The relationship between Pakistan and the United States has been one of fluctuating dynamics, deeply shaped by both nations’ shifting priorities and strategic needs. Over the decades, their partnership has often been marked by cooperation followed by abandonment. The situation became particularly complicated after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan’s exclusion from the U.S.-hosted climate summit in April 2021 highlighted the growing diplomatic distance post-withdrawal. As the U.S. ended its 20-year military involvement in Afghanistan, the way forward became more uncertain, revealing deep mistrust and vulnerabilities in the alliance.
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Historically, Pakistan and the United States have engaged in a transactional relationship, where American interests shaped the depth of engagement. This began during the Cold War when Pakistan allied with the U.S. against Soviet expansionism. Under Operation Cyclone (1981–1993), the U.S., with support from Saudi Arabia and China, funneled over $6 billion in covert aid through Pakistan to Afghan mujahideen. This strategic alliance reinforced Pakistan’s geopolitical relevance but also embedded dependency into their relations.
The onset of the War on Terror in the early 2000s marked a new phase of partnership. Pakistan became a frontline ally after 9/11, offering logistical access and intelligence sharing. Between 2002 and 2013, Pakistan received nearly $26 billion in military and economic assistance from the U.S., reflecting Washington’s reliance on Islamabad. However, the relationship remained uneasy due to Pakistan’s suspected support of the Taliban and other militant groups.
This pattern of tactical cooperation and strategic divergence continued to define the alliance. While Pakistan publicly supported U.S. counterterrorism, American officials often accused it of duplicity. A 2011 U.S. Senate report described Pakistan’s actions as “playing a double game” by accepting aid while harboring extremists. This duality undermined long-term trust despite ongoing coordination.
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 was a turning point. The Taliban’s rapid resurgence caught Washington off guard and diminished Pakistan’s utility in U.S. strategic calculus. President Biden’s administration notably excluded Pakistan from several major diplomatic summits post-2021, signaling reduced reliance. As the U.S. reoriented toward Indo-Pacific priorities, Islamabad faced a cooling of strategic importance.
Legal controversies further strained ties. The acquittal of Omar Saeed Sheikh, convicted in the 2002 murder of journalist Daniel Pearl, was met with strong condemnation from Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken labeled the verdict “an affront to terrorism victims everywhere,” reflecting American frustration with Pakistan’s judiciary. This event intensified U.S. concerns about accountability and counterterrorism cooperation.
Pakistan’s growing alignment with China added more tension. CPEC, part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, has cemented Pakistan-China economic and security cooperation. After repeated attacks on Chinese workers in Pakistan, Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Islamabad to “take all necessary measures” to protect Chinese interests, underlining strategic depth. This development challenged Washington’s ability to maintain influence in Islamabad.
Simultaneously, the U.S. has built stronger ties with India, Pakistan’s rival, further complicating regional dynamics. Pakistan views the U.S.-India strategic partnership, particularly defense and tech cooperation, as a direct threat to regional balance. This tilt towards India fuels Islamabad’s perception of diplomatic isolation and strategic marginalization.
Given these complexities, both countries must recalibrate their relationship beyond security interests. For Pakistan, it means balancing relationships with China, the U.S., and regional neighbors without compromising sovereignty. Experts suggest that a pragmatic, economy-focused diplomacy could reposition Pakistan as a regional stabilizer rather than a security liability. For the U.S., reengagement with Pakistan requires a nuanced understanding of its internal challenges and regional compulsions.
Deeper mistrust must be addressed through honest dialogue, mutual recognition of priorities, and transparent counterterrorism cooperation. Rather than treating Pakistan’s Taliban ties solely as betrayal, constructive engagement on Afghanistan’s stability is essential for mutual benefit. Both nations must recognize the value of long-term alignment over short-term leverage.
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Beyond geopolitics, broader cooperation in economy, climate, education, and public health is crucial. Pakistan’s economic instability offers the U.S. an opportunity to assist through trade, energy partnerships, and development funding — fostering goodwill and mutual interest. People-to-people connections, academic exchanges, and cultural diplomacy should also form a cornerstone of renewed bilateral ties.
In conclusion, the U.S.-Pakistan relationship stands at a crossroads. Historical patterns of engagement and abandonment have left scars, but evolving global and regional dynamics also offer opportunities. A stable, transparent, and multifaceted partnership grounded in mutual interests could shift this relationship from one of expediency to one of trust. Leadership on both sides must seize this moment to define a new future.
