Islamabad, May 11: As the global order transitions toward multipolarity amid growing regional rivalries and non-traditional security threats, Pakistan must adopt a unified, clear-headed national approach to leverage its enduring geopolitical relevance. This demands balanced strategic recalibrations in relations with established and emerging global powers, supported by a comprehensive vision rooted in economic and military resilience and internal cohesion. Key priorities include decolonizing prevailing knowledge systems, crafting an inclusive national narrative, and responding to ideological divides and the growing challenges of information warfare. In this evolving landscape, Pakistan must continuously recalibrate its geopolitical strategies to navigate emerging alliances, regional complexities, and global power shifts with foresight and agility.
These views were expressed during a seminar, “Pakistan in a New Age of Geopolitics,” held at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, alongside the launch of “Geopolitics: Frameworks and Dynamics in a Multipolar World,” authored by Aneela Shahzad and published by IPS, which offers insights into challenges and opportunities for fostering balanced ties between nations.
The event featured a keynote address by Ambassador (r) Sardar Masood Khan, former president of AJK, and included contributions from Ambassador (r) Naghmana Hashmi; Dr. Nazir Hussain, former dean of social sciences, University of Wah; Dr. Khurram Iqbal, associate professor at the National Defence University; Dr. Adam Saud, dean of humanities and social sciences, Bahria University; Brig. (r) Said Nazir, defense analyst; Brig. (r) Dr. Tughral Yamin, IPS associate; Khalid Rahman, chairman of IPS; Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman of IPS; and Aneela Shahzad.
Amb (r) Masood Khan underscored Pakistan’s historical security dependence on the US while noting the country’s growing strategic reliance on China. While acknowledging the perception that Pakistan seeks a balance between these two powers, he argued that true equilibrium is difficult without developing proportional ties with the US. He described Pakistan’s conflict with India as civilizational, rooted in the ideological stance of the BJP and RSS, and called for strengthening military and economic capabilities and forging a unified national identity.
Building on this perspective, Amb (r) Naghmana Hashmi reinforced the importance of sincere, unwavering ties with China while maintaining multi-tiered engagement with the US. She emphasized that Pakistan’s deepening partnership with China would come under increasing pressure and must be managed carefully.
Dr Khurram Iqbal questioned Pakistan’s binary worldview centered on the US-China rivalry and called for policy adjustments that reflect a truly multipolar reality. He noted that alternative global alignments are already taking shape and must be acknowledged in Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Turning attention to the regional dimension, Aneela Shahzad elaborated on her concept of the AfPakKash subregion, comprising Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Kashmir, arguing that its trajectory would shape the future of South Asia. She cited China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a key factor transforming the region’s economic landscape.
Dr Nazir Hussain highlighted the dominance of Western paradigms in South Asian academic discourse and called for decolonizing knowledge systems and re-evaluating theories through indigenous frameworks. He asserted that Pakistan’s geopolitical relevance is enduring, which explains sustained attempts by global powers to influence its direction through international institutions.
Adding to the theme of shifting global dynamics, Dr Adam Saud pointed to emerging global trends, including the rise of non-state actors, populism, information warfare, and shifting economic tools like tariffs and sanctions. These, he said, mark the features of a world in flux that demands fresh analytical frameworks.
Further emphasizing the need for strategic depth, Said Nazir stressed that an in-depth understanding of geopolitics is vital, as it serves as both a strategic strength and vulnerability. He pointed to India’s persistent belligerence as a destabilizing factor in the region.
Echoing concerns about global realignments, Dr Tughral Yamin observed that the West’s retreat from multilateralism and its aggressive policy shifts reflect an attempt to preserve dominance in a multipolar context. He emphasized the need for alternative narratives and alliances rooted in local experiences.
Amb (r) Abrar Hussain highlighted Pakistan’s geographic advantage for cross-regional connectivity. He said managing the growing US-China rivalry through a delicate strategic balance is crucial for Pakistan’s long-term geopolitical relevance.
Khalid Rahman concluded the session by noting that while the constants of geopolitics remain, the variables are rapidly changing. He warned against narrow strategic thinking and urged bridging the growing divide between public sentiment and elite decision-making.
Participants lauded Aneela Shahzad’s book for its intellectual depth, clarity, and bold challenge to Western-dominated perspectives on global affairs. It equips readers, particularly in Pakistan, with the conceptual tools needed to critically interrogate power, territory, identity, and influence, not as dictated by external forces but as shaped by local realities.
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The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) is an autonomous, not-for-profit civil society organization dedicated to promoting policy-oriented research, dialogue, and human & technological development for better governance. IPS provides a forum for informed discussion and dialogue on national and international issues. The contributions spanning over forty-three years and the overall impact signifies the importance of pragmatic research on policy issues. The institute highlights the role of think tanks in modern democratic polities.