Pakistan is Asia’s 15th most powerful country

Country has retained its overall score over the past year in Power Index

Pakistan has been ranked 15th in terms of the power it wields in the Asian region, according to Asia Power Index 2020 by Australia’s Lowy Institute. Pakistan, which has been described as a “middle power in Asia” in the Index, has retained its overall score over the past year.

In 2020, Pakistan saw its greatest improvement in diplomatic influence, economic capability and resilience in the Index following extensive diplomatic efforts by Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government. “Pakistan performs best in the future resources measure, where it places seventh, reflecting an anticipated demographic dividend to 2050,” the report said.

Economic ties

However, Pakistan lost some points in cultural influence, defence networks, military capability and economic relationships. The score for economic capability remained unchanged this year.

The country’s lowest ranking is in the economic relations category that measures trade and investment ties and economic diplomacy. “Pakistan is a net underachiever in Asia” and exerts less influence in the region than expected given its available resources, the report noted.

Asia Power Index

The other nations in the top 10 in Asia Power Index 2020 are: the United States, China, Japan, India, Russia, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia in that order.

The annual Index — launched by the Lowy Institute in 2018 — evaluates international power in Asia through 128 indicators across eight thematic measures: military capability and defence networks, economic capability and relationships, diplomatic and cultural influence, as well as resilience and future resources.