WHEN the incoming government takes office after the February 8 elections, it will be confronted with a tangle of foreign policy challenges, many of which are a legacy of intricate issues that require adept management and strategic finesse.

However, the immediate task facing the new administration would be to harness key international partnerships to propel the country towards economic stabilisation.

At the point of transition, the country grapples with severe economic headwinds, manifested in soaring inflation, dwindling foreign exchange reserves and a substantial fiscal deficit. This precarious situa-tion has ushered in a reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF), underscoring the country`s urgent need for robust international backing. Securing this support necessitates not only financial aid, but also assistance in forging a new arrangement with the Fund, a testament to the complexities of the economic landscape the new administration would inherit.

Navigating this intricate crisis requires a concerted effort to fortify traditional alliances and rejuvenate key international ties, with a special emphasis on the relationship with the United States.

In managing Pakistan`s economic quandary effectively, the government`s success will not only chart the course for the nation`s economic resurgence, but also sculpt its regional clout and stature on the global stage.

`Economic weakness shrinks foreign policy choices. Of late, the balance ofpayment issues obliged our leadership to repeatedly request rich friendly countries for help,` says former foreignsecretary Aizaz Chaudhry.

Caught between two giants As such, the government`s foremost challenge is to navigate the intensifying US-China rivalry and regional dynamics with a pragmatic, yet astute approach, balancing immediate economic imperatives with long-term strategic interests. Pakistan`s dilemma in the new great power competition is to work with both rivals (US and China), each setting unstated yet critical redlines that impact relations with the other.

Abdul Basit, who has served as Pakistan`s envoy in Germany and India, says, `Messaging on China-US competition should be nuanced. The claim that we aren`t part of any camp politics is hardly seen as credible. We should rather be emphasising that we would do what serves our national interest well.

Revitalising Pakistan`s relationship with the Washington will, therefore, be a critical undertaking. Historically, the US-Pakistan dynamic has been characterised by its transactional nature and complexity, shaped by the ebb and flow of geopolitical shifts. Now, as the global focus realigns with the US countering China`s influence and strengthening its ties with India, Pakistan faces the critical task of redefining its engagement strategy with Washington.

The December 2023 visit of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir to the US laid a foundational pathway for thefuture direction ofthis bilateral relationship. This visit, which came at a pivotal moment, established a consensus between the Biden administration and Pakistan on key areas of cooperation, particularly in security and regional stability. The new government, therefore, inherits a mantle that requires both the continuation and expansion of this dialogue, especially in areas of security cooperation and intelligence sharing. This cooperation is essential, not just for the bilateral relationship but for broader regional stability, including counter-terrorism efforts.

Another cornerstone of this evolving relationship is economic cooperation and support, especially given Pakistan`s current economic crisis. Securing Washington`s backing for a new IMF programme is essential. This support extends beyond financial assistance; it signifies an investment in regional security and prosperity.

This is particularly pertinent considering Pakistan`s strategic geopolitical stance and its role in the region.

`Pakistan`s need for economic assistance and military equipment is still there but its ability to leverage its geographic location to secure aid from the US has diminished after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan,` says Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistani ambassador, who is currently a scholar at Washington DC`s Hudson Institute and the Anwar Gargash Diploma-tic Academy in Abu Dhabi.

`The volume of investment and trade between the US and Pakistan is relatively small for economic ties to be the basis of a partnership anywhere near what it used to be,` he further added.

Furthermore, it would be imperative for the new government to reaffirm Pakistan`s commitment to peace in South Asia, while maintaining a strong emphasis on opposing the polarisation of regional politics. The government should advocate for a balanced role of the US in the region, one that acknowledges and respects the security concerns of all regional players, Pakistan included.

The Afghan refugee crisis presents a humanitarian challenge that further intertwines the interests of Pakistan and US. The repatriation of Afghan ref-ugees and the expedited processing of those bound for the US and other Western countries remain crucial issues. Addressing this crisis effectively calls for collaborative efforts that consider the humanitarian implications and the potential impact on regional stability.

The facilitation of an India-Pakistan engagement remains a critical area where US support can be pivotal. US involvement in facilitating constructive dialogue can unlock significant economic potential through trade and connectivity, benefiting the entire region.

First visit to Beijing Meanwhile, there is no denying that Pakistan has a longstanding and timetested relationship with China, which is now underpinned not just by military cooperation, but also by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and that it needs to be expa-nded further, but at the same time it will have to be harmonised with need for sustaining a functional relationship with the United States.

Recently, ChinaPakistan relations have faced challenges including security concerns for Chinese personnel in Pakistan, financial issues in CPEC projects, policy ambiguity, and Beijing`s unmet expectations under CPEC, all contributing to a slowdown in both CPEC progress and overall bilateral ties.

The new administration would have to address these issues for strengthening political and economic ties with China. It`s customary for the new prime minister to make China their first international visit, ideally within three months of taking office.

This visit should focuson rejuvenating CPEC and enticing Chinese investment into Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Regionally, the new government must work with Beijing to mitigate Islamabad-Kabul tensions, besides addressing the `terrorist sanctuaries` irritant in Pak-Iran relations.

Former ambassador to China Masood Khalid, concurs with this approach, saying, `We should solidify our relations with China.` He also believes that Pakistan needs to work with `China and Russia for stability in Afghanistan.

India in the equation In relations with India, the incoming government is expected to focus on diplomatic engagement, prioritizing economic stability over political tensions.

The government is likely to open doors for regional trade and investment with India. This may involve backchannel diplomacy and dialogue at variouslevels, aiming to address critical issues like the Kashmir dispute, while avoiding escalatory actions.

The Kashmir issue remains a significant point of contention. Islamabad is expected to continue advocating for this issue diplomatically to avoid further escalation. Balancing domestic concerns about Indian-held Kashmir with the potential benefits of a less confrontational relationship with India will be crucial. Reviving dialogue and confidence-building measures with New Delhi, adhering to ceasefire agreements, and exploring economic cooperation could reduce tensions and lay the groundwork for constructive engagement.

Ambassador Basit favours a cautious approach on India.

`Instead of getting impatient and directly engaging the new governmentin India, Pakistan should start by Track-II diplomacy to figure out Delhi`s strategic intent on Jammu and Kashmir and get an idea about its thinking on stalemate in ties.

If Pakistan goes back to structured dialogue, its position on Kashmir would be undermined. Pakistan should have clear read lines about ties with India,` he maintained Looking towards the Middle East Besides, the major relationships, ties with Arab states, a redefining relationship with Iran and managing the affairs with Taliban led Afghanistan would also consume a lot of foreign policy bandwidth of the new government.

For the new government, engaging with the Arab world should be more than a diplomatic formality. It should be a strategic priority, not only for the economic benefits this relationship brings but also for the potential itholds in fostering regional peace and stability.

The Gulf nations, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and Qatar have emerged as pivotal stakeholders in Pakistan`s economic landscape. Their financial support and investment have been instrumental in bolstering Pakistan`s economy. In acknowledgment of this, the new government should aim to fast-track the sale of state-owned enterprises under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) umbrella to strategic partners in these countries. This will not only provide a much-needed boost to Pakistan`s economy but also deepen the economic ties between these countries.

The recent tit-for-tat strikes by Iran and Pakistan against alleged terrorist havens in each other`s territory have precipitated an unprecedented escalation in tensions. This surge in hostility has disrupted the traditionally maintained veneer of amicability between the two countries, a relationship characterized by deep-seated mistrust datingbacktothe 1980s. Fortunately, intensive diplomatic efforts, significantly aided by Turkey, managed to mitigate the immediate fallout.

Kabul ties In navigating the intricate terrain of PakistanAfghanistan relations, the new government is set to inherit a complex and sensitive dossier, traditionally steered by the military command. This foundational aspect of Pakistan`s Afghan policy is expected to persist. However, the new administration will be confronted with political and public pressure to reassess the current policies surrounding the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees and the institution of a visa regime between the two countries. Responsive to these pressures, the government will likely introduce some adjustments, balancing humanitarian concerns with national security imperatives.

Moreover, the new government will face the challenge of addressing potential escalations in violence emanating from Afghanistan, particularly by the ou-How did you fare in Dawn.com`s quiz? Here are the answers to yesterday`s quiz.

1. The first general elections in Pakistan were held in 1970.

2. Mian Muhammad Azhar was heading the PML-Q at the time of 2002 elections.

3. The PPP, which has come into power five times in the country`s history.

4. Maj Gen Iskander Mirza imposed the first martial law.

5. PMLN secured 44.88pc of the vote in 1997.

6. The most parties took part in the 2018 elections.

7. Result Transmission System.

8. Nawaz Sharif has been the PM of Pakistan three times.

9. The 1985 elections were held on non-party basis.

10. The Election Commission was constituted in 1956. How did you fare in Dawn.com`s quiz? Here are the answers to yesterday`s quiz.

1. The first general elections in Pakistan were held in 1970.

2. Mian Muhammad Azhar was heading the PML-Q at the time of 2002 elections.

3. The PPP, which has come into power five times in the country`s history.

4. Maj Gen Iskander Mirza imposed the first martial law.

5. PMLN secured 44.88pc of the vote in 1997.

6. The most parties took part in the 2018 elections.

7. Result Transmission System.

8. Nawaz Sharif has been the PM of Pakistan three times.

9. The 1985 elections were held on non-party basis.

10. The Election Commission was constituted in 1956.interest well.

Revitalising Pakistan`s relationship with the Washington will, therefore, be a critical undertaking. Historically, the US-Pakistan dynamic has been characterised by its transactional nature and complexity, shaped by the ebb and flow of geopolitical shifts. Now, as the global focus realigns with the US countering China`s influence and strengthening its ties with India, Pakistan faces the critical task of redefining its engagement strategy with Washington.

The December 2023 visit of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir to the US laid a foundational pathway for the future direction of this bilateral relationship. This visit, which came at a pivotal moment, established a consensus between the Biden administration and Pakistan on key areas of cooperation, particularly in security and regional stability. The new government, therefore, inherits a mantle that requires both the continuation and expansion of this dialogue, especially in areas of security cooperation and intelligence sharing. This cooperation is essential, not just for the bilateral relationship but for broader regional stability, including counter-terrorism efforts.

Another cornerstone of this evolving relationship is economic cooperation and support, especially given Pakistan`s current economic crisis. Securing Washington`s backing for a new IMF programme is essential. This support extends beyond financial assistance; it signifies an investment in regional security and prosperity.

This is particularly pertinent considering Pakistan`s strategic geopolitical stance and its role in the region.

`Pakistan`s need for economic assistance and military equipment is still there but its ability to leverage its geographic location to secure aid from the US has diminished after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan,` says Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistani ambassador, who is currently a scholar at Washington DC`s Hudson Institute and the Anwar Gargash Diploma-levels, aiming to address critical issues like the Kashmir dispute, while avoiding escalatory actions.

The Kashmir issue remains a significant point of contention. Islamabad is expected to continue advocating for this issue diplomatically to avoid further escalation. Balancing domestic concerns about Indian-held Kashmir with the potential benefits of a less confrontational relationship with India will be crucial. Reviving dialogue and confidence-building measures with New Delhi, adhering to ceasefire agreements, and exploring economic cooperation could reduce tensions and lay the groundwork for constructive engagement.

Ambassador Basit favours a cautious approach on India.

`Instead of getting impatient and directly engaging the new governmentholds in fostering regional peace and stability.

The Gulf nations, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and Qatar have emerged as pivotal stakeholders in Pakistan`s economic landscape. Their financial support and investment have been instrumental in bolstering Pakistan`s economy. In acknowledgment of this, the new government should aim to fast-track the sale of state-owned enterprises under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) umbrella to strategic partners in these countries. This will not only provide a much-needed boost to Pakistan`s economy but also deepen the economic ties between these countries.

The recent tit-for-tat strikes by Iran and Pakistan against alleged terrorist havens in each other`s territory have precipitated an unprecedented escalation in tensions. This surge in hostility has disrupted the traditionally maintained veneer of amicability between the two countries, a relationship characterized by deep-seated mistrust datingbacktothe 1980s. Fortunately, intensive diplomatic efforts, significantly aided by Turkey, managed to mitigate the immediate fallout.

Kabul ties In navigating the intricate terrain of PakistanAfghanistan relations, the new government is set to inherit a complex and sensitive dossier, traditionally steered by the military command. This foundational aspect of Pakistan`s Afghan policy is expected to persist. However, the new administration will be confronted with political and public pressure to reassess the current policies surrounding the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees and the institution of a visa regime between the two countries. Responsive to these pressures, the government will likely introduce some adjustments, balancing humanitarian concerns with national security imperatives.

Moreover, the new government will face the challenge of addressing potential escalations in violence emanating from Afghanistan, particularly by the ou-tlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In such scenarios, the new administration may find itself compelled to adopt a more hardline stance on this issue. This approach, while decisive, will necessitate careful calibration to avoid exacerbating tensions further.

Domestic politics and internal stability are critical in shaping Pakistan`s foreign policy. The interplay between military and political leadership, coupled with economic management challenges, will affect the government`s ability to engage effectively internationally.

How Pakistan handles its internal issues will directly impact its international image and thus, its ability to secure economic assistance and foster international cooperation.

A detailed version of this article can be accessed on Dawn.com