1st Objective: Safeguarding Pakistan’s internal Security by adopting a non-interference policy in other countries.
“Safeguarding Pakistan’s internal security is the first foreign policy objective,” Mr Aziz stated, adding that pursuing a policy of non-interference in other countries’ affairs was also a primary goal.
2nd Objective: Economic revival of the country to gain diplomatic upper hand.
“The second objective is economic revival and sustainable development as with a weak economy you cannot achieve foreign policy objectives.
3rd Objective: Establishing Cordial relations with all the Neighbors.
The third objective is a peaceful neighborhood; you cannot achieve economic revival if you have trouble with your neighbors.
4th Objective: Converting Pakistan’s Geo-Strategic location into its Biggest Asset.
“The fourth objective is taking Pakistan’s Geo-strategic location from liability to asset,” said Mr Aziz, while observing that connectivity between China and South Asia was key to achieving these goals.
Pakistan’s Foreign Policy on Kashmir:
Referring to Kashmir, Sartaj Aziz said it is “our duty to give the people of Kashmir diplomatic and moral support”, while adding that “we hope India realizes that its economic goals cannot be achieved” unless Pakistan is on board. “India remains a question mark, but we are not giving up — it is up to India to respond. We hope to continue to strive for dialogue with India with no preconditions and with national dignity.”
Ms.Hina Rabbani Khar’s take on Foreign Policy of Pakistan:
As compared to the more guarded approach of Sartaj Aziz, Hina Rabbani Khar was more forthright in her foreign policy prognosis, perhaps indicating the ease with which one can speak once out of office. Ms Khar said foreign policy was an extension of a country’s internal dynamics. She said that while in office she was often told to project a ‘soft image’ of the country, to which the minister would respond: “give me a soft image, change the realities.”
No more enemies: Ms Khar said foreign policy should be proactive, not reactive. She disagreed with terming India as “the enemy”, while admitting that Narendra Modi was playing a game of “mutually assured destruction”. She said Pakistan’s foreign policy should not be defined by hostility to others. Coming to the “national interest”, Ms Khar went philosophical, asking what was the national interest and who would define it — the people, the bureaucracy or the military?