Pakistan’s foreign policy made significant strides on multiple fronts throughout 2019 as new partnerships were forged and time-tested relationships were fortified. The Foreign Office in the first weekly briefing of 2020 gave an overview of the diplomatic successes under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Despite an adverse economic outlook and several political challenges, the year 2019 was certainly a successful one for Pakistan’s foreign policy. The year was marked by a high frequency of leadership level exchanges between Pakistan and several friendly countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Qatar, Iran, Bahrain, and China. The prime minister made multiple visits to some of these countries to reinforce bilateral relations.
The partnership with China, termed a time-tested all-weather friend, was further enriched; although it seems that progress on CPEC projects has slumped. The US attempted to meddle in the billion-dollar project by claiming that it would indebt Pakistan. Both countries dismissed US concerns as they move forward with the second phase of CPEC, while a free trade agreement has gone into effect, and the Gwadar port has sent its first cargo of exports.
The prime minister delivered a landmark address at the UN General Assembly session in September and held important meetings with several counterparts on the sidelines. The hard-hitting speech will be remembered for directly addressing the Kashmir issue effectively at the highest global forum.
Pakistan rebuilt strained relations with the United States realizing that it cannot stay away from a superpower. The US required Pakistan’s support in the fragile Afghan peace and reconciliation process. Despite several setbacks, there has been steady progress but the role of Pakistan cannot be denied. PM Imran Khan received a White House invite to meet President Trump.
The year 2019 was busy in terms of hosting foreign dignitaries in Pakistan as well. At the highest level, Saudi Crown Mohammad Bin Salman paid a visit to Pakistan. The Emir of Qatar and the presidents of Afghanistan and Malaysia had official visits too. British royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton’s tour will be long remembered as it reinforced the county’s soft image. These visits are a testimony to Pakistan’s active engagement with the global community.
A pivotal development in foreign policy was the inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor as thousands of Sikh pilgrims attended from India and around the world. Pakistan also amplified the sufferings of Kashmiris as India revoked the region’s autonomy and imposed a communication blackout. Pakistan’s position on Indian atrocities seems vindicated in the aftermath of controversial laws such as the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Disappointingly, Pakistan backed out of the KL Summit held in Malaysia allegedly over Saudi pressure. On the flip side, Pakistan will be hosting Turkish President Erdogan in February. More significantly, Pakistan will hold a special session of the OIC on Kashmir in April 2020. Pakistan was being pushed into isolation but diplomatic successes over the last year have reaffirmed it deserves to be heard on the global stage.
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