a48e3a7b4f
- Created a new document for Pakistan Affairs with sections on historical personalities, partition, national integration, economic challenges, political stability, foreign policy, and climate change. - Added multiple topics related to Kashmir and intergovernmental organizations. - Established a new index page for CSS Notes 2025, outlining the purpose and organization of the notes.
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Foreign policy is a reflection of a state’s strategic objectives, ideological orientation, and geopolitical interests. Since its inception, Pakistan's foreign policy has largely been influenced by security concerns, particularly with regards to India, and dependence on external alliances. Despite efforts to assert strategic autonomy, Pakistan’s foreign policy has often been reactive—responding to crises and pressures—rather than proactive, with long-term vision or regional leadership.
"Diplomacy is not only managing crises, but preventing them." — Henry Kissinger
Evidence of reactive foreign policy (recent regional developments)
India and Kashmir policy (Post-2019)
Pakistan was unprepared for India’s abrogation of Article 370 and lacked a proper policy for such an effent. Pakistan launched diplomatic campaigns but failed to internationalize the issue effectively.
Afghanistan policy (Post US-Withdrawal 2021)
Pakistan was unprepared for US's withdrawal from Afghanistan and failed to shape a stable afghan policy. This led to security threats from TTP, refugee influx, and increased tensions and border skirmishes with Taliban government in Afghanistan.
China and CPEC policy
Pakistan relied heavily on China and CPEC which led to a lack of diversification in economic and diplomatic partners. Reactive response to debt, security issues in Balochistan, and slow CPEC progress.
US policy (Post US-Withdrawal 2021)
Since the 1950s, Pakistan's relations with US have remained transactional based on military aid and strategic utility. Pakistan had no proactive plans post Afghanistan to rebuild ties with US based on economic and technological cooperation.
Middle East policy
Pakistan has had inconsistent stances on Iran-Saudi tensions, Yemen War, and Israel-UAE normalization. Reactive approach to UAE visa bans and Saudi-India defense cooperation.
Causes behind Pakistan’s reactive foreign policy
!causes behind pakistan's reactive foriegn policy mindmap.excalidraw
Recommendations for proactive foreign policy
- Strategic Vision Document Develop a 20-year Foreign Policy Strategy aligned with economic, environmental, and technological trends.
- Strengthen Foreign Service Professionalize and insulate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) from political influence.
- Diversify Strategic Partnerships Deepen ties with ASEAN, Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America to break dependence on China and the Gulf.
- Leverage Geo-economic Position Promote Pakistan as a bridge between Central Asia, China, Middle East, and Indian Ocean.
- Soft Power Diplomacy Promote cultural diplomacy, diaspora engagement, academic exchanges, and digital outreach.