THE FOREIGN

POLICY OF
PAKISTAN
LECTURE 12

DEFINITION OF FOREIGN
POLICY
Foreign

policy of a state may be defined as the

more or less consistent attitude adopted by a
nation in its relation with other nations, in
matters outside the scope of customary or
specific treaty agreement.
Foreign policy can be thought of as the key
element in the flow process by which a state
translates its broadly conceived goals into
concrete courses of action for the purpose of
attaining these goals and safeguarding its
national interests.

DEFINITION OF FOREIGN
POLICY
The

foreign policy of a country is always the

product of the interaction of many forceshistorical, ideological, economic and
geopolitical. These determine a countrys
outlook on world affairs.
In international relations there can be no eternal
friends nor can there be eternal enemies. The
only eternal factor is the national interest.
Hence the foreign policy continues to evolve
according to the changing circumstances.

THE PRINCIPLES OF
PAKISTANS FOREIGN POLICY
The

principles are derived from the Pakistan

Movement, which embodied the struggle of the
Muslims of subcontinent for an independent and
sovereign state. Wherein they could live in
accordance with their spiritual and cultural
heritage, and build a social order based on
Islamic values and traditions.

THE PRINCIPLES OF
PAKISTANS FOREIGN POLICY
The

Fundamental principles are as follows:

Protection of Freedom & Sovereignty of
the country: The fundamental principle of
the foreign policy of Pakistan is that the
freedom and sovereignty of the country
must be preserved and Pakistan should be
made strong enough to resist all kinds of
internal and external dangers.

THE PRINCIPLES OF
PAKISTANS FOREIGN POLICY
Close

relations with Muslim countries: owing to

its impelling sense of Muslim nationhood rooted in
Islamic ideology, it is natural that Pakistan should
give its unreserved support to the promotion of
Islamic unity and solidarity. Pakistan has always
tried to establish close and friendly relations with
the Muslim countries.
Regional Cooperation: it has been Pakistans
endeavor to establish peaceful and mutually
beneficial relations with its neighboring countries.
And is firmly committed to SAARC & ECO.

THE PRINCIPLES OF
PAKISTANS FOREIGN POLICY
Keeping

away from Super Power Politics: Pakistan

wants to keep itself away from the politics of super
powers and as far as possible to have friendly relations
with all countries. Experience shows that involvement
in the ideological and military conflicts between super
powers is very harmful for developing countries. The
USA is Pakistans old friend and gives valuable financial
and technical aid. Similarly, relationship with China is
very cordial and China has always stood by Pakistan. It
also provides financial and technical aid to enable
Pakistan to progress industrially. Our relationship with
Russia, are not bad either. Their experts are helping
Pakistan in oil exploration.

THE PRINCIPLES OF
PAKISTANS FOREIGN POLICY
Support

for Self-Determination: the

character of Pakistans foreign policy is also
determined by its experience of struggle
against colonialism and foreign domination.
Pakistan has had a consistent struggle against
colonialism, racism, apartheid (domination of
one racial group over the other) while
extending unreserved assistance to the cause
of liberation and self-determination in Asia,
Africa and Latin America.

THE PRINCIPLES OF
PAKISTANS FOREIGN POLICY
Nuclear

Non-Proliferation and Disarmament:

Pakistan is deeply conscious of the fact that
international peace and security cannot be
achieved and sustained in the world with arms.
Disarmament is the imperative condition for
truly durable peace in the world. Pakistan has
a vital stake in promotion of disarmament both
in the nuclear and conventional fields.

THE PRINCIPLES OF
PAKISTANS FOREIGN POLICY
New

International Economic Order: Pakistan

is committed to the promotion of an equitable
international economic order. This requires
restoration of stable and sustained global
economic growth especially in the developing
world. It can be attained through more
balanced, and non-discriminatory trade
relations, enhanced economic and
technological cooperation including transfer of
technology, resolution of the debt burden,
monetary stability and food security.

THE PRINCIPLES OF
PAKISTANS FOREIGN POLICY
Implementation

of the UN Charter: Pakistan

always act upon the UN charter and support
any move by the UN to implement it. Pakistan
became a member of the UN in 1947. From
that day on it has been actively participating
in the activities of the UN and always worked
to make it more active.

SIX IMPORTANT
PHASES OF
PAKISTAN'S
FOREIGN POLICY

ERA OF NEUTRALITY
1947-1953

ERA OF NEUTRALITY 1947-1953

The

international system that emerged after Second

World War was characterized by cold war and tight
bipolarity. The foreign policy of the first few years of
the existence of Pakistan can be labeled as the nonaligned years, because Pakistan was essentially trying
to maintain neutrality in the ongoing cold war during
this period. Both USA & USSR were inviting Pakistan for
support in the cold war alignments.
However Pakistan was itself beset with the task of
putting things together in the promised land. It was
confronted with all sorts of economic, political and
religious problems. Pakistan during that period tried to
overcome multiple security threats from India and
Afghanistan.

ERA OF NEUTRALITY 1947-1953

Pakistan

faced the following problems which

affected its foreign policy resulting in its
future economic and military dependence
on foreign powers:
Hostile

relations with India. In 1948 there was a

war between the two countries on the Kashmir
dispute. The matter was referred to the UN and
under resolution passed by the Security Council,
both countries agreed to hold plebiscite in
Kashmir; however India refused to implement
the resolution and Kashmir has been an occupied
territory since.

ERA OF NEUTRALITY 1947-1953

Dispute

between India and Pakistan over the

division of assets and the distribution of river
water.
After Pakistan's establishment, Afghanistan
demonstrated its hostility and objected on
Pakistans membership in the UN.
In

the period of neutrality, majority of the

Muslim countries were under the colonial
subjugation. Owning to their weak position,
Pakistan couldn't expect any support from
the Muslim world.

ERA OF NEUTRALITY 1947-1953

Because

of the immediate security

threats and weak military strength,
Pakistan had 4 options to protect its
security:
To remain

neutral
To rely on the Muslim countries
To join the Soviet bloc
To join the Western Alliance System

ERA OF NEUTRALITY 1947-1953

Owing

to 2 main reasons Pakistan opted for the

fourth option:
The

US offered Pakistan to join the Alliance System

which was meant to contain communism (State
owning everything). Although the Western Alliance
System was aimed to check the spread of
Communism, yet Pakistan hoped to acquire
substantial economic and military aid.
The elite of Pakistan was under the western
influence. A strong pro-west lobby had advocated
Pakistans joining the Western Alliance System.
Ideologically, Pakistan was more akin to the US than
to the Soviet Union.

ERA OF ALLIANCE
1954-1962

ERA OF ALLIANCE 1954-1962

Pakistan joined SEATO (South East Asian Treaty

Organization)in 1954 and CENTO (Central Treaty
Organization) in 1955. in 1959, Pakistan and the US
signed a Defense Pact in which US later guaranteed the
security of Pakistan in the event of a communist
attack. Pakistans inclusion in Western Alliance System
offended India, Afghanistan, Soviet Union and Egypt.
Pakistan was termed as US Protg during the period
of Alliances. Pakistan received substantial economic
and military assistance from the US. However, Pakistan
could not achieve its main objective i.e. security by
joining these alliance systems.

ERA OF ALLIANCE 1954-1962

Although

CENTO & SEATO were directed against the

communist powers, yet Pakistan hoped to acquire
western support to solve the Kashmir issue. The US
did not put any pressure on India to hold plebiscite
in Kashmir, moreover, few important developments
forced Pakistan to reconsider its pro-western stand:
The

US spy plane incident of 1960 had exposed the

insecurity of Pakistan in the event of the Soviet attack.
The Khrushchev threatened to wipe out Peshawar from
where U-2 had flown over the Soviet Union. The American
bases in Pakistan had created embarrassment for
Islamabad.

ERA OF ALLIANCE 1954-1962

In 1962, Sino-Indo border war forced Pakistan to seek

alternate options than depending on the Western
Alliance System. In US massive military support to
India, not withstanding reservations shown by Pakistan,
added frustration among policy makers in Islamabad.
Pakistan protested to the US that the
American/Western military assistance to India would be
used against Pakistan.
After 1962, the global political climate had changed
from cold war to peaceful coexistence- CENTO and
SEATO were the legacies of the cold war and after a
political settlement between the US and Soviet Union,
many countries begun to delink themselves from super
power rivalry.

ERA OF ALLIANCE 1954-1962

Pakistans

membership of the CENTO put it to a

difficult test of its Islamic enthusiasm verses
national interest. The entire Arab world (except
Iraq) kept safe distance from the Pact because
they realized the US and Britain to be the powers
behind Israel. Pakistans decision to join the Pact
isolated it from the major Arab nations which was
further reinforced by its support of the British and
French in the Suez crisis of 1956.

ERA OF ALLIANCE 1954-1962

The

period of alliances had pushed Pakistan heavily

under the US influence. The cost of alliance was more
than actual gain. Pakistan earned ill will of a number of
countries. It forced Pakistan to minimize its
participation in SEATO and CENTO and open new
avenues for a more assertive role in world affairs.
Despite its strained relations with the Arabs, its
friendship with Turkey and Iran, two other non-Arab
countries of the region, continued to grow during this
phase due to their common pro-western policies. Even
during this period, however, it consistently supported
the cause of the Palestinians in all international
forums.

ERA OF BILATERALISM
1963-1978

ERA OF BILATERALISM 1963-1978

The

policy of bilateralism was the reaction of

Pakistans active involvement in the politics of
cold war. Bilateralism could be defined as the
conduct of relationship between states in such
a way that equidistance with all super powers
is manipulated. That there should not be a tilt
towards any specific power.

ERA OF BILATERALISM 1963-1978

During

that period, Pakistan lessened its

dependence on the Western Alliance System
and developed close and cordial relations with
China as an alternative source of support
against India. The US adopted an even-handed
policy toward the Pakistan and India and
subsequently suspended military assistance to
both countries.

ERA OF BILATERALISM 1963-1978

During

this phase, Pakistan was looking for new

friends in the international arena because the
old alignments appeared inadequate in terms
of its security requirements. It responded to
Soviet gestures of friendship and its relations
with the Soviet Union improved considerably.
After the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, Moscow
offered to mediate between India and Pakistan.
Soviet Union played a vital role in the Tashkent
agreement of January 1966. Also, it once again
turned to the Third World and Middle East
countries.

ERA OF BILATERALISM 1963-1978

Its

relations with the Arab world started to grow

stronger. During the 1967 Arab-Israeli war it
extended all out support for the Arabs.
With the assumption of power by Z.A. Bhutto,
Pakistan charted a new course in its foreign
relations. Immediately, after coming to power, he
took a tour of 20 Muslim countries of the Middle
East which he called a mission of renaissance of
relations with the Muslim world. In 1972,
Pakistan withdrew from the Commonwealth,
SEATO and recognized the Socialist Governments
of North Korea and North Vietnam.

ERA OF BILATERALISM 1963-1978

Bhutto

missed no opportunity to extend total support

for Arabs during the Ramadan war of 1973 against
Israel and readily exploited the situation to enhance
Pakistans role in the Islamic world by hosting the
second Islamic Summit Conference in Lahore in 1974.
US Pakistan relationship was not as cordial as they
were during 1950s and 1960s. Twice the US
suspended military aid to Pakistan during 1965 and
1971 Indo-Pakistan war.
One advantage Pakistan achieved during this Era was
its increasing economic and political relations with
the Third World and the Socialist Countries.

ERA OF NON ALIGNMENT

1979-1989

ERA OF NON ALIGNMENT 19791989

The US military, economic and political influence was
liquidated in Iran in 1979. After the revolution, Iran
announced its withdrawal from CENTO. Also, CENTO has
become ineffective owing to the top priority given by the
US in the Middle East and the Gulf. After Irans
withdrawal, Pakistan also decided to withdraw, enabling
it to join NAM.
Pakistan was included in the NAM at the Havana Summit
of September, 1979. Three reasons behind joining NAM
are:

Changing geo-political situation in South-West Asia. The

Revolution in Afghanistan (April, 1978) and Islamic Revolution in
Iran (February, 1979) also compelled Pakistan to join.

ERA OF NON ALIGNMENT 19791989

Pakistan

did not want to remain cut off from the midstream

of politics in the Third World. By joining NAM, Pakistan
hoped to acquire recognition and prestige in the Third
World.
Internally, several political groups had demanded Pakistans
withdrawal from the Western Alliance System and wanted
the country to join NAM.

Pakistans relations with US had deteriorated especially

after the suspension of American economic raid in 1979
as a protest against Pakistans nuclear program. But the
situation dramatically changed after Russian
intervention in Afghanistan which forced USA to
reorient its relation with Pakistan. Asia emerged as a
region of high priority for the US policy-makers.

ERA OF NON ALIGNMENT 19791989

While

maintaining its membership in the NAM,

Pakistan signed a 3.2 (1982) and 4.02 (1986)
billion dollar package deal with the US. After
Russian intervention in Afghanistan, the US did
not object Pakistans nuclear program- in fact it
received a big boost. During this period, following
were the main objectives of Pakistans foreign
policy:

ERA OF NON ALIGNMENT 19791989

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Friendly and cordial relations with the Peoples

Republic of China
Close relations with US
Better economic and political ties with the Muslim
countries
Policy of Non-Alignment in world affairs
Security

ERA OF POST COLD WAR

1990- SEPTEMBER 11,
2001

ERA OF POST COLD WAR 1990SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

The

cold war era which lasted for around 45 years

collapsed in 1990-1991 as the result of following
events:
Gulf

crisis and Gulf war which proved the supremacy

of US-led coalition against Iraq. The UN Security
Council passed several resolutions against Iraq
without any resistance from Moscow or Beijing.
The dismantling of Warsaw Pact and Soviet Disunion.
The collapse of communist rule in the former USSR
and the subsequent emergence of 15 sovereign states
(6 Muslim and 9 non-Muslim) also encouraged the US
to assert its position on the following issues:

ERA OF POST COLD WAR 1990SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

Nuclear

Proliferation, particularly in some developing

countries
Action against Libya
Seeking economic concessions from Japan and West
European countries to overcome its economic problems
Break up Yugoslavia and civil war which exposed the
helplessness of Europe interns of ethnic and racial
upsurge
Inability of developing countries to seek justice from
the developed world on economic and political matters
Frequent intervention of the West in the internal
affairs of weak and small states.

ERA OF POST COLD WAR 1990SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

When the cold war ended in 1990, Pakistan lost precious
time in adjusting to the new realities. As the result
Pakistan was isolated, pressurized to roll-back its
nuclear program, threatened with the terrorist tag,
silenced on Kashmir, abandoned in Afghanistan and seen
with suspicion even in parts of the Arab and Islamic
world.
For Pakistan, the post-cold war situation led to many
challenges in context of its relations with India, US and
China. The US military and economic aid suspension
against Pakistan, new trends in US-Indo relations and
that in relations between Beijing and New Delhi should
be seen in the perspective of new development
priorities.

ERA OF POST COLD WAR 1990SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

It was pointed out by President Ghulam Ishaque Khan of
Pakistan that if the New World Order means the
domination or monopoly of one power on the rest of
the world then it couldnt be acceptable to Pakistan.
But given economic, military, and technological
superiority of the West compared to the developing
world, Pakistan and other countries belonging to the
non-western world are not in a position to challenge
unfair acts of big powers.
There are also reports with regard to the refusal of G-8
countries (US, Britain, Canada, Japan, Italy, Russia,
France and Germany) to render economic and
technological assistance to the developing world.

ERA OF POST COLD WAR 1990SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

The least developed countries that are dependant on
the west for technology and aid, will find it difficult to
change the course of things in the world politics.
On May 18, 1998 and again on 30 May, 1998, Pakistan
successfully conducted nuclear tests at Chagai hills in
Balochistan in reaction to Indian nuclear bomb testing.
As reaction of this event USA clamped economic and
military sanctions on Pakistan under the Pressler
Amendment (which widened the conventional gap
between India and Pakistan).
That same year, the intensification of the freedom
movement in occupied Kashmir led to the massive
deployment of Indian troops in occupied Kashmir.

ERA OF GLOBAL ANTITERRORISM

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001TILL PRESENT

ERA OF GLOBAL ANTI-TERRORISM

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001- TILL PRESENT

The 11 September 2001 attacks in New York and

Washington placed Pakistan in grave foreign policy
dilemmas. Pakistans strategic policy brought it face to
face with the US ultimatums:
Pakistan

should disregard the Taliban

Discard Islamic Jihad
Discard Islamic Fundamentalists and
Become an accomplice in the American military intervention
in Afghanistan or else face the consequences.

Pakistan boldly decided to join the international

coalition against the war on terrorism and became a
frontline state in this fight.

ERA OF GLOBAL ANTI-TERRORISM

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001- TILL PRESENT
In November, 2001 the US led multi-nation force
succeeded in removing Taliban from power in
Afghanistan and a multi-ethnic interim government
under Karzai has been installed in Kabul. In this
campaign Pakistan provided bases for launching military
operations against Taliban-once Pakistan's ally in
Afghanistan. In March-April 2003, USA and Britain forces
invaded Iraq and dislodged anti-American Saddam
regime.
In these two events, general Pervaiz Musharraf fully
supported USA. By seizing this opportunity, Pakistan
reached a position of eminence on the international
stage.

ERA OF GLOBAL ANTI-TERRORISM

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001- TILL PRESENT

Lets examine the functioning of foreign policy. Three

elements are vital:
Any foreign policy to be successful it has to be rooted in its
domestic base which includes political stability, national
consensus, sound economy and quality of leadership.
Relationship with distant Godfathers are no substitute for bonds in
the region of a countrys location. Pakistan can have the best
relationship with the US, but it looses out on its neighborhood,
with hostility from Iran and Afghanistan, distancing from Central
Asia and a cooling off with China, then it would end up
undermining its core interests.
Countries deflect pressures and threats through skilful diplomacy,
using innovative and novel means to promote their interests.

ERA OF GLOBAL ANTI-TERRORISM

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001- TILL PRESENT

In the past 40 years, Pakistans foreign policy has largely

revolved around a triangle of India (countering the adversary),
China (the enemy of my enemy is a friend) and the US (serving
Washingtons interests, as in 1960s, 1971, 1980s and currently).
Pakistan needs to build more solid and enduring foundations of
its foreign policy.
In the last few years, India has built bridges with Iran, China,
Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the UAE in Pakistans vicinity, while
at the same time expanding its diplomatic leverage by forming a
new India, Brazil and South Africa Dialogue forum (IBSA).
An effective foreign policy requires stability and a national
consensus on issues. Economic and technical development on
the basis of self-reliance is equally important to advance the
welfare of our people and to back up our international position.

SOUTH ASIAN
ASSOCIATION FOR
REGIONAL COOPERATION
(SAARC)

SAARC

The SAARC is a regional alliance comprising of the

following countries: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh,
Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives.
The concept of regional cooperation was initiated
by the President General Zia-ur-Rahman of
Bangladesh. During his visits to Pakistan, India,
Nepal and Sri Lanka in 1978-1979, He put forward
the idea of South Asian Regional Cooperation. Thus
SAARC came into being.
The first summit of the heads of states and
governments of South Asia was held on 7-8
December 1985 at Dhaka in which SAARC was
established on 8 December. President General
Husain Mohammed Ershad of Bangladesh was its
first chairman.

SAARC

Three main reasons were behind this initiative:

Deteriorating international economic environment for
South Asia resulting from the break-down of the NorthSouth negotiations and worsening prospects for the
South Asian economies.
The emergence of like-minded, western oriented
regimes in South Asia in eighties.
The Soviet Military intervention in Afghanistan. This
prompted the South Asian leaders to unite to prevent
Super Power intervention and rivalry in South Asia, and
promote a regional forum to understand each other
better and to have economic, social, cultural and
scientific cooperation.

SAARC
In

creating and running SAARC all the members

were very cautious and realistic because of their
bilateral problems.
The member countries have so far led twelve
summit conferences. The last being held on 28
29 April 2010, in Bhutan.

SAARC

Fields of Cooperation: the summit meeting of Dhaka (1985)

established the organization also confirmed the broad areas
in which to consolidate cooperation. Including:
Agriculture
Rural development
Health and population activities
Telecommunications
Meteorology (study of atmosphere)
Postal services
Transport service
Science and technology
Sports
Arts and culture

SAARC

Structure:
the

structure is designed in a way that would avoid

confrontation among member states.
The highest decision-making authority rests with SAARC
Summit Conference.
The Council Ministers formulate policies and appoint
Secretary General on the basis of rotation.

Objectives:
To promote

the welfare of the people and improve their lives,

to accelerate economic growth, to strengthen self-reliance
among the countries, to contribute to mutual trust, to
promote collaboration, to strengthen cooperation with other
developing countries, to promote efforts for suppression of
terrorism in South Asia.

SAARC
Achievements:

although SAARC members have

the potential to accelerate the developmental
process, the results so far have been
disappointing.

NON- ALIGNED
MOVEMENT
(NAM)

NAM

Non-alignment is a political status. It refers to a state that

declares itself aloof from bloc politics and free from
alliances notably military pacts with any bloc or a super
power. To judge every international issue on its merits. To
avoid taking side in the cold war. Moreover, such a state
would not allow its territory to be used for military basis of
super powers.
After the end of the Second World War, numerous states of
Asia and Africa were able to free themselves from the
colonial rule. The continuous tension between the US and
USSR created great problems for those countries that were
not only small in size but were under-developed as well.
None of them could afford to invite annoyance of any of
the super powers in shape of economic blockade or military
intervention.

NAM
These

countries eagerly wanted to preserve

their independence and become economically
self-sufficient. With this in view, a big gathering
of Asian and African states took place in Kandy
(Sri Lanka) from 28 April to 2 May, 1954, mainly
due to the efforts of Soekarno of Indonesia,
Jamal Abdul Naseer of Egypt, Marshal Tito of
Yugoslavia and Jawaharlal Nehru of India, to
discuss the problems facing their respective
countries.

NAM

The all 29 participating countries mutually concluded

five principles in the Conference as the aims and objects
of the newly proposed platform. They were:
To respect

and safeguard each others sovereignty, territorial

integrity and independence.
To refrain from acts of aggression and use of force.
To recognize the equality and liberty of all nations.
To work for an equitable world Economic Order.
To strive for the end of colonialism and racial discrimination.

Pakistan became full fledged member of NAM in the

Sixth Summit Conference which was held at Havana
(Cuba) on 3 September, 1979. By 2011, the membership
of NAM rose to 120 member states.

ORGANIZATION OF THE
ISLAMIC MOVEMENT
(OIC)

OIC
It

is a symbol of Islamic unity and integrity of

the Muslim world. This organization provides the
Islamic world a unique forum to solve the
problems faced by Muslim world and to increase
cooperation not only amongst the Muslim
countries but also between other countries and
the Islamic States.
By September 2004, the membership of OIC rose
to 60 Muslim countries. So far, 11 conferences
have been held at different places. The last one
during March 1314, 2008 in Dakar, Senegal.

OIC
The

salient features of the OIC include:

To promote Islamic solidarity.
To consolidate cooperation among member
states in the economic, social, cultural,
scientific and other vital fields.
To endeavor to eliminate racial segregation.
To support international peace and security.
To coordinate all efforts for the safeguard of
the Holy Places and support of the struggle of
the people of Palestine.

OIC
To strengthen

the struggle of all Muslim

people with a view to safeguard their dignity,
independence and national rights.
To create a suitable atmosphere for the
promotion of cooperation and understanding
among member states and other countries.

OIC
Pakistans
Pakistan

contribution to OIC:

played a significant role in the establishment

of the OIC in 1969 and became an active member.
The Second meeting of the Foreign Ministers of
Islamic countries took place at Karachi from 26 to 28
December, 1970.
In October, 1980, the President of Pakistan was
accorded the unique honor of addressing the UN
General Assembly, on behalf of the entire Islamic
World.
Mr. Sharifuddin Pirzada was unanimously elected
Secretary General of the OIC, for the next four-year
term in 1984.

OIC
Causes

of OIC failure:

toothless paper tiger, this is what critics say

about OIC. It is true OIC has never been strong
enough to play an important role in international
politics. The main reason OIC was established 35
years ago was to safeguard and protect the Muslims
rights globally, but it has not been achieved.
Islamic

states have not been in a culture of deploying

their resources in an institutional framework.
The Arab and African nations dont have an evolving
policy, if it were not for Pakistan, Turkey, Iran,
Bangladesh and Malaysia, OIC would have been buried
long ago.

OIC
People

working at the Headquarter of OIC

(Jeddah) of different countries, have doubtful
character and abilities.
Nearly all Islamic countries are ruled by
corrupt and intellectually bankrupt regimes.
Muslims have never acted as one nation.
Most Muslim countries are from the third
world and are developing their economics.
The Shia-Sunni divide in the Muslim world.
The summit conference has never yielded
positive results.

OIC
Different

forms of government are there in

the member countries e.g. Democracy,
Kingship and Military rule. This is one reason
there is no coherence and harmony in the
thinking of the rulers.
Most governments are controlled by US either
economically or militarily and it has the
capability to direct minor nations especially
the Muslim world.
There is a lack of cooperation among the OIC
countries.

ECONOMIC COOPERATION
ORGANIZATION
(ECO)

ECO
ECO was established in January 1985, its regional
cooperation among Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. It became
fully operational in 1991. Later on it increased to ten
when six former Soviet republics of Central Asia
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan along with Afghanistan
were admitted into the organization.
The expanded ECO covered a territory of more than 7
million square kilometers- immensely rich in natural
resources including oil and gas. It embraced over 350
million people, hardworking and imbued with great
entrepreneurial spirit.

ECO
ECO

aims to fulfill the following:

Promote

political, economic, social, technical

and cultural cooperation.
Establish common projects.
Promote intra regional trade.
Improve means of communication among
members.
Cooperate in shipping, air transport, service,
insurance, postal tariffs and tourism.

ECO
In

Economic viability, ECO ranks second

only to European Union. It derives its
strength from the close proximity,
common frontiers, Muslim majority,
traditional trade links, common culture
heritage and vast untapped natural
resources of the member countries.

ECO
These

countries can serve as a huge market for

the consumption of the surplus industrial
products and agricultural produces of one
another. For example:
Pakistan,

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan possess

modern textile industry and can provide textile
products and knitwear at cheaper rates.
Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Pakistan produce fine
cotton in excess of their needs.
Iran can provide mineral oil and petrochemicals.
Turkey is abundant in processed foods.
Kyrgyzstan manufactures agricultural machinery and
Afghanistan produces fruits in large quantity.