Pakistan
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Population
235.8M
GDP
$338.0B
Capital
Islamabad
Government
Federal parliamentary republic
At a Glance
Human Development
0.5
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
4.1
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
Pakistan is a nuclear-armed state and the world's fifth-most populous country. Its foreign policy has been shaped by the rivalry with India over Kashmir, the alliance with China (the 'all-weather friendship'), and a complex relationship with the United States that has oscillated between close cooperation and deep distrust.
Pakistan is a major troop contributor to UN peacekeeping and was critical to US operations in Afghanistan. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship BRI project, has deepened Pakistan's strategic ties with Beijing through massive infrastructure investment.
Pakistan faces significant internal challenges including economic instability, periodic political crises, and security threats from militant groups. Its military establishment plays an outsized role in foreign policy and domestic politics.
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As Pakistan, Kashmir is your core issue -- raise it in every relevant forum and frame it as a self-determination question under UN Security Council resolutions. Build coalitions with OIC members on Kashmir and Palestine.
Your 'all-weather friendship' with China is your strategic anchor. Support Chinese positions in return for reliable backing on Kashmir and Indian issues. Maintain your US relationship as a hedge, but don't be afraid to pushback when interests diverge.
Highlight your UN peacekeeping contributions and counter-terrorism sacrifices. On nuclear issues, frame your arsenal as a deterrent forced by India's nuclear weapons.
Avoid being isolated on governance and human rights issues -- build coalitions with other developing nations to shift the conversation toward development, climate adaptation, and economic justice. Be prepared for uncomfortable questions about military influence in politics and Afghanistan policy.
Foreign Policy
Pakistan's foreign policy revolves around three axes: the rivalry with India (particularly over Kashmir), the 'all-weather' alliance with China, and relations with the United States. Pakistan has historically served as a bridge between China and the Muslim world.
Pakistan is a leading voice in the OIC on Kashmir, Palestine, and Islamophobia. Relations with Afghanistan have been turbulent, complicated by cross-border militancy and the Taliban's return to power. Pakistan maintains close ties with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the Gulf states.