Islamabad experts say the international order is fracturing as rule based multilateralism erodes, unilateral power politics rise, and international norms fragment, creating acute strategic and economic challenges for Pakistan. In this changing environment, the pursuit of strategic clarity is essential to protect national interests and guide policy choices.
The Institute of Policy Studies in Islamabad convened a session titled “The Transitioning World: Implications and Options for Pakistan” where former diplomats, academics and defence and economic experts discussed the scale of the challenge. Participants included Khalid Rahman, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Dr Khuram Iqbal, Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Ambassador Masood Khalid, Lt Gen (r) Naeem Khalid Lodhi, Maj Gen (r) Raza Muhammad, Brig (r) Said Nazir, Prof Dr Shabana Fayyaz, Prof Dr Amna Mahmood, Dr Saira Nawaz Abbasi and Dr Shehryar Khan.
Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry argued that the world is moving from multilateralism to multipolarity driven by unilateralism and hyper nationalism. He warned that the normalization of pre emptive use of force outside multilateral frameworks and the rise of populist leadership have increased insecurity, prompted arms accumulation and widened armed conflict, all of which affect Pakistan’s strategic environment.
Speakers highlighted fault lines shaping global dynamics: intensifying competition between major powers in the Asia Pacific that makes Asia a principal theatre of rivalry, strains in transatlantic relations, evolving Russia NATO dynamics, and persistent crises in the Middle East. They also noted a failure in global governance where selective adherence to international law and non conventional tools of coercion demand renewed strategic preparedness from Islamabad.
Experts recommended that Pakistan diversify its foreign policy options while strengthening internal cohesion, governance capacity and economic resilience as core elements of national power. They urged steady, transparent engagement with great powers, deeper ties with middle powers and expanded outreach to Oceania, Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia to broaden diplomatic and economic options.
Given the changing nature of power, participants stressed that Pakistan must invest in technological advancement and indigenous capabilities, empower youth, and build negotiation and governance capacity. Political harmony, societal stability and state citizen trust were identified as essential prerequisites for effective diplomacy and long term strategic autonomy.
Concluding the discussion, experts said Pakistan faces deep global instability that also presents opportunities. Navigating this period will require prudence, political consensus and a clear national strategy that balances domestic reform with external engagement to safeguard the country’s interests and build durable resilience.
