Ans: Aims and OBJECTIVES OF PAKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY:
Safeguard of Territorial Sovereignty and Security:
the guiding principles of our foreign policy. Establishing friendly relations with
Safeguard of national and ideological objectives and territorial integrity are
neighboring countries and the Muslim states are our top most priorities. We
want to establish friendly relations with all countries of the world on the basis
of equality, promote international cooperation and solidarity and undertake to
work with international organizations for the promotion of global peace and
preservation of human rights.
Ideological Concerns:
Our country has anà ideological basis. Pakistan was established on the basis
of Two Nation Theory with the sole purpose of providing the South Asian
Muslims with a homeland where they could live with dignity and honour in
the light of democratic principles enunciated by Islam. The founders of
Pakistan believed that the Muslims of Pakistan should invoke Muslims
identity as a positive sentiment. This did not imply hatred for any other
nation. According the constitution of Pakistan non-Muslims have equal
citizenship status, they are free to follow their religious traditions and culture.
To safeguard our ideological concerns is a guiding principle of our foreign
policy.
Economic Development:
Economic well-being of the South Asian Muslims was another objective of
the Pakistan Movement. Unfortunately, this objective could not be achieved
due to unfavorable circumstance Pakistan had to face. Pakistan still stands
in the line of the most underdeveloped countries of the world. In the modern
world, balance of trade counts much for the economic development of
countries, favourable balance of trade is achieved by increasing exports and
keeping the imports at a lower level. Pakistan has made trade agreements
with all the big powers and rich countries of the world e.g. the USA, the UK,
Canada, Japan, the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China. Big
industrial and developmental projects have been set up with the help of
friendly countries, some of these projects are; Mangala Dam, Tarbela Dam,
Shahrah-e-Resham, Karachi Steel Mills, Heavy Industries Texila, Karachi
Nuclear Energy Project, Chashma Nuclear Energy Project, Gwadar Sea
Port, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)etc. Pakistan has joined a
number of international organizations working for the economic uplift of their
members. Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) was established in
1964 by Pakistan, Iran & Turkey. The Economic Co-operation Organization
(ECO), instituted in 1985, is an extended form of the RCD, with the inclusion
of new member countries. This organization works for the economic uplift.of
its member nations. Pakistan is also a member of the WTO. During the OIC
summit conference held in Islamabad in 1997, the president of Pakistan
emphasized enhanced economic cooperation among the Muslim states and
proposed a common market of the Muslim world. Economic self-reliance is
an important objective of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Safeguard of the Cultural Heritage:
The area which is now Pakistan has been the abode of the most ancient
civilizations of the world. We have always tried to promote our culture and
preserve our heritage for the coming generations. In these efforts
international community has always stood by our side. Most worth
mentioning has been the UNESCO’s role. (UNESCO is a specialized body of
the UN).
Remains of Gandhara Civilization:
Taxila is the centre of Gandhara civilization. Remains of Gandhara
civilization spread over a vast area of land are the objects of great reverence
for the Buddhist community of the world.
Remains of Indus Valley Civilization:
Harappa, Mohenjo daro and Kot Diji are the centers of the old Indus Valley
civilization. Archeologists and historians show keen interest in the study of
ancient civilizations, which flourished in our land.
Imprints of Sufism:
Muslim saints (sufid) came to South Asia after the advent of Islam. They left
deep imprints on the culture and civilization of this land. The Muslim rulers
gave South Asia prosperity and unique architect.
International Cultural Agreements:
International community has rendered valuable assistance for the
preservation of our cultural sites. Pakistan has cultural agreements with
countries like Iran, Turkey, Indonesia, Libya, the UAE, Iraq, Malaysia and a
number of Central Asian States. Cultural delegations are frequently
exchanged with these countries, this helps us promote our cultural heritage
more effectively.