Pakistan's Quest for New Alliances in the Era of Global Power Shifts

The rise of India, Russia and China has created an opportunity for new alliances, exemplified by Pakistan's participation in BRICS and SCO. Pakistan's longstanding friendship with China, coupled with China's close ties to the Russia, has contributed to the development of a multilateral world through these alliances.

As global power dynamics continue to shift, Pakistan is strategically seeking new alliances that align with its national interests and security concerns.

“With the development of new power centers around the world & changing global dynamics, Pakistan has clearly stated to abstain from becoming part of any bloc politics and maintain good relations with all major powers, including Russia,” Mr. Taimur Fahad Khan, an Islamabad-based think tanker and foreign affairs analyst, told Sputnik.

Lessons from History: Pakistan's Foreign Policy Evolution

During the Cold War epoch, and the period from the 9/11 attacks to the fall of Kabul 2021, Pakistan aligned itself with the USA and its NATO due to its strategic location and proximity to Afghanistan. Nevertheless, this alignment resulted in significant human loss, socio-political infrastructure destruction, the proliferation of a weapon culture, and the rise of terrorism within Pakistan.

Despite these consequences, Pakistan has been subjected to blame from the US and the West for the losses suffered by the US and NATO in Afghanistan, attributing them to Pakistan, its military, and its intelligence agencies.

Thus, Pakistan has learnt that these states only things for their own interests; therefore, Pakistan is now actively pursuing a neutral foreign policy approach, seeking to disengage from its historical ties with the US and the West, which have been associated with the proliferation of terrorism, militancy, destruction, poverty, and regional conflicts.

Speaking with Sputnik news, Professor Dr. Uzma Siraj, head of IR and political analyst, said, “The world appears to be moving away from the hegemonic liberal order led by the United States, as evidenced by the India's ascent and strategic balancing, Russia's comeback, rise of China and its power, Europe's quest for strategic autonomy and the unrest in the Middle East and its tendency toward Asia.”

Delegates walk past the logos of the BRICS summit during the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on August 23, 2023.

Shifting Alliances: Pakistan's Engagement with SCO and BRICS

Since its inception, Pakistan has maintained a strong tie with China. Therefore, Pakistan is the member of Chinese oriented regional organization like SCO. Even last year, Pakistan also applied in BRICS membership. The BRICS is a new turn way in Pakistan foreign policy in the shape of making new alliance.

“Pakistan firmly believes in an independent bloc free policy. It wants a balanced relationship with major and regional powers that includes China, Russia, Turkey, Iran, KSA and all Gulf countries. Pakistan would also like to improve its relations with India provided it gets a positive response. Pakistan wants Afghanistan to not allow its territory to be used for terrorism,” Dr. Tughral Yamin, a think tanker at the Institute of Policy Studies Islamabad, former Dean of the Centre for International Peace and Stability, ex-brigadier of Pakistan’s Army, and political analyst, told Sputnik.

“Pakistan has invested heavily in its bilateral relations with China and will continue to build up on it. CPEC is currently the flagship project that illustrates its rock solid friendship with China. Pakistan wants to be a member of BRICS and is quite sure of Chinese support in this regard,” he further added.

“Pakistan's foreign policy is adapting to a complex international landscape, with a focus on joining new alliances like BRICS and managing its relationship with China within the SCO. The country faces the challenge of balancing its relationships with major global players while addressing internal and external pressures,” Fahad Khan, further revealed.

Therefore, Pakistan is focusing on cultivating strong relationships with China, as well as its friendly nations such as Russia, Turkey, Iran, South Africa, and the Gulf states.

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