When Peoples Government was dismissed on November 5, 1996, Pakistan's prestige stood high in the world. Even the President had to grudgingly admit the success of the Peoples Government foreign policy. However, the removal of the Peoples Government has badly tarnished the image of the country and the activities of the Caretakers have made the country a laughing stock in the world community and led to the outside world questioning the very viability of Pakistan.

In setting foreign policy goals and objective we must remember that the cold war is over and that Pakistan must establish its own identity and stand on its own feet. The crux of that identity is Muslim and Asian in character. Pakistan must also rely on larger and better economic ties with other countries as a long term basis of developing relations with them.

The Peoples Government's foreign policy is based on the following:

• Resolution of the Kashmir issue remains our destiny;

• Our friendship with China remains the corner stone of our Foreign Policy;

• Our historical identity as Muslims means special relations with Muslim countries. The Peoples Government will counter anti Islamic propoganda with Pakistan being the role model of an enlightened, modern, progressive, moderate Islamic society;

• Being Asian we will be reaching out in particular to the Gulf, Central and East Asia;

• Relations with the Japan , Korea and Malaysia need to be strengthened;

• The growing tension in the Muslim World requires us to help our friends, without taking sides, and should the need arise, assist as a peace-keeping force in coordination with the United Nations.

• Base our relations with Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics on strong economic ties and on the principle of non-interference.

• Relations with the USA, Russia and G7 countries will be focused on the Kashmir dispute, trade and investment, combating terrorism and narcotics;

• Iran remains of strategic importance to Pakistan;

• The stability of Saudi Arabia is essential to the stability of the Gulf;

• Regional activities in CEO and SAARC will be promoted.

• Pakistan must establish strong political and economically with South Africa and other fast developing African States.

The leaders of the Muslim World accepted the invitation extended to them by the People Government on behalf of Pakistan to hold an Islamic Summit in Pakistan in Pakistan's Golden Jubilee year. This Summit is important to build consensus among Islamic States on political and economic issues, like Kashmir and would have assisted Pakistan in creating stronger economic ties with its Muslim brothers. The People Party believes that the holding of the Summit is vital importance to Pakistan's national interest.