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Pakistan’s Diplomatic Gains: A Renaissance or a Pivot Under Pressure?
Islamabad – Recent diplomatic strides by Pakistan, including a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and engagement with the United States on rare earth minerals, have been touted as a resurgence of the nation’s foreign policy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in the Gaza peace summit further reinforces this impression. However, according to a University of Hertfordshire academic writing for Al Jazeera, these gains should not be mistaken for a fundamental shift in global standing. Instead, they represent a strategic pivot driven by necessity and pressure.
Several factors are at play: the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has created a security vacuum that Pakistan is positioned to help fill, strained US-India relations, making Pakistan a potential counterweight, and mineral diplomacy with the US.
However, the situation remains fragile. The reliance on mineral wealth, particularly rare earth elements in Balochistan, risks exacerbating existing tensions within the province. The Balochistan Mines and Minerals Act 2025, which centralizes mining policy decisions, has already sparked opposition. Critics fear it undermines provincial autonomy and could lead to further alienation and insurgency if resource extraction is not inclusive.
While Pakistan is adeptly maneuvering to capitalize on vulnerabilities and opportunities, the core challenges remain domestic. Ultimately, the author argues, a stable social contract and internal reforms are essential to solidify Pakistan’s position on the global stage.
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