Pakistan’s foreign policy in shadow of War

By Zargham Anwar Khan Lodhi

Rising tensions in the Middle East have once again placed the region on the brink of a dangerous confrontation. The recent escalation between Iran and Israel has alarmed the international community, as missile strikes and retaliatory attacks threaten to ignite a wider conflict. Israel, reportedly backed by the United States, launched strikes on Iranian targets, prompting swift responses from Tehran.

The cycle of attack and counterattack has already resulted in heavy casualties, including innocent civilians and children, while vital infrastructure such as radar systems, air defense networks, military installations and oil facilities has suffered serious damage. If this spiral of violence continues unchecked, the risk of a broader regional — or even global — conflict cannot be ruled out.

In this volatile environment, Pakistan finds itself navigating a delicate diplomatic path. Islamabad has condemned the attacks on Iran, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar calling for restraint and respect for sovereignty. At the same time, statements from Pakistan’s military leadership have emphasized the importance of regional stability and de-escalation. While these positions may appear nuanced, they reflect the complex realities shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Pakistan is a nuclear power with credible defense capabilities, yet its strategic choices are inevitably influenced by economic realities. The country’s economy remains closely linked to international financial institutions, global markets and external borrowing. Moreover, millions of Pakistanis work in Gulf states, and their remittances constitute a critical lifeline for the national economy. These factors require Islamabad to exercise caution in taking sides in conflicts involving major global powers.

At the societal level, however, public sentiment in Pakistan often leans toward Iran due to historical, cultural and religious ties between the two neighboring nations. Balancing these domestic sentiments with geopolitical realities presents a constant challenge for policymakers. As a result, Pakistan has adopted a carefully calibrated diplomatic stance — refraining from openly siding with either the United States and Israel or entering into any direct military alignment with Iran.

The current crisis underscores a fundamental truth of international politics: wars rarely produce lasting solutions, but they almost always leave devastation in their wake. Human lives are lost, economies collapse and entire regions are pushed into prolonged instability. For this reason, the world’s major powers must prioritize dialogue, diplomacy and conflict resolution over military escalation.

Pakistan, as the only Muslim nuclear power and a strategically located state in South Asia, is well positioned to advocate for peace. By leveraging its diplomatic channels and maintaining constructive relations with both regional and global actors, Islamabad could potentially play a mediating role in easing tensions between Iran and Western powers.

History repeatedly reminds us that the true cost of war is borne not by states alone, but by ordinary people. In a world already burdened by economic uncertainty and political divisions, another large-scale conflict would serve no one’s interests. The moment therefore calls not for more missiles, but for more diplomacy — and for voices of reason to prevail over the drums of war.