Islam in Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

This work seeks to assess the foreign policy of Pakistan for the period spanning the formative years, and the Bhutto and Zia regimes. The Bhutto regime takes into account both that of the father, Zulfiqar Ali and Benazir. The treatment of the post-Zia Years, for obvious reasons, does not cover the latest developments, especially those relating to Afghanistan and the emergence of the Taliban. The foreign policy goals of states. To put it simplistically, are standard: making friends and influencing people beyond borders; forging new alliances; and, generally, consolidating power, aided by the first process. In the last few years, religion has been used by some states to promote their foreign policy objectives. Islam has acquired a prominence in this regard, which is both fascinating and frightening. The most interesting use of Islam has been made in Pakistan over the years. This work makes an attempt to tell that story with objectivity.