THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT AND PAKISTAN IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The idea of Non-Aligned Movement was originated in the 1950s and was founded in 1961. It is a forum of 120 states from the developing world who wanted to remain impartial during the Col War era. The Cold War divided the world into two blocks named Capitalist and Communist Block. The core objective of the Non-Aligned Movement was to avoid the polarization of the world and to bring peace and stability through multilateralism. Pakistan being on an important strategic location played a significant role during that era. Although She joined the Capitalist block in the early years as it was important for her security from India in the East and signed different defense treaties with the US and its allies. However, during the 1960s and 1970s those defense pacts which were assumed to protect Pakistan from India failed. Pakistan withdrawn from those pacts and joined the Non-Aligned Movement in 1979. This research will discuss the historical background of Pakistan in global geopolitics, its relations with different regional and ideological groups, its decision to join Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) and Central Treaty Organization (CENTO). It will also highlight the integration of Pakistan into Non-Aligned Movement, its role, and the future of NAM and global settings.

Keywords: Non-Aligned Movement, NAM, Pakistan, Cold War, Peace, South Asia, Foreign Policy.