Foreign relations of Pakistan

The flag of Pakistan

Pakistan is the second largest Muslim-majority country in terms of population (after Indonesia) and its status as a declared nuclear power, being the only Islamic nation to have that status, plays a part in its international role.

Pakistan has a fiercely independent foreign policy, especially when it comes to issues such as development of nuclear weapons, construction of nuclear reactors, foreign military purchases and other issues that are vital to its national interests. Pakistan has a strategic geo-political location at the corridor of world major maritime oil supply lines, and has close proximity to the resource and oil rich central Asian countries. Pakistan is an important member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), is ranked by the US as a major non-NATO ally in the war against terrorism, and has a highly disciplined and professional military.

Foreign policy of Pakistan

Main articles: Pakistan–Soviet Union relations, Pakistan–United States relations, and East Pakistan

The foreign policy of Pakistan sets out in the way it interacts with foreign nations and to determine its standard of interactions for its organizations, corporations and individual citizens. Backed by the semi-agricultural and semi-industrialized economy, Pakistan is the 45th largest (nominal GDP) and 25th largest (purchasing power) economic power in the world, with a defence budget of $6.98 billion, which accounts for approximately ~0.37% of global military spending. The Foreign Minister of Pakistan is the official charged with state-to-state diplomacy, although the Prime minister maintains an ultimate authority over foreign policy. The state foreign policy includes defining the national interest, as well as the economic interest and strategies chosen both to safeguard that and to achieve its policy goals. Following the general election held on May 2013, Tariq Fatimi and NSA Sartaj Aziz are designated as advisers to the Prime Minister on foreign and strategic policies.

Historical overview

Since its independence in 1947, Pakistan's foreign policy has encompassed difficult relations with the neighbouring Soviet Union (USSR) who maintained a close military and ideological interaction with the neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan (in the West) and India (in East) as well as East Pakistan. During most of 1947–1991, the USSR support was given to India; especially on the core-issue of Kashmir, over which it has fought three wars. During the 1960s, Pakistan's relations with East Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan have also been extremely difficult due to the latter's contest over the Durand Line. The foreign relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia and China remains extremely important and based on the extensive cooperation in national security and economical interests in the Persian Gulf and wide-ranging bilateral relations with the United States and other Western countries. With the growing influence of USSR in the region, Pakistan cemented close security relations with China in Asia and Poland in Europe during most of the Cold War. While Pakistan's had "on-off relations" with the United States, Pakistan assisted President Nixon reapproach with China and other East Asian countries.

In 1947, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of the state of Pakistan, clearly described the principles and objectives of Pakistan's foreign policy in a broadcast message, which is featured prominently in a quotation on the homepage of Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: "The foundation of our foreign policy is friendship with all nations across the globe."

Major alliances

Main articles: Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Pakistan–United States relations, China–Pakistan relations, Pakistan–United Kingdom relations, and Pakistan-Turkey relations

In 1949 after gaining independence from the United Kingdom Pakistan still had close ties with the country. In 1951, Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan paid a historical and friendly state visit to the United States, and held meetings with President Harry Truman and the American military officials for the purpose of the military aid. Ideologically, Prime Minister Ali Khan was opposed to the communism; his government was also struggling with the issues concerning the matters of uplifting the national economy and protecting interests of national security. In 1954–56, the United States and Pakistan signed the Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement which saw the dispatching of the Military Assistance Advisory Group to provide military training to the Pakistan Armed Forces in 1955–56.

In 1955, Pakistan joined the CENTO and the SEATO alliances in 1956. Also, in n 1956 Pakistan became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. In 1971, Pakistan withdrew itself from these two alliances in a vision of exercising the independent foreign policy. In 1974, Pakistan became a critical entity in the militarization of the OIC and has historically maintained friendly relations with all the Arab and Muslim countries under the banner of OIC. Pakistan rejoined the Commonwealth in 1989. In 2004, Pakistan became a Major non-NATO ally of the United States.

Major rivalries

Main articles: India–Pakistan relations and Afghanistan–Pakistan relations

Since 1947, Pakistan's relations have been difficult with regional neighbors, India over the geopolitical issues. In fact, India and Pakistan have fought three conventional wars throughout the 20th century over the issue of Kashmir. The continuing dispute over the status of Kashmir inflames opinions in both nations and makes friendly relations difficult. In the 1960s, the problems over the Durand Line escalated with Afghanistan which led to open hostilities in the 1970s.

International organisation

See also: Foreign trade of Pakistan

Pakistan is an active member of the United Nations. It was a member of the CENTO and SEATO military alliances. Its alliance with the United States was especially close after the Soviets invaded the neighbouring country of Afghanistan. In 1964, Pakistan signed the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) Pact with Turkey and Iran, when all three countries were closely allied with the U.S., and as neighbours of the Soviet Union, wary of perceived Soviet expansionism. To this day, Pakistan has a close relationship with Turkey. RCD became defunct after the Iranian Revolution, and a Pakistani-Turkish initiative led to the founding of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) in 1985.

Pakistan is the leading member of the Coffee Club to oppose Indian membership in the United Nations Security Council.

Relations by country

Asia

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
Bahrain	1971	Main article: Bahrain–Pakistan relations Islamabad and Manama enjoy close co-operations between the two in many fields of brotherhood. Joint initiatives between Bahraini and Pakistani governments have started to further bilateral trades that reached to $250 million in 2007. Pakistan Army also maintains an Infantry Battalion and a Squadron of Tanks in Bahrain
Iran	14/Aug/1947	Main article: Iran–Pakistan relations Teheran and Islamabad have a somewhat simple relationship. Although both the countries have been at odds at some issues including border clashes and supported rival entities during the Afghan civil war, there is a general consensus within both the countries to develop close and steady relations over the span of time. Pakistan has an embassy in Iran's capital Teheran and consulates-general in Mashhad and Zahidan. Iran has an embassy in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, supported by many consulates-general and cultural centers in many major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Multan.
Iraq		Main article: Iraq–Pakistan relations Iraq and Pakistan have had close, friendly, and cooperative relations since the latter's independence in 1947. Issues such as Iraqi support for Pakistan in its 1971 war with India (which Iraq also has excellent relations with), and Pakistani support for Iraq against Iran in the Iran-Iraq War have forged relations between the two.
Israel	No formal diplomatic relations	Main article: Israel–Pakistan relations
Jordan		Main article: Jordan–Pakistan relations There are very close relations between Jordan and Pakistan. Princess Sarvath wife of Prince Hassan is originally a Pakistani. At the international level Pakistan and Jordan have similar views such as the Israel/Palestine issue.
Kuwait		Main article: Kuwait–Pakistan relations After the end of the first Gulf War in 1991 Pakistani army engineers were involved in a programme of mine clearance in the country. Kuwait was also the first country to send aid to isolated mountain villages in Kashmir after the quake of 2005, also offering the largest amount of aid in the aftermath of the quake ($100m).
Lebanon		Main article: Lebanon–Pakistan relations Lebanon and Pakistan have good relations. Pakistan has also been a steadfast supporter of Lebanon particularly when it was invaded by Israel. Additionally, Pakistan has extended moral, diplomatic and material support to Lebanon and refuses to recognize Israel officially, as a legitimate country in solidarity with the Palestinian, Lebanese and other Middle Eastern countries.
Oman		Main article: Oman–Pakistan relations The relationship between Muscat and Islamabad is warm, because it is the nearest Arab country to Pakistan and the fact that some 30% of Omani's are of Balochi origin from Pakistan's Balochistan province having settled Oman over a hundred years ago. In 1958 Gwadar was part of Oman but was transferred to Pakistan in that year.
Azerbaijan		Main article: Azerbaijan–Pakistan relations Pakistan recognized independence of Azerbaijan 1991 (the second country after Turkey) and the two countries established full diplomatic relations in 1992. Pakistan was one of the first countries to open its Embassy in Baku.
Palestinian Authority		Main article: Pakistan–Palestine relations Pakistan fully supports the proposal of the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Due to Pakistan's pro-Palestinian stance, bilateral relations between Pakistan and Israel have continuously wavered over the last few years. Pakistan has also declined to recognise the state of Israel until the "liberation of Palestine" will take place.
Saudi Arabia		Main article: Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations Saudi Arabia has also provided extensive religious and educational aid to Pakistan. Saudi Arabia remains a major destination for immigration amongst Pakistanis, the number of whom living in Saudi Arabia stands between 900,000 and 1 million. Saudi Arabia is the largest source of petroleum for Pakistan. It also supplies extensive financial aid to Pakistan and remittance from Pakistani migrants to Saudi Arabia is also a major source of foreign currency.
Syria		Main article: Pakistan–Syria relations Both countries were on the silk route through which civilizational exchanges took place for centuries, Islamic missionaries that introduced Islam after 711 AD were from Syria. During the Yom Kippur War of 1973 (usually referred to as the Ramadan war in Pakistan) several Pakistani pilots assisted the Syrian air force. In 2005 Syria and Pakistan agreed on mutual cooperation in the fields of science and technology.
United Arab Emirates		Main article: Pakistan–United Arab Emirates relations Pakistan was the first country to accord formal recognition to UAE on its achieving independence. Bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation have progressed steadily ever since. These relations date back to the UAE's formation in 1971, and have since evolved into wide-ranging co-operation in various fields. UAE has been a major donor of economic assistance to Pakistan.
Afghanistan		Main article: Afghanistan–Pakistan relations
Bangladesh	18/Jan/1976	Main article: Bangladesh–Pakistan relations Relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People's Republic of Bangladesh are influenced by the fact that Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan until 1971, when it achieved independence after the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. As part of Shimla Agreement, India sought to make sure that Pakistan would take steps to recognize Bangladesh. Pakistan established full diplomatic relations with Bangladesh on January 18, 1976, and relations improved in the following decades. However, since Bangladesh is one of the most anti Pakistani countries relations have been strained now.
Bhutan		Main article: Bhutan-Pakistan relations Pakistan is one of the few countries with which Bhutan maintains diplomatic relationship. Both countries are member of SAARC. Trade and bilateral relationship between the two countries can be largely regarded as being insignificant, and the diplomatic relationship as being largely symbolic.
Brunei		Main article: Brunei–Pakistan relations Diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Brunei are very warm and friendly, this is primarily because both are Muslim countries and member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Pakistan maintains an High commission in Brunei, and Brunei has an embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. To further foster ties between the 2 countries, Brunei-Pakistan Friendship Association (BPFA) was created in 2008.
Burma		Main articles: Burma–Pakistan relations and Burmese people in Pakistan Pakistan has an embassy in Yangon, and Burma has an embassy in Islamabad. In January 2012, President Asif Ali Zardari paid a state visit to Yangon, Burma where he met Aung San Suu Kyi and conferred her the "Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Award for Democracy" for her long struggle for democracy. Zardari's children were also present in the ceremony.
Cambodia		Main article: Cambodia–Pakistan relations Pakistan has an embassy in Phnom Penh although Cambodia does not have an embassy in Pakistan.
PRC	1951	Main article: China–Pakistan relations Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the People's Republic of China (PRC) were established on 21 May 1951, shortly after the retreat of the Republic Of China in 1949. While initially ambivalent towards the idea of a Communist country on its borders, Pakistan hoped that the PRC would serve as a counterweight to Indian influence. India had recognised the PRC a year before, and Indian Prime Minister Nehru also hoped for closer relations between India and the PRC. However, with escalating border tensions leading to the 1962 Sino-Indian war, the PRC and Pakistan formed an alliance. One year after the PRCs border war with India, Pakistan ceded the Trans-Karakoram Tract to the PRC in order to convince the PRC Authorities to be friendly towards Pakistan.
India		Main article: India–Pakistan relations Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained by a number of historical and political issues, and are defined by the violent partition of British India in 1947, the Kashmir dispute and the numerous military conflicts fought between the two nations. Consequently, even though the two South Asian nations share historic, cultural, geographic, and economic links, their relationship has been plagued by hostility and suspicion. India and Pakistan have fought in numerous armed conflicts since their independence. There are three major wars that have taken place between the two states, namely in 1947, 1965 and the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In addition to this was the unofficial Kargil War and some border skirmishes. Both India and Pakistan are member states of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Indonesia	1949	Main article: Indonesia–Pakistan relations Indonesia has its Embassy in Islamabad and a Consulate in Karachi and Pakistan has its Embassy in Jakarta and a consulate in Medan. Bilateral trade between the two countries is $800 million but they hope to increase this to $2 billion. Both nations are members of the Developing 8 and Next Eleven countries.
Japan		Main article: Japan–Pakistan relations Tokyo and Islamabad have long enjoyed cordial relations throughout chronology since the 1950s. Japan's economic assistance has played a very important role in the development of Pakistan's economic and social infrastructure. The major projects, which have been funded by the Government of Japan, include the Indus Highway Project, a number of power projects in various provinces of Pakistan, Rural Roads Construction Project and the Children Hospital PIMS Islamabad Project. Presently the Kohat Tunnel Project and the Ghazi Brotha Dam Project are being completed with the help of the Japanese assistance.
Kazakhstan		Main article: Kazakhstan–Pakistan relations Relations between the two countries began when Pakistan recognized Kazakhstan on December 20, 1991. On February 24, 1992, diplomatic and consular relations were established during an official visit by Kazakhstani president Nursultan Nazarbayev to Pakistan. Kazakhstan is an emerging market for Pakistani goods.
Kyrgyzstan		Main article: Kyrgyzstan–Pakistan relations Pakistan extended diplomatic recognition to the Kyrgyz Republic on December 20, 1991. A Protocol for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan was signed on May 10, 1992.
Laos		Main article: Laos–Pakistan relations Legend has it that the origin name of Laos is named after Pakistani city of Lahore.
Malaysia		Main article: Malaysia–Pakistan relations Pakistan has its High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has its High Commission in Islamabad. Pakistan has brotherly relations with Malaysia. Both are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Commonwealth of Nations. There is a trade and cultural pact between the two countries, under which the import and export of various goods is done on fairly large scale. Both the countries enjoy close relations and links of mutual friendship and the cooperation has further strengthened.
Maldives		Main article: Maldives–Pakistan relations The Maldives and Pakistan are culturally very close in sharing a Sunni majority. Islamabad supports the Maldivian position in the territorial dispute over the southern Indian colony of Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep, whose population is Muslim by faith. Both the Maldives and Pakistan are member states of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Mongolia		Main article: Mongolia–Pakistan relations Pakistan and Mongolia maintain cordinal diplomatic relationship.
Nepal	1960	Main article: Nepal–Pakistan relations Despite an extensive 1982 trade agreement, the volume of bilateral trade remains comparatively small at USD 4.8 million. Pakistan's total exports to Nepal are worth USD 1.631 million while Nepal's exports to Pakistan tally USD 3.166 million. Both countries have recently stepped up efforts to promote bilateral trade, especially in textiles, oilseeds, extraction of oil and tourism; Pakistan also offered a USD 5 million line of credit to Nepal. Nepal and Pakistan are signatories to the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) and members of the South Asian Economic Union.
North Korea		Main article: North Korea–Pakistan relations
Philippines	Sept/1949	Main article: Pakistan–Philippines relations
Singapore	17/Aug/1966	Main article: Pakistan–Singapore relations
South Korea	November 1983	Main article: Pakistan–South Korea relations
Sri Lanka	1949	Main article: Pakistan–Sri Lanka relations Sri Lanka's ties with Pakistan have always been quite good, ever since Pakistan established its small mission in then-Ceylon (later Sri Lanka) in circa 1948-1949. Since then, these relations have gradually developed into very close and cordial ties indeed. Pakistan has been recently supplying military equipment to the Sri Lankan armed forces. Relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka are generally warm. In the past, Pakistan has been supplying military equipment to the Sri Lankan military in the prevailing civil war against the Tamil Tigers. There is a Pakistani embassy located in Sri Lanka and a Sri Lankan embassy situated in Pakistan.
Tajikistan		Main article: Pakistan–Tajikistan relations The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, established diplomatic relationship with the Republic of Tajikistan in 1992, but cooperation between these two countries started from 1991. Geographically Tajikistan is the nearest Central Asian State to Pakistan - fourteen kilometeres between two countries. Many Tajiks have immigrated to Pakistan, notably in the city of Ishkoman where they have integrated into the local population.
Thailand	10/Oct/1951	Main article: Pakistan–Thailand relations
Turkmenistan	10/May/1992	Main article: Pakistan–Turkmenistan relations Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Turkmenistan as an independent country in December 1991. Exchange of high-level visits during the last 10 years give credence to the fact that Pakistan and Turkmenistan have laid foundation of mutually beneficial relations, friendship and understanding. The two countries have signed 21 Agreements and Memoranda of understanding in the fields of oil and gas, transport, energy, trade, science and culture.
Uzbekistan		Main article: Pakistan–Uzbekistan relations Relations between the two states were established when the republic of Uzbekistan became independent following the collapse of the USSR, the relations between the two countries were initially strained by the situation in Afghanistan which both countries border as they supported different factions Afghan factions. However relations improved after the fall of the Taliban, both countries seeking to improve relations for the sake of trade, Pakistan wishing to gain access to Central Asian markets and landlocked Uzbekistan to access ports on the Indian Ocean.
Vietnam	1972	Main article: Pakistan–Vietnam relations

North Africa

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
Algeria		Main article: Algeria–Pakistan relations There exists friendly foreign relations between Algeria and Pakistan. Pakistan supported the cause of Algeria's independence from France.
Egypt		Main article: Egypt–Pakistan relations Pakistan and Egypt (Misr), both being Muslim countries, share cordial relations. Both are also members of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), as well as "the next eleven" and "D8". After the foundation of Pakistan, it has established diplomatic and trade relations with Egypt.
Libya		Main article: Libya–Pakistan relations The relations between the two nations have always been deep and abiding, ever since the start. The two countries also share common religious and cultural links, especially the fact that both the countries are Islamic states. Pakistan's 2nd largest cricket arena, Gaddafi Stadium is named after Muammar Gaddafi, the de facto ruler of Libya for 42 years till 2011.
Morocco		Main article: Morocco–Pakistan relations Pakistan has an embassy in Rabat while Morocco also has its embassy in Islamabad. Both the countries have co-operated significantly since the past and continue to widely expand their relations, in the past Pakistan has said that it does not recognise Western Sahara and that its status is disputed and remains to be decided by United Nations resolutions, but at the same time it gave the Moroccan point of view that it is an internal matter.
Sudan		Main article: Pakistan–Sudan relations Due to both states sharing the same religion, being former British colonies, and refusing to recognize Israel as a legitimate nation, Pakistan and Sudan have shared generally close and warm relations for decades. Sudan declared its support for Pakistan in the Indo-Pakistani Wars, and also due to the fact that Pakistan stood by the Sudanese people over its integrity and sovereignty, especially on its boundary disputes with both Egypt and South Sudan.
South Sudan		Pakistan recognised South Sudan after South Sudan was added as a candidate in the United Nations General Assembly. However the boundary dispute with Kenya is not supportive by Pakistan as it favours Nairobi administration of its integrity and sovereignty.
Tunisia		Main article: Pakistan–Tunisia relations Pakistan supported Tunisia on the issue of its complete control on Bizerte and declared it an integral part of Tunisia. Former Tunisian president Habib Bourguiba had always supported Pakistan's point of view.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
Botswana		Botswana has diplomatic relations with Pakistan which is covered by the Botswana Embassy in Beijing, China and an Embassy located in Islamabad within the Republic of Yemen. Pakistan's Embassy in Botswana is located in Sana'a, Yemen Trade between the 2 nations in 2001/02 accounted for $20 million Mehru Khan of Pakistan and Botswana was crowned Miss NRI Global 2005 winner at an international pageant.
Congo		Pakistan embassy in Zimbabwe is also accredited to Congo. Pakistan maintains an Honorary Consulate in Kinsasha. Pakistan also has up to 3500 troops in Congo under United Nations Operation in Congo
Eritrea		Eritrea maintains an embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Ethiopia		Main article: Ethiopia–Pakistan relations
Kenya		Main article: Kenya–Pakistan relations Relations between Pakistan and Kenya were first historically established in the 60's, when Pakistan expressed its support for Kenya in getting independence from British rule. Ever since from that time, relations between the two nations have been warm, with both countries having had discussed previously in the Pakistan-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission session which was hosted in Nairobi in 2004, about boosting bilateral trade and economic relations.
Lesotho		Pakistan and Lesotho maintain honorary consulates in each other's country.
Madagascar		Pakistan maintains an honorary consulate in Madagascar.
Malawi		Pakistan maintains an Honorary Consulate in Malawi. The Pakistani embassy in Zimbabwe is also accredited to Malawi.
Mauritius		Main article: Mauritius–Pakistan relations Pakistan has a High Commission in Port Louis and Mauritius has a High Commission in Islamabad. The two countries are progressing the finalisation of a Free Trade Agreement.
Mozambique		Pakistan maintain cordinal relations with Mozambique. In 1976, on the eve of independence of Mozambique, technical support of Pakistani pilots, engineers and maintenance persons were despatched to Mozambique for making their helicopters airworthy and training of their pilots/ technicians. Pakistan also gave nationality to many Muslim Indians in Mozambique after 1961 Indian annexation of Goa.
Niger		Pakistan has an embassy in Niamey, although Niger does not maintain a permanent embassy in Islamabad.
Nigeria		Main article: Nigeria–Pakistan relations Pakistan has a High Commission in Abuja and Nigeria has a High Commission in Islamabad, as well as a Consulate-General in Karachi. The two states have maintained a close relationship, a relationship which is described by the Nigerian Defence Minister as "friendly" and like a "family tie"
Sao Tome and Principe		Pakistan has had friendly political relations with the island country of São Tomé and Príncipe. Traditionally, the Pakistan Ambassador in Portugal is accredited to the islands. Mr. Fradique de Menezes, the President of São Tomé and Príncipe specifically requested for Pakistan's assistance in promoting income generating skills in agriculture and textiles as well as in poverty alleviation programmes. Mr. Fradique de Menezes, expressed his profound desire to enhance political, economic and cultural cooperation with Pakistan.
Senegal		Main article: Pakistan–Senegal relations
Central African Republic		Main article: Pakistan–Central African Republic relations Pakistan Maintains 2 Infantry Battalions and a Squadron of Helicopters under the UN peacekeeping Banner in CAR
Somalia		Main article: Pakistan–Somalia relations Pakistan recognizes the Federal Government of Somalia as the official national government of Somalia. It maintains strong relations with the Somalian federal authorities, who also have an embassy in Islamabad.
South Africa		Pakistan maintains a high commission in Cape Town, and South Africa maintains a high commission in Islamabad. South Africa is also home to more than 2,500 Pakistanis.
Tanzania		Pakistan maintains a High Commission in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Uganda		Pakistan maintains an honorary consulate in Kampala. Pakistan also provide scholarships to Ugandan students under its technical assistance programme.
Zambia		Zambia maintains a General Honorary Consulate in Islamabad, whereas Pakistan's embassy in Zimbabwe is also accredited to Zambia. In February 2008 an 11-member Pakistan Trade Delegation visited Lusaka for exploring bilateral trade cooperation.
Zimbabwe		Main article: Pakistan–Zimbabwe relations Pakistan is represented in Zimbabwe by an embassy in Harare. The Pakistani government has pledged to always "stand by Zimbabwe in its challenging times and continue to render assistance in every way possible in an effort to cement the already cordial relations between the two countries. Pakistan has also helped in structuring Zimbabwe's Armed Forces, The First Head of Zimbabwe Air Force was also a Pakistan Air Force Officer Air Marshal Azim Daudpoto who served as a Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe from July 1983 to January 1986."

Europe

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
Albania		Main article: Albania–Pakistan relations Pakistan's diplomatic relations with Albania are very cordial given that Albania is a Muslim majority country , and the only European country with OIC membership. Albania has consistently supported Pakistan for the Kashmir cause. In Dec 2006, Albanian Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Anton Gurakqui visited Pakistan to hold bilateral consultation with Pakistani political leadership. Pakistan also offers training facilities to young Albanian bureaucrats in the field of banking, finance, management and diplomacy.
Andorra		The Pakistani embassy in Spain is accredited to Andorra.
Austria	1956	Main article: Austria–Pakistan relations Relations between the two countries are generally friendly. The diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Austria were established in 1956 when Pakistan formally recognized Austria.
Belarus		Main article: Pakistan–Belarus relations Belarus' Minsk Tractor Works has played a key role in supplying tractor to Pakistan and establishing the tractor assembly plant in Pakistan. Belarus and Pakistan have also signed agreements on trade-economic cooperation and investments protection. Pakistan ambassador to Russia is accredited as a non-residential ambassador to Belarus, However Belarus maintains an Embassy in Islamabad since 2014. In May 2007, Pakistan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar made an official visit to Belarus and meet with high-ranking government officials of Belarus.
Belgium		Main article: Belgium–Pakistan relations
Bosnia and Herzegovina		Main article: Bosnia and Herzegovina–Pakistan relations Both nations share close relations on the grounds of religion and politics. Pakistan was a staunch supporter of Bosnia during the civil war. Pakistan sent in UN Peacekeeping forces to the former Yugoslavia during the Yugoslav wars. Pakistan and Bosnia have a free trade agreement.
Bulgaria		Main article: Bulgaria–Pakistan relations
Croatia		Pakistan maintains an Honorary Consulate in Zagreb.
Czech Republic		Main article: Czech Republic–Pakistan relations
Denmark		Main article: Denmark–Pakistan relations
Estonia	20/Sept/1993	Main article: Estonia–Pakistan relations
Finland		Main article: Finland–Pakistan relations
France		Main article: France–Pakistan relations Pakistan and France have high levels of diplomatic meetings and are in good terms with one another. However, these good relations haven't been around very long. Trade between Pakistan and France is increasing and France has donated large funds to help Pakistan with its economic problems.
Germany		Main article: Germany–Pakistan relations Germany and Pakistan enjoy closely cordial relations. Germany has taken large measures to aid the South Asian country in its economic and governmental hardship. Commercial trade between Berlin and Islamabad has also been very essential in recent years seeing as Germany is Pakistan's fourth largest trade partner. Also, Germany is home to 35,081 Pakistani immigrants. Overall, the two nations have almost always had a friendly bond.
Georgia	12/May/1994	Pakistan ambassador to Azerbaijan is accredited to be the non-residential ambassador to Georgia.
Greece		Main article: Greece–Pakistan relations In modern times, Pakistan's first embassy in Athens was opened in 1975. Greece established an embassy in Islamabad in 1987. There are around 32,500 Pakistani people living and working in Greece.
Holy See		Main article: Holy See–Pakistan relations
Hungary	26/Nov/1965	Main article: Hungary-Pakistan relations Since 1970, Hungary has an embassy in Islamabad and an honorary consulate in Karachi. Pakistan has an embassy in Budapest
Iceland		Pakistan maintain cordinal diplomatic relations with Iceland. Iceland's citizens are also the only Europeans who may access Pakistan visa-free.
Ireland		Main article: Ireland–Pakistan relations Ireland is represented in Pakistan through its embassy in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and an honorary consulate in Karachi. Pakistan has an embassy in Dublin. Pakistanis continue to support the idea of unification of Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland which remains part of the United Kingdom after the Republic of Ireland left the Commonwealth of Nations.
Italy		Main article: Italy–Pakistan relations
Latvia		Latvia maintains an Honorary Consul in Karachi. Whereas the Pakistani ambassador to Sweden is accredited as a non-residential ambassador to Latvia. There is also a growing number of Pakistanis (mostly university students) living in Riga.
Liechtenstein		The Pakistani ambassador to Switzerland is accredited as a non-residential ambassador to Liechtenstein. Pakistan diplomatic relations with Liechtenstein is important, despite the small size of Liechtenstein, as Liechtenstein is member of European Free Trade Association, with which Pakistan is seeking Free Trade Agreement.
Lithuania		Pakistan maintains friendly diplomatic relations with Lithuania.
Luxembourg		Pakistan maintains cordial diplomatic relations with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Pakistan also maintains an Honorary Consulate in Luxembourg.
Malta		Main article: Malta–Pakistan relations
Moldova		The Pakistani ambassador to Romania is accredited as a non-residential ambassador to Moldova.
Monaco		Pakistan maintains cordial diplomatic relations with Monaco.
Montenegro	Jun/2006	Pakistan formally recognized the Republic of Montenegro as a sovereign and independent state, following the request of its government in Jun 2006. Both countries maintain cordinal diplomatic relationship.
Netherlands		Main article: Netherlands–Pakistan relations
Norway		Main article: Norway–Pakistan relations Norway and Pakistan have strengthened ties. Norway has an embassy in Islamabad and an honorary consulate in Lahore, whereas Pakistan has an embassy in Oslo.
Portugal		Main article: Pakistan–Portugal relations
Romania		Main article: Pakistan–Romania relations Pakistan has an embassy in Bucharest and an honorary consulate in Iaşi. Romania has an embassy in Islamabad and an honorary consulate in Lahore.
Russia	1948	Main article: Pakistan–Russia relations Relations between these two countries have been strained in the past, because of Pakistan's close ties to America and its support for the Afghan rebels during the invasion by the USSR.
San Marino	12/Apr/2006	Pakistan established diplomatic relations with San Marino on 12 April 2006. The Pakistani ambassador to Italy is accredited as a non-residential ambassador to San Marino.
Serbia		Main article: Pakistan–Serbia relations Since July 2001, Pakistan has an embassy in Belgrade. Serbia has now closed its embassy in Pakistan after 2001 due to financial or reciprocal reasons because Pakistan's role in the desire for Sanjak's merger with their brethren of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is now represented in Pakistan through its embassy in Beijing (China). However, there is a bone of contention between the two, because of the latter's close relations with, India.
Slovakia		The Pakistani ambassador to Austria is accredited be the non-residential ambassador to Slovakia. Relations between Pakistan and the Slovak Republic are cordial and friendly. The two countries have agreements on cultural cooperation and visa abolition (for diplomatic/official passport holders). Some well known Slovak companies like Matador and Mediprogress are active in Pakistan through their agents.
Spain		Main article: Pakistan–Spain relations
Switzerland		Main article: Pakistan–Switzerland relations
Sweden		Main article: Pakistan–Sweden relations
Turkey		Main article: Pakistan–Turkey relations Pakistan–Turkey relations have been traditionally strong. Both nations maintain extensive cultural, commercial, strategic and military cooperation. Both Turkey and Pakistan are Muslim-majority states and share extensive cultural and geopolitical links.
Ukraine	1992	Main article: Pakistan–Ukraine relations Pakistan recognized Ukraine's independence in 1991. Pakistan has an embassy in Kiev. Ukraine has an embassy in Islamabad. Ukraine and Pakistan have been cooperating with each other in educational sector as well as cultural exchanges. Pakistan and Ukraine are also heavily cooperating with each other in aerospace engineering, aerospace technologies, bio-medical sciences and science and technology.
United Kingdom		Main article: Pakistan–United Kingdom relations Pakistan has been a member of the Commonwealth of Nations since independence in 1947. It was not a member of the British Commonwealth from 1972 until 1989, because of the Commonwealth's recognition of Bangladesh. It was readmitted to full membership of the Commonwealth in October 1989. It was suspended with the overthrow of the democratically elected government in 1999. Its full membership has been reinstated with the backing of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for Pakistan's support in the War on Terrorism. Pakistan maintains diplomatic relations with all Commonwealth countries even though it does not have its own High Commission in each capital. The U.K. also has the biggest Pakistani community outside of Pakistan.

Americas

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
Argentina		Main article: Argentina–Pakistan relations A memorandum of Understanding with the National Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of Argentina and the Pakistan Academy of Sciences was signed. In pursuit of its policy of establishing scientific cooperation with Argentina, the Pakistan has been actively engaged in signing Memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with various organizations.
Brazil		Main article: Brazil–Pakistan relations The relation between Brazil and Pakistan is friendly and there is a lot of cooperation between in the two countries in military field.
Canada		Main article: Canada–Pakistan relations Pakistan is represented through its High Commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Canada is represented through its High Commission in Islamabad and consulate in Karachi. The value of the bilateral trade relationship between Pakistan and Canada was close to C$694 million in 2007. There is also extensive people to people links between Canada and Pakistan with an estimated 300,000 Pakistanis living in Canada.
Chile		Main article: Chile–Pakistan relations
Cuba		Main article: Cuba–Pakistan relations The relations between the two countries strengthened after Cuba provided humanitarian assistance to the victims of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake. Both the nations continue to strengthen the bilateral relations especially in the fields of higher education, agriculture, industry and science and technology and have also held talks for military cooperation.
Guyana		Main article: Guyana–Pakistan relations Guyana along with Suriname is one of the only 2 member state of OIC in the Americas. Pakistan maintains an Honorary Consulate in Guyana. The Muslims of Guyana provided moral support for the creation of the state of Pakistan. Many of the Muslims from British Guyana even took Pakistani citizenship after the creation of Pakistan in 1947 and migrated to Pakistan.
Jamaica		Pakistan ambassador to USA is accredited as Pakistan's non-resident High Commissioner to Jamaica.
Mexico	19 January 1955	Main article: Mexico–Pakistan relations Pakistan maintains an embassy in Mexico City, and Mexico is accredited to Pakistan through its embassy in Tehran. Both countries are also working on Mechanism of Bilateral Consultations on Issues of Mutual Interest for Mexico and Pakistan.
Paraguay	23/Oct/1967	Main article: Pakistan–Paraguay relations Relations were established on 23 October 1967. Pakistan maintains an embassy in Argentina which is accredited to Paraguay and a consulate in Asuncion. Paraguay maintains an embassy in Egypt accredited to Pakistan and an honorary consulate in Islamabad . Government ministers met in 2005 to explore potential trade opportunities. Bilateral trade in 2010 totaled US $2.4 million per year and growing yearly. Pakistan exports carpets, surgical instruments to Paraguay, whereas Paraguay exports pharmaceuticals
Suriname		Main article: Suriname–Pakistan relations Pakistan and Suriname both maintain friendly and cooperative relations. Many of Suriname Hindustani Muslim speak Urdu, and maintain cultural link in Pakistan. Surinamese Islamic Association maintains its umberalla headquarters in Islamabad, Pakistan
Trinidad and Tobago		Pakistan maintain a consulate general in North Trinidad. Trinidad is also home to a sizeable number of South Asian Muslim who draw links with Pakistan. During the 2010 Pakistan floods, Trinidad Congress of the People party donated US$33,000 worth of aid to Pakistan flood victims.
United States of America	20/Oct/1947	Main article: Pakistan–United States relations
Uruguay		Pakistan has an honorary consulate in Montevideo. As of 2014 the Pakistani ambassador to Argentina, Imtiaz Ahmad was accredited to Uruguay. In 2006 a commercial agreement was celebrated between Pakistan and Mercosur (a trade bloc of which Uruguay is part). There is a Pakistan-Uruguay Chamber of Commerce.

Oceania

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
Australia		Main article: Australia–Pakistan relations Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf visited Australia in 2005 and the former Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, also having extended a visit to Pakistan in 2005 as well, following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake which had immensely targeted the northern areas of Pakistan. He also announced 500 new scholarships for students in Pakistan to study in Australia.
Fiji		While Pakistan and Fiji maintain formal diplomatic relationship, they do not have diplomatic mission in each other's country. Pakistan designates her high commissioner to Australia as a non-residential high commissioner to Fiji. Many of Fiji's large Indian Muslim population maintain family links with Pakistan
New Zealand		Main article: New Zealand–Pakistan relations Pakistan has a High Commission located in Wellington whilst New Zealand has a Consulate-General in Karachi. New Zealand was party to the Commonwealth Heads of Government decision to readmit Pakistan to the Councils of the Commonwealth after the restoration of civilian rule in May 2008.
Tonga		While Pakistan and Tonga maintain diplomatic relationship, they do not have diplomatic mission in each other's country. Pakistan exports to Tonga in 2007 was T$11,655. Pakistan also has bilateral visa-abolition scheme with Tonga, for all passport types of both the countries.

International organizations

Organization	Membership	Notes
Arab League	Non-member	Main article: Arab–Pakistan relations Pakistan has signed an MoU with the Arab League, and has shown interest to be granted oberver status. Pakistan has also lobbied for greater representation of the Arab League in the United Nation Security Council.
ASEAN	Non-member	See fesea report on Pakistan and ASEAN: Constraints and Opportunities
European Union	Non-member	Main article: Pakistan–European Union relations
IMF		Pakistan is a full member of IMF, and has received several monetary assistance from IMF. IMF also maintains a Resident Representative Office in Pakistan
Economic Cooperation Organization	1985	Main article: Economic Cooperation Organization Pakistan, Turkey, Iran are the founding members of (ECO)
NATO	Non-member	Pakistan is a major non-NATO ally against the war against terrorism.
OIC	1969	Main article: Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
SAARC	1985	Pakistan is one of the founding members of SAARC.
SCO	Full Member	Pakistan as of 2015 is a full member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
United Nations	30/Sept/1947	Main article: Pakistan and the United Nations

Pakistan and the Commonwealth of Nations

Pakistan was a member of the Commonwealth from 1947 to 1956 under the name 'Dominion of Pakistan'.

From 1956 to 1972,the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was a Commonwealth republic, when it was withdrawn in protest at the Commonwealth's support of East Pakistan's secession and Bangladesh's independence.

In 1989, Pakistan regained its status as a Commonwealth republic, which remains the case, despite Pakistan's suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations between 1999 and 2008.

See also

• Government of Pakistan
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• List of diplomatic missions in Pakistan
• List of diplomatic missions of Pakistan
• Visa requirements for Pakistani citizens

External links

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan