The relationship between the United States and Pakistan has long been marked by shifting dynamics, periods of both cooperation and contention, and fluctuating geopolitical priorities. The complexities inherent in their bilateral relations have led to an often unpredictable partnership, with both countries recalibrating their approaches in response to evolving global and regional developments. President Joe Biden’s recent remarks, in which he emphasized the enduring importance of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship during the acceptance of credentials from Pakistan’s new ambassador, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, underscore the delicate nature of the ties between these two nations. However, Biden’s commitment to advancing bilateral relations also comes at a time of renewed tension, with the imposition of U.S. sanctions on Chinese and Pakistani firms accused of supporting Pakistan’s missile program. This incident highlights a recurring theme in U.S.-Pakistan relations: a partnership fraught with friction, yet driven by mutual strategic needs.
Historical Context of U.S.-Pakistan Relations
The U.S.-Pakistan relationship has seen multiple phases since Pakistan’s creation in 1947. In the Cold War era, Pakistan was considered a key ally for the U.S. in its efforts to counter Soviet influence in South Asia and the broader region. As a member of the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), Pakistan played a pivotal role in advancing U.S. interests in the region, even as it pursued its own strategic aims vis-à-vis neighboring India.
However, the relationship has always been transactional. Pakistan’s alignment with U.S. interests was often driven by the need for military and economic aid, while the U.S. saw Pakistan as a valuable partner in the regional power balance. Despite this cooperation, the relationship has been punctuated by periods of mistrust. A notable rupture occurred following the U.S. sanctions imposed in response to Pakistan’s nuclear tests in 1998. The imposition of such measures marked a turning point, highlighting a divergence in the strategic priorities of the two nations, particularly on issues related to nuclear proliferation.
The attacks of September 11, 2001, led to a significant recalibration of U.S.-Pakistan relations. Pakistan, under the leadership of President Pervez Musharraf, became a frontline state in the U.S.-led “War on Terror.” This alignment led to increased military and economic aid from the U.S., as Pakistan’s cooperation was seen as critical in combating Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. The U.S. needed Pakistan’s logistical support and intelligence networks to facilitate its operations in neighboring Afghanistan, while Pakistan benefited from financial and military assistance.
However, the post-9/11 alliance also sowed the seeds of deep mistrust. The U.S. increasingly viewed Pakistan’s security establishment, particularly its intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as playing a double game. While Pakistan assisted the U.S. in targeting Al-Qaeda, it was simultaneously accused of covertly supporting the Afghan Taliban and other militant groups as part of its broader strategy to maintain influence in Afghanistan.
The U.S. raid in Abbottabad in 2011 that killed Osama bin Laden strained relations further. The discovery of the world’s most wanted terrorist living deep inside Pakistani territory, not far from a major military academy, fueled suspicions that elements within Pakistan’s security establishment may have sheltered him. The aftermath of the raid saw a sharp decline in U.S. aid and diplomatic engagement, with both sides adopting a more cautious approach to their relationship.
The Sanctions: Renewed Tensions
The recent imposition of U.S. sanctions on three Chinese and Pakistani firms for allegedly assisting Pakistan’s missile program has rekindled tensions in an already strained relationship. The U.S. government’s move underscores Washington’s ongoing concerns about nuclear proliferation and missile technology, particularly in South Asia, where a delicate balance of power exists between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan.
These sanctions reflect a broader U.S. strategic concern about China’s growing influence in Pakistan, especially in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The U.S. views CPEC as emblematic of China’s ambitions to expand its geopolitical footprint in South Asia, and Pakistan’s deepening ties with China have been a source of discomfort for Washington.
While the sanctions are ostensibly aimed at curbing missile proliferation, they also carry geopolitical undertones, signaling U.S. concerns about the broader China-Pakistan nexus. Pakistan, for its part, has sought to balance its relationship with China and the U.S., but it increasingly views China as a more reliable partner in terms of economic and military support. The U.S., meanwhile, has recalibrated its South Asia policy in recent years, prioritizing a strategic partnership with India as part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which is aimed at countering China’s rise.
Despite these tensions, both the U.S. and Pakistan recognize the necessity of maintaining a functional relationship. The U.S. continues to value Pakistan’s role in regional stability, particularly in relation to Afghanistan, counterterrorism, and the broader South Asian security landscape. Pakistan’s geographic location, bordering Afghanistan, China, and India, makes it a key player in any discussions regarding regional peace and security.
For Pakistan, maintaining ties with the U.S. is equally crucial, particularly in the realms of economic assistance, military aid, and international legitimacy. While China has emerged as Pakistan’s primary economic partner, the U.S. remains an influential player in international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, both of which are critical to Pakistan’s economic stability.
Moreover, there are areas where U.S.-Pakistan cooperation remains vital. Counterterrorism efforts, intelligence-sharing, and peace in Afghanistan are issues where both countries share common interests. With the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s role in influencing the group and preventing the country from becoming a breeding ground for international terrorism is pivotal. The U.S. recognizes that Pakistan’s cooperation is essential for any long-term stability in Afghanistan, especially with the threat of ISIS-K and other terrorist groups looming large.
The U.S.-Pakistan relationship remains one of uneasy pragmatism. Both nations have divergent interests and priorities, particularly in the context of China’s rise and Pakistan’s missile and nuclear ambitions. However, they also share common strategic goals, particularly in terms of regional stability and counterterrorism.
President Biden’s remarks about the enduring importance of U.S.-Pakistan relations reflect an acknowledgment of this uneasy yet necessary partnership. As the world faces increasing geopolitical complexities, from the rise of China to instability in Afghanistan, both the U.S. and Pakistan will likely continue to engage in a delicate balancing act—cooperating when necessary, but frequently at odds over broader strategic issues. The road ahead is likely to remain rocky, but the importance of this relationship for regional and global stability cannot be underestimated.Top of Form
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
