Take a look What are the foreign policy challenges faced by ‘Naya Pakistan’
Likewise, given the external dependence of Pakistan’s national policy, it cannot achieve its objectives without a prioritized and resourced foreign policy.
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Certain aspects of foreign policy are mainly dealt with by specialized ministries, departments and services.
But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should not be held responsible for the negative consequences of bad decisions in which it did not participate. This often happens and is always done at the expense of the national interest.
It’s obvious. However, in practice, it is generally overlooked. Why The main reason is the reluctance of corrupt or weak governments to take risks for good governance, including good foreign policy.
It’s soft state syndrome. It is often a prelude to a failed state. This prevents serving the national interest. Powerful vested interests define national interest and define foreign policy. What is there to do
If the political system is made participatory and inclusive, it will eventually find the right answers. If it remains elitist, exclusive and exploitative, it will not be. However, changing the system involves taking risks.
Pakistan has 10 major foreign relations. Mainly India, China, the United States and Afghanistan; and significantly Iran, the GCC countries, Russia, the European Union (which still includes the United Kingdom), the Central Asian states and the United Nations.
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India is Pakistan’s main adversary. China is Pakistan’s only strategic partner. The United States is still the most powerful and the only global power. Afghanistan is a force multiplier for the security or insecurity of Pakistan. Iran confronts Pakistan with critical choices.
Powerful vested interests define national interest and define foreign policy. What is there to do
The GCC countries are a major source of remittances and “fraternal” assistance, which almost always comes at an embarrassing price.
Russia, in partnership with China, is an important counterforce to the United States and its alliance with India. In addition, it has the potential to provoke a less unbalanced Russian policy towards India and Pakistan.
The EU is a major market and the Pakistani community in the United Kingdom (and the United States) can be an asset for foreign policy.
Central Asia can provide “strategic depth” to Pakistani diplomacy based on connectivity. Improving cooperation with Russia can also be helpful here.
2018 review of changing Pakistan’s external relations
The UN may seem out of place. It’s not. This is where the image, profile and voice of a country are confirmed and challenged. It is the forum where the credibility of a foreign policy is measured. Its agencies, funds and organizations can be important knowledge-intensive and problem-solving assets.
Due to limited space, only the four “main” relations of Pakistan will be briefly discussed.
India The key issues for Pakistan are the progress towards a publicly acceptable Kashmir settlement in the valley and the drastic improvement in the horrific human rights situation in this region. For India, it is the use by Pakistan of “terrorist proxies”.
These fundamental questions must be addressed to the satisfaction of others for the dialogue to be meaningful. Finding common ground for a sustainable negotiation process is a challenge.
Indian interference in Balochistan is a fact. However, Baluchistan’s “problem” is not within the purview of India. This is due to institutionalized bad governance and exploitation over the decades.
Pakistan should continue to expand cooperation regardless of India’s lack of response. It should keep the LoC silent as best it can. It should build on the Kartarpur initiative. It should extend normal negotiating or MFN rights as promised. It is no doubt a WTO obligation as well.
Pakistan is expected to offer discussions and proposals on travel, communications, confidence and strengthening security (including nuclear and water management). Let India take its time to respond. Pakistan cannot lose by being consistent and reasonable.
Realistic rather than provocative narratives need to be developed. The inhabitants of both
