By : Jaiwant Singh Jhala, Research Analyst, GSDN
The relationship between the United States and Pakistan has often been marked by alternating phases of warmth and suspicion. Yet, despite recurring crises, USA and Pakistan remain locked in a strategic embrace. Geography, military cooperation, counterterrorism, and Pakistan’s role as a diplomatic bridge ensure that the US cannot afford to disengage. The historical foundations, strategic imperatives, economic interests, and future outlook of this complex partnership show how they will have close ties with each other.
Geographical Significance
Geography is one of the strongest reasons why the United States will always keep Pakistan close. Pakistan sits at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This makes it a natural transit hub for trade, energy pipelines, and military logistics. During both the Soviet–Afghan War and the US War on Terror, Pakistan’s proximity to Afghanistan made it indispensable for supply routes, intelligence, and military operations. Pakistan’s coastline, especially the port of Karachi and the deep-sea port at Gwadar, provides the U.S. and its allies potential access to maritime trade routes and naval positioning in the Indian Ocean. Pakistan borders India, China, Iran, and Afghanistan, four countries central to US foreign policy. This makes Pakistan a critical buffer state in regional power struggles. Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, combined with its location next to India, which is another nuclear power, ensures that the US must stay engaged to prevent escalation in South Asia. Pakistan’s geography and identity as a Muslim-majority nation allow it to act as a diplomatic channel between USA and countries like Iran, Afghanistan and Gulf states. Pakistan’s border with China and its role in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) make it a key player in US–China strategic calculations. Pakistan’s location is vital for proposed pipelines linking Central Asian energy resources to global markets. Located near the Strait of Hormuz, Gwadar offers strategic access to one of the world’s most important oil shipping lanes.
Military and Counterterrorism
Pakistan has provided airbases, supply routes, and ground access for US military operations, especially during the Afghan wars. Without Pakistan’s cooperation, sustaining US forces in Afghanistan would have been nearly impossible. The US has trained Pakistani officers and supplied military hardware, creating institutional ties between the American and Pakistan’s armed forces. These relationships endure even when political leaders clash. Pakistan’s military is the most powerful institution in the country, often shaping foreign policy directly. For USA, engaging with Pakistan’s army is essential to ensure stability and influence. After 9/11, Pakistan became a ‘major non-NATO ally’, helping the US track Al-Qaeda and Taliban networks. Joint intelligence operations have led to the capture or elimination of high-value terrorist targets. For example, cooperation was crucial in dismantling Al-Qaeda cells. Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts help prevent militant groups from destabilizing neighboring regions, which aligns with US security interests. Counterterrorism cooperation also extends to ensuring Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal remains secure from extremist threats. The United States needs Pakistan’s cooperation to fight terrorism and stabilize South Asia, while Pakistan relies on US aid, training and diplomatic support. Both countries face threats from extremist groups, making collaboration unavoidable. Because terrorism is a transnational issue, America cannot afford to lose Pakistan’s partnership in intelligence and military operations. Military cooperation and counterterrorism bind the US and Pakistan in a security alliance of necessity. Even when trust erodes, Washington cannot disengage because Pakistan’s military power and counterterrorism role are central to regional and global stability.
Historical Foundations of US-Pakistan Relations
The United States was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan after independence in 1947. This early diplomatic gesture set the tone for a relationship based on strategic interest. Following this, as the Cold War intensified, the US sought allies to contain Soviet influence. Pakistan, positioned near the USSR and China, became a natural partner. Pakistan joined US-led alliances like Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954 and Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO) in 1955, formally aligning itself with the Western bloc. In return, it received military and economic aid, strengthening its armed forces. US presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Lyndon Johnson visited Pakistan in 1959 and 1967 respectively, signaling its importance in American foreign policy. Pakistan received advanced weaponry and training, which bolstered its military against India. These years cemented institutional ties between the America and Pakistan’s military, a bond that continues today. Pakistan played a historic role in facilitating Henry Kissinger’s secret trip to Beijing, which opened US–China relations. This episode demonstrated Pakistan’s unique ability to act as a mediator between US and powers that were otherwise inaccessible. After the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the creation of Bangladesh, US–Pakistan ties cooled somewhat, but the China episode ensured Pakistan remained relevant. Pakistan became the frontline state for US efforts to counter Soviet expansion. Pakistan became the frontline state for US efforts to counter Soviet expansion. The CIA and Pakistan’s ISI worked together, creating one of the closest intelligence partnerships of the era. While this cooperation helped defeat the Soviets, it also left behind militant networks that later complicated US–Pakistan relations.
Economic and Resources Interests
Pakistan’s textile industry relies heavily on US markets. The US is one of Pakistan’s largest export destinations, especially for cotton and garments. Pakistan exports rice, leather, and other goods to the US, while importing American machinery and agricultural technology. American companies have explored Pakistan’s energy, IT and telecom sectors, seeing it as a growing market despite political risks. Pakistan has untapped reserves of minerals like copper, gold and rare earths. These resources are increasingly important for US industries, especially technology and defence. Pakistan’s location makes it central to proposed pipelines linking Central Asian energy resources to global markets. The US has long been interested in these routes as alternatives to Russian or Iranian supply chains. Recent cooperation has included American support for hydropower and solar projects, helping Pakistan diversify its energy mix. Pakistan needs US markets and aid, the US needs Pakistan’s resources and stability. There is mutual dependence. Economic tools give US influence over Pakistan’s policies. Pakistan’s minerals, textiles, and energy routes tie it into global economic networks that the US wants to shape. Economic and resource interests ensure that US–Pakistan ties are not just about arms and geopolitics, but they’re also about markets, minerals and money.
Challenges
US officials have often accused Pakistan of supporting militant groups while simultaneously accepting American aid. The discovery of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad in 2011 deepened suspicions about Pakistan’s sincerity in counterterrorism cooperation. USA views Pakistan through a lens of security threats, while Pakistan sees itself as a victim of terrorism and regional instability, creating mismatched expectations. US assistancehas often been suspended during disagreements, creating instability in Pakistan’s economy. Reliance on US aid makes Pakistan vulnerable to American pressure but also fuels resentment among Pakistanis who see aid as interference. Groups like the Taliban and Haqqani Network have operated from Pakistani territory, undermining American security goals. Pakistan’s internal struggle against radicalization complicates its ability to fully align with US counterterrorism strategies. The US worries about Pakistan’s image as a breeding ground for extremism, which affects broader diplomatic cooperation. Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is a constant US concern, especially regarding extremist infiltration. The risk of nuclear escalation between India and Pakistan forces Washington to remain engaged but also creates diplomatic concerns. Past episodes, such as the AQ Khan network, raised alarms about Pakistan’s role in spreading nuclear technology. Political instability and weak democratic institutions make long-term US planning difficult.
From Cold War alliances to the War on Terror, Pakistan has consistently proven indispensable to US strategy. Geography, military cooperation, nuclear concerns, and diplomatic utility ensure that US will always maintainclose ties with Pakistan. While challenges persist, the logic of geopolitics dictates that this partnership, which is complex, transactional, and enduring, will remain a cornerstone of US foreign policy in South Asia.
