Foreign Policy is one of those strategic frameworks that faces the most criticism and disapproval
in Pakistan. As easy as it is to perceive the criticism articulated by a journalist or an anchor;
however it is equally difficult to suggest an alternative course of action, and it is even more
unpleasant to justify it. Considering, my inexperience as a student, I will not suggest an
alternative to the previously adopted foreign policies of Pakistan. Instead, I will try to analyze
the mechanism of foreign policy making and I will make an attempt to explain, where we went
wrong as a state and as a nation.
To understand the whys and wherefores of how nations act in their relations with each other, one
must know in respect of each nation, as to what it wants to achieve (National Interests) and what
it is capable of doing (Potential Power). These are the basic determinants which shape the
policies and actions of a state. Once a state has been recognized on an international forum, it
aims at defining a national purpose, and this purpose ultimately formulates its stance and
position in the international community. This national purpose is subdivided into national
interests, and in order to achieve them, supporting national policies and strategies are planned.
Therefore, a states stance, national purpose, and policy making capability eventually projects
itself in the form of a foreign policy in international relations.
Pakistan as a state has managed to define its national purpose in words like, Sovereignty, unity,
democracy, prosperity and social justice. But it has significantly failed to establish either of the
components domestically; it has consequently failed to project its national purpose
internationally. In my opinion, two major reasons contribute to this malfunction, weak political
and economic infrastructure and fluctuating trends in international interests.
It is important for a state to implement its foreign policy by using effective...