ISLAMABAD, 15 August, 2026(Nosheen) : Pakistan is emerging as a “hinge power” in global politics by leveraging its relations with the United States, China, Gulf states and Iran, according to a report published by the British newspaper Financial Times.The report highlighted Pakistan’s growing diplomatic significance, noting that Islamabad recently demonstrated its willingness to play a more active role in the evolving global order by facilitating direct talks between Washington and Tehran.According to the Financial Times, the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and 2Türkiye is another reflection of Islamabad’s growing importance in regional security.
The report said Pakistan’s ability to maintain interest-based partnerships with both Washington and Beijing represents one of its key strategic strengths.The newspaper further noted that Pakistan maintains relations with both the Gulf states and Iran, giving Islamabad the potential to act as an intermediary between different centres of power without being exclusively aligned with any single global bloc.The report also highlighted Pakistan’s emerging economic diplomacy, including potential trade opportunities with the United States in the cryptocurrency and critical minerals sectors. At the same time, plans to connect Central Asian countries with Pakistani seaports could provide access to new markets and strengthen regional trade links.The Financial Times said Saudi support could become an important pillar of confidence for international investors as Pakistan seeks to expand its economic and diplomatic engagement beyond its immediate neighbourhood.The report added that Pakistan’s evolving foreign policy is creating strategic space for the country across the United States, China, the Middle East and Central Asia. Islamabad’s increasing diplomatic engagement is consequently positioning the country as an important link between major global powers and regional blocs.According to the newspaper, Pakistan’s strategic significance in the emerging global order has grown to such an extent that the country deserves a separate place on the global “Risk board,” reflecting its increasingly pivotal role in international geopolitics.