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DIPLOMACY OF PAKISTAN SINCE 1947: ACHIEVEMENTS AND FAILURES An

analytical Approach to Foreign Relations of Pakistan

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 DIPLOMACY OF PAKISTAN SINCE 1947:
ACHIEVEMENTS AND FAILURES
Muhammad Waseem Shahzad
Abstract
The diplomatic practices of Pakistan are based on national interest of Pakistan; however in this
document researcher has categorized first chapter about historical perspective in which different
phases exists. Second chapter of this document focuses on the analysis of diplomatic practices of
Pakistan. Third chapter focuses on famous treaties conducted by Pakistan since 1947, Forth chapter
of this paper focuses on contrast of diplomatic failures of Pakistan, Fifth chapter of document focuses
on Achievements and success of Pakistan externally. At the end of document the researcher liked to
add reviews of some literature and finally concluding remarks. Pakistan faces lot of problems at time
of independence, has to be institutionalized to survive. Very first diplomatic practice of Pakistan was
when Iran recognized Pakistan at very first time. Later practice in 1949, when Pakistan recognized
China firstly from Muslim community. But so far there were various issues such as issue of alignment
during the era of Cold War, Issue of recognition and Pakistan also faced an international issue about
Kashmir War in 1948 that was first use of weapon by Pakistan. Finally the main focus of this
document is on contemporarily and historically determining diplomacy of Pakistan.
1. Diplomatic History of Pakistan:
The diplomatic history is fulfilled by lot of success and also challenges. As new born state
Pakistan has to face and compete with them. History (diplomatically) of Pakistan is too long
means that could not be described in short paper. So In this document researcher has categorized
the diplomatic history of Pakistan that would be concise but valid as follows:
1. Early Period (From 1947-1950).
2. Early Modern Period (1950-1960).
3. Industrialization Period (1961-1970)
4. Tension Period (1970-2000)
5. Modern Period (2000-present)
a. Early Period (1947-1950)
At new born state Islamic Republic of Pakistan established its government in Karachi in
1947.Withvery limited sources. In that phase there was no formal foreign policy;Indian act of
1935 was used as domestic regulations.“Iran was a first state that recognized Pakistan, and Shah
of Iran visit to Pakistan was first diplomatic activity in diplomatic history of Pakistan”. (ALI,
2016)There was also religious emotional attachment with Pakistan of Iran. Later identical
problems came into being between Iran and Pakistan that included ShiaSunnidiscriminations etc.
Pakistan towards US & USSR
Much of Pakistani leaders were studied in West therefore in that period that was time in Pakistani
diplomatic history to think that what power bloc would be best? At the starting of Cold War,
Pakistani Prime Minister Mr. Liaqat Ali Khan received invitation from Union of Soviet Socialist
Republic (USSR) to visit their country, later an invitation was also received from United States of
America to visit. Pakistan had not formally declared its alliance with any power bloc.There is lot
of debate about empty alignment period (gap). But conclusion of that all debates is at early (pre
1950) Pakistan has no active system or clear foreign policy as new state to ally with any
superpower. Due to strategic position and location Pakistan was an important actor or helper of
United States. While coming to other side Pakistan sent his diplomatic mission to Union of
Soviet Socialist Republic in 1949 and in result USSR sent his envoy to Karachi in March 1960.
Soviet Union invited PM Liaqat Ali khan in June 1948 but invitation was accepted not
completed. Rather US invited Pm of Pakistan he visited officially in May 1950, and formally ally
with United States of America. That was first diplomatic U-turn in Pakistan’s diplomacy.
Membership to United Nations
Pakistan joined United Nations Since September 30, 1947, had been an important participant of
international peacekeeper mission. Pakistan sent his representative to UN in 1948 and very later
in 1950 Pakistan established human Rights commission in Karachi under mission of United
Nations.
Pakistan towards Asia
Pakistan had been established bilateral relations with Asian countries. Most important actor of
Asia at that period was China. Pakistan is very first Muslim country that recognized China. China
promised Pakistan to provide financial assistance. And official diplomatic relations were
established between both two countries in 1950. Indian issue was also important to be discussed
in this paper. There were 635 local states at the time of independence that were regulated and
controlled by Rajas. They were decided to be ceded in India or Pakistan. Such states are
JunaGarh, Haiderabad Dakan and Jammu& Kashmir. Peacefully all states were settled except
Jammu &Kashmir. That remains as obstacle in India Pakistan relations. War was also existed in
1948; the main reason of that war was Kashmir issue. Since Kashmir War (1948) the issue of
balance of power between India and Pakistan were emerged. Pakistan tried to establish its
constitution in this regard there were meeting conducted by Pakistan to conclude constitutional
frame work. That was very weak diplomatic practice of Pakistan.
However the diplomatic practice of Pakistan with Afghanistan was very weak. There was
boundary issue with Afghanistan. Afghani Government claimed that NWFP and KPK is part of
Afghanistan, because in fact they were found in much connectedness with Pathans, due to
religious, cultural and ethnic values. Which was later solved by treaty. Duarind Line is border
determination by both two countries. In Afghanistan remains not active diplomatic-ally of
Pakistan, and Afghanistan accurately has not recognized territory of Pakistan. Diplomatic
practice of Pakistan was came into being with China in 1950, Pakistan recognized China as third
non-communist state and first country as Islamic in 1950. Karachi and Beijing became diplomatic
consulates.
Outline of Achievements
1. Pakistan joined United Nations and in result World has recognize d status of Pakistan as
a new born nation state.
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2. Pakistan was first Muslim and third noncommunist state that recognized china that
proved in future strategic partnership as well with china.
3. Pakistan forged amicable relations with the newly-established Muslim countries, and
supported the freedom movements of Indonesia, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Eritrea
against the Western colonial powers (Ahmed, 2017) and that lead to regional
identification of Pakistan.
An outline of Diplomatic failures
1. That was time to influence in the South Asian region by Pakistan, but actually Pakistan
could not play as such more role in regional configuration.
2. The war of 1948 for Kashmir is also like bad or evil, just try to understand that Pakistan
should pay heed to survival, nor wars as new born state in the world.
Early Modern Period 1950-60
In 1951 Pakistan established diplomatic relations with France, and also establishment of
Pakistan’s relations with European countries were came into being. In 1951 World Bank
started financing projects in Pakistan. In 1951, Primed Minister of Pakistan was killed.
That was period of alignment with west rather than Union of Soviet socialist republic. In
general there are following diplomatic dimensions of that’s time period:
1. SEATO
SEATO was Southeast Asia Collective defense treaty, that came into being Manila in
September, 1954. Great Britain, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Pakistan
and France. . The purpose of the organization was to prevent communism from gaining
ground in the region. (Department, 2016)
2. Colombo Conference
Colombo conference was held on April 28, 1954 in Ceylon, and it was finished on 2nd May
1954.This conference was joined by Ceylon, Indonesia, Burma, India and Pakistan.
 Contributors of this conference were also known as Colombo powers. They all were met to
deliberate the hitches and issues which were related to all of them. (Tariq, 2014)
3. CENTO (Baghdad Pact)
The Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) was accepted in 1955 by Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan,
and Iran, as well as the United Kingdom. Although American weight, along with promises of
military and financial largesse, were key in the talks leading to the agreement, the United
States chose not to initially contribute as to avoid alienating Arab states with which it was
still trying to promote friendly relations. (SHAR, 2006)
4. Bandung Conference
Representatives of 19 nations met in Bandung to discuss role of third world developments in
cold war era. Self-determination, non-aggression, respect of political sovereignty of state.
The main goal of this conference was to protect human rights, economic cooperation and
decolonization and end to racial discrimination.
5. Pak-US Agreement of Cooperation 1959
IT is nearly ten years since Pakistan became an ally of the West. In May 1954, Pakistan
signed the Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement with the United States. Later in that year it
became a member of SEATO along with the United States, Britain, France, Thailand, the
Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. A year later, it joined the Baghdad Pact, another
mutual defense organization, with Britain, Turkey, Iran and Iraq. The United States has not
joined this organization, but has remained closely associated with it since its inception. In
1958, when Iraq left this pact, it was renamed CENTO (Central Treaty Organization): it
continued to comprise Turkey, Iran and Pakistan as its regional members. Early in 1959,
Pakistan signed (as did Turkey and Iran) a bilateral Agreement of Coöperation with the
United States, which was designed further to reinforce the defensive purposes of CENTO.
(US Deparent of State: Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), 2007)
Page 3 of 5
6. Indus Water Treaty 1960
The Indus water treaty was result of 9 years table talk/negotiations between India and
Pakistan with the help of Word Bank. The treaty provides mechanisms and strategies for
cooperation on issue of water between India and Pakistan. (Bank, 2018)
Achievements/Success of Pakistan
1. Pakistan joined formally the Western bloc and PM Liaquat visited to US, this diplomatic
action provided a lot of military and financial assistance to Pakistan.
2. Pakistan signed SEATO, for mutual and collective security and that increased the
influence of Pakistan in communist states that Pakistan is ally of United States, and any
aggression would be considered aggression against all capitalist states around the world.
3. In this era, India-Pakistan table talks can be also expected as well that resulted later in
Indus Water Treaty and that formally solved the clash of India and Pakistan on relative
distribution of water.
Diplomatic Failures of Pakistan
1. As Pakistan joined United States that was not in the Favor of USSR, because USSR had
invited PM of Pakistan before the invitation of United States. Denying USSR and joining
US caused non-cordial relations of Pakistan with USSR.
2. Pakistan had joined/signed various agreements and treaties with West, and then Pakistan
denied the concept of “self-help” of realistic theory of IR. And there was emotional
dependency on West by Pakistan and in practice US had not proved strategic provisions
of as such conducted treaties.
Industrialization Period 1961-70
There are following diplomatic activities of Pakistan that contains from 1961 to 1970:
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
According to Vienna Convention of 1961, all states should immune the diplomatic staff, envoys
and representatives. There should be no persecution of diplomats in host state. Even the vehicles
of diplomatic staff are immune from the taxes host state. Pakistan has ratified on March 29, 1962.
1965 War (India and Pakistan)
The 1965 war among India and Pakistan was the second battle among the two countries
on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Clatter did not resolve this dispute, but it did engage
the United States and the Soviet Union in ways that would have important implications
for subsequent superpower involvement in the region. (1965, 2015)
Tashkent Declaration
On January 10, 1966 President of Pakistan and PM of India met at Tashkent and discussed
diplomatically the current Situation of the dynamics of relations. Both leaders agreed to
establish peaceful and good relations among themselves.
Achievements of Pakistan
However Pakistan’s diplomacy was not strong than previous ages, but Pakistan joins various
conventions, that provided the structural role and umbrella to Pakistan.
Loss or diplomatic failures of Pakistan
1. Economy of Pakistan was too weak, and entering into war caused very bad implications
on Pakistan; according to expectation Pakistan could not survive in war more than three
days.
2. Pakistan was important ally of US and formally US had not provided any type of
assistance in reason that India is not communist country. Later in result Pakistan left
SEATO and CENTO.
3. India promoted his image well to world (Kashmir is another type issue), Pakistan won
the war, but diplomatically Pakistan was failed to promote the agenda of global peace.
Tensions Period of Diplomacy 1970-2000
In following there are important characteristics of Pakistan’s diplomatic practices that occur from
1970-2000:
Page 4 of 5
Z.A Bhutto Behave in S.C.UN
Zulifqar Bhutto Torn bill in United Nations Security Council and left the session. There are
many debates about that, many argue that it was good, many favored that Bhutto should
investigate proper the agenda of United Nations Security Council about East Pakistan.
Separation of East Pakistan
Separation of East Pakistan and emergence of Bangladesh is also security diplomatically
implication for Pakistan. It is complex to survive for West Pakistan. Manny literature was written
and that’s conclusion is with separation of East Pakistan ‘Pakistan’ has left her right angel.
Constitional Process and World Opinion
Constitution of was came into being, and that declares Pakistan as Federal State with four units
plus NWFP. One thing was special to be discussed that there is a definition of Muslims in
constitution ‘Muslim should believe on Last Prophethood. Qadeiani Scholar Mirza Masroor used
various NGOs and HR bodies to amend this point externally, but could not.
Indo Pak War of 1971
The third war between India and Pakistan took place between November 22 (when the Indian's
began providing active artillery support to the seperatists) and Dec 17, 1971.
The origins of the third Indo-Pakistani conflict (1971) were differeiipnt from the previous
conflicts. The Pakistani failure to accommodate demands for autonomy in East Pakistan in 1970
led to secessionist demands in 1971. In March 1971, Pakistan's armed forces launched a fierce
campaign to suppress the resistance movement that had emerged but encountered unexpected
mass defections among East Pakistani soldiers and police. The Pakistani forces regrouped and
reasserted their authority over most of East Pakistan by May. (1971, 2017)
 In 1970 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft was came into
being and Pakistan ratified it on November 28, 1973.
 United Nations (UN) Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971, Pakistan Acceded o
June 2, 1977.
  In 1973 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally
Protected Persons, Pakistan ratified March 26, 1976.
 On May 28, 1928 Pakistan launched and tested her nuclear weapons in Chaghi.
 Kargil Crises were came into being
Pakistan’s Diplomacy Post 9/11
1. Pakistan has to fight against terrorism with help of US.
2. Various operations were launched Zarab e Azab, and rada ul Fasad is ongoing.
3. Pakistan signed security treaties and agreements with many from its neighbours.
Department, U. S. (2016, July 10). Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), 1954. (Southeast
Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), 1954) Retrieved October 23, 2018, from
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1953-1960/seato
SHAR, M. A. (2006, December 26). Warsa Pact,cento,setato,nato. Retrieved October 23, 2018,
from css forum: http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css-optional-subjects/group-
i/international-relations/7057-warsa-pact-cento-setato-nato.html
Tariq, A. (2014, August 06). Category: Era of Alliances: 1953-1962. Retrieved October 23, 2018,
from http://historypak.com/category/foreign-policy/Era-of-Alliances-1953-1962/
US Deparent of State: Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), 1. (2007, July 14). Southeast
Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), 1954. Retrieved October 21, 2018, from History State
Gov: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1953-1960/seato

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1965, T. I.-P. (2015, December 10). The India-Pakistan War of 1965. Retrieved October 21, 2018,
from US State Gov: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1961-1968/india-pakistan-war

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Ahmed, A. (2017, Septemebr 08). 70 Years of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy, A critical appraisal.
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Bank, W. (2018, June 11). Brief Fact Sheet: The Indus Waters Treaty 1960 and the Role of the
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