CHALLENGES TO FOREIGN POLICY OF PAKISTAN IN 21ST

CENTURY
Jamshed Ali Baloch*
Dr. Kiran Sami Memon**
Humera Hakro***

Abstract
Foreign policy of Pakistan seems to have been facing grim challenges since the very
existence of the country. Indeed the challenges posed in 21st century are more serious threat
to the foreign policy and state of Pakistan. The challenges like the event of 9/11,
globalization, extremism, terrorism and economic decline have impeded the effectiveness of
the foreign policy of Pakistan. The State is perceived by the world community as the most
dangerous place on earth and hub of terrorism. This research paper unleashes the threats
and challenges to the state and foreign policy of Pakistan and suggests some viable options
for the stability, progressiveness and effectiveness of the state and foreign policy of Pakistan
as linchpin for the stability of the South Asian region and an important ally of US in war on
terrorism.

Keywords: Pakistan, Challenges, Foreign Policy, War on Terror, Viable Options

Introduction
The world has entered into 21st century and the challenges of the new century are
grueling and intractable. Only politically stable, technologically advanced and economically
sound countries can compete in the prevalent world of globalization. The challenges after
9/11 has put the world in a dangerous situation, where the clash of civilization, more
sophisticated means and weapons in the hand of non state holders and pertinacious attitude
of the super power seems to have an impregnable scenario. Security pretext of U.S has
breached civilized norms of international law and provided an alibi to occupy any territory or
promptly attack anywhere in the world.
Two events have brought about drastic change in the south Asian region. Firstly, the end of
Cold War that created more cooperation among the countries in the region and new wave of
Kashmir struggle that created Nuclearisation in the region and the emergence of Taliban in
Afghanistan. Secondly, the event of 9/11 has given birth to new game in the region. The
presence of America in the region seems to be emergence of new forces and factors which
give birth to new challenges to the foreign policy of Pakistan.
For an understanding of countrys foreign policy, it is also important to start with the
circumstances of the beginning. For a fragile state like Pakistan that faced immediate
hostility from it much larger neighbor the security concern was inevitable; and it should
become the leaderships primary responsibility.
The changing geo-strategic, geo-political and geo-economic environment of the South Asian
region has posed new kind of security, economic challenges to the foreign policy of Pakistan.

Implications of Changing Geo-Strategic Environment in the Region

Many analysts are of the view that 21st century is for the Asians. The South Asian
region is crucially significant in many aspects. The countries like India and china are
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emerging economic giants. The events changing in the region have spillover implications on
the world in general and Pakistan in particular due to proximity with China and India.
Events like Afghan occupation by the Russian and the 9/11 have made Pakistan important for
the US interests.
Pakistan is always pivotal to U.S interests in South Asian region and progressive
interaction is crucial and significant for probing and managing in cross border terrorism and
religious fundamentalism. Amicable relations with Pakistan is also crucial in managing
restrain in the south Asian region for nuclear proliferation of both India and Pakistan .US
found India a strategic partner in the region including its security concerns. Indeed the
situation did not have any vulnerable implications to Pak- US relations. After the cold war
Pakistan was impelled to join U. S for its role of frontline state in war on terror. (2008: 46)
The U.S policy in the region is to establish triangle of China, India and Pakistan. China is
considered the competitor in the region, India is considered the strategic allay and Pakistan as
a partner in the War on Terror. U.S tilt towards India has strategic object to contain China in
the region. However, China has adopted low profile, and policy of peaceful coexistence in
the region, and the world at large. In 1990s U.S gave due consideration on three major
factors. One the nuclear explosions were conducted of both India and Pakistan. The Kargil in
1999, that consequently military coup was occurred in Pakistan in October 1999. The visit of
American President to South Asia brought about drastic change of policy towards South
Asia. (www.stimson.org)
After the Cold War; U.S has adopted two pronged strategy towards South Asia
policy. First, the Soviet Union does not have significant importance in the U.S. Policy
towards South Asia; instead, Subcontinent is perceived by America from a regional
perspective and consequently, deal with India and Pakistan in a different manner. Second,
U.S. interests and threats to those interests are from inside rather than from outside the
region. Economic liberalization, non-proliferation and democracy promotion became the
main U.S. policy goals in South Asia.
The dramatic change in the Indo-U.S relations has left spill over consequences on Pakistan
during the 1990s. It was era of isolation for Pakistan. U.S showed great deal of concerns
over the nuclear program of Pakistan and force to yield Pakistan to roll back its nuclear
program. In the end of 1990s, Americas tilt towards India seems a paradigm shift in the
relations of both the strange democracies of the engaged democracies after cold war.
The rising interest of America in India can be seen in the following actions. Firstly, America
establishes institutionalized interaction with India including widespread, areas economic
relations political process military sharing. Second on Kashmir America adapted as to adore
the line of control, the situation was largely in the favor of India. Third Indias importance in
the south Asian is recognized by America and its widespread role and plane to interact with
New Delhi in international affairs Fourth India appears to have FY 2000 reached $ 170
million that is second largest amount in the South Asian and it is 45 times larger to Pakistans
only $ 3.78 million. (Ibid)
The event of 9/11 brought U-turn in the policy of U.S and Pakistan once again
became the front line state in U.S led war against terrorism. However, U.S has
institutionalized its relation with India the civil nuclear deal is great concern for the whole
region. According to the military analysts the deal will erupt new nuclear race in the region
and will disturb the balance of power in the South Asian region. According to the new U.S
National security strategy; For establishing balance of power which enhance freedom, is
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convinced that all nations do the job of responsible status. Those freedom loving countries
must fight on terror. Those nations who want international consolidation must try to help out
in the control of weapon of mass destruction. (www.state.gov)
Since America is violating the principles of its own strategy in the south Asian region only to
get its strategic objectives in the South Asian region. It is viewed that the post 9/11 has
deteriorate the security milieu of the South Asian region .The countries in the region wanted
to join the U.S led war on terror to get their perfidious advantages. India showed great offer
to support in the war due to get its position in the South Asia. Pakistan has its own kind of
interests by joining the war example: to protect its strategic assets and protecting its Kashmir
policy.

Kashmir Issue and Nuclearisation in South Asia

Another great challenge to the foreign policy of Pakistan is Kashmir issue and
Nuclearisation in the region. Since its very inception the issue of Kashmir remained cardinal
credential to the foreign policy of Pakistan. On the issue of Kashmir both India and Pakistan
have fought wars of 1965, 1971, and 1999 of Kargil, and in 1998 both the courtiers tested
their nuclear weapons that has made the region a dangerous.
Indo-Pak relations always remained security centric. The historic crises put both the
states on the verge of nuclear explosion inmate 1998; the situation could seek nuclear aspect
indeed nuclear deterrence in the South Asia is weak. Kashmir has been the flash point in
constrain of both the states have been fought several wars including in 1947-48, 1965 and
1971and the Kargil conflict in 1999.The Kashmir conflict remains unfinished business.
(www.stimson.org)
The civil nuclear deal has further escalated the situation in South Asian region.
Pakistan has great concern over the deal because according to Pakistani point of view the
deal has breached the balance of power in the region and it is responsible for the new nuclear
race in the South Asia. Pakistan opposes the deal on the grounds that it would lead to a new
nuclear arms race in South Asia; would undermine the global non-proliferation regime; and
that it does not accept discriminatory treatment and would have preferred a package deal
that accommodates the energy security interests of both India and Pakistan.
(http://www.sassu.org.uk)
In recent development in the relation of Indo-Pak the composite dialogue, CBM
(Confidence Building Measures) are the positive sign; where the issue of controlling nuclear
arm race in the region and exchange of information regarding terrorists activities and
advance warning system for missile test can at least make a pragmatic break through to the
issue of non proliferation in the region among historic archrivals.

Globalization an Emerging Threat to Foreign Policy of Pakistan

Globalization is challenge rather than opportunity for under develop countries like
Pakistan. According to the critics of globalization only those countries which are
economically strong and politically viable can survive in this prevalent world. Every nation
has its principle in accordance with its environment that impales country to establish and
execute its foreign policy to securing its national interest in challenges and opportunities that
a global spectrum provides it. (www.emory.edu)
Great deal of increase in world economy is creation of international standards and principles
as the fundamental criterion of all economies. Indeed, there are principles of monetary
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policy, fiscal transparency insurance and payment system, securities, corporate, governance
and the entire draw up of other fields. It means a probing of policies of individual countries
by taking part in the competition of market and policy managers have to endure in addition of
projecting their policies to worldwide by great transparency.
Keeping in view the above credentials of globalization, Pakistan has to reform its
political system, to flourish its economic performance, and to set out the essential elements
like good governance and maintain rule of law to keep abreast with the new challenge of
globalization. In south Asian perspective, where India is a threat not in perspective of arm
race but also in terms of economic competition in the region and the world at large. India is
an emerging economic giant with china in the South Asia. It horizontally and vertically
affects the policy matters of Pakistan; because in the globalised world economic interests of
countries are prior to the other interests.

Afghan Issue and War on Terror

The most gigantic challenge to the foreign policy of Pakistan is the issue of
Afghanistan, and internal war against terror. In the war against terrorism launched by
America against invisible enemy put Pakistan on the epicenter of the war.
First, the geo-strategic environment has impelled Pakistan to adopt defensive policy in the
region. India has been trying to contain Pakistan in Afghanistan due to its fragile political
economic and geo- strategic conditions. Second, after the withdrawal of America and
disintegration of Russia a political vacuum was created in Afghanistan. Pakistan for securing
its position in the region adopted the policy of strategic depth to contain Indian influence in
Afghanistan. Third, after 9/11 again it has become difficult to Pakistan to secure its interest
in Afghanistan. Indian influence in Afghanistan is increasing day by day because some
analysts believe that Government in Kabul is Indian friendly. Pakistan in the prevalent
scenario is facing two fold challenges regarding Afghan crisis after the 91/11.
The critical challenges in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the region include widespread
violence, deep poverty, unsettled border tensions, nuclear weapons, drug trafficking, and
poor governance. Moreover, issues of sovereignty, as well as the complex social, historical,
and religious dynamics in the region, threaten to overwhelm national and international
capabilities. Thus far, the external provision of financial, military, and technical governance
support has been fairly significant, yet also largely ineffective and, in some instances,
counterproductive. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan are facing terrorism within their
respective territories which is under the control of their authorities. Af-Pak has got some kind
of amelioration than the past however there is kind of constrained between them
(www.barton-afpakonthebrink.pdf)

Drone Attacks
After terrorism drone strikes by the US is a singular challenge to Pakistans foreign
policy. There are two points of views regarding drone strikes in Pakistan. One believes that
drone strikes are being conducted by CIA on the approval of Pakistan government through
secrete agreement. The effectiveness of the drone attacks lies on the fact that in these attacks
major militant commanders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban (a terrorist group) are killed.
The other point of view regarding drone strikes is that the done attacks are clear violation of
Pakistans sovereignty, and through theses strikes Pakistan is getting great deal of collateral
damage and innocent people are being killed. Following chart shows some figures of civilian
loss of lives by the drone strikes.
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TABLE:1

As the drone strikes increase in numbers so the numbers of suicide attacks in Pakistan
increase simultaneously.
Source:
http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2012/07/17/analysis-cnn-experts-civilian-drone-deathnumbers-dont-add-up

Terrorism Extremism and Sectarianism

Terrorism and extremism are intractable challenges to Pakistan ever before. The event
of 9/11 has grave implications on Pakistans economic, politics and society on foreign policy
in larger context. Since the events Pakistan seems to be vulnerable in terms of its economy;
so far Pakistan has lost cost 100 billion dollars, and have got an aid from America only 16
billion dollars . In foreign policy terms Pakistan seems to be an unsafe place, and the country
is perceived to be the hub of terrorism.

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Source: http://www.finance.gov.

Conclusion
Foreign policy of Pakistan remains hamstrung by host of issues; these issues are
formation and implementation of the policy, its effectiveness and domestic political
implications on it. By overhauling the policy it can easily be inferred from historic facts that
foreign policy of Pakistan is largely determined and dominated by military and intelligence
agencies of the country. The reason of the dominancy are several as failure of democratic
governments, Indian threat perception, relations with America and lack of political
leadership. The most important reason of failure of Pakistans foreign policy is its
dependence on the super power countries especially America in terms of economy and
military assistance.
It is a matter of fact due to its dependency on the donor in terms of economy Pakistan has
been getting dictations from the donor agencies and in domestic and foreign policy issues.
For example new coalition government of Pakistan Peoples Party abolish subsidies on
electricity and on other items the influence of IMF and World Bank foreign.
On foreign policy front, Pakistan is in need of electricity the government can make
agreements with different countries for the supply of electricity for example Pakistan can
make an agreement with central Asian countries for electricity to Pakistan, because these
countries have extra power generation capacity in summer seasons while Pakistan
experiences desperate need in the season. But due to foreign influence Pakistan is unable to
take decision on that.

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Some Viable Suggestions to Strengthen Foreign Policy of Pakistan

Self reliance is need of the hour, Pakistan must settle down its debt reduction, so that
the interference from the donors can be curtailed in matters of Political and economic
issues of the foreign policy of Pakistan.
Pakistan must keep amicable relations with its neighboring countries especially with
India.
The solution of Kashmir issue is not consisting with policy of using force; even the
policy has given boost up to the Nuclearisation in the region.
For the solution of Kashmir issue Pakistan must strengthen itself. For example China
could not get its parts as Hong Kong, Macao form Britain until it became politically
strong and economically strong.
References

Sanjeeb Kumar Mohanty Post-cold war Indo-Pak friendship Giving peace a chance after 9/11 I I A S N E
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14/08/2013
Zhang Guihong, U.S. Security Policy toward South Asia and Its Implications for China: A Chinese
Perspective www.stimson.org Accessed on 20/02/2014
Ibid
The National Security Strategy of the United States of America September 2002
;www.state.gov/documents/organization/63562.pdf Accessed on 11/05/2014
P.R. Chari Nuclear Crisis, Escalation Control, and Deterrence in South Asia, www.stimson.org Accessed on
21/4/2014
Gurmeet
Kanwal
Indo-US
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Solita
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<http://www.emory.edu/soc/globalization/debates.html, Accessed on 5 January, 2014
Frederick Barton and Karin von Hippel with Mark Irvine, Thomas Patterson, and Mehlaqa Samdani
Afghanistan & Pakistan on the brink center for strategic and international studies, February,2000
http://www.finance.gov.pk/survey/chapter_11/Special%20Section_1.pdf Accessed on 25/07/2014.

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