FORIEGN POLICY OF PAKISTAN

INTRODUCTION:
No country today can think of a life independent of other nations. Every country has
to develop relations with other countries so as to meet its requirements in
economical, industrial and technological fields. It is thus necessary for every country
to formulate a sound foreign policy in order to secure its own NATIONAL INTEREST .
Pakistan is an important third world country, in its developmental stage. It also has
formulated her foreign policy keeping in mind its geography, politics and economics.

Definition of Foreign Policy:

The foreign policy is to establish and develop relations with other countries to watch
the national interests by taking appropriate steps at international level.

Foreign Policy Beginnings:

Pakistan emerged on the world stage on 14 august 1947, after a two pronged
struggle; first for independence from colonial rule, and secondly, freedom for the
people of Muslim majority areas from the looming threat of economic, social, and
political domination by another people manifestly dismissive of their urge to
preserve their separate identity. The Muslim league had to wage a long, and at
times bitter, political battle, but the issue was ultimately resolved through
agreement. The British and the congress leaders conceded the leagues demand for
the creation of two independent states to succeed the Indian Empire. Pakistan came
into existence through the explicit exercise of self-determination. The people of
Muslim majority parts of British India voted directly in referenda or through elected
representatives to join the new state.

Basic Goals of Pakistan's Foreign Policy

1. Maintenance of territorial integrity.
2. Maintenance of its political independence.
3. Acceleration of social and economic development.
4. Strengthening its place on the globe.
5. Keeping cordial and friendly relations with all countries.

Guiding Principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy

Following are the basic principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy:

1. Protection of Freedom and Sovereignty:

Pakistan came into being after great sacrifices of millions of Muslims. Like any other
country, she also considers with deep regard the need for preservation of its
independence and does not allow any country to harm its freedom. Therefore, the
principle of protection of independence and sovereignty is the corner stone of
Pakistan's Foreign Policy.

2. Cordial Relations with Muslim Countries :

Pakistan always tries to establish cordial and friendly relations with Muslim
countries, especially Iran and Turkey. The shahanshah was the first head of state to
visit Pakistan and was given a warm welcome by the enthusiastic crowds. Indonesia
was impressed by Pakistans support for its struggle. Saudi Arabia the cradle of
Islam, wished the new Muslim state great prosperity and progress, and ever since
remained a fraternal friend and constant supporter. Pakistans championship of
Palestinian cause evoked appreciation in the Arab world.
The start was promising. Pakistan developed hosted a number of conferences of
representative of Muslim people to deliberate on issues of common concern. While
many appreciated the initiatives, others were less enthusiastic. Differences in
polices emerged with the rise of Arab nationalism

3. Non-Interference in Internal Affairs of Other Countries :

Pakistan has sought to establish normal and friendly relations with all countries
especially in neighboring countries, on the basis of universally acknowledge the
principle of national sovereignty, non-use of force, non-interference in the internal
affairs of states.

4. Implementation of U.N Charter:

Pakistan's policy is to act upon UN charter and to support all moves by the UN to
implement it. Pakistan has been the member of UN since the year of its birth.

5. Promotion of World Peace

Pakistan's policy is to promote peace among nations. It has no aggressive designs
against any country. Neither does it support any such action. Pakistan has always

held that the international disputes should be settled through negotiations rather
than non-battlefield.

6. Non-Alignment
Pakistan follows the policy of Non-Alignment i.e. to keep away from alignment with
any big power bloc, and avoids taking sides in the cold war. It has also given up its
association with SEATO and CENTO and was included in NAM in 1979.

7. Support for Self-Determination and Condemnation of Racial

Discrimination
Pakistan is a stomach supporter of the right of self-determination and has been in
the fore front of efforts to eliminate colonialism and racism. It has advocated the
right of self-determination of Kashmir.

8. Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament

Pakistan is deeply conscious of the fact that international peace and security cannot
be achieved and sustained in the world with arms. Disarmament is the imperative
condition for truly durable peace in the world. Pakistan has a vital stake in
promotion of disarmament both in the nuclear and conventional fields. It is included
in the principles of its foreign policy that a collective endeavor by countries at the
regional level to promote disarmament and enhance security at the lowest possible
level of armaments is an indispensable result to their advocacy of global
disarmament.

9. Member of International Organization

Pakistan had become the member of the British Commonwealth with the time of its
establishment. In addition, it is the member of United Nations (U.N), Non-Aligned
Movement (NAM), Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Economic Cooperation
Organization (ECO), South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC),
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and D-Eight. Being a member of
International Organizations the objectives of Pakistan are to struggle for world
peace, to unify the Muslim countries and to promote regional co-operation.

Pakistan's Foreign Policy in Light of Quaid-e-Azam's Words :

Pakistan entered the arena of the world politics with the pious intention of peace
within and peace without. Friendship with all the countries of the world was the
main aim of the foreign policy of Pakistan and she did not want to annoy or offend
any nation. In a broadcast to the people of United States of America in February
1948, Quaid-i-Azam said:

Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards all the nations of the
world. We do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We
believe in the principle of honesty and fair play in national and international
dealings and are prepared to make our utmost contribution to the promotion of
peace and prosperity among the nations of the world. Pakistan will never be found
lacking in extending its material and moral support to the oppressed and
suppressed people of the world and in upholding the principles of the United
Nations Charter.

OBJECTIVES AND DETERMINANTS OF

FOREIGN POLICY OF PAKISTAN:
According to Lord Parmesan:
In the International Relations, there is no any permanent friend and enemy but the preference
is given only to the national interest any state form its foreign policy on the base of National
Security & Interest.
The main objectives of the foreign policy of Pakistan are as under: -

1. National Security
The main objective of foreign policy of Pakistan is its national security or
independence. Pakistan was a new born state, and there was a need to make
arrangements for its security. So Pakistan formulated its foreign policy on the basis
of national security. It gave due importance to the national security, while
establishing external relationships with other countries. Pakistan respects the
national integrity and the political independence of other countries, and expect from
others the same.

2. Economic Development
Pakistan is a developing country and inspires for its economic development. It needs
to establish and maintain cordial relations with those states with whom it can
maximize its trade relations or from whom it can obtain maximum economic
benefits. Pakistan has made changes in its foreign policy keeping in view the new
economic trends. It has adopted particularly free trade, free economic policy, and
policy of privatization.

3. Protection of Ideology of Pakistan

Pakistan is an ideological state and its foreign policy is based upon the ideology of
Pakistan or Islam. The foreign policy is meant to protect the ideology. The stability of
Pakistan is also dependent upon ideology.

4. Better Relations with Islamic Countries

Pakistan can protect its ideology by developing good relationship with Muslim
countries. All the constitutions of Pakistan emphasized on establishing good
relations with Muslim countries.

5. Non-Alignment
Pakistan has adopted the policy of non-alignment by making changes in its foreign
policy. Pakistan has not shown alignment with any bloc, and has established good
relationship with all the countries. Therefore, now Pakistan is trying to establish
good relationship with Russia, United State, China, United Kingdom, France and
other countries and expects the same from others of significant importance. At
present Pakistan is also a regular member of Non-aligned Movement (NAM).

6. Support to Right of Self-Determination

Pakistan supports the right of self-determination of all the suppressed nations.
Pakistan believes that every nation must have the right of self-determination.
Therefore, Pakistan has supported the demand of abolishing the colonialism and
every movement for the exercise of the right of self-determination in Europe, Africa
and Asia. Pakistan has played very important role in the struggle of independence of
Kashmir, Palestine, Bosnia, Namibia and Vietnam. It has also opposed the
occupation of Afghanistan by Russia, and helped the Afghanis to get the liberation
from foreign rule.

7. Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Pakistan wants to eliminate the racial discrimination throughout the world.
Pakistan has protested over racial discrimination in South Africa Namibia and
Rodeshia. There is no racial discrimination in Pakistan and all the minorities in
Pakistan have equal rights.

8. Establishment of Peace
Pakistan wants establishment of peace throughout the world. Pakistan has also
protested against aggressive powers desires, and supported the oppressed nations
for getting the peace. Pakistan has repeatedly invited India to negotiate peace in
South Asia but it has rejected every move.

DETERMINANTS OF THE FOREIGN POLICY

OF PAKISTAN:
The following are the determinants of the foreign policy of Pakistan: -

1. Administrative

Administrative comprises the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister and Chief of
Army Staff. It plays very important role in formulating foreign policy. It can approve
or disapprove the foreign policy of Pakistan or can make any change in it. However,
it is very difficult to deviate from the previous foreign commitments made by Troika.

Army Chief

President

Prime Minster

2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The ministry can play very important role in formulating the foreign policy. It
comprises the specialists and experts of foreign policy and the bureaucrats of high
level. They prepare foreign policy, keeping in view the basic objectives and
principles of the policy. They formulate the policy, plans and programs regarding
the priorities of foreign policy, and fully cooperate with Troika for its preparation. In
accordance with new constitutional amendment, the Troika has been replaced by
the National Security Council.

3. Intelligence Agencies
Pakistans intelligence agencies also play very effective role in the formulation of
foreign policy by providing full information about the objectives of other countries
foreign policies. Keeping in view these informations, Pakistan formulates its foreign
policy.

4. Political Parties and Pressure Groups

The political parties and pressure groups have deep impacts on the formulation of
foreign policy. The political parties include the priorities of foreign policy in them
manifestoes, and after their success in the election, they force the government to
change the priorities of foreign policy according to the changing scenario in the light
of their view points. Likewise, the pressure groups can also influence the foreign
policy.

5. Parliament
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs usually prepares the foreign policy according to the
directions of executive and puts it before the Parliament for approval. After
discussion and debate the parliament gives approval to it or suggests some change
in it.

SECURITY: A FACTOR IN PAKISTAN FOREIGN

POLICY:
The geo-political situation of Pakistan has made security its top most priority. Since
her inception in 1947, Pakistan has faced the problem of security, for which India is
mainly responsible. The threat to its security from the eastern side is indeed not
imaginary. The fact remains that during the fifty years of its history Pakistan has
fought three wars with India. On the western border Pakistan inherited the role of
guardian of marches and for a decade fought a war by proxy with the Soviet Union
in Afghanistan. No wonder concern for security has dominated the foreign policy of
Pakistan.
India in fact resented the creation of Pakistan and had a desire to undo it at its
earliest opportunity. Birth of Pakistan was heeded as the main obstacle in the
fulfillment of the Hindu dream of founding Ram Raj in the Akhand Bharat. Hindus
started propagating that Pakistan will not sustain for long and will breakdown
sooner or later and at last will become a part of Mother India.
The Indian National Congress accepted the 3rd June plan with mental reservations.
Commenting on the plan Gandhi said, We Moslems and Hindus are interdependent
on one another; we cannot get along without each other. The Muslim League will
ask to come back to Hindustan. They will ask Jawahar Lal Nehru to come back, and
he will take them back. Hindu leaders kept expressing the same views even after
the creation of Pakistan. On the event of the first independence day of India, Sardar
Patel was sure that Pakistan would crash in a short period of time. J.B. Kripalani, the
Congress President, remarked, the freedom we have achieved cannot be complete
without the Unity of India. Even during late 1950 Nehru said, we want to cooperate
and work towards cooperation, and one-day integration of Pakistan with India will
inevitably come. If it will be in four, five, ten years. I dont know.
It was not only wishes of the Indian leaders but they did their best to damage the
independence of Pakistan. To achieve this objective in 1948 India occupied Kashmir;
in 1965 she forced a war on Pakistan first on the issue of Run of Kutch and then
violated international border leading to a total war; and in 1971 sent its forces to
assist secessionists in East Pakistan leading to its separation from Pakistan.
Possibility of the fourth Indo-Pakistan war is not yet over. The arm forces of both the
countries are confronting each other at Siachin: the roof of the earth, since mideighties. They are also engaged in fighting on the Line of Control in Kashmir. The
enrichment of atom by the two countries and development of missiles, which could
carry atomic warheads, could easily identify that the tension between the two
countries is rapidly increasing.
Pakistan, thus, started its foreign policy without any narrow or special engagements
and without any prejudices in the international sphere. Pakistan desired to follow an
independent foreign policy and tried to keep itself aloof from the growing rivalry
between the United States and the Soviet Union. Liaquat Ali Khan toured United

States of America in 1951. He also acknowledged the offer of USSR but somehow or
the other was not able to make the trip to Moscow. Pakistan refused to oblige the
United States and did not agree to send even some token-armed personnel in the
Korean War.
In his address to a luncheon meeting of the National Press Club in Washington,
Liaquat Ali Khan, the than Prime Minister of Pakistan declared the integrity of
Pakistan, the promotion of its culture and the economic development of the country
were the basic concerns for the foreign policy makers of the country. But Indian
approach of solving issues by force enhanced the significance of security for
Pakistan. Occupation of the princely states by India, war in Kashmir in 1948,
stoppage of the river water coming to Pakistan and tension on the borders on the
issue of minorities in 1951 are few of the examples of Indian aggressive attitude.
At the time of partition, possessions of the British India including defense assets
were to be divided between the two newly established dominions of India and
Pakistan. But the Indian government refused to give Pakistan its due share. Pakistan
had to begin with a meager quantity of arms and very little military equipment at
the time of its establishment. In the words of Ayub Khan, we had to start our army
with bits and pieces like gigantic jig-saw puzzle with some of the bits missing.
Thus, when the security of the country was threatened from the eastern borders,
Pakistan was left with no other option but to pay full attention to its security.
Pakistan was not very well off in those days and its defense needs adversely
effected its economy. During the Korean War, Pakistan got a chance to obtain
foreign exchange by exporting jute and cotton. The money earned was used to buy
weapons and other military equipment to fortify the defense of the country. After
the Korean War, Pakistan did not have enough foreign exchange to purchase arms
from the open market.
The threat to its security and the strongly felt defense needs forced Pakistan to
adopt policy of alliances. By that time polarization in the international political
system had become quite clear and the two blocks were fast emerging. The Soviet
Union was not ready to supply arms to any non-communist country. Thus the only
alternative left for Pakistan was to get aid from the United States, which was readily
obtainable if Pakistan joined the defense pacts. An insecure Pakistan welcomed the
idea of alliances and joined the pacts without much hesitation. Pakistan decided to
side with the West in order to build up its defense and to safeguard its newly-won
freedom; and to acquire peace to promote its economic resources.
The ever increasing hostile posture of India and the pressing need for security
forced Pakistan to keep tilting towards the western camp and finally it decided in
favor of joining the Baghdad Pact / Central Treaty Organization (CENTO). In this way
compulsion imposed by the threat to national security from India ended the era of
positive neutrality in Pakistan foreign policy and pushed the country into the cold
war as an ally of the West.

PAK_USA RELATIONS:

The US-Pak relations are telling tale of many ups and downs - from friends to
accusations and then strategic partners. Upon its independence, Pakistan on the
cost of annoying the Soviet Union sided with the US and even joined organizations
like the SEATO and CENTO that were meant to safeguard the US interests. Pakistan
got a massive aid in return just after the Korean War to bolster its defense
requirements. However, the relations between the two countries were bitterly
strained when India attacked Pakistan in 1965 and USA stopped all its military aid to
Pakistan, despite the fact that Pakistan was its ally being member of CENTO /
SEATO. Pakistan as a protest delineated itself from these organizations. Pakistan
later in early 70s played an important role to bridge the relations between the USA
and China. The Pak-US relations witnessed a new dimension during Soviet
occupation of Afghanistan and Pakistan assisted the Mujahedeen on American
behest to fight against the Soviets. In return, USA gave a big military package to
Pakistan, including 40 F-16 aircraft. However, the USA backed off its support to
Afghan Mujahedeen soon after the defeat of Soviets in 1988 and left Pakistan all
alone. The USA even came close to accusing Pakistan as a terrorist state since it
was supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan. USA also stooped all economic aid to
Pakistan when Pakistan rightfully retaliated to series of nuclear tests by India and
conducted its own nuclear tests successfully despite stern warnings from the USA.
However, after 9/11, the relations between USA and Pakistan are witnessing a new
upward trend once again since Pakistan has joined the USA in its war against terror.
The recent visit of US president Bush on 3-4 March 2006 further strengthens the ties
of the two countries. But seeing the previous history, many in Pakistan feel insecure
and to be left again by the USA after its interests are achieved. Although Pakistan
has been a trusted partner in US's War against Terror, it has suffered more than any
collation partner both in terms of martial and human losses, especially in numerous
suicides attacks. The ongoing operations in the FATA and areas adjoining
Afghanistan have been viewed by most Pakistanis with much skepticism as they do
not find any connection with the US interests and as those of our own. Pakistan in
fact has been made a hostage both by the militants and the US and is suffering day
by day. An estimate shows that Pakistan has suffered almost Rs. 700 billion since
joining the US.
Relations with USSR / Russia: The relations with former USSR / Soviet Russia had
been very strained since Pakistan's alienation towards the West, especially the USA
soon after independence. India took advantage of this and had since very strategic
relations with USSR and now Russia. While the Russians always stood by their Indian
friends, USA has always backed out of support to Pakistan on a number of
occasions. Pakistan's support to the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan further strained the
relations between the two countries. However, after the demise of the Soviet Russia
and ushering in the era of glasnost, there is a new dimension to the Russian outlook
towards Pakistan - though a very cautious one. The present government is making
all out efforts to befriend with the Russians, but it seems that it will take much
longer than assumed before the relations between Pakistan and Russia can be
considered as cordial and friendly.

PAKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN RELATIONS

Relations with Afghanistan, like relations with India, have always been
troublesome. It would be worthwhile to mention that despite being a Muslim
country, Afghanistan was the only country which did not recognize Pakistan after its
independence. Kabul, in fact, had already started demanding the North West
Frontier Region of would be Pakistan to be given to Afghanistan soon after the 3
June 1947 partition declaration. The relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan
went down to their lowest ebb when on 29 March 1955, the Pakistani flag in Kabul
was burnt down and Pakistani diplomatic offices in Kabul and Jalalabad were
ransacked. Days later, on 1 May, the Pakistani flag was again burnt and Pakistan
threatened to sever its relations with Afghanistan. However, Saudi Arabia, Iran,
Turkey and Egypt made Afghanistan to apologize for burning the Pakistani flag,
which Pakistan accepted and on 13 September 1955 the Pakistan flag once again
fluttered on Pakistan Embassy in Kabul. However, there were many occasions
thereafter, that showed Afghan animosity against Pakistan. During the hay days of
communist Soviet Union, the Afghan governments had very bitter attitude towards
Pakistan. Even the Pakistani visitors were harassed and tracked inside Afghanistan.
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1980 brought Pakistan one to one against the
Soviet Union when Pakistan supported the Mujahedeen, backed by CIA and the US
government, against the Soviet army. However, soon after the defeat and exodus of
the Soviets, US backed off, leaving the affairs of Afghanistan in a lurch. This gave
rise to the Taliban backed government in Afghanistan - who were the same
Mujahedeen who earlier fought the Soviets on behest of the USA. The war against
terror brought the downfall of the Taliban and brought the Northern Alliance, which
was once backed by the Soviets, to power. Since the institution of the new
government in Afghanistan, the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have
been bitterly strained and Afghans, backed by their trusted ally India, leave no
stone unturned to accuse Pakistan for meddling into their affairs. The president and
prime minister of Pakistan have very recently accused Afghanistan for creating law
and order situation in Pakistan border areas, especially the Waziristan. One wonders
when the relations between the two countries would take a new turn for good - not
otherwise.

PAKISTAN-INDIA RELATIONS
Pakistan's relations with India are well known to the entire world and are even
source of concern and conflict in the region, especially since the two countries have
gone nuclear recently. Since the independence from the British in August 1947, the
relations have two countries have been anything than satisfactory - the reason is
the Kashmir dispute and the Indians' heartburn over the creation of Pakistan that
divided the united Hindustan. Pakistan and India have gone to war as early as 1948,
twice in 1965, 1971, the Kargil and the eye ball to eyeball contact in 2002. India has
always tried to downplay Pakistan in the region since it cannot swallow a much
smaller country to challenge its dominance over all other countries of South East
Asia. Even the matters of SAARC are badly mauled as India does not want any
bilateral issues such as Kashmir to be discussed in the SAARC. Moreover, India has
always tried to woo Pakistan through building up its military might and increasing its
defense budget almost every year and acquiring the latest weapons that have

always been used against Pakistan. Although, there is a thaw in the relations of the
two country recently, and the two countries are progressing forward, though at a
snail speed, many doubt the sincerity of India to work with Pakistan to find a
solution to Kashmir dispute. But no such solutions seem in sight, since India
considers Kashmir as part of its federation and has not budged an inch from its
stated stance ever since 1947 and Simla Agreement after 1971 Indo-Paki war.
Although president of Pakistan has recently suggested to India to mutually pull back
forces from Kashmir and give administration of Kashmir under a joint control, India
has not moved forward. India has also started building of dams on rivers that were
to exclusively used by Pakistan as per the 1969 Indus Basin Water Treaty. India has
also been found involved in conspiring against Pakistan and worsening the Pakistan
and Afghanistan relations, since such a situation would tie down over 100,000
troops of Pakistan Army on Pak-Afghan border, much to the strategic advantage to
India.
Despite improving bilateral trade and transportation relations by commencing bus
service between India and Pakistan and between the two Kashmirs (IHK and Azad
Kashmir), many consider that unless India shows flexibility in its stance on Kashmir
and water sharing of rivers, the normalization of relations between Pakistan and
India would remain a far cry.
The Mumbai Mayhem: On 26th November, a few individuals attacked the Taj
and Oberoi Hotels and a few other places with dynamite and few other places in
Mumbai - though the incident was rather gory and sad, it was very unfortunate that
Manmohan Singh spared no time and within hours of the attack without going into
any detailed investigation raised his finger at Pakistan. And that too when only the
other day the two countries' interior secretaries decided in their Islamabad meeting
not to blame each other for terrorist acts without substantive evidence. He should
have waited for his panel's report. But he did not, replicating his Congress party's
mainstream rival BJP, which his own party president Sonia Gandhi had recently
berated in a party meeting for accusing Pakistan of every terrorist act in India
impetuously. The regret is that Singh's accusation will leave the real culprits go
laughing all the way. The very early reaction from Indian has many to ponder as to
what was the urgency in blaming Pakistan for people who drank beer hours before
the attack, when the Indian claimed them to be Muslims and suicide attackers - no
Muslim dying for the cause of Islam have beer hours before death. And no one
pondered why despite threats as claimed by the Indian government. the security of
the hotels was relaxed days before attacks? These are questions that will be
answered in due course.

PAKISTAN-CHINA RELATIONS:
Pakistan recognized the People's Republic of China on 04 January 1950. Diplomatic
relations were established on 21 May 1951.
Today, Pakistan and China have immense reservoir of goodwill and soft power. The
legendary friendship between Pakistan and China is palpable in the Pakistani and
Chinese street and in the majestic halls of governments.

Usually Pakistani and Chinese leaders and people use six expressions to describe
this unique relationship: it is higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans,
sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel. It is also an all-weather and timetested relationship.
Over the years, the unique friendship between Pakistan and China has transformed
into a strong strategic partnership, robust economic cooperation and ever
increasing people to people contacts. This relationship is based on trust,
understanding and common aspirations for peace and progress.
The warmth and exuberance in the relations resonates in the hearts of the people of
the two countries and is fed by the constant stream of their respective civilizations.
"All-Weather and Time-Tested"
"I should like to make it clear beyond all doubt that we have friendly relations with
the People's Republic of China and that nothing will be permitted in any way to
endanger those relations. Our relations with China are an independent factor in our
foreign policy and not contingent on any other. In the best interests of Pakistan, we
shall maintain the spirit of goodwill, friendship and cordiality with the great People's
Republic of China. I declare that our friendship with China is not tainted by any form
of bargain or barter. It is steadfast amity between two neighboring Asian States".
(Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, 1962)
"Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize New China. Ever since our
diplomatic relations began in 1951, we have enjoyed mutual understanding,
respect, trust and support and our friendship and cooperation have flourished. We
are truly good neighbors, close friends, trusted partners and dear brothers".
(President Hu Jintao, Islamabad, 24 November 2006)
"Perhaps no relationship between two sovereign states is as unique and durable as
that between Pakistan and China. China is seen as a true, time-tested and reliable
friend that has always come through for Pakistan. That the Pakistan-China friendship
is higher than the peaks of Himalayas is now a truism without exaggeration. It is a
friendship rooted in the hearts and minds of the People of the two countries" (An
article by President Asif Ali Zardari entitled "Sino-Pakistan Relations Higher than
Himalayas" published in China Daily, February 23, 2009).
"Our close and friendly relations with China have been and will remain the
cornerstone of our foreign policy. We believe that our friendship and cooperation will
only gain in strength in the future, fortified by our common resolve to imbue it with
ever greater vigor and vitality" (Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on the
occasion of 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 29
September 2009).
Partners for Progress and Development
"In recent years, China-Pakistan business ties have seen strong growth, becoming
an important driving force of our relations. The Free Trade Agreement between
China and Pakistan marks the success in the negotiations on establishing a free

trade area. It will go a long way in upgrading China-Pakistan business ties. The two
countries also signed the Five Year Development Program on Trade and Economic
Cooperation - a blueprint for accelerating their economic cooperation and trade in
the future. The Chinese government encourages leading Chinese companies to take
Pakistan as a priority destination of investment and supports them in undertaking
construction projects, opening factories and conducting research and development
in Pakistan. China will strengthen win-win cooperation with Pakistan in key areas
such as energy and resources development, information technology, infrastructure
and agriculture to give full play to our cooperative strength" (President Hu Jintao,
Islamabad, 24 November 2006).
"In the present global economic downturn, China is among the few countries that
have the economic muscle to pull the world out of it. China's trade with many of its
neighbors is increasing at a dizzying pace. Pakistan needs to join this trend. I
believe there is great potential for improvement in this vital area. Pakistan-China
economic and trade relations must keep pace with political relations between the
two countries. Given proper infrastructure, the Pakistani ports of Karachi, Port Qasim
and Gwadar are nearer to the Chinese heartland than Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Pakistan can also help channel energy supplies from the Gulf to China" (An article
by President Asif Ali Zardari entitled "Sino-Pakistan Relations Higher than
Himalayas" published in China Daily, February 23, 2009).
"The goal of our cooperation is to seek common development. The economies of
both countries enjoy strong complementarities. Pakistan enjoys abundant resources.
China possesses the applicable technologies and development. China will actively
encourage the competitive enterprises to invest in Pakistan so as to achieve win-win
results and create move employment opportunities in local areas" (Premier Wen
Jiabao, Islamabad, 06 April 2005).
"The Chinese economic miracle has a profoundly positive impact on the world and
in particular Asia. We believe that China represents for the developing countries a
model of economic and social development and a model for realizing the vision for a
better world. The joint 5-year program for trade and economic cooperation, the
Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement on Goods, Services and Investment provides a
viable frame-work to increase bilateral trade and spur investment. Pakistan offers
vast investment opportunities in sectors like mining, engineering, automobiles,
infrastructure development, health, education, telecommunication, agri-business
and small and medium sized enterprises. We welcome Chinese businessmen to
invest in any sector in Pakistan and we assure you, your investments will bring rich
dividends" (Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Beijing, 14 October 2009).
People-to-People Contacts
Pakistan-China friendship is rooted in shared values as well as deep and rich cultural
interaction over centuries. Common geography, the same mountains and rivers
straddling their borders strengthen the foundation of their time-tested ties. The
rediscovery and revival of Pakistan's ancient Gandhara heritage and the ancient Silk
Route that once served to link Asia and Europe, has unearthed a history of cultural
interaction.

After the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the People's
Republic of China, this rich tradition of interaction has been strengthened through
institutional mechanisms like the Pakistan-China Cultural Agreement; cooperation
agreements between Pakistani and Chinese higher educational institutions; and the
establishment of Pakistan Study Centers in Peking and Sichuan Universities in 2007,
a Pakistan Culture and Communication Centre at Tsinghua University in 2008 and a
Pakistan Study Centre at Fudan University (Shanghai) in 2009.

CONCLUSION:
Relations will do up and down depending on the foreign policy of the country. Every
Country has its own Nation Interest to look after, a countries national interest will be
the deciding factor which may lead to either a Good relation or a Bad one. There are
many other factors but to my opinion National Interest is the main factor.

REFERENCE:
http://www.pakbj.org.pk/Bilateral_Relations
http://pakistanpaedia.com/relations/relations.html
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