U.S and Pakistan’s bilateral relationships

Pakistan has always been the strongest and good friend of USA, Biden’s government has emphasized on friendly relationship between these two countries. They have mentioned Pakistan as very important component to U.S’s foreign policy in order to promote peace in this region and promote various trades between both countries. 

Twice Pakistan has played a very vital role to promote peace in Asia region, first at the time of signing peace deal between Taliban and U.S.A in February 2021, and now the second time when all foreign forces including U.S.A and U.K are evacuating their troops from Afghan base. Pakistan has always been helping hand in both times which has also been recognized by U.S as Pakistan is U.S’s closest and nearest ally and strategic partner. 

Challenge is Pakistan has to strike a balance between its relationships with both U.S and China which could greatly impacted by U.S and China’s nexus. Recently Pakistan has reset its foreign policy and, in this connection, recent prime minister Imran Khan has visited Saudi Arabia, though Pakistan has always been independent in its instance and foreign relationships with any foreign country but this visit of Imran khan to Saudi Arabia can be related to it’s enhanced level relationship with U.S as both countries have different level relations with U.S.

In April 2021 Pakistan has observed sudden disconnect in its relationship with U.S due to different level of expectations, different interests and cold war between two countries during different political and geographical uncertainties in Asia region especially Kashmir dispute. But recently after Afghan peace deal process and now evacuation of forces and diplomats with the help of Pakistan has made Pakistan very close to U.S. Again, Pakistan’s role is also very important in development of peaceful and progressive government in Afghanistan since this is biggest concern for U.S and all other international communities.

Ever since Pakistan has worked hard on changing it’s perception and sending messages to international community and Biden’s administration to look Pakistan through economic lens and look more than it’s previous image, this country can offer more in terms of good returns on investment, good commerce and better connectivity. 

Pakistan and U.S understand each other’s strategic relevance but China’s presence in Pakistan’s life is like a thorn factor in relationship with U.S, still Pakistan has various complaints from U.S as Biden is not that proactive in its relationship with Pakistan as it should be, one of the example Pakistan was not invited in Global Climate Summit (virtual) which has disappointed many countries. 

Still, Pakistan strategic importance have always been re-mentioned by US state department as,

“… highlighted the importance of continued co-operation on the Afghan peace process, Pakistan’s progress on countering terrorism, and the potential to expand our trade and commercial ties and to improve regional connectivity in South Asia.”

Not just U.S military and civilian assistance is there in Pakistan to promote peace, stability, self-reliance and prosperity also U.S has strong bilateral economic relations with Pakistan as U.S is largest export destination for consumer goods, also U.S has its major investments in chemicals, energy, agriculture, transportation and communications as well. While China is the biggest import market for Pakistan and Pakistan is involved in assembling or manufacturing and export consumable items to U.S which are very well received by States in good price. U.S has already determined to observe good and deepen commercial ties with Pakistan as represented by US commerce department and Development Finance Corporation who are closely working with Pakistani leaders.