The relationship between the US and Pakistan has long been marked by mistrust and unpredictability. Pakistan sought Washington’s support due to security threats posed by India. Although the US promised protection in 1950, it abandoned Pakistan once its strategic interests were served.
Between 1950 and 1960, Pakistan signed strategic pacts with the US under SEATO and CENTO. While these alliances were primarily anti-USSR, Pakistan initially managed to win Washington’s trust. However, during the 1965 Pakistan-India war, the US halted aid, seriously hurting Pakistan.
Again, in the 1971 war, the US failed to support Pakistan despite bilateral obligations. In 1979, the US once again drew closer to Pakistan, making it a frontline state in the effort to contain communism and defeat the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. Washington extended full financial support, and Pakistan aided them against the Soviets — a decision whose repercussions are still being felt across the country.
Later on, from 2001 to 2021, Pakistan became a strategic partner in the War on Terror, paying a heavy price for its role. But when the US withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, it blamed Pakistan for its failure. Washington then suspended aid, halted military training programmes and imposed sanctions on four Pakistani companies for allegedly importing equipment used in missile production.
Currently, Pakistan has revived its relationship with the US. However, this seems to be driven by Washington’s strained ties with India and its interest in accessing rare earth minerals. Pakistan must therefore remain cautious while moving forward.
Sadam Hussain Korai
Larkana
