In the wake of the international isolation that Pakistan is facing, thanks to the intense propaganda of the US against Pakistan, Pakistan’s shift in its foreign policy is evident from Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Khawaja Asif’s recent visit to Russia. The new geopolitical and strategic needs have brought both countries together.

Mr. Asif, last December, hinted that Pakistan was revising its foreign policy. He already gave indications then, that Pakistan would focus more on developing ties with Russia and China. After remaining in American camp for almost seven decades, it is not wrong to say that Pakistan did not benefit much from American partnership.

Instead, Islamabad had to take blames for all kinds of American failures in the region. The bilateral relations between the two governments are at their lowest especially after Trump’s new year tweet in which Pakistan was accused of being a liar and a deceitful country.

It goes to the credit of the higher-ups in formulating the foreign policy of Pakistan to include Russia as a new ally. In the recent visit of Khawaja Asif to Moscow, the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov’s, statement regarding enhancing Pakistan’s counterterrorism capabilities will usher in a new phase of cooperation and bilateral relations between the two countries. Lavrov’s statement on increasing collaboration beyond military ties will help in bringing the two countries closer. Khawaja Asif’s appreciation for Russia’s role in bringing peace to Afghanistan will also help bridge misconceptions between the two sides if there are any.

Both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in all areas of collaboration further will be beneficial not only for Islamabad but also for Moscow. Considering the American lack of appreciation, Islamabad moving closer towards China and Russia is the right move to make. Pakistan has realised timely to get aligned with regional strategic partners like Russia and China to develop its military equipment and doctrines to counter terrorism in the region.