On Friday, 25th July, 2025, Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, delivered a lecture to the participants of the 38th Senior Management Course (SMC) on “Foreign Policy of Pakistan” at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Lahore.

Dr. Jaspal emphasized that a country’s political system, political culture, and prevailing domestic and international dynamics all play a crucial role in shaping its foreign policy. He noted that Pakistan’s foreign policy is rooted in the guiding principles articulated by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who envisioned a peaceful Pakistan maintaining cordial and friendly relations with its neighbours and the broader international community.

Dr. Jaspal highlighted that the core objectives of Pakistan’s foreign policy include the pursuit of broad-based and mutually beneficial relationships with global powers reinforced by strong economic and security interests. He noted that minimizing potential threats, maintaining diversified diplomatic options, and enhancing the role of economic diplomacy are central to Pakistan’s foreign policy agenda.

Dr. Jaspal observed that the current global order is increasingly characterized by great power competition, where major powers are adopting more assertive foreign policy. He said that the US is facing growing resistance from rival countries, who often act together to challenge the US global influence. He noted that while multipolarity is on the rise, multilateralism is receding. The growing US-China competition – sometimes framed as Pax Americana versus Pax Sinica – reduces the space for middle powers to stay neutral. Pakistan needs to balance while handling its friendship with China, its relations with the US, and its rivalry with India.

The lecture discussion was followed by an engaging and interactive Q&A session.