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Challenges and Opportunities in redefining Pak-US relations in a post-9/11 and post-Afghanistan context
05-07-2025 Pakistan Affairs
The Pakistan–United States relationship has historically been defined by strategic necessities rather than mutual convergence. From the Cold War alliances to the post-9/11 cooperation in the War on Terror, relations have remained transactional and security-focused. With the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan (2021), this relationship has entered a transitional phase, creating both challenges and opportunities for a more balanced, multi-dimensional relationship rooted in economic, technological, and regional cooperation.
Pak-US Relationship Timeline
!timeline of pak-us relations mindmap.excalidraw
Challenges in Redefining Pak–US Relations
Trust Deficit
US has concerns over Pakistan’s alleged "double dealing" during the War on Terror, while Pakistan harbors resentment over drone strikes, Bin Laden operation, and conditional aid (e.g., Kerry-Lugar Bill).
Afghanistan Fallout
The US blames Pakistan for Taliban resurgence and regional instability but at the same time Pakistan faces spillover effects: TTP militancy, refugee influx, and border insecurity.
US Indo-Pacific Strategy
US Indo-Pacific strategy prioritizes India as a counterweight to China. On the other hand Pakistan’s growing tilt toward China (CPEC, BRI) raises US suspicion.
Aid Dependency Perception
The relationship between Pakistan and US is often framed in terms of financial assitance, not mutual respect.
Opportunities for Reset and Cooperation
"There are no permanent friends or enemies in international relations, only permanent interests." — Lord Palmerston
Counterterrorism Cooperation (2.0)
Despite mistrust, intelligence sharing and joint counterterrorism efforts remain vital as both TTP and other terror groups post a threat to both Pakistan and US's interests.
Trade and Investment
Since the beginning, Pakistan's relation with the US has based on military and strategic alliance. But since 2021, Pakistan has been moving towards geoeocnomics, and with enough economic reforms, relations with US could be renewed based on trade and foreign investment.
Regional Diplomacy & Mediation
Even though the US has withdrawn from Afghanistan, Pakistan could still serve as a mediator between Afghanistan and the US for developing diplomatic ties. Pakistan's ties with China, the Gulf, and the Middle East also gives it a unique reach.
Related Ideas
US interests in the Indo-Pacific region and ties with India and their impacts on Pak–US relations The ups and downs in Pakistan-US relations since the Cold War
References
Pakistan got its way in Afghanistan. Now what? Terrified Afghans flee to Pakistan as U.S. completes troop withdrawal Pak-US ties in a changing international environment