Major factors of Foreign Policy of Pakistan
Introduction
No country can think of a life independent to the other nations. Every country has to
develop relations with other countries so as to meet her requirements in the field of
economy, industry, agricultural and in the field of technology. Foreign policy indicates the
principles and preferences on which a country makes relations with other state for
promoting national interests. Pakistan also has formulated her foreign policy keeping in
mind its geography, politics and economic conditions.
According to Britannica
A general objective that guides the activities and relationships of one state in its
interactions with other states.
Foreign policy is a plan of action that a nation adopts with regard to its diplomatic
dealings with other countries in the world.
A policy pursued by a nation in its dealings with other nations, designed to achieve
national objectives.
Foreign policy is based on two main points: Sovereignty and national interest.
Sovereignty
Sovereignty means supreme power or authority. The authority of a state to govern itself. No
country can compromise on its Sovereignty. That is why the basic principle of Pakistan ‘s
foreign policy is to maintain and safeguard her Sovereignty.
National Interest
National Interest is the other basic principle of foreign policy. It is said that there is no
permanent friend and no permanent enemy in the foreign policy. So national interest is the
basic principle in the foreign affairs.
Major factors or main Determinants of Pakistan’s foreign policy
Following is a brief description of the factors that policymakers have to keep in mind while
making decisions related to country’s policy.
1. Ideology
Pakistan is an Ideological country and her Ideology is based on the Ideology of Islam. In the
establishment of Pakistan, Muslims actually dreamed of a separate homeland where they
could spend their lives according to the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH). So, it was not possible for our foreign policy makers to set aside this
ideology while framing country’s foreign policy. Hence Islamic ideology has always been a
central focus in this realm.
2. Geography
“The foreign policy of a country is determined by its geography”.
— Napoleon Bonaparte
Geography of a state is relatively the most permanent and stable factor of its foreign Policy.
Suitable geographical factors can help and encourage the nation to adopt and pursue higher
goals. No country could change its geography nor choose its neighbour s. So, in Pakistan,
sole consideration has been on safeguarding and preserving country’s independence and
territorial integrity.
3. Cultural and Historical Factors
The cultural heritage and the history of a nation are again important and valuable factors of
its Foreign Policy. The norms and traditions that characterize the life of the people of a state
are highly important factors of its foreign policy. During the process of interpreting and
formulating the objectives of national interest, the decision makers are always governed by
their cultural links, historical traditions and experiences.
History is an important factor in determining the relations among the neighboring nations.
Bitter experiences with the policies of imperialism and colonialism have been a determining
factor of the anti-imperialist and anti-colonial contents of the foreign policies of the
Pakistan. Pakistan is always against the imperialism and support the countries which are
facing imperialism.
4. Domestic Policies
Like the external situational factors, disturbances or disorders that occur within the internal
environment of a nation also influence the nature and course of foreign policy. Pakistan’s
position in the world is effected by its weak economy and its dependence on foreign
finances. And, that has been a big challenge before the policymakers. The policymakers must
understand that no country has ever succeeded externally if it is weak domestically. Even a
superpower, the former Soviet Union, could not survive as a superpower because
domestically it was weak.
5. Level and Nature of Economic Development:
The level of economic development also determines the scope of relations that a nation
wishes to establish with other nations. In fact, all economically and industrially developed
nations are now playing an important role in international relations than the lowly
developed and developing countries. The developed countries of our times are highly
industrialized and economically developed states. These can use foreign aid as a tool for
securing their foreign policy goals.
Pakistan as a developing country also needs to establish and maintain cordial relations with
those states with whom it can maximize its trade relations or from whom it can obtain
maximum economic aid. Pakistan’s position in the world is constrained by its weak
economics and its dependence on foreign finances. The main aim of Pakistan’s foreign policy
is to boost economic trade.
Conclusion
Pakistan should reap the benefits of its geographical location and its importance to the
whole world. Our foreign policy makers should move forward with extreme prudence.
