US-Pakistan Relations

In Blog, Economic Security
September 20, 2022
Bilal Satti
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The relations between Pakistan and the United States have never been in equilibrium. The bilateral relations date back to the creation of Pakistan. There have been different phases in Pak-US ties. There have been times when Pakistan was a firm supporter of the United States, and at some times, Pakistan was completely against US policies.

The relations between Pakistan and the United States have never been in equilibrium. The bilateral relations date back to the creation of Pakistan. There have been different phases in Pak-US ties. There have been times when Pakistan was a firm supporter of the United States, and at some times, Pakistan was completely against US policies. The relations between both countries are not up to the mark due to recent developments. Can Pak-US relations improve?

At the time of the creation of Pakistan, there was bipolarity in the world with two rival blocs; one led by the US8 and the other led by USSR. Pakistan chose to become a US ally. At that time, Pakistan supported US policies in return for military and financial aid from the US. Apart from that, Pakistan also assisted the US in achieving its Afghanistan objectives during the Soviet-Afghan War. Pakistan and the US collectively forced the USSR to leave Afghanistan in the late 1980s.

The relationship between both countries has deteriorated in recent years. Imran Khan’s anti-US narrative was one of the most significant factors. He claimed that his removal from office was a US-led conspiracy because he criticized US policies and refused to provide airbases to carry out any military endeavors in Afghanistan. He also linked his removal from office with his untimely visit to Moscow, right before Russia was to invade Ukraine.

Imran Khan said that his ouster was a foreign conspiracy spearheaded by the US through a vote of no confidence. He also stated that this conspiracy was executed and funded to sabotage his independent foreign policy. On the other hand, the US had bluntly rejected the former Pakistan Prime Minister’s allegations saying that it had no role in removing Imran Khan. Although Imran’s allegations did not harm the US, they had severe implications on the policies of the US towards Pakistan. Due to these allegations, the bilateral ties between the two countries were greatly affected.

Another notable factor that can be considered a bone of contention in US-Pakistan relations is Pakistan’s support for the Taliban regime. When Imran Khan was the Prime Minister of Pakistan, he openly supported the policies and actions of the Taliban in Afghanistan. He also supported the Taliban takeover of Kabul and criticised the US invasion of 2001. Imran Khan’s unflinching support towards the Taliban was never acceptable to the US hence was a cause of distress in the relations between Pakistan and the United States because the US has never accepted the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The strategic balance in the Subcontinent is becoming more and more complicated due to the ongoing great-power competition. The unstable security situation in the region has become a challenge for the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Moreover, Pakistan is acquiring the latest military equipment from China, including J10 Fighter Jets. The growing Pak-China alliance has become an enormous concern for the US. Apart from this, China has been continuously investing in Pakistan since the start of their bilateral relations.

The relations between Pakistan and US have not been cordial recently; it has the potential to stabilise in multiple ways. It is evident that the most prominent member and the main contributor of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are the United States, so Pakistan should not design a policy against the United States’ interests. Pakistan is a developing country and has always relied on IMF programs. Suppose Pakistan has unpleasant relations with the US. In that case, it will face problems getting grants from the IMF. Pakistan should also look towards the fact that the more Pakistan tilts toward China, the more it will hurt the United States, and the relations of Pakistan with the US will be disturbed.

The relationship between Pakistan and China has always been excellent and a bone of contention for the US. China has greatly invested in Pakistan in recent years, which is unacceptable to the US because it wants its monopoly in South Asia. Pakistan’s foreign policy aim should be to balance its ties in a way that does not offend China and the US. Pakistan should remember that the closer it is to China in South Asia, the more it will offend the US.