FOREIGN policy of a state is derived from its domestic policies. Thus, there is an intimate linkage between domestic and foreign policy of any state. A domestically cohesive and integrated state will have comprehensive and robust foreign policy. Like any other state, foreign policy of Pakistan has always been deeply impacted by domestic policies and politics of its political parties and elite class. Ever since the 1970s, the objectives and contours of the foreign policy of Pakistan generally remained the same, however the implementation strategies varied over time. The implementation strategies and personal influences brought inconsistency in the pursuit of foreign policy of Pakistan by various governments. The non-realistic and non-professional approaches, used for the implementation of foreign policy over the decades resulted in relegation of national interests of the state of Pakistan while promoting the personal interests of a few politicians and people with vested personal interests.
These strategies have made the foreign policy of Pakistan group-centric rather than state-centric, based on its national and strategic interests. Even after seventy-six years, the foreign policy of Pakistan is facing the same dilemma. The biggest dilemma in the foreign policy of Pakistan is the process of dictation by external powers having their linkages with various ruling elites and key personalities. Ideally, states formulate their foreign policies on a sound basis to pursue their national interests while keeping contemporary and future regional and global environments in mind. In this process, apart from the international milieu, the domestic position of a state plays a dominant role in the formulation of a sound and futuristic foreign policy. In a way, the foreign policy can be regarded as the sum total of the domestic policies of a state but not the policy of any political party or elite group.
The foreign policy objectives of Pakistan are derived from Article 40 of the Constitution of Pakistan which provides clear guidelines to pursue its national interests vis-a-vis its neighbours, Muslim world and major powers. In the light of these guidelines, the Foreign Policy of Pakistan seeks to protect, promote and advance Pakistan’s national interests in the external domain.” For the promotion, protection and advancement of national interests of Pakistan, a strong domestic character of the state and its institutions is most desirable. Whereas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a crucial role in the formulation and pursuance of foreign policy objectives, all other ministries, institutions and organizations provide needed support and supplement the Foreign Ministry with their input in their respective areas of interests and future plans. “Peace with all, and enmity with none” is the hallmark of Pakistan’s foreign policy as stated by the father of the nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. While giving the outline of the state’s foreign policy in 1948, Quaid-i-Azam said, “Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards all the nations of the world.
From the perspective of its foreign policy pursuits, there has been gradual relegation in the status of Pakistan. Pakistan had an excellent standing in the comity of nations until 1970. It remained a very active member of the international community. Being part of the western world, Islamabad was able to pursue its national interests with a lot of initiative and drive. Two dominant domestic factors played a key role during the initial two decades of Pakistani history. It was the pivotal geopolitical location of the state and the national integration of Pakistani society. The state and society of Pakistan acted as one unit under the strong ideological and sociological order. Besides, all the state institutions worked well to their optimal position towards state and nation building. There developed a strong bondage between masses, national institutions and the state.
The political instability, vested interests of elite class and ethnic fault lines of late 1960s caused disintegration of Pakistan in 1971. No doubt, in this disintegration, the external powers and India played negatively and aggressively but a lot was found wanting in the domestic politics of Pakistan, especially the elite class ruling the country at that time. The disintegration of Pakistan was the result of a deviation from the basic concept of ideology of Pakistan, element of national power (integration and cohesion) and above all the grave aberration from the golden principle of; unity, faith and discipline.
Unfortunately, today Pakistan is facing political instability and multiple fault lines which are constantly causing chaos and uncertainty among the masses. There are multiple fault lines appearing at the socio-political level in Pakistan today. The ethnic factor which is enlarging and strengthening in various parts of Pakistan with undesired motives and elite class and political parties are either quiet or indecisive over these dangerous trends. The sectarianism is dividing the society with each passing day. There is a rapidly evolving trend of radicalization in some parts of Pakistan with TTP and other terrorist groups, attacking the security forces and even the masses. The sub-nationalists in some parts of Balochistan Province are getting active against the state. Besides, the political polarization is at rise; causing a very visible split in the society towards a socio-political flop.
In the prevailing environment, the political leadership and security institutions must carry out a critical evaluation of the domestic situation of the country with special reference to political instability, resurgence of terrorism and the looming economic crises of Pakistan. All stakeholders must contribute positively towards national cohesion and integration through a nationalistic and all-encompassing approach. Indeed, a domestically strong Pakistan can pursue its national interests through foreign policy with a lot of perseverance, flexibility, freedom and foresight at international level.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
