Ali Hafeez
Pakistan’s foreign policy in 2024 emphasizes maintaining strategic autonomy while leveraging partnerships to advance its national interests. Navigating the U.S.-China rivalry, managing relations with Russia, and addressing regional tensions are central to this balancing act. For the past 76 years Pakistan has adopted an India centric and west oriented approach in defining its foreign engagements.Pakistan’s foreign policy in 2024 continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape marked by shifting alliances, regional tensions, and evolving global power dynamics. As a pivotal state in South Asia, Pakistan’s strategic location, economic aspirations, and security concerns necessitate a delicate balancing act in its relations with key global players. This essay examines Pakistan’s foreign policy strategies, focusing on its interactions with major powers such as the United States, China, Russia, and its regional neighbors, India and Afghanistan. The analysis highlights the opportunities and challenges Pakistan faces as it seeks to balance these relationships while advancing its national interests.To understand Pakistan’s foreign policy in 2024, it is essential to consider its historical context. Since its inception in 1947, Pakistan’s foreign policy has been influenced by its rivalry with India, its strategic partnership with the United States during the Cold War, and its evolving relationship with China. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and subsequent U.S. and Pakistani support for Afghan Mujahideen fighters further complicated regional dynamics. The post-9/11 era saw Pakistan become a frontline state in the U.S.-led War on Terror, which significantly impacted its internal and external policies. As global power structures shift, Pakistan continues to adapt its foreign policy to address new challenges and opportunities.Strategic Partnership and Security Cooperation.The relationship between Pakistan and the United States has historically been characterized by periods of close cooperation and significant tension. In 2024, the U.S.-Pakistan relationship is multifaceted, focusing on security cooperation, economic ties, and regional stability. The U.S. recognizes Pakistan’s strategic importance in counterterrorism efforts and regional security, particularly concerning Afghanistan and the broader South Asian region.Economic and Development Assistance. The United States continues to provide economic and development assistance to Pakistan, supporting various sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure. This aid is aimed at promoting stability and development, addressing the root causes of extremism, and fostering economic growth. The U.S. also encourages Pakistan to implement economic reforms and enhance its trade and investment climate.Challenges and Divergences. Despite cooperation, significant challenges persist in U.S.-Pakistan relations. Divergences over issues such as counterterrorism strategies, human rights, and nuclear proliferation often strain the relationship. The U.S. has expressed concerns about Pakistan’s alleged support for militant groups and its nuclear program, while Pakistan has sought greater recognition of its security concerns, particularly regarding India and Afghanistan.However, in all these years the world has changed in many ways and it is time that Pakistan should shift its foreign Policy approach from security to economic development to release itself from the shekels of IMF loans. It would rather be prudent for a nuclear power to have confidence in developing its relations with not only its immediate neighbors but also with far neighbors and brotherly countries in its best interests.The surge in global geopolitical tensions, the US-China rivalry, two ongoing wars and an unravelling world order with a global economic volatility has put a new dimension to international stability. Therefore, at a time where the world is already unsettled and in a flux, Country’s new foreign minister Ishaq Dar has to deal with a lot of complex issues at hand but the first step should be to take a broad review of foreign policy and adopt necessary flexibility in formulating a more robust foreign policy that seeks to revive economic development at its priority.Pakistan’s foreign policy has been a series of ad hoc responses to regional and global developments rather than a well-considered and coherent approach, which requires a neighbors-first approach in which repair relations with India and other neighbors is a must. In doing so Kashmir policy and India policy should become two distinct streaks as a favorable solution to the Kashmir dispute is not possible in the current circumstances but this should not impede the process of normalizing ties with India.A neighbors-first approach would also require a reversal of the downward course of relations with Afghanistan where Pakistan should be ready to understand Afghan dependency on Pakistani ports for trade. Pakistan needs to follow a principled approach towards Afghanistan with a possible consideration of extending the Taliban government diplomatic recognition and extending the infrastructure of railroads and highways toward Afghanistan under CPEC to boost mutual dependency and economic activity between the two immediate neighbors. With Iran, the relationship needs to be further strengthened to reap the benefits of the Iran-Pakistan pipeline project. The Gwadar and Chabahar ports need to be developed as sister ports. The Late Iranian President’s visit aimed to boost trade and resolve border issues proving that countries in the new world order are ready to let go of their traditional approach to make space for better engagements and mend ties.However, Pakistan also needs to crest a balance while engaging with Iran and Saudi Arabia as under Saudi Vision 2030 Pakistan is ready to welcome an investment package of $5 billion from Saudi Arabia in different projects, the profitability of which is estimated in the range of 14% to 15% with some falling in the profitability of 19-20%. Whereas, at the global level Pakistan will have to navigate its way through US-China rivalry to strike a balance between reaping the benefits of the Chinese mega project CPEC and ensuring long-term strategic ties with the US. Pak Relations with China will no doubt remain Islamabad’s overriding strategic priority but in future,The future prospects of Pakistan’s foreign policy hinge on its ability to achieve sustained economic growth and development. Enhancing economic cooperation, attracting foreign investment, and implementing economic reforms are essential for realizing this goal. Economic stability and growth will strengthen Pakistan’s position in the international arena. Regional Integration and Cooperation.Regional integration and cooperation are vital for Pakistan’s long-term stability and prosperity. Strengthening ties with neighboring countries, fostering regional trade, and addressing shared challenges such as terrorism and climate change can enhance regional stability. Collaborative efforts in South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East can create a conducive environment for peace and development. Pakistan’s strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East offers significant opportunities for enhancing connectivity and trade. Capitalizing on this location through infrastructure development, trade corridors, and energy projects can boost Pakistan’s economic prospects. Strengthening connectivity with neighboring countries and regional blocs will enhance Pakistan’s role as a regional hub. Promoting peace and stability in the region is essential for Pakistan’s security and development. Addressing conflicts, fostering dialogue, and supporting inclusive political solutions are crucial for regional peace. Pakistan’s proactive engagement in peacebuilding efforts and conflict resolution can contribute to a stable and prosperous region. Pakistan’s foreign policy in 2024 is characterized by a complex balancing act, navigating relations with key global players while advancing its national interests. The multifaceted nature of Pakistan’s interactions with the United States, China, Russia, India, Afghanistan, and the Gulf states reflects the dynamic and evolving geopolitical landscape. By leveraging economic opportunities, ensuring security and stability, and engaging in multilateral diplomacy, Pakistan seeks to achieve sustained growth, regional integration, and global influence. The future prospects of Pakistan’s foreign policy hinge on its ability to adapt to changing global dynamics, foster economic development, and promote peace and stability in the region. The foreign policy of Pakistan seeks to promote the internationally recognized norms of interstate relations, i.e. respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States, non-interference in the internal affairs of other State; non-aggression and peaceful settlement of disputes