In the contemporary deteriorating world order, where the US is actively pursuing its self-interest by trampling international law and norms, it is provoking the revisionist powers to become more vocal and active in questioning the international political regime and organisations. In this preview, countries like Pakistan are in paradoxical situations where, on one hand, they have ample opportunities, and on the other hand, the foreign policy choices have become tricky. The geo-political landscape for Pakistan has changed drastically in the aftermath of May 2025 Indo-Pakistan conflict. Victorious Pakistan is now strategically significant to global powers.
Historically, Pakistan has been the most sanctioned ally of the US. The US has twice used Pakistan against its enemies and left it helpless after both wars. Firstly, Pakistan became the front-line state of the US against the Soviet Union, following the second time when it was a front-line state in the global war against terrorism. Resultantly, it paid a huge economic and political price. Whereas China has always been a supportive economic partner of Pakistan. However, due to economic reliance on China and the opening of the local market for Chinese products without due deliberation to establish a mutually beneficial mechanism, our own production and industry have suffered drastically.
Concisely, due to the evolving dynamics of bilateral relations, Pakistan has faced multiple pressures across different domains. Furthermore, balancing relations with both countries has also been an issue, and it will become an even more important priority with the current US leadership and emerging global polarisation.
There are opportunities surrounded by challenges; seizing them requires a realistic perspective, pragmatic approach, thoughtful risk-taking, and proactive decision-making. Pakistan has always faced significant challenges in balancing its relations with China and the US, but it has the scope to maximise long-term benefits through careful planning. However, revamping foreign policy and adopting a pragmatic approach can be useful. The recommended line of action in this regard is as follows:-
Pakistan can only escape the vicious cycle of bloc politics and the US-China competition by managing both sides concurrently and effectively
Pakistan needs to rebrand its foreign policy objectives. It needs to adopt a slogan ‘Pakistan partner in peace and economic development, and not in war.’ It should be categorically announced policy to give a loud and clear message to both the allies that the only interest of Pakistan is peace and economic development; whoever is interested in joining should be welcomed.
Secondly, there is a need to initiate the competition of Geo-economic cooperation in Pakistan between both the countries/camps. Areas of cooperation need to be identified, and the state should invite the partners to invest in / cooperate in those areas. For that matter, the state should design the projects and devise a mechanism for inviting international partners. The open competition will attract both sides to increase their Geo-strategic and Geo-political influence in Pakistan through economic investment. This will help Pakistan leverage the opportunities in the US-China competition. However, there should be an appropriate mechanism to monitor the flow of investments.
Finally, Pakistan should actively participate in international organisations of both blocs. It should be an active member of the UN and its allied organisations, the EU, etc. Similarly, it should also actively participate and take benefits from Eastern organisations like the SCO. To gain the maximum benefits, the key is to do research on the areas of integration and openness of foreign policy.
Pakistan can only escape the vicious cycle of bloc politics and the US-China competition by managing both sides concurrently and effectively. Engaging one side at the expense of the other will leave Pakistan with no choice except to be a victim of this rivalry. Pakistan needs to incorporate the partnership approach in every domain of cooperation with all the countries of the world.
The writer is a freelance columnist.