Editorial
Functional diplomacy is the use of diplomatic methods and practices to achieve specific objectives and outcomes related to the functions and interests of a state. Practical diplomacy can cover various areas, such as economic, cultural, environmental, humanitarian, and security issues. Functional diplomacy can serve the financial interests of a country by enhancing its trade, investment, development, and cooperation opportunities with other countries and regions. Functional diplomacy can also help a nation protect its economic interests from external threats and challenges, such as sanctions, disputes, or crises. Pakistan’s diplomacy can ensure better economic interests for Pakistan by pursuing independent and national-oriented policies.
Pakistan needs to strengthen its relations with its major trading partners, such as China, the United States, the European Union, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Pakistan can leverage its strategic location, its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, its membership in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, and its potential role in the Afghan peace process to enhance its economic ties with these partners. Pakistan can also seek to diversify its export markets and products, improve trade facilitation and competitiveness, and address the trade deficit and balance-of-payments issues.
Pakistan must expand its economic cooperation with other developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa. Pakistan can use its diplomatic channels to promote its expertise, experience, and resources in various sectors, such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, health, education, and information technology. Pakistan can also participate in multilateral platforms and initiatives that aim to foster regional and inter-regional economic integration and development—furthermore, Pursuing economic diplomacy that is aligned with its national development goals and priorities is critical. Pakistan can use its diplomatic efforts to mobilize external resources and support for its domestic reforms and projects that are aimed at improving its economic growth, stability, and resilience. Pakistan can also use its diplomatic influence to advocate for global issues that affect its economic interests, such as climate change, debt relief, and pandemic response.
Hence, Pakistan must pursue a functional and practical foreign policy to meet the economic and financial stability challenges. Therefore, comparatively more independent foreign policy is the way forward.
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