Dar’s diplomacy in a turbulent world |
THE global order is undergoing a profound transition.
Intensifying great-power competition, persistent instability in the Middle East and shifting security dynamics in South Asia have placed Pakistan’s foreign policy at a critical juncture. In an era defined more by fluid alignments than rigid blocs, Pakistan’s ability to maintain strategic balance, credibility and clarity has emerged as both a necessity and a source of strength. This approach is not new; its intellectual foundations lie in the country’s founding vision. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a foreign policy anchored in sovereign equality, principled independence and constructive engagement. He advocated relations based on mutual respect rather than subordination to any power bloc. This emphasis on restraint, dignity and autonomy continues to shape Pakistan’s diplomatic identity in today’s complex world.
In the early decades after independence, this vision was carried forward and refined by a distinguished generation of diplomats. Sir Zafarullah Khan earned international respect through his principled and legally precise advocacy at the United Nations. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto injected a more assertive and confident posture into Pakistan’s global conduct, although his legacy remains contested due to the events of 1971. The sophisticated and balanced diplomacy of Sahibzada Yaqub Ali Khan, combined with the prudent statesmanship of Agha Shahi during periods of acute geopolitical tension, further strengthened Pakistan’s tradition of principled yet pragmatic foreign policy. A significant shift occurred during the premiership of Nawaz Sharif, who reoriented Pakistan’s foreign policy toward economic diplomacy. Recognizing that sustainable international influence rests on economic resilience, Sharif prioritized strategic partnerships, infrastructure development and regional connectivity. His forward-looking engagement with China and emphasis on large-scale economic initiatives positioned Pakistan as a potential hub of trade and cooperation rather than merely a geopolitical frontline state.
Today, Pakistan’s foreign policy operates in an exceptionally volatile global environment. Since February 2026, the escalation of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has dramatically altered the strategic landscape. Coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian military and nuclear-related targets triggered retaliatory missile attacks by Iran across the region. The conflict has spread to critical energy infrastructure, including major gas fields, causing a sharp surge in global oil prices and serious disruption to supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
The consequences extend far beyond the battlefield. The world now faces heightened inflationary pressures, energy insecurity, risks of spillover into Gulf States and the looming threat of prolonged instability across the Middle East. In such a precarious setting, the demand for balanced, de-escalatory and responsible diplomacy has become more urgent than ever. It is against this challenging backdrop that Pakistan’s foreign policy, under the stewardship of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, has demonstrated notable composure and strategic restraint. Navigating relations with major powers while preserving equilibrium in the Middle East requires careful judgment and calibrated engagement. In the context of Saudi-Iranian tensions, Pakistan has maintained a cautious yet constructive approach, consistently advocating de-escalation and diplomatic dialogue.
Amid threats to energy security, maritime routes and regional stability, Pakistan has successfully positioned itself as a credible voice for moderation. Through sustained diplomatic outreach and a balanced posture, the country has retained the trust of diverse and often competing actors. Ishaq Dar’s leadership reflects both continuity with Pakistan’s traditional emphasis on strategic balance and an effective adaptation to contemporary geopolitical realities. This success has been reinforced by coordinated national leadership. The political direction and clarity provided by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, combined with the strategic insight and security perspective of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, have strengthened the coherence and credibility of Pakistan’s external posture. This civil-military alignment has proven instrumental in projecting a unified and purposeful image on the global stage.
Pakistan has also continued to raise its principled voice within the Muslim world, particularly on the issue of Palestine. This stance demonstrates both moral commitment and consistency with the country’s longstanding diplomatic traditions. In essence, Pakistan’s foreign policy today marks a transition from reactive positioning to structured, forward-looking statecraft. From the sovereign vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, through the economic diplomacy pioneered by Nawaz Sharif, to the measured and balanced engagement led by Ishaq Dar, a clear continuum is visible. This evolutionary thread reinforces Pakistan’s standing as a responsible, balanced and credible actor in international affairs. As the contours of a new global order gradually emerge, Pakistan’s foreign policy—anchored in realism, guided by principle and executed with prudence—positions the country not only to effectively safeguard its national interests but also to contribute meaningfully to regional stability and global peace.
—The writer is a Supreme Court lawyer and former member & Chairman Standing Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. Islamabad