Abstract
The main aim of this study is to examine and analyse the element of alignment in Pakistan's foreign policy. The study demonstrates that the various bilateral and multilateral defensive arrangements with which Pakistan became involved proved to be counter-productive, and detrimental to the territorial integrity and political independence of Pakistan. The study further analyses the divergent interests of the signatories, and the differences implied therein. Pakistan basically joined these arrangements to safeguard its territorial integrity and political independence, especially against India. The study further reveals that these military pacts proved to be useless and Pakistan's allies refused to help Pakistan in its hour of need in 1965 and 1971, and Pakistan was allowed to be dismembered in 1971. Pakistan, as a result reappraised its international commitments, and as a matter of principle opted out of these military pacts which had lost their significance. Fundamental misconceptions of the purpose of alliances were the cause of failure; for the United States the pacts were part of the policy of containing the Communist powers,while for Pakistan they implied a guarantee of territorial integrity. Pakistan decided to follow a more realistic foreign policy,and as a result, started to draw closer to the non-aligned movement, and eventually joined the movement as a full member.