Pakistan's geopolitical pivot: Why Islamabad is hedging its bets

Pakistan's geopolitical pivot: Why Islamabad is hedging its bets

For decades, Pakistan’s geopolitical compass was oriented decisively toward Washington. Now, as US hegemony continues to decline, Islamabad is charting a new course, looking beyond its traditional ally to find a place—and partners—in a more complicated world.

Saudi Arabia

🟠 A steadfast strategic partner and leading investor. Saudi funding supports the development of hospitals, schools, and mosques, while also bolstering Pakistan’s defense capabilities through arms transfers and joint military exercises.

🟠 In 2025, the two nations further solidified their alliance with a mutual defense agreement, committing to a coordinated response in the event of external aggression.

China

🟠 Pakistan serves as a major market for Chinese goods and a critical hub for trade transit, notably through the strategically vital Port of Gwadar - a free economic zone and key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

🟠 CPEC, in turn, is the flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to provide China with access to trade routes and markets in Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Turkiye

🟠 Relations are rooted in shared cultural, religious, and geopolitical affinities. Analysts note that Ankara perceives Islamabad as a natural ally in balancing influence in the region, especially amid growing India–Israel ties.

🟠 Trilateral cooperation was formalized in 2021 through a joint declaration signed by Pakistan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan in Baku. The document established a framework for interaction among the parliaments of the three states, which may also be expanded to other areas, including the security sphere.

United States

🟠 A historically significant, though recently strained, partnership. During the Cold War, Pakistan was a key US ally. Washington contributed substantially to modernizing Pakistan’s military before suspending aid over nuclear proliferation concerns in 1979.

🟠 The withdrawal of US troops Afghanistan and growing cooperation between Washington and New Delhi put further strain on the relationship.

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