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Pakistan Foreign Policy Under Imran Government

Introduction

Imran Khan became Prime Minister in August 2018 and promised a clearer, more balanced foreign policy. His government aimed to protect national interests while improving relations with neighbors and major powers. The approach stressed diplomacy, economic ties, and avoiding becoming part of another country’s conflicts.

Key Objectives of the Policy

• Balanced relations with regional rivals and allies.
• Stronger economic diplomacy to attract investment and imports of support.
• Peace-first approach toward regional conflicts, especially Afghanistan and India.
• Sovereignty and dignity in dealings with powerful partners.
• Deepening the strategic friendship with China.

Relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran

• Equal engagement with both Saudi Arabia and Iran became a clear priority.
• The government avoided taking sides, aiming to keep ties friendly with the two major Muslim states.
• This balanced stance reduced the historic tilt toward one side and sought to protect Pakistan’s regional interests and energy and security needs.

Pakistan’s Role in Afghan Peace Process

Approach to India

• Desire for dialogue aimed at resolving the core issue of Kashmir as the path to normal relations.
• Confidence-building moves included projects like the Kartarpur Corridor to ease religious travel and people-to-people contact.
• Policy stressed that trade and cooperation could help reduce poverty and build mutual benefits, while also insisting on respect for Pakistan’s concerns.

Relationship with the United States

• The government sought more equal, trust-based ties rather than a transactional or security-only relationship.
• Imran Khan and his team emphasized that Pakistan would not act as a “hired gun” and expected mutual respect and clear benefits.
• Diplomatic efforts aimed to reduce the long-standing trust deficit and secure constructive cooperation on regional stability and economic matters.

Partnership with China

• China remained Pakistan’s closest strategic partner.
• The Imran government called the China-Pakistan relationship a cornerstone and sought to model broader foreign ties on this partnership.
• Emphasis on attracting Chinese investment and deepening cooperation under projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

How A Comprehensive Foreign Policy Can Be Made?

Policy on Afghanistan

• Preference for political solutions and negotiated peace rather than sustained military action.
• Pakistan promoted dialogue and offered support for an inclusive Afghan settlement to secure its own border and internal peace.
• The government linked Pakistan’s security and prosperity to lasting stability in Afghanistan.

Economic Diplomacy

• Facing a difficult economic situation, the government used foreign visits to seek monetary support and investments.
• Enlarging the tax base and attracting foreign capital were highlighted as parts of broader diplomacy.
• Economic ties with friends and partners were used to address balance of payments pressures and create jobs.

Challenges and Achievements

• Challenges included a global trust deficit with some partners, regional tensions, and a fragile domestic economy.
• Achievements included maintaining friendly ties simultaneously with Saudi Arabia and Iran, advancing the Kartarpur initiative with India, and deepening China ties.
• Progress in relations with the United States remained mixed, with dialogue but continued differences over regional security policies.

Conclusion

Under Imran Khan, Pakistan’s foreign policy focused on balance, dignity, and economic benefit. The government sought friendly relations with neighbors, a stronger strategic partnership with China, fairer ties with the United States, and peaceful solutions in the region. Success depends on steady diplomacy, economic recovery, and continued efforts to build trust inside and outside Pakistan. Small diplomatic wins plus economic stability would strengthen Pakistan’s standing and protect its national interests.

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