Pakistan's Foreign Policy Formulation

Introduction:

Every country has to develop relations with other countries so as to meets its requirements in economical, industrial and technological fields. It is thus necessary for every country to formulate a sound foreign policy. Pakistan is an important third world country in its developmental stage. It also has formulated her foreign policy keeping in mind its geography, politics and economics.

Definition Of Foreign Policy:

Foreign Policy can be defined as:

"Relations between sovereign states. It is reflection of domestic politics and an interaction among sovereign states. It indicates the principles and preferences on which a country want to establish relations with another country."

The foreign policy is to establish and develop relations with other countries to watch the national interests by taking appropriate steps at international level.

Basic Goals Of Pakistan's Foreign Policy:

1. Maintenance of territorial integrity.

2. Maintenance of its political independence.

3. Acceleration of social and economic development.

4. Strengthening its place on the globe.

5. Keeping cordial and friendly relations with all countries.

Guiding Principles Of Pakistan's Foreign Policy

Following are the principles of Pakistan's Policy:

1. Protection of freedom and sovereignty

Pakistan came into being after great sacrifices of millions of Muslims, like any other country, it also considers with deep regard the need for preservation of its independence and does not allow any country to harm its freedom. Therefore, the principle of protection of independence and sovereignty is the corner stone of Pakistan's Foreign Policy.

2. Cordial Relations with Muslim Countries

Pakistan always tries to establish cordial and friendly relations with Muslim countries. It has always moved its concern against Israel, India and U.S.S.R capturing Palestine, Kashmir and Afghanistan respectively. It has shouldered high responsibilities and used her influence for safeguarding the rights of the Muslims. Pakistan is also an active member of the Islamic Conference.

3. Non Interference in Internal Affairs of Other countries

Pakistan has sought to establish normal and friendly relations with all countries especially its neighbouring countries, on the basis of universally acknowledge the principle of national sovereignty, non-use of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of state.

4. Implementation of U.N Charter

Pakistan's policy is to act upon UN Charter and to support all moves by the UN to implement it. Pakistan has been the member of UN since the year of its birth.

5. Promotion of World Peace

Pakistan policy is to promote peace among nations. It has no aggressive designs against any country. Neither does it support any such action. Pakistan has always held that the international disputes should be settled through negotiations rather than non-battlefield.

6. NON-ALIGNMENT

Pakistan follows the policy of Non-Alignment i.e. to keep away from alignment with any big power bloc and avoids taking sides in the cold war. It has also given up its association with SEATO and CENTO and was included in NAM in 1979.

7. Support for Self-Determination and Condemnation of Racial Discrimination

Pakistan is a staunch supporter of the right of self-determination and has been in the fore front of efforts to eliminate colonialism. It has advocated the right of self-determination of Kashmir.

Main Objectives Of Forign Policy Of Pakistan:

Some main objectives of the foreign policy of Pakistan are as under:-

National Security

The main objective of foreign policy of Pakistan is its national security or independence. Pakistan was a new born state, and there was a need to make arrangements for its security. So Pakistan formulated its foreign policy on the basis of national security. It gave due importance to the national security, while establishing external relationships with other countries.

Economic Development

Pakistan is a developing country and inspires for its economic development. It 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 benefits.

Protection of Ideology of Pakistan

Pakistan is an ideological state and its foreign policy is based upon the ideology of Pakistan or Islam. The foreign policy is meant to protect the ideology. The stability of Pakistan is also dependent upon ideology.

CONCLUSION:

The guiding principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy are rooted in the country's Islamic ideology, its rich cultural heritage and historical experience. As an Islamic and non-aligned country, Pakistan supports Islamic causes and firmly upholds the above mentioned principles, which hold out the purpose of a just and equitable world order in which nations can live in peace and security.