Nestled in the heart of South Asia, Pakistan has long been a pivotal player on the global stage, owing to its rich history, strategic location, and complex geopolitical dynamics. However, over the past five years, Pakistan’s diplomatic standing has faced numerous challenges, resulting in a significant disconnect from both regional and global networks.
This disconnect is deeply intertwined with the nation’s ongoing political and economic turbulence, which has left an indelible mark on its international relationships. We need to delve into the multifaceted aspects of this diplomatic quagmire and explore how it has unfolded and its repercussions on the international stage.
2018 brought with it a political transformation in Pakistan, as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ascended to power with a compelling narrative of “naya Pakistan” or “new Pakistan.” The nation was infused with optimism, hoping for a brighter future. Yet, as the years rolled on, the PTI struggled to translate its promises into tangible results, leaving the population disillusioned and perplexed.
One of the primary roadblocks impeding Pakistan’s diplomatic journey has been relentless political polarization. The nation’s two main mainstream parties, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML([N]), have been ensnared in a ceaseless cycle of political wrangling, severely impeding the nation’s progress. In this charged environment, the government’s capacity to craft a coherent foreign policy and nurture international relations has been compromised.
The PTI’s economic policies have fallen short of expectations, triggering a series of economic challenges. Pakistan grapples with rising inflation, a depreciating currency, and diminishing foreign reserves. The government’s pursuit of populist policies has come at the expense of vital structural reforms that could have underpinned the nation’s economic stability and vitality. Futhermore, the PDM-led Government wreaked havoc with the economy by bowing to IMF’s tough conditions that made inflation skyrocket . The mess is too hard to be cleaned for the current interim set-up which enjoys limited decision-making powers.
Pakistan’s diplomatic standing has been further muddied by a fluid web of international alliances. Traditional allies, including the USA and Saudi Arabia, have grown increasingly skeptical of the government’s actions and commitments. Simultaneously, Pakistan’s deepening ties with China have raised eyebrows among other regional powers, contributing to the nation’s diplomatic predicament. Pakistan has to rethink its selecting of allies and strategic partners in future and avoid indulging in serving the interests of other global and regional powers that might backfire at any stage.
Timely general elections are the key for revisiting the foreign policy of Pakistan as the nation’s mandate on who is going to form its government in future. Pakistan’s economic stability is directly linked with political stability and respect for state institutions.
Pakistan’s foreign policy decisions have far-reaching implications, not only for the nation itself but for regional and global stability. Its geographical location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East makes Pakistan a linchpin in various international initiatives. However, the political turmoil and economic fragility have placed the nation in a precarious position, affecting its diplomatic standing on several fronts.
Pakistan’s relationship with the USA, historically characterized by cooperation on various fronts, has witnessed a gradual deterioration. The divergence in strategic interests, the Afghan conundrum, and human rights concerns have all strained this crucial bilateral relationship. While Pakistan remains a significant player in the Afghan peace process, it must navigate the intricacies of a complex regional landscape.
China’s robust economic and strategic partnership with Pakistan has raised eyebrows among other regional powers, most notably India. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a massive infrastructure project, has been hailed as a gamechanger for the region. However, it has also sparked concerns, particularly from India, about China’s expanding influence in South Asia.
While CPEC presents promising economic opportunities for Pakistan, it underscores the delicate balance the nation must maintain to not unduly irk other regional powers. Pakistan must demonstrate that its engagements with China are not at the expense of its relationships with other nations. Pakistan should engage in dialogue with its turbulent neighbors who are hostile nations such as India and Afghanistan in Particular. Pakistan must deal with the issues of repatriation of Afghan refugees as the deadline expired on October 31.
The Middle East has traditionally been an essential region for Pakistan’s diplomatic endeavours. Pakistan has, for decades, enjoyed close relations with countries like Saudi Arabia, which have extended economic and strategic support to the nation. However, these ties have faced strains, primarily due to Pakistan’s decision to remain neutral in Middle Eastern conflicts, such as the Yemeni civil war. Pakistan’s efforts to balance its relationships between Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other Middle Eastern powers are of paramount importance to its diplomatic resurgence.
Pakistan’s diplomatic disconnect is a pressing concern, not only for the nation but for regional and global stability. To regain its standing on the international stage, Pakistan must prioritize economic stability; invest in structural reforms, and work tirelessly to reduce political polarization.
A more balanced and nuanced foreign policy is indispensable. Pakistan should actively seek to diversify its international alliances, demonstrating that it is not overly reliant on any single nation. This multifaceted approach is crucial for Pakistan as it navigates its complex political and economic terrain and seeks to rebuild trust with its traditional allies while forging healthy relationships with emerging global players.
Pakistan’s success in overcoming its diplomatic disconnects will not only shape its future but will also have far-reaching consequences for international relations, particularly in a world where the balance of power is continually evolving. As Pakistan strives to find its diplomatic footing, it carries the hopes of its citizens and the watchful eyes of the world, eagerly awaiting its resurgence as a stable and respected member of the international community.
Timely general elections are the key for revisiting the foreign policy of Pakistan as the nation’s mandate on who is going to form its government in future. Pakistan’s economic stability is directly linked with political stability and respect for state institutions.
