Seminar
Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Choices in the Evolving Global Order
July 11, 2023
The seminar explored the shifting contours of the global order marked by US-China rivalry, a resurgent Russia, and rising geopolitical tensions. It examined how these developments, alongside India’s growing alignment with the US, the evolving situation in Afghanistan, and changing dynamics in the Middle East, are reshaping Pakistan’s foreign policy
The world is passing through a period of strategic turbulence and is in the midst of an era characterised by uncertainty and unpredictability. The global order is at a point of inflection. The most notable global developments include the rise of China, an assertive and defiant Russia, and the erosion of American preponderance. Rising geopolitical tensions and global economic volatility are keeping the world in an unstable state.
The United States views China as “the only competitor with both the intent and, increasingly, the capability to reshape the international order” and wants to constrain a resurgent Russia. The US has deepened its core alliances in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a key theatre of US-China rivalry. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has renewed an East-West rivalry and has created unprecedented tensions in Europe. The Ukraine war has also created a tumult in the international commodity prices and the impact is felt far and wide.
India’s strategic and economic partnership with the US continues to deepen. India is relentlessly piling up military acquisitions, enhancing conventional weapons’ asymmetries. Under Mr. Narendra Modi’s government, India’s attitude towards Pakistan has remained hostile. After India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, Pakistan downgraded its relations with India. The stalemate continues to persist.
The Taliban regime in Afghanistan remains internationally isolated since it came into power in August 2021 and the Afghans continue to suffer. In recent times, there has been a significant rise in attacks by elements belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from across the border. The Afghan conundrum poses a challenge to Pakistan.
The dynamics of the Middle East are shifting. The futuristic worldview of Saudi Arabia has led to a more pragmatic approach.
Despite its historic partnership with the US, Saudi Arabia has gradually built closer ties with China and a partnership with Russia in OPEC+. The recent rapprochement with Iran has huge potential, raising hopes for eventual peace in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.
Years of mismanagement and lack of meaningful reforms have weakened Pakistan, making it dependent on others. In the evolving global order and because of serious internal weaknesses, Pakistan’s foreign policy challenges have become more complex. This seminar explored and suggested possible foreign policy options for Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
The world is in a state of strategic flux with rising geopolitical tensions, power shifts, and nationalistic trends. The US and China are engaged in intense rivalry, with China posing a significant challenge to US global supremacy. Pakistan should strengthen its strategic partnership with China while balancing relations with the US and other powers. Economic ties with neighboring countries and emerging markets must be prioritized, alongside enhancing internal stability and economic self-reliance. Relations with India should be pursued with dignity, focusing on Kashmir and other unresolved issues. Strengthening ties with Afghanistan, Iran, and Gulf countries, and enhancing multilateral engagement are key to Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Policy Considerations
Pakistan should adopt a balanced approach in its relations with great powers, prioritising both its strategic partnership with China and economic ties with the US-led West. Economic diplomacy must be given high priority to ensure national security and growth. Strengthening relations with Russia, EU states, and emerging markets is essential, alongside deepening the partnership with China and fast-tracking CPEC. Pakistan should reorient its ties with the US, focusing on trade, technology, and sustainable development. A principled stance should be maintained with India, especially on the Kashmir issue, while fostering stronger relations with Iran and Afghanistan, particularly in addressing terrorism and security concerns.
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Guest Speakers
Ambassador (Retd) Javid Husain
Former Ambassador of Pakistan
Ambassador Javid Husain retired as the senior most serving Ambassador of the Foreign Service of Pakistan in March 2004 after a distinguished diplomatic career during which he served as the Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands (1992- 1995), the Republic of Korea (1995-1997) and Iran (1997-2003). During his posting at Tehran, he was also the Pakistan Permanent Representative to the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). His last posting was as the Head of the Foreign Service Academy from 2003 to 2004. After joining the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1967, he served on diplomatic assignments in Pakistan Embassies / Missions in several important capitals including Paris (1969-1971), Tripoli (1971-1974), Washington, DC (1974-1978), New York (UN) (1982-1985) and as Minister / Deputy Head of Mission at Beijing (1985-1988).
He also held important assignments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He worked as the Director General for the United Nations and Economic Coordination from 1988 to 1991. From May 1991 to December 1992, he served as Additional Foreign Secretary. During this period, he supervised the work of the United Nations and Policy Planning Divisions of the Foreign Office besides acting as its Spokesman.
In August 1999, Ambassador Husain was promoted to BPS-22, the highest grade in the Pakistan civil service equivalent to a Federal Secretary. From January 2003 to March 2004, he was the senior most serving officer of the Foreign Service of Pakistan. He was a member of the Pakistan delegations to a large number of UN, OIC, ECO and Non-Aligned meetings and ministerial / summit conferences during his diplomatic career.
In May 2012, Ambassador Husain was elected as the President of the newly established Lahore Council for World Affairs. He was re-elected to this position in May, 2016. Currently, he is also the Chairman of the Mumtaz Husain Benevolent Trust. He is proficient in Persian and has a working knowledge of French.
Ambassador (Retd) Naghmana Hashm
Former Ambassador of Pakistan
After a distinguished career, spanning over 37 years, Ambassador (Retd) Naghmana Alamgir Hashmi retired from the Foreign Service of Pakistan on 20 July, 2020, at BPS-22. She is presently the Vice Chair of the Council on Global Policy (Think Tank), Member of the Board of Directors of the First Woman Bank, Adviser at China Study Centre ISSI, and an Adviser at Kestral International.
She served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to China (2019-2020), the European Union, Belgium, Luxemburg (2013-2019) and Ireland (2007-2012). She also served as the Deputy Head of Mission in Denmark (1997-2003), Indonesia (1985- 1990) and China (2003-2007). She also served as the Second Secretary in France (1987-1990).
She held positions at Foreign Office as Additional Foreign Secretary for Americas; Director General of OIC, Public Diplomacy and Policy Planning; Director UN, International Conferences and Commonwealth, Personnel, South East Asia and Economic Coordination. She also performed duties as Deputy Director of Foreign Secretary’s Office.
She is the author of four books, “Coffee Table: Magnificent Pakistan” “Ishq-Our Sufi Tradition” “The Forgotten Cities of Indus” “Coffee Table: Pakistan-China-All weather Friendship”. She speaks French and German.
Ambassador (Retd) Riffat Masood
Former Ambassador of Pakistan
Ambassador (Retd) Rifat Masood, a career diplomat, received her tertiary education in the United Kingdom. She is an honours graduate of the University of Sheffield in English Language / English Literature. During her service, she underwent a training programme at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Lahore, in 2006. She also undertook the National Security & War Course (NSWC) at the National Defence University, Islamabad, in 2014-15. In her capacity as Director Personnel she also headed the first batch of Foreign Service officers for the Clingendael training programme for young diplomats at The Hague, Netherlands in 2004. While posted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Riffat served in the capacities of Section Officer, Director and Director General in Europe, US, South Asia, Policy Planning and Personnel Divisions at intermittent periods between 1988-2015. During this period, she also served in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat on deputation from 1995-1998. Ambassador Riffat also has a varied experience while serving in Pakistan’s Missions abroad. Her foreign postings include Third / Second Secretary in London (1991-1995); Second Secretary and Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Paris (1998-2001); First Secretary in Ankara (2001-2003); Deputy High Commissioner at New Delhi (2006-2010); Consul General at Los Angeles (2010- 2013); Ambassador at the Embassy of Pakistan in Norway (2015-2018); and Pakistan’s first woman Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran (2018-2019). She is fluent In Persian and has a working knowledge of Turkish and French.
Ambassador (Retd) Asif Durrani
Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan
Ambassador (Retd) Asif Durrani holds MSc (Chemistry) from the University of Balochistan and an MA (International Studies & Diplomacy) from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
He started his career as a journalist, working with The Muslim and AFP during 1980-86. He joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1986. He served at the headquarters as Section Officer (1988-1989 & 1994-1995); Director (UN) and Director (Disarmament) (1997 & 2004-2005); Director General (UN) (2001-2012); and Additional Secretary (FA) President’s Secretariat (2012-2013). He also held various diplomatic assignments in Pakistan Missions in New Delhi (1990-1994), Tehran (1998-2001), New York (2001-2004), Kabul (2005-2009), and London
(2009-2011).
He was the Ambassador of Pakistan to UAE (2014-2016) and Permanent Representative at the International Renewal Energy Agency (IRENA), Abu Dhabi; and Ambassador of Pakistan to Tehran & Permanent Representative of Pakistan to ECO, Tehran (2016-2018). He retired from the Foreign Service in July 2018.
He has lectured in National Defence College Kabul, National Defence University Tehran, National Defence University (NDU) Islamabad and National Management College (NMC) Lahore.
He has also appeared on national and international electronic media as an analyst on regional issues and is a regular contributor to newspapers.
Before he was appointed as the Special Representative on Afghanistan by the prime minister, he served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI).
Ambassador Durrani is the author of the book “Turmoil: Events in Afghanistan, South Asia, Middle East, Ukraine and Pakistan”.
CASS Speakers
Ambassador (Retd) Muhammad Haroon Shaukat
Director Foreign Affairs, CASS Lahore
Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd)
President, CASS Lahore
Master of the Ceremony
Researcher, CASS Lahore
Sabina Babar
The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) was established in July 2021 to inform policymakers and the public about issues related to aerospace and security from an independent, non-partisan and future-centric analytical lens.
