Chapter 10 Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Chapter 10 Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan | Pakistan studies notes for fa/ fsc class 12 notes pdf download all chapter in English Short question and long question.

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Chapter 10 Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 2nd years Pakistan studies notes pdf in English

1. Define “foreign policy”.

Answer:

Foreign policy is defined as the policy, which a state adopts in the process of establishing relations with other states and to safeguard its national interests. It has been defined thus:

“The general plan of one country concerning its relations with other countries”

2. Enlist five guiding principles of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Answer:

Pakistan’s Foreign Policy seeks to protect, promote, and advance Pakistan’s national interests in the external domain. The foreign policy of Pakistan is based on the five fundamental principles.

Cooperation with the United Nations and other international agencies in maintaining world peace.
Friendly relations with all nations of the world.
Non-alignment.
Fraternal relations with the Muslim countries.
Regional cooperation.

3. How can Hudaibiya Peace Pact guide us in framing our foreign policy?

Answer:

The Treaty of Al-Hudaibiya by the Prophet S.A.W established a great example of foreign policy towards other societies. Under the Covenant of Hudaibiya, the Prophet S.A.W resolved not to extend any support to the Muslims living in Makkah. Although He knew that these Muslims were maltreated and subjected to suppression, yet He advised them to live as the law-abiding citizens of the state of Makkah. Through this policy of peace and restraint, the Prophet S.A.W led his nations to a glorious victory over his enemies in the shape of Fatah-e-Makkah. This proved that policy of instigating or arousing helpless people against their resourceful governments could do them no good and what can be achieved through peace and restraint cannot be achieved through war and emotional frenzy.

4. In what respect Pakistan was helpful for the People’s Republic of China on international issues.

Answer:

Pakistan’s northern neighbor China is the most populous country in the world. Pakistan has a great friendly relation with China. In 1950, Pakistan took a strong stand that the People’s Republic of China had an exclusive right to represent the Chinese people in the United Nations Organization. Pakistan remained neutral on the issue of China’s occupation of Tibet in 1950. Pakistan always discards Indian terrorism over some of the provinces of China.

5. Write few lines on the present state of Pak-India relations.

Answer:

The history of conflict between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue dates back to the days of partition in 1947. However, some positive signs were shown during the last months of the year 2003, when the Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpai came to Pakistan to attend the SAARC Conference in 2004. Since that time, the exchange of artists, intellectuals, and leaders of public opinion between the two countries has gone a long way to improving the general atmosphere. The Two cricket series held in the spring of 2004 and 2005 have helped in bringing the two people closer.

Long Question/ Answers

1. Enlist the objectives and targets of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Answer:

Foreign policy is defined as the policy, which a state adopts in the process of establishing relations with other states and to safeguard its national interests. It has been defined thus:

“The general plan of one country concerning its relations with other countries.”

According to Hill,

“Foreign policy is the content or a substance of a nation’s efforts to promote its interests vis-a-vis other nations.”

Fundamental Principles of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy:

Pakistan’s Foreign Policy seeks to protect, promote, and advance Pakistan’s national interests in the external domain. Therefore, it is based on the five fundamental principles, i.e.

Cooperation with the United Nations and other international agencies in maintaining world peace.
Friendly relations with all nations of the world.
Non-alignment.
Fraternal relations with the Muslim countries.
Regional cooperation.

Aims and objectives of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy:

The aims and objectives of the Foreign policy of Pakistan are:

1. Preservation of National Independence:

The Muslim of South Asia struggles hard against the British and the Hindu hegemony solely because they wanted to live like an independent and free nation. Pakistan had to fight two wars against India, i.e. 1965 and 1971 in order to safeguard its independence. Therefore, the preservation of national independence has always remained the paramount principle of the foreign policy of our country.

2. Support for the right of Self-determination for all Nations:

Pakistan always rendered full support in international forums to the cause of the nation’s fighting for their right of self-determination and freedom from foreign subjection. Pakistan successfully supported the independence movements of countries like South Africa, Libya, Indonesia, Eritrea and a number of other Asian and African countries.

3. Promotion of International Cooperation:

Pakistan became a member of the United Nation Organization in the next month after independence. Pakistan, as a member of the UN, always supported the policy of resolving international disputes through negotiation. Pakistan used her good offices for conciliation among different countries of the world on many occasions. In this respect, Pakistan’s efforts to bring about a cease-fire between Iran and Iraq are noticeable.

4. Non-alignment:

Today, people are living in a bi-polar world, which is generally divided into the Socialists and the Capitalists blocks. Since Pakistan fought its way based on the principles of Islam, it is not possible for Muslims to become the blind followers of either of the two ideological blocks. Therefore, Pakistan has always tried to establish cordial relations with all countries of the world. Pakistan joined the NAM (Non-Alignment Movement) in 1979 as a regular member.

5. Regional Cooperation:

Pakistan has always strived hard to establish good neighborly relations with the countries of the region. Pakistan entered into a pact with Iran and Turkey, which was known as RCD (Regional Cooperation Development). This pact has now been renamed as ECO (Economic Cooperation Development) and has been expanded to Central Asian Muslim Countries. Pakistan has always maintained friendly relations with China, which is strategically the most important country in our region.

6. Unity of the Muslim World:

Strengthening fraternal ties with the Muslim countries of the world forms an essential part of the Pakistan Ideology. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a great protagonist of the unity of the Muslim world. Principles of State Policy in the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan proclaim that the state of Pakistan shall make efforts for the improvement of its relations with the Muslim World. Therefore, Pakistan maintains cordial relations with all the Muslim countries. Pakistan is an important member of the OIC (Islamic Conference) and all other international Islamic forums. Pakistan has a brilliant record of upholding and pleading the cause of the Muslims fighting for their independence in Palestine, Kashmir, Cyprus, Eritrea, and Bosnia, this support was moral as well as diplomatic.

Conclusion:

Pakistan is a Muslim state and follows the principles of Sunnah and Quran. Islam guides the people to develop the relations of unity and goodwill to each other. Moreover, good relations with other states bring peace and prosperity in the world. Therefore, Quaid-e-Azam, after the independence of Pakistan briefly explained the principles and objectives of foreign policy as friendship with all nations across the globe. This principle constrained the world to recognize the value of Pakistan as a separate and independent state.

2. What are the most significant factors that determine the foreign policy of our country?

Answer:

Nations are bound to frame their foreign policy based on successful and honourable objective conditions. The foreign policy of a country does not remain static but it changes according to time and circumstances. Pakistan came into being on 14th of August 1947 and it inherited the legacy of foreign policy from British India. However, it made some adjustments in accordance with its ideology and objectives of Pakistan movement.

Factors Determining the Foreign Policy of Pakistan:

Some of the factors determining the foreign policy of Pakistan are:

1. Pakistan Ideology:

Pakistan has an Islamic Ideological basis. It was established with the sole objective of providing the South Asian Muslims with a homeland where they could live with dignity and honour in the light of democratic principles declared by Islam. The founders of Pakistan believed that the Muslims should invoke separate Muslim identity as positive sentiment. This did not imply hatred for any other nation.

The Pakistan Ideology demands that Pakistan should establish friendly relations with all its neighbouring countries. The peace covenant of Hudaibia established the principle that in the case of a dispute if one of the warring factions refuses to fall back, the other party should make unilateral concessions for the attainment of peace. History bears witness that at times, nations are able to achieve through peaceful means what they otherwise could not have achieved through war. The Conquest of Makkah by the Prophet is an outstanding example, which followed within a short period of two years after the Treaty of Hudaibiya.

2. Regional Factors:

The area, which was later demarcated as the state of Pakistan, had become an arena of the power struggle between the United States of America and the Soviet Union. The fall of the Soviet Empire brought far-reaching changes in world politics, but this change did not affect Pakistan’s position as the most important country of the region.

The People’s Republic of China, which is the emerging economic superpower of the world, has very close friendly relations with Pakistan. Afghanistan has undergone rapid changes during the last two decades. Pakistan’s western neighbour Iran is struggling hard to come out of its internal strife between conservatism and modernism, which was set in after the Revolution of 1979. The landlocked Central Asian states depend upon Pakistan for access to hot water seaports. These states are overwhelmingly Muslims and have religious ties with Pakistan. These are the facts that should guide the policy makers towards the formation of a balanced foreign policy.

3. Islamic Identity:

Pakistan occupies a central place in the chain of Muslim countries stretching from Africa to the Far East as a part of the global Muslim community. The Quaid-e-Azam (RA) attached great importance to Pakistan’s relations with the Muslim countries. On the other side, all Muslim countries of the world, Arab, and non-Arab alike, look forward to Pakistan for guidance in their cherished cause of establishing international Muslim unity.

Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W stands as a role model for us. Under the Covenant of Hudaibiya, the Prophet S.A.W categorically resolved not to extend any support to the Muslims living in Makkah. Although the Prophet S.A.W knew that these Muslims were maltreated and subjected to suppression, yet he advised them to live as the law-abiding citizens of the state of Makkah. This was a decision, though distasteful for many of the Prophets’ S.A.W Companions at that time, but the course of events proved that in the given circumstances it was possibly the wisest and the most prudent decision. Through this Policy of peace and restraint, the Prophet S.A.W led his nation to a glorious victory over his enemies in the shape of Fatah-e-Makkah. This proved that what can be achieved through peace and restraint cannot be achieved through war and emotional frenzy.

Conclusion:

The state of Pakistan was established on Islamic Values and the majority of the people living in Pakistan are Muslims. Islam is a complete code of conduct for all the humanity and emphasizes on unity, peace, and goodwill to each other. Therefore, the factors of Foreign Policy of Pakistan always strives for the promotion of peace and security at the regional and global levels. Moreover, Pakistan consistently seeks friendship and cooperation in its foreign relations based on equality, mutual respect and benefit, non-interference and peaceful settlement of disputes.

3. Given a detailed account of the relations between Pakistan and the people’s Republic of China.

Answer:

Relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China:

Pakistan has a long and strong relationship with China. The long-standing ties between the two countries have been mutually beneficial. Pakistan’s northern neighbor China is the most populous country in the world. The People’s Republic of China was established on Oct 1, 1949. Pakistan recognized the newly established Chinese government in Jan 1950.

Pakistan’s Support to China in SEATO and CENTO:

In 1950, Pakistan took a strong stand that the People’s Republic of China had an exclusive right to represent the Chinese people in the United Nations Organization. Pakistan joined SEATO in the year 1954 and CENTO in 1955 and remained neutral on the issue of China’s occupation of Tibet. The two military alliances were sponsored by the United States of America and mainly aimed at containing Communist expansion. China naturally had certain apprehensions about Pakistan’s membership of these alliances. Diplomatic Relations:

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Bogra in the Non-Aligned Conference held in Bandung (Indonesia) in 1955 assured the Chinese Prime Minister that Pakistan’s membership of the alliances in no way directed against the People’s Republic of China. Prime Minister Chou acknowledged the explanation by expressing his gratitude for the Prime Minister of Pakistan for his cordial gesture. China decided to support Pakistan on the Kashmir issue in 1964, and since that time, her diplomatic support on the issue has remained consistent. In response to this, Pakistan rendered useful support to China, for securing a seat in the United Nation Organization.

China’s Support to Pakistan against India:

In the year 1954, Pakistan for the first time voted against China’s membership of the United Nations. The Chinese government observed restraint and did not even bother to comment on this unfriendly gesture on the part of the Pakistan government. Chinese positively knew that Pakistan had done this under American pressure. China did not support India on the Kashmir issue. Chinese leadership was fully aware that India had crazy military designs and aspired to establish hegemony over the region. The Chinese people took this Indian attitude as a challenge and retaliated in the same frenzied war spirit. The People’s Republic of China had entered into a never-ending war with India. Pakistan was able to engage India with the help of China to such an extent that India was rendered unable to pose a serious threat to China.

Support of China in Wars:

China fully supported Pakistan during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan-War. However, in the 1971 war, China could not support Pakistan openly because the Soviet Union stood openly on the Indian side. Later In the post-war-period, China gave Pakistan large-scale military and economic aid and helped Pakistan rebuild its economy and make good the damages caused due to war. Karakoram Highway inaugurated in 1978, opened a new era of friendship between Pakistan and China.

China’s membership of the United Nations:

Americans traditionally had a distaste for Communist governments. They did not like the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Nevertheless, as time passed, the American policy changed towards China. Nixon was the first American President to realize the importance of Sino-American friendship, and it was in his period that the American Foreign Secretary Henry Kissinger had a secret meeting with the Chinese leadership. The news was made public only after the mission had been successfully concluded. Cessation of hostilities between the two powerful foes paved the way for China’s membership of the United Nations, twenty-one years after her inception. This was made possible only through Pakistan’s good offices.

Economic Relations:

The First Air Transport agreement between Pakistan and China was concluded in 1963. Similarly, the First Pak-China cultural exchange agreement was signed in March 1965. The Heads of both the state and government have been paying frequent visits to each other’s country. Most important among these visits were Prime Minister Chou En Lai’s visit to Pakistan in 1956 and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s visit to China in Feb. 1972.

Major Projects:

China has been a close and dependable friend of Pakistan since 1972. The friendship has grown and expanded in all directions to include science, technology, education, and defense into its fold, side by side with diplomatic cooperation. Some of the projects completed in Pakistan with the Chinese assistance are:

The Karakoram Highway:

The Highway made land traffic possible between the two countries. The volume of trade carried out between the two countries through this route is expanding day by day. Construction of this highest land route in the world, cutting through the formidable mountains, was not an easy task. A great number of Pakistani and Chinese workers laid their lives during the process of its construction.

Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra;

Military aircraft are repaired and overhauled in this complex. Pakistan’s indigenous aircraft Mashshak was designed and produced completely in this complex.

Gwadar Port:

A new seaport at Gawadar (Balochistan) is being put up with the Chinese assistance. It is believed that this new seaport will bring about the revolution in Pakistan’s economy, improve Pakistan’s interaction with the landlocked Central Asian Muslim States, and help Pakistan meet her naval defense requirement in a better way.

Saindak Project:

Pakistan was unable to make use of the large copper deposits found in the province of Baluchistan due to the scarcity of resources and the absence of technical knowledge. A big project for this purpose has now been made feasible with the Chinese assistance.

Cooperation for the Improvement of Pakistan Railways:

The system of Railways in Pakistan is being upgraded and improved with the technical assistance provided by the People’s Republic of China. Under this programme, a new train i.e. Karakoram Express, with facilities of international standards has been launched.

Cooperation in the Field of Nuclear Energy:

Pakistan has built a nuclear power station at Chashma (District Mianwali) with Chinese assistance in order to meet its deficiency in the energy sector. There are numerous other departments and sectors in which the two countries are cooperating usefully. Pak-China relationship is based on mutual trust and peaceful co-existence, this cooperation is free from aggressive designs against any other country in the world.

Conclusion:

The support of China and Pakistan to each other is considered significant in global diplomacy. Pak China friendship has been proved to be a model of friendship between two neighboring states. Both states have a strong political, defense, social and economic relations. Therefore, the Chinese investment in Pakistan is gradually increasing which is very important for the economic development of Pakistan.