BY: Makhdoom Qaiser Bashir. Former Director FIA
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach has entered a new phase of assertive global engagement, with a series of high-level visits and multilateral involvements underscoring its evolving international posture. From strategic meetings with global powers to leading roles in key international forums, Islamabad is showcasing a recalibrated foreign policy aimed at enhancing its influence and reinforcing its status as a pivotal regional actor.
On July 26, 2025, Pakistan hosted the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference in Islamabad under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace.” The conference brought together military leaders from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The gathering focused on shared regional challenges including terrorism, border security, and cyber threats. Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir emphasized mutual respect and collaboration, reinforcing the need for unified defense strategies in a rapidly evolving security landscape. The conference was widely seen as a diplomatic success, highlighting Pakistan’s growing capacity to convene regional actors for dialogue and cooperation.
In a notable move that further reflects Pakistan’s strategic balancing, Field Marshal Munir paid a significant visit to China in late July. During his engagements in Beijing, he met with senior Chinese leaders including Vice President Han Zheng, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and military officials such as General Zhang Youxia. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the PLA Army Headquarters, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in counterterrorism, military modernization, and joint exercises. Chinese authorities reaffirmed their commitment to the “iron-clad” Pakistan-China partnership and appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional peace and stability. This visit demonstrated Pakistan’s continued prioritization of its relationship with China, particularly in the realms of defense and strategic planning.
Simultaneously, Pakistan’s diplomatic presence was visible at the United Nations. A delegation led by PPP Chairman and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari participated in key sessions of the UN Security Council in New York. Pakistan assumed the chairmanship of the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee and took up a leadership role in the UNSC Counterterrorism Committee. These developments not only elevated Pakistan’s voice within the global security architecture but also allowed it to present its narrative on regional issues, including Kashmir. The delegation emphasized the need for peaceful resolution of disputes and warned against unilateral aggression in South Asia.
In Washington, Pakistan’s engagement with the United States took on renewed momentum. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held crucial meetings with senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks covered regional security, economic partnerships, and Pakistan’s mediatory role in the Gulf, particularly between the United States and Iran. The visit was seen as an effort to revitalize Pakistan-US relations while maintaining strategic equilibrium with China. American officials praised Pakistan’s efforts in regional de-escalation and recognized its importance in South Asian stability.
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Further consolidating its diplomatic clout, Pakistan participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) annual summit in Tianjin. Ishaq Dar called for reforms within the SCO, including the adoption of English as an official language and enhanced trade cooperation in local currencies. He highlighted the importance of CPEC as a unifying economic corridor and stressed the need for stronger anti-terrorism frameworks within the group. Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik also represented the country at the SCO Security Council Secretaries meeting, reinforcing commitments to multilateral intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to non-traditional threats.
These engagements reflect a deliberate shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy, one that embraces multilateralism, balances relations with global powers, and promotes its role as a mediator and convener in regional security. India, meanwhile, has responded critically to some of these developments, especially after reports surfaced of Field Marshal Munir’s high-level reception in Washington. Indian policymakers see this as a challenge to their own regional aspirations and are reportedly re-evaluating their China policy in light of growing Pakistan-China cooperation.
While challenges remain, including economic vulnerabilities and the need for internal reforms, Pakistan’s recent diplomatic maneuvers signal a confident return to the global stage. By engaging the world’s major powers, leading regional security dialogues, and participating assertively in international forums, Pakistan is carving out a renewed identity as a central and responsible actor in both regional and international affairs.