Pakistan is demonstrating a renewed vigor in its foreign policy, attempting to overcome a period of international isolation that commenced shortly before the removal of Imran Khan from power. For close to three years, Islamabad experienced a significant dip in its diplomatic engagement with key Western nations. However, over the past ten months, under the leadership of Army Chief General Asim Munir and a cooperative civilian government, the nation is actively working to re-establish its global presence.
The current diplomatic strategy is multi-faceted, involving overtures to the United States, enhanced ties with Saudi Arabia, and a revival of trade relations with Western countries. A recent meeting with a European Union delegation in Brussels focused on strengthening their partnership under the GSP+ scheme, which has historically benefited Pakistan’s economy. Efforts are also underway to rekindle trade momentum with Canada and other Western nations.
In the United States, there are indications of improving relations, notably through former President Donald Trump’s repeated praise for General Munir. Trump has publicly lauded Pakistan as a ‘peace-making nation’ and claimed credit for de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, preventing a potential nuclear confrontation. These positive exchanges suggest the groundwork is being laid for a new bilateral ‘package deal,’ potentially involving US access to certain military bases, cooperation on cryptocurrency regulation, joint ventures in critical mineral exploration, and investment in Pakistan’s offshore oil sector.
This pursuit of international engagement is seen as a strategic move by Pakistan’s military to bolster its political standing and attract foreign investment to address its economic challenges. The country has recently offered offshore oil blocks to international companies, signaling a desire to exploit its natural resources, although the historical success rate in deep-sea drilling remains a significant hurdle.
Simultaneously, Pakistan is deepening its alliance with Saudi Arabia. A recent visit by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led to the announcement of a new Economic Cooperation Framework, detailing collaborative projects across energy, mining, agriculture, IT, tourism, and food security. A defense pact signed in September, stipulating that an attack on one country would be considered an attack on both, further solidifies this relationship. Analysts interpret this as Pakistan’s effort to present itself as a dependable partner within the Islamic world and a secure destination for Saudi investment.
However, some experts suggest that Pakistan’s current diplomatic surge is reactive, driven by immediate economic pressures and a desire to enhance its domestic image, particularly in its rivalry with India. The nation’s exploration of sending troops to Gaza is also viewed as an attempt to project solidarity with the Muslim world. Ultimately, these diplomatic maneuvers are seen by some analysts as a response to Pakistan’s internal instability, with the military potentially using peace initiatives to legitimize its role. The international community, it is argued, may perceive Pakistan as an opportunistic player seeking relevance rather than a consistently reliable global partner.