Changing Dynamics of Pakistan's Foreign Policy.

Byline: Sohail Ahmad

Pakistan's foreign policy has undergone ups and downs since its inception as the country engaged in various alliances which changed its foreign policy from time to time. Joining the US-based alliances, supporting US missions, and aligning itself with the West are the turning points of Pakistan's foreign policy. Moreover, the hostile relationship with India, the changing behavior of the US from time to time, US policies in the Asian region after 9/11, the US 'Pivot to Asia' policy, and Indo-US strategic cooperation were things that drove Pakistan to re-shape its foreign policy. Objectives of Pakistan's Foreign Policy Pakistan's foreign policy is essentially geared at achieving its national objectives of peace and stability through international cooperation.

A focus is placed on economic diplomacy in order to take advantage of the globalization process and to meet the problems of the 21st century. The objective is also to present an image of a dynamic and reasonable society. Correspondingly, Pakistan's foreign policy strives to promote globally accepted standards of interstate relations, such as respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, noninterference in the internal affairs of other states, non-aggression, and peaceful resolution of disputes. Therefore, Pakistan has always attempted to establish amicable and cordial relationships with other nations. The most effective methods and strategies for achieving these Foreign Policy objectives have evolved over time. Perspective from the Past Exploration of Relationship 1947-53 There were other security imperatives during this time period, such as army organization, weapon purchases, the retention of British officers, and officers sent to the UK and other Commonwealth states for training. Alignment with the West 1953-62 From 1953 to 1962, Pakistan aligned itself with the West, signed a number of treaties with the West, and received economic and military aid in return-entangled in the Cold War.

An acute sense of unease and economic difficulties were the obvious driving forces behind this alignment. Depleting gold reserves and cotton price crisis of the 1950s-Wheat shortage (the US came with wheat as a gift). It was clear that the UN and Common Wealth (CW) nations would not be able to help with the Kashmir issue because of the country's isolation.

Pakistan's foreign policy was compromised as a result of this alliance. Prospects of relation with the Soviet Union suffered- resorted to two-pronged strategy against Pakistan as it extended support to India and supported Afghanistan claim. In addition, Pakistan was kicked out of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961, and China openly criticized its entry into the organization. In the Kashmir dispute, the United States did not side with Pakistan. Re-examined alignment policy 1962-71 The alignment policy was re-examined during the transitional period from 1962 to 1971. Rethinking was sparked by two major developments: the U2 plane incident and the Kennedy administration's closeness to India (a counterweight to China) offered a nuclear umbrella but did not ask to make any security commitment. The Soviet Union approached India and Pakistan with a moderate stance. Agreements for economic and technical...