Pakistan's Foreign Policy Towards Central Asia in Context with CPEC

Aamir Junaid, Dr Ghulam Mustafa, Muhammad Ashraf Nadeem

doi:10.52337/pjia.v4i2.194

Abstract

Central Asia consists of five states: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and rich with natural reserves. Pakistan has an important place in the South Asian region and occupies an important strategic location. Pakistan and Central Asian republics always keen to develop cordial relations. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CEPC) is a game-changer project of the region. China has injected over 70$ billion under CPEC in various projects in Pakistan and wants to invest more. Central Asian states are willing to join CPEC and wish to get benefits from this vital project. Central Asian republics can capture a large-scale market beyond South Asia and Pakistan, with its prime location can provide an accessible route. Gawadar Port is fully functional now and provides a transit route to the Central Asian republics and can significantly enhance ties among Pakistan and CARs. Now Pakistan considers the Central Asian region an essential pillar in its foreign policy. Islamabad tried its best to connect with the Central Asian region but could not get the desired results due to the various regional issues. Afghanistan is a constant hurdle in the way of a prosperous region. Afghanistan has been in war for the last four decades, and peace looks like a dream in the country. Islamabad has hosted Tajik President in June and the Uzbek President at the virtual meeting in April this year. Pakistan has signed various MoUs with both Central Asian states and it shows the importance of relations among Pakistan Central Asian republics. This paper analyzes Pakistan's foreign policy towards Central Asia in the context of CPEC. The researcher uses a qualitative technique to complete his research paper and this research paper enables readers to understand the significance of CPEC and Pakistan's relations with Central Asian states.

Highlights

Since the independence of Pakistan, Islamabad has been trying to enhance its ties with the Central Asian states rich with natural resources
This paper focuses on Pakistan's foreign policy towards CARs and the importance of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Central Asia is a prosperous region with natural reserves and it is landlocked, whereas Pakistan has a significant geostrategic position in the area

Summary

Introduction

Since the independence of Pakistan, Islamabad has been trying to enhance its ties with the Central Asian states rich with natural resources. After the demise of the Taliban regime, Pakistan approached diplomatically to the CARs and tried to enhance ties. Pakistan always remained eager to establish cordial ties with Central Asian states to meet its energy deficit (Dawn, 2020). Pakistan is considering CPEC a golden opportunity to enhance its ties with the CARs by providing them with the sea route. Peace in Afghanistan is compulsory to enhance trade ties with Central Asian states. Pakistan is taking a great interest in the Afghan peace process and keeping an eye on enhancing trade ties and diplomatic relations with CARs. This paper highlights Pakistan's foreign relations with Central Asian states and the importance of CPEC in the context of Central Asian states

Research Methodology

Literature Review

Conclusion