Name: Ahmad Naeem
Roll Number: 20I-1810
Section: SE-R
ASSIGNMENT#4: “Pakistan’s Current Foreign Policy Shift from USA to Russia.”
SS113-Pakistan Studies
Submitted to: Ma’am Maimoona Rasool
Submission Date: December 04, 2020
Introduction
Foreign Policy of a country is a set of goals which guides it on keeping relations with other
countries. Foreign policy is managed by a foreign minister who manages all related things
with the help of other officials. When we talk about Pakistan’s foreign policy, it was all about
keeping good relations with the USA till the government of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
Let us talk about some history. After 9/11 incident, pressure from USA compelled Pakistan
to become an ally in the war against terrorism. Pakistan’s government at that time
supported the war on terrorism, but these things caused anti-government sentiments in
Pakistan. Pakistan’s relations with the USA were beneficial for the country but, on the other
hand, they were not good as well. Both the countries have failed to maintain long term
relationship with each other due to religious discriminations and trust deficiency. That is
why, Pakistan started entering the circle of Chinese politics. As time passed, Pakistan’s
bilateral relations with China started becoming strong. In current times, it is said that
Pakistan’s foreign policy is going to shift from USA to Russia.
Content
Currently, in PTI’s government, Pakistan is entering into good relations with China. It doesn’t
means that Pakistan has lost its role as an ally of the USA in the war against terrorism, but in
recent years, there have been many difficulties in this regard. On the other hand, China has
became the largest trade and economic partner of Pakistan through the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC). 1 CPEC is a program in which there is a trade route that connects
China and Pakistan. The CPEC agreement improved the rail and road system in Pakistan. It a
long term plan and it involves many programs that will benefit both countries once
completed. This program strengthened the relations between these two countries and it is
also a symbol of peace between both countries.
Other than CPEC, the other major reason behind the shifting of Pakistan’s foreign policy
from USA to Russia is USA’s good relations with India. As we know that the relations
between Pakistan and India have never been good mainly due to Kashmir issue. On the
other side, relations of USA with India are very good which is a big threat for Pakistan. 2 The
USA supports India’s emergence as a global power and a partner to support peace in the
region. The trade relations of both countries are also growing day by day. So, this is a threat
for Pakistan.
1
CPEC
http://cpec.gov.pk/introduction/1
Accessed on 4th December 2020
2
India’s relations with the USA
https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-withindia/#:~:text=In%202019%2C%20overall%20U.S.%2DIndia,from%209.6%20million%20in%202017.
Accessed on 4th December 2020
When we talk about Pakistan Russia relations, the meetings of high level officials of both
countries has increased recently. Both countries are intending to increase relations with
each other. The evidence between growing relations between them is that Pakistan is
willing to buy Russian weapons. Pakistan is getting security needs and improvement in
research industry with the help of Russia. The evolvement of India USA relationship has also
increased good relations of Pakistan with Russia. As India is buying weapons from USA, so
Russia seeks new weapon buyers and Pakistan is one of them. However, in past, we can see
many discriminations between Russia and Pakistan regarding the war on terrorism. Russia
believes that Pakistan and Afghanistan based militant groups are involved in destabilizing
the Russian territories of Chechnya and Daghestan. However, Pakistan’s policies of weaking
these religious discriminations have weakened these groups and it is a good sign towards
the growing relations between Pakistan and Russia. Other than this, Pakistan is fully
supporting Russia to be a part of WTO. 3In the trade sector, Russian officials also discussed
about investing in Pakistan in gas and oil sector.
It is said that a new block in the world in going to form that will include Pakistan, China,
Russia, Turkey and Malaysia. These countries will support each other and can emerge as a
very strong block in the world.4 Recently, Pakistan’s foreign minister, Khawaja Asif also
hinted toward shifting of foreign policy to Russia. He said in a statement, “China lives next to
us and we have a common wall. Russia can also be our good friend.” This statement clearly
indicates towards the shifting of Pakistan’s foreign policy from the United Stated to Russia.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s decision to shift its foreign policy from United States to Russia is impressive. The
next step for Pakistan is to expand its relations with China and specially Russia with the aim
of increasing trade and economic relations as well. The need is to develop durable and long
lasting relations. Pakistan can also regard China for help in improving the relations with
Russia. Concluding, Pakistan needs to trust and gain mutual respect with Russia which could
help it in the successful achievement of its national security and foreign policy objectives.
3
Investment in Oil and Gas sectors
http://www.ved.gov.ru/eng/general/news/19/26239.html
Accessed on 4th December 2020
4
Khawaja Asif’s Statement
https://www.dawn.com/news/1374715
Accessed on 4th December 2020