Pakistan has reestablished itself as respected voice in regional, int’l forums: Khawaja Asif Azad News HD
Khawaja Asif Hails Pakistan’s Resurgence on Global Stage Under PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Leadership
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Monday asserted that Pakistan has successfully re-established itself as a respected and credible voice in regional and international forums, crediting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomatic leadership and consistent foreign policy efforts for this transformation. Speaking at a high-level media briefing in Islamabad, the veteran politician and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader painted a picture of cautious optimism, emphasizing that Pakistan’s renewed visibility in global diplomacy was a result of “strategic realism, pragmatic engagement, and diplomatic patience.”
The statement came at a time when Pakistan has been striving to reposition itself as a reliable partner in global affairs, following years of economic turbulence, internal political discord, and strained ties with several regional stakeholders. Khawaja Asif’s remarks signified a deliberate attempt to reinforce the government’s narrative that Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has restored Pakistan’s credibility both in the East and the West, rebuilding confidence among traditional allies while also opening channels of cooperation with new partners.
A Return to Diplomatic Maturity
Khawaja Asif, known for his articulate defense of civilian governance and foreign policy realism, stated that Pakistan’s “return to diplomatic maturity” has been a defining feature of Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure. “Under the Prime Minister’s leadership,” Asif said, “Pakistan’s message is once again being heard with respect. Our stance on issues like regional security, global economic cooperation, and humanitarian crises is now being considered seriously in the corridors of power around the world.”
He highlighted how, within a span of just over two years, Pakistan had shifted from isolation and uncertainty to engagement and recognition, participating meaningfully in summits of organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Asif added, “We have moved from reactive diplomacy to proactive engagement. Where once Pakistan was viewed through the narrow lens of security challenges, today it is increasingly seen as a nation advocating peace, connectivity, and economic cooperation.”
Diplomatic Revival and Regional Leadership
According to the Defence Minister, the most striking success has been Pakistan’s renewed regional diplomacy, especially with immediate neighbors — China, Iran, Afghanistan, and India — as well as with broader partners such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Khawaja Asif underscored that Pakistan’s leadership role in advocating for peace in Afghanistan and regional stability had restored its position as an indispensable player in South Asia’s strategic architecture. “No durable peace in this region is possible without Pakistan’s constructive role,” he said. “Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, we have balanced firmness with flexibility, ensuring that our national interests remain paramount while promoting dialogue and cooperation.”
He further pointed out that Pakistan’s relationship with China had entered a new, strengthened phase with the revitalization of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emphasizing the launch of new industrial zones, digital connectivity projects, and renewable energy ventures. “CPEC is no longer just about infrastructure — it’s about innovation, inclusion, and industrial growth,” Asif remarked.
At the same time, Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states have witnessed a revival, marked by investment pledges worth billions of dollars and renewed labor cooperation agreements. “We have re-earned the trust of our friends,” he said. “They see stability returning to Pakistan, and they see a government that delivers on its word.”
Balancing Global Partnerships
In an era of shifting global alliances, Khawaja Asif stressed that Pakistan’s foreign policy under Shehbaz Sharif is grounded in non-alignment and balance, refusing to be drawn into the rivalries of great powers. He said, “Pakistan has learned from history. We will not become a pawn in any geopolitical contest. Our focus is on economic sovereignty, not dependency.”
He noted that Pakistan’s relations with the United States have been recalibrated from a transactional to a strategic partnership, focusing on trade, energy cooperation, and climate resilience rather than purely security-based engagements.
Meanwhile, ties with Russia have deepened as well, particularly in the realm of energy diversification. Pakistan has initiated new talks for oil and gas imports from Moscow on favorable terms, a move aimed at addressing the country’s chronic energy shortfalls. “For the first time in decades,” Asif said, “Pakistan’s foreign policy is not reactive but deliberate — we are pursuing partnerships that serve our people, not external agendas.”
From Isolation to Recognition at International Forums
Asif emphasized that one of Shehbaz Sharif’s key achievements was restoring Pakistan’s credibility at global institutions that had once expressed skepticism about its political and economic stability. The Prime Minister’s active engagement at the World Economic Forum, the United Nations, and COP climate summits has helped portray Pakistan as a nation serious about reform and sustainability.
“Pakistan’s voice has become credible again,” Asif noted proudly. “When Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks at global forums, he is listened to — not because of rhetoric, but because of responsibility.”
He recalled how Pakistan’s advocacy for climate justice following the 2022 floods earned global sympathy and support, leading to the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27. The initiative, largely shaped through Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, symbolized a rare moment where Islamabad successfully aligned its domestic challenges with global priorities.
“Pakistan’s success in shaping the climate discourse,” Asif said, “was not accidental. It was the product of visionary leadership that understood how diplomacy can serve humanity, not just national politics.”
The Defence Dimension: A Secure and Peaceful Pakistan
As Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif also linked the government’s diplomatic revival to Pakistan’s strengthened defence and security posture. He said that Pakistan’s military and political leadership were now “on the same page,” ensuring coherent strategic communication and reducing the policy gaps that had previously damaged the nation’s global image.
“Peace and defence are two sides of the same coin,” he explained. “Our defence policies under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are guided by deterrence, not aggression — by strength, not provocation.”
He cited Pakistan’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions, its role in humanitarian aid, and its continuing efforts to prevent terrorism through regional coordination mechanisms. “We are showing the world that Pakistan’s armed forces and civilian institutions can work together as guardians of peace,” he said.
Economic Diplomacy: The New Frontline
Khawaja Asif stressed that economic diplomacy had become the cornerstone of Pakistan’s global re-engagement strategy. “We realized that respect in international politics begins with economic stability,” he said.
Under Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has signed multiple bilateral trade agreements, attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) from Gulf and Asian nations, and restored relations with global lenders such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.
He added, “When the Prime Minister took office, Pakistan was at the brink of default. Today, we have not only stabilized the economy but have revived investor confidence. This was possible because our diplomacy was focused on rebuilding trust — both with our people and with the world.”
Asif also emphasized Pakistan’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and regional connectivity projects involving Central Asia, describing them as vital for long-term prosperity. “Our diplomacy now seeks trade routes, not trenches; opportunities, not obstacles,” he remarked.
The Role of Shehbaz Sharif’s Personal Diplomacy
Khawaja Asif credited Shehbaz Sharif’s personal leadership style — marked by pragmatism, courtesy, and efficiency — as central to Pakistan’s diplomatic resurgence. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s engagements are not ceremonial. He prepares meticulously, he follows up personally, and he ensures commitments translate into action,” he said.
He recalled how Shehbaz’s meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan helped unlock stalled projects and attract billions in investment. “World leaders respect him for being action-oriented,” Asif noted. “He is not a leader of slogans — he is a leader of solutions.”
According to Asif, Shehbaz Sharif’s multilingual diplomacy — often conducted in English, Arabic, and Urdu — allows him to connect authentically with global leaders, earning him both respect and reliability. “This is not mere symbolism,” he added. “It reflects the seriousness with which Pakistan now conducts its diplomacy.”
Rebuilding Relations with Afghanistan and India
Touching on the sensitive subject of regional peace, Khawaja Asif acknowledged that Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan remain complex, but noted that dialogue continues despite provocations. “Our position is clear — we support peace, stability, and non-interference,” he said. “We have made it clear that Pakistan cannot tolerate terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, but we are committed to resolving issues through engagement, not hostility.”
Regarding India, Asif reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peaceful coexistence, provided that New Delhi takes steps to restore normalcy in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “Kashmir remains the core issue,” he asserted. “Peace in South Asia will remain elusive until the people of Kashmir are granted their right to self-determination.”
He added that while Pakistan remains open to resuming dialogue, “we will never compromise on principles of justice, dignity, and sovereignty.”
Pakistan’s Image Transformation: From Crisis to Credibility
Asif described the current phase of Pakistan’s foreign relations as a “journey from crisis to credibility.” He reminded the audience of the years when Pakistan was portrayed globally as a country beset by instability and extremism. “We have worked hard to change that perception,” he said. “Our embassies are now active, our diplomats are empowered, and our narrative is aligned with modern realities.”
He highlighted recent global media reports that praised Pakistan’s reformist economic agenda, its humanitarian diplomacy, and its constructive approach to climate and migration issues. “The transformation is visible,” he said. “The world sees a Pakistan that wants peace, partnership, and progress.”
Opposition Reactions and Political Context
Predictably, the opposition was quick to challenge the Defence Minister’s claims. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders dismissed the government’s narrative as “political propaganda,” arguing that foreign relations had improved mainly due to geopolitical shifts rather than domestic governance.
However, independent analysts and diplomats acknowledged that Pakistan’s image had indeed improved, especially in multilateral institutions and among Gulf investors. “There is a visible change in tone and confidence,” said former ambassador Maleeha Lodhi in an interview. “Pakistan’s diplomacy is becoming more structured, and that deserves recognition.”
Khawaja Asif brushed aside the criticism, saying that “diplomacy cannot be measured in tweets or soundbites — it’s about long-term trust, and we are rebuilding that trust one step at a time.”
A Vision for the Future
Toward the end of his speech, Khawaja Asif outlined the government’s roadmap for sustaining Pakistan’s diplomatic resurgence. The plan focuses on three core areas:
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Expanding Economic Partnerships: By joining regional trade blocs and digital economy frameworks to boost exports and attract technology investments.
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Climate and Humanitarian Diplomacy: Continuing Pakistan’s leadership role in global climate negotiations and advocating for equitable development financing.
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Peace and Connectivity in South Asia: Promoting infrastructure corridors linking Pakistan with Central Asia, China, and the Middle East to make the country a hub of commerce and cooperation.
He also emphasized the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s soft power, through culture, education, and sports diplomacy. “The world must see Pakistan not just as a state, but as a civilization — a society rich in history, creativity, and resilience,” he said.
Conclusion: A Nation Reclaiming Its Place in the World
As Khawaja Asif concluded his remarks, he reiterated that Pakistan’s foreign policy renaissance is rooted in stability at home and credibility abroad. “We are no longer seen as a crisis-driven nation,” he said. “We are seen as a country with a plan, a purpose, and a vision.”
He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for “restoring dignity to Pakistan’s diplomacy” and urged the public to unite behind the nation’s long-term strategic goals. “Our journey is not over,” he said. “But today, Pakistan’s flag stands taller in the world — and that is something every citizen should be proud of.”
