PNN: The year 2025 represented a watershed moment in Pakistan’s foreign policy, underscored by international acknowledgment, fortified partnerships, and a more prominent presence in regional and global diplomacy.
Pakistan secured a major diplomatic win at the United Nations when, on December 15, a UN expert report identified India as the aggressor in the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, located in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The report cited serious human rights violations, including threats to life, personal security, access to basic resources, and environmental sustainability. Despite strong lobbying efforts by New Delhi, the international community declined to endorse India’s narrative, reinforcing Pakistan’s position on the global stage.
Relations with Saudi Arabia witnessed significant progress through intensified political and military engagement. On December 22, Field Marshal Asim Munir was awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral ties. Cooperation expanded across defence, security, and joint training, while Saudi Arabia pledged investment in Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure, and mineral sectors. A defence agreement signed on September 17 further solidified long-term strategic cooperation.
Pakistan’s ties with the United States also gained renewed momentum in 2025. Diplomatic engagements led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir helped revive cooperation in economic, security, and trade domains. Progress included alignment with IMF programmes, encouragement of US private investment in energy, IT, and minerals, and expanded collaboration on climate finance and development initiatives, strengthening mutual confidence and partnership.
The Pakistan-China relationship reached new heights with the advancement of CPEC 2.0 and the signing of multiple high-value agreements exceeding $8.5 billion. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif oversaw deals in energy, technology, agriculture, industrial development, and regional connectivity. New initiatives, including cooperation in quantum technology and the launch of five additional development corridors, underscored the depth of the all-weather strategic partnership.
Pakistan also played an active role in Middle East diplomacy, particularly in efforts related to Gaza. The country supported ceasefire initiatives, endorsed a US-backed Hamas peace plan, and consistently condemned Israeli actions harming civilians. Islamabad used diplomatic channels to advocate humanitarian access and civilian protection, reinforcing its principled stance on Palestinian rights.
Relations with Iran strengthened considerably through high-level exchanges and economic cooperation. Iran’s parliament publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic support during heightened regional tensions in June 2025. Bilateral trade crossed $3 billion, with collaboration expanding in border security, energy, agriculture, trade, and cultural exchanges. Key engagements in Tehran and Islamabad further deepened strategic trust.
Pakistan and Turkey also elevated their longstanding brotherly ties to a more structured strategic partnership. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Islamabad in February resulted in 24 agreements across multiple sectors, including defence, trade, education, energy, and health. In July, both sides committed to increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion, expanding defence cooperation, and developing special economic zones.
On Afghanistan, Pakistan’s policy approach gained wider regional and international backing. Emphasising border security, counter-terrorism, and respect for sovereignty, Pakistan received support from the UN, China, Russia, and Iran. At the UN General Assembly in September, Pakistan co-signed a declaration affirming that Afghan territory would not be used against other states. Islamabad also continued pressing the Afghan Taliban to prevent cross-border terrorism, reinforcing Pakistan’s image as a stabilising actor in South Asia.