September 2025 may well go down as a turning point in Pakistan’s foreign policy — a month in which a remarkable series of diplomatic engagements converged to give Islamabad unusual visibility and momentum on the global stage. It began with Pakistan’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted regional connectivity, counterterrorism, and the devastation caused by recent floods. On the sidelines, important bilateral meetings underscored Pakistan’s intent to expand its outreach and broaden its diplomatic partnerships.
Following the SCO summit, Pakistan joined commemorations in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II. The massive military parade in Tiananmen Square was more than symbolic: Pakistan’s presence highlighted the enduring depth of its relationship with China and its alignment with international efforts to preserve shared historical memory. Not long after, Pakistan also took part in the emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha, called in response to Israel’s violation of Qatar’s sovereignty after it struck Hamas leaders deliberating on a peace proposal. By standing alongside Arab and Muslim states at this critical moment, Pakistan reinforced its role as a leading voice in the Muslim world.
The highlight of the month came with the signing of the unprecedented Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia, committing both nations to treat an attack on one as an attack on the other. The pact marked a breakthrough in Pakistan’s Gulf diplomacy and opened the door to expanded trade and investment with Riyadh.
Momentum carried into New York, where Prime Minister Sharif addressed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, calling attention to Indian aggression and positioning Pakistan as a constructive actor on global issues. The diplomatic climax followed in Washington, where Sharif, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Their talks covered security, investment, and energy cooperation, with Sharif urging American firms to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture, mining, and technology sectors. The meeting showed that Pakistan was back in focus at the highest level of US politics.
Taken together, these developments mark a moment when multiple strands of diplomacy converged, amplifying its visibility and influence. At home, the Punjab government matched this external energy with internal responsibility, providing relief to flood victims and announcing a Rs500 billion recovery package for devastated communities.
September 2025 has set a new diplomatic rhythm for Pakistan. The challenge now is to sustain this momentum, balancing ambition with prudence and ensuring that international gains are matched by domestic stability and progress.
