PAKISTAN’S foreign policy has been reactive for decades and we have been trapped between the competing interests of the United States, China, Russia and regional competitors in a fluid, volatile and often unforgiving geopolitical landscape. It has always been difficult to achieve a fine balance. Field Marshal Asim Munir has carved out a fundamental reorientation that has shifted the dynamic. Through a combination of disciplined strategic planning, an unwavering focus on domestic issues safeguarding sovereignty and remarkable diplomatic skills that have proven as effective as they are restrained, Munir has elevated Pakistan’s international standing and positioned the country to capitalize on opportunities that once seemed out of reach.

Under Field Marshal Munir’s leadership, the United States shifted from a more rigid foreign policy towards Pakistan to a more cordial one. Through exemplary statesmanship, he was able to preserve balanced relations with all three major world powers, the United States, China and Russia, which was a unique balance Pakistan was able to achieve. Despite the prevalent assumption that strengthening relations with Beijing would isolate Washington and that the conflict in Ukraine would stifle any potential for reconciliation with Moscow; Munir maintained an equidistant stance by capitalizing on Pakistan’s military credibility and geographical significance. He ensured the seamless continuation of the China-Pakistan Economic........

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