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By Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad<\/p>\nBy Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad<\/p>\n
The year 2025 will be remembered as one of the most important and blessed years in Pakistan\u2019s diplomatic history. This year can be described as the year of renewed momentum for Pakistan on the economic and diplomatic fronts. After navigating the complex and uncertain global environment for so many years, Pakistan not only strengthened its international relations but achieved strategic partnerships also, emerged as a reliable partner for the international community and became a respected voice on key global issues. From major security pacts and proactive international and regional engagement through foreign visits to global eminence and recognition, Pakistan has shown that it is pursuing a visionary foreign policy.<\/p>\n
This year we have seen decisive turnaround for the country. The revival of diplomatic relevance and the strategic partnerships along with economic stabilization and reform led recovery could be seen. If we talk about the diplomatic wins and strategic alignments, there is a list of success that Pakistan has achieved on the diplomatic front. The credit goes to Pakistan\u2019s diplomats, military leaders and the political leaders who were extremely active in 2025. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and the Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, travelled extensively around the world to strengthen ties with key partners within and beyond the region. In total, they made 71 foreign trips collectively to promote Pakistan\u2019s foreign relations and strategic interests.<\/p>\n
These trips were not for show and pomp. They were meant to revive Pakistan\u2019s relations with major powers and the newly emerging powers. The frequency and range of these visits signaled a confident Pakistan that is eager to expand its influence and always ready to cooperate with the world.<\/p>\n
Visits of Regional Leaders to Pakistan<\/p>\n
The year 2025 began with a visit by the Turkish President His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan. The historic bonds between Pakistan and T\u00fcrkiye were reinforced. This visit of the President Erdogan proved to be a historic moment in T\u00fcrkiye-Pakistan bilateral relations because it resulted in 24 agreements and memoranda across military, trade, economy, health, technology, agriculture, and other areas. Furthermore, the commitment of both countries\u2019 heads to achieve the target of $5billion volume of bilateral trade proved their strong political will to deepen economic cooperation between the two brotherly nations.<\/p>\n
There was also a visit by the Iranian President His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. This visit carried greater significance since it was his first official visit to Pakistan since assuming office in July 2024. The Iranian Foreign Ministry described the visit as the start of a \u201cnew chapter\u201d in bilateral engagement. The visit culminated in the signing of 12 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU)\/agreements, covering diverse sectors such as trade, energy, border management, cultural exchange, and scientific cooperation and also set the target of $10 billion volume of trade between both sides. This visit was a diplomatic achievement for Pakistan, one since it was H.E. Pezeshkian\u2019s first visit to Pakistan after assuming office, second, it laid a solid foundation for advancing bilateral cooperation across economic, security, cultural, and political domains, and third, Islamabad\u2019s hosting of the Iranian President reinforced Pakistan\u2019s commitment to proactive diplomacy and a balanced approach to international engagement.<\/p>\n
In addition to this, the President of Kyrgyzstan His Excellency Sadyr Zhaparov recently visited Pakistan. This visit was a diplomatic milestone because it was the first visit by a Kyrgyz head of state to Pakistan in 20 years. Both sides agreed to significantly boost their trade from $15 million to $200 million within two years. Along with this 15 MoUs were signed as well. This visit marked a significant step in revitalizing bilateral relations after a long diplomatic gap. It also reflected that both sides are determined to expand cooperation beyond symbolic ties.<\/p>\n
Very recently, a few days back, on Dec 26, 2025, the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, undertook an official visit to Pakistan. Again, this visit also carries great significance since it was His Highness\u2019s first visit to Pakistan as the President of UAE. Although Pakistan and UAE enjoy the fraternal bonds but this visit is an effort to further strengthen those bonds through a \u201cquantum jump\u201d in economic cooperation. His Highness also showed interest in investment, energy, trade, and infrastructure. During the visit, a landmark agreement was signed under which the UAE committed to purchasing shares worth $1 billion in Pakistan\u2019s Fauji Foundation. Overall, it signaled a shift toward a more robust, investment-driven relationship aimed at mutual economic growth and regional stability.<\/p>\n
In addition, Jordan\u2019s King Abdullah II, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Kazakhstan\u2019s Deputy Prime Minister Murat Nurtleu, also paid official visits to Pakistan.<\/p>\n
From Battlefield to Diplomacy: Marqa-e-Haq and the US Policy Shift<\/p>\n
The highlight of the year 2025 was the 4 days war or the Marqa-e-Haq, also known as the May stand-off, between India and Pakistan in which Pakistan stood victorious and emerged as a regional player. Pakistan effectively projected its principled stance at regional and global forums. It exposed the Indian hegemonic designs to the world and showed that Pakistan is a peace-loving country but will never compromise its sovereignty. Pakistan also debunked India\u2019s exaggerated claims and exposed Indian media\u2019s misinformation and propaganda against Pakistan to the world. Pakistan\u2019s restraint\u2014avoiding deep escalation despite India\u2019s provocations\u2014set the stage for its diplomatic offensive, framing it as a responsible actor committed to stability.<\/p>\n
In the aftermath of this tense conflict, Pakistan not only won in the battlefield but also excelled on the diplomatic front. China, USA, Russia, Turkey, Iran, and so on, everyone praised Pakistan, its leadership, its military, and Pakistan\u2019s proactive diplomacy. Pakistan became a game changer helping various countries sit together and achieve peace.<\/p>\n
The delegations sent by Pakistan to Moscow and Western capitals for lobbying on tensions with India received positive responses from officials, think tanks, and international stakeholders. It marked another significant diplomatic achievement for the country. Their efforts to highlight Pakistan\u2019s peaceful and responsible stance on regional developments, while advocating for dialogue and stability in South Asia, were well received. These meetings strengthened Pakistan\u2019s international image and diplomatic outreach.<\/p>\n
This four-day armed conflict between Pakistan and India in May 2025 was a decisive turning point for Pakistan-U.S. relations also. U.S. once again turned to Pakistan and now the Trump administration refers to Pakistan as a reliable partner. President Donald Trump is giving a lot of strategic significance to Pakistan whether it be in the military domain, diplomatic domain or the strategic domain. Pakistan\u2019s Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was the first military chief that was hosted by the U.S. President and President Donald Trump also referred to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as his \u201cfavorite field marshal\u201d while addressing Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit.<\/p>\n
President Trump also invited Pakistan\u2019s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir to lunch at the White House. He then hosted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir again at the White House. Furthermore, President Donald Trump publicly praised the leadership and capabilities of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir on several occasions. Cooperation between the two countries deepened in key areas including defence, counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional security. This shift of Washington towards Pakistan highlighted the growing importance of Pakistan in the international community and key world issues.<\/p>\n
Pakistan achieved another major diplomatic victory in December 2025 when a UN expert report officially identified India as the aggressor in the April 22 attack in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir\u2019s Pahalgam region. The report also highlighted violations of fundamental human rights. Despite India\u2019s extensive lobbying, the international community supported Pakistan\u2019s position, boosting its global legitimacy.<\/p>\n
PM Shehbaz Sharif\u2019s Diplomatic Engagements Abroad<\/p>\n
In year 2025, we have seen lots of diplomatic interactions. Not only the regional leaders visited Pakistan but the Prime Minister of Pakistan His Excellency Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also paid visits to several countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, China, T\u00fcrkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. He also participated in multilateral forums such as SCO Summit in China, World Governments Summit in Dubai, Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt, and so on. All these visits and participation in multilateral forums signal a foreign policy focused on economic revival, regional connectivity, and strategic balancing. Pakistan strengthened ties with Gulf states for investment and financial support. It deepened the long-standing strategic partnership with China. It also expanded partnerships with regional neighbors and friendly states to manage security and connectivity. In essence, this year witnessed Pakistan diversifying diplomacy beyond traditional partners and all these efforts were aimed at reducing isolation, securing investments, and projecting active diplomacy amid regional and economic challenges.<\/p>\n
Pakistan and China: A Stronger Strategic Bond<\/p>\n
This year we have also seen how Pakistan and China\u2019s diplomatic relations remained strong as they always have been. Pakistan and China elevated their \u201call-weather strategic partnership\u201d through CPEC 2.0. The trade corridors have already started working and we have seen very successful visit of our Prime Minister to China and B2B conference where CPEC 2.0 was announced. High-level agreements worth over $8.5 billion, covering energy, technology, agriculture, and regional connectivity, also concluded. China also supported Pakistan during the 4 days war between India and Pakistan. Key milestones included quantum technology cooperation and the launch of five new development corridors, cementing a durable, multi-dimensional alliance. China and Pakistan issued a Joint Action Plan for 2025\u20132029 to build a closer community of shared future, including expanded cooperation in education, technology, and vocational training. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang\u202fYi also visited Islamabad for strategic dialogue amid regional tensions, underscoring continued diplomatic engagement. This enhanced diplomatic engagement between the Ironclad Brothers shows commitment of both the nations to further strengthen the long-term cooperation.<\/p>\n
A New Era in Saudi\u2013Pakistan Defence Relations<\/p>\n
The friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reached new heights when both signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement this year. The agreement states that aggression towards one state will be regarded as aggression against both. This is a significant event because it turns the enduring connection into a formal, binding one. The defence pact with Saudi Arabia is the high point of military diplomacy. Although Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the Middle Eastern Countries have been enjoying a very good military-to-military cooperation but this defence pact is something beyond military cooperation. It is a strong message to the world that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan stand together and that they are willing to defend each other’s sovereignty in full force.<\/p>\n
This agreement is an affirmation of Pakistan’s increasing strength. Since Pakistan is the sole nuclear power in the Muslim world with a professional and proven military, so it commands high respect on the global stage. This pact and the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have made it clear that Pakistan has taken up the role of a security provider, not just for Saudi Arabia but for the whole Muslim world. The fact that Saudi Arabia has opted Pakistan as its closest military ally is itself proof of Pakistan\u2019s strength and rising stature.<\/p>\n
Active Role in Regional Diplomacy<\/p>\n
This year Pakistan remained very active in regional diplomacy. Whether it be Palestine issue, Kashmir issue, engagement with Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries, Pakistan remained active. This year Pakistan became a very significant stakeholder in the Middle Eastern region and is being referred to as the stabilizing stakeholder. We have also seen the kind of diplomatic maneuvering which our foreign minister, prime minister, and field marshal had been doing for Middle Eastern countries like Pakistan\u2019s relationship with UAE, with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan\u2019s, with Qatar, everything was so on point. Similarly, Pakistan was very vocal about the Gaza crisis and supported ceasefire initiatives, endorsed a US-backed Hamas peace plan, and consistently condemned Israeli actions harming civilians. It also played an instrumental role in United Nations and the Palestine related resolutions and conferences. Islamabad used diplomatic channels to advocate humanitarian access and civilian protection, reinforcing its principled stance on Palestinian rights.<\/p>\n
In addition, Pakistan also adopted a principled stance on Kashmir issue especially during and after the India-Pakistan May 2025 conflict. It made clear that Pakistan will never abandon Kashmir and will always fight for the cause of Kashmir. Afghanistan has remained a point of concern throughout this year but Pakistan did not show any hard feelings against Afghanistan also. Instead, Pakistan had been telling Afghan brothers to counter terrorist elements and the terrorism spillover in Pakistan. Even during the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers\u2019 Dialogue held in Kabul, both countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, sat together with the help of China and the meeting focused on counter terrorism and economic cooperation. The summit concluded with a joint resolve to cooperate in trade, transit, health, education, culture, and narcotics control. This was also a major diplomatic success of Pakistan this year.<\/p>\n
We have also seen the excellent relationship building up between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The visit of Honorable Mr. Ishaq Dar, Pakistan\u2019s Foreign Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister, was the first Pakistani foreign ministerial visit in around 13 years. It led to signing of multiple MoUs on trade, diplomatic cooperation, cultural exchange and visa arrangements. These steps signaled a significant thawing of diplomatic relations after more than a decade of light engagement.<\/p>\n
In short, in the year 2025 Pakistan emerged as a middle power and this year was a turning point for Pakistan\u2019s bilateral ties.<\/p>\n
Final Remarks<\/p>\n
In 2025, Pakistan showed the world that it can be a proactive, respected, and influential actor on the international stage. Its diplomatic successes came from strategic vision, active engagement, and a willingness to collaborate across continents. Whether in defence alliances, global trade talks, or peace advocacy, Pakistan\u2019s diplomacy helped advance its national interests while earning respect abroad. As we move forward, these accomplishments in 2025 provide a strong foundation of trust, partnership, and international relevance. This year is a reminder that when Pakistan speaks diplomatically, the world listens.<\/p>\n
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