At the International Conference on Strengthening Pakistan-US Relations organized by Institute of Strategic Studies, US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome highlighted the historical partnership between the two nations, enumerating the numerous projects across diverse sectors in Pakistan supported by the US. While this support has been critical, it is essential to remember that it pales in comparison to the immense sacrifices Pakistan has rendered in supporting and helping the US achieve its geopolitical interests.
The anti-American sentiments prevalent among the Pakistani population also stem from the perception that the US historically used Pakistan to achieve short-term strategic goals, such as countering the Soviet Union or combating terrorism, only to withdraw its support once these objectives were met. The costs borne by Pakistan for aligning with the US are far greater than the aid received. These costs include significant human and material losses and the continued threat of extremism and terrorism.
US-Pakistan Ties
It is really important to understand the historical context of this relationship to fully grasp its complexities and challenges. The Cold War era set the stage for the initial alignment. Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Pakistan emerged as a crucial ally in America’s efforts to counter Soviet influence in the region. The US, under President Jimmy Carter, quickly forged a partnership with Pakistan’s President General Zia-ul-Haq, channeling substantial military and financial aid to support Afghan mujahideen fighters through Pakistan’s territory. However, with the end of the Cold War, the US priorities shifted, and so did its relationship with Pakistan. The strategic value of Pakistan diminished in the eyes of American policymakers, leading to a period of neglect and reduced engagement. In fact, sanctions were imposed on Pakistan when it carried out nuclear tests in response to the Indian ones.
Then, the tragic events of September 11, 2001, dramatically altered the trajectory of US-Pakistan relations once again. Following the attacks on American soil, Pakistan, under President Pervez Musharraf, swiftly allied itself with the US in its global War on Terror. The US needed Pakistan’s cooperation to dismantle Taliban and al-Qaeda networks operating in Afghanistan, and Pakistan became a crucial logistical hub for US military operations. In return for its support, Pakistan received substantial financial aid and military assistance from the US, which included economic grants, military equipment, and enhanced diplomatic engagement. However, tensions simmered beneath the surface. Pakistan faced accusations of supporting militant groups that targeted US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, leading to periodic strains in the bilateral relationship. This was the period when every Pakistani heard the ‘do more mantra’ from the US side. For Pakistan, aligning with US interests has only resulted in short-term gains but long-term instability.
The fact of matter is that Pakistan-US relations lack a purely bilateral context, with the role of third states being a defining factor in shaping their ties. This reality was succinctly captured by Richard Armitage, Deputy Secretary of State in the Bush administration, when he acknowledged that Pakistan was never important to the US in its own right; it was important because of third parties. This underscores the significance of exogenous factors in bilateral relations and the evolving regional geopolitical realities that will define the future relationship between Pakistan and the US.
This point was further made abundantly clear when US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu told a congressional panel the other day that the US is seeking to prevent Islamabad’s “further overreliance” on Beijing. Responding to a lawmaker during the hearing regarding Washington’s plan to balance China’s “strong and growing influence” in Pakistan, Lu said that the US would supersede Chinese investments. While this assertive stance highlights the strategic competition between the US and China, it underscores the need for US investments in Pakistan to be framed within a bilateral context.
The cycle of utilization and abandonment has left an indelible mark on US-Pakistan relations. Moving forward, it is crucial for the US to recalibrate its approach towards Pakistan. The relationship should not be viewed solely through the prism of another country. True progress in US-Pakistan relations will come from investments and engagements that recognize and respect Pakistan’s own strategic priorities and needs. By focusing on genuine economic development, infrastructure, and human capital growth, the US can foster a more balanced and mutually beneficial partnership. Such an approach would not only improve the economic landscape of Pakistan but also contribute to a more stable and enduring relationship based on mutual respect and shared interests, moving beyond the transactional nature of past interactions.
