Pakistan’s Vision East Asia Policy: A Response to the Post 9/11 Scenario

Abstract

9/11cattacks left tremendous effects on the world politics. Many countries in the world had to redesign and redefine their foreign policies to respond the environment created under influence of the fall out of these attacks. Similarly, Pakistan also had to take review of its policy options and choices to adjust itself in the post 9/11 scenario. Thus, as a response to post the 9/11 environment in world politics, Pakistan’s policy makers developed “Pakistan’s Vision East Asia Policy” in 2003 to deal the situation created after September 2001. Though Pakistan enjoyed good relations with some countries of this region but they were bilateral in nature. It was for the first time that a comprehensive policy was devised to reach out the countries in the Southeast Asian region to forge not only bilateral but also close multilateral relations. Hither to Pakistan’s main focus has been western countries for all types of interactions. As a consequence of Pakistan’s traditional policy of looking west, its relations with the countries of Southeast Asian region could not be developed warmly. It was because of the circumstances after 11th September 2001 that pushed Pakistan towards this region. This article aims to define Pakistan’s Vision East Asia Policy in introductory paragraph. Then in subsequent paragraph the factors will be discussed which compelled Pakistan to develop this policy. The next paragraph will take review of this policy along with its comparison with India’s Look East Policy. Before conclusion this article will suggest some policy recommendations for Pakistan.