Introduction

The U.S.-Pakistan relationship has oscillated between strategic intimacy and mutual distrust. Built on Cold War exigencies, it evolved through shared military interests, geopolitical bargains, and recurring disappointments. As new global alignments emerge, Pakistan’s dual engagement with China and the U.S. once again tests the durability and intent of its foreign policy choices.

Evolution of the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Partnership

1. Cold War Origins: Pakistan aligned with the U.S. through SEATO (1954) and CENTO (1955), positioning itself as a frontline ally against communism.
2. Military and Economic Aid: U.S. assistance included arms, technology, and infrastructure funding, strengthening Pakistan’s military elite.
3. Transactional Nature: The partnership thrived on mutual utility rather than shared values; Pakistan sought defense support; the U.S. sought regional leverage.

Impact of Shifting U.S. Priorities during and after the Cold War

1. Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (1979): The U.S. re-engaged Pakistan as a base for arming Mujahideen fighters. Aid and weapon transfers surged.
2. Post-Withdrawal Abandonment: After Soviet withdrawal, Washington invoked sanctions under the Pressler Amendment (1990) over Pakistan’s nuclear program, halting delivery of F-16 aircraft.
3. Cycle of Engagement and Sanctions: Every phase of cooperation was followed by punitive measures, reflecting deep distrust.

9/11 and the Recasting of the U.S.-Pakistan Ties

1. Post-9/11 Alignment: Pakistan became a major non-NATO ally in the U.S.-led “War on Terror,” receiving over $30 billion in aid.
2. Military Dependence: U.S. logistics for operations in Afghanistan relied heavily on Pakistani routes and intelligence.
3. Strategic Mistrust: U.S. accused Pakistan of harboring militants while receiving counter-terrorism aid, the Osama bin Laden incident (2011) deepened suspicion.

Trump’s Policy Reversal and Conditional Engagement

1. Harsh Rhetoric: In 2018, Donald Trump accused Pakistan of “lies and deceit”, suspending over $300 million in military aid.
2. Focus on “Double Game”: The U.S. alleged Islamabad’s duplicity, fighting terrorism publicly while sheltering terror networks privately.
3. China Factor: Trump’s tilt towards India and containment of China indirectly alienated Pakistan, pushing it further into Beijing’s orbit.

The China Variable and Strategic Realignment

1. Deepening Sino-Pak Ties: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and defense collaboration highlight Pakistan’s strategic drift eastward.
2. U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan (2021): Reignited Pakistan’s regional leverage but also increased scrutiny of its Taliban links.
3. Balancing Act: Pakistan now seeks to balance its Chinese dependence with limited U.S. engagement to avoid isolation.

Sanctions, Contradictions and Mutual Suspicion

1. Sanctions Regime: U.S. invoked multiple sanctions, Symington (1977), Pressler (1990), and Brown (1995) Amendments targeting nuclear proliferation.
2. Contradictory Approach: Despite sanctions, Washington relied on Pakistan’s logistics during Afghan conflicts, exposing policy inconsistency.
3. Enduring Distrust: Mutual dependence persisted but never matured into stable diplomacy, defined by suspicion rather than trust.

Conclusion

The U.S.-Pakistan relationship remains an exemplar of “strategic utility without strategic trust.” Despite recurring phases of cooperation, both nations continue to perceive each other through transactional lenses. As Pakistan deepens ties with China and the U.S. recalibrates Indo-Pacific priorities, their future engagement will depend on how Islamabad reconciles its global ambitions with domestic constraints and regional realities.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2019] What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples.

Linkage: U.S.-Pakistan ties were transactional and interest-driven, creating India’s distrust of U.S. intentions. This history causes friction in U.S.-India ties, as India seeks equality while the U.S. retains a hierarchical outlook.

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