Historical conflicts, strategic interests, security concerns, and economic opportunities shape Pakistan’s foreign relations with its neighbouring countries. Below is an overview of its ties with other countries:
Pakistan–India Relations
Nature of Relationship:
Both nations are hostile to each other. The two sides have fought many times and do not get along well, but they have tried to make peace a few times.
Key Issues:
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Kashmir Dispute: The core and unresolved issue since 1947; both countries claim the region, leading to multiple wars and skirmishes.
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Border Tensions: Frequent ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).
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Terrorism Allegations: India accuses Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism; Pakistan denies this and highlights human rights violations in Indian-held Kashmir.
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Water Disputes: Managed under the Indus Waters Treaty, tensions persist over dam constructions, particularly the abrogation of the treaty following the recent war between Pakistan and India.
Pakistan–Afghanistan Relations
Nature of Relationship:
Complex and often tense, influenced by border issues, refugees, and security concerns.
Key Issues:
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Durand Line Dispute: Afghanistan has historically refused to recognize the border demarcated during colonial times.
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Taliban Factor: Pakistan supported the Afghan Taliban during the 1990s and has tried to maintain influence in post-2001 politics. Tensions have grown over Taliban’s alleged sheltering of anti-Pakistan militants.
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Terrorism and Border Security: Pakistan has suffered attacks by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), allegedly based in Afghanistan.
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Refugees: Pakistan hosts over a million Afghan refugees, straining resources and creating social tensions.
Pakistan–Iran Relations
Nature of Relationship:
Generally cordial but cautious, with cooperation in trade and culture, though occasionally strained by security and geopolitical alignments.
Key Issues:
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Border Security: Militancy and smuggling along the Pakistan-Iran border have caused clashes and mistrust.
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Sectarian Tensions: Sunni-Shia dynamics have occasionally affected bilateral ties.
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Regional Influence: Pakistan balances relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, maintaining neutrality.
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Sanctions on Iran: International sanctions on Iran have limited full-scale economic cooperation.
Cooperation Areas:
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Trade and energy, including discussions over the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline (IP pipeline).
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Cultural and religious exchanges, especially due to the shared border in Balochistan and religious ties.
Pakistan’s Relations with Turkey
Nature of Relationship:
Brotherly, strategic, and cooperative. Relations are warm, rooted in shared Islamic identity, mutual support on international issues, and growing economic and defense ties.
Key Areas of Cooperation:
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Defense and Security:
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Regular joint military exercises and defense cooperation.
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Pakistan purchases defense equipment from Turkey (e.g., helicopters, ships).
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Collaboration in counterterrorism.
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Political and Diplomatic Support:
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Turkey supports Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.
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Pakistan supports Turkey’s position on Cyprus and internal matters like the Kurdish issue.
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Economic and Trade Relations:
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Both countries aim to enhance trade through the Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Economic Framework (SEF).
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Turkey has invested in construction, energy, and transport in Pakistan.
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Cultural and Religious Ties:
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Deep-rooted cultural admiration (e.g., popularity of Turkish TV shows like Diriliş: Ertuğrul).
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Educational exchanges and people-to-people contact.
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Pakistan–Bangladesh Relations
Nature of Relationship:
Cautious and evolving. Ties have been strained due to historical grievances from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, but recent years show efforts to normalize relations. Especially after the fall of Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s government, the relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh are progressing towards close friendship.
Key Issues:
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1971 War Legacy:
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Bangladesh demands an official apology for Pakistan’s role in the war and alleged war crimes.
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War crimes trials in Bangladesh have angered Pakistan in the past.
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Diplomatic Engagement:
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Both countries maintain embassies and engage in limited diplomatic exchanges.
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Leaders have exchanged goodwill messages, especially during OIC and SAARC meetings.
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Trade and Economic Ties:
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Trade exists but is modest compared to potential.
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Pakistan has expressed interest in increasing trade and investment in garments and pharmaceuticals.
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Religious and Cultural Ties:
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Shared Islamic heritage forms a base for improving relations.
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Educational exchanges and student scholarships are offered.
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