TLDR;
This video summarizes Abdul Sattar's book "Pakistan Foreign Policy 1947 to 2009," covering key events and decisions that shaped Pakistan's foreign policy. It discusses the emergence of Pakistan, its early foreign policy choices, the Kashmir issue, the search for security through alliances, nuclear tests, relations with India and Afghanistan, and the impact of terrorism and global events on Pakistan's foreign policy.
- Pakistan's foreign policy evolved significantly from 1947 to 2009, influenced by regional conflicts, global alliances, and internal security concerns.
- Key decisions, such as joining alliances and developing nuclear capabilities, were driven by national interests and security considerations.
- The relationship between Pakistan and the United States experienced periods of cooperation and tension, shaped by changing geopolitical dynamics and strategic priorities.
The Emergence of Pakistan [0:10]
Pakistan's formation was influenced by the spread of nationalism and self-rule ideas in South Asia. Muslims saw potential benefits in the arrival of the British, leading to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's focus on modern education and increased political awareness. The Muslim League formed in 1906 to advocate for Muslim rights, but differences with Congress grew, particularly over separate electorates. The Lahore Resolution of 1940 demanded independent Muslim majority states, marking a turning point. After World War II, the British decided to leave, but the Cabinet Mission Plan failed due to Congress's reluctance to relinquish power. The partition plan of June 3, 1947, led to Pakistan's creation based on referendum results in Muslim majority provinces, accompanied by severe riots and mass migration.
Beginnings of Foreign Policy [3:16]
Pakistan's foreign policy foundation was laid by Quaid-i-Azam, Liaquat Ali Khan, and Sir Zafarullah Khan, emphasizing friendly relations, peace, honesty, respect for the UN Charter, and support for oppressed people. Quaid-e-Azam envisioned Pakistan as a progressive, democratic, and modern Muslim state. Liaquat Ali Khan initially favored non-alignment, but issues like Kashmir and security concerns pushed Pakistan towards alliances. Relations with the Muslim world were important, with Pakistan supporting causes like those of Türkiye and Palestine, but challenges arose due to Arab nationalism and pacts like the Baghdad Pact. Relations with Afghanistan were complicated by the Durant Line dispute. Partition with India led to administrative and financial difficulties, with India obstructing the division of assets.
The Kashmir Issue (1947-1957) [7:05]
Following the end of British rule, princely states had to decide whether to join India or Pakistan, based on geography and population. Jammu Kashmir, Hyderabad, and Junagadh had unique cases. Junagadh's Muslim ruler wanted to join Pakistan, but India captured it. In Kashmir, the Hindu Maharaja acceded to India despite a Muslim majority, which Pakistan viewed as fraudulent. India promised a plebiscite but allegedly created obstacles. The UN Security Council addressed the issue, forming the UN CIP Commission, but agreements were not implemented due to India's conditions.
The Search for Security [9:33]
Pakistan initially hoped for support from Britain, but it was weak after World War II. The Soviet Union was not a viable option due to ideological differences. America was the remaining choice, but initially showed little interest in South Asia. Liaquat Ali Khan's 1950 visit to America was significant, emphasizing democracy and mutual interests. The Korean War shifted America's thinking, but Pakistan refused to send troops without security guarantees.
The Era of Alliances [10:58]
America began to consider Pakistan strategically due to its location, oil reserves, and confrontation with Russia. Secretary Dulles' 1953 visit to Pakistan was a turning point, leading to the concept of the Northern Tier, a defense line including Türkiye, Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq. India opposed this, and Britain feared angering India. Key agreements included the Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement of 1954, joining Seato in 1954, the Baghdad Pact in 1955 (later Cento), and the Butler Defense Cooperation Agreement of 1959, with the US promising assistance in case of attack.
Challenges with Alliances [13:51]
Pakistan's Kharja policy became centered on alliances, receiving aid from the USA, but resentment from the Soviet Union increased. The Arab world, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia, criticized Pakistan's involvement in the Baghdad Pact. The Suess Crisis of 1956 posed a challenge, with Pakistan initially leaning towards the West, drawing criticism. The Soviet Union openly supported India on Kashmir. Despite these disadvantages, Pakistan pursued a new brutal defi deal with the US in 1959.
Shifting Dynamics [15:41]
While American military aid was initially limited, it increased significantly by 1962. Pakistan realized it couldn't find the desired political support from the US, especially on Kashmir, as America wanted to maintain relations with India. Eisenhower termed the union with Pakistan a terrible mistake, and Canadian aid to India increased. Pakistan had accepted China in 1950, but China didn't pay much attention initially. The Bandhun Conference of 1955 cleared up misunderstandings, but American pressure led to difficult decisions.
The War of 1965 [19:15]
The Kashmir issue remained unresolved, leading to unrest in occupied Kashmir and skirmishes. Pakistan's Operation Zibrota aimed to highlight the Kashmir issue, but it escalated into a war. India attacked Lahore on September 6, and China supported Pakistan. America and Britain remained non-partisan, which hurt Pakistan more due to its reliance on Western bases. A ceasefire was imposed on September 20, followed by the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966, which lacked concrete proposals on Kashmir.
Post-War Relations (1965-1971) [20:34]
Relations with Western Ittahadists worsened, especially with America, while friendship with China deepened. China provided burial goods, mashi imdad, and technology, helping construct the Karam Highway. Relations with the Soviet Union normalized somewhat, but this series stopped due to Indian pressure. The arrival of Nexon brought some relief, with Pakistan playing a role in establishing rapport between America and China.
The Devastation of 1971 [21:26]
The roots of the 1971 devastation were deep, including deprivations in Mashriqi Pakistan, the language issue, six points, the Agartala conspiracy case, and the failure of political negotiations. A military operation started on March 26, and India took full advantage, creating Mukti Vahini and raising the issue of the oppressed. In August 1971, India became a Soviet colony, blocking China's intervention. India attacked Pakistan in November, and the Soviet veto prevented a ceasefire. On December 16, 1971, arms were surrendered in Dhaka, and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto led the rest of Pakistan.
The Shimla Agreement [22:51]
After the ceasefire of December 1971, India wanted a durable piece based on the solution to the Kashmir issue, while Pakistan focused on immediate issues like prisoners and territories. The Shimla Conference took place with Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Indira Gandhi. The initial drafts had huge differences, with India wanting a Comprehensive Treaty including Kashmir but not PoWs or areas. Pakistan insisted on citing the UN Charter, but India wanted a buttery framework. The negotiations reached close to failure, but a breakthrough happened on July 2nd, with a change in the agreement that gourd was quoted.
Pakistan's Nuclear Program [26:27]
Pakistan's nuclear program started in 1950 for peaceful purposes, but India's intentions were becoming apparent. Bhutto's statement in 1965 indicated that if India makes a bomb, Pakistan would also make it. After the 1971 war, Bhutto called a meeting of scientists in Multan, and Munir Ahmed Khan was appointed PAEC chairman. Pakistan was ready to sign NPT with a condition, but India refused. In 1974, India tested it, making technology for Pakistan more difficult to achieve.
Afghanistan [28:43]
The connection with Afghanistan was always intriguing, with the Durand Line tension and the arrival of the Soren club in 1978. In December 1979, the Soviet Union path mudakhlat, removing Amin and bringing in Babar Karl. This was a huge security threat for Pakistan, ending the buffer state. Pakistan helped the Mujahideen, and later America and Saudi Arabia provided great help. The Geneva Treaty was signed in April 1988, with Pakistan and America stating they would not accept the Kabul regime.
Kashmir: The Struggle for Independence [30:44]
Even after Shimla, the Kashmir issue remained a matter of concern. The real big change came in 1987 after the elections in Indian Health Department. There were massive fraud allegations, leading to a popular uprising. India's action was very strict, with Jagmohan made governor again. Human rights organizations documented murder, violence, and arrests. India started calling Kashmiri workers terrorists, and APHC i.e. Hurriyat Conference was made.
Afghan Khanajangi (1990-1998) [33:05]
With the departure of the Soviet Union, the plight of the Afghan people did not subside. The communist government continued for 3 more years. In April 1992, when that regime ended, the war started between the Mujahideen groups. Efforts were made at unity, with the Peshawar record in April 1992 and another agreement in Islamabad in March 1993, but they failed. In this chaos, the Taliban came forward in 1994, led by Maula Mohammad Umar.
Pakistan, India Tanaziat and Bohran [38:08]
Despite the Shimla deal, old tensions including Kashmir remained, and new problems arose. These included the government issue, the Siachen Glacier, and water issues. There was tension at Salal Dam, and India tried to build a barrage on Wular Lake. Biglihar Dam had also become a big issue. The relationship was not good even on the recommendation level. The situation came close to war many times, including during 1983 to 1985 and in 1986-87 with India's Brass Tax.
Nuclear Tests [43:52]
In May 1998, India conducted several nuclear tests, putting Pakistan in a difficult situation. Public pressure to test was strong, but the decision was not easy due to the threat of economic sanctions. On the other hand, security concerns were also very strong. On May 28, 1998, scientists from PAEC and KRL conducted tests in the mountains of Chagi in Balochistan. Pakistan's aim was only security, with no pursuit of status or prestige.
Post-Test Dynamics [47:37]
After Pakistan's test, the world mostly considered India and Pakistan to be the same, except China. The Security Council approved Agreement 1172, appreciating the tests. The P5 and G8 asked the World Bank and the IMF to postpone loans. Restrictions eased after almost a year, and the IMF gave credit to Pakistan. The Lahore Declaration was made in February 1999, but the Kargil Crisis ended that hope.
Nuclear Doctrine and Ballistic Missiles [52:11]
Pakistan's Doctrine Minimum is called credible deterrence. Command and control is very important, and in February 2000, Pakistan established the National Command Authority NCA. The AU Khan network issue also came up, with allegations of secret trade in nuclear materials and technology. Ballistic missiles further complicate the matter, increasing first strike capability.
Post-9/11 Policy [55:21]
September 11, 2001, was a turning point, and it was a time of test for Pakistan. Pakistan immediately praised it and said that it would fight against terrorism. On September 12, President Musharraf held a high level meeting, and a strategy was made to become a part of what the world is doing. On September 13, Armitage reported to the Pakistani ambassador and the ISI chief and placed seven demands.
Pakistan-America Strategic Partnership [59:04]
After 91, the negotiations started, but the partnership would obviously have ups and downs. The most practical issue was from the Pak-Afghan border. Al Qaeda and Taliban people crossed the border and came to the tribal areas. Pakistan sent its army and caught and killed thousands of terrorized. But this criticism started within the country that this is America's war.
Terrorism [1:02:40]
Pakistan has always maintained its position on the international stage that it is Mujammet's. It has condemned it and has also supported the Banul Aqwami Tabun to put an end to this. But at the same time it also said that its those who are the roots, i.e. the basic reasons, it is a must see. After 91 the situation changed a lot. Pakistan became a frontline state.
Pak-India Relations (2001-2009) [1:06:21]
There was historical tension among Hindus, Muslim Relations Congress Muslim League, and the tussle between a big kingdom and a small one trying to dominate the neighbours. India tried to terrorise Pakistan should be added to the crowd. In December 2001, the Indian Parliament was attacked. In 2004, the composite dialogue began again.
United Nations and Other Organizations [1:08:14]
The main objective of Mutahida is the Security Council and the issue of veto power. There was also a debate going on about Islam. G4 origin Germany Japan Brazil India was asking for independent provisions while Pakistan Uniting for Consensus Group was the one who was opposing this.
Foreign Policy in a Changing World [1:09:18]
The basic point is that the Kharja policy is dynamic, not static. The purpose remains the same, freedom, Salamiyat, progress, dignity but practical wisdom changes with time. The turning points in Pakistan's policy have been the union with America and its ups and downs, strengthening of relations with China, nuclear policy Irtqa, character in Afghan tensions, Even during the Soviet Union and after 91 Too.