At a Glance
Alliances & Memberships
- SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)
- OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation)
- SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)
- MNNA (Major Non-NATO Ally - US status)
- CPEC / BRI (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor)
- G77 + China
Foreign Policy Overview
Pakistan's foreign policy is anchored in the pursuit of regional stability, strategic autonomy, and the preservation of its territorial integrity, particularly concerning the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Central to its doctrine is the 'Pivot to Geo-economics,' seeking to leverage its location as a trade corridor via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Relations with India remain frozen over the revocation of Article 370 in Kashmir, which Pakistan views as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Pakistan maintains a 'strategic partnership' with China while attempting to recalibrate a historically transactional security relationship with the United States. In the Middle East, Pakistan acts as a mediator and security provider, maintaining deep ties with Saudi Arabia while balancing relations with Iran. It remains a leading advocate for the rights of the Global South and the combating of Islamophobia internationally.
Key Positions on Major Issues
SECURITY: Calls for a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir per UNSC Res 47. Opposes India's permanent membership in the UNSC through the 'Uniting for Consensus' group. Focuses on counter-terrorism but emphasizes the distinction between terrorism and legitimate struggles for self-determination. CLIMATE: Ranked among the top 10 most vulnerable nations. Demands 'Climate Justice' and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund. Refuses to accept sole financial burden for emissions produced by industrialized nations. HUMAN RIGHTS: Leading voice against Islamophobia; sponsored the UN resolution designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Rejects external interference in domestic judicial matters but monitors rights of Muslim minorities globally. TRADE: Seeks preferential market access (GSP+) from the EU. Advocates for the reform of the global financial architecture and debt relief for developing nations. REGIONAL: Supports a 'peaceful, stable, and sovereign' Afghanistan while demanding the Taliban administration prevent the use of Afghan soil by the TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan).
UN Voting Record Notes
Pakistan almost always votes with the G77 and China on economic issues. It consistently votes in favor of Palestinian statehood. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Pakistan has repeatedly abstained from UNGA resolutions condemning Russia (e.g., ES-11/1 and ES-11/6), maintaining a policy of neutrality while calling for a peaceful settlement. Pakistan votes against any resolution that acknowledges India's claim to permanent UNSC membership.
Economy & Trade
GDP Composition: Agriculture (22.7%), Industry (19.1%), Services (58.2%). Major Industries: Textiles and apparel (60% of exports), food processing, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, paper products. Exports: Rice, cotton, leather goods, surgical instruments. Imports: Refined petroleum, crude oil, palm oil, scrap iron, electrical machinery. Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Top Partners: China (28% of imports), USA (leading export destination), UAE, Saudi Arabia, Germany. Current status involves high inflation and reliance on IMF Extended Fund Facilities (EFF).
Military & Security
Active Personnel: 651,000. Nuclear-armed state with a 'Credible Minimum Deterrence' posture and Full Spectrum Deterrence (including tactical nukes). Doctrine: Primarily focused on the 'Eastern Front' (India). Not a signatory to the NPT or CTBT. Military spending accounts for roughly 2-3% of GDP. Alliances: Close defense cooperation with China (JF-17 project) and Turkey. Significant counter-terrorism experience via Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad.
Recent History
The 1998 nuclear tests established Pakistan's status as a declared nuclear power. Following 9/11, Pakistan became a key US ally in the War on Terror, suffering over 70,000 casualties and USD $150 billion in economic losses. Internal politics saw the 18th Amendment (2010) devolve power to provinces. The 2013 launch of CPEC marked a decisive shift toward China. Recent years (2022-2024) have been defined by extreme climate events (the 2022 floods which submerged 1/3 of the country), the ousting of PM Imran Khan via a no-confidence motion, and subsequent economic stabilization efforts under the PDM coalition and later Shehbaz Sharif's administration.
International Memberships
- Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)since 1969
A founding member; uses the platform to champion Palestinian and Kashmiri causes.
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)since 2017
Joined to enhance regional security cooperation and balance Indian influence; active in RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure).
- United Nations (UN)since 1947
Consistent troop contributor to missions in CAR, Mali, and DR Congo; currently a top-tier provider.
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)since 1950
Utilized for emergency balance of payments support; currently navigating the 2024-2027 EFF program.
- South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)since 1985
Founding member of this regional body; currently hampered by Indo-Pak tensions.
MUN Negotiation Profile
Global South / OIC / Uniting for Consensus (Coffee Club)
Legalistic, principled, and distributive. Pakistan often acts as a bridge between the West and the Islamic world but remains unyielding on matters of sovereignty and territorial disputes. Willing to build large coalitions (G77) to pressure developed nations on finance and climate.
- No compromise on the status of Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory under UN resolutions.
- Rejection of any UNSC expansion that includes new permanent seats for individual nations (specifically India).
- Protection of the 'Strategic Assets' (Nuclear Program) from any international oversight or limitation.
- Opposition to any unilateral military intervention that violates state sovereignty under the guise of 'Responsibility to Protect.'
- "Pakistan stands as a frontline state in the battle against climate catastrophe, yet we contribute less than 1% of global emissions; we demand climate justice, not charity."
- "The international community must recognize that there can be no lasting peace in South Asia without a just and durable solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions."
- "We call for the total elimination of Islamophobia and the protection of religious sites and symbols from desecration under the banner of free speech."
- "As a leading troop-contributing country, Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to UN Peacekeeping, provided mandates remain clear and respect the sovereignty of host nations."
- "The global financial architecture is broken; we urge for immediate debt restructuring and the fulfillment of the 100-billion-dollar climate finance pledge."