Pakistan’s Strategic Diplomacy with Central Asia under Afghan Security Challenges

Abstract

This study investigates Pakistan’s strategic diplomacy with Central Asia in the context of ongoing Afghan security challenges. It explores how Pakistan navigates regional instability, security threats, and geopolitical competition to maintain influence and pursue its national interests. Using neoclassical realism as the theoretical foundation, the research examines the interaction between systemic pressures, domestic factors, and regional perceptions in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy. The analysis highlights Afghanistan’s role as a critical variable affecting transit, security, and connectivity, while also considering the impact of major powers and Central Asian threat perceptions. Findings reveal that Pakistan adopts an adaptive, incremental, and cautious approach, focusing on security cooperation, confidence building, and pragmatic engagement, rather than rapid or large-scale regional integration. The study emphasizes the importance of strategic patience and flexibility, illustrating how middle powers can sustain relevance and navigate complex regional environments under conditions of uncertainty.

Keywords: Pakistan, Central Asia, Afghan Security, Strategic Diplomacy, Neoclassical Realism, Regional Cooperation