ISLAMABAD : 21 Aug 2026 – Former Caretaker Prime Minister and Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar advocated for an independent, pragmatic, and interest-driven foreign policy as Pakistan adapts to a multipolar world. He emphasized that strategic autonomy and constructive regional engagement should remain central to Islamabad’s external relations.
Mr. Kakar delivered these remarks at the Eminent Speaker Series hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in Islamabad, which gathered policymakers, diplomats, academics, researchers, and members of the strategic community. Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the IRS, presided over the session.
The guest speaker placed Pakistan’s current foreign policy within its broader historical and civilizational context, noting that the nation’s collective memory reflects diverse cultural, linguistic, political, and religious influences.
He stressed that understanding this heritage is essential for shaping a confident and nuanced national identity and for defining Pakistan’s role internationally. He also highlighted the need to present Pakistan’s history and contemporary experience through informed and credible narratives.
Mr. Kakar discussed the shift toward a multipolar world and Asia’s rising strategic importance. He noted that technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, data, and advanced military technologies, are becoming key factors in national power. He urged states to adapt their strategies as technology increasingly influences security, competition, and international relations.
Mr. Kakar described Pakistan as a middle-sized power with opportunities to strengthen its position through strategic autonomy. Kakar described Pakistan as a middle power with opportunities to enhance its position through strategic autonomy and balanced engagement.
He emphasized the importance of Pakistan-China relations and called for deeper engagement with Iran, Afghanistan, and the Gulf states. He maintained that Pakistan’s regional partnerships should not be seen as exclusive alignments, and that foreign policy must prioritize national interests and the welfare of its people.
Mr. Kakkar spoke highly about Pakistan China solid relations and called these relations as unbreakable marriage in which there is no divorce. Bilateral ties are so deeper that nothing can damage them.
He said that Chinas weaponery has defeated the Western military equipment because China’s equipment is less in cost but effective in performance. Chinese technology and Pakistani human resource make high quality resistance. The West is wrong in its thinking that India can stop China.
“India should learn now that Pakistan is a reality. India is supposed to work for the development of this region and for that India needs an approach of shared responsibility and benefit, Mr. Kakkar stressed.
On Iran, he shared that it was Pakistan that was taking care of Iran’s interest at the UN and in the world when Iran was isolated. He mentioned Pakistan stood by Iran when US Israel invaded and Pakistan did not provide any support from its land to both allies. He said that it shows Pakistan is following an independent foreign policy.
On Afghanistan, he made it clear that Kabul will have to behave normal if wants to become International player. Afghanistan must follow the international ethics, laws , conventions and correct itself.
Mr. Kakkar said Pakistan seeks healthy relations with all countries in the region and beyond including Afghanistan and India. Pakistan is not afraid of any country and will not ask any for mediation with India and Afghanistan. The adversaries must adopt good conduct from peace and stability in the region.
Caretaker Prime Minister Pakistan meets a group of envoys from African and ASEAN countries
The Senator exposed BLA’s propaganda that there are human rights violations in Balochistan against what they are fighting.
He said, in international human rights, the first and foremost is the right to live but here in Balochistan BLA is not ready to give this rights to others. They take innocent lives in the province. Therefore, the security forces have no other option than eliminate them from Balochistan.
He emphasized a strengthened relationship based on mutual respect and recognition of regional realities. He maintained that regional growth and connectivity require an environment in which states can pursue their national development without hegemonic pressure.
He similarly emphasized the importance of a realistic and responsible approach to Afghanistan, particularly regarding sovereignty, reciprocal security concerns, and the use of territory by non-state actors.
Addressing Pakistan’s relations with Iran and the Gulf, Mr. Kakar emphasized Pakistan’s ability to maintain meaningful partnerships while preserving strategic independence.
He stated that Pakistan can support dialogue and mediation in regional conflicts when appropriate, but such efforts must align with national interests and Pakistan’s assessment of regional developments, security, emerging technologies, and the implications of shifting global power dynamics.
An extensive question-and-answer session provided participants with an opportunity to engage the speaker on Afghanistan, Iran, regional mediation, technological change, and Pakistan’s strategic choices.
The session concluded with an emphasis on the need for forward-looking strategic thinking, independent foreign policy choices, and stronger regional engagement. The event reaffirmed the Institute of Regional Studies’ commitment.
The session concluded by emphasizing the need for forward-looking strategic thinking, independent foreign policy decisions, and stronger regional engagement.
The event reaffirmed the Institute of Regional Studies’ commitment to fostering informed and substantive dialogue on Pakistan’s foreign policy, regional security, technological transformation, and the evolving international order.
