By: Ahana Sarkar
Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent visit to the United States marks a critical juncture in Pakistan-USA relations, coming at a time when Pakistan faces mounting economic crises, political instability, and regional security challenges. The visit also coincides with shifting global dynamics, including the USA’s strategic focus on countering China and ensuring stability in South Asia. Against this backdrop, the meeting reflects the ongoing importance of military diplomacy as both nations seek to address their respective priorities.
This visit raises key questions about the nature of Pakistan-USA relations: Is it a move toward deeper collaboration, a continuation of their historically transactional ties, or a balancing act in an increasingly multipolar world? General Munir’s engagements in Washington, including discussions on counterterrorism, military cooperation, and regional stability, suggest a pragmatic approach to recalibrate ties amidst evolving global realities.
Pakistan and the US have had a rollercoaster relationship over the decades. Born during the Cold War, this partnership was initially meant to counter Soviet influence, with Pakistan getting economic and military aid in return for its geostrategic location. Key moments like Pakistan’s role in helping the US to make peace with China in the 70s, its involvement in the Afghan-Soviet war in the 80s and its cooperation in the post 9/11 war on terror have made it a significant, if often troublesome, player in Washington’s foreign policy game.
Despite decades of collaboration, the nature of Pakistan-USA relations remains complex, often driven by immediate strategic needs rather than a shared long-term vision. This closeness is frequently seen as transactional, reflecting the priorities of the moment rather than a genuine partnership. For Pakistan, the United States has been a source of critical military and economic aid, while for Washington, Pakistan serves as a key player in regional security and counterterrorism. Yet, this relationship is marred by mutual mistrust and diverging regional goals.
In the early years of the Cold War, Pakistan emerged as a critical ally for the USA in its global campaign against Soviet expansionism. Joining military alliances such as the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) in 1954 and the Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO) in 1955, Pakistan positioned itself as a key player in the West’s containment strategy. In return, it received substantial military aid and economic assistance, which bolstered its defence capabilities and economic development. However, these alliances also deepened its dependency on the USA and often led to criticism from non-aligned nations.
The 1980s marked a turning point when Pakistan’s geographical position became vital during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. As a frontline state, it facilitated American covert operations to support Afghan mujahideen fighters. Billions of dollars in military and economic aid flowed into Pakistan, strengthening its armed forces and intelligence networks. This period not only solidified Pakistan’s importance in American foreign policy but also fostered the emergence of complex regional challenges, such as the rise of militancy and instability in Afghanistan.
Post-9/11, Pakistan once again became indispensable to the USA, this time as a key ally in the War on Terror. Its cooperation was crucial in countering extremist groups and facilitating military operations in Afghanistan. The relationship deepened, with Pakistan receiving significant military aid, intelligence-sharing arrangements, and economic support. However, this era also brought heightened scrutiny and mistrust, as the USA often questioned Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism, citing instances of double-dealing and harbouring extremist networks.
The cornerstone of Pakistan-USA cooperation has been their military and strategic partnership. Joint military operations, particularly in the post-9/11 era, have underscored the importance of this collaboration. Pakistan’s support for the United States during the War on Terror was instrumental in dismantling terrorist networks in the region. Intelligence-sharing agreements and counterterrorism operations further solidified this alliance, with Pakistan serving as a crucial hub for American interests in South Asia. Additionally, the USA has historically relied on Pakistan’s air bases for logistical and operational support, especially during conflicts in Afghanistan. This strategic access has underscored Pakistan’s geographical significance. In return, the USA has provided substantial military aid, modern weaponry, and training for Pakistan’s armed forces, enhancing its defence capabilities.
Economic assistance has been another pillar of Pakistan-USA relations. Through USAID, the United States has funded a range of development programs in Pakistan, addressing critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Investments in public health initiatives, such as immunisation campaigns and maternal health programs, have improved the quality of life for millions of Pakistanis. In education, scholarship programs and funding for schools have expanded access to learning opportunities in underserved regions. Infrastructure projects, including energy and water management systems, have aimed to bolster Pakistan’s economic growth and stability. While these programs have been impactful, they are often viewed through a strategic lens, aimed at fostering goodwill and stability in a region of vital interest to the USA.
Beyond strategic and economic ties, cultural and academic exchanges have fostered people-to-people connections between Pakistan and the USA. The Fulbright Scholarship Program, for example, has enabled Pakistani students to study at prestigious American universities, enriching academic and professional ties between the two nations. Similarly, cultural initiatives, such as performing arts tours and language programs, have promoted mutual understanding and appreciation. The Pakistani diaspora in the United States has also played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties. As one of the fastest-growing immigrant communities, Pakistani-Americans contribute to various sectors, from technology to healthcare, while maintaining cultural and economic links with their homeland.
One of the most persistent challenges in Pakistan-USA relations is the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations. The United States has frequently accused Pakistan of supporting militant groups operating in the region, such as the Haqqani network and the Afghan Taliban. These allegations, particularly during the post-9/11 era, have strained their partnership, with Washington questioning Pakistan’s commitment to counterterrorism. On the other hand, Pakistan perceives the USA as an unreliable partner, citing instances of abrupt policy shifts and perceived abandonment, such as the cessation of military aid during the 1990s and the USA’s pivot towards India. The 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, without prior notice to Islamabad, further deepened the trust deficit, exposing the fragile nature of their alliance.
National interests often diverge between Pakistan and the United States, leading to friction in their relationship. For Pakistan, India remains its primary security concern, shaping much of its foreign and defence policies. However, the USA’s growing strategic partnership with India, particularly in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific, has been a source of unease for Islamabad. This shift is viewed as undermining Pakistan’s regional position and contributing to an imbalance in South Asia.
Similarly, their approaches to Afghanistan have often been at odds. While Pakistan seeks a stable and friendly Afghan government to counter Indian influence, the USA has criticised Pakistan for allegedly harbouring insurgents who destabilise Afghanistan. This divergence has complicated cooperation, especially during the USA’s prolonged military engagement in the region.
The nature of American financial aid to Pakistan has also been a contentious issue. While billions of dollars in military and economic aid have flowed into Pakistan over the decades, this assistance is often seen as a tool of influence rather than a genuine investment in mutual growth. Critics argue that American aid is highly conditional, tied to strategic imperatives rather than the long-term development of Pakistan’s economy or institutions. This dependency on external aid has created vulnerabilities for Pakistan, undermining its sovereignty and fostering a perception of imbalance in the relationship. At the same time, the USA has expressed frustration over the perceived misuse of funds, alleging that financial assistance meant for development or counterterrorism has been diverted for other purposes.
Both countries have gained significantly from their partnership. For Pakistan, American military aid and advanced weaponry have strengthened its defence capabilities, while economic assistance has supported development in key sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure. On the other hand, the USA benefits from Pakistan’s strategic geographical location, providing a gateway to South Asia and the Middle East. Pakistan’s role in facilitating American military operations and intelligence-gathering in Afghanistan has been indispensable, particularly during the War on Terror. While these benefits highlight the utility of the relationship, they also expose its pragmatic nature, where collaboration is often driven by immediate needs rather than shared long-term goals.
The closeness between Pakistan and the USA has far-reaching implications for regional and global politics. In South Asia, this partnership serves as a counterbalance to India’s growing influence and China’s expanding presence. However, it also exacerbates tensions, particularly with India, which perceives Pakistan-USA ties as a threat to its strategic interests. In the broader Middle East, the partnership influences the balance of power, particularly in counterterrorism and conflict resolution efforts. The USA’s engagement with Pakistan indirectly shapes its relationships with other regional players, including Iran, Afghanistan, and the Gulf states, underscoring the global interconnectedness of their alliance.
Looking ahead, the future of Pakistan-USA relations depends on their ability to address existing tensions while capitalising on shared interests. A deeper alliance would require rebuilding trust and aligning long-term strategic objectives, particularly in areas like counterterrorism, climate change, and economic development. However, the transactional nature of their partnership, rooted in historical precedence, may persist. Both nations are likely to continue prioritising short-term goals over enduring commitments, especially as global geopolitics become increasingly multipolar.
The Pakistan-USA relationship is a testament to the complexities of modern geopolitics, blending strategic necessity with underlying mistrust and diverging priorities. Over the decades, their partnership has evolved through phases of cooperation and contention, driven by shared interests in military collaboration, counterterrorism, and regional stability. Yet, persistent challenges, ranging from a trust deficit to conflicting regional goals and economic dependencies, underscore the fragile foundation of their closeness.
In my view, the relationship between Pakistan and the United States is neither wholly strategic nor purely transactional but a hybrid shaped by the ever-changing dynamics of global politics. While both nations derive significant benefits from their collaboration, the lack of a unified long-term vision limits the potential for a deeper alliance. This ambivalence reflects not only historical precedence but also the complex interplay of regional and global forces that continue to shape their interactions.
As the world transitions toward an increasingly multipolar order, alliances like the one between Pakistan and the USA face greater scrutiny and uncertainty. The sustainability of their partnership will hinge on their ability to rebuild trust, address mutual concerns, and adapt to new geopolitical realities. A more constructive relationship will require transparent dialogue, a commitment to shared objectives, and a recognition of each other’s evolving priorities. Whether this partnership can transcend its transactional nature and achieve true strategic depth remains an open question, one that will define its relevance in the years to come.
