Pakistan’s Foreign Policy 1947–2016: A Concise History

by Abdul Sattar

Written with the express purpose of providing a reference book for students of history, political science, international relations, and Pakistan studies, this book offers an objective history of policy stances along with the rationale behind decisions made by Pakistani state leaders. It provides an insight into the making, implementation, and consequences of Pakistan’s foreign policy from Partition up to 2016. It will facilitate a deeper understanding of the strategic compulsions that have driven decision making in Pakistan’s national security and foreign policy.

This book incorporates new contours in relations with India, the USA, China, and Afghanistan. Further updates pertain to developments in such key areas as terrorism, Kashmir, and the Middle East.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

378 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2017

Reviews

[Muhammad Murad · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an authentic account of Pakistan's foreign policy since its inception. This book thoroughly covers Pakistan's policy shifts from non-alignment to looking for alliances to cater Indian factor. Moreover, it vividly depicts Pakistan's alliances (their cost and benefits) such as 'Mutual Defence Assistance Agreement' in 1955 between Pakistan and the US, ratifying SEATO in January 1955, joining CENTO in September 1955 and 'Bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement' in 1959 between Pakistan and the US. Moreover, it talks about Pakistan's nuclear weapons and missile system and sanctions which followed after Pakistan's nuclear weapons development program. Pakistan, however, tried to neutralize these sanctions and said, it develops nuclear weapons to maintain 'Minimum Credible Deterrence'. Furthermore, there are different chapters allocated to Post 9/11 policy, Pak-Afghan relations, Pak-India Relations (Kashmir Issue, disputes and crisis, agreements etc.) and obviously Pakistan's relations with its all-weather friend-China. Overall, it is a good read for those who want to understand Pakistan's foreign policy and rationale behind its time to time shifts in its foreign policy. Since this book was published in January 2017, I guess, there was a need to include a chapter on developments of Pak-Russia relations owing to some recent developments, for example, Russia lifted Arms Embargo against Pakistan and Pak-Russia joint military exercise titled Druzhba-2016 (Friendship-2016). Nonetheless, it is an amazing read with accurate facts and figures. Peace.

[Raheel Anjum]

It helps me in CSS exam.

[Yassar · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his book PAKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY , Abdul Sattar discuss in detail how our foreign policy was developed. He discuss all the relevant factors which compelled us to look towards west. He also discuss pak relations with China and Arab countries. Certain events which contributes to short sightedness of our leader are also mentioned by him. Overall a good and comprehensive book on pakistan foreign policy starting from 1947 up-till 2016

[Tofique Rahoo]

Wrote review

[Kifayat Ullah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read in which reader can understand the compulsion of our leaders that made significant decisions in the ambit of foreign policy. Pakistan ravelled in economic and security problem at the very dawn of its birth, this situation made the rulers of the time to make very hard decisions that had consequences for the country and its people.

[Aroosa Salahuddin · Rating 5 out of 5]

its concise book reflecting the historical ups and down in Pakistan foreign policy, International and regional instability, new challenges and enable us to sighted the further development in foreign policy.

[Mudasir Hussain · Rating 2 out of 5]

A kid at high school would have done a better job than this book. Would have been much better if it was merely a 10-page pamphlet with bullet point since there are merely any justifications/reasoning in the book.

[Muhammad Rizwan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a great read for fans of history but I just wish there was more to this book than the usual US, India, China, Afghanistan that we have read so much about. Wish there were some other countries like Turkey, Indonesia, Bosnia and our relations with them featured here.

[Monachohan · Rating 2 out of 5]

plz help me out reading this book .... no option for reading .. ??/

[Sohaib Bukhari · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to read the book?

[Jawed · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Niamatullah Tahir Khel]

how to read it????????

[Asad]

I think through this book is helpful for me

[Asif Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a must read to get an understanding of post-partition events. The book entails all the factots that have remained the epicenter of Pakistan's vague Foreign Policy over the years.

[Ishtiaq · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't get access

[Saima]

i think it is a good book and have a source of knowledge

[Mohammad Usman]

Helpful

[Awais Amjad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is authored by a well-known diplomat with over 4 decades of experience in foreign affairs and which speaks for the credibility of the book itself. The gives an impartial review of the foreign policy contours of the Pakistani state and highlights the pros and cons of the decisions made in retrospect. A critical analysis of the decisions made in history is presented and several lessons to be learnt are also intimated throughout the book. There are also personal accounts of the author that have been mentioned and it makes the book all too interesting to read. It was a great read and students of foreign affairs and IR could profoundly benefit from the historic accounts.