ISLAMABAD – The internationally renowned magazine Foreign Policy has recognized Pakistan as a “diplomatic winner” in South Asia, applauding the country’s ability to balance relations with major global powers while advancing its regional standing.
According to the report, Pakistan’s foreign policy over the past six months has opened “new horizons in diplomacy,” with notable progress in ties with the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Iran. Analysts note that this multidirectional approach has positioned Islamabad as a central player in regional affairs.
One of the turning points cited was Pakistan’s cooperation with Washington in counterterrorism efforts, including the arrest of a key ISIS‑Khorasan figure linked to the Kabul airport attack. U.S. Central Command chief General Michael Corella reportedly described Pakistan’s role as “extraordinary and effective,” a remark that underscored the revival of U.S. and Pakistan relations.
The report also pointed to the signing of a strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, which has been described as a “new diplomatic wave” in the region. At the same time, Pakistan has strengthened economic and security ties with China, while expanding cooperation with Turkey, Malaysia, and Iran.
Diplomatic observers believe these developments have created unease in New Delhi, where policymakers fear that Washington’s renewed engagement with Islamabad could undermine decades of Indian diplomatic outreach. The magazine further noted that political interactions, including meetings between Pakistan’s leadership and U.S. officials, have added momentum to this shift.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s active diplomacy, including participation in international peace conferences and securing a $500 million investment package from an American company, was highlighted as evidence of Pakistan’s growing global influence.
Despite not being a NATO ally, Pakistan has demonstrated what the report calls an “enviable ability” to maintain constructive relations with Washington, Beijing, and Riyadh simultaneously. This balanced approach, Foreign Policy concluded, has elevated Pakistan’s profile as a significant diplomatic force in the region.