Dear Brother,

The foreign policy of any nation does not remain static. It is dynamic in nature and changes with time in response to the changing circumstance [both internally & internationally]

It needs to be understood that any foreign policy is based on some core values/beliefs/ideals direct at some Aims/Goals. they remain the same [unless a cultural/social/religious] revolution takes place. Example: The historic China did not bother about the rest of the world. These core values remain the same. The changes that we see in any foreign policy are just the dynamic nature of strategies and mechanisms employed to pursue the foreign policy goals.

While studying Pakistan's foreign policy, such changes will help you identify the major phases in Pakistan's FP.

The following are the brief ideals/values of Pakistan's FP:

1- To protect and promote its national interests& sovereign identity- To protect its national identity, territorial integrity [against internal and external threats]
2- To cope with issues of global dimensions like terrorism, environment, under-development etc
3- No ambition and capacity to assume the role of a global or regional power
4- Support for opposition to colonialism, apartheid, arms control and subjugated nations
5- To cultivate and maintain close ties with all the Muslim nations

In order to achieve some or all of the above stated goals, its mechanisms have changed. Based on observation, you will appreciate that the following phases of Pakistan's Foreign Policy existed

1- 1947-1953: Exploring the world around Pakistan- Friendship for all
2- 1953-1962: Tilt towards the West
3- 1962-1971: The Transition Phase
4- 1972-1979: Non-Alignment
5- 1980-1990: Partnership with US wrt Afghanistan
6- 1990-2001: Post Cold War Era & the problems that Pakistan faced
7- 2001 onwards: Global War on Terror & Pakistan's role.

Now you can plug in the details in the above mentioned skeleton.

*Please check for the authenticity of the details*

__________________
Umar Abbas Babar
I Know I am Bad But When Bad is the Best, Bad is the Only Choice