Foriegn Policy

Pakistan's foreign policy between 1953 and 1962 witnessed a period of increasing alignment with the West, punctuated by growing strains and a nascent search for diversification. The death of Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union and the rise of a more pragmatic leadership offered Pakistan an opportunity to reassess its position. Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Bogra, eager to secure economic and military aid, actively pursued a closer relationship with the United States. Pakistan joined the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954, aligning itself with the US-led anti-communist bloc in the region. This move, however, drew criticism from domestic circles who viewed it as a betrayal of Pakistan's non-aligned aspirations. Despite the growing security partnership with the US, the core issue of Kashmir remained a source of friction. Pakistan's frustration with a lack of international pressure on India and the perceived US tilt towards Delhi led to a cautious exploration of ties with the Soviet Union. This did not translate into a formal alliance, but it signaled Pakistan's willingness to engage with both sides of the Cold War divide. The rise of Gamal Abdel Nasser in Egypt and the growing pan-Arab movement offered another avenue for Pakistan to expand its foreign policy horizons. Pakistan actively supported Arab nationalist movements and participated in the Bandung Conference of 1955, fostering ties with other newly independent nations. By 1962, Pakistan's foreign policy reflected a more nuanced approach. While the US remained a crucial security partner, frustration with the Kashmir issue and a desire for greater autonomy prompted Pakistan to seek broader international relationships. This period marked the beginning of a delicate balancing act that would characterize Pakistan's foreign policy for decades to come.