Geopolitical Shifts in Pakistan: Why Pakistan is Preparing for Risks

For decades, Pakistan's geopolitical compass has been firmly aligned with the United States. Now, as American hegemony weakens, Pakistan is charting a new path, looking beyond its traditional allies to find new footholds and partners in an increasingly complex world.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a tested strategic partner and major investor of Pakistan. It supports the construction of hospitals, schools, and mosques in Pakistan, and enhances Pakistan's defense capabilities through arms supplies and joint military exercises.

In 2025, the two countries signed a mutual defense treaty, further strengthening the alliance. The treaty commits both sides to take coordinated actions in response if they face external aggression.

China

Pakistan is an important market for Chinese goods and a crucial trade transit hub, especially through the Gwadar Port, a free trade zone and a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is the flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to provide China access to trade routes and markets in Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Turkey

Their bilateral relationship is based on shared cultural, religious, and geopolitical affinities. Analysts point out that Turkey views Pakistan as a natural ally to balance influence in the region, especially against the backdrop of India and Israel's growing closeness.

In 2021, Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan signed a joint statement in Baku, officially establishing trilateral cooperation. This document established a framework for cooperation between the parliaments of the three countries, which could be expanded in the future to include other areas such as security.

United States

Although relations between the US and Pakistan have been tense in recent years, the relationship has been historically significant. During the Cold War, Pakistan was a key ally of the United States. Before the suspension of aid in 1979 due to concerns about nuclear proliferation, the US had strongly supported the modernization of the Pakistani military.

The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the deepening cooperation between the US and India have exacerbated tensions in US-Pakistan relations.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856408818253836/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.