From the very crucible of Partition’s turmoil, Pakistan emerged not just as a state, but as a strategic crossroads in a world divided by ideology, ambition and arms. For 77 years its diplomacy has resembled a tight rope walk in a tempest, marked by inconsistent alignments, faltering leverage and swinging loyalties in a theatre where perception often outweighs policy. In 1950s, Pakistan’s diplomatic compass pointed towards Washington, becoming a proud ally in the anti-communist block through SEATO and CENTO, allowing military aid to flow in but at the cost of regional neutrality. But as Henry Kissinger said, “It may be dangerous to be America’s enemy but to be America’s friend is fatal.” This so-called alliance seemed promising at first, but was hollow at the core, focused on strategic utility inspite of shared vision.
During the Soviet-Afghan War in 1979, Pakistan became the launchpad of largest CIA covert operation since WWII, turning tribal lands into training camps and madrassas into recruitment centers. This short-sighted entanglement framed as jihad against rising communism, unleashed the specter of terrorism that outlived Cold War itself. Pakistan was feeding the Western Anti-Soviet appetite and was being devoured by the forces created by it. But after the withdrawal of Soviet Forces and the end of Cold War, Pakistan was abandoned by its western patrons, left to face the Frankenstein of radical militancy. And then occurred 9/11, when once again, Pakistan was thrust into the frontline as major non-NATO ally, tasked to support War on Terror. Billions were poured in for drone strikes, but Pakistan was playing a game of high-risk poker with a deck which it never owned.
The CIA and Pentagon began to voice accusations of “double game,” alleging that ISI was aiding the US, while sheltering anti US elements of Taliban and Haqqani network—a narrative which Henry Kissinger would have described as “The logic of strategic schizophrenia.” The infamous Kerry Lugar Bill of 2009, ostensibly a lifeline of civilian aid worth $7.5 billion, came wrapped in unwanted conditions that many in Pakistan, viewed it as a diplomatic humiliation. Foreign policy, became a defensive shield instead of a proactive tool, as Pakistan was limited to explain than asserting itself.
This period of intense diplomatic inertia and strategic confusion, ended in 2014, when Pakistan realized that its loyalty to US is yielding diminishing returns. US was tilting towards India, its silence on Kashmir and big defence deals with New Delhi were heard in Islamabad as alarms. In this moment of realization, China turned out to be a reliable strategic partner, as with poetic precision, its entry offered both symbolism and substance. During this period, CPEC brought billions of dollars through the construction of roads, ports, energy and digital infrastructure. This marked a shift from reactionary diplomacy to strategic partnership, from a rented alliances to a regional autonomy. Meanwhile, the Military cooperation was deepened, diplomatic coordination was widened and a new equilibrium started to form.
The recent high-profile visits of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to US followed by a visit of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, have marked a new diplomatic maturity. Amid US tariff escalations and Pakistan’s economic decoupling efforts with China. These meetings have sought to remind US policymakers, that Pakistan remains a necessary partner in counter-terrorism and regional stability. Defence understandings were rejuvenated, trade disputes were renegotiated and channels of strategic communication were reopened. These visits were hailed in the diplomatic circles as a success in strategic reassurance, a move that enabled Pakistan to maneuver without betraying its growing commitments with China. Islamabad now holds a unique value, due to its potential to facilitate a US-Iran nuclear deal, as the country has historic ties with Iran, coupled with promising relations with Riyadh, Beijing and US. In a world where Iran’s isolation continues to be a strategic dilemma, Pakistan may well be the only conduit through which a thaw could emerge. The recent visit of Iranian President to Pakistan and a subsequent visit of Asim Munir to Iran says it all. During August 2025, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has paid his second visit to the US in six weeks, which is called a “new dimension” in bilateral ties. He praised the Pakistani diaspora by calling them “brain gain”, while urging them to invest in Pakistan. This visit has coincided with US designation of BLA and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Groups, which reflects renewed counterterrorism cooperation between both the countries. Modi’s growing friction with China, reluctance to engage with Iran and hardline policies towards Kashmir have weaken India on global forums. If Pakistan continues to play the game with skill, India might find itself holding a queenless chessboard. The ascent of China as a superpower by 2030 appears more of a geopolitical certainty. Pakistan must continue to invest in diplomacy, which is proactive, principled and power-aware. Pakistan’s future is bright and it beckons with the promise of purpose, power and partnership, if only the leaders heed the whispers of history and the warnings of realpolitik.
The writer is a researcher based in Islamabad
Muhammad Asim Saddiqi
