PAKISTAN STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 11th & 12th

Chapter # 7 –  Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

7.1.2. Discuss the Geo-Strategic Importance of the Location of Pakistan

Geo-Strategic Significance of Pakistan:

Introduction

 Pakistan’s location holds immense political, economic, and strategic importance, attracting the attention of major global powers. Over the past decades, it has been a focal point of geopolitical activities, witnessing the interventions of Britain, the USSR, and the USA, especially during the Cold War and post-9/11 era.

Pakistan’s Geographic Location:

• Situated in Southern Asia, spanning between 24 and 36.75 northern latitudes and 61 and 75.05 eastern longitudes.
• Borders China to the north, with a 400 km-long border.
• Shares a border with Tajikistan through the Wakhan strip.
• Shares a 1650 km-long border with Punjab-Rajasthan to the east.
• Borders Afghanistan to the west along the 2250 km-long Durand Line.
• Lies adjacent to the Arabian and Indian seas, with a coastal belt of about 700 km.
• Positioned near the Persian Gulf, a major oil-producing region accounting for 65% of the world’s oil production.

 Strategic Significance:

1. Proximity to Great Powers :-Pakistan sits at the crossroads of major global powers, with Russia and China as its neighbors. Any alliances formed among these powers serve to elevate Pakistan’s strategic importance. Following the events of 9/11, Pakistan capitalized on this factor, aligning itself with the United States in combating terrorism, which aligns with US interests in security and business in the region. Additionally, the US seeks to contain the growth of China, address the nuclear ambitions of Iran, tackle terrorism originating from Afghanistan, and tap into the market potential of India. The regional political landscape is influenced by preemptive policies, exemplified by the US interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Factors such as Iran’s nuclear program and India’s strategic partnership with the US further contribute to the evolving geopolitical dynamics. Pakistan finds itself intricately involved in these issues, particularly following operations against Al-Qaeda. Recognized by American think tanks, Pakistan’s cooperation is deemed indispensable in the global fight against terrorism. The ongoing operations in Waziristan exemplify Pakistan’s commitment to combatting extremist elements, including suspected Taliban groups along its borders.
2. Gateway to Central Asia :- Central Asia has emerged as a focal point in the contemporary geopolitical landscape, akin to the historical Great Games. The Western powers are actively pursuing access to valuable resources, particularly oil and energy reserves, in this region. Following the dissolution of the USSR, a new competition for resources began, marked by the geopolitics of oil. Positioned in close proximity to the oil-rich Middle Eastern nations, Pakistan holds significant sway over oil shipment routes. The oil belt, stretching from Iran to Saudi Arabia, underscores Pakistan’s potential to influence oil transportation. In a world facing energy scarcity, Pakistan finds itself surrounded by energy-rich nations such as Iran and Afghanistan, while India and China grapple with energy deficiencies. China, in particular, seeks access to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea via the Karakoram Highway, further highlighting Pakistan’s strategic importance in energy geopolitics.
3. Transit Economy :- Pakistan’s strategic location offers it the opportunity to foster a transit economy. Landlocked Afghanistan, currently undergoing reconstruction, relies on Pakistan as a key route for its connectivity. China, experiencing rapid economic growth at a rate of 9%, is focusing on developing its southern provinces. Given that Sinkiang, a Chinese province, is approximately 4500 km away from its ports, whereas Gwadar is only 2500 km away, Pakistan emerges as a crucial link in China’s economic ambitions. Additionally, Pakistan provides Central Asian countries with the shortest route to international markets, with a distance of 2600 km compared to Iran’s 4500 km or Turkey’s 5000 km. The deep waters of Gwadar port attract trade ships from China, the Central Asian Republics (CAR), and Southeast Asian nations. Furthermore, the coastal belt of Balochistan holds the potential to serve as an outlet for China’s western provinces to access Middle Eastern markets, facilitated by the development of coastal highways and motorways.
4. Link in the Chain of Muslim Countries :- Examining the map of Muslim countries reveals Pakistan’s central geographical position. Situated between Iran in the west and China extending to North Africa, Pakistan has the potential to play an active role in various activities within the Muslim world, including economic development, resource transportation, and counterterrorism efforts. Furthermore, Pakistan stands out as the sole Muslim nation in the region possessing nuclear capabilities. This factor significantly influences political, socioeconomic dynamics in the region, and contributes to maintaining the existing status quo.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s geostrategic significance stems from its unique geographic position, making it a junction between South Asia, West Asia, and Central Asia. Despite historical challenges, its geography remains a major asset, attracting global attention amid shifting geopolitical landscapes. As the world grapples with energy crises and terrorism, Pakistan’s strategic location continues to shape regional dynamics, positioning it as a key player in global affairs.