By Ijaz Ahmad Khan
TORONTO (Canada): Regained a prominent position on an international stage in 2025, Pakistan driven by proactive diplomacy and a robust defence policies significantly improved its standing in the comity of nations.
Experts termed 2025 as one of the most significant and rewarding years in Pakistan’s diplomatic and defence history, during which Islamabad effectively thwarted the designs of hostile forces and strengthened its global standing.
Former ambassador Manzoorul Haq, speaking to this reporter, said Pakistan achieved renewed momentum on economic, defence, and diplomatic fronts due to improved government policies.
After navigating years of global uncertainty, he said Pakistan not only strengthened its international and economic relations with world and regional powers but also forged strategic partnerships, emerging as a reliable partner and a respected voice on key global issues.
He said Pakistan’s visionary foreign policy, focused on peace and mutual coexistence, was reflected through proactive regional and international engagement, security agreements, and high-level foreign visits.
The revival of diplomatic relevance, strategic partnerships, and economic stabilisation was clearly visible in PMLN Govt. policies throughout the year.
Manzoorul Haq credited the success to the collective efforts of the government of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, political and military leadership and diplomats. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir collectively undertook around 71 foreign visits in 2025 to strengthen Pakistan’s ties with key regional and global partners this year.
“These visits were not ceremonial but aimed at reviving Pakistan’s relations with major powers and emerging economies,” he said, adding that the frequency and diversity of engagements reflected Pakistan’s confidence and readiness to cooperate globally.
Strengthened ties with key countries
Pakistan’s relations with brotherly Islamic countries reached new heights in 2025, he said and referred to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s historic visit early in the year further deepened Islamabad-Ankara ties, resulting in the signing of 24 agreements and memorandums of understanding across defence, trade, health, technology, agriculture, and other sectors. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to achieving $5 billion in bilateral trade.
Similarly, Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian paid his first official visit to Pakistan since assuming office in July 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations, with 12 MoUs and agreements signed across trade, energy, border management, culture, and science, and a target set to increase trade to $10 billion.
The visit of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov was another diplomatic milestone, being the first by a Kyrgyz head of state in 20 years. Both sides agreed to raise bilateral trade from $15 million to $200 million within two years and signed 15 MoUs, revitalising long-dormant ties.
Most recently on December 26, 2025, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid his first official visit to Pakistan. The visit aimed at achieving a “quantum jump” in economic cooperation, with focus on investment, energy, trade, and infrastructure.
Other high-profile visitors included Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Murat Nurtleu.
Brigadier (Retd) Mahmood Shah, senior defense analyst said 2025 was particularly significant from a security and defence standpoint, highlighting the four-day conflict between Pakistan and India in May, during which Pakistan emerged victorious and strengthened its position as a responsible regional power.
Pakistan, he said, effectively projected its principled stance at global forums, exposed Indian hegemonic ambitions, and countered misinformation campaigns. Its restraint in avoiding escalation earned international appreciation and bolstered its diplomatic offensive.
Following the conflict, Pakistan also made diplomatic gains, with countries including China, the United States, Russia, Turkey, and Iran praising Pakistan’s leadership, military professionalism, and commitment to peace.
Diplomatic delegations sent to Moscow and western capitals received positive responses, enhancing Pakistan’s global image.
Shah said the conflict proved a turning point in Pakistan-US relations, with Washington once again viewing Pakistan as a reliable partner. He noted increased cooperation in defence, counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional security.
Former Chairman of International Relations at the University of Peshawar, Professor Dr Adnan Sarwar Khan, said Pakistan achieved another major diplomatic success in December 2025 when a UN expert report identified India as the aggressor in the April 22 attack in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, highlighting human rights violations.
He said Pakistan remained highly active diplomatically, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visiting Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, China, Türkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, and participating in major multilateral forums including the SCO Summit, World Governments Summit, and Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit.
Pakistan-China relations remained strong, with the launch of CPEC 2.0, high-level agreements worth over $8.5 billion, and a Joint Action Plan (2025–2029) focusing on education, technology, and vocational training.
Dr Adnan Sarwar also highlighted the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed with Saudi Arabia, calling it a major milestone in military diplomacy.
Pakistan remained actively engaged on regional issues including Palestine, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Despite challenges, Pakistan pursued constructive engagement with Afghanistan, including participation in the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue with China.
Relations with Bangladesh also improved significantly after a gap of 13 years, with multiple MoUs signed during Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Dhaka.
Experts agreed that in 2025, Pakistan demonstrated that it can be a proactive, respected, and influential international actor.
Through strategic vision, active diplomacy, and balanced engagement, Pakistan advanced its national interests and strengthened global partnerships.
They said the achievements of 2025 provide a solid foundation of trust, cooperation, and international relevance, reaffirming that when Pakistan speaks diplomatically, the world listens.
Ends
