Editing Pakistan (section)

=== Foreign relations ===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Pakistan}}

Since independence, Pakistan has aimed to maintain an independent foreign policy.{{sfn|Lodhi|2022}} Pakistan's [[Foreign policy of Pakistan|foreign policy]] and [[Pakistani geostrategy|geostrategy]] focus on the economy, security, [[Nationalism in Pakistan|national identity]], and territorial integrity, as well as building close ties with other Muslim nations.{{sfn|Hamid et al.|2023}} According to [[Hasan Askari Rizvi]], a foreign policy expert, "Pakistan highlights sovereign equality of states, bilateralism, mutuality of interests, and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs as the cardinal features of its foreign policy."{{sfn|Rizvi|2004}}

The [[Kashmir conflict]] remains a major issue between Pakistan and India, with three of their [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|four wars]] fought over it.{{sfn|Stewart-Ingersoll|Frazier|2012}} Due partly to strained relations with India, Pakistan has close ties with Turkey and Iran, both focal points in its foreign policy.{{sfn|Anwar|2006}} Saudi Arabia also holds importance in Pakistan's foreign relations.{{sfn|Pande|2011|page=167}}

As a non-signatory of the [[Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons|Treaty on Nuclear Non-Proliferation]], Pakistan holds influence in the [[International Atomic Energy Agency|IAEA]].{{sfn|Chakma|2012}} For years, Pakistan has blocked an [[Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty|international treaty]] to limit [[fissile material]], arguing that its stockpile does not meet its long-term needs.{{sfn|Kmentt|2021}} Pakistan's nuclear program in the 20th century aimed to counter India's nuclear ambitions in the [[South Asia|region]], and [[Pakistan's nuclear testing series|reciprocal nuclear tests]] ensued after India's [[Pokhran-II|nuclear tests]], solidifying Pakistan as a [[Nuclear power in Pakistan|nuclear power]].{{sfn|Izuyama|Ogawa|2003}} Pakistan maintains a policy of [[N-deterrence|Full spectrum deterrence]], considering its nuclear program vital for [[Pakistan and its Nuclear Deterrent Program|deterring]] foreign aggression.{{sfn|Noor|2023}}

[[File:SCO meeting (2022-09-16).jpg|thumb|Prime Minister [[Shehbaz Sharif]] at the 2022 [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation]] summit{{sfn|Embassy of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Malta|2022}}]]

Located strategically in the world's major maritime oil supply lines and communication [[Optical fiber|fiber optic corridors]], Pakistan also enjoys proximity to the natural resources of Central Asian countries.{{sfn|Shah|1997}} Pakistan actively participates in the United Nations with a [[Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations|Permanent Representative]] representing its positions in international politics.{{sfn|Wasi|2005}} It has advocated for the concept of "[[enlightened moderation]]" in the Muslim world.{{sfn|Zahra|Bouckaert|Jadoon|Jabeen|2022}} Pakistan is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, [[South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation|SAARC]], [[Economic Cooperation Organization|ECO]],{{sfn|Turner|2016}}{{sfn|Kemal|2004}} and the [[G20 developing nations]].{{sfn|Hoekman|Kostecki|2009}}

[[File:Motorcade in Arrival Ceremonies for Muhammad Ayub Khan, President of Pakistan use.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|alt=(L–R) English: Motorcade for President Mohammad Ayub Khan of Pakistan. In open car (Lincoln-Mercury Continental with bubble top): Secret Service agent William Greer (driving); Military Aide to the President General Chester V. Clifton (front seat, centre); Secret Service Agent Gerald "Jerry" Behn (front seat, right, partially hidden); President Mohammad Ayub Khan (standing); President John F. Kennedy (standing). Crowd watching. 14th Street, Washington, D.C.| President of Pakistan [[Ayub Khan (general)|Ayub Khan]] with US President [[John F. Kennedy]] in 1961{{sfn|Picone|2020}}|left]]

Pakistan is designated as an "Iron Brother" by China, emphasizing the significance of their close and supportive [[China–Pakistan relations|relationship]].{{sfn|Qingyan|2021}} In the 1950s, Pakistan opposed the [[Soviet Union]] for geopolitical reasons. During the [[Soviet–Afghan War]] in the 1980s, it was a close ally of the United States.{{sfn|Rizvi|2004}} Relations with Russia have improved since the end of the [[Cold War]],{{sfn|Clary|2022}} but Pakistan's relationship with the United States has been "on-and-off."{{sfn|Rizvi|2004}} Initially a close ally during the Cold War,{{sfn|Karat|2007}} Pakistan's relations with the US soured in the 1990s due to [[Pressler amendment|sanctions]] over its secretive nuclear program.{{sfn|Mazzetti|2013}} Since [[September 11 attacks|9/11]], Pakistan has been a US ally on [[counterterrorism]], but their relationship has been strained due to diverging interests and mistrust during the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|20-year war]] and terrorism issues. Although Pakistan was granted [[major non-NATO ally]] status by the U.S. in 2004,{{sfn|Zaidi|Ahmad|2021}} it faced accusations of supporting the [[Taliban insurgency|Taliban insurgents]] in Afghanistan.{{sfn|Yousafzai|2021}}

Pakistan does not have formal [[Pakistan-Israel relations|diplomatic relations]] with [[Israel]]; nonetheless, an exchange occurred between the two countries in 2005, with Turkey acting as an intermediary.{{sfn|Zelnick|2013}}

==== Relations with China ====
{{Main|China–Pakistan relations}}
[[File:Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and Zhou Enlai signing the Treaty of Friendship Between China and Pakistan in Beijing.jpg|upright=0.8|thumb|Pakistan Prime Minister [[Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy]] with Chinese Premier [[Zhou Enlai]] signing the Treaty of Friendship Between China and Pakistan.{{sfn|van Tonder|2018}} Pakistan is host to China's largest embassy.{{sfn|Schuurmans|2023|page=73}}]]

Pakistan was among the first nations to establish formal diplomatic ties with the China,{{sfn|Cohen|2011}} forging a strong relationship since China's [[Sino-Indian War|1962 conflict]] with India, culminating in a special bond.{{sfn|Schwinghammer|2018}} During the 1970s, Pakistan acted as an intermediary in U.S.-China rapprochement,{{sfn|Afridi|Bajoria|2010}} facilitating US President [[Richard Nixon]]'s [[1972 Nixon visit to China|historic visit]] to China.{{sfn|Roos|2024}}{{sfn|Lord|Mastro|Naftali|Brinkley|2022}} Despite changes in Pakistani governance and regional/global dynamics, China's influence in Pakistan remains paramount.{{sfn|Afridi|Bajoria|2010}} In reciprocation, China stands as Pakistan's largest trading partner, with substantial investment in Pakistani infrastructure, notably the [[Gwadar port]].{{sfn|Raju|2021}} In 2015 alone, they inked 51 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperative efforts.{{sfn|Rimmer|2020}} Both nations signed a [[China–Pakistan Free Trade Agreement|Free Trade Agreement]] in 2006,{{sfn|Zreik|2024}} with China making its largest investment in Pakistan's history through [[CPEC]].{{sfn|Dorsey|2018}} Pakistan acts as China's liaison to the Muslim world,{{sfn|Shih|2022}} and both nations support each other on sensitive issues like Kashmir, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and more.{{sfn|Pant|2011}}

==== Relations with the Muslim world ====
After Independence, Pakistan vigorously pursued bilateral relations with other Muslim countries.{{R|Pasha-2005-1}} The [[Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar|Ali]] brothers sought to project Pakistan as the natural leader of the Islamic world, partly due to its significant manpower and military strength.{{R|Pasha-2005-2}} [[Chaudhry Khaliquzzaman|Khaliquzzaman]], a prominent [[All India Muslim League|Muslim League]] leader, declared Pakistan's ambition to unite all Muslim countries into [[Islamistan]], a pan-Islamic entity.{{R|Dhulipala-2015-5}}

These developments, alongside Pakistan's creation, didn't receive approval from the United States, with British Prime Minister [[Clement Attlee]] expressing a hope for India and Pakistan to reunite.{{R|Haqqani-2013-1}} However, due to a nationalist awakening in the Arab world at that time, there was little interest in Pakistan's Pan-Islamic aspirations.{{R|Haqqani-2013-2}} Some Arab countries perceived the 'Islamistan' project as Pakistan's bid to dominate other Muslim states.{{R|Roberts-2003}}

Pakistan's founder, [[Muhammad Ali Jinnah]], consistently advocated for the [[Palestinian nationalism|Palestinian cause]], shaping Pakistan's foreign policy to support Palestinian rights within the broader framework of Muslim solidarity.{{sfn|Jafri|Sultana|Ijaz|2021}} During the [[Six-Day War|1967 Arab-Israel war]], Pakistan supported the Arab states and played a key role in securing Iran's backing for the Arab cause both within the U.N. and beyond.{{sfn|Arora|Grover|1995}}

Pakistan's relations with Iran have been strained by sectarian tensions,{{R|Hunter-2010}} with both Iran and Saudi Arabia using Pakistan as a battleground for their proxy sectarian war.{{R|Pande-2011-2}} Since the early days of the [[Iran–Iraq war]], President [[Zia-ul-Haq]] played an important mediatory role, with Pakistan actively engaging in efforts to end the conflict.{{sfn|Talbot|2020}}{{sfn|Rose|Husain|1985}} Pakistan provided support to Saudi Arabia during the [[Gulf War]].{{sfn|Halladay|Matei|Bruneau|2021}} Pakistan chose to remain neutral during [[Operation Decisive Storm]], refraining from sending military support to Saudi Arabia in its offensive against [[Yemen]]. Instead, Pakistan aimed to play a proactive diplomatic role in resolving the crisis,{{sfn|Panda|2019}} which led to tensions between the two countries.{{sfn|Halladay|Matei|Bruneau|2021}} In 2016, Pakistan mediated between Saudi Arabia and Iran following the execution of Shia cleric [[Nimr al-Nimr]], with visits to both countries by then Prime Minister [[Nawaz Sharif]] and the Chief of Army Staff, [[Raheel Sharif]].{{sfn|Basharat|2023}}

Pakistan provided refuge to millions of displaced Afghans after the [[Soviet–Afghan War|Soviet invasion]] and supported the [[Afghan mujahideen]] in their efforts to expel Soviet forces from Afghanistan.{{sfn|Riedel|2010}} After the Soviets withdrew, [[Afghan Civil War (1989–1992)|infighting erupted among Mujahideen factions]] over control of Afghanistan. Pakistan facilitated [[Peshawar Accord|peace talks]] to help end the conflict.{{sfn|Visoka|Richmond|2022}} After four years of unresolved conflict between rival Mujahideen groups, Pakistan helped establish the Taliban as a stabilizing force.{{sfn|Maizland|2023}} Pakistan's support for the Sunni Taliban in Afghanistan challenged Shia-led Iran, which opposed a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.{{R|Pande-2011-2}}

Pakistan vigorously advocated for self-determination among Muslims globally. Its efforts in supporting independence movements in countries like Indonesia, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and [[Eritrea]] fostered strong ties.{{R|Pande-2011-1}} Due to its support for [[Azerbaijan]] in the [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]], Pakistan has not established [[Armenia–Pakistan relations|diplomatic relations]] with [[Armenia]].{{sfn|Berg|Kursani|2021}}{{sfn|Babayev|Schoch|Spanger|2019}}

Pakistan and Bangladesh have experienced strained relations, particularly under the [[Awami League]] governments led by [[Sheikh Hasina]], driven by her pro-India stance and historical grievances.{{sfn|Ahmed|Zahoor|2019}}

Pakistan, a prominent member of the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] (OIC), prioritizes maintaining cultural, political, social, and economic relations with Arab and other Muslim-majority nations in its foreign policy.{{sfn|Pande|2011}}