THE FOREIGN POLICY OF PAKISTAN LECTURE 12 WEEK 13.

THE FOREIGN POLICY OF PAKISTAN

LECTURE 12

WEEK 13

DEFINITION OF FOREIGN POLICY

Foreign policy of a state may be defined as the more or less consistent attitude adopted by a nation in its relation with other nations, in matters outside the scope of customary or specific treaty agreement.

Foreign policy can be thought of as the key element in the flow process by which a state translates its broadly conceived goals into concrete courses of action for the purpose of attaining these goals and safeguarding its national interests.

DEFINITION OF FOREIGN POLICY

The foreign policy of a country is always the product of the interaction of many forces- historical, ideological, economic and geopolitical. These determine a country’s outlook on world affairs.

In international relations there can be no eternal friends nor can there be eternal enemies. The only eternal factor is the national interest. Hence the foreign policy continues to evolve according to the changing circumstances.

THE PRINCIPLES OF PAKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY

The principles are derived from the Pakistan Movement, which embodied the struggle of the Muslims of subcontinent for an independent and sovereign state. Wherein they could live in accordance with their spiritual and cultural heritage, and build a social order based on Islamic values and traditions.


The Fundamental principles are as follows: Protection of Freedom &

Sovereignty of the country: The fundamental principle of the foreign policy of Pakistan is that the freedom and sovereignty of the country must be preserved and Pakistan should be made strong enough to resist all kinds of internal and external dangers.


Close relations with Muslim countries: owing to its impelling sense of Muslim nationhood rooted in Islamic ideology, it is natural that Pakistan should give its unreserved support to the promotion of Islamic unity and solidarity. Pakistan has always tried to establish close and friendly relations with the Muslim countries.

Regional Cooperation: it has been Pakistan’s endeavor to establish peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with its neighboring countries. And is firmly committed to SAARC & ECO.


Keeping away from Super Power Politics: Pakistan wants to keep itself away from the politics of super powers and as far as possible to have friendly relations with all countries. Experience shows that involvement in the ideological and military conflicts between super powers is very harmful for developing countries. The USA is Pakistan’s old friend and gives valuable financial and technical aid. Similarly, relationship with China is very cordial and China has always stood by Pakistan. It also provides financial and technical aid to enable Pakistan to progress industrially. Our relationship with Russia, are not bad either. Their experts are helping Pakistan in oil exploration.


Support for Self-Determination: the character of Pakistan’s foreign policy is also determined by its experience of struggle against colonialism and foreign domination. Pakistan has had a consistent struggle against colonialism, racism, apartheid (domination of one racial group over the other) while extending unreserved assistance to the cause of liberation and self-determination in Asia, Africa and Latin America.


Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament: Pakistan is deeply conscious of the fact that international peace and security cannot be achieved and sustained in the world with arms. Disarmament is the imperative condition for truly durable peace in the world. Pakistan has a vital stake in promotion of disarmament both in the nuclear and conventional fields.


New International Economic Order: Pakistan is committed to the promotion of an equitable international economic order. This requires restoration of stable and sustained global economic growth especially in the developing world. It can be attained through more balanced, and non-discriminatory trade relations, enhanced economic and technological cooperation including transfer of technology, resolution of the debt burden, monetary stability and food security.


Implementation of the UN Charter: Pakistan always act upon the UN charter and support any move by the UN to implement it. Pakistan became a member of the UN in 1947. From that day on it has been actively participating in the activities of the UN and always worked to make it more active.

SIX IMPORTANT PHASES OF

PAKISTAN'S FOREIGN POLICY

ERA OF NEUTRALITY 1947-1953


The international system that emerged after Second World War was characterized by cold war and tight bipolarity. The foreign policy of the first few years of the existence of Pakistan can be labeled as the non-aligned years, because Pakistan was essentially trying to maintain neutrality in the ongoing cold war during this period. Both USA & USSR were inviting Pakistan for support in the cold war alignments.

However Pakistan was itself beset with the task of putting things together in the promised land. It was confronted with all sorts of economic, political and religious problems. Pakistan during that period tried to overcome multiple security threats from India and Afghanistan.


Pakistan faced the following problems which affected its foreign policy resulting in its future economic and military dependence on foreign powers:Hostile relations with India. In 1948 there was a war between the two countries on the Kashmir dispute. The matter was referred to the UN and under resolution passed by the Security Council, both countries agreed to hold plebiscite in Kashmir; however India refused to implement the resolution and Kashmir has been an occupied territory since.


Dispute between India and Pakistan over the division of assets and the distribution of river water.

After Pakistan's establishment, Afghanistan demonstrated its hostility and objected on Pakistan’s membership in the UN.

In the period of neutrality, majority of the Muslim countries were under the colonial subjugation. Owning to their weak position, Pakistan couldn't expect any support from the Muslim world.


Because of the immediate security threats and weak military strength, Pakistan had 4 options to protect its security:To remain neutralTo rely on the Muslim countriesTo join the Soviet blocTo join the Western Alliance System


Owing to 2 main reasons Pakistan opted for the fourth option:The US offered Pakistan to join the Alliance System which was meant to contain communism (State owning everything). Although the Western Alliance System was aimed to check the spread of Communism, yet Pakistan hoped to acquire substantial economic and military aid.

The elite of Pakistan was under the western influence. A strong pro-west lobby had advocated Pakistan’s joining the Western Alliance System. Ideologically, Pakistan was more akin to the US than to the Soviet Union.

ERA OF ALLIANCE 1954-1962


Pakistan joined SEATO (South East Asian Treaty Organization)in 1954 and CENTO (Central Treaty Organization) in 1955. in 1959, Pakistan and the US signed a Defense Pact in which US later guaranteed the security of Pakistan in the event of a communist attack. Pakistan’s inclusion in Western Alliance System offended India, Afghanistan, Soviet Union and Egypt. Pakistan was termed as ‘US Protégé’ during the period of Alliances. Pakistan received substantial economic and military assistance from the US. However, Pakistan could not achieve its main objective i.e. security by joining these alliance systems.


Although CENTO & SEATO were directed against the communist powers, yet Pakistan hoped to acquire western support to solve the Kashmir issue. The US did not put any pressure on India to hold plebiscite in Kashmir, moreover, few important developments forced Pakistan to reconsider its pro-western stand:The US spy plane incident of 1960 had exposed the

insecurity of Pakistan in the event of the Soviet attack. The Khrushchev threatened to wipe out Peshawar from where U-2 had flown over the Soviet Union. The American bases in Pakistan had created embarrassment for Islamabad.


In 1962, Sino-Indo border war forced Pakistan to seek alternate options than depending on the Western Alliance System. In US massive military support to India, not withstanding reservations shown by Pakistan, added frustration among policy makers in Islamabad. Pakistan protested to the US that the American/Western military assistance to India would be used against Pakistan.

After 1962, the global political climate had changed from cold war to peaceful coexistence- CENTO and SEATO were the legacies of the cold war and after a political settlement between the US and Soviet Union, many countries begun to delink themselves from super power rivalry.


Pakistan’s membership of the CENTO put it to a difficult test of its Islamic enthusiasm verses national interest. The entire Arab world (except Iraq) kept safe distance from the Pact because they realized the US and Britain to be the powers behind Israel. Pakistan’s decision to join the Pact isolated it from the major Arab nations which was further reinforced by its support of the British and French in the Suez crisis of 1956.


The period of alliances had pushed Pakistan heavily under the US influence. The cost of alliance was more than actual gain. Pakistan earned ill will of a number of countries. It forced Pakistan to minimize its participation in SEATO and CENTO and open new avenues for a more assertive role in world affairs.

Despite its strained relations with the Arabs, its friendship with Turkey and Iran, two other non-Arab countries of the region, continued to grow during this phase due to their common pro-western policies. Even during this period, however, it consistently supported the cause of the Palestinians in all international forums.

ERA OF BILATERALISM

1963-1978

ERA OF BILATERALISM 1963-1978

The policy of bilateralism was the reaction of Pakistan’s active involvement in the politics of cold war. Bilateralism could be defined as the conduct of relationship between states in such a way that equidistance with all super powers is manipulated. That there should not be a tilt towards any specific power.


During that period, Pakistan lessened its dependence on the Western Alliance System and developed close and cordial relations with China as an alternative source of support against India. The US adopted an even-handed policy toward the Pakistan and India and subsequently suspended military assistance to both countries.


During this phase, Pakistan was looking for new friends in the international arena because the old alignments appeared inadequate in terms of its security requirements. It responded to Soviet gestures of friendship and its relations with the Soviet Union improved considerably. After the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, Moscow offered to mediate between India and Pakistan. Soviet Union played a vital role in the Tashkent agreement of January 1966. Also, it once again turned to the Third World and Middle East countries.


Its relations with the Arab world started to grow stronger. During the 1967 Arab-Israeli war it extended all out support for the Arabs.

With the assumption of power by Z.A. Bhutto, Pakistan charted a new course in its foreign relations. Immediately, after coming to power, he took a tour of 20 Muslim countries of the Middle East which he called ‘a mission of renaissance of relations with the Muslim world’. In 1972, Pakistan withdrew from the Commonwealth, SEATO and recognized the Socialist Governments of North Korea and North Vietnam.


Bhutto missed no opportunity to extend total support for Arabs during the Ramadan war of 1973 against Israel and readily exploited the situation to enhance Pakistan’s role in the Islamic world by hosting the second Islamic Summit Conference in Lahore in 1974.

US Pakistan relationship was not as cordial as they were during 1950’s and 1960’s. Twice the US suspended military aid to Pakistan during 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.

One advantage Pakistan achieved during this Era was its increasing economic and political relations with the Third World and the Socialist Countries.

ERA OF NON ALIGNMENT 1979-

1989

ERA OF NON ALIGNMENT 1979-1989

The US military, economic and political influence was liquidated in Iran in 1979. After the revolution, Iran announced its withdrawal from CENTO. Also, CENTO has become ineffective owing to the top priority given by the US in the Middle East and the Gulf. After Iran’s withdrawal, Pakistan also decided to withdraw, enabling it to join NAM.

Pakistan was included in the NAM at the Havana Summit of September, 1979. Three reasons behind joining NAM are:

Changing geo-political situation in South-West Asia. The Revolution in Afghanistan (April, 1978) and Islamic Revolution in Iran (February, 1979) also compelled Pakistan to join.


Pakistan did not want to remain cut off from the midstream of politics in the Third World. By joining NAM, Pakistan hoped to acquire recognition and prestige in the Third World.

Internally, several political groups had demanded Pakistan’s withdrawal from the Western Alliance System and wanted the country to join NAM.

Pakistan’s relations with US had deteriorated especially after the suspension of American economic raid in 1979 as a protest against Pakistan’s nuclear program. But the situation dramatically changed after Russian intervention in Afghanistan which forced USA to reorient its relation with Pakistan. Asia emerged as a region of high priority for the US policy-makers.


While maintaining its membership in the NAM, Pakistan signed a 3.2 (1982) and 4.02 (1986) billion dollar package deal with the US. After Russian intervention in Afghanistan, the US did not object Pakistan’s nuclear program- in fact it received a big boost. During this period, following were the main objectives of Pakistan’s foreign policy:


1. Friendly and cordial relations with the People’s Republic of China

2. Close relations with US3. Better economic and political ties with the

Muslim countries4. Policy of Non-Alignment in world affairs5. Security

ERA OF POST COLD WAR 1990-

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

ERA OF POST COLD WAR 1990-SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

The cold war era which lasted for around 45 years collapsed in 1990-1991 as the result of following events:Gulf crisis and Gulf war which proved the

supremacy of US-led coalition against Iraq. The UN Security Council passed several resolutions against Iraq without any resistance from Moscow or Beijing.

The dismantling of Warsaw Pact and Soviet Disunion. The collapse of communist rule in the former USSR and the subsequent emergence of 15 sovereign states (6 Muslim and 9 non-Muslim) also encouraged the US to assert its position on the following issues:


Nuclear Proliferation, particularly in some developing countries

Action against LibyaSeeking economic concessions from Japan and

West European countries to overcome its economic problems

Break up Yugoslavia and civil war which exposed the helplessness of Europe interns of ethnic and racial upsurge

Inability of developing countries to seek justice from the developed world on economic and political matters

Frequent intervention of the West in the internal affairs of weak and small states.


When the cold war ended in 1990, Pakistan lost precious time in adjusting to the new realities. As the result Pakistan was isolated, pressurized to roll-back its nuclear program, threatened with the terrorist tag, silenced on Kashmir, abandoned in Afghanistan and seen with suspicion even in parts of the Arab and Islamic world.

For Pakistan, the post-cold war situation led to many challenges in context of its relations with India, US and China. The US military and economic aid suspension against Pakistan, new trends in US-Indo relations and that in relations between Beijing and New Delhi should be seen in the perspective of new development priorities.


It was pointed out by President Ghulam Ishaque Khan of Pakistan that if the New World Order means the domination or monopoly of one power on the rest of the world then it couldn’t be acceptable to Pakistan.

But given economic, military, and technological superiority of the West compared to the developing world, Pakistan and other countries belonging to the non-western world are not in a position to challenge unfair acts of big powers.

There are also reports with regard to the refusal of G-8 countries (US, Britain, Canada, Japan, Italy, Russia, France and Germany) to render economic and technological assistance to the developing world.


The least developed countries that are dependant on the west for technology and aid, will find it difficult to change the course of things in the world politics.

On May 18, 1998 and again on 30 May, 1998, Pakistan successfully conducted nuclear tests at Chagai hills in Balochistan in reaction to Indian nuclear bomb testing. As reaction of this event USA clamped economic and military sanctions on Pakistan under the Pressler Amendment (which widened the conventional gap between India and Pakistan).

That same year, the intensification of the freedom movement in occupied Kashmir led to the massive deployment of Indian troops in occupied Kashmir.

ERA OF GLOBAL ANTI-TERRORISM SEPTEMBER 11,

2001- TILL PRESENT


2001- TILL PRESENT The 11 September 2001 attacks in New York and

Washington placed Pakistan in grave foreign policy dilemmas. Pakistan’s strategic policy brought it face to face with the US ultimatums: Pakistan should disregard the Taliban Discard Islamic Jihad Discard Islamic Fundamentalists and Become an accomplice in the American military

intervention in Afghanistan or else face the consequences.

Pakistan boldly decided to join the international coalition against the war on terrorism and became a frontline state in this fight.


2001- TILL PRESENT In November, 2001 the US led multi-nation force

succeeded in removing Taliban from power in Afghanistan and a multi-ethnic interim government under Karzai has been installed in Kabul. In this campaign Pakistan provided bases for launching military operations against Taliban-once Pakistan's ally in Afghanistan. In March-April 2003, USA and Britain forces invaded Iraq and dislodged anti-American Saddam regime.

In these two events, general Pervaiz Musharraf fully supported USA. By seizing this opportunity, Pakistan reached a position of eminence on the international stage.


2001- TILL PRESENT Lets examine the functioning of foreign policy.

Three elements are vital: Any foreign policy to be successful it has to be rooted in its

domestic base which includes political stability, national consensus, sound economy and quality of leadership.

Relationship with distant Godfathers are no substitute for bonds in the region of a country’s location. Pakistan can have the best relationship with the US, but it looses out on its neighborhood, with hostility from Iran and Afghanistan, distancing from Central Asia and a cooling off with China, then it would end up undermining its core interests.

Countries deflect pressures and threats through skilful diplomacy, using innovative and novel means to promote their interests.


2001- TILL PRESENT In the past 40 years, Pakistan’s foreign policy has largely

revolved around a triangle of India (countering the adversary), China (“the enemy of my enemy is a friend”) and the US (serving Washington’s interests, as in 1960s, 1971, 1980s and currently).

Pakistan needs to build more solid and enduring foundations of its foreign policy.

In the last few years, India has built bridges with Iran, China, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the UAE in Pakistan’s vicinity, while at the same time expanding its diplomatic leverage by forming a new India, Brazil and South Africa Dialogue forum (IBSA).

An effective foreign policy requires stability and a national consensus on issues. Economic and technical development on the basis of self-reliance is equally important to advance the welfare of our people and to back up our international position.

SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR

REGIONAL COOPERATION

(SAARC)

SAARC The SAARC is a regional alliance comprising of

the following countries: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives.

The concept of regional cooperation was initiated by the President General Zia-ur-Rahman of Bangladesh. During his visits to Pakistan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka in 1978-1979, He put forward the idea of South Asian Regional Cooperation. Thus SAARC came into being.

The first summit of the heads of states and governments of South Asia was held on 7-8 December 1985 at Dhaka in which SAARC was established on 8 December. President General Husain Mohammed Ershad of Bangladesh was its first chairman.

SAARC Three main reasons were behind this initiative:

Deteriorating international economic environment for South Asia resulting from the break-down of the North-South negotiations and worsening prospects for the South Asian economies.

The emergence of like-minded, western oriented regimes in South Asia in eighties.

The Soviet Military intervention in Afghanistan. This prompted the South Asian leaders to unite to prevent Super Power intervention and rivalry in South Asia, and promote a regional forum to understand each other better and to have economic, social, cultural and scientific cooperation.

SAARC In creating and running SAARC all the

members were very cautious and realistic because of their bilateral problems.

The member countries have so far led twelve summit conferences. The last being held on 28–29 April 2010, in Bhutan.

SAARC Fields of Cooperation: the summit meeting of

Dhaka (1985) established the organization also confirmed the broad areas in which to consolidate cooperation. Including: Agriculture Rural development Health and population activities Telecommunications Meteorology (study of atmosphere) Postal services Transport service Science and technology Sports Arts and culture

SAARC Structure:

the structure is designed in a way that would avoid confrontation among member states.

The highest decision-making authority rests with ‘SAARC Summit Conference’.

The ‘Council Ministers’ formulate policies and appoint Secretary General on the basis of rotation.

Objectives: To promote the welfare of the people and improve their

lives, to accelerate economic growth, to strengthen self-reliance among the countries, to contribute to mutual trust, to promote collaboration, to strengthen cooperation with other developing countries, to promote efforts for suppression of terrorism in South Asia.

SAARCAchievements: although SAARC members

have the potential to accelerate the developmental process, the results so far have been disappointing.

NON- ALIGNED MOVEMENT

(NAM)

NAM Non-alignment is a political status. It refers to a state

that declares itself aloof from bloc politics and free from alliances notably military pacts with any bloc or a super power. To judge every international issue on its merits. To avoid taking side in the cold war. Moreover, such a state would not allow its territory to be used for military basis of super powers.

After the end of the Second World War, numerous states of Asia and Africa were able to free themselves from the colonial rule. The continuous tension between the US and USSR created great problems for those countries that were not only small in size but were under-developed as well. None of them could afford to invite annoyance of any of the super powers in shape of economic blockade or military intervention.

NAM These countries eagerly wanted to preserve

their independence and become economically self-sufficient. With this in view, a big gathering of Asian and African states took place in Kandy (Sri Lanka) from 28 April to 2 May, 1954, mainly due to the efforts of Soekarno of Indonesia, Jamal Abdul Naseer of Egypt, Marshal Tito of Yugoslavia and Jawaharlal Nehru of India, to discuss the problems facing their respective countries.

NAM The all 29 participating countries mutually concluded

five principles in the Conference as the aims and objects of the newly proposed platform. They were: To respect and safeguard each other’s sovereignty,

territorial integrity and independence. To refrain from acts of aggression and use of force. To recognize the equality and liberty of all nations. To work for an equitable world Economic Order. To strive for the end of colonialism and racial

discrimination. Pakistan became full fledged member of NAM in the

Sixth Summit Conference which was held at Havana (Cuba) on 3 September, 1979. By 2011, the membership of NAM rose to 120 member states.

ORGANIZATION OF THE ISLAMIC MOVEMENT

(OIC)

OIC It is a symbol of Islamic unity and integrity

of the Muslim world. This organization provides the Islamic world a unique forum to solve the problems faced by Muslim world and to increase cooperation not only amongst the Muslim countries but also between other countries and the Islamic States.

By September 2004, the membership of OIC rose to 60 Muslim countries. So far, 11 conferences have been held at different places. The last one during March 13–14, 2008 in Dakar, Senegal.

OIC The salient features of the OIC include:

To promote Islamic solidarity.To consolidate cooperation among

member states in the economic, social, cultural, scientific and other vital fields.

To endeavor to eliminate racial segregation.

To support international peace and security.

To coordinate all efforts for the safeguard of the Holy Places and support of the struggle of the people of Palestine.

OICTo strengthen the struggle of all Muslim

people with a view to safeguard their dignity, independence and national rights.

To create a suitable atmosphere for the promotion of cooperation and understanding among member states and other countries.

OICPakistan’s contribution to OIC:

Pakistan played a significant role in the establishment of the OIC in 1969 and became an active member.

The Second meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Islamic countries took place at Karachi from 26 to 28 December, 1970.

In October, 1980, the President of Pakistan was accorded the unique honor of addressing the UN General Assembly, on behalf of the entire Islamic World.

Mr. Sharifuddin Pirzada was unanimously elected Secretary General of the OIC, for the next four-year term in 1984.

OICCauses of OIC failure: “A toothless paper tiger”, this is what critics say

about OIC. It is true OIC has never been strong enough to play an important role in international politics. The main reason OIC was established 35 years ago was to safeguard and protect the Muslims rights globally, but it has not been achieved. Islamic states have not been in a culture of deploying

their resources in an institutional framework.The Arab and African nations don’t have an evolving

policy, if it were not for Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Bangladesh and Malaysia, OIC would have been buried long ago.

OICPeople working at the Headquarter of OIC

(Jeddah) of different countries, have doubtful character and abilities.

Nearly all Islamic countries are ruled by corrupt and intellectually bankrupt regimes.

Muslims have never acted as one nation.Most Muslim countries are from the third

world and are developing their economics. The Shia-Sunni divide in the Muslim world.The summit conference has never yielded

positive results.

OICDifferent forms of government are there

in the member countries e.g. Democracy, Kingship and Military rule. This is one reason there is no coherence and harmony in the thinking of the rulers.

Most governments are controlled by US either economically or militarily and it has the capability to direct minor nations especially the Muslim world.

There is a lack of cooperation among the OIC countries.

ECONOMIC COOPERATION

ORGANIZATION (ECO)

ECO ECO was established in January 1985, its regional

cooperation among Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. It became fully operational in 1991. Later on it increased to ten when six former Soviet republics of Central Asia Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan along with Afghanistan were admitted into the organization.

The expanded ECO covered a territory of more than 7 million square kilometers- immensely rich in natural resources including oil and gas. It embraced over 350 million people, hardworking and imbued with great entrepreneurial spirit.

ECOECO aims to fulfill the following:

Promote political, economic, social, technical and cultural cooperation.

Establish common projects.Promote intra regional trade.Improve means of communication among

members.Cooperate in shipping, air transport,

service, insurance, postal tariffs and tourism.

ECOIn Economic viability, ECO ranks

second only to European Union. It derives its strength from the close proximity, common frontiers, Muslim majority, traditional trade links, common culture heritage and vast untapped natural resources of the member countries.

ECO These countries can serve as a huge market

for the consumption of the surplus industrial products and agricultural produces of one another. For example:Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan

possess modern textile industry and can provide textile products and knitwear at cheaper rates.

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Pakistan produce fine cotton in excess of their needs.

Iran can provide mineral oil and petrochemicals.Turkey is abundant in processed foods.Kyrgyzstan manufactures agricultural machinery

andAfghanistan produces fruits in large quantity.

Date post:	12-Jan-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	mervin-mason
View:	227 times
Download:	0 times

THE FOREIGN POLICY OF PAKISTAN LECTURE 12 WEEK 13.

Documents