Pakistan’s diplomacy has entered a new, confident phase. Over the past few months, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Islamabad has pursued an energetic and purposeful foreign policy that reflects both strategic clarity and economic pragmatism. Visits to the US, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have collectively reaffirmed Pakistan’s position as a constructive and respected player in regional and global affairs.
In Washington, the US-Pakistan relationship has witnessed a significant reset. High-level engagements between Pakistan’s finance and trade officials and their American counterparts have focused on trade, investment and energy cooperation. For example, the two countries held productive talks in July 2025 aimed at reducing reciprocal tariffs and strengthening economic ties. Pakistan also emphasised that its relationship with the US should not be viewed simply through the lens of its ties with China, but as a distinct partnership serving both countries’ interests. The Ambassador in Washington called the relationship “indispensable” and elevated, highlighting collaboration on counter-terrorism, climate change and regional stability.
In Kuala Lumpur, Pakistan’s outreach to Southeast Asia has displayed a widening diplomatic canvas. The visit to Malaysia underscored Islamabad’s intent to diversify partnerships beyond traditional corridors, focusing on trade, technology, industrial cooperation and educational linkages. This engagement complements Pakistan’s ties with the Gulf and underscores a multipolar approach to diplomacy.
In Riyadh, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have deepened strategic cooperation, via investment MoUs, defence understandings and stronger economic engagement. The Kingdom remains a critical partner for Pakistan’s export engine, energy security and regional anchor. The foregoing visits reflect diplomacy not as ceremonial, but as substantive: geared toward Pakistan’s industrial development, trade diversification and strategic relevance.
At the same time, Pakistan’s domestic governance is showing parallel strides. In the province of Punjab, the anti-smog campaign launched by the provincial government has evolved into a structured, multi-sector effort. Over 11,000 brick-kiln inspections, thousands of cases registered for non-compliance, bans on stubble burning and the deployment of new oversight mechanisms all point to a serious policy trajectory. These efforts send a clear message: environmental health is inseparable from sustainable development and national credibility.
At the heart of both diplomacy and governance lies Pakistan’s renewed sense of agency. The country is building stronger ties abroad while reforming and modernising at home — a confident, responsible nation shaping its own course in the world.
The writer is a SUN (Scaling Up Nutrition) UN Global Champion and a dairy value chain professional.
