A number of factors, including domestic political unrest, erratic foreign policy, tense ties with its neighbors, and a dependence on military might in diplomatic affairs, have contributed to Pakistan’s diplomatic setbacks throughout the years.
These and other issues have made it more difficult for Pakistan to build long-term diplomatic alliances and present a consistent image on the world stage.
Pakistan’s protracted political instability has been one of the main causes of its diplomatic failures. Pakistan lacks a coherent long-term diplomatic strategy as a result of frequent political transitions, military takeovers, and erratic policies.
Pakistan’s credibility is weakened when international leaders interact with it because of the nation’s inconsistent leadership and constantly changing agendas.
Pakistan saw a number of political upheavals in the 1990s, including the overthrow of elected governments and ensuing military operations. Pakistan’s reputation as a trustworthy foreign partner has suffered as a result of this unrest.
Additionally, relations between Pakistan and India appeared to be improving during the Nawaz Sharif administration in the late 1990s. However, the Kargil War in 1999—which was purportedly started by the military without the consent of the civilian government—stopped the peace process and had serious diplomatic implications for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s diplomatic reach has frequently been constrained by its dependence on the military institution for important foreign policy choices.
Although Pakistan’s overemphasis on military solutions to regional challenges has occasionally alienated civilian governments and international powers seeking political or diplomatic settlements, military-to-military connections may be advantageous, particularly in security cooperation.
Pakistan’s ties to the United States is one such example. Despite having strong military links to Pakistan, especially during the Cold War and the years following 9/11, the United States has often voiced worries about Pakistan’s military superiority in civilian affairs.
This was brought to light in 2011 following the American raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Since the attack revealed American suspicion of Pakistan’s military system, ties between the two nations were severely strained. The raid was carried out without alerting Pakistan.
Pakistan faces several diplomatic obstacles, the most obvious of which are its tense relations with its neighbors, especially Afghanistan and India.
One of the main factors influencing Pakistan’s foreign policy has been the continuous struggle with India over Kashmir.
Pakistan has brought up the Kashmir problem on a number of international forums, but because of its patchy approach and alleged complicity in cross-border militancy, it has frequently failed to garner long-term international support.
Similar to this, there has always been friction between Pakistan and Afghanistan, mostly because of Pakistan’s convoluted role in Afghan affairs and its past backing for the Taliban.
Pakistan has come under fire for supposedly using Afghanistan as an instrument for strategic depth towards India and for not doing more to pacify the area, despite the fact that it was instrumental in helping to facilitate negotiations between the United States and the Taliban.
This has made relations with the Afghan government tense, especially under President Ashraf Ghani, who publicly denounced Pakistan for its involvement in the country’s instability.
Over the years, Pakistan has failed diplomatically due to a confluence of factors including economic reliance, military domination in foreign policy, strained regional ties, and internal problems.
Pakistan has generally failed to convey a cohesive and consistent diplomatic stance on important topics, despite occasional diplomatic accomplishments in retaining strategic ties with nations such as China and the Gulf states.
In order to elevate its diplomatic status, Pakistan must tackle its domestic political unrest, curtail military intervention in foreign policy, cultivate improved neighborly ties, and fortify its economic base to augment its influence in global events.
