Global politics has long been dominated by the doctrine of Realism, where national interests trump principles. Time and again, powerful nations have chosen silence when justice, democracy, and truth demanded their voice. Pakistan, however, has often charted a different course. It has not merely acted as a geographic state but as a moral compass – a voice of conscience – even when that stance carried a heavy price.
Since 1948, Pakistan has consistently supported the Palestinian cause and has never recognized Israel. At every forum, Pakistan has called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. In 1974, during the Islamic Summit in Lahore, Yasser Arafat was invited and honored on Pakistani soil as a legitimate representative of his people – a moment that boosted global recognition of the Palestinian struggle.
Since 1947, Pakistan has placed the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination at the heart of its foreign policy. It has raised their plight at every international forum while extending moral, diplomatic, and political support. On August 5, 2019, when India revoked Articles 370 and 35A, stripping Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status, Pakistan was the only state that openly declared the move illegitimate and launched a diplomatic campaign to draw global attention. This reaffirmed Pakistan’s tradition of choosing principle over power and standing with the oppressed, no matter the cost.
Today, as the world once again fractures into new blocs and the weak come under mounting pressure, Pakistan must rediscover that same courage.
From 1954 to 1962, Algeria waged a long and bloody struggle against French colonial rule. While most world powers remained silent due to their alignment with French interests, Pakistan became the first country to recognize Algeria’s provisional government in 1958. It even issued diplomatic passports to Algerian leaders so they could plead their case on international platforms. Reflecting on that period, Algerian leader Ahmed Ben Bella once remarked:
“Without Pakistan’s support, we could never have taken our voice to the world.”
During the 1960s and 70s, apartheid in South Africa denied the Black majority even the most basic human rights. While many global powers-maintained trade and diplomatic ties with the regime, Pakistan took a principled stand. In 1973, the Pakistan Cricket Board formally severed all cricketing ties with South Africa, sending a bold diplomatic message. Years later, Nelson Mandela, upon becoming President in 1994, acknowledged:
“Pakistan was among the few nations that stood by us in our darkest hour.”
In the 1960s, the People’s Republic of China was denied its rightful UN seat, which remained with Taiwan. Defying Western pressure, Pakistan steadfastly supported Beijing. In 1971, when UN Resolution 2758 was tabled to restore China’s seat, Pakistan not only voted in favor but also facilitated the secret diplomacy that paved the way for President Nixon’s historic visit to Beijing. Even today, Chinese leadership acknowledges that Pakistan helped lift China out of diplomatic isolation.
Hosting Millions of Afghan Refugees
When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, Pakistan bore the brunt of one of the world’s largest refugee crises. Nearly five million Afghans were given shelter, education, healthcare, and livelihoods in Pakistan – while most countries confined themselves to rhetoric. This humanitarian commitment remains one of the most significant in modern history.
Preventing a Coup in the Maldives
In 1988, when a coup threatened the government of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Pakistan was among the first to respond. By swiftly dispatching military assistance, Pakistan helped restore stability and thwart the plot. The episode is remembered in Maldivian history as a milestone of friendship and trust.
These episodes illustrate a deeper truth: Pakistan’s strength does not lie only in its weapons or economy, but in its principled foreign policy. At times when others prioritized self-interest, Pakistan chose to stand with the oppressed. This moral leadership has earned it a stature that sheer power could never provide.
Between 1992 and 1995, Bosnian Muslims faced horrific atrocities at the hands of Serbian forces. While the global community hesitated, Pakistan stood firm. It supported UN resolutions in favor of Bosnia, provided medical and humanitarian assistance, and contributed troops to UN peacekeeping missions – many of whom laid down their lives.
Today, as the world once again fractures into new blocs and the weak come under mounting pressure, Pakistan must rediscover that same courage. Its history shows that real influence is not measured in might alone, but in the ability to be the voice of conscience when silence seems easier.
The writer is a strategic communication advisor, researcher, and analyst on international affairs. He can be reached at Hasilekalaam @gmail.com or on LinkedIn @tahirmawan.