Region 
 

Islamabad

Lesson To Learn

A noticeable shift occurred in U.S. relations with Pakistan after President Trump took office.

By Dr. Farah Naz | April 2025


In an increasingly multipolar world, Washington and Beijing are in direct competition with one another. The dilemma is that while the U.S. aims to contain China’s influence, it is simultaneously strengthening its strategic and economic relationship with India. This partnership is seen as a crucial counterbalance to China in the region. However, this shift raises significant political and security concerns for Pakistan. As a traditional ally of the U.S., Pakistan is under pressure to align its policies more closely with American interests.

Despite this pressure, considering its geopolitical and geo-economic interests, Pakistan is unlikely to join any anti-China coalition. This reality limits the potential for improving Pakistan-U.S. relations. Islamabad seeks to maintain a balance between its relationships with both the U.S. and China. The challenge is resetting Pakistan-U.S. ties so that Pakistan does not have to choose a side and can work towards achieving its national interests like any other country. Therefore, it is important to understand the historical significance and changes associated with the U.S.-Pakistan relations.

The history of Pakistan-U.S. relations reflects a partnership marked by both cooperation and conflict, influenced by geopolitical events. This relationship began in 1947 when the U.S. viewed Pakistan as a key ally during the Cold War due to its proximity to the Soviet Union. Pakistan joined SEATO in 1954 for security against regional threats, particularly India. In the 1960s, the U.S. provided military and economic aid. However, relations soured during the 1971 war over East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), resulting in long-standing tensions. Relations improved post-1979 when Pakistan allied with the U.S. against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, receiving significant military support.

After the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, U.S. aid decreased, leading to sanctions under the Pressler Amendment due to Pakistan’s nuclear programme. The September 11 attacks in 2001 shifted the dynamics, with Pakistan becoming a crucial ally in the War on Terror despite ongoing mistrust regarding militant groups. However, their relations declined after the 2011 Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden, with the U.S. expressing frustration over Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. Recently, the U.S. has focused on counterterrorism cooperation and regional stability, influenced by China’s growing presence in Pakistan through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.


History teaches us that the relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan is marked by polarization, complexity, and transactional partnership. It highlights several key lessons:

1. The importance of trust: Mistrust has been a significant barrier to productive relations. Building trust is essential for any partnership to thrive, especially between nations with divergent interests.

2. Geopolitical realities matter: The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan has underscored that strategic interests in the region cannot be overlooked. Engagement with Pakistan remains crucial as geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve. Pakistan’s strategic importance might have diminished after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, but it’s clear that American interests still require ongoing engagement in the region.

3. Room for cooperation: Despite challenges, there is potential for practical cooperation that respects both nations’ interests. Acknowledging on-the-ground realities can pave the way for more effective collaboration.

4. The influence of external powers: While the U.S. may have limitations in shifting Pakistan’s alliances, particularly with China, it can still find pathways for partnerships that align with both countries’ goals. Pakistan’s alignment with China raises concerns for the U.S., which should adopt a collaborative approach with China to engage Pakistan. This includes leveraging financing to promote private sector investment while avoiding an overly negative view of Chinese assistance.

5. Adaptability is key: Historical precedents show that relationships can change over time. Considering the changing geopolitical landscape, an adaptive approach is vital for fostering a positive relationship in the future.

6. Tilt towards India: The U.S.’s strong alignment with India poses a security threat to Pakistan, creating confusion about Pakistan’s standing in its partnership with the U.S. While the U.S. does not need to rehyphenate its approach, American policymakers should recognize that their strategic alliance with India affects Pakistan and take steps to address its resulting insecurities.

7. Counter-terrorism efforts: Pakistan has cooperated with the U.S. in counterterrorism efforts, recently highlighted by the arrest and extradition of a suspected Islamic State-Khorasan operative to the U.S. This development signals strengthened counterterrorism collaboration, facilitating intelligence sharing on global jihad networks and aiding Pakistan in addressing domestic extremist groups.

8. Political relations: The bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan has faced many challenges throughout history, yet both countries need to learn from past mistakes to foster cooperation. Washington finds rethinking its ties with Islamabad difficult, especially after former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ousting in April 2022 and subsequent leadership changes.

The relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan is marked by polarization, complexity, and transactional partnership.

However, a noticeable shift occurred in U.S. relations with Pakistan after President Trump took office. President Trump openly acknowledged Pakistan’s role in combating violent extremism and terrorism, which marked a departure from the previously critical stance held by some sectors of the U.S. government. This recognition aimed to strengthen cooperation and highlight Pakistan’s significance in regional security. Moreover, Trump stated that his administration would maintain defence ties with Pakistan. This declaration indicated a commitment to the military and defence relationship between the two countries, emphasising Pakistan’s role as a key ally in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and the broader region.

This policy shift raised several questions about its impact on the longstanding partnership. Analysts debated whether these developments signalled a new alignment or merely a strategic engagement intended to leverage Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan and counterbalance other regional players. The Trump administration’s approach to Pakistan reflected a recalibration of U.S. foreign policy that sought to engage positively with Pakistan amidst complex geopolitical challenges.

Understanding the nuances of this relationship is crucial for assessing future diplomatic efforts and regional stability. These lessons underscore the importance of grasping the complexities of international relations to navigate the future of U.S.-Pakistan interactions effectively.

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