Comment Pakistan Foreign Policy: An Analysis

Abstract

Foreign policy is a device, a pattern of behaviour that a state adopts towards other states in the pursuit of its national interest. Employing the instruments of propaganda and diplomacy, policy formulators seek to realize the substantive objectives of state’s security, maintenance and survival as well as economic well-being of the nation. Foreign policy, as such, is not only a reflection of national goals and aspirations but also of competence, political sagacity and skill of the leadership to plan and pursue the policy in such a way so as to promote national interest by achieving the set goals. In order to be effective, a policy has to be dynamic to adjust to the changing world situation. Strategies, tactics and options are to be chosen carefully and wisely, for whatever approach or a course adopted in relation to other states, an element of risk can not be completely ruled out. In the ever-changing world of real politik no strategy or option can ensure complete success and can be entirely risk free, one can at the most strive for a less risky course. Given the dynamics and complexities of world politics, it would be wrong to characterize a particular policy as a complete success or a dismal failure. An element of gain in some way and loss in other respect is inherently associated with an approach. A politically sagacious and farsighted leader would opt for a less risky course where in the element of loss is minimal, bearable and does not endanger state’s survival and its independent existence. A successful policy is one which keeps the enemy farther and friends nearer, which is rational, pragmatic, fully cognizant of the exigencies of real politik and dynamic to adjust to the challenges of changing world.