling in Pakistan that the United States was not a reliable ally. The

United States embargo on arms shipments to Pakistan remained in place during the Indo-

Pakistani War of 1971 and was not lifted until 1975. Gradually, relations improved and arms

sales were renewed in 1975. United States-Pakistani relations preceding the 1971 was were

characterized by poor communication and much confusion.

Withdraw from SEATO and CENTO

Following the lost of East Wing, Pakistan withdrew from SEATO. Pakistan's military links with

the West continued to decline throughout Bhutto's tenure in power and into the first years of the

Zia regime. CENTO was disbanded following the fall of the Shah of Iran in March 1979, and

Pakistan then joined the Nonaligned Movement. Zia also continued Bhutto's policy of

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developing Pakistan's nuclear capability.

Cease of Economic Assistance

Developing Pakistan's nuclear capability policy had originated as a defensive measure in reaction

to India's explosion of a nuclear device in 1974. In April 1979, President Jimmy Carter cut off

economic assistance to Pakistan, except for food assistance, as required under the Symington

Amendment to the Foreign Assistance act of 1961. This amendment called for ceasing economic

assistance to those countries that had imported uranium-enrichment technology. Relations

between the United States and Pakistan were further strained in November 1979 when protesters

sacked the United States embassy i Islamabad, resulting in the death of four persons. The

violence had been sparked by a false report that the United States was involved in a fire at the

Grand Masjid in Macca.

Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and American's Changed Policy

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 revived the close relationship between

Pakistan and the United States. Initially, however the President Carter lifted the ban on aid to

Pakistan and in January 1980, offered a package of US$ 400 million economic and military aid

to Pakistan which was rejected by General Zia-ul-Haq, who termed it"peanuts" . Under President

Ronald Reagan, the United States agreed in 1981 to provide US$ 3.2 billion to Pakistan aimed at

helping Pakistan deal with the heightened threat to security in the region and its economic

development needs. However, although the Symington Amendment was waived, the amount was

subject to the annual appropriation process. A second economic and military assistance program

was announced in April 1986, this time for over US$ 4.0 billion, with 57 percent for economic

assistance. With U.S, assistance in the largest covert operation in history - Pakistan armed and

supplied anti-Soviet fighters in Afghanistan, eventually defeating the Soviets, who withdrew in

1988.

Pressler Amendment 1985

On October 01, 1990 however, the United States suspended all military assistance and new

economic aid to Pakistan under the Pressler Amendment, which required that the President

certify annually that Pakistan "does not possess a nuclear explosive device" . For several years,

the United States president, with Pakistan's assurances that its nuclear program was for peaceful

uses, was able to make this certification. However, with the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan

and the end of the Cold War, the United States took a harder position on the nuclear weapons

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issue and President George Bush refused to make the certification required under the Pressler

Amendment, and assistance to Pakistan was subsequently terminated. Further, the supply of F-16

jet fighters was also stopped for which Pakistan had already paid $650 million to the US.

Sanctions on alleged transfer of M-11 missiles

Pakistan's retention of the nuclear option became a defining issue in its relations with the United

States. USA another action in regard of the nuclear issue occurred in September 1993 when the

US imposed sanctions against China and Pakistan on alleged transfer of M-11 missiles to

Pakistan labeling it a violation of the MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime).

Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's Visit to US 1995

In the background of the number of unresolved issues including nuclear non-proliferation,

delivery of F-16s, alleged supply of M-11 missiles by China, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto paid

an official visit to Washington in April 1995. The joint statement failed to mention any solution

to these issues. Pakistan and US signed in Washington Memoranda of Unterstanding providing

for $6 million of investment by American companies in Pakistan.

Brown Amendment 1995

According to US officials the Pressler Amendment was a hurdle in the normalization of Pak-US

relations. As a result, on 21st September 1995, the US Senate under Clinton Administration

passed the Brown Amendment to lessen its negative impact. The amendment opened the way for

28 undelivered F-16s to be sold to a third country and the money refunded to Pakistan, release of

$368 million worth defense equipment, restoration of corporation in such areas as narcotics

control, international terrorism, peace keeping and the availability of US insurance cover for

investment made in Pakistan.

Nuclear Weapon Tests 1998

India's decision to conduct nuclear tests in May 1998 and Pakistan's matching response set back

U.S. relations in the region. President Clinton's visit to Pakistan scheduled for the first quarter of

1998 was postponed and under the Glenn Amendment, sanctions restricted the provisions of

credits, military sales, economic assistance and loans to the government. An intensive dialogue

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on nuclear nonproliferation and security issues was initiated with discussion focusing on CTBT

(Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty) signature and ratification. Pakistan declared that it would sign

the treaty only when India did so first.

Nawaz Sharif's Meeting with President Clinton 1998

The relations improved a little after the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's meeting with

President Clinton in Washington in December 1998. As a consequence, the economic sanctions

imposed by the US after the Nuclear Test were eased. A notable achievement was a resolution of

the F-16s issue and accordingly US released $436.7 million to Pakistan as a claim in connection

with the F-16 aircrafts. But the October 1999 overthrow of the democratically elected Sharif

government triggered an additional layer of sanctions with include restrictions on foreign

military financing and economic assistance. U.S. Government assistance to Pakistan was limited

mainly to refugee and counter-narcotics assistance.

September 11 attacks and Pakistan-US relationship

History changed its course on September 11, 2001 when deadly terrorists attacks destroyed

World Trade Centre at New York and severally damaged the Pentagon in Washington. More

than 5,000 people were killed in this attack. The 9/11 incidence gave a new direction to the

global politics.

The Pakistan-US relationship changed significantly when Pakistan moved decisively to ally itself

with the United States in its war against Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. It gave the U.S. a

number of military airports and bases for its attack on Afghanistan. It has arrested over five

hundred Al-Qaeda members and handed them over to the United States. In response the United

States stepped up its economic assistance to Pakistan providing debt relief.

President Musharraf's Visit to US 2003

President Musharraf visited United States in June 2003 and both Presidents negotiated on 24th

June 2003 at Camp David. Afterwards President Bush announced to provide Pakistan $3 billion

economic and military aid and plainly refused about the delivery of F-16s.

The Bush Administration expressed its desire that "an enhanced and enduring relationship" with

Pakistan would continue to thrive in the years ahead. Continuing interest of President Bush and

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personal diplomacy of Secretary Powell to defuse border tension between Pakistan and India also

reflected the US desire for enhanced constructive engagement in the region.

Pakistan as major Non-NATO ally

In March, 2004 the United States designated Pakistan as a "major Non-NATO ally" . This move

will significantly enhance military cooperation between the two countries and enable Pakistan to

purchase modern military equipment, satellite technology, depleted uranium ammunition and

enhance cooperation in defense sector, research and development with US.

Pakistan’s relations with India

Since partition of the sub-continent in 1947, relations between Pakistan and India have been

characterized by rivalry and suspicion. The animosity has its roots in religion and history, and is

epitomized by the long-running conflict over the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Historical Background

The Indian Sub Continent was partitioned into Hindu-dominated India and the newly created

Muslim state of Pakistan after India's independence from Great Britain in 1947. Severe rioting

and population movement ensued and an estimated half a million people were killed in

communal violence. About a million people were left homeless. Since partition, the territory of

Jammu and Kashmir has remained in dispute with Pakistan and India both holding sectors.

First Indo-Pakistan War 1947-49

At the time of partition, the princely state of Kashmir, though ruled by a Hindu Maharaja, had an

overwhelmingly Muslim population. When the Maharaja hesitated in acceding to either Pakistan

or India in 1947, some of his Muslim subjects, aided by tribesmen from Pakistan, revolted in

favor of joining Pakistan.

The first Indo-Pakistan war started after armed tribesmen from Pakistan's North-West Frontier

Province invaded Kashmir in October 1947. Besieged both by a revolt n his state and by the

invasion, the Maharaja requested armed assistance from the Government of India. In return he

acceded to India, handling over powers of defense, communication and foreign affairs. Both

India and Pakistan agreed that the accession would be confirmed by a referendum once hostilities

had ceased. In May 1948, the regular Pakistani army was called upon to protect Pakistan's

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borders. Fighting continued throughout the year between Pakistani irregular troops and the

Indian army. The war ended on 1st January 1949 when a ceasefire was arranged by the United

Nations which recommended that both India and Pakistan should adhere to their commitment to

hold a referendum in the state. A ceasefire line was established where the two sides stopped

fighting and a UN peacekeeping force established. The referendum, however has never been

held.

The 1965 War

In April 1965, a clash between border patrols erupted into fighting in the Rann of Kutch, a

sparsely inhabited region along the south-western Indo-Pakistan border. When the Indians

withdrew, Pakistan claimed victory. Later full-scale hostilites erupted in September 1965, when

India alleged that insurgents trained and supplied by Pakistan were operating in India-controlled

Kashmir. Hostilities ceased three weaks later, following mediation efforts by the UN and

interested countries. In January 1966, Indian and Pakistani representatives met in Tashkent,

U.S.S.R., and agreed to attempt a peaceful settlement of Kashmir and their other differences.

The 1971 War Indo-Pakistani relations deteriorated again when civil war erupted in Pakistan,

pitting the West Pakistan army against East Pakistanis demanding autonomy and independence.

In December India invaded East Pakistan in support of the East Pakistani people. The Pakistani

army surrendered at Dhaka and its army of more than 90,000 became India prisoners of war. East

Pakistan became the independent country of Bangladesh on 6th December 1971.

Indian Troops and Siachen Glacier 1984

India's nuclear test in 1974 generated great uncertainty in Pakistan and is generally

acknowledged to have been the impetus for Pakistan's nuclear weapons development program. In

1983, the Pakistani and Indian governments accused each other of aiding separatists in their

respective countries, i.e., Sikhs in India's Punjab state and Sindhis in Pakistan's Sindh province.

In April 1984, tensions erupted after troops were deployed to the Siachen Glacier, a high-altitude

desolate area close to the China border left undemarcated by the cease-fire agreement (Karachi

Agreement) signed by Pakistan and India in 1949.

Tensions diminished after Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in November 1984 and after a

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group of Sikh hijackers was brought to trial by Pakistan in March 1985. In December 1985,

President Zia and Prime Minister Gandhi pledged not to attack each other's nuclear facilities. In

early 1986, the Indian and Pakistani governments began high-level talks to resolve the Siachen

Glacier border dispute and to improve trade.

Kashmir Insurgency 1990

Bilateral tensions increased in early 1990, when Kashmiri militants began a compaign of

violence against Indian Government authority in Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequent high-level

bilateral meetings relieved the tensions between India and Pakistan, but relations worsened again

after the destruction of the Ayodhya Masjid by Hindu extremists in December 1992 and terrorists

bombings in Bombay in March 1993. Talks between the Foreign Secretaries of both countries in

January 1994 resulted in deadlock.

Diplomatic Push 1996-97

In the last several years, the Indo-Pakistani relationship has veered sharply between

rapprochement and conflict. After taking office in February 1997, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

moved to resume official dialogue with India. A number of meetings at the foreign secretary and

Prime Ministerial level took place with positive atmospherics but little concrete progress. In a

speech at the UN, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif offered to open talks on a non-

aggression pact with India, proposing that both nations strike a deal to restrain their nuclear and

missile capabilities.

Nuclear Rivalry 1998

The arms race between the rivals escalated dramatically in the 1990s. In May 1998, India

conducted underground nuclear tests in the western desert state of Rajasthan near the border with

Pakistan. In response, Pakistan conducted six tests in Balochistan. In the same year, Pakistan test

its longest range missile, the 1,500 km (932 mile) Ghauri missile, named after the 12th Century

Muslim warrior who conquered part of India. Both sides were heavily criticized by the

international community for the tests as fears of a nuclear confrontation grew.

The United States ordered sanctions against both countries, freezing more than $20bn of aid,

loans and trade. Japan ordered a block on about $1bn of aid loans. Several European countries

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followed suit, and the G-8 governments imposed a ban on non-humanitarian loans to India and

Pakistan. The UN Security Council condemned India and Pakistan for carrying out nuclear tests

and urged the two nations to stop all nuclear weapons programmes.

Indian Prime Minister Atal Vajpayee Visit to Pakistan 1999

The relationship improved markedly when Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee traveled to Lahore

for a summit with Sharif in February 1999. There was considerable hope that the meeting could

lead to a breakthrough. They signed the Lahore accord pledging again to "intensify their efforts

to resolve all issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir."

Kargil Conflict 1999

Unfortunately, in May 1999 India launched air strikes against Pakistani backed forces that had

infiltrated into the mountains in Indian-administrated Kashmir, north of Kargil. Pakistan

responded by occupying positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control in the remote,

mountainous area of Kashmir near Kargil threatening the ability of India to supply its forces on

Siachen Glacier. By early summer, serious fighting flared in the Kargil sector. The infiltrators

withdrew following a meeting between Prime Minister Sharif and President Bill Clinton in July.

Relations between India nad Pakistan have since been particularly strained, especially since the

October 12, 1999 coup in Islamabad.

The Brink of War 2001

Tension along the ceasefire lined continued. The worst fighting for more than a year broke out in

October as India, which continued to condemn Pakistan for cross-border terrorism, started

shelling Pakistani military positions. October saw a devastating attack on the Kashmiri assembly

in Srinagar in which 38 people were killed. After the attack, the Chief Minister of Indian-

administrated Kashmir, Farooque Abdullah called on Indian Government to launch a war against

militant training camps across the border in Pakistan.

On 13th December, an armed attack on the Indian Parliament in Delhi left 14 people dead. India

again blamed Pakistani-backed Kashmiri militants. The attack led to a dramatic build-up of

troops along the Indo-Pakistan border, military exchanges and raised fears of a wider conflict.

Rail and bus services between the two countries were also blocked.

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Relaxation of Tension 2003

A relaxation of tension began in 2003, when then Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee

called for a dialogue. Rail and bus services between the two countries resumed, and the two

countries agreed to a ceasefire in Kashmir.

Summit Talks 2004

Twelfth SAARC Summit was held in Islamabad in January 2004. On this occasion President

Parvez Musharraf met Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on 5th January 2004. In this

summit talk India and Pakistan resumed comprehensive discussions with an agenda the included

the Kashmir problem, confidence-building measures, and ways to provide security against

terrorism.

No War Pact 2004

These comprehensive consultations have steadily built up trust, resulting in agreements to

continue the suspension of nuclear tests, to give prior notification of missile tests, and to seek a

peaceful resolution of the Kashmir problem. On June 20, 2004, both countries signed "No War

Pact" and agreed to extend a nuclear testing ban and to set up a hotline between their foreign

secretaries aimed at preventing misunderstandings that might lead to a nuclear war.

Musharraf's Unofficial Visit to India 2005

In April 2005 President Parvez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed

on various new confidence-building measures between the two nations. Their talks, held during

Mr. Musharraf's unofficial visit to India on April 17, produced agreement, for example, on the

passage of trucks for commercial purposes over Kashmir's Line of Control, or ceasefire line.

This is expected to greatly help ease tensions between the countries.

The improvement of relations between India and Pakistan still involves uncertain factors such as

the activities of Islamic extremists, but efforts should be stepped up so that the latest summit can

serve as a favorable tail wind for accelerating the thaw between the two nations.