Pak Army Chief Clarifies Pakistan’s Stance on Global Conflicts

(Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi)

Economically, Pakistan faces numerous challenges, including high debt, inflation, energy shortages, and underdeveloped infrastructure. These challenges have made it difficult to maintain a large and modern military force capable of defending the country. With limited resources, Pakistan must balance defense priorities with the need for economic development, including poverty alleviation, job creation, and infrastructure improvement. Given these economic vulnerabilities, Pakistan cannot afford to engage in global conflicts that would strain its resources. Instead, the focus remains on self-defense and survival, ensuring that the country’s position, both militarily and economically, is not undermined by foreign entanglements. Given the historical context and strategic vulnerabilities outlined above, Pakistan’s foreign policy has been driven by a strong preference for self-defense and survival rather than aggression or involvement in global conflicts. Central to this approach is Pakistan’s military doctrine, which prioritizes deterrence over proactive aggression, especially in light of the potential risks of nuclear war with India. Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal plays a pivotal role in this strategy, serving as a deterrent against possible aggression from India. The development of nuclear weapons was aimed at ensuring Pakistan’s security and preventing any military escalation with its neighbor. Nuclear deterrence remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s national security policy, with the nuclear balance between the two countries making the prospect of all-out war unthinkable, given the catastrophic consequences for both sides. Consequently, Pakistan views its nuclear weapons not as instruments of aggression, but as essential safeguards for maintaining peace and protecting the nation from external threats. Pakistan has pursued a non-interventionist foreign policy, particularly in conflicts where it has no direct stakes. For instance, despite its strong relationship with China, Pakistan has refrained from taking an active role in China’s disputes with other countries, such as the South China Sea conflict. Similarly, although Pakistan has deep ties with the Middle East, it has largely stayed out of military interventions in regional conflicts like the war in Yemen or the broader Sunni-Shia divide. The country’s primary focus remains on ensuring internal stability, advancing economic development, and securing its borders, rather than engaging in far-off conflicts that do not align with its national interests.

As a nuclear-armed nation, Pakistan has been an active participant in global disarmament discussions, particularly in nuclear non-proliferation efforts. Although its nuclear weapons program was developed in response to perceived threats from India, Pakistan has consistently called for nuclear disarmament and has pushed for a global treaty ensuring the security and stability of all nations. Pakistan’s commitment to global peace is evident in its strong support for nuclear disarmament, especially in multilateral forums like the Conference on Disarmament (CD) and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The country has emphasized that the proliferation of nuclear weapons poses a threat to international security. Following India’s nuclear tests in 1998, Pakistan conducted its own tests, heightening tensions in South Asia, but has since advocated for confidence-building measures and regional arms control agreements to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict. Additionally, Pakistan has sought international recognition of its nuclear program as a means of ensuring regional stability and promoting non-proliferation in South Asia.

Pakistan has also been a strong advocate for the elimination of chemical and biological weapons (CBWs). As a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), Pakistan is committed to upholding international norms against the development, stockpiling, and use of these weapons, further reflecting its broader approach to promoting peace and security globally.

Beyond its contributions to peacekeeping and disarmament, Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to global peace through humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. Its response to global crises, including natural disasters, refugee issues, and humanitarian emergencies, underscores Pakistan’s dedication to alleviating suffering and promoting stability on the world stage. For decades, Pakistan has hosted one of the largest refugee populations in the world, particularly Afghan refugees fleeing conflict in their home country. Since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Pakistan has provided shelter, food, education, and healthcare to millions of Afghan refugees, despite facing its own economic challenges. The country’s efforts in managing refugee camps and ensuring the well-being of displaced populations have garnered international recognition and praise.

In addition to its support for refugees, Pakistan has played a vital role in international relief efforts following natural disasters. It has provided significant humanitarian aid to countries affected by crises such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and the 2011 Horn of Africa famine. Pakistan’s own experience with natural disasters, including the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and the devastating floods of 2010, has further strengthened its commitment to offering humanitarian assistance in times of need. Pakistan has consistently collaborated with international organizations such as the UN, the Red Cross, and various NGOs to provide aid, rebuild communities, and offer medical assistance following catastrophic events. In recent years, the country has also advocated for greater regional cooperation in disaster management. Through its involvement in organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Pakistan has worked to foster collaboration among neighboring countries to address shared challenges, including natural disasters, health crises, and economic development.

Pakistan has also become a vocal advocate for addressing the global challenges posed by climate change. As one of the countries most vulnerable to its impacts, including flooding, droughts, and extreme heat, Pakistan has called for stronger international cooperation to mitigate global warming and adapt to its consequences. Actively participating in international climate negotiations, such as the Paris Agreement, Pakistan has urged developed nations to fulfill their financial commitments to assist developing countries in coping with the effects of climate change. With its emphasis on climate justice—ensuring that those most responsible for emissions contribute to the solutions—Pakistan has become a key player in global environmental diplomacy.

The reality on the ground makes it clear that Pakistan has no interest in being drawn into global conflicts, nor can it afford to engage in international controversies. At the recent Margalla Dialogue 2024 in Islamabad, Army Chief General Asim Munir reiterated this position, stating that while Pakistan will continue to play a role in promoting peace and stability worldwide, it will not participate in any global conflict. He highlighted that 235,000 Pakistanis have contributed to UN peacekeeping missions, with 181 giving their lives in the service of global peace.

Pakistan’s commitment to peace is unwavering, and its stance of neutrality in global conflicts is widely supported by the Pakistani people. This position is seen as vital for strengthening national defense and advancing the country’s development and prosperity.