"Pakistan's Foreign Policy in 2025: Strategic Challenges and Geopolitical Realignment"

Pakistan is a neighboring country of India in the continent of Asia. Which was formed after independence in 1947 by separating from India. Today, Pakistan's foreign policy has been based on the geopolitical situation, religious identity, and its security needs. It decides its foreign policy according to its security needs, economic matters. Its main dimensions are rivalry with India in South Asia, friendship with China, and complex relations with America. In the year 2025, Pakistan's foreign policy is facing challenges and changes on many fronts. Now its foreign policy is not the same as before, but it is changing. And in the coming time, how will Pakistan's foreign policy change in its poor condition and increasing debt, know in detail.

Main pillars of Pakistan's foreign policy

 The main pillars of Pakistan's foreign policy are its national security and the Kashmir issue is its main priority. To deal with the increasing debt and improve its economy, it has to get financial assistance from many countries like China, Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE, IMF. It is a big challenge for it to maintain strategic balance. Especially in the context of India and Afghanistan because Pakistan does not have good relations with both these countries. Apart from this, it does state sponsorship of terrorists, so it makes its policies to avoid criticism related to extremism and terrorism.

Relations with India

Relations between India and Pakistan have always been tense. Since independence in 1947, the Kashmir issue has been the most important between Pakistan and India. Both countries lay their claim on Kashmir. Which is the main reason for the tension in the relations between the two. Apart from this, Pakistan's main policy has been to provide training and funds to terrorists and use it against India. After the removal of Article 370 by India in 2019, the relations between the two have worsened further. Recently, after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir state, the relations between the two countries deteriorated further. After this terrorist attack, a small war also took place between the two countries. In this war, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor and entered Pakistan and destroyed the terrorist hideout.

Strategic Partnership with China

 Today in 2025, China is the biggest strategic partner of Pakistan. The friendship of both countries is considered to be an evergreen friendship. Recently, China launched its project CPEC which is very important for Pakistan's economy. China provides assistance to Pakistan on every issue (diplomatic, economic, political and military). It adopts strategy with China to balance India so that it can gain an edge over India. It imports 90 percent of defense equipment from China.

Ups and downs in relations with America

 Relations between America and Pakistan became very strong during the Afghanistan crisis but now the trust between the two is decreasing. Pakistan is a terrorist sponsoring country. Whereas America demands concrete action against terrorism. But Pakistan only pretends in the name of action. For some time now, since the tenure of President Barack Obama in America, America has been increasing strategic relations with India. Due to which Pakistan's concern has increased. This is a matter of concern for it.

Afghanistan and Taliban Policy

 After the return of the Taliban to Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan were initially good. Because Pakistan has been supporting the return of the Taliban to Afghanistan from the very beginning. But now the tension between the two countries is constantly increasing due to border clashes and terrorist activities. Recently, there have been skirmishes between the two countries. Because Pakistan is accused of giving safe haven to terrorist organizations.

Challenges of Pakistan's Foreign Policy

Pakistan's foreign policy in the year 2025 is facing many serious challenges. The biggest challenge is the country's severe economic crisis, which has affected its global image and led to a sharp decline in foreign investment. Apart from this, Pakistan has lost the confidence of the international community due to allegations of supporting terrorism, due to which it is facing constant pressure.

At the same time, India's increasing role in global diplomacy, such as strengthening relations with America, France and Arab countries, is strategically isolating Pakistan. Pakistan's internal instability, such as political instability, military interference and increasing militancy, is also becoming an obstacle to its foreign policy.

Amidst all these challenges, Pakistan needs a balanced, pragmatic and multilateral foreign policy, which can strengthen both its image and influence.

Conclusion

In 2025, Pakistan's foreign policy stands at a critical crossroads. Surrounded by economic instability, rising international pressure over terrorism, and regional isolation due to India’s growing global influence, Pakistan faces the urgent need for a strategic reset. Its over-reliance on a few allies like China and continued tensions with neighboring countries like India and Afghanistan further complicate its foreign policy landscape.

To emerge from this crisis and restore its global standing, Pakistan must adopt a more balanced, realistic, and diplomatic approach. This includes reducing dependency on any single country, curbing extremist elements, and rebuilding trust with regional and global powers. Only through economic reforms, internal stability, and responsible international engagement can Pakistan hope to shape a foreign policy that ensures its long-term security and prosperity.